My Life With Dogs

3 min

Companion animals enrich our lives. Research shows that pet owners have less illness, recover faster from serious health conditions, and tend to be happier than people who do not own pets. And, a special bonus for dog owners: since you’ll need to walk and play with your dog, it encourages you to get more exercise yourself.

My dogs are the third generation of Rhodesian ridgebacks that I’ve owned over the years. I seek out this breed because they thrive in hot, dry climates, making them the perfect companion animals for those who like to be out and about in the Arizona heat. Their affectionate natures always lift my spirits at the end of a long, stressful day.

Learn more: The Health Benefits of Pets and Dogs in the Workplace.

Ajax, my male Rhodesian Ridgeback, was born in April, 2008. As a puppy, he liked to sleep on my lap like a baby.
Asha, my female Ridgeback, was born in March, 2009, about a year after Ajax. Before I moved to in-town Tucson, she enjoyed strolling through our backyard labyrinth almost as much as I do, although she could never quite see the point of stepping between the stone lines rather than over them.
Asha is the baby of the family and she acts like it!
Ajax, about a year old here, inspects salmon-patty preparations in my Tucson, Ariz. kitchen.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks, bred in Southern Africa in the late 19th century to hunt lions, are known for their bravery. Ajax, named after the fearless Greek hero, is no exception; he's always the first one to take a leap - in this case, onto a rock in the shallows of the Georgia Strait near my summer home in British Columbia. It's remarkable, as this breed normally dislikes water, but he's keeping an eye on me as I head toward him in a boat.
Ajax, Asha and I enjoy a nice afternoon's walk in the labyrinth near my Tucson ranch.
Here, you can see the characteristic ridged back - where the fur runs in the opposite direction - of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This defining characteristic of the breed comes from the first European settlers of the Cape Colony crossing their own dogs with the ridge-backed hunting dogs of the native Khoi-khoi tribes in South Africa.
Like most Ridgebacks, Asha and Ajax are quite protective of their owner. As you can see, it's a rare day when, upon arriving home, they're not waiting for me at the door to make sure I am safe.
Despite their fierce heritage, Asha and Ajax are extremely affectionate and loyal. They love to follow me around the house, sit at my heels while I cook, and "help" me with yard work. It's a miracle I don't trip on them more often.
At 85 pounds, Ajax is a bit too large to sleep on my lap like he did as a puppy; but those imploring eyes still win me over sometimes.
Asha has always enjoyed her quiet time. Napping in the afternoon sun is a favorite activity of hers.
At my Tucson home, there may not be lions for my dogs to sniff out and pursue, but there certainly is an array of other intriguing scents emanating from my healthy kitchen! Ajax especially perks up when I whip up a tray of my salmon patties.
Whenever I make a recipe using sardines, it's Ajax and Asha's lucky day - I pour the high-quality olive oil in which the fish are packed into my dogs' food bowls for a heart-healthy treat.
I especially enjoy leisurely Sunday mornings with my dogs. After partaking in an early desert stroll and my favorite breakfast of steamed rice, broiled salmon, miso soup and green tea (the dogs enjoy a natural fish-based, grain-free kibble, sometimes enhanced with fresh produce), I make my way to my office to catch up on emails, while Asha and Ajax snooze dutifully at my feet.
I love all dogs, not just the ones that live with me. Here, I'm getting to know Rinji, my friend Susan's Shiba Inu puppy.