We took Rufus for the longest ride in the car, 300 km one way. At the destination, a new place, a village house with a large yard, huge and very desirable to explore, we left rufus free.
Because he is like a kid, not liking to be out of sight, lifting his head often to make sure we are still around. We trust him, and we take courage, because the alternative of living in obsessive control is not something we can or want to do.
It was actually funny to see him try to fit his head between the wooden fence, and then back up slowly. A few ties he succeeded to go in the neighbor’s garden, luckily dogs don’t roam freely in the village.
In my mind, I quickly weigh the possibilities, and even if they take a turn for the worse, he needs to test his limits and we need to let go a bit.
This is one thing my parents passed on to me, and I am extremely grateful for it. It’s in my blood. To give freedom and trust. The less I control, the better off we all are.
I was walking Rufus yesterday and an overly caution kid was with us. rufus went close to house that is currently being built, with deep ditches, and iron bars sticking out. the workers are pretty neat, but it is nonetheless a construction yard.
You wouldn’t believe all the dangerous things I handled as a child, from sharp tools, farming tools, to climbing huge trees, to hiking in the woods alone at 7 or 8 years of age. It gave me a sense of confidence, and it shaped who I am today. We played unsupervised all the time. Do you think my parents or grandmother had time to dot on me playing?
The one regret I have is that not knowing something or asking questions caused anger in the adults surrounding me. I have worked hard to overcome the fear of asking questions. In and out of children’s lives, it is hard to create a system of inviting and answering questions, especially since once they start, you can’t seem to stop them: why? why? how? why? why? …Maybe that is why adults got angry with us and our endless curiosity and we learned not to ask questions. At least i had the inspiration to go seek the answers without asking.
I love my dog. He is delightful and part of the family. I wouldn’t want him to get hurt and as he tests his limit, I test my own, letting him be a dog, and let him learn from his mistakes. I love to discover such instincts as we continue to prepare to become parents. It will be different in many ways. Nonetheless, I look forward to pass on the message I got ever since I was able to understand words “you ca do it!” “try” “dare” “explore”. On the other hand God help me with the endless questions.
The baby’s room is ready. Conrad put together the bed on his birthday. After hours of comparing and searching, I am very please with our choice.
