I Am Not Ashamed

I'd have to say that one of my biggest faults is that I almost constantly worry what others think about me.  How do I look?  Am I saying the right things?  How do I compare?  I often automatically assume the worst, and so I turn things around.  Basically, this involves a lot of sniggering about other people.  Admittedly, I will occasionally have periods of enlightenment.  These are either times when I feel really good about myself, so I am not worried what others think, or they're times when I am simply fed up and could care less.  Still, though, those periods aren't nearly as common as what I'd like them to be...except in one scenario.

When I am with the dogs I can be / say / do anything I want.  If I'm doing something for the betterment of the dogs, I will do almost anything.  I will talk to my dogs, dance for my dogs, act like random animals for my dogs.  When training, I have no problem acting like an ape or a frog just to throw something odd and unusual into the mix, and I don't care who's watching.  Apparently, I don't have any problems doing this around small children either, but I do require a bit more get-to-know-you time before this happens.

See, the thing is, dogs don't care what you look like.  They think it's hilarious and exciting when I move around like a monkey (unless they're scared, but that's another issue).  They don't tell random people that I'm weird.  In fact, if they say anything it's probably that I'm awesome because I'm not afraid to act like a goof.

Dogs really are amazing in their non-judgmental ways.  It's why there are so many organizations that deal with therapy dogs.  Did you know that there are therapy dogs that help kids learn how to read?  The dogs sit next to they child as the child reads a book to them.  It's not as nerve wracking to read to a dog because dogs aren't going to judge the child or correct the child or become impatient with the child.  Then there are dogs that help rehabilitate someone recovering from an accident.  Sometimes their presence alone is enough encouragement.

It is because of this welcoming and wonderful attitude that I will always have a dog.  I will always have someone to act like a goof around.  I will always have someone to snuggle with.  I will always have a belly to rub and a cold, wet nose to kiss.

Really, how could you not feel comfortable around a face like this?

This is Katrina, one of my fosters.  I swear this photo has not been altered in any way.  She actually smiled at me like that one day!