Day 978

Sam has one of the biggest personalities around! He is full of joy, spontaneity and energy. He is unpredictable, inquisitive and needy. All of these qualities can be found in our puppy to the MAX! Even though Gus is his favorite roughhousing playmate and target, they still are great buddies. That is only due to the fact that Gus has the most loving, patient heart around. He accepts his brother and adores him no matter what.

Acceptance is a funny beast. People (and dogs ) seem to fall somewhere on a continuum from opposition/rejection to embracing with an open heart. It would seem that it is somewhat of a sliding scale depending on the players. If someone is unable to bend, while the other always goes with the flow, that would not seem to be mutually rewarding. Most of us have found ourselves in that position where we either play by the rules of the other party or move on. Certainly that experience crops up in work and social environments and, eventually, you decide if it’s worth the battle.

The question then becomes, why do these relationships exist? Taking a lesson from Gus, they work because one of the parties is malleable while the other is content with no opposition from the other players. This can work just fine…until it suddenly doesn’t!

Every once in a great while, Gus will take back the bone that Sam just stole out of his mouth. When that happens, Sam is confused and disoriented. He also respects Gus a bit more for a short time. Of course, if Gus showed opposition every time, they would not be close buddies.

The lesson here…every once in awhile, growl a little when it is necessary. Like Gus, we all have a voice that should be honored when it is important. In my own lifetime, I believe I witnessed my sweet father “growl” about five times. When he did, the world stopped for a moment and everyone paid attention. When you choose your battles wisely and infrequently, there is so much power in your stance.

My hope…live life to the fullest like Sam but be ready to stand up for yourself (like Gus) when the other one’s ZOOMIES get out of control.