Dog Day Afternoon

The writing prompt today is “What’s a lesson you’ve learned recently that shifted your perspective?” and honestly, right off the bat, I feel attacked. My perspective is fine, thank you very much. It’s built on a rock solid foundation of panic and low-grade dread, and it hasn’t failed me yet. If you’re always expecting the absolute worst, you’re never surprised. What could possibly go wrong? But, I did see a video the other day that I desperately wish would shift everyone else’s perspective. I know, I know. Classic deflection. Pure, unadulterated side-stepping. But hear me out. The video was of a couple at PetSmart with a Great Dane. Now, before anyone gets defensive, this isn’t about the dog. The dog was doing exactly what dogs do. It saw a small, furry, moving thing in a glass box and thought, “Well, that’s interesting. Is it a snack? Because it looks like a snack.” Fair enough. That’s a dog for you. The problem was the two fully-grown humans holding the leash. They stood there…