STRAIGHT SHOOTING

We (Jet and I) went plinking’ today.  - “Plinkin” if you’re a Texan.  Plinking is the term my humans use for target shooting with a pistol.  In this case Jet and I went to a nearby pond nestled in a massive field. 

Nirvana.  I was surrounded by new smells and critters to chase.

In order to be polite and show my loyalty (I am a terrier after all), I watched Jet plink for a while before scampering off behind her to check out the critters.  Jet lined up a row of cans on a tree stump then aimed and shot until she knocked down the cans.  She explained the plinking rules while I hung out.

One:                  No running in front of the target area.

Two:                  No litter.  Pick up the cans and the gun shells when you’re done.

Three:                Never shoot what you don’t eat.  Sport shooting is not what God

                          intended. If you aren’t going to eat, shoot an object you can’t hurt.

Four:                  Aim to hit the target or don’t bother to shoot.

Jet doesn’t have a lot of rules.  She’s like me: all discipline on the outside but quiet rebel on the inside.  A few rules are okay; too many, constrain.  Mostly what I’ve learned from Jet is to act in the world like you do in the plinking field: be a straight shooter.  She says, “Dancing is for dating not for negotiating.” or “Surprises are for birthdays, not for business.” 

I’m just a dog but it seems like practical advice.  All the dancing and surprises at the board table just waste a lot of time and frustrate people. When that happens, you have less time for exploring and having fun.  Why would humans rather spend more time not getting to the point when they could just get out of there and head for the play world?

So, here’s my lesson of the day…  The entire plinking experience reveals wisdom dogs and humans can apply in many areas of life.  Whether it’s cans or executive talk, aim to hit your target.  Don’t run in front of a shooter unless you have the guts to take a hit and shoot back. Don’t litter a shooting area with miscellaneous crap that other suits have to pick up for you. Never ambush your fellow shooters and don’t dance with a loaded conversation in your head.

Q Okay, the question of the day is from Chopper who asked:  There’s a hot, new dachshund on the block.  – She’s a little short and longer that most of the dogs I’ve liked in the past but I can’t stop thinking about her.  I could be wrong but I think I’m in love.  How do I know?

Dear Chopper:

I think Becket said it best (she’s the hot chick that flirts with a writer on a show called Castle) when she said, “You know you’re in love when all the love songs make sense.”  So, hang out by your human’s radio and tune in to the lyrics to test your love level.