Watching Carefully

The sign on the door of the arena where the huge Dog Agility contest was being held said, "No dogs allowed!"  Walking my own dog, as I was chuckling over that sign posted near the signs for the Dog Agility Trial, I noticed a man entering the arena with a three legged dog. While it clearly was agile in its own right, I doubt the dog could've cleared a jump or run the course. Perhaps he was just coming to watch, to dream of what could've been.It certainly brought a smile to my face. Then I passed a woman who was speaking to her dogs, who were voraciously sniffing every wet spot beneath the bushes.
"OK" she said, "Time to go now. Have you read all your P-mail?"

Comic vignette after vignette flashed across my screen, as I watched life broadcast all around me. And I thought of all the information, all the messages, all the laughter that is ever present if I just manage to be alert and look for it. I have never been terribly enamored with movies or television, though I can lose myself permanently in a good book. But I think the reason I don't like to commit myself to the hours of watching actors portray life is I am so anxious to just go out and live it myself. I don't mean that as a slam to those who love movies or TV- when I do manage to watch some shows, I see the attraction and there is much to learn and enjoy.  But my spirit is bent peculiarly, and I am certain that if I am not awake and prowling, eyes wide open and scanning the horizon, God is sending me an important message that I might miss. I am like the dog, reading every spot of P-mail, certain that one dog has something so crucial to say that it is worth ripping the owner's arm off to not be budged from that enticing message.              

And so I was pondering those three seemingly unconnected events, linked only by the time in which they occurred- the sign prohibiting the very animals the show was based upon, the handicapped dog who clearly was entering an arena he could never succeed in, and the dog sniffing every message that was being conveyed by every member of his species as best he could within the limits of the leash.  The first two were humorously incongruous, and in a way, so was the third. We humans do not go around seeking information by smelling each others' derrieres or sniffing out where we have pee'd.  Some humans are disgusted by the fact that dogs do this. However, some humans understand- like the owner who called it "P-mail."  She was able to step outside her species-specific comprehension to think like a dog, and respect his needs, though they were certainly not her own (one would presume). And even more importantly, she gave his needs a dignity and respect commensurate with her own. Just as she could not start her morning without strong coffee and reading her email, she knew the dog needed to sniff bottoms and pee spots.

When Honeybun finished reading her "p-mail", we returned to the arena and prepared for her next class. For me, that meant reaching a target heart rate of 200 beats a minute, breathing deeply, and practicing some of the relaxation techniques I learned birthing my 9 pound babies.  And I am just spectating. I cannot imagine what I would be like if I were the handler running the course. Asherel seems cool and nonplussed, though surely she must feel some trepidation. Honeybun, curiously, sits on the bleacher steps and with laser focus, watches the competition. I am not a dog, so can only humanize what she is thinking, but she certainly seems to be sizing up her chances, watching and memorizing the course, and deciding how she will behave when her turn comes. Further down the arena, the three legged dog was watching too. And I will bet there were some potential contenders who read the "No dogs allowed" sign, and with a deep and self pitying sigh, drove home.

Honeybun had sized up the competition in more ways than just watching. She had also sniffed out the pheromones of every dog in the place and she had established the pack hierarchy and pecking order. She knew more about the dogs in that arena than the owners did.

And when her turn came, she decided she hadn't a snowball's chance in Charlotte of beating those border collies, so instead, she raced exuberantly around, popping into play position, and occasionally glancing Asherel's way. She was not focused, but she had a lot of fun, and Polly, our mentor, tells us that is what it is all about. She didn't "Q" (qualify) that day, or ribbon, but she taught Asherel some valuable insights in handling a nervous, excited dog.

And later that day, a woman stopped me, when she saw me walk by with Honeybun.
"Was it  you handling that dog this morning?" she asked.
"No, that was my daughter."
"Well give her a message for me. I was so impressed. The dog was obviously excited and nervous and your daughter stayed so calm. She gave the dog exactly what was needed. She handled her superbly. She has obviously had some excellent training."
(Thankyou Polly, Deb, and all the trainers at Charlotte Dog Training Club for that last part!)

So while the day didn't end in ribbons, Asherel glowed a little when I told her what the lady said. I realized then the connection of those three seemingly unconnected events of the morning walk. First, if you are being told don't enter the arena where you know you are supposed to be, don't listen!!! Go in anyway!! Secondly, if you have handicaps that prevent you from being a contender, don't be afraid to enjoy the wonder of life around you. Your very presence may be making someone smile. And thirdly, understand what others are feeling and go out of your way to find out about them and communicate a message, especially one of hope and encouragement.

Deuteronomy 15: 10
¹⁰ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

Micah 7:7
 ⁷ But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,
   I wait for God my Savior;
   my God will hear me.