Tribe

The annual August test of the Big Sky Tracking Dog Club of Montana happened yesterday on the campus of the University of Montana.

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I was a tracklayer and so I spent both Saturday and Sunday mornings with my tracking tribe. Although those of us who were there have differences, we come together over a shared love of dogs and tracking to form a community.

It is so wonderful to be reminded that we fit in these human niches, whatever they are. Humans, no matter how introverted, are social by nature — it is how we survive. The pandemic has interrupted so many of our connection points, and while certainly there is value in pruning away some of those pre-pandemic demands, we still need connection.

I am trying to find balance between connections and safety given the Covid surge, and it is tough. Just trying to navigate this takes Little Soldiers, doesn’t it?

I wonder if one reason that masks have become a bit of a tribal identity symbol (understatement alert) is simply because the pandemic has made us so desperate for connection.

I am definitely in the Masked Tribe.

I am definitely in the Masked Tribe.

Too bad we cannot all be connected by a shared sense of love and responsibility to — and for — each other.

Animals like their tribes as well. I imagine it is not easy to live in a world where the language, culture, customs, expectations are all so different than our hard wiring. When you are the only one like you — how hard would that be?

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There is comfort in likeness. Familiarity feels like home.

Can you tell which is Pozy and which is Capella?

Can you tell which is Pozy and which is Capella?

We all need that — even in a pandemic. We just need to do it safely so that our tribes survive.

You matter. Stay safe. And have a terrific day.