Blog Post Fourteen

Misunderstood Signals: Bernie’s Lesson in Dog Speak

From our previous tale of playful challenges, Bernie's adventures take us deeper into the heart of canine communication. His favorite "let's play" stance, complete with a head bow and an eager wag, often morphs into a full-bodied bark of invitation. It's a universal dog signal, a clear call to fun and camaraderie. Yet, during our twice-daily hikes in the off-leash park, this language seems lost in translation to some of our human counterparts.

Despite Bernie's grand size and his voice to match, his intentions are pure playfulness. It's intriguing, and sometimes disheartening, to witness people misinterpret his friendly overtures due to his formidable bark. Thankfully, Bernie's demeanor remains unshaken by any hesitance he encounters, and his canine peers seem to understand him perfectly. It's a stark reminder that the gap in communication lies not with our furry friends, but with us, the humans.

This realization brought to mind a gem of a recommendation, "Inside of a Dog" by Alexandra Horowitz. Immersing myself in this book while walking Bernie was an enlightening journey into the canine mind. It underscored how often we, as humans, project our interpretations onto our dogs, sometimes to their detriment. Understanding our dogs means shedding our human biases and really listening to what they're trying to say.

In tying this back to the joy of rescuing dogs, the beauty lies not just in providing a loving home but in embracing the opportunity to learn and grow together. Rescue dogs, with their unique backgrounds and personalities, challenge us to become better, more empathetic companions. They invite us to view the world through their eyes — a world where play signals are clear and where love and loyalty know no bounds.

As we continue to navigate the path of mutual understanding, Bernie's journey reminds us that rescuing a dog is the start of a profound educational journey. It's about more than saving a life; it's about enriching your own with endless lessons in love, play, and understanding.

Stay tuned for our next adventure, where Bernie takes hydration to new heights, literally standing on his hind legs to sip from the basin of our 4-foot tall garden fountain. It's a sight that epitomizes the joy and curiosity that rescue dogs like Bernie bring into our lives, turning even the simplest acts into moments of wonder and learning.