My mom’s new home encourages visits by family members, including those with four legs. Our Jack Russell terrier looks at the grand staircase – about 30 steps to the second floor and mom’s apartment – and happily trots over to the elevator. My brother’s 105 pound male Doberman whimpers and trembles on the elevator, preferring all those steps.
It seems some dogs enjoy riding elevators and some just can’t do it. This reality has been noted and studied, and, well, that’s just the way dogs are. In many cases specific training and supportive human behavior, such as carrying the dog during the elevator ride, can mitigate the fear down to discomfort, but, the elemental unease may never go away. [https://www.madpaws.com.au/blog/what-do-dogs-think-about-elevators/]
In the past week at a sad family event I had conversations with a variety of people I hadn’t seen for years. Lawyers and a judge, for example, as well as productive members of society who drive bread trucks, build things or do hotel maintenance. Plus, a wealth of people who I’m not really sure what they do.
All these interactions reminded me that people are like dogs. We have innate traits we need help to overcome. While many people of varied ages and backgrounds embrace change (be it political or technological), many do not.
Remember that as we move through 2022.
The real threat of World War III, economic pain caused by inflation, the still unconquered Covid pandemic, polarized politics making every race from school board to Congress contentious are just a few of the issues we face this year.
The response to most of these issues in most people is pretty predictable. Many will adjust to higher prices and lingering health threats. Many will denounce what they can’t change and refuse to adjust. Alas, most won’t take the time to learn – with many unable to comprehend – the core issues we face.
As a society we must accept our neighbors where they are, and, help them cope when we can. The urge to meet anger with anger or ignorance with disdain needs to be tempered. Respecting differences while sharing what we know and believe has the best chance of success.
As I mentioned, one of the suggestions for making dogs more tolerant of elevators is to hold the dog during the ride. That works with our 14 pound Jack Russell. It’s not an option for a 105 pound Doberman. In other words, in some situations there just isn’t an answer. That’s just the way things are.
Glenn