Ray Ray!

I have noted on a number of Posts that it seems to be a common human behavior trait to focus on a dog far easier than the person holding the leash. After a brief greeting, they will continue on their way knowing your dog’s name and probably a good part of its history… but they will no nothing about you!

When Ray moved in with us, we never thought about the number of people he had met while at the Humane Society. We knew he had close connections with a few individuals there, but never thought much more about it.

Many of you will know that he has also been featured in our local newspaper a couple of times, and has been featured on the Humane Society and his vet’s website.

Putting those (above) three aspects of dog ownership together, and adding Ray’s face and eye contact into the equation, you would think that nothing would surprise us when out with him.

p1080245cr

We were out the other day and Ray wanted to spend some time in the park where all the food was last Saturday. He deserves a gold medal in positive thinking as he is clearly tracking food scents… just in case!

We were slowly coaxing Ray in the direction of our planned walk when a lady approached us (also with a dog). Initially, I think the intent was to simply let the two dogs do their social thing but, while the dogs were busy, she started asking questions about Ray. What was his name; where he came from, and how long he had been with us.  During this time, the lady kept looking at Ray quite intently. Ray was also rather interested in her. Perhaps she had treats in her pocket?

She then told us that she used to work at the Humane Society and, in a moment of apparent revelation,  said “Is this Ray Ray?” We had heard Humane Society staff call him that so we said “Yes he could well be.” Apparently, when she worked there, she would often take the various dogs out for their walks, and had a “soft spot” for our Ray Ray!

She was so pleased to see him so happy; his coat thick and shiny; his mouth relaxed; his tail wagging, and his various facial expressions as he clearly knew her. This was very different from the Ray Ray she remembered1

This is not the first time that a total stranger (to us) has acknowledged Ray. We have had 1 or 2 that recognized him from the newspaper articles, but the really interesting ones are those that Ray clearly remembers, and we are wondering who on earth these people are! Typically they turn out to be volunteers who walk the Humane Society’s dogs, and they invariably have lovely things to say about their “Ray Ray”. He clearly made quite the impression in the 4 months that he was there! 🙂

33 thoughts on “Ray Ray!”

  6. You are right about walkers. I used to walk before work at 6 a.m. Men walk the dogs then. I knew all the dogs, their names and where they lived. I didn’t even know the owners’ name. Now when we refer to a house, I’ll say that’s the house where Champ (or whoever) lives. My husband thinks it’s funny. Women tend to walk their dogs (at least in our neighborhood) later in the day. We have two Wheaten terriers around the corner that are really yappers except for me. They know me so they are just interested in my (cat) smells.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I think focusing on the dog is easier because dogs are nonjudgmental. Human contact can be difficult and often times the dog can bridge the gap between being anti-social and making an effort to communicate with others.
    To be honest, I can tell you most of the dog’s names in our classes, but would be hard pressed to name one human.
    Plus, dogs are just better in a lot of ways.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I rarely meet any of the dogs that I have walked for the Humane Society; however, one actually moved into our neighbourhood a few blocks down. It is so gratifying when you see how loved they are after being adopted from the shelter! It is the best thing in the world to see a happy dog that you had a little piece in helping to socialize!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hi Kimberley. I can imagine that you need a “fix” like that periodically in order to counter the constant stress of meeting dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or simply not cared for. Be assured that without you “guys”, dogs like our beloved Ray would probably not have had much of a chance at a long and happy life. While it is rather sad that you don’t get to meet ex-alumni very often, you know that your contributions to their eventual adoption is highly appreciated. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.