Hunting in the Right Places

Sammy and Zorro both like to hunt.  It's what they're bred to do, and they're both fairly good at it. Zorro has quite an impressive nose, and Sammy has both the speed and stamina to keep up the chase for miles. 

Unfortunately for them, neither is actually a hunting dog by trade, and unfortunately for me, their definition of "hunting" is fairly loose.

For example, I don't personally feel that the kitchen trash can is the best place for Zorro to follow his nose, but Zorro would tell you that every time he's "hunted" there, he's found some plentiful and delicious game.

Location, location, location.

Likewise, I frequently remind Samantha that chasing my nephew's go-kart is not a good reason to run through her electric fence, and the barn cats probably don't want to play tag either. 

She chases the vacuum cleaner, too, but don't get me started. 

We're all driven and gifted in unique ways, but context is important.

Like Zorro, I also get bored when I'm alone and my mind isn't being challenged.  I can either sit and scroll on my phone, or I can get up and accomplish something.

And, like Sammy, I sometimes obsess over little things and chase after stuff that I wouldn't know what to do with if I caught.  Why dwell on something that happened yesterday when I can focus on doing it better tomorrow? 

Sometimes I wish I had that persistent, relentless attitude that comes so naturally to my dogs.  No matter what they seek, they rarely give up until they find it.  

Sometimes, even if we hide the kitchen trash can in the garage, Zorro just climbs up on the counter to sneak the leftovers.  Those bumps in road don't hold him back.  

And, matter how long she has to bark and nip at that vaccume cleaner, eventually Sammy chases it back into the closet every time.  Sometimes she'll even stare at the door for an hour to make sure it stays in there.  She's no quitter. 

Our gifts and passions don't matter much if we don't direct our attention in the right places.  Hound dogs will always be hound dogs, and people will always be people, but that just determines our tendencies, not the outcome. 

For Christmas one year, we got Sammy a remote control car.  She'll chase that thing everywhere, and unlike the barn cats, it doesn't mind.  It keeps her exercised and occupied and keeps us entertained.  

Win-win!

We're still trying to figure out what makes Zorro's tail wag, but so far those puzzle toys are a good start.  He can sniff and hunt around until he finds all the snacks inside the pockets. 

Location, location, location!

Do what you're good at, focus on the right goals, and never give up.  Just another life lesson my dogs have taught me.