26 January, 2024

Negotiating with a good intent!


One occasion when Dulcie takes time to respond, is when we call her inside, after the morning and evening walks in our garden. The picture above is the typical body posture,  indicating resistance to oblige!

If we were to say, 'biscuit', she would be instantly inside!

We avoid offering incentive as it is good for her to oblige when we give her an instruction. Often, when she takes time to oblige, if we were to carry on with our routine, she would come after us give a lick on our foot and turn to look at our face to see our response. Her tail will be stiff till we show indication of approval by stroking her. Then with wagging tail, she waits to be stroked. 

What happens after that is, what fascinates me even more. In great speed, she would run to and fro in the house as if she 'managed' to manipulate us to get what she wanted. Following this, she would 'sit at our feet' to 'make up' for her insistent behaviour. 

Even a dog has a regretful consciousness. 

The Palestinians are dying each day in Gaza. Some Israeli soldiers too died recently. In Manipur, the conflict and violence between communities continue. Yesterday a militant outfit belonging to one community took a public oath to fight even more. The Ukrainians are in terrible distress with unabated attacks from Russia. 

I feel alarmed that the leadership in these countries neither convey regret or consider corrective actions to end the conflicts. 

I came across a phrase in the Old testament of the Bible, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 9 and verse 9, '..asserting in pride and arrogance of heart..' ! Following this, the text says: 'The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with smooth stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars' !

This brought a message of hope. In every situation of distress, the door is open for rebuilding!

Dulcie was remorseful and expressed it in her own way.

When will those who oppress, harm  and dominate come to their sense of feeling the pain and loss of those whom they harm!

When will we see communities feel for each other and share bread with each other!

No matter, how humans behave to each other, there is a a message of hope in the 11 chapter of the book of Isaiah, verses 1-5. ' But with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth...' The character of God is revealed in that expression,  in which we can rejoice even in the midst of despair!

We are at the threshold of another general election in India. I wish, it would be a peaceful process and the election would bring an opportunity for the revival of the democratic process, which is now in peril!

I like the way how Dulcie expresses her regret and returns to establish normal relationships!


M.C.Mathew(text and photo)







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