I don’t care for flies. I don’t like when I can’t catch them buzzing around the walls of my forever home. I don’t like them when I do catch them and they buzz around in my tummy. The way I see it, they are useful in one (and only one) way. Metaphorically speaking, flies on the wall get all the great information before it hits the public presses. Granted, I see this as a gross exaggeration of their microscopic brain capacity, but the theory is sound.
I would argue instead that dogs are the ultimate flies on the wall. We see and hear things. But more importantly we understand things. We’re man’s best friend, after all. So when it comes to understanding my people, I am your resident dog on the wall. As such, I have come to recognize certain patterns of conversation that lead nowhere fast. And I can say this because I love her more than she will ever know. My mom tends to put far too high a stake in things sometimes.
She looks forward to something, plans it all out in her head, and when it doesn’t work out — if it doesn’t go according to plan — it’s a complete disaster to her. It’s all very confusing to dad, who generally tries to make the best of a sticky situation. Unfortunately for the both of us, best laid plans don’t always come together and there is little we can do to fix it.
It turns out you were right. My mom absolutely missed me as much as I missed her while she was away at that place called the spa earlier this week. She missed me so much she came home the same day she left! Well, that’s not entirely true. Health issues brought her home early, and I was ecstatic (albeit sincerely concerned). But what made my day may as well been a weapon of mass destruction on hers. She clearly felt incredibly ill, but moreover there was simply no cheering her up. I tried all of my tricks. I jumped and licked and wagged and jumped some more. Nothing.
Fortunately I’ve been in the business of being the dog on the wall long enough to know this too shall pass. And it did. But it got me to thinking about the best laid plans that don’t work out. Because let’s face it – things do not always go exactly according to plan. And yes, it sucks. It’s disappointing. But these things happen and it is not the end of the world. “If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment,” suggested one of my favorite transcendentalist thinkers Henry David Thoreau.
I don’t care for flies, but I sure do like their job of being on the wall. There’s lots to be learned from that perspective. I (for one) find my compensation in knowing even the best laid plans can go awry. It’s how we deal with the hurdles, how we find ways to be quiet and ready, that we grow.
Wyles – one of your very best! Plus, you are the ultimate in confidentiality.
Dear HuntMode! Thank you for your compliments and for mentioning confidentiality, which is very important to me. Trust is nothing to take lightly. 🙂
Oh Wiley, I’m sorry your Mom had to cut short her Spa trip because of health issues, but I can imagine how much joy you felt when she came home early. I went out this morning to go to the doctor (I fell down the back steps last week and have dinner plate-sized bruises) I was only gone three hours and when I came back, Cally greeted me with such enthusiasm, you’d think I’d been away for a month. First she brought me Bunny, then Lambie, then she nudged me until I sat down so she could jump up onto my lap. You, my dear fur-friend, just like Cally, know the way to your Mom’s heart xx
Indeed, joy was overcoming my small self when mom came home early. I don’t like to see her suffer, but she’s doing better now. I’m so very happy you have Cally in your life to keep your lap warm and make you feel loved. I’d love to meet her and share secrets someday. 😉
[…] Best Laid Plans | Wiley’s Wisdom […]
Thank you so much for visiting and for the pingback!!
Brilliant post! Had so much fun reading it. Wiley, perhaps you could teach my Tommy a little of your awesomeness, she needs it badly. I’d be glad if you could run over to my post and bark at the flies(fireflies) buzzing around, I hope fireflies don’t intimidate you. Although, Dinosaurs are afraid of fireflies.
Dear newcomer! Welcome!!!! I indeed love fireflies – I don’t chase them like regular flies because they’re too beautiful. Stars of the backyard. 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear your mommy wasn’t feeling well… I know you were ecstatic to see her though…We send well wishes and love her way!!!! -Hugs
Your well wishes worked, as she is definitely feeling better now. No doubt because of all the love and joy I showered her with, as only us canines can do.
So very true my friend!!!! There is definitely magic in our dog’s paws!!!!
🙂
[…] Best Laid Plans | Wiley’s Wisdom […]
Thank you for the pingback!!!!
I love the idea of us being flies… I mean dogs-on-the-wall (although I am more of a dog-in-your-face most of the time). I hope having you standing by, helped your mom to feel better.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Dear Cupcake,
Indeed, our healing power as doggies never ceases to amaze me. I’m sure I’m the reason she’s feeling better. 🙂
How’s your mom doing, by the way?
Lots of love to you both,
Wiles
I’ve often heard the phrase, (If that dog could talk, I bet he could tell several tales). 🙂
Love that phrase! Thank you for sharing, and for commenting!! So nice to see you! 🙂
I’m so sorry that your mom isn’t well. Sometimes the plan can run in a wrong direction, I agree.
She’s doing a bit better now, so that’s good. I think it’s all the love I’ve showered her with lately. 😉
great post! thanks
Thanks!