by “A dog is man’s best friend.” A new pal must be shown kindness and respect. This is true with people and animals. When we meet someone for the very first time, it is polite to listen and gather information about them. This shows that you care about them. The worst thing you can do to a good friend or someone new, is to frighten them half-to-death.
Journey and I would like you to imagine what it would be like if you could not swim and someone pushed you into an icy, cold swimming pool with a heavy fur coat on, boots and slippers. You cannot touch bottom. There is nowhere else to go but down and you are going down fast. Water closes in over your head. You would sink like a rock to the bottom of the pool.
At first you might hold your breath. That is instinct, however, after realizing your air is running out, you might gasp for air and drink in water into your nose and mouth and lungs. Few deaths are more painful than suffocating under water.
In panic, you scramble to the surface and kick your legs like a frog. There is a chance you might reach the top and take another gulp of air. The pool side is just within reach but you can’t pull yourself out of the water because your coat is so heavy. Chances are very good that you may drown.
That is what a dog feels like when he is thrown into the pool for the very first time without being taught how to manage water. I have been told repeatedly, by well-meaning dog owners, that the best way to teach a dog to swim is to throw him into the pool repeatedly until he finds his way to the steps.
This is cruel. There is a compassionate and safe way to introduce your pet to water. This post teaches you how to acquaint your dog to the pool and the ocean. This post is about how to have patience show kindness.
When you learn to act graciously to animals, it is easier to be patient and understanding with other human beings. Let me tell you about Journey’s first experience with water. It is exactly the story I told you.
Journey came to me when he was two years old. I do not know who threw him in the water but I know that each time I went swimming, this husky would moan and howl. He ran around the pool in an effort to save me. That is how I knew I would have some work to do.
I am an ocean person. I have been swimming in my pool since I was one year old. Enjoying a pet in the pool and in the ocean is my lifestyle. It can be yours, too. If you have adopted a rescue, chances are your dog has had bad experiences with the water. It takes patience to teach them to overcome their fears. Labs easily take to the water. Other dogs, like huskies, malamutes and big, heavy fur dogs, must be introduced as puppies to the ocean or pool.
Journey was overcome with fear. To change this behavior, I gave him treats that he loved and sat on the first step of the pool. Gradually, I coaxed him over to the edge. The first week, every day, I patiently lured him over to me. One day, he accidentally put a paw on the first step because I held the treat too far away.
This was no accident. He did exactly what I intended for him to do. The next time was easy. He journeyed out on one paw again and again. By the end of week two, he put two paws on the step then jumped back to safety.
Week three and four, I hoped he would step down on all four paws. By week four, he did. Now, it was time for his life vest. Dogs can swim by instinct, but they need a life vest because they do not know how to save their energy if they must swim a long distance. In other words, they have no slow speed. Everything is fast forward. Dogs often drown without a life vest because they use up all their energy before, they reach safety.
With a life vest secured on Journey, I lured him to the first step then gently hugged him with both arms as I praised him for being in the pool. Repeatedly, I hugged him and gave him treats.
Fully clothed, with jeans and a long sleeve sweatshirt, I entered the pool. Treats in hand, Journey quickly jumped on the first step. I scooped him up in my arms for a hug then backed away from the step so that we were both in the water. It is still frightening at first but hold your dog tightly and keep that head way above water. Let him tread water around in a circle close to the side. Be sure you are in the shallow end. Keep your feet on solid ground. Do not let his claws grip you. They are sharp!
After two weeks of forced swimming with me, Journey began to relax. I don’t think he liked it but it was in the summer. The pool was refreshing. He wasn’t cold and he loved the treats. Praise and treats paved the way to success.
Scripture Application:
When you care about a person or an animal’s feelings, this act of kindness makes them trust you. People will call you a blessing in their lives. Animals will react with joy and affection. A dog will repeat the same treat over and over for a calm, reassuring pat on the head or a hug around their neck. Your friend, will, too. We are not very different from our furry friends.
Jesus said, “In your patience, you will possess your soul.” (Luke 21: l9) He also said, “He who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matt. 24:13)
Some things do not happen overnight. This post teaches you that it takes a long time to make your dog comfortable in water. Sometimes, people are not willing to be friendly. It will take repeated attempts to win their friendship. Don’t give up. Watch this person carefully. What is it they like to do or have? Perhaps you can choose an activity they may like to participate in. Maybe they are pet lovers. You can share! The person who rejects you continually may need an extra amount of attention. He or she may turn out to be a lifetime pal.
Think of someone who may not like you or you may not care for them. List three things you can do to encourage a friendship.
There are six steps to follow in order to show kindness and patience to someone.
Approach a new person or new pet slowly but with confidence and give them a little bit of space. People repeatedly rush my dog, Journey. He is a beautiful animal and his fluffy wagging tail invites everyone to play. Sometimes, visitors forget that they are strangers to a dog. More than once, Journey has backed away from someone who forces their affection on him. Most animals do not like to be looked at nose to nose. This is confrontational and dangerous, especially if this is a new visitor.
Approach kindly, with a smile and an extended hand shake.
- Show Understanding. The handshake is a pleasant way to show understanding. You consider someone else’s space and feelings. What are some other ways to show understanding?
- Ask a question that is easy to answer. Use one of the stunts in this blog to show your interest. It is always nice to show you appreciate the way someone is dressed. If this is an animal, tell him or her how beautiful he is. Everyone likes that!
- Share Opinions. What do you feel strongly about? Is it your faith? If this is a dog or someone’s pet who repeatedly jumps up, you may have to calmly but firmly grab both paws and set him down on the ground. Hold him there a few seconds then kindly pet him.
If you meet someone with a different opinion, permit them to share. You do not have to agree. Just nod . Express how you feel without hostility. Find something good about that person and tell him you appreciate that quality in him.
- Make a plan. If you decide to spend time with someone again, pick a time and place. Pick an activity and follow through.
- How can you do better next time? Ask yourself if you could have been more kind and patient with this person or pal. Plan to do better or do more of the same.
