The red and white bumper sticker stuck out with its simple design and bold message: “I Miss My Dog.” It was affixed to the left side of a large back window. We have all gotten used to a plethora of political slogans plastered on windows or bumpers. Yet when the only one proclaiming one’s allegiance to a different kind of cause catches everyone’s eyes, we can come to only one conclusion.
This particular vehicle owner loved a dog. If the message was meant to convey one’s affiliation with the dog lovers amongst us, it did just that. Yet sometimes folks’ sweatshirts, hats or extraneous accessories send mixed messages. Is there something else underlying this slogan? Did the recent demise of the dog inspire the vehicle owner to post this proclamation? Maybe the dog had wandered away, never to return, or more likely their fuzzy friend was simply residing elsewhere?
The usual family pet that inspires someone to make such a public statement after they are gone must have gone above and beyond for this particular dog lover. The two giant red hearts placed on either end made sure to say that their pet was extra special. Most of us haven’t seen that kind of bumper sticker for a long time.
This dog that was the subject of such affection is missed every day.
There was no dog visible through the back window. Maybe he was truly the kind of canine that sat in the same place every time he went with his human companion. When he was not sitting in his regular place he was most likely sleeping in a comfortable bed somewhere.
This small simple sign sent a clear, unambiguous signal that conveyed no underlying message. As I continued to walk through the long rows of the parking lot I noticed that there were very few signs proclaiming anyone’s allegiance to any cause at all. The make or model of a car or truck used reveal a lot about someone, but bumper stickers were more based on fact regarding a personal preference rather than mere assumptions. There could have been an equally simple doggy-themed message, which would tell a very different story about the role of the missed family.
“My dog should be glad he isn’t here to see you riding my bumper.” “If my dog could see you in my rearview mirror, you should back off buddy.“
Years ago one could never spot one battered old pickup with a bunch of conflicting bumper stickers on them. It was more likely they would silently blare brash assertions about ranchers or cowboys. They most likely would be spotted daily no matter the size of one’s town or location. Mixed messages were a thing of the past apparently. The public’s increasing time on the road or in their home has affected the number of out-and-out blatant announcements visible. It seems to be a good thing.
By Dolly Viscardi
Special to the Herald Times
