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Dog People…They’re Everywhere
By kirk noonan | August 14, 2008
Almost a year ago our family adopted a chocolate lab from a friend who was moving to New York City. Like most families the intrusion of a dog into our already hectic schedules was overwhelming, but more than welcomed. The reason? Jack was two years old, well-trained, great with kids and eager to please. Plus, our kids wanted a dog so bad I thought one of them might grow a tail and start drinking out of the toilet if we didn’t get one.
Days before we adopted Jack, my wife and I discussed some ground rules with the kids. Yes, they would have to take him on walks, play with him, bathe him and clean up any thing he left in the yard that could get on our shoes. The kids readily agreed to the conditions and pledged their undying love and commitment for Jack.
When our meeting dismissed I pulled my wife aside and threw out a couple more rules.
“Let’s make a pact that we won’t talk to Jack like he’s a toddler.”
“Yeah, I can’t stand when people say stuff like ‘Go to Mommy’ or ‘Daddy has your food ready’ when talking to their dogs,” said my wife.
“Whatever you do, don’t call me Daddy when you’re talking to the dog and referencing me,” I said. “It’s just weird.”
“Oh, and what about people who tell dog stories?”
“Can’t stand it.”
“It’s insane,” she laughed. “Don’t people know that telling dog stories is worse than whipping out photos of your children and bragging about how much better they are than other kids?”
Ha, ha, ha. It was all very funny. Until it happened.
A week after the adoption I bounded into work and told my first dog story without even trying to control myself. I couldn’t help it. I thought what Jack had done the day before was so funny, interesting and intriguing that everyone would want to know about it.
Less than a month later I caught myself telling Jack to go to “Mommy.”
Dog people…they’re everywhere.
And now I’m one of them. Strange. Never thought it would happen. But when something, someone, or some place captivates you — you can’t help but become a loquacious weirdo.
Look at celebrities. All they talk about is themselves or their products. Headlines from this past week in the media prove this. ‘Miley Cyrus talks to Seventeen‘. Weird.
Business moguls. Same thing. ‘Donald Trump Jr. and Wife are Expecting Second Child.’ Big deal. Weird.
Professional atheletes. ‘Favre’s arm fatigued after fifth day of camp’. Weird.
Politicians. John Edwards’ scandal. Silly. Sad. Pathetic. Weird.
You? You’re probably weird too.
We all are to some extent. As humans we like to talk about the things that are important to us. But the question we need to ask ourselves before we start talking is how important are the things we’re going say? If we are just jabbering on about this and that we might be missing perfect opportunities to share really important ideas with people. Topics such as faith, love, hope and relationships immediately come to mind.
Yeah, dog people are everywhere. But every now and then there are people with something to say.
Are you one them?
Topics: Uncategorized |
August 15th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your material, and how proud I am of what you have done with your life. I keep you in my prayers!
August 17th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Nice post there
! Check out this guitar solo and music tutorial site. Has some pretty neat stuff there
Extreme Guitar Solo
http://crazyinstruments.blogdns.com:8080/blog/
August 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Yes, it’s true. I am weird.
Ask my wife. Any of my friends. My pastor.
Good thing there’s Grace.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
all things in moderation…(make mine a chihuahua)I have known people who,what am I saying? everyone I know is “self absorbed” some people just use animals as a vehicle for their own “weirdness” ME? well, as they say, when the going gets weird,the weird go pro!