Following a few more minutes of her weaving in and out of his legs, I did let Raffie into the house for some Rabbit Respite. He likes Pepper, but not as much as she likes him. These two have their way of interacting and it is what it is. I love to watch them.
What is it about our pets that can be so ridiculously powerful? Why are they able to have such a significant place in our lives?
When I take Raffie for a walk, his reaction is always the same. He always looks at me in the same way. Always. He’s checking. Checking in. Connecting. Watching. Looking for praise. Looking for affection. Being attentive.
The excitement of a walk, just a simple walk, and he’s fully happy. He wags his tail. As I put on his lead on him, it’s almost as if I absorb some of his positive energies. He shares those energies freely. He walks by my side, still continually checking in, looking up, looking around whilst also on the search for the most interesting of sniffs.
Once released from his lead, the anticipation of the ball being thrown is nearly too much happiness for him to contain. Pure joy. I watch pure joy. He charges off after it as if it were his most prized possession and returns it to my feet, wondering if this will be a time when he gets part of a treat or not. Either way, he’s keen to go again and again and again and again. He chooses to come back every time and is pleased to do so.
It is uncomplicated interaction and that (for me) is like a breath of fresh air. Why is it uncomplicated? I guess because of how he exists within the world. He doesn’t see anyone’s job role when he meets them. He doesn’t judge on a skills basis or on dress sense. No one is worthy of more time than another and no one is deserving of special treatment; except potentially those in his family herd.
Raffie doesn’t choose to only associate with those who are clever and neither does he shun those who are not yet able to successfully navigate certain aspects of life. He doesn’t define or categorise people in the way humans try to. He sees a person and senses if they want to stroke him. He also senses negative vibes and seems to have the ability to smell fear. He will sometimes respond in fear when he smells fear, and he will be protective of those who are his.
Okay, Pepper isn’t quite as intuitive, but do not be fooled; that rabbit isn’t daft. She knows which humans will most often give her treats. She also knows who walks through the door slowly, meaning escape back into the garden might be possible after she has come in for the night.
They’re pleased to see us and show this in their own ways. They are always present. Other than when it’s time for dog heaven and rabbit heaven (which I don’t believe in, but let’s call those potentially-non-places that for now), they will not give up on us and walk out. They need us. We need them. They give love as they receive it.
I am increasingly aware that, as a way of coping with self and with life, maybe it would be wise not to underestimate Pet Power. I might get a kitten next. I wonder how she’ll fit in to this already very peculiar herd of humans and animals…
