My Chihuahua Lia

I heard: “Sheldon, come here right away. We are going home!” That’s what I heard. The woman calling Sheldon was not his mother, and they were not in a playground. She was in a dog park, and Sheldon was her little Frenchy. By now you have undoubtedly noticed that there are no more names like Spot, Fido, Blackey, Whitey, King, Queen, or Rex. Now it’s Peter Paul or Mary! In the past decade — and I am very happy about this — dogs have largely gone from the backyard to the bedroom, and are considered entrenched family members. They often eat human-grade food rather than tasteless dry kibble, and many have health insurance. Dog products are a multi-billion-dollar industry Veterinarians often do better than people doctors — especially in big cities.

I think it’s time to honor the evolution of this human-canine relationship by completely removing the word “owner” and substituting the term used by Hawaiians. Their term for that relationship, in their native language, is Kahu (pronounced Kah-who). The word translates to Guardian, Protector, Caretaker or Caregiver!

In my area — the Upper West Side of Manhattan — I have noticed the prolific use of parental terms. People enjoy being considered their fur creature’s mother or father. I use this descriptor every day when I give treats to neighbors for their dogs. After getting their permission to offer the treat I either feed it directly to the dog or give it (or a second treat “for later)” to the person and tell the dog: “Look what your mommy/daddy has for you.” I think from now on, I’m going to say “Look what your Kahu has for you,” let people ask me what that is, and hopefully spread the use of that term!

“Look what your Kahu has for you!” has a nice ring to it.

For many people everywhere in small towns or suburbs, but especially in big cities, I think, loneliness is a real problem. For those who live alone, their dog is often their person, particularly after their human person or persons are gone, after a death or a divorce. In general dogs to me, humanize a big city with their eagerness, their wagging tails, and the love they exude. It is not their fault if their human does not pick up after them or does not train them properly. A dog can be a reflection of the best of us or in some sad cases, the worst of us.

So my dear friend, ask yourself this question: If you have a dog in your life are you being a true guardian, caretaker, and caregiver to your canine? Do you see your dog as a possession or as a sacred connection? If you still see your dog as an object that belongs to you rather than a sacred trust of a soul, I urge you to look into the origin of the term Kahu in all its ramifications. It may just change your thinking about “ownership.” I assure you that when you come from that perspective, the four-legged Peter, Paul or Mary in your care will feel the difference.

Right now I’m going to take the two little Chihuahuas under my Kahu-ship — Lia and Bindy — for a nice long walk. Meantime if you have a moment, I would love to know your thoughts on this issue.