Listening

Above the persistent
barkhowlbarkbarkbark
I observed my reaction

First it was…
Why is she carrying on?
One second her head was buried in the thick grass
and the next she insisted on letting sleeping neighbors know
she’s descended from wolves.
Was it the train whistle?

As I pulled against her resistance it was….
There is something wrong with this dog.
She’s more wild than tame.
You have no idea how to communicate with her.
She won’t even look at you when you say her name.

Inside the house barkhowlbarkbarkbark continued….
Surely this is all your fault.
Where have you failed?
Maybe you can get a refund?
She’s not a good family pet.
Perhaps a farmer would take her?

Family is now awake, barkhowlbarkbarkbark. Nails claw into window sill….
None of us know why she is barking.
None of know how to make her stop.
The weird little dog with the weird long name seems possessed by forces outside our control.
She won’t even eat her breakfast.

I confine her to her kennel and she is panting, quiet.
Ten minutes later when I release her, she heads right back to the window in full voice.
Ugh!
I snap on her leash and start working commands.
At first she is reluctant, but eventually starts sitting, holding, heeling.
She eats her breakfast.

When she’s finished, we head out on our morning walk….without enjoying coffee first.
What’s the opportunity that this is Gail?
What are you learning?
You know you’ll never give up on this dog.
This is a leadership lesson!
Ditch the negative thought loops.
Henrietta sit!
Henrietta hold!
Henny heel!
Okay, good girl—walk on.

I had to pause and
stop barking at myself
before I could be of service.