The Animal Advantage

Bela has a lot of power over me and you could say that she knows how to pull my strings. But I straight up use her. While I love her deeply, and she's my fave all-around animal, she has also become my bait. I can get closer now to all the other hounds around this city than ever before.

(Most) dogs love to greet other dogs. They get excited the minute they become aware of a fellow fleabag approaching. Some spin, some crouch down, some just sit -- waiting until the introductions are made.

Bela is an exception to this. She could care less if she meets the dog down the block. She is interested in people, places and things - not other dogs. However, since that is a rarity in the canine world, I am able to pull the wool over others' eyes. I first let them know with a look that we are game for the greeting. Then I start caressing their dog while she avoids it like the plague. Occasionally, I make excuses. "I don't know what's wrong with her today", I say, all while keeping my hands firmly planted on their pooch. I only have a few moments before the pet and parent realize that she's not into it, and take off.

While many owners seem to revel in a street exhibition, there are the occasional walking hermits. I know a dog is man's best friend, but just because you replaced the humans in your life with a mutt does take said dog's desire to interact with other life forms away.
When a pet owner ignores my pleading eyes, or speeds up, so as to bypass the interaction, I furrow my brow.  I have been known to say some varietal of the statement, 'Some people don't understand joy and love', sometimes loud enough to be heard. (I do not say this if the owner and/or dog look to be of a violent nature.)

Now, I know people have places to go...but a dog's walk is its special time. It's their daily Quinceañera, their time to shine. The sidewalk their runway, the public their audience.

When I spot a dog whose body shape I admire, I quicken my pace. If the dog stops and sniffs at least a couple times, and I tug a little on Bela's leash, I can usually make it in time to at least swipe my hand down their back. I don't always ask for permission, though I do gauge the owner and dog's vibe, to see if this seems like a safe move. Will I be bit anyway, some day? Likely.

I do, of course, have some favorites. The breeds that bring to mind the call of the wild -- the fox dog, the husky. I like a regal dog too -- Great Danes and weimaraners make me weak in the knees. A few little dudes light me up as well -- namely, mini pinschers and chihuahuas.

I like thin dogs. Fatties don't catch my eye. Rather, they catch it but I then look away, disgusted. I shouldn't act this way. God knows they aren't feeding themselves. There is a black chow that I see around...his middle is so large (and the afro isn't helping anything), he appears to be just barely balancing his weight on his fluffy feet.

I am surely influenced in my idea of beauty by Bela. I call her middle her carriage. She has a beautiful carriage. It is taught, while not too thin, and full, while not overflowing. It swings from side to side with her gait. Some dogs prance, some strut, some hunker. Now, be it known that a prancer's owner delights in their dance being called out. But the hunkering shepard's owner probably doesn't want you remarking on their dog's lackluster stature.

Last week, Bela and I encountered a real looker. A brindle greyhound, accompanied by a young couple. We met, we're moving, we're walking, we're talking...and then I lean over and plant one on their dog's head. Neither of them reacted, but I quickly stated the obvious: "I just kissed your dog on the head." Then they giggled a bit. "Yes. Yes you did", they said, to which I replied, "I'm sorry. I do that sometimes. I know maybe I shouldn't. But sometimes I just can't help myself..." They both reassured me that not only is it okay; but that they wholeheartedly approve...and if the opportunity presents itself again, that I should go for it. (Obviously, I will scour the neighborhood for these 2 and that long-legged beauty of a dog they have from now on...)

So the meet & greet is for me, not her. I'm sure some people can see through me, or rather see Bela's dead eyes and the sparkle in mine. I don't care. If you'd stand here just a little while longer, I could really get some quality time in with your dog.