What I Learned From My Dog

Doesn't the media tell us it's a big scary place? That there's a murderer, pedophile, rapist on every corner. I have news - bad news sells! But the result seems to be that we begin to distrust people and travel becomes something fraught with dangers. But is that really true?

I think not. I think the media sells papers with negative news for publicity and the global availability of every crisis and trauma has made us feel that death and destruction are only a footstep away. So we cloister our children - drive them everywhere, avoid underground parking, applaud anti-terrorist laws that impede our freedom and walk with our car keys lodged between our fingers and our hands cramped into fists. Yet, what are the odds? We might be run over tomorrow or hit with a neurologically damaging disease as easily as crime will land on our doorstep. So why, in one of the safest societies in modern history, are we so afraid?

Well today, Rourke, my feisty Irish Terrier stepped out with a purpose. To make friends and influence people, any friends, any people. First there was the man installing a new furnace. His
tactic, well Rourke just stared him down - the result a smile and a "hello handsome". Next on the list, the mailman or in this case woman. He waited patiently for her to get across the street, the result - a milkbone for now and one to take home. Then there was the little girl with father in tow that only wanted to say hi as Rourke ogled her from across the street. I tried to get him to say hi but barking wasn't in today's agenda, instead I ad libbed for him but the little girl was satisfied. So onward with three new friends in pocket - maybe the world isn't such a scary place after all. Because on the law of averages, three out of three isn't a bad number.

Is there more good than bad in this world? And do we just need to live smart rather than afraid?




Ryshia