Dogs on Trampolines - Yes or No? ... plus other things

One thing that I've learned to do since my husband died is to handle most of my pain, grief, and anxiety on my own. Not having my husband to talk to every day was really hard for a long time. We always talked about everything - the good, the bad, and everything in between. The big irony in the first months of grief was that it was my husband who I most wanted to talk to, and that was obviously impossible. I had to learn to live with my emotions without the tool of easy sharing. It wasn't easy, but I think I am stronger now because of that. I realize that sooner or later we all must deal with something - or some things - alone. It is nice to have someone to share the burdens, but it is also a good skill to know how to shoulder the burden essentially alone.

This is not to say I never talked to anyone. I did. Certain people were especially helpful and willing to listen. And I always knew I could write about it here if I needed to ... and I did. For your willingness to read and support me when I needed it, thank you. 

I said in my last post that I worry that I am complaining. Many people pointed out that sharing is not the same as complaining. I get that, when it's other people. Somehow it's harder to understand when it's me doing the sharing. But I am trying to remember the difference and not let my worry keep me from writing about the things I have to get out of my head.

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Several commenters on the last post wondered if dogs really like trampolines. I understand the concern. When I post animal funnies I do try to assess whether the animals are being forced to do things they don't like. Even though I can't change what people have done to their pets in the name of making memes, I can refuse to circulate them. It's a realization that I didn't start out with but have come to understand. (Evolution: even in one puny lifetime we have the ability to do it.)

Of course, all animals are as different as we humans are, and have their likes and dislikes. I have seen cats who placidly endure being dressed in baby clothing or covered with a blanket like a person in bed. And I've known cats who would bite you if you even walked too close.

But it does appear that some dogs, at least, really do use trampolines and seem to enjoy it.

You can see that the dogs in the video below can easily get off the trampoline if they wish. They do not appear to want to do so.

 

There are videos on YouTube showing other animals on trampolines as well. I didn't include them because some of the footage was clearly a clever fake (an elephant soaring over a hundred feet in the air, anyone?), but some of it was quite interesting, including young foxes using a trampoline at night. If you're able to read blogs, you're probably adept at using Google to find these if you're interested.

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The weather forecast calls for rain, then freezing rain, then ice pellets, then snow, in the storm starting tonight. If I seem to disappear for a while, it will be a combination of needing to entertain my mother plus possibly the power being out! Normal service will resume as soon as possible.