What a great weekend, hanging with my girls up in Santa Clarita.  I took in a new film (The Proposal--quite fun romantic comedy), got a massage, had excellent meals and lots of laughs.  I also got to meet a couple of new dogs.

Having recent experience with Charlie (who is a BIG dog and who gets excited at the beginning of our walks with Hal), and having watched The Dog Whisperer several times--I've developed the habit with new dogs of ignoring them for the first several minutes until they are calm and relaxed.

I adopted this behavior with these gorgeous young dogs and it worked just perfectly.  I guess this old dog can learn new tricks.

Which leads to the Sunday question:

Are you a pack leader or a follower?

 


Comments

Hal

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:18:10

Definitely not a follower which explains why life is not as easy as it could be. Sometimes a leader, but only when necessary.

 

Sally

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:32:35

I've always wanted to be a leader, but woe is me I'm usually the follower. This trait has gotten me into trouble more times that I can count.

 

Mom #1

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:14:13

I'm thought of as a pack leader. People always expect me to lead. When I forced myself to do so in business, I was pretty good at it, but not really as good as I'd have liked. I'd much rather do it myself, whatever it is, and that's why I work so well independently! And why I do work independently. It makes me happy.

 

Erik

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:31:12

Most of my life, a follower. Happy to be in the pack. Recently a leader. New universe for me. Liking the idea that both are right under the right circumstances. I lead here, you lead there, we're all just working (in Cesar's words) for a healthy, stable, peaceful pack.

:)

 

Cynthia

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:20:11

OK, to answer the question I guess I am a leader although not always willingly! But, more important...you were up in Santa Clarita and you didn't tell me in advance????!!!! I will forgive you this time but NEVER do that again, got it??? :)

 

Laura

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:39:11

Cynthia!

It was Father's Day weekend...I figured you were busy! (And I apologize and promise never to do it again.)

I remember you as a leader. Not surprised that hasn't changed. Sounds like you don't always enjoy it though.

 

Laura

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:40:45

Hal,

Are you suggesting there's a third way? Something other than a leader or a follower? That humans do not run in packs?

I hate it when someone breaks my Sunday Question logic.

<grin>

 

Laura

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:42:56

Sally,

Interesting, isn't it, that those who are leaders talk about the difficulty of leading and how it makes life more challenging.

And the followers feel that following has its own difficulties.

For the record, I consider you more of a leader than a follower.

 

Laura

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:45:04

Mom,

So you're sounding more like Hal and Cynthia. A reluctant leader who is comfortable with either the role of leader or follower...but in your case, you prefer to work alone.

Very interesting how all these responses fell out. I find it fascinating that people would be reluctant leaders.

I've always jumped in with both feet (which has particular issues of its own).

 

Laura

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:46:50

Good point, Erik. One can evolve from leader to follower (or vice versa) and back again.

Leadership is not, as it is in the animal kingdom, a role that never changes until death or banishment.

Here's to the good of the pack!

 



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