Our new dog, Kaya, is a timid soul. She experienced some sort of trauma before we rescued her and does not display any form of aggression toward people. I have seen her sit on our living room couch and watch calmly as strangers entered our home. But, fireworks and thunder are another story. To those she growls, barks, and lunges.
A few days ago a neighboring country club did their Fourth of July display. Hairs standing on end, body puffed up for battle she hurled herself into space ready to engage in war!
I went out into our front yard and stayed next to her as she expressed her aggression. I wondered where she would go if she got off her lead. She seemingly wanted to fly up into the sky to meet the colorful explosions head on!
As the fireworks continued she calmed down and contented herself with keeping her eyes on the bright light show. For 30 minutes straight she monitored the storm. She was vigilant.
Is there something that sets you off? Something that triggers your aggression? And when does that shift to vigilance? How will you transform your ballistic fury into attentive watchfulness? It’s a lesson for us all.
“Beware the fury of a patient man.”
– John Dryden
