One thing I love about hanging around with Nokona (he’s just a year old) is that he provides ongoing amusement for me. Although I’m only about three years old myself (that’s a lot of time in dog years), Nokona’s has a more youthful perspective that keeps life interesting for all of us.
For example, in October, we went out for our evening walks and Nokona saw his first Jack-O-Lanterns lit-up on the doorsteps of a few homes. He nearly jumped out of his skin from fright. (- Made me think of the hairless cats I’ve seen.)
I busted out laughing at Nokona but Jet (my foster mom) simply (and lovingly) picked him up and took him to one of the pumpkins. She touched the pumpkin and let him sniff it. After that he realized it was just ‘new’ to him but harmless. In fact, he realized, it was FOOD.
Just last week we were walking in another neighborhood and Nokona went bonkers when we went by a yard that featured a giant inflatable snowman swaying in the wind. He ran to Jet for safety. Me? LOL.
Jet picked him up and took him to the snowman. She touched it and let him smell it. He touched it with his nose and walked all around it. After that, it was no big deal because he understood that just because it was something foreign to him, it didn’t make it dangerous to him.
So, here’s my lesson of the day… It seems the knowledge of what an object really is virtually eliminated the fear of what Nokona thought it could do to him. I recall being scared of scarecrows at Thanksgiving in much the same way yet after I realized it was just straw on a stick, it wasn’t scary anymore. I suspect this is probably true for humans too. Next time my dog pals (or human friends) are afraid of something (failing at a new job, fitting in with a group, reaching a goal, a medical diagnosis) I’m going to remind them that knowledge (about that something) is like a sword that will slay their fear of it.
Okay, the question of the day is from Bhuda who asked: It’s time for traveling to see my parents' family. They live far away and we have to go on a sky bus (I think my mom calls it a plane) to get to their house. I’m getting a new travel crate this week. Any advice for my humans about what to buy?
Dear Bhuda:
I love to travel Bhuda and now canines have so many options about the crates they stay in while on board a plane. In the old days (WAY before I was born) a small version of the traditional hard case (see sample at link below) was all we had to choose from for airline travel. Today, you and your humans should consider the Sherpa, the I-Go or even the new Jet Set options. They are much lighter weight (which your parents will love) and more comfortable for you.
Happy Travels!
Traditional hard case
Jet Set Travel Carrier
Sherpa Style
I-GO2 Carriers
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