The Pit Bull and the Zebra, Part 2

While I can readily admit that I was unprepared to bring home my new friend, I cannot say that I expected that a Pit Bull had so much to teach a zebra.

I am a flight animal. He is a bully breed.

We are both judged for not responding appropriately in situations.  We are both expected to be ways we cannot be because it is not in us.

But unlike me, he will only get one chance. One chance.  I tease him sometimes that he should make sure he saves it for a good one. Like an ex-boyfriend or a mountain lion.

But it's not really funny when someone growls at him and he growls back.  It is then that I use all my zebra flight to get to him as quickly as possible.  He does not need to defend himself-I'm his pack leader and I'll do that.  I'll take care of everything and all he needs to do is follow me.

While I can argue my own independence, it is rare that I am in charge of anyone else's.  It could be argued that I do that with the horses but I think they are more removed from 'people' world then my dog.  And I'm never 'in charge'.  I'm much better off along for the ride...(Pun intended) After some time with me they return to their herd and their own space.

But the Pit Bull counts on me every minute of the day.  And while I do not resent it, I sometimes wonder if I am qualified to be his pack leader.  (As I write this his front nails are painted Mint because he seemed so intrigued about toe-painting time that I decided to include him...) And maybe that would be okay if he was a little dog or an old dog or a golden retriever...

This Pit Bull is the first creature to teach this zebra about taking ground.  About protecting her own.  For the first time, this zebra might be protective enough to unleash some of that lion killing aggression.  For the first time this zebra is not only a flight animal, she is a fighter.

If you would have asked me almost a year ago if I thought that having a dog would help me learn to me more of zebra I would have told you you were crazy.  I got a dog to protect the zebra! And while I have little doubt that he would if the situation called for it, it is this zebra who carries that responsibility day in and day out.