I think we all have our secrets. My dog, who is a fairly large labradoodle beast, can perch on the smallest of spaces just to look out the window and languish in whatever sliver of sunshine central New York permits to slide through the dense, persistent clouds. He is, perhaps, the most anxious dog on the planet, going from sound asleep to high alert for no discernible reason. So, while I am not now, nor have I ever been, a cat owner, he strikes me as a feline in disguise, with all of the stereotypical characteristics associated with the breed that is supposed to be his arch nemesis.
Now, I would assume that if he were to go to the dog park and hang out with his dog park pals (of which he has none because he hates other dogs and has no instinct whatsoever to be a member of a pack), he would posture for them, fetching and barking and being all sorts of dog-ish. He looks like a dog, often smells like a dog, and betrays his feline nature with his incessant barking (a lovely trademark of this mutt breed), sounding like a dog. But, when he thinks that no one is looking–or, at least, no one is yelling at him to get off the furniture–he perches and watches. He harnesses his inner cat.
I think that there is a lesson to be learned in all of this–something about embodying the traits of your enemy or living your true nature–but I don’t know exactly what that is today. For now, I am happy to watch him watch the birds & squirrels. I am happy allowing him to perch on the forbidden furniture and steal the afternoon sunshine that is coming through the window. I am happy believing that living one’s truth may be found in becoming what no one thought you would ever be.
amyilene 
What a great statement about “living one’s truth.” Your description along with the picture help us to visualize this larger than life dog engaging in the most feline of habits. And I love that you let him, that you stand back and admire what comes most naturally to him. It’s what makes this slice: your awe and acceptance.
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Your ending is great. But, I really love the picture. It adds so much to the slice! Thanks for sharing.
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Living one’s truth indeed. It’s what I might be doing as a writer. Or at least trying. Although perching on the back of the sofa is perhaps a bit unattainable. lol Thanks for sharing!
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He is beautiful … how much of this do I love, from “harnessing his inner cat” to “embodying one’s enemy.” This was a delight to read and I gotta tell you, it was Sirius Black in your title that drew me!
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Sirius Black is beautiful and so is your use of lovely language in this piece. My Lucy is living a similar truth. She is a homebody who prefers people to other dogs. And she loves people. If they liked dogs more, maybe Lucy and Sirius would be friends.
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You may find it interesting that my almost 20-lb British Blue cat is quite dog-like. He is openly affectionate to me, and loyal. He reads my moods and seeks to comfort me when I’m down.
If I’d let him, he would follow me down the sidewalk on my walks. He seldom acts independent, like the typical snooty feline.
I like the portrait (and the photo support) of your catlike labradoodle.
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I forgot Smoky’s most doglike characteristic. The NOSE. He will study my sneakers, or a pair of gardening gloves that I bring inside like a bloodhound. He can stop and turn around to examine some microscopic scent on a rug.
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He is awesome! I have learned something new about you. Also, I love the books on your bookshelf.:)
“I am happy allowing him to perch on the forbidden furniture and steal the afternoon sunshine that is coming through the window. I am happy believing that living one’s truth may be found in becoming what no one thought you would ever be.” – I LOVE THESE LINES! It is SO true.
Thank you for sharing.
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This is a charming piece. About your lovely dog and- like all good writing- so much more.
I also have to say, I have a cat who we say is really a dog. You might have inspired me to try my hand at explaining our Otto🙂
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You explain this so beautifully! My sister also has a dog who is a secret cat. He could be non-pack pals with yours, and they could commune in cat-dog ways.
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