Day 942

Yesterday, we hosted a get-together for the neighborhood boys. If anyone is wondering why we invited only boys, you would have to visit our backyards. There are nearly a dozen young boys on Christian Hill and THEY FAR OUTNUMBER the girls!

Having been in education for a career, I had no reservations when I planned this party…how hard could it be to guide a group of little boys through cookie decorating, art activities and snacks? Well… it was a little bit like herding cats! They were amazingly wonderful and SO cute, but they went through my party activities with time to spare…lots of time! With a quick pivot, we gathered in the living room to watch “Home Alone” until it was time to disband! That movie will never be the same again!! I hadn’t realized how funny and exciting it was until a crew of little boys broadened my understanding! I loved every minute!

On top of all that, we had placed the pups into the back room in order to keep prying paws away from the party treats. Sam and Gus were beside themselves! Poor babies! They simply wanted to join in on their own terms!

The feeling of being left out is challenging for everyone…2- and 4-legged alike! When being excluded rears its ugly head, people (or dogs) can get their feelings easily hurt. All it takes is one keen, caring eye to make sure no one is left behind. Having been there myself, I am hyper-vigilant when it comes to groups. I am ready and willing to extend a hand of encouragement and welcome to anyone who might not feel included.

Making sure nobody is excluded is one of the easiest things to do! Simply offering a few kind words or even standing by a lonely person in a group setting can make all the difference in the world!

Or… you could always let The Goldens out at our house! They love everybody and nobody is excluded from their sniffs and licks!