A simplistic observation - but fascinating - from our trip to the dog park this afternoon

[NRaleighLiberal]

We are in the midst of an authentic dog rescue. Having lost our two beloved chocolate labs the last two years, and never dog less in our near 38 year marriage, my wife and I felt ready to take the plunge. The first rescue - a lovely big 6 year old yellow lab, Mikey - alas, didn't work out (he had such a strong prey chase thing - he tried to attack one of our cats). (A catless family will be perfect for the big fella).

But we now have Koda. From the same local rescue organization, Koda came to us fearful, cowering - he and his 5 litter mates were essentially dumped in a rural nearby county in the woods, where they lived for many months. When found by a park ranger, they all had severe mange - the original find pictures of Koda were so sad....my wife saw something in him and had him earmarked even before Mikey.

So - Koda has been with us for a month. He loves Sue, loves our cats (and vice versa), is adjusting to me (a step ahead, a step back, but progress - my height? voice? an aversion to men in general? not important to figure it out, but using treats and patience). He LOVES the water - he is a totally different dog outdoors.

Anyway - my point - we took Koda to a local dog park for the first time. It was amazing to watch - there were 30-40 dogs - every conceivable shape and size and color. Koda tested all of them - each greeting elicited a tail wag, a romp. That was the entire scene. Dogs playing, getting along, figuring it out.

What the hell is the matter with us - with humans? Why can't we just get to where we recognize we are all people. Why become tribal based on so many things that do in these times, but shouldn't, matter - size? appearance? color?

Like I said, simplistic, but watching the dogs having a blast while pondering why our country is so fearful, so polarized, why humans are so judgmental, colloidal - just one of those afternoons that make you think.

[htuttle]

1. If we could sniff each other's butts without it being, you know, weird...

...then a lot of things would be different.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. can a first response possibly be THE thread win?

[Solly Mack]

4. I think it can...and is

[smirkymonkey]

3. Sweet story. I just love to watch dogs play with each other.

I spent the last weekend watching my sister's huge Swiss Mountain Dog and their friend's little Corgi puppy and they just loved each other. They played like best friends. You would never think that two such different breeds would get along so well, but they did and it was just adorable.

Dogs are the best. We should all be more like them.

[FuzzyRabbit]

5. I recently confessed to my pets veterinarian

that I prefer dogs and cats to people. I said there is something terribly wrong with humans.

She agreed. She likes horses also.

[BigmanPigman]

6. I have been saying that my whole life...

Dogs ARE better than people. Kind, loyal, smart, unconditional love, etc. After my first dog died I was a mess (I am still grieving 16 years later). A friend came over and her roommate tried to tell me there was no comparison since people are better than everything else. He is the only person I ever asked to leave my home to this day. He never even had a dog it turns out so his opinion is not valid as far as I am concerned.

[pnwmom]

7. Here's a suggestion for speeding up your bonding -- take Koda to the dog park

and to the water without your wife. Then, once you're securely bonded doing super-fun things, she can join in the fun again.

Just passing along something that worked for us.

[Stonepounder]

8. And don't worry about Koda and you bonding.

Dogs are amazingly adaptable. We volunteer for a rescue group and one day got a call, would we take in and foster (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) a diabetic dog who had bit his owner so badly that he needed to be quarantined, and the shelter didn't have to resources to deal with a diabetic dog. Since we already had one dog that was a diabetic, could we take in Cooper? (Who ever heard of a mean Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?)

With some trepidation, we agreed. Cooper guarded paper and food. Aggressively guarded. But with a lot of patience, love, mutual respect, and training, he is now and absolute sweetheart, who wants to always be close to us, loves belly scratches, and tries his darndest to figure what we want and then to do it before we ask.

But, just give dogs love and they will return it with interest.

[pioche4]

9. We're 6 weeks into a similar experience with our rescue

"height? voice? an aversion to men in general? not important to figure it out, but using treats and patience)", ours 2 yrs old, and a mommy of 8 who are now 3 months old.

"What the hell is the matter with us - with humans? Why can't we just get to where we recognize we are all people." My husband and I feel the same way...its baffling...and sad, and there's such a great need to help others

[lambchopp59]

10. Caleb took a few months to adjust to trust.

He would still cower with any movement of my hand towards him the first few months he was found abandoned as well. He got used to some routine maneuvers to help me as a service animal, but I always whistle the same tune when his work was done and time to go to the park, socialize.
Finally, I recovered from some injuries, Caleb now dutifully guards my home and greets me anxiously home from work every day.
Every bit of work you put into your animal will pay you back in abundance later. Enjoy!

[sinkingfeeling]

11. "Dog" is derived from "god".

[mythology]

12. How much better the world would be if it were the other way around