When I realized he was reaching this milestone, I figured that by now he might have gained some wisdom that I could learn.
So, as his birthday approached, I paid extra attention to his behavior.
First, I noticed that the edges of his chocolate brown ears and the top of his nose are definitely tipped with a bit of white frosting. When did our beagle start turning gray? I’m not sure.
But, I do know that Cosmo doesn’t care that he’s turning gray. He gently nudges hands if he wants petted and snuggles on top of feet just to get cozy.
He’s smart enough, now, to know that adorable isn’t just about big puppy eyes.
Cosmo doesn’t jump quite as high as he used to — his favorite trick of leaping through a hula hoop takes a little extra warm up now — but he likes to dance at suppertime as his food is prepared, rather than lunging for the food bag.
He’s wise enough, now, to know that celebrating dinner with a “thank you” — even in the form of a wiggly-butt dance — is good and proper.
Cosmo still bounds out of his crate every morning, but now he likes to pause to stretch as far as he can, luxuriating in every elongated limb. He’s centered enough, now, to tap into his inner yoga master.
Cosmo still yaps at strangers who walk by our house. Or strangers we pass during walks. He used to cower a bit, especially on walks. So although his barking can be annoying, it’s also nice to know that Cosmo is savvy enough, now, to be mindful of stranger-danger.
Cosmo loves to get dog biscuits. But he’s learned to take them carefully and gingerly between his teeth, rather than snapping at the giver’s fingers, as he did when he was younger.
He’s sensitive enough, now, to know that considerate behavior gets more rewards than ogre-like antics.
Cosmo used to chase the cats, or cower if hissed at. Now he just lifts a sleepy eye, and occasionally cocks his head at his fellow house pets — two cats, one turtle and a fish. Occasionally, I even catch the cats curled up by him. (Of course, they immediately scamper away once I’ve sighted them.)
Cosmo is mature enough, now, to tolerate and even embrace differences. Well, at least he tries to embrace differences. The cats really don’t like it if he puts a paw on them.
Cosmo still hasn’t quite mastered walking on a leash without pulling. And he can’t resist peeing on every bush he encounters.
But he has learned to stop and sniff just for the fun of it. And to leave yucky things behind rather than trying to gobble them up indiscriminately.
Cosmo is sensible enough, now, to know the difference between things that are good for him and things that aren’t.
Of course, in some ways, Cosmo hasn’t changed a bit. If the scent of a squirrel hits him just right, he will take off in a bolt.
Cosmo’s always been smart enough, after all, to remain true to his real inner nature.
Sharon Short’s column runs Monday in Life. Send email to sharonshort@sharonshort.com.
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