Читать книгу Leashes and Lovers - What Your Dog Can Teach You About Love, Life, and Happiness - Sheryl Matthys - Страница 6

While at a dog run in New York City, I asked Penny, a fellow dog owner, if she thought there was a difference between dog lovers and non-dog lovers. Penny said vehemently, “Either they’re doggie people or non-doggie people, and doggie people are just more fun. And I think people who are brought up with dogs are more open as well.”

So since you’re a dog person, I believe you are open to giving this a try. Want to change yourself for the better? Want to know why some relationships fail and others flourish? Or why your regrets about the past tend to color your future relationships? The secret to inner knowledge, emotional healing, and healthier, more rewarding relationships is probably slobbering all over your shoes at this very moment.

That’s right; it’s time for a new direction in how you view your relationship with your dog, which will lead you toward improving your relationships with others. Don’t think owner and pet; don’t think master and beast; don’t think pack leader and follower – in this instance, think friend and partner; think counselor and co-conspirator; think guru and apprentice when it comes to creating, understanding, and experiencing better relationships with others.

According to the 2008 National Pet Owners Survey, more than 74 million dogs are pets here in the United States, owned by about 45 million people. About 39% of U.S. households own at least one dog, according to The Humane Society of the United States. That’s a lot of people, and a lot of dogs.

If you consider the possibilities with an open mind, you and your dog can embark upon a serious and committed journey to better understanding and healthier relationships, not just with each other, but with everyone you come in contact with on a daily basis.

Bosses, coworkers, boyfriends, girlfriends, lovers, acquaintances, dates, spouses, kids, family and friends; all of these relationships – and so many more – can be influenced and improved merely by opening up the door to stronger, longer communication with your dog. Not as the leader in this instance, but as the follower; not as a provider, but as a partner; not as the teacher, but as the student – once you allow your dog’s innate qualities to be your relationship guide.

It’s a new philosophy: to “Hand Over Your Leash,” metaphorically speaking. We’re used to being in charge, not relinquishing control – especially to, of all things, a dog. But think about it for a minute...have you ever heard of a dog getting involved in a nasty divorce? How about refusing to speak to his brother or sister for ten years, betraying his friends, being disloyal to his owner, or embarrassing a pal at the dog run? Ever heard of a dog having a mid-life crisis or a nervous breakdown? Or getting sued for misappropriated funds or insufficient ethics?

Okay, so maybe I’m oversimplifying, but am I really? What’s so wrong with cutting the fat, getting down to brass tacks, and stripping away the hype? We covet a “dog’s life,” with emotion bordering on envy. Why can’t we covet a dog’s “social life” with equal gusto? Take the plunge!

For years we’ve thought the correct relationship with our dogs was to lead instead of follow, punish instead of reward, and talk instead of listen. I’m suggesting you twist that age-old wisdom on its head and turn listening into an art.