When One and One Equals HUH?!

Imagine that you really love Corvettes.

You love how they look, the lines, the power, the cool history — everything!

Autoweek photo

Corvettes are beautiful and you have always wanted one. Heck — even Joe Biden has a Corvette!

But…

That two seater thing is inconvenient — where do the dog crates fit?! And Corvettes are so low to the ground — it is hard to get in and out. And really — just two doors is not handy at all.

OH but how you love Corvettes! Just look at how beautiful they are…

Have I got a deal for you!

All the benefits of a Corvette and none of the disadvantages!

TA DA!!!

The Corvoodle!

The price of this F1 Voodle is $127,999. Reserve yours now!!!!! They are very popular because you know — people love Corvettes. If you just want a Corvette, that will be $65,799. Thanks, Jay Lusk, for your help on creating this one-of-a-kind, amazing Corvoodle.

True, the lines are changed up a bit and well — no, it doesn’t go as fast and okay, it doesn’t actually look like a Corvette. But just look at all the seating! And the extra door and it is easier to get in and out. It even comes in different shapes and colors, although that will cost you extra.

SOLD!!!!!!!

You arrive at the Piggly Wiggly in your brand new Corvoodle and there is a cool guy getting out of a Corvette. You pull up next to him and roll down the window.

You: Hello. I love Corvettes and yours is beautiful!

Him: Thank you. (looking up and up and up) Wow! That is an interesting ride.

You (proudly): Thanks. It’s a Corvoodle — a cross between a Corvette and something else.

Him: Oh — I thought you said you love Corvettes?

You: I do!!!! I just wanted one with more seating, more clearance, and more doors.

Him: SO… you don’t actually love Corvettes?

You: YES — I adore Corvettes! They are my favorite.

Thanks again, Jay! #teamwork

Him: Did you ever consider maybe a van?

You: Heavens no! I love Corvettes!

Him: You do know that is not a Corvette, right?

You: Flipping Snob!!! (as you putt-putt-putt out of the parking lot).

Sparkle

If you love Berners — love Berners.

If you love mixed breed dogs, be a Hero and rescue one.

If you want to throw money at shysters … hmmm… this is a tricky one that could get me in even more hot water… Okay — how about this: Instead of handing over your cash to such people, please — get your unique, one-of-a-kind Corvoodle from a shelter and donate the money you save to a charity. #goodkarma #beahero

BMDCA Position on Crossbreeding

Hop In

It has been 12 years since I found Karma hanging out at that gas station in Barstow, CA. After learning from the clerk that she had been there for more than a week, I loaded her up in an empty dog crate, picked up cat supplies at the local PetSmart, and continued on to the Invitational with Asia — and Karma.

The rest is history — or maybe herstory…

I sometimes wonder if the person who was responsible for the start of Karma’s life ever thinks of her.

I say we can learn a lot from a dog but the same is true of a cat.

A stray cat, the dog sleeping on our floor, a random person — all are opportunities to practice the best of our humanity.

Karmic invitations — they are everywhere. Even gas stations.

Social Change and Training Dogs

Reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one's ability to persuade. (RBG)

I have a puppy.

This means I am in and out all day long as we support her excellent housetraining progress.

Sometimes these two are in the yard when we go out.

I quickly got tired of their loud protests that Pozy — not them — was having the extremely amazing privilege of peeing on the side lawn.

Further, I did not want Pozy to learn unfortunate behavior — she already enjoys her vocal talents enough.

I needed a Plan.

In my world, a Change Plan has to be both kind and effective.

Therefore, I do not beat up on dogs when they annoy me. It doesn’t fit my idea of what makes a Good Person and besides, it is ineffective in creating change and violence ruins relationships.

I can now walk outside without drama — even when the two most …lively, shall we say… are in the yard.

How did that happen?

I thanked and rewarded them for small efforts at being quiet and gradually increased the quiet criteria over a few days. I can now take the puppy out and there is zero barking from Claire and only occasional barks from Sparkle, who finds it very hard to not register at least a small protest at the unfairness.

I get that.

Being an ethical, kind, and decent human being does not mean we give up strongly held beliefs or commitment to change.

But don’t ever make the mistake of thinking nice means doormat. It does not.

Rather, being an ethical, kind and decent human means being committed to creating needed change in effective and ethical ways, allowing us to be part of the solution and not the problem — REGARDLESS of how others behave.

If one justifies abuse with, “they started it” or “they deserve it” or “I have no choice” — well, take a hard look in the mirror, Friend, because you are part of the problem.

Nobody — human or dog — deserves a beating, with words or fists.

Ever.

And make no mistake — the choice is not between Beating and Silent Complicity.

Creating Change is a reasonable and important choice. Respectfully and effectively.

…is such great practice for Life with Humans.