Which Dog Are You?

In the last week, I’ve been taking a different road to get home. Because of this new route, I’ve encountered an interesting personality at the corner of 150th and Council. I’ve seen him three times now, and each time I’m impressed with his carefree smile and concerned for his safety. My new acquaintance is a scruffy mutt that resembles Benji (he also resembles the dog in this picture). So for the purposes of this post, I’ll just call him Benji.

The first time I saw Benji, he was standing in the middle of the narrow two lane back road of 150th. I had to slam on my brakes to keep from hitting the wandering fellow. With my car stopped, he continued to stand in the road staring up at me – not afraid – just looking. Then as I began to move my car to go around him, he also moved – right in front of my car again. I turned one more time and finally avoided hitting Benji. I thought for sure that was the last time I’d see him alive.

The next day as I stopped at the sign on Council and 150th, a bicyclist whizzed by. Guess who was chasing after him? None other than the fun-loving Benji. He was having a blast too. Tongue out, tail-wagging, fur blowing in the wind.

Then, yesterday, I saw him again. He was walking south on Council headed back to his stomping grounds at 150th. The thought of ‘rescuing’ Benji briefly crossed my mind. I could put him in my car and take him home. That way he’d be safe from cars. But, then I realized that a dog like Benji could never be satisfied cooped up in the four fences of a backyard. The minute I locked him up, he’d start digging under the fence to get his freedom back. I saw the look in Benji’s eye as he roamed the street, a dog like him won’t ever be happy without adventure.

I think some people are like Benji. Risk takers. Adventurous. Throw caution to the wind and just run. I am not a Benji. I think I’m more like my mom’s dog, Simon. Simon is a rat terrier and because of this he likes to spend most of his days rummaging for moles, toads, mice, or any animal smaller than himself. He likes to play in the dirt, chase the cats and sleep. Each day, he spends a little time eating, a little time getting petted and a lot of time busy with his backyard ‘projects.’ Simon, unlike Benji, is not eager to escape the confines of the backyard. In fact, if by some chance the gate is left open and he is able to get out of the yard, he’s quick to return home. Sure, he’ll run around the neighbor’s yard for a few minutes, but after exploring he returns to his front porch and waits for my mom to let him back in the yard.

Benji is daring and finds adventure wherever he goes. Simon is predictable and appreciates the simple things in life. Both dogs enjoy life in their own way. So, are you a Benji or a Simon?

Three points to the first five responders (see comments on Riddles for Hobbitses for point redemption chart).