An Error of Fundamental Attribution
I take early morning walks with my dog Bernie so that she can do her business. These walks have also become a time when I can clear my head and prepare myself for the day that’s to come. There aren’t many people out and about during this time in my neighborhood so it’s quite a peaceful journey for me. Every once in a while I notice that someone hasn’t cleaned up after their dog and my Zen is quickly shattered by negative thoughts and feelings about the monstrous, bad dog owners freely walking the streets. I have fantasies about what I would do should I ever come upon one of these villains as they try to flee the scene of the crime.
I would yell “STOP!” Window curtains would fly open and the entire street would witness the shameful act of this individual as I judgmentally handed them one of my “biodegradable” poop bags to take care of the mess that their dog left. I don’t like this judgmental side of me but I’m trying to be honest here. When I see dog poop on the ground or worse yet when I almost step in that dog poop, for a tiny moment in time I become someone I don’t particularly care for. I become someone who never would have started a storytelling show that’s all about bringing people together and creating community by listening to each other and sharing intimate moments with strangers.
Recently I found out that my beautiful dog has a very aggressive form of cancer and although not currently painful, it will result in me having to put her to sleep well before I ever thought I’d need to. Even as I type this I can feel the bite in the back of my throat as my eyes become heavy with the promise of tears. I never thought I would have a dog so when I had the opportunity to invite Bernie into my house four years ago it was the beginning of a wonderful adventure. Bernie is a 100 pound Airedale Terrier who I have grown to love and will miss deeply when she is no longer with me.
These morning walks with my dog are even more important to me now. Her leg has to be wrapped with tape and gauze now so getting out of the door is a little more stressful than it used to be and I am not as organized as I once was. The other day we were walking around the neighborhood when she paused in a way that let me know business was about to be done. As she settled into that familiar posture I realized that I had completely forgotten a poop bag. My heart skipped a beat and I quickly looked around in shame as Bernie continued to follow the call of nature. There was no one around and I was far from my house. There was nothing left for me to do but continue on with my walk. I had become the villain in my own story!
Bernie had once again helped me learn another valuable life lesson. It’s one I already knew but needed a reminder of. I don’t know what these people were experiencing or going through when I saw their dogs poop during my walks. I come up with my own negative story to fill in the blanks but that’s my choice. Most people go about their days doing the very best that they can. Most people are very good dog owners and care about the neighborhoods that they live in. Sometimes people have bad days and sometimes people forget to bring poop bags when they are walking their dogs. Sometimes, shit-just-happens!