A Working Mom's Blog...The power of body language (a surprising teacher)

Besides being the mom to two incredible daughters, there's another love of my life that looks to me for security, consistency, and unconditional love...my dog. 

A couple of years ago, we decided to welcome a new member of the family - a 2 1/2 lb Yorkie puppy, soft, snuggly and full of energy. Because I have such strong allergies to animals, a Yorkie was one of our only options if we wanted a family pet - he has hair and not shedding fur like other dogs ["so he won't sneeze you, Mommy?" my youngest daughter asked at the time]. That limitation turned out to be an amazing blessing. He's 7 lbs now and a beloved part of our clan.

So much of what I read about owning a pet talks about what the pet needs from the human. (A friend even loaned me a Cesar Millan book!). To my surprise and delight, Bailey has taught me a lot! He's a wonderful companion but most of all, he's taught me a lot about body language; the messages he's trying to give me and those that I convey.

If someone told me, before Bailey was in my family, that dogs have facial expressions I might have giggled. But, I think it's true! He has these incredible butterfly-like-ears that perk up when he hears your voice excited; and I'm convinced he raises his eyebrows when he's confused by what I'm saying.

He ducks down or walks low when he's sad; he looks up at me sheepishly by the door when he knows I'm about to go out, and he sits in the kitchen when he's trying to tell me, "um, another treat, Mom, please."

The greatest lesson he's taught me is how powerful body language can be without any spoken words. Whether I've had a bad day at work or he sees me in tears, he quietly cuddles up near me and often lays his head on my knee or pats my chest. There have been times when I had trouble sleeping so I quietly snuck out to the couch, Bailey followed me, and then I was petting him as I wished my worries away.

When I was sick with a stomach bug a few weeks back, he stayed by my side on the bed, couch, bathroom, no matter where; he quietly looked at me, conveyed his concern, and sat down near me.

On the flip side, he's also an amazing cheerleader and has a way of cheering me up no matter what - tail wagging, climbing on my lap...he's always happy to see me and makes me feel loved. 

Similarly, I do my best to read his signals and know when he needs a walk, a tummy rub, an extra treat, a "field trip" in the car; he's my little alarm clock every morning [even when the kids actually sleep in a bit!]. I know when he's not himself and call the vet; he holds on to me tight (grasps my neck, believe it or not) and we get through it.

Like a baby, his very first ear infection was discovered because this mama here was worried he wasn't himself and he was using his paws to grab at his eyes and ears; the vet complimented my 'mommy instincts' even as a pet mama. You get the idea. 

Like any loveable little one in the house, Bailey has several lovey-names but those that really make me smile are those that the kids love to call him: my boyfriend, my prince, my bodyguard, my shadow...my Bailey-Boo...our Bailey-Boo. 

Why write about this? Well, as someone - who has a communications job, is a wife and mom, daughter, sister, and friend - who's often struggling for the right words, especially when a friend or family member is down, Bailey is a good reminder that words aren't always needed.

Comfort and love is conveyed in many ways; words just might be the 'icing' for some occasions.