Meg’s  Corner

Follow the Wagging Tail

 

People often ask me what it is the absolute best thing about working for a true no-kill shelter.  At first when people would ask me this, my mind would be bombarded by different images of the dogs, the different lessons the dogs have taught me, and the deep love I share with them that wakes me up at 5:30 in the morning out of excitement to start another day with these angels.  So, in one sentence, the best thing about working with dogs is learning to follow the wagging tail.  Here is what I mean:

 

The moral character dogs possess is magnificently high.  They do not fake their feelings and actions, and they do not let you fake the energy you project.  This is why they are so precious to get to know.  When they are uncertain about you, they openly tell you that you are a potentially dangerous stranger.  Learning to go from stranger to friend is an incredible experience, because the dogs serve as a role model for people and their interactions with all living beings.  This reminds of one of my favorite dogs at the shelter, Chip. 

 

Chip, (who I like to call Chippers), took a very long time to get to know me.  We perceived each other as threatening for a long time before slowly but surely establishing a friendship.  Earning Chipper's respect was one of the best days experiences of my life because he taught me that it wasn't just him who had the communication problem, I was communicating poorly as well.  Before we made friends, Chip was picking up on my fear and insecurities about him.  Detecting this negative energy, Chippers perceived me as a threat because of strong negative emotion I was projecting.  But Chippers and I got to know each other taking baby steps and every day I would show him what I was doing and why I was doing it, (such as putting a collar over his head so he could go for walks) and what I wanted was the best for him and myself as well.  Once he knew this, the dog that once used to lunge and snarl at me gets so happy to see me.  He knows what I am all about and once I saw his tail wag happily, I knew that a great bond had been established.  I still have to learn so much more about positive energy and communication with animals, but Chippers taught me the ideal behavior that myself and the rest of the world should conduct themselves with.  This is so important because learning to respect others and giving them time and patience brings can bring about world peace.

 

By learning to follow the wagging tail, I mean learning to make every single day count.  I am always amazed at how thankful the dogs are for everything you give them.  Rover, an old Pit Bull with a white muzzle I call "Grandpa Pit Bull," cuddles up right in your lap and his tail wags one hundred miles per hour when he sees a friend.  The respect and appreciation in Rover's eyes fills your soul with love, and you literally become addicted to making every single dog as happy as you can make him/her.

 

Another thing that amazes me is how dog's overcome obstacles in their path, and how they teach others the same thing.  Their upbeatness is contagious, and the work they do in hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, etc. is phenomenal.  The are a gift to this world and they should be used as a role model for all people how to act.  There are many sorrowful things and injustices in this world, but nothing that cannot be overcome if people learn to be more like dogs and make every single day count.  Don't follow anything that makes you sad, follow the wagging tail.