Today I walk shakily. My legs are weak from exercise and I move mindfully, trying not to let my knees and feet do awkward, collapsy things. I step into the bathroom for Windex, and a puppy whines irritably as he explores. He has newly discovered his own strong appendages, and he operates them with determination. Legs are for walking, and I want to go somewhere. I will make these take me… and he stumbles robotically. His muscles look like mine feel: as if they’re shorting out electrically from over-exertion. But his robot walk becomes gradually a little smoother and when I turn him towards Mama, he turns away again determinedly. No. I am going over here. Ok then, little guy. I smile and look over towards the others.
One pup is walking and she falls. She looks around discomfited. She seems to wonder why that didn’t work – Aren’t I supposed to be able to do this? She tries again weakly and hopefully. Again she falls. Again she gets up.
Admittedly the pups are not yet to the adorable stage. Quite honestly, they’re born rather ugly, and the progress to a level of cuteness-beyond-comprehension peaks at 8 weeks to 4 months. Then they mature and become sweet, handsome and loyal (but less cute.) However, even at 3 weeks, they are soft, curious bundles of life and that is enough to captivate me. Just at this point Mama begins to tire of the pups, and it is timed perfectly, for they slowly are growing autonomous. Learning to walk is only the first step in a series of tottering, curious steps they take into our adoring hearts, and homes.
Happy Monday!
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