Well, perhaps hate is too strong a sentiment. My dog is about her age in human years, maybe even older depending on the ‘dog vs people years’ calculation table one uses. But if we go on behaviour alone, I’d say they are neck and neck for who’s showing up at the pearly gates first.
My dog is slow to get up and even slower to lie down. And when he does make the attempt, it’s accompanied by much noise and indecision. He doesn’t verbally complain about his aching hips and lack of desire for the things that used to bring him indescribable joy, like chasing the ball for hours on end. Instead, he pants a lot which I think is his way of saying, “I’m not exactly happy over here but I have no idea what I need.”
My dog does not have the skills to know when someone finds him annoying. He does not understand that eating rolls of toilet paper, wanting in wanting out wanting in wanting out, and snoring louder than is dogly possible could cause anyone to take umbrage. He does not understand that puzzle pieces are meant to stay on the table, not scarfed down like dog treats. Did I mention he likes paper? I guess a jigsaw is even better than a toilet roll.
He often stares into the distance like he’s not sure what planet he’s on; sometimes I wonder if he’s had a little stroke and nudge him just to make sure I don’t need to call 911. Thank god my mom doesn’t follow me around everywhere, including to the bathroom, where there’s often no toilet paper.
My dog also likes to sit quietly by himself for hours on end, content with passing ear rubs, homemade food in his dish, and the knowledge that he is cherished even as he tests the limits of unconditional love.
I admire my mom’s ability to set boundaries when it comes to my dog. Like literally barring him from her room with her walker, or shaking her cane at him when he tries to steal the food off her plate. But then I see her quietly open her door to him, late at night when he’s panting from the heat and she knows she is his sanctuary.
I think my mom does love my dog. I know he loves her.
yomimiyo 
Wow. Made me cry. Great story. Great telling of the story.
You make me laugh. I can see them both exactly as you so eloquently describe them. The quiet expression of love between the two – Iggy, forever the protector and cane retriever for mama Luna. Two very different pieces of your life’s puzzle.