Lug

Many years ago, my human’s training business was growing. She was establishing business hours and had yet to discover Google Voice. She purposely left her phone at home to enjoy a ding-free five-block walk and a game of fetch with the handsome fellow on your Bark Pouch label, her lovable lug, Finn.

Finn fiercely loved fetch. He was a simple guy, happily playing the same game for hours. However, I get bored after chasing a ball one or two times. Finn sprinted so strongly and excitedly towards his beloved tennis ball that he yelped and started limping towards my human. She reached for her phone. Ugh.

My human carried Finn, all 80 pounds of him, home, stopping repeatedly and briefly to catch her breath on Belmont Ave. As car after car passed my human and her first love, Finn, she felt frustrated that not one person slowed down to ask if she needed help, only adding to her exhaustion.

After an urgent trip to the vet, she learned that Finn tore his ACL. When it came time to rescue her angel Gavin, then me, my human wanted to make sure she could carry either of us, in an emergency, making weight a part of her decision to adopt.

I’m glad she did because she had to carry all 60 pounds of me four times this week.  

All of you pet parents with reactive dogs know that when the sun’s shining, temperatures are warmer, and birds are fluttering about, your carefully timed walks get trickier. And, well, other people who love their pets, nature, and being outside in springtime, can unknowingly leave you stuck with your frozen, tail-tightly-tucked-wackadoo.

From the lovely couple laughing and enjoying each other’s company sitting at a park bench with their husky to the nice guy doing pushups and his equally seemingly friendly dog tethered under him on our way to the car, they’re just doing what you’re trying to do, too: enjoy time with their dogs when the weather’s not too cold or too hot. 

My human realized, as she huffed, puffed, and heaved through the grass, me in tow, mentally making note to do more strength training, that a previous version of herself may have been quietly annoyed at the strangers who lingered at a distance too close for my comfort with their dogs. 

But that’s not fair. Those who follow the rules and enjoy time with their leashed lugs and furry loves deserve to do just that, too.

An even younger version of my human would have been embarrassed and self-conscious about my behavior and her need to accommodate my reactivity. That’s also not fair.

So, today, I offer this: don’t let your love for your dog(s) or tribe cause tension, even in tricky situations. Don’t get defensive when people say silly things, watching you lovingly help your dog(s) navigate scary situations. And, definitely don’t judge yourself for doing the best you can, with compassion and kindness for your dog(s). 

Reactive dog? Our Beef & Liverwurst is a trainer favorite!

*This article also contains affiliate links to one of my (Mabel’s) favorite toys and my human’s go-to leash.