Day 1082

We have been having a few issues with our security system and today was no exception. When I returned from some retail therapy, Mac regaled me of the chaos that ensued when the fire alarm went off! (Mac let some burger boil out of the pot onto the stove.) Lilly and Ranger immediately ran to the back door while Gus joined them after observing their decision. Sammy ran and hid.

Although we have some serious training to do in regard to safety issues for our youngest pup, I found it interesting that Sam did not follow the pack. Panic set in and he chose to find safety by a downstairs day bed. Interesting reaction …

We all find safety in numbers and most tend to follow the crowd when confronted with a confusing situation. Typically, we seek advice from those we trust when faced with a challenging situation. If nothing else, we react due to past experiences.

Being suddenly frightened can make us react in surprising ways. For me, I usually “stay the course” and face the fearful experience head on. Quickly gathering information, I make the best decision the moment offers. Of course, those choices are not always the right ones, but that provides me with a true learning opportunity!

Case in point…when I entered our gazebo and was confronted by a frightened, angry squirrel, I yelped and jumped backwards off the stairs! With the help of my brave husband, we got the little bugger safely out, but fear almost caused a broken bone for me. Now, I look through the screen before aI enter.., lesson learned !

Back to the Puppy Drawing Board with Sam! Our youngest needs a few practice sessions to make sure hiding is not an option! Sometimes we all need a bit of an intervention so we can make a better choice next time!