Master has taught me a new word – it is “empathy”.
So I am posting to let you know that I have empathy with anyone out there in the frozen wastes of north-east Scotland who has had to go out into the cold snowy weather today. This is not whippet-friendly weather.
I am also asking for your empathy in return.
This morning I was dragged out on my usual walk to the river by Mistress just before dawn. I could see in advance that the whole enterprise was going to freeze my paws to the bone, so to begin with I dug my heels in tightly and refused to budge from the kitchen. I even tried the high-pitched whimper. Mistress, of course, simply exercised her Iron Will and dragged me outside, forcing me into my horrible blue coat on the way. She has the strength of an ox and the sensitivity of a brick. We walked for miles through the blinding snowflakes and freezing temperatures – imagine being ordered to perform your personal business in that. She had no empathy with me at all.
Learning point: If you feel sorry for me that is a step on the road to empathy.
I’m going to lie down and sulk. All the best to all cold dogs out there.
Hamish Sinclair