Pack Walks

There are several Carolina Dogs in our neighborhood, all look exactly like my dog, Honeybun. All seem wary of strange dogs, and considering my Honeybun's past when she was aggressive, I am careful to steer clear of any that are loose or on a long leash. Those of you who don't have "reactive" dogs do not know how insensitive some dog owners are to those of us who DO have reactive dogs. I will give you a little hint, in case your dog is nice and likes other dogs. That doesn't matter. Even if your dog is nice: if he gets in my dog's face, she will respond with fear and aggression. And if she growls or bites, it is likely your nice dog will defend himself. Then my dog gets in trouble because you let your dog get in her face. So, don't. Just don't. Respect my space, and ask before you invade it.

My nice neighbor Roxan is a responsible dog owner and understands that. She also has a Carolina Dog. So we went on a pack walk when we converged on a route yesterday. It was very interesting. Our dogs were wary, and Honeybun gave a warning growl. Her dog, Jenna, looked like she would like to explore further exactly what that growl meant. Because Roxan once had a reactive dog, and understands dogs, she knew better than to let Jenna get in Honeybun's face. And as a result, as we walked together with the dogs near each other but not able to reach each other, it was harmonious, and pleasant. "Pack walks" are one of the best ways to help "reactive dogs" relate to other dogs in a positive way.

What was extremely interesting is that while we walked, Roxan and I were engaged in a very deep political discussion. We had some areas of agreement, but many areas of sharp disagreement. And yet, just like our parallel walking dogs, we did not attack each other, but heard the view of the other without rancor. I cannot say either of us came away changing our point of view, but we did come away without bloodshed. In my mind, that is a victory.

Roxan, if I can paraphrase her position, believes peace and getting along, and compromise is key. I believe that there are lines that cannot be crossed, points at which compromise becomes evil, and a stand must be taken, sometimes at enormous cost. When we parted ways, we were still friends, and our dogs were calm and content to walk parallel paths. I suspect our Congress could make some gains if they would all gather together and walk their dogs.

Meanwhile, I understand with greater clarity why God says, "Where 2 or more are gathered in my name, there I will be." Agreement on anything is a miracle, and that is just one more reason why we so desperately need God.

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Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:19, 20 ESV)



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