Patience to Perform

Whilst most of the world under lockdown are free to take their dogs for long, leisurely walks along the beach, South Africa has chosen to ban dog-walking altogether. For many, like myself, who live in an apartment complex, as opposed to a freestanding or terraced house with a private garden, this has been a huge challenge and feels punishingly cruel. It took me a whole week to convince our Managing Agent and Body Corporate that taking our dog downstairs to the communal lawn within our complex, to do her business, aka ablution, was not the same as taking her for a walk for exercise. The fact that she has to walk there, is besides the point.

So after a week of dealing with one confused, desperate dog, who was forced to succumb to doing it on our balcony, we are now back on the small bit of luscious grass, much to the delight of Coco! Unfortunately it seems she is now out of sync and needs some urgent bowel reprogramming. 

However, in this process I have learnt an important lesson - dogs do not like to be rushed or forced to do it quick! It is much like trying to hush a crying baby when you're stressed out, frustrated or anxious, or trying to potty train, for that matter. I think babies, children and dogs can somehow sense our energy, and if we are not calm or patient, we will fail hopelessly at getting the results we so desperately want... In fact, we can actually make things worse and will see no result at all, no matter how long or hard we keep trying.  

I have had to change my perspective and resolve myself to the fact that unproductive trips are not a waste of my time. We still got to visit with nature and enjoy a bit of fresh air, and whilst my soul was calmed through listening to the birds, Coco enjoyed sniffing to her heart's content and take a cooling sprawl on the grass. 

Coco needs to do a whole lot of sniffing before she finds the perfect spot, and although at times it may feel like we are walking in circles, she needs my cheering patience before she will be ready to perform! 

So with lesson learnt, I pass it on - if you want a good result, be sure to breathe deeply, remain calm and be extra-patient, no matter what the situation... Dog, or no dog.