Well, no more storms, thank heavens, but I did read more of Through a Dog’s Ear. In it the authors talk about the effects of sound on the health of humans, as well as that of dogs. I’m as sound sensitive as a stereotypical sheltie, so I pricked up my metaphorical ears. Here I am, some one who can’t stand noisy restaurants (take me to a noisy one and watch me start to tongue flick), is exhausted at loud parties and craves a quiet country morning with nothing but bird song in the air. (Excuse the digression, but I am reminded of a dear city friend, who was visiting me and friends at our places in the country years ago. We all sat on a hill, overlooking a tangerine sky at sunset when somene commented how peaceful it was. Royce, as urban as they come, said “Peaceful? It’s a racket out here. I can’t hear myself think for all the crickets and the damn birds singing.?”
Well, surely one person’s noise is another’s music. But still, the book gets you thinking about how much peripheral sound there is in our lives, and in the lives of our dogs. I was lying on the living room couch reading the book, at about 6 in the morning, the dogs chewing on their frozen, stuffed Kongs. As I read I realized that I had turned on the television out of habit, and the news was nattering in the background. I tend to mute the sound during commercials, but what was I doing reading with the TV on in the first place? I didn’t used to do that, and as I read I realized that more and more I’ve gotten in the habit of leaving the TV on whether I was watching or not. When he’s there, my guy notices the sound, and is better than I am about turning it off–he’s as sound sensitive as I am (very handing when looking for restaurants together when traveling!).
For the last two days I’ve been more thoughtful about the acoustic environment in which I and my dogs live. After all, if constant sound can tire and stress out a person, why not a sound sensitive dog? (like, uh, my Border collies? Right now I’m at the office, and all I can hear is the air conditioning blowing through the ducts and a little traffic trundling down the highway through my little mid-western town. Tonight I’ll go home and listen to the gold finches chick chick chick-o-ree as they fly over the garden and the nighthawks peenting over head. Well, of course, then there’s going to be all that panting while the dogs play…
Here’s a photo of six month old Brodie, who I am babysitting for a dear friend. She is a certified Animal Assisted Therapist, and Brodie is applying for the job as the animal part of the team. I suspect he will start collecting his salary soon. Willie certainly hopes so, they are best friends and play together perfectly. How sweet the sound.
Christine Kimball says
Hi, Patricia–
I totally relate to your article above. I am very noise sensitive, as are my two Afghan Hounds. They particularly dislike the rumble of a backhoe. I took the dogs to the Public Works parking lot to examine the backhoes. The dogs were absolutely indifferent, as though the machines were invisible, so I assume it is the noise that drives them nuts.
I dislike the racket in public places. It seems like noise for noise’s sake. Dunkin Donuts and the Mall are dreadful. I cannot wait to escape.
Sometimes when my older hound has a tummy upset (she is quite sensitive) she will bark, “Out!” during the night. Once I’m dressed and they are leashed up and we are outside, I enjoy a middle of the night walk with utter silence and no cars.
How can anyone think a rational thought with the din of constant radio and TV?
Brodie is absolutely adorable!
Blessings to you and all your critters,
Christine, Greta Garbo & Audrey Hepburn
Lynn Baitinger says
Hi Patricia –
just read your blog and really perked up when I heard you comment on noisy restaurants at your seminar in Ann Arbor on Sat. ME TOO! I go to a restaurant for the conversation as well as the food! I’m tired of asking for a table in a quiet corner, or avoiding a place with good food, because of the racket!
Now – I too, need to work on the TV blaring in the background.
I enjoyed your post.
Lynn Baitinger
Mateus Freua says
Hi Trisha, how are you?
Congratulations for your new website. Stunning for any fan š
Have a nice week,
Mateus Freua
(Brazil)
Leann Harris says
I, too, bought and read Through a Dog’s Ear. I have been playing the cd a couple of days a week for my dogs (old Golden, middle aged Rat Terrier, and a puppy Rat Terror…) My older dogs seem to really enjoy it and I’m hoping the puppy will learn from them. It’s teaching me to leave the TV off and the cd on at least. I still have to work on no background sounds at all.
I love your new blog and just had to say so! And Brodie is adorable!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Leann Harris
Richmond, VA but raised in Milwaukee, WI
Dena Norton says
Hi, Trisha.
I’m another one who can be pretty sound sensitive. It gets me so over-stimulated that I can’t function. The noise in restaurants can really ruin a good meal.
Loved your talk in Ann Arbor. It was fun to see you again!
Sam Legan says
Great post!