One of my favorite books of all time has been Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I was introduced to it in my high school French class and I’ve read it many times since. Tom bought me a hard copy of it when he was working in France a few years back.
When the aviator-narrator of Le Petit Prince crashes in the Sahara Desert, he meets a little prince from asteroid B 612. The prince recounts many stories from his life on the asteroid and from his visit to other planets. One of the stories he tells the narrator is about a fox, who begs the prince to tame him. “If you want a friend, tame me!” The fox instructs the little prince to be patient with him and to use the same routine everyday so that a strong bond develops between them. The relationship won’t build overnight.
So how does this story connect with Remi? When Remi, our lab, came to our house a year and a half ago, he was pretty rough around the edges. He had been living on a ranch close to Lancaster, CA. At that time, there were many basic things he couldn’t do. Going up or down stairs was nearly impossible for him. He couldn’t get in or out of a car. He recognized only two or three commands and those very inconsistently. He didn’t respect personal space, especially around Miles, our pug. (I think his thought process was something like “Oh, I mowed you over? That’s your problem.”) Clearly, Remi had never been tamed.
Evaluating our last year and a half with Remi, though, we have definitely made progress. He now responds to sixteen different words or expressions. He can get into a car by himself instead of having to be lifted into the car – all 73 pounds’ worth. He can go up and down stairs gingerly instead of hurtling down them. He tolerates small dogs although larger ones still scare him. Best of all, he has become a most loving dog! I love it when he lays his head on my lap.
So at the end of the scene between the little prince and the fox, the fox grows philosophical. He tells the prince that the essential things in life can be seen only with the heart, not with the eyes. Remi, like Miles, has won my heart.
Sending a hug your way!
It makes me happy to know that you have sweet Remi there to bring a smile to your faces, especially at this time. ,
When he came into your lives a year and half ago, I bet you never imagined just how much his presence would find so comforting to you during this time of sadness and missing Miles.
Thanks for your sweet comments and for the card you sent! That was so thoughtful of you, Kim. We are happy to have Remi although I think he knows that Miles is no longer here. 🙁