joy in the Mornings

A couple of days ago my dog Jesse jumped out of his pen. He is a white German Shepherd - a real sweetheart. He is one of a pair of brothers (the other is named Frank - yes, Frank and Jesse James are their names). We don’t let them run loose because of where we live and because my grandmother lives in front of us and is terrified of the Shepherds.

The two boys are very gentle and loving, but they are also great watchdogs - which is why we got them.

So Jesse jumped out of his pen Saturday while I was standing in the driveway talking to a friend and her husband who had stopped by. Jesse came running over ready to receive adoration from all of the kids (my three and my friend’s two).

Jesse is not a small dog. He probably weighs in at around 80 plus pounds. But he is very loving and gentle - especially with kids and especially with me.

My friend’s husband asked if I needed help getting Jesse back to his pen and I said no.

After all, I’m very self-reliant and I might be small but I’m strong. I am also headstrong and prefer to do things for myself.

As my friends were backing out of our driveway, Jesse suddenly lunged. At what, I’m not sure. I was tired and wasn’t expecting it and I lost my footing, my balance, and my dignity.

I had put a leash on Jesse to walk him back to the pen and I did not let go of it. I held on tight for dear life.

Jesse managed to drag me - on my stomach - about 10 feet across the yard. Then he stopped.

I was praying the whole time that my friend and her husband had made it out of the driveway and didn’t witness my indignity.

Then I could swear Jesse snickered a bit as he looked at me. My guineas were wandering around nearby - probably the reason Jesse lunged - and I think they were also giggling.

I got up, brushed the dust off, spoke sternly to Jesse and then proceeded to finish my task.

I ended up with only a skinned elbow, bruised ego and scattered dignity.

Chalk this one up to one more goofy story my kids can tell about me, because yes, my oldest daughter witnessed the whole thing. And she tells everything.