DareDevil
People, think about when life throws you a curveball, out of left field, coming at you hot.
Do you ask, “Why me??”
Or do you say: “TRY ME!!” Then give it a devil's smile with an angel's eye. You got this!!
Every time I see Morty’s devil smile, I know she’s not asking for my permission. She’s begging for forgiveness with those sparkling big brown eyes ... after the fact of course.
Years ago, at a local dog park, Morty and I were just romping around the edge of the park. I could tell Morty was on to something as she twitched her nose in the air like a beautiful witch - Samantha - about to cast her spell. But I just couldn’t put my finger on what she was doing.
Around the corner, and up a small hill, a deer stood on the other side of the fence. Morty and the deer locked eyes and stared down.
Now, imagine an old western movie theme song playing in the background, dramatic tumbleweeds rolling by. Guns are about to be drawn. Who’ll pull the trigger first?!?!
I remember that Morty quickly checked in with me, looked at the deer, looked back at me again. This time with the biggest grin. Like a rocket, she hopped over the 5-foot fence chasing her dream (aka that darn deer!). Equally fast, I too climbed over the fence in an attempt to follow her. Like ghosts, both were gone. Panicked, I kept calling her name. Luckily, she came running back to me wearing the smile of the century, with eyes as big as a large pizza and bright as a lighthouse. Thank goodness, she had no injuries. I hooked her leash and calmly walked back to the car. At least I pretended to be calm to get her excitement level down.
Me So Happy ☺
Please ignore the face I make while my mama is recovering from a panic attack!
Things I’ve learned from her shenanigans.
To keep her safe, I must learn how to read her body language better so I know how and when to redirect her attention. Each dog is as individual as a fingerprint. It takes time to learn.
Always have a leash with you. You never know when you will need it. When visiting a dog park, don’t leave your leash at the gate.
When people judgingly give you a stink eye, stay cool under pressure for your dog’s & your own sake.
You got this. If not, fake it till you make it to your vehicle and drive away calmly & safely.
PS. One guy at the park jokingly needled me after the whole ordeal, as Morty and I were outside the fence. He said, “You know the dog park is inside the fence here.” Thanks, Caption Obvious. I smiled back and said, “Grass is always greener on the other side, literally.”
We both laughed. Morty too still had that mischievous grin on her face. Morty, you are such a punk!
