Dear Fellow Parishioners:

I have to explain something to you which most humans do not understand. That fact is that when we dogs bark we are saying many different things. For example some dogs bark arrogantly as if to say I am better and stronger than you. Some dogs bark aggressively as if to say "Get the #@* off my property or I'll bite you!" Some dogs just bark insults all the time because they feel threatened by anyone who is different than them. Then there are other dogs that are barking enthusiastically because they are genuinely happy to see you and are asking so many questions. This type of dog bark is saying: "Who are you; what's your name; what do you like about life; what's your favorite dog food; and do you want to play?"

I don't know about you but I like the dogs who want to get to know me before they judge me. My coat may be black and white but I don't see the world in black and white. I have learned that there are usually many different perspectives on every situation and that instead of barking aggressively at any perspective that is different from mine, I need to start by asking questions to understand things from other dogs' perspectives. Yes there are things that are pretty straightforward in a dog's life--things like prejudice, hate and cruelty are always wrong. But apart from certain moral truths that are clear cut, there are usually shades of gray surrounding us. I need to start by asking questions rather than barking vitriolic insults. Now it may be different for you humans but that's the way it is with us dogs.

BOL (bark out loud),
Sweetheart