Dekker’s Bone
Once a month, Dekker, a service dog of the highest caliber (according to one opinionated owner) brings his opinion about the snafus the people get into and his best advice when they ask for it…and sometimes when they don’t. If you want to read more about being a service dog, Dekker invites you to go HERE.
Now enjoy this canine perspective on human problems…
Dear Dekker,
Whenever I have a problem to solve I read what others have to say, and I play with it in my mind turning it over and over.
I lose sleep and sometimes even skip meals until I get an answer I can live with. My wife tells me I am like a dog with a bone. I don’t think it is meant as a compliment.
How do I know what she is really thinking?
Thank you, Bonehead
Woof Woof Bonehead, I never listen to exact words to know if I am making someone happy or not.
I listen to their insides.
Perhaps you have to be a dog to understand, but I can tell when I look into my person’s eyes if she is happy or upset.
Then I watch her movements. If they are jerky I move back and go lie down. If she sits still I lay my head in her lap and turn on the charm.
(You might try that).
And I listen to her voice. A snappy voice makes me want to drop my bone and hang my head.
When her voice is soft and gentle I wag my tail really fast. And then I use my nose because irritated people smell different than happy people.
As a person, you probably never developed that skill. But if you listen to her body instead of her words you will have your answer.
Dear Dekker,
I just love the fall with its cooler days and great colors just before
all the leaves drop.
And then when everything is covered in white like a Hallmark card I just know I would never want to live anywhere that doesn’t snow.
My husband wants to move to the west coast and I think I will miss the change of seasons too much. Any advice on how to get him to change his mind?
Thank you, Artsy Anne
Woof Woof, Ann, From where I stand, which is about as high as your knees, I don’t see people changing their minds very easily.
When I try to get my person to go towards the edge of the path where the smells are interesting she always pulls me back where she wants to walk.
I have learned that walking beside her sooner or later is rewarded by her loving attention…and of course a piece of kibble.
Yes, I miss the joys beside the path, but I would miss my person even more. If it were me, I would be anticipating all the new smells in a new place.
I guess you have to ask yourself which is more important.
Dear Dekker – I was in the market the other day when a woman came in with a yappy little dog in her shopping basket. She was telling the person near her that ‘Ginger’ was a service dog. Didn’t look like one to me. What can I say if I meet someone like that?
Thanks, Margaret
Woof, Margaret, You have asked a delicate question, for people who are willing to ignore the law to gain the privilege of taking their pooch anywhere are not inclined to listen to anyone.
Even if you asked where the dog was trained and she said she trained her, it is unlikely that her behavior would change.
I recommend a written communication with the manager of the store about how they enforce their policies and let them know that you will only shop where the law is enforced.
Some businesses play dumb (not as successfully as a bulldog I know, I might say), but if you don’t reinforce their behavior by spending your money in their store, they might get the message.
For more information go to this article about how I was trained.
If you enjoy Dekker’s wisdom,
be sure to sign up here for more!
