I don’t compare myself like I used to. I’ve got Jesus and He is all I need. Even if I were to lose everything else – He isn’t going to disappear. I see people with a lot of stuff – but they aren’t very happy. I mean, they are happy for a moment when they get that new “toy” or go on yet another vacation to try and buy that happy feeling – but then the newness wears off and again, they start seeking for something else to fill the void in their life. Not that I think wealth in and of itself is bad – it’s not money that is bad, just the unhealthy regard some people give it. I just like the simple life and am pretty content with wherever I am financially. Sometimes less really is more!

Thanks for confirming that walking away is helpful. We’ll continue to try to stay out of the way of people working with reactive pups.

After all, we’ve been there too. It’s hard work.

I am still pretty stressed with Kilo and progress has been slow. I may be doing it all wrong but unless we are practising desensitizing him in a controlled way (which we do with trainers and friends), it is better for you or me to walk away. I really appreciate it when people don’t judge, they just keep a safe distance. One trainer said to me “distance is your friend”. I have found parallel walking with dogs across the street allows him to gradually calm down

Wouldn’t you love to know exactly what’s going through Missy’s mind when you’re petting another dog? And does she also react strongly if you come home with another dog’s scent on your clothes?

I’m suspecting there must be some kind of evolutionary advantage to people who learned to compare themselves. That’s why it sticks around as a character trait.

But it’s pretty worthless (and upsetting) in a setting where everyone has many times more than they need.

I wonder what it would take for us to evolve into ever-increasing empathy for everyone who has less?

Glad to know that even someone I see as centered as you can occasionally get sucked into the freaky comparison thing.

I feel like we have a lot to learn about what dogs think. I’m waiting for the scientist to find a way to study dogs’ reactions to other dogs’ activities. Perhaps it will happen in some of those MRI studies.

I often think that when people say their dogs are jealous they’re making a wild interpretation. But I’m not certain dogs don’t feel jealous.

But you’re definitely right that they notice when someone else is getting something they want. They’re smart that way. 😛

Some people are probably more naturally predisposed to compare themselves. I don’t usually think of it as an issue for me. I’m kinda an oddball. That’s why I was surprised to find myself thinking about comparisons so much while boat shopping.

Sounds like Callie is the centered girl we all should aspire to be. 🙂