We have a large dog park fairly near where we live, and it attracts all kinds (of canines and people). You see every breed – German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, mutts, Black Labs, Chocolate Labs, Beagles, Greyhounds, Great Danes, Poodles, Irish Setters and Bulldogs. If you visit often enough, you’ll see just about any breed.
Some of the dogs are huge, some tiny. There is thick fur and tightly packed shiny fur. Big jaws and loud barks, tiny mouths and small yips. There are aggressive breeds. Others like to circle the pack and herd and herd them into place.
Owners bring balls to toss. Dogs grab sticks to play and taunt others with their find. You see their personalities and how they prefer to interact.
Amazingly, there is peace. Is it absolute? Not quite. You’ll get the occasional put down. The teeth will come out sometimes to demonstrate to one of the other dogs who is boss or to cut out the shenanigans, but an extremely high percentage of the time, they all get along and enjoy the sniffing, chasing and tug-of-wars.
A few weeks back a young boy was there with his mother. He stared in awe at the kaleidoscope of breeds, and said, “Mommy there are so many different types of dogs here.”
The mother responded, “Yes, and they all get along.”
One question. A short answer. Yet so profound. I looked over and thought, “Yes, why can’t we take a lesson from the dogs?”
There are all so different. They are bred to do different things – point, herd, hunt, retrieve. Despite those differences in their gene pool, size, temperament or looks, they get along. We humans should take heed.
Sometimes territoriality takes over and one of the dogs needs to be put in its place by a wiser furry beast, but that occurs quickly and dominance is known. You’ll see the referee come in at times, the dog who chooses to stop the fight and insert itself into the squabble to separate the opponents, letting them know it’s time to cut it out and get back to sniffing and running.
There is something to be said for being outside and cutting loose with your body. All us humans should be doing that on a daily basis. We too are animals. Use your body or it goes into hibernation. Why do we let ourselves grow stagnant? We’re supposed to be the smarter ones, but the more I watch animals, the more I start to wonder.
Run for the sake of running. Play because you want to. Sing. Wrestle. Dig in the dirt. Roll around in the grass. See how it feels.
When the young boy asked his mom that question, it made me think how many of those spontaneous things we do when we are a child. If you hold onto them as an adult, you’re physically and emotionally healthier. You have less anger and frustrations. You let go of petty slights. There’s a lot to be said for retaining your child-like (dog-like) side.
Whether you have a dog or not, head out to a local dog park. Check out the action. Enjoy the interaction. Talk to the owners. Throw a ball or Frisbee. Make a friend (human or dog).
Let the dogs lead you. You’ll pick up a few tricks yourself.
Some of the dogs are huge, some tiny. There is thick fur and tightly packed shiny fur. Big jaws and loud barks, tiny mouths and small yips. There are aggressive breeds. Others like to circle the pack and herd and herd them into place.
Owners bring balls to toss. Dogs grab sticks to play and taunt others with their find. You see their personalities and how they prefer to interact.
Amazingly, there is peace. Is it absolute? Not quite. You’ll get the occasional put down. The teeth will come out sometimes to demonstrate to one of the other dogs who is boss or to cut out the shenanigans, but an extremely high percentage of the time, they all get along and enjoy the sniffing, chasing and tug-of-wars.
A few weeks back a young boy was there with his mother. He stared in awe at the kaleidoscope of breeds, and said, “Mommy there are so many different types of dogs here.”
The mother responded, “Yes, and they all get along.”
One question. A short answer. Yet so profound. I looked over and thought, “Yes, why can’t we take a lesson from the dogs?”
There are all so different. They are bred to do different things – point, herd, hunt, retrieve. Despite those differences in their gene pool, size, temperament or looks, they get along. We humans should take heed.
Sometimes territoriality takes over and one of the dogs needs to be put in its place by a wiser furry beast, but that occurs quickly and dominance is known. You’ll see the referee come in at times, the dog who chooses to stop the fight and insert itself into the squabble to separate the opponents, letting them know it’s time to cut it out and get back to sniffing and running.
There is something to be said for being outside and cutting loose with your body. All us humans should be doing that on a daily basis. We too are animals. Use your body or it goes into hibernation. Why do we let ourselves grow stagnant? We’re supposed to be the smarter ones, but the more I watch animals, the more I start to wonder.
Run for the sake of running. Play because you want to. Sing. Wrestle. Dig in the dirt. Roll around in the grass. See how it feels.
When the young boy asked his mom that question, it made me think how many of those spontaneous things we do when we are a child. If you hold onto them as an adult, you’re physically and emotionally healthier. You have less anger and frustrations. You let go of petty slights. There’s a lot to be said for retaining your child-like (dog-like) side.
Whether you have a dog or not, head out to a local dog park. Check out the action. Enjoy the interaction. Talk to the owners. Throw a ball or Frisbee. Make a friend (human or dog).
Let the dogs lead you. You’ll pick up a few tricks yourself.