Thursday, September 16, 2010

Meaningful Work


Meaningful Work

Having only had six of them, Edward realizes he is hardly an expert on summer.  But this particular summer, being the hottest he has lived through in his short time here on earth, must surely have been one for the record books.  The owls have told him that indeed it is so and known as they are for their wisdom, who is he, mere youngster that he is, to doubt them?

He does know that his walks have not exactly been pleasant at any time of the day for many weeks now.  In fact, so unpleasant have they been, he has ceased to request them, preferring instead to play ball with the lady down the hallways of the cool and comfortable house.  Although usually loathe to complain, he has even, on occasion, been rather expressive of his ennui by indulging in a few whinges and sighs - a few longing stares out the window, a few vociferous over-reactions to the neighbourhood squirrels.

But he is blessed with an unflagging optimism, and so has continued to bound out of the door early each morning, expecting the weather to have come to its senses and changed back to the crispness of autumn -  hoping for wind and longing for cold. And he has been decidedly disappointed every morning for weeks. 

So it was with a general lack of enthusiasm that he led the way out into the back garden on a still hot afternoon just this past week.  He joined his friend, Apple, in poking around the old climbing rose bush, trudging through the ivy that lines the side fence, and sniffing the birdbath to check for any evidence of his nocturnal nemesis, the bandit raccoon.  Fairly routine stuff, really. 
 Then, just as he heard Apple push open the back door to return to the house, he saw it.  That most infuriating rogue of the garden.
  The cockiest, sassiest, most impossible to catch pests of all time.  
The dreaded chipmunk. 
Without warning, it sprang from the ivy and ran like light towards the house, looking left and right so fast it appeared simultaneous.  Then it scooted straight up the downspout at the end of the cottage.
The nerve of the thing!  And right under Edward’s very nose.

Edward froze for a millisecond, then tore after the creature with all the force he could muster, sliding into the downspout like home base, and cramming his furry white face as far up the spout as he felt it was prudent to go.  
 And there, tail spinning like a top, he waited. 
 He heard the back door close.  He knew the lady thought he had followed his friend back inside the cool house.  She would imagine he was back in his spot underneath the piano, or perhaps curled up in his favourite red chair. 
 She wouldn’t feel the need to search for him yet.  
So he was on his own, on the job, waiting patiently by the downspout, determined to never again allow that blasted striped chipmunk to freely scamper along in the bright light of day.  
At least not in His Garden.

Edward burrowed his tummy down even deeper into the bed of old leaves at the base of the pipe, to give himself a better view.  Every now and then he smacked the downspout with his paw, sending a strange hollow thud reverberating through the back rooms of the cottage and, he hoped, relaying clear signals to the wretched rascal trapped up inside that this time he’d been pushed too far.  Lost in her own work, the lady paid no attention to the odd bangings and thumps.  But later in the afternoon, she missed him. Edward could hear her, faintly, going from room to room, calling his name.  
What a conundrum he now faced. 
 It was cool in the house.  There were treats in there, too. 
It was past time for his nap.
 He heard the lady call his name once again.  
He began to think. 

Surely, this chipmunk had learned its lesson.  Surely, surely, the thing would never return to this garden.  In fact, Edward reasoned, it might be better to let the chap live.  After all, in surviving such an ordeal, it could perhaps spread the word throughout the community of chipmunks, so that all would know of Edward’s fervent commitment to their permanent banishment from his particular corner of the earth. 
 Yes, that would be the best, the wisest, move by far.
He was satisfied.
His work here was done.

So it was, when the lady opened the door to the garden, her worried gaze was met by the bounding white dog, covered with the leaves of last season, paws muddy, fur mussed, with his furry face cracked open by the world’s happiest grin.  It was a grin that remained fixed on that sunshiny face all the long day, even during the depths of his afternoon nap, which he justifiably felt was well and truly earned.

Everybody needs meaningful work to be happy.
And Edward was. Happy.

********************************


“A mind always employed is always happy. 
 This is the true secret, the grand recipe, for felicity.”  
Thomas Jefferson

37 comments:

  1. Dear Pamela, As always a delightful and entertaining tale. One feels so desperately sorry for animals when it is so very hot. Better to be inside under the piano than outside in last autumn's leaves!

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  2. What a wonderful tale, Pamela! One of my favorites of Edward's escapades. There are few things in life better than a nap well and truly earned, especially after weeks of blazing hot days. Cheers to Edward!

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  3. give that little white head a pat from me. Edward's that is!

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  4. Oh...what a darling story. I loved reading this little account of his chipmunk hunt. Too cute.

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  5. You have summed up what life with a PON is all about. Miraculous. When we got back from 'the adept woman' contest we both read this and wept with laughter. If you've never lived with a PON its difficult to fully understand.In that photo looking at Edward is like looking at a younger W!

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  6. He really does look thoroughly happy. And if the chipmunk returns, he will have "happy work" again!

    p.s. I wish that I could send you and Edward some cooler weather. We've had a gray, misty day -- 58 degrees when I went to fetch my daughter from school!

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  7. He really does look thoroughly happy. And if the chipmunk returns, he will have "happy work" again!

    p.s. I wish that I could send you and Edward some cooler weather. We've had a gray, misty day -- 58 degrees when I went to fetch my daughter from school!

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  8. Edward is a dog of very big brain and he uses it wisely and well. He knows not to worry or upset the lady in the house...He wouldn’t want her to fret and of course he is always the perfect gentleman.

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  9. I am just in love with Edward:) My elderly pup is definitely in retirement:)...and happy about it...

    word verification today=ratrapp:)

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  10. Look at that face!! How adorably happy. It is amazing to me sometimes how focused dogs can be, particularly when it's something that falls under the "protection" gene! Protection evidently includes safety from chipmunks too. Good dog!

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  11. Dear Pamela, great story. I'm sure I've said this on previous comments but Edward is SO adorable. You have some beautiful photos of him. I love his face in the one in the snow xx

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  12. I am reminded of our dog, Felix, who was forever taunted by the squirrels in our yard.

    Beautiful picture of Edward!

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  13. Well done, Edward! You teach that chipmunk a thing or two. Lovely post. You are a natural story teller, dera Pamela.

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  14. Pamela,
    Edward is such a sweetie. I enjoyed reading this doggy tale! :-)
    It is amazing that you have chipmunks in your garden. I think Zigsa would love to chase them too if we had them here.
    Autumn has arrived early in the UK and the weather is a lot cooler.
    Good to visit you again.
    Hugs to you and Edward.

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  15. An enchanting tale, Pamela. That chipmunk should definitely think twice from now on!

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  16. Oh, Edward, I have such meaningful work for you here where the chipmunks continue to wreak havoc in my garden. Come. It is cooler in the midwest right now and I'll give you a treat.

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  17. Excellent work Edward! Excellent. To think that you braved the heat of the day, the discomfort of the leaves and twigs, the hours of patient waiting...why I think you deserve an extra portion of kibble tonight.

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  18. Did you have time to notice, is this a self-aware chipmunk?

    Have only come across 1, alas hit by a car & buried in my garden.

    I can't read too many Edward stories.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  19. Pesky Blogger wouldn't let me leave a message yesterday. I hope that I fare better today . . . and if only I could send some English weather (58 degrees, with a nippy wind this evening).

    Edward's happiness is ever-renewable, as his source of meaningful work. (Or should that be the other way around?)

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  20. What a charmer Pamela. Had me smiling from the get go. Edward and I are very much in sync regarding the hot weather. I completely schlump (sorry, only way to describe how I phsyically feel) in the heat.Thankfully it has cooled off here and my energy has soared, my mood so much happier. Bring on the autumn !

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  21. Edward Wonderdog!!!
    Thanks for that delightful story!

    XX
    Victoria

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  22. Poor Edward in that shaggy coat! We clip Stella in the summer and take her swimming with us at Simpson Point. I think you could write a picture book about Edward, based on this engaging post.

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  23. Edward you hunter you! Fierce....and oh so brave!

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  24. summer in a long shaggy coat, oh dear edward, how you must suffer.......at least the lady of the house can, provide you with summer comforts; kiddie pool, hand held fan, an umbrella, pooch ice cream cups, spray mister..........there are ways edward, working men have needs!
    debra

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  25. And they say that dogs don't smile - I beg to differ! Edward's divine ear to ear grin certainly debunks that theory. Gorgeous story. Leigh

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  26. Aw! I could sense Edward's joy at his Job Well Done. I hope that dastardly chipmunk doesn't return, or bring his pals to sing squeaky renditions of popular songs while Edward tries to enjoy his well-earned nap.

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  27. What a great story - and I'm so glad that Edward gave the chipmunk a reprieve!! And cooler weather is on the way, Edward -
    Judie, Duncan & Hamish

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  28. I bet that chipmunk was pretty darn happy too!

    Jeanne ;)

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  29. I can't wait for your story compilation book.

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  30. Back again Pamela, to say there is an award for you on my blog. :)

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  31. The last picture is adorable! Edward's encounter with the chipmunk was wonderful.

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  32. A lovely story about Edward and a beautiful blog. Thanks for stopping by mine.
    Ann
    Cozy In Texas

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  33. I love, I love that face. It goes with 'his' story so well. My pups have recently recovered their spirits as the weather has gotten cooler.

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  34. I adore that handsome Edward! Cool days coming hopefully.

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  35. Dear Pamela, what a lovely story. Edward looks like he's smiling in every picture! He is absolutely gorgeous xx

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  36. Edward is just too gorgeous, I can't bear it:) XX
    Paul

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!