Stuck in the Back… Again!
OK; I was drivin’ in traffic the other day (which comes as no surprise since I live in Houston), when I pulled up to a light next to this pickup truck. (Again, no surprise there – this is Texas, y’know).
As I was patiently waiting for the light to change, though, I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, a movement next to me. I turned to look, and lo and behold, I spotted this fine-lookin’ fellah!
At first, I had the distinct impression he was eyeing me with the same intense scrutiny he’d give a T-bone steak. Kinda disconcerting, to say the least. But then I realized he likely just wanted someone to talk to.
He’s probably tryin’ to tell me, in his own doggy way, Here I am, once again stuck in the back of this truck, while Big Bubba up there in the cab gets to enjoy the air conditioning, the radio, and the cushy seats. Sheesh, life just ain’t fair, y’know? I mean, here I am, stuck in the back… again!
Then again, he coulda been thinkin’, Woof, woof, woof, woof-woof, arf, arf.
Oh, sure; the truck bed may be tough on the tootsies, and it’s certainly mighty windy back there. Every time they turn a corner it’s tough to hold on when all you got is, y’know, paws. And if it rains, well, if you’ve ever experience wet dog…
But still; before you go all feelin’ sorry for him, there just might be another side to it.
First of all, ol’ Spot up there seems perfectly content to ride in the back of the truck, y’know? After all, there’s lots of good things about bein’ back there, y’know? For instance, he gets to go where Bubba goes. Dogs love to be wherever the hand that feeds ‘em goes.
Second, if you’ve ever watched a dog stick his head out the window of a moving car, you’ll understand another reason why he probably loves it back there. (And no, I have no idea why they do that. But then again… they’re dogs.)
Another thing – and to truly appreciate it, this is something you’ll have to experience yourself on, say, a motorcycle – the visibility is fantastic up there! Unlike inside the cab, where you can barely see the sky at all, out in the back there’s so much more to see of what’s goin’ on around him! It’s certainly enough to keep a body entertained, I’ll tell ya!
Anyhoo – just thought I’d share a quick lesson about how easy it is to focus on what we perceive as the negative aspects of life – and completely miss the great things! C’mon, admit it – you’ve probably been as guilty of it as I have.
So here’s your assignment for the day: Pick anything about your life you don’t like. No, really – anything. Now, just for the fun of it, write down a few points about why that thing might actually be a positive thing.
Go ahead. Dare to see what happens. Hey, here’s a thought: It might prove to be an interesting way to change the world, don’cha think?
In the meantime, I’m wishin’ I could ride up there with ol’ Spot. And trust me; I ain’t just a-woofin’!
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Photo Credit: Stuck in the Back Again! by Robert Hruzek
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Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Robert,
This reminds me of Lulubelle, the Flying Dog: http://westwardsagas.com/2007/05/17/lulubelle-the-flying-dog/
I understand about Lulubelle perfectly, Lillie! Yup; dogs just see the world a bit different than we do, y’know?
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Stuck in the Back… Again!
Lovely story Robert, and so well told as always.
I’ll ponder your assignment as I go about the day.
Joanna Youngs last blog post..7 Ways You Helped Me Write a Book
@Joanna – Great! Then my work here is done!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Stuck in the Back… Again!
What a remarkable story, Robert. By the way, I assumed that the dog is staring at me, right now…
Is it my illusion or what…?
Oh, that’s an awesome article there!!! Here I am about to feel sorry for the poor “dog fellar”
I was about to sympathize with him and ‘lo behold’ you opened a positive side of the story??? How could you Robert?
Seriously man, GREAT ARTICLE, GREAT LESSON & GREAT WRITING. Keep it up Robert and keep great articles like these coming.
Food for the soul I say
Thanks
Simon Preacher
But, then, don’t you wonder where his doggy seat belt is? If I have to wear one, shouldn’t he? So is human freedom compromised for safety? Is doggy safety compromised for freedom. A dose of perspective can make me dizzy….
Hmmm, excellent point! I am going to take you up on that suggestion to write down what I don’t like and shift my thinking. It already has me thinking….wow, Robert great insight on a Friday!
@Wilson – Yep; and I bet he’s thinkin’, “I wonder if you taste like bacon?”
@Simon Preacher – Hey, thanks for the kind words! That definitely deserves a wag of the tail and a tip o’ the topper to ya, Bubba!
@Beth – OK; lesse if I get this right. Uh – no, maybe, yes and yes. And now I’m dizzy!
your perspective always warms my heart
since my pup is in temporary housing I miss her
I wrote a bit about her this morning and her way of handling this sunny but very cold march day here in the midwest
” If my dog were here she’d be inhaling the air, snorting its potential.”
http://bestwellnessconsultant.com/2009/03/20/spring-schming-march-madness-karen-hanrahan.aspx
When things don’t go the way I would like my favorite prayer is, “Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity. I sure hope You know what You’re doing.” Any god of mine has to have a sense of humor. As Robert Frost wrote:
“Oh, Lord, if You will forgive my little jokes on Thee,
I will forgive Thy great big one on me. ”
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..An Uninvited Adventure
@Karen – Lemme just say, “Awwwwww” for ya, Karen. I know how hard it is to NOT have a faithful companion around when ya need ‘em.
Love the quote! Excellent!
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Stuck in the Back… Again!
@Jean – I understand that prayer, Jean, although I’d change it to, “I’m glad you KNOW what you’re doin’!” Great Robert Frost line, too.
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..Stuck in the Back… Again!
It’s obvious what I like least about my life today: I’m stuck in the hospital with a bit of pneumonia. I’m cooped up, and I can’t get up and be about the things I want to be about or should be about. I feel weak and out of control of my own life. And worse, I’m beginning to feel my age.
But then, I’m here because modern medical science is making me better and building up my lagging blood to keep me that way…so how can I complain. Also, I’m being pampered: served meals in bed, brought clean towels for my shower, and hovered over by oh so many doctors, nurses, technicians and assistants etc…even my husband!
Still, I feel like that dog on the pickup: this isn’t really my choice of a place to be today. It’s better to be one’s own master.
Love it. Be the dog.
AndyCs last blog post..True Rest
@Terro – Sorry to hear about the illness, Terro. But it IS nice being taken care of, sometimes, isn’t it? I think we all need it every now and then.
Hey, hope you can get back up and ride in the front real soon now!
@Andy – ‘Nuff said, Andy!
Robert,
You would say, “I’m glad you KNOW what you’re doin’! ”
How about “I’m glad YOU know what You’re doing!”
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..An Uninvited Adventure
I remember as a kid riding in the back of a pickup. It was awesome. Dogs are sooo lucky!
@Chris – Well sure they’re the lucky ones, Chris – after all, they’re, y’know, dogs!
Dogs love hanging their heads out the window while the car/truck is driving because they want to smell everything there is out there. Sadly, many dogs are injured by gravel kicked up by the preceding vehicle and end up losing an eye.
Deans last blog post..I like to read other people’s blogs
@Dean – I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a dog losing an eye from that, but I can see it could happen, especially on dirt/gravel roads. But you make a great point about the smells – poor guys must be sufferin’ sensory overload!