The Same for Everyone

Today was a beautiful day in Florida.   A nice 72 degrees, sunny and just beautiful. 

Mitzee and I headed to the dog park with the intentions of going to the master association meeting at 6:00pm  Why they schedule these meetings during dinner time, I don't know.  Anyway, Mitzee was playing with Lacey Bell and having fun.  I was talking to Kathy about her maltese, Mikey.  Scout came and then a couple with three dogs, 2 small and one large, entered the dog area.

Everthing was fine until Loretta got into it with another dog.  Immediately, Maureen said your dog should not be in this area because he's over 30 pounds.  Well, the husband, Bill, made a comment and then Maureen made a commnent and they had a slinging match right there until Bill's wife told him to shut up.

I grabbed Loretta and petted her.  Granted she was over 30 pounds but we customarily allow dogs over 30 in if they are passive and mellow.  Loretta was fine and it was just a tisk between her and another dog.  After all, I've heard Maureen say many times, oh, they're just having a tisk, they'll work it out.

The couple got up and took their dogs into the back portion of the dog area.  Everything was fine until Maureen started complaining again.  So, I had to speak up.  I told Maureen that if we ask the couple to take their dog out that we could not allow  the 2 yellow labs or the very large cocker spaniel in the dog area.  She didn't want to have anything to do with the truth.

How often we are told the obvious truth and we discard it.  I know what's best, don't tell me anything. 

If we continue to have  a standard for this day and another standard for another day, it all becomes confusing and weak.  People will never know who we are and where we stand.

Just as in our lives, we must strive for continuity in dealing with people, children, and even our dogs.  It allows us to have a strong foundation as we are using the same principles all around.  This also allows people to know what to expect from us and where we stand on things.

Tomorrow is another day.  Another chance to stand up and do what's right thereby being an example.  I pray that I'm a good example and I am rock solid.

p.s.  There will always be a situation that pops up that we must skirt the standard or bend it or modify it.