lesson from a brown dog

meet isabella bird

Things toss us around, messing with our peaceful being; big stuff and small irritations. You know that unsettled or just plain angry attitude that can drape us like a wet blanket. Yeah, that one, and I was wearing it – not sure why, but I was.

Most mornings I take my Bella girl for a walk before work. Today was no exception. Time is short on work days, so the pace was quick. Belle is a funny girl, all brave one moment and frozen in fear the next.

There’s a grade school near us, and like most, someone comes over the loud speaker at the beginning of the day to say good morning and give a few announcements. My sweet puppy has taken to being afraid of the voice in the wind. There’s no apparent reason, really, it’s a voice. Nonetheless, she is frightened.

Lesson from a brown dog: we are held securely and talked to in a soothing voice when the loud speaker is blaring

When this happens, she freezes and won’t go another step, or she tries to dart away, pulling tightly on her leash. Neither of which is helpful when you’re still several blocks from home and on a gotta-get-to-work-soon schedule. This day she chose the dart reaction.

My girl needs reassurance and security, and I’m wearing that disturbed, irritating wet blanket. So, I pull her close, instruct her to sit, which she does. I then begin to talk to her, attempting to calm her fears and assure her that everything will be ok.

Several years back I picked up a card at New Seasons to send to someone who was going through an uncertain time. The front was covered with the word “ok” in different fonts and different sizes. Opening it up, the sentiment said “Everything will be ok, even if you don’t know what ok looks like from here.” 

The check-out guy even commented, “That’s a good thing to remember.” I went back later for another card which I keep as a reminder.

The loud speaker voice stopped a couple of minutes later and Belle was able to relax and continue walking without fear.

Opening the front door, my Jesus whispered, not in some weird way, but that way you just know, “lesson from a brown dog.” You hold her tight and secure when she’s afraid and tossed around. I do that for you, too.

Missy

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