Tails of neglect?

Gracie and I were at the park a few days ago enjoying the dry spell between spring showers. I was lost in thought as I ambled along the bark dust trail. It finally occurred to me to check on Gracie and when I turned around she was no where to be seen. I brief moment of panic swept through me, but then I saw her, nearly half a field length away sitting in front of someone who was giving her treats. I called to her. "Gracie! Come!" She looked around the person's legs at me, ears up, acknowledging my call. But she turned her attention back to her benefactor. "Gracie! Come!" I shouted. Torn between the desire for food and the desire to obey, she finally opted to obey and came running toward me at top speed. But the rest of our walk was punctuated with her dashing off to get pats, words of affirmation and an occasional treat from other park-goers. At one point I joked with another person about how Gracie gets no attention or love at home.

I've probably said this before, but Gracie knows no stranger at the park. She is willing to see the good - or at least the potential for good - in each person there. She makes no predetermined judgments based on clothing, skin color or gender. Sometimes I worry that her friendly disposition will cause her to go off with just anyone. But them I'm reminded of our close connection. I see evidence of it when she runs at top speed to catch up with me, when she leans into my legs, and when she snuffles my neck after I load her in the back of the truck. I think she knows we have a pretty good life together.

After a hard play at the dog park.