The Great Sweet Potato Standoff

My rescue dog Grace and I are part of a mutual admiration club. But we don’t always agree.

The sun finally shone over Santa Fe without the wintry winds and snowfall of the last few weeks. So, instead of taking Grace out for a brisk walk at 11am, we left at 9am. But our walk was anything but brisk. Grace trailed behind me, her head hung low, her face mopey.

“C’mon girl, c’mon!” my excited voice encouraged her. But instead of trotting forward, she turned in protest and slinked towards home.

What’s wrong? Was she afraid? Was she sick? Then it dawned on me. Grace wasn’t trailing behind because she didn’t feel well. She lagged because what she wanted wasn’t on the trail. What Grace wanted was at home baking in the oven. You see, every morning Ken makes a sweet potato and shares it with her. It’s their morning ritual. This morning, we left before the ritual had taken place. My bad.

 You Talkin’ to Me?

Globally, there seems to be a lot of disagreement these days. Angry, rude, and sometimes nonsensical discourse seems to be the order of the day. I can’t help but wonder if we should start teaching conversation skills in the first grade. I don’t know about you, but I would have eagerly sacrificed math class to instead spend time role playing and learning the most important part of the art of conversation–genuine listening.

I may not have honed the skill of genuine listening early in life, but spending time with my dog Grace and nurturing our connection to each other requires this kind of attention. Dogs and cats don’t speak our language. They use vocalizations and body language to express themselves. So, if we want better communication and to create a deeper understanding with our pet friends, then we have to tune into them like they tune into us.

Grace senses my moods and knows when I’m joyful, unhappy, or stressed often before I do. My dog doesn’t have all the clutter in her brain like I have in mine. What do I have to accomplish today? Did I answer all my texts? What should I have for lunch? So, when tuning in and listening to what Grace needs, I have let go of the excess and find a place of stillness where we can connect heart to heart.

Agree to Disagree

“Grace! Grace!!” I resorted to my stern voice to get Grace motivated on our walk. It didn’t work. We were at an impasse.

Usually, Grace listens and I get my way, but this time I changed course and listened to her. What did it matter that we didn’t go for a long walk this morning? We could always go to the dog park this afternoon. Grace has come a long way as a rescue dog with a heartbreaking past. One that could have caused irreparable damage. But a second chance at life and love has changed that. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing Grace enjoy the simplest pleasures throughout her day, from greeting new friends to running with abandon. On this morning, it meant changing course.

We reached the midway point of our walk and I did what is often done in healthy relationships, I compromised. To Grace’s surprise, I turned around and walked towards home. It was worth it. Suddenly Grace’s legs were trotting, her eyes grew bright, and she was giving me that toothy grin that always makes me laugh. I knew what she knew – A mouthwatering sweet potato lay in her future.

Stay Healthy & Stay Pawsitive,

Carlyn MDO 💜

P.S. How tuned in are you to your dog or cat? Today, why not take a couple of minutes to close your eyes, breathe deeply, then consciously tune into your animal friend? What do you feel? What thoughts come to mind? What do you think your pet might be trying to say to you? Please share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear them.