“What kind of dog is she?”
Humans often ask Steve that question.
He smiles and says, “A dog who likes belly rubs and biscuits.”
My ears perk up.
“No, no,” the humans say. “What kind of dog is she? You know, what’s her breed?”
Not sure why that matters. But it does to humans. Maybe they are simply curious. Or perhaps they have preconceived [my vocabulary continues to build] ideas about what certain breeds do or don’t do. Kind of like they might be looking to label me before they get to know me.
When my pup friends gather, we do the doggie handshake, play bow, sniff, maybe jump and bump. Not one—that I can remember—has ever asked me what kind of dog I am. We are in the moment and enjoying the energy we bring.
I do know that my canine buds come in all shapes, sizes, energy, and age. About all that matters to us is that we don’t snap, growl, bite, or bully each other.
We don’t have to ask what kind of dog is in front of us. If anything labels us, it will be our behavior toward one another.
Kindness might be a trait on which to focus. But what do I know? I’m just a dog.
____________
Thanks for coming back to my blog. You make me happier than biscuits!
My book, Roxie Looks for Purpose Beyond the Biscuit, is still available. I share stories and lessons about friends, family, and fun. And I speak about purpose as well. (Steve says for dogs we might just want to call it “furpose.” He makes words up, I think.) The book holds a biscuit or two for you or for a friend!
WOOF!
The Growth and Resilience Network®
Steve Piscitelli. 2022©
Beyond the Biscuit 
So true Roxie…kindness is what Jasper promotes when he is out walking with me and at his school.
We did have a run in with a
neighbor’s cat. Jasper tried to greet him and he slapped him in the face. So Jasper is staying 6 feet away from that animal.😄
LikeLike
Guess, Jasper is social distancing! 🙂
LikeLike
Absolutely LOVE this, Roxie (and her person). Speaks volumes. If only the world was viewed through the eyes of a dog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOOF! For the most part, my pup friends were strangers…and then we became friends. I love being with them. WOOF!
LikeLike