Day 736

Gus just wants to be loved. He is not a "Nudger," a "Whiner," a "Pawer" or any other attention-getting pup. He is the most unassuming, shy, meek Golden! He can get lost in the shuffle at our home, but we ALWAYS make sure he gets the same amount of love and attention as the other Goldens...maybe even a bit more.

Last night, as I sat with Sammy's head on my lap and the seniors at my feet, I noticed Gus slink in to sit in front of the television. In his mouth was the pillow from my dining room chair. He dropped it and then looked so very ashamed. I jumped up and hurried to him as he hung his head and peeked at me with his one good eye. He seemed to be waiting for a reprimand, but I slowly picked the pillow up and said, "Sweet Gus. Were you not getting enough attention? Poor baby! I'm not mad at you! Come on over and sit by me on the couch." Of course, breaking every rule from Obedience 101, I rewarded him for taking the pillow. I knew it was his way of saying, "Mommy, look at me...please." After giving him my full attention for a bit, he sighed loud and long and drifted off to sleep by my side. Dogs don't need words.

There are people who, like Gus, cannot make their needs known. Everyone needs to feel seen, validated and loved. When anyone finds those needs wavering, the tendency is to act out, get louder or share their hurt in unfortunate ways. If we could only circumvent the angst before poor choices are made. Perhaps it sounds a bit super-human, but even being aware of the "Silently Sad" is a start.

For me, Gus has to be on my radar more than the other three due to the fact that he does not share his need to be noticed and loved. There are people in my life who are Gus-like in their inability to let me know what they need. Perhaps a little front-loading of love and attention can make them feel like they matter. In the long run, that is what we all need...especially Gus.