Grandpa Sat Down at the Old Piano. Somebody Took the Other Half of the Bench.
The lamps are glowing, the curtains are drawn, and the old upright piano has worn keys that have clearly seen decades of songs. Gus leans over them with his head bowed, fingers spread across a chord, completely lost in the music. Next to him on the wooden bench, sitting upright like a proper page-turner, is Honey. Her ears are relaxed, her mouth is open in a soft smile, and she is gazing past the piano with an expression of total contentment. Sheet music rests on the stand, and a throw blanket hangs over the couch in the dim room behind them.
Many dogs seem to settle when they hear calm, gentle music, and soft piano is often a favorite choice among owners who play tunes for anxious pets. Every dog is different, though, so watch your own dog's body language. Relaxed ears, a loose body, and lying down are good signs, while pacing or trying to leave the room suggests the volume or style is too much. Dogs hear a wider range of sounds than we do, so loud or high-pitched notes may be uncomfortable. For older owners, playing an instrument is a wonderful way to keep hands and mind active, and an attentive dog makes the perfect audience.
Honey does not request songs, does not care about missed notes, and never leaves before the encore. Every musician should be so lucky to have a fan like that on the bench beside them.
