Dogs and teenagers

On this morning's walk Raven greeted several other dogs. Some were safely behind fences, others walked with their owners. We encountered Ellie, a passive but big mix of perhaps yellow lab and collie. Raven barked happily away at Ellie, sounding fierce, but wagging his tail all the time. Ellie's owner was a little cautious, saying a wagging tail didn't mean anything--he'd seen dogs attack with tails wagging. But I knew Raven was just happy to see another canine who could relate to his world of walks with leashes, when at that moment he wanted to be free to frolic with his new friend. And when we arrived back home, I released him so he could run to his food dish.

Seems our teenagers are tugging on the leash of adolescence lately. Sometimes I try hard to rein them in, shortening the leash, and at these times I feel the most resistance. The tension is difficult, but necessary, as the process of letting go continues. The older they get, the longer the "leash"--but sometimes I feel a need to pull them in again. It seems when they encounter friends, I worry the most about what they may do--in the cocoon of home, they are safe with their parents--others may influence them in ways I may not like.

Life is a balance--letting go, reining in. With dogs and kids.

Till next time,

Suzi