Day 147

10/8/22

Today, with the glorious autumn sunshine abounding, these Goldens had a wonderful day. There were a number of walks and a special play date for the younger two!

We took Gus and Sam over to daughter Amanda's to play with her 14-year-old pit bull. Bachka is such a special girl! She has Therapy Dog International status and, except for a few white hairs on the muzzle, acts like she is a puppy.

We first let Gus and Bachka romp in the enormous backyard while Sam watched from my arms. They ran between the trees, tumbled, barked and RAN! Bachka actually outran Gus!

Then it was time for Sam to play with his newest relative. Under the watchful eyes of four adults, the Golden puppy and pit bull ran, rolled and romped until Sam was exhausted. It was such a fun time and everyone, two and four-legged, had a smile on their face when we said farewell.

Returning home, I let Lilly and Ranger out in our own backyard with Sam. Lilly came back in the doggy door, but Ranger wanted to stay with the puppy. As I watched, I realized there was such an intricate "pecking order" to my pack.

Lilly is "Top Dog." She is the alpha! Even when the boys beat her to the doggy door, they all wait for her to enter first (I don't think it is because they are Minnesota gentlemen). All three boys look to her for guidance and acceptance. She is the queen!

Next comes Ranger. He is more like the benevolent uncle of the pack. He watches out for the two pups and seems to genuinely choose a gentle paw with both. However, he always bows down to his sister.

Gus is like a loose cannon! Having lost the sight in his right eye, he seems to make choices in a split second. It is almost as if his confidence won't allow him to stop and think...only react. We are working on that! He comes in at #3!

Sam comes in last...for now. He is gaining weight and height before our eyes! He has basically doubled his weight since we picked him up on September 13th. At 28 pounds and counting, he will be a force to be reckoned with. His gentle spirit will keep him from exerting too much of his power though!

People are the same. When I look at the hats I have worn (sibling, teacher, professor, mother, etc.), I see a pecking order for each part of my life. There are those who will always be alpha and dominate, regardless if the role is deserved or not. There will also be those who choose to remain compliant until it is time to take a stand.

I have chosen to be more flexible in most arenas. It never seemed to be in the best interests of the "pack" to take a stand over trivial matters. There have been a few times in my life when I did draw a line in the sand. Although it was not a comfortable role for me, I knew it was in the best interest of all to stand up for what was right.

When I was a college professor, I had many opportunities to wield my alpha power. I can honestly say, I only used it to help my students succeed. Power, for power's sake, leaves me cold.

It would be nice if all groups had a form of "pecking order" where individuals felt safe to step out as an alpha now and then. That would take so much respect from the "pack" members and egos could not be part of the decision-making process. Perhaps, the world will evolve to such a state. I hope so.

Until then, I think I will go downstairs and ask Lilly if she thinks it is time to eat. Believe me, she will let me know!