And what kind of advice can a dog give a shy partygoer, anyway?

By Strider the Dog

Dear Strider,

Do dogs dream? I see my dog, Bruno, making sounds and moving his legs as if he does, but I’m wondering if I’m just reading myself into it. I have lots of dreams myself, sometimes even about Bruno! I’d love to know if he’s dreaming, too. Maybe even about me!

— Talent Dreamer

Dear Dreamer,

I’m here to tell you we certainly do dream. And every dog I know has got a really active dream life. One of my most fun dreams is when I’m flying over Ashland, soaring up the mountains, over the pass, and land in the meadow under the Old Cedar Tree right before dinner. It’s a great night when I dream that one. Especially if the dream dinner includes bacon.

Of course Bruno dreams about you. He dreams about walking with you. About eating his dinner. About taking his nap. It’s funny that we dream about sleeping, but I guess we dogs like to sleep, so the subject just creeps in there.

And we love to dream about running. I’ve checked this out with other dogs in the dog park, and they agree. Running is the top dream. Well, after eating anyway. Hot dogs appear frequently, don’t ask me why. Maybe it’s the pun.

Sweet dreams!

Dear Strider,

The holidays are coming up. Do you have any suggestions for a shy person going to a party?

What would a dog’s perspective be on this issue? I’m really curious. And hopeful of picking up a few tips along the way.

      — Shy Ashlander

Dear Shy,

This was just the right day to ask me. We were at the dog park today, and boy, was it rocking. You wouldn’t have been able to tell it was a mere weekday by looking at most of us partying hearty.

I say “most of us,” because everybody is different, Shy.

Take my pack mate Shadow, for example. She is what you might call an aloof kind of a dog. She’d rather be back in the car, instead of romping in the field with the rest of us. This may be the dog version of the person who’d rather be home with a hot chocolate and a detective novel than go to a party, am I right? And nothing wrong with that. Shadow is careful not to cause offense and makes polite conversation when she absolutely has to join a crowd. But then she gets out as soon as she can.

So that’s one option.

Then there’s Woody the Puppy. He loves strange dogs, though he’s always a little shy and careful to start with, approaching them cautiously. He doesn’t want to bore or upset them if they don’t want to play. But once he sees the other dog is friendly and does want to romp, he goes all in. He loves making new friends.

So there’s another way to handle it. Cautiously approach a new person, and as you both warm up, have a great time hanging out together.

Me, I like a party, but I like to take it slow. Not much of a romper. I roam the circuit, nodding at dogs I don’t know, catching up with my friends. I also really like to introduce myself to shy dogs and make them feel comfortable about joining in the festivity. It’s the herding dog in me. It makes me feel good, and that just makes me enjoy myself more. A new friend is always cause for celebration, don’t you think?

So that’s a third option.

My point is this: everyone is different.  Everyone enjoys things in their own way. Your own enjoyment is bound to be infectious, so make sure you know what you enjoy, and go for it! Don’t go to a party if you don’t want to. But if you do, and you’re shy, look around. There’s bound to be someone shyer than you standing at the side. Go make friends! It’s a win/win, no matter what the season.

Have a good time partying. Or staying at home with a hot chocolate and a detective novel. Your choice, Shy. As long as you enjoy yourself. That’s the main thing.

Enjoy yourself, and those around you will enjoy themselves too. At least, they will if they’re like dogs. And if they’re not like that, what are they doing at a party anyway?

Just saying.

Strider was a street dog, now he’s a dog about town. The dog park teaches many things. Got a problem? He’ll wag, not bark. Just shoot an email to [email protected].