The Big Dog Walks Away

I was on a walk with my dog, Pluto, when we came upon another owner and their dog. This wasn't the little Yorkie who lives around the corner and may as well be a squirrel on a string for him to hunt (he's not aggressive and probably would have NO idea what to do with a Yorkie OR a squirrel). This was another dog altogether. I think he was a Schnauser. Well, little guy went nuts when he saw Pluto.

My dog, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to go make friends and didn't utter a sound. His ears perked up and his tail wagged, but we kept going because the other guy was. just. not. having. it.

As we were walking away, the other dog kept barking. And after his owner settled him a bit, he barked a few more words before losing interest. When my dog turned around to look at him, I found myself saying, "The big dog walks away, buddy. Let's go."

The big dog walks away.

Let's release the idea that the big dog is the mean, tough, aggressive one on the field. Instead, let's focus on the fact that strength comes in many forms.

My bigger dog is strong as hell. He's 50 lbs and growing as he came to our home a bit on the skinny side. He's like a freaking brick wall when he doesn't want to do something. He'll dig his heels in and just say no.

If he had a mind to do so, he could have shown this other dog who was boss. But he doesn't have to. He's the big dog. The big dog lets others have their last words and froth and cuss and throw a fit.

The big dog knows that the problem isn't the problem and he can walk away.

I know some people - namely men - will disagree with me, but I'm not talking to them. I'm talking to you. Strength comes in all forms, sometimes in a form that others don't recognize. It doesn't take away from the strength.

What are your strengths? They don't have to be big or loud. They don't have to have any bark to them at all. I'd suggest not biting anyone, though...