"There are only two ways of telling the complete truth--anonymously and posthumously." - Thomas Sowell

Meet Jack. His registered racing name is "I'm So Pretty," and if that sounds odd it's because his mother was "Pretty Ugly." I think they wanted to save him from the self-esteem issues she had so they gave him that moniker.
He's seven years old and came home with us from the annual picnic for those who have adopted Greyhounds in the past. We knew they'd have available dogs there and Pam was really hoping we could bring one home. (I'm such a softie.) They had about 17 dogs up for adoption and we asked for advice from the head of the agency and from the owner of the kennel Al came from. The three she recommended were all two years old, which means LOTS of energy. Greyhounds live to be 15 or so, and all that speed comes from an excess of exuberance, especially in their youth. Cliff, the owner of the Arivada Kennel, said Jack had been one of his dogs (in "foster care" for several months now). "I'm loathe to recommend one foster dog over another, but Jack is something special." His recommendation and the calmer demeanor of an older dog tipped the scale.

He's only been here a few hours but we can already see big differences between Jack and Al. I sometimes thought Al was autistic. He didn't make a big connection, even with me. (everyone agreed he was "my" dog.) I don't think we ever saw Al wag his tail, and while he would come eagerly when I called he wasn't outwardly affectionate. If Jack is laying down and I talk to him his tail starts beating against the floor. And he loves affection. Stop petting him and he'll step in closer for more.

We'll go for a walk in a bit and I'll see how he does on a lead.

Moving on....
Maybe you've seen a picture of a huge circus elephant standing placidly in place, restrained by a rope around one ankle with the other end tied to a stake in the ground. Ever wonder why a 2-ton behemoth that can rip trees out of the ground is held in place by a relatively small stake?

When the elephant is very young and lacks significant strength they tie him up that way. He tries to pull the stake out with his trunk and he tries to pull the stake out by straining against the rope, but he can't do it. The next day he tries again, but still can't. After days filled with unsuccessful attempts he finally gives up, stops trying. A year later his body could do it easily but his mind is defeated.

I think some people are like those elephants.
I have a friend whose husband has kept her restrained their entire married life. Years ago she got a job but he made her quit after just a couple of very successful and fulfilling weeks. He wanted her home. Maybe she complained but my sense is that, for whatever reasons, she has always submitted. And I think now it's her life; she doesn't even think about it. I'm not sure she'd know what to do if the rope broke. She'd probably just stand there.
I've also known adults who grew up in homes where one or both parents told them all about their limits. They were restrained from believing in themselves through constant criticism and belittling. As adults they are convinced of what they cannot do, should not attempt. Some people are by nature timid, but some are still restrained by the now weak and powerless words of the very people who should have empowered them.

I took a break from writing this to take Jack on a walk. He did great. He stopped when I stopped and didn't pull on the lead at all. And he began walking again as soon as I did. No straining at the leash. Very good! We went about 3/4 of a mile and I think he's out of shape. He seems worn out now. That's OK. We'll gradually increase the distances.

The cover for my Kindle arrived. I got the official eBay cover instead of one of the other after-market options. I like it! And the last couple of chapters of this book have been especially good.

Time to fix dinner for Jack and me. Pam got the morning off so we could go to the picnic but she's at the hospital now and won't get home for awhile. We'll see if Jack has an appetite or if the new environment after what must have seemed like a bizarre day has him disinterested in food.