Day 347

4/28/23

Choices and consequences certainly go hand-in-hand...or paw-in-paw!

This morning, after our weekly Golden ear-cleaning, I noticed Sam was quite irritated with that fluid in his ears. I chose to let him outside to run a bit and take his mind off of those ears! After a couple of minutes, I called him and he literally SLUNK in through the doggy door. His entire head was covered in mud due to the fact that he chose to rub those ears in a puddle. (The rest of him wasn't too clean either!)

I had a couple of ways to react to this situation, but I chose to simply smile and tell him it was time for another shower. He dutifully headed towards the bathroom, head hanging low, and graciously stepped right in (with a little urging). He sat like the good boy he is for the next 15 minutes or so as I shampooed, conditioned and began the drying process. (The photo was taken after the shower!!!)

When it was time to let Gus outside, I chose to accompany him in the rain. I was not planning to have a "take two" with my Goldens today!

In my life, I have made many choices that have led to various consequences. Most of my judgments were supported by past experiences, common sense and trusted advice. A few times, my choices had little-to-no backing and that often led to regret.

Going down a Black Diamond was a bad decision. Swimming across the Pigeon River to say I had been in Canada was not too smart either. Ice skating on Lake Bemidji at night and in the winter, only to hear running water when we were about 100 yards out...not too smart. I lived to tell about all of these and now I can be that voice of wisdom for those who might follow in my footsteps.

In my career, and as a parent (grandparent), I would often acquiesce to a requested choice if I could find no reason to deny it. The urge to say "NO" to a choice is often connected to time or extra effort on my part. I have never been disappointed with choosing to say yes to a simple request by those who need my permission.

As for consequences, I have had a few broken bones, a "real shiner," a couple head injuries, more than one extreme sunburn and more than a few disappointments. The physical pain seems to fade into the past, but the emotional disappointments sometimes surface when you least expect it. A sad heart isn't as easy to disregard. Making choices which might lead to regret and sorrow are still worth the risk in my humble opinion. If the decision to move forward, knowing there might be less than positive consequences for my heart, is based on past experiences, common sense and trusted advice, I would move in that direction every time. Sometimes, following your heart, even if it leads you in the wrong direction, can be some of the most rewarding of consequences!

Now Sam...I hope the next time one of us opens the "door to opportunity" and there is mud involved, my boy will make the right choice! Doubtful, but I can always hope!