Great quote that crosses species

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. --Nelson Mandela

Communicating with animals is simply a heart-to-heart talk. It's enjoying the essence of another creature and paying attention and respect to the soul of a animal that most humans would look down upon.

Today was a warm, sunny afternoon and my friend Mo and I were walking a popular trail in Austin with our kids. As usual, the trail was packed with many people with their dogs on leashes. I like to watch how people relate to their pets as they take them on what should be a fun stroll by the lake, enjoying nature. I find that there are several different types:

1. Runners running with fit dogs who are loving the experience. Tongues are hangin' out and everything is cool.
2. Runners running with dogs that are not quite into it, but they are pulled into obedience when they see something interesting on the trail. Maybe they'll turn into dogs that like to run, but many breeds just ain't into it. These runners probably aren't that into running, either.
3. Walkers with dogs they clearly enjoy walking with. They give their dogs positive attention, and they are the people seen on the trail hydrating their pets by the water fountain.
4. Walkers with dogs that they just aren't connecting with on the walk...they are aggressively pulling their dogs away from interesting scents, (TUG!) they are on a mission (TUG!) to walk, damn it! (TUG! TUG!).
5. Dogs that are dressed up to give their people attention as the elderly ladies and little children coo over the cute outfits. These little lap dogs should be enjoying being outside but not necessarily as props for their people (who, if they're not carrying the dogs, are busy brushing off the grit from their white go-go boots). Take off the boots and let Fifi run in the grass for a while!

Which types of people enjoying the trail are communicating on a healthy level with their animal companions? If you guessed numbers 1 and 3, I would say you were correct.

Types 2, 4 and 5 are talking a language that doesn't reach the hearts of their animal friends. To me, they seem less happy with the experience of having a pet. They give me the impression of people who are not well suited with their breed of dog or are way too pampering or agressive and dominant over their companions.

I love walking the trails and enjoy the people with pets watching, too. If you go out with your animal companion please be aware of how he or she is enjoying the experience. Give your friend water, keep their comfort levels in mind, check in every now and then with them. Run after them as they track a squirrel...take a breather if your pet is lagging behind. It's simple...just keep your animal in your heart and you'll be rewarded with a deeper experience while enjoying the great outdoors.