- Jul 20, 2016
- 6,572
- 20,209
I have many experiences with wildlife and dogs. The neighbors call me the dog whisperer because so many lost dogs find their way here, and I get them back home. There is one who lives up the street and knows exactly where home is, but will come down here, stand in the driveway and bark until I come outside and walk her back home. What I am saying is that I know dogs, am accustomed to their energy, and can communicate with them.
It was very late the other night, and I was up with Pepper (our female boxer). I took her out front for a potty before going to sleep. Out of the shadows a large German Shepherd silently appeared. I was between the 2 of them and could tell from their demeanor that it might not be a happy encounter.
I did my usual 1 second of silent epitaphs and then put one hand in front of the dog and told it to stay, as I reached with my other to push Pepper back to the house. I was doing this telepathically because I knew we each had to remain calm. I got Pepper back inside the house.
When I went back outside, the dog was at the front door, wanting to come inside. I knew this was a bad idea and declined. Then I asked it if I could look at the collar so I could get it back home. It looked right at me and gave a definite "No", which surprised me. Even the crazy dog down the street wants me to take her back home. Then it slowly and silently walked away, disappearing into the shadows.
I posted a notice on the neighborhood email, but got no replies, which was odd because big dogs do not go unnoticed around here. I really wanted to help that dog and struggled with my response to let it go on its way because nighttime can be dangerous here if the coyote are about.
There was something off about that dog, and as I thought about it later, I felt it was not a dog - at least not like any I've known. After talking this over with friends, we agreed it was a spirit dog or maybe a shape shifter.
The question to me was what did I feel about this event. I had to start with the dog breed - a German Shepherd, which are associated with protection, attentiveness, bravery, and guidance. Then there was the way I handled the situation. I had a moment of fear but got over it and acted quietly and calmly. I did not feel brave in a warrior kind of way. It was more like a kindly firmness, if that makes sense. Finally, there was my personal struggle between wanting to help that dog, but not at the cost of putting my family at risk. Well, it is hard to miss that message.
So, I share this event with you all in case someone else has a similar experience. It is possible to move past fear and act with kindness and firmness. Also, it is important to be clear about our priorities, and to take care of ourselves and our families. Otherwise, we will not be of much help to others.
It was very late the other night, and I was up with Pepper (our female boxer). I took her out front for a potty before going to sleep. Out of the shadows a large German Shepherd silently appeared. I was between the 2 of them and could tell from their demeanor that it might not be a happy encounter.
I did my usual 1 second of silent epitaphs and then put one hand in front of the dog and told it to stay, as I reached with my other to push Pepper back to the house. I was doing this telepathically because I knew we each had to remain calm. I got Pepper back inside the house.
When I went back outside, the dog was at the front door, wanting to come inside. I knew this was a bad idea and declined. Then I asked it if I could look at the collar so I could get it back home. It looked right at me and gave a definite "No", which surprised me. Even the crazy dog down the street wants me to take her back home. Then it slowly and silently walked away, disappearing into the shadows.
I posted a notice on the neighborhood email, but got no replies, which was odd because big dogs do not go unnoticed around here. I really wanted to help that dog and struggled with my response to let it go on its way because nighttime can be dangerous here if the coyote are about.
There was something off about that dog, and as I thought about it later, I felt it was not a dog - at least not like any I've known. After talking this over with friends, we agreed it was a spirit dog or maybe a shape shifter.
The question to me was what did I feel about this event. I had to start with the dog breed - a German Shepherd, which are associated with protection, attentiveness, bravery, and guidance. Then there was the way I handled the situation. I had a moment of fear but got over it and acted quietly and calmly. I did not feel brave in a warrior kind of way. It was more like a kindly firmness, if that makes sense. Finally, there was my personal struggle between wanting to help that dog, but not at the cost of putting my family at risk. Well, it is hard to miss that message.
So, I share this event with you all in case someone else has a similar experience. It is possible to move past fear and act with kindness and firmness. Also, it is important to be clear about our priorities, and to take care of ourselves and our families. Otherwise, we will not be of much help to others.
