Budgies are great company.
Their major social skill is
listening in a non-judgmental way.
But there is never any suggestion that they
are actively participating in an exchange of ideas or seriously considering any
issues raised. The lack of any expression of contrary opinion is not
necessarily agreement.
So, I have been contemplating my relationship with
Jack, the foster dog, and I have concluded that he is the apotheosis of
friendship:
He is invariably and manifestly pleased to see me.
He is patient, loyal, undemanding, agreeable
and non-judgmental.
He
is an attentive and appreciative listener.
He is not loquacious, knowing the
value of quiet companionship.
He follows the logic of my political discourses,
never interrupts, and shows his agreement and admiration, when asked, by
enthusiastic tongue-lolling and tail-wagging.
Jack and I walk along the beach most afternoons in the
cool of the early evening.
We walk to the rocky headland at the
north end of the beach and sit on the sand in the shade of an old banksia tree there.
Jack wanders about for a bit, sniffing and pissing, then plonks himself
down beside me on the sand.
He doesn't say much, but, as we
both contemplate the important things in life such as waves and beach rocks, I
find that I really enjoy his company.
"Y'awe right, pal? ......... Aye".
Jack died of right heart failure on Monday December 14, 2020.
I really miss the little bastard.