Nature, Nurture, or Nuts?

Everyone likes to discuss the topic of nature versus nurture in order to understand why we do the things we do. I am a simple dog with simple thoughts.  I’ve read some Goddard, and dad teaches sociology, so i have an opinion on the subject, but i don’t want to come across as too cerebral… WOL (woof out loud)  No, in truth, i don’t have much to say about personality development and the factors with the greatest impact on the wonderful creatures we become because i think we are all wonderful creatures.

Case in point…

Molly, mom and i recently paid a visit to gramma and grampa’s house to drop off some books and pick up a few odds and ends.  There is a beast who lives at their house—his name is Rocky—and i am never allowed to get out of the car to play with him.  Apparently, he and Molly used to rough house too much, and mom thinks i’m more of a gentle giant than a tough tumbler who might not be able to hang with the big dogs.

After leaving the car in the no-play zone, mom went inside for a few minutes, no biggie, and i figured i’d spread out in the back seat to enjoy the cold breeze coming through the window.  Who doesn’t love the opportunity to close their eyes in the sparkling sunshine and be one with their world? Ommmmmmm.

There i was, not two seconds into my spiritual consciousness, when a massive weight in the form of a lovable pitbull whacked me in the side of the head.

I’ll tell you who doesn’t love the opportunity to chant her mantra in the back of the car while chilling in the sunshine, my big sister Molly.  Mom and gramma weren’t even out of sight when Molly was over the divider, into the front seat, and ripping through the treats we were suppose to be saving for along our daily walk. I will admit, i was initially annoyed because i really like treats, but i had to let it go, it was her Cujo impression to put on, not mine.

Back to my dream state.  

BLARING HORN BLARING HORN BLARING HORN BLARING HORN BLARING HORN

WTFB? (What the Fur Ball???)

I peered over the seat, and i pup you not, Molly had her right paw in the center of the steering wheel and was honking out a rhythm on the car horn that was fit to wake the dead.  Thus ended my moment of meditation.

I cannot say for sure why i was content to use our solitude to lose myself while Molly just plain lost it, but be assured, the incident at gramma and grampa’s was not the only time we have barked up different trees.

Call it nature, call it nurture. To me, it doesn’t matter.  We simply choose to approach our days differently and react in our own perfectly imperfect ways. Sure i could have nipped her in the butt right there, but my twenty months of life have taught me to accept what i cannot change! (Is that nurture?)

There are millions of dogs in the world (adopt!), each of us is unique, and doggone it, i think that diversity is cool. So, you be you…and be the best darn you you can…but don’t get so caught up in being that you forget to let the dog next door be as well.  i’m a dog, i love life, and i have flaws.  i’m perfect. imperfect. Just. Like. You.