Perceptions #24

"A Dogs Life"

by Jerry Hodge

Dad and I made the most of his visit by taking my girls to the park. While the girls were playing on the slides I witnessed a frightening event. A man, while walking his dog, met a woman and her Greyhound. Now the man's dog - was a real man's dog. He was part German Shepherd and part the neighborhood. His name was Cujo! He was a killer. He growled, barked and snapped at the defenseless Greyhound. Blood was pouring out of his mouth as he anticipated the fight. Then it happened! The collar of Cujo fell off.

I thought, "I must do something to break up these two dogs." Then I thought again. And while I was busy in the thought process there was a strange silence. Cujo didn't attack. He didn't even bark or growl. He didn't want to fight. At last the man put the collar back on his dog. Immediately Cujo went back to barking.

I remember one time in school when a boy finally had enough from a bully and called his bluff. Again I was deep in thought on what to do when the bully walked away.

I guess sometimes people just want to growl. The threat of a fight isn't real. That is why Jesus tells us to go to them. Take off their collar, remove the fence and talk. You might be surprised by the strange calm silence. You might even find a friend.

Norman's e-mail address is: nlbales@allaboutfamilies.org

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