Did the dog just remind me?

My dog hates other dogs
Normally this wouldn’t be a problem.  But we live in a town that is very dog- friendly.

A three-year-old retired racing greyhound, Charlie turns into Godzilla at the sight of another canine

Recently, an experienced trainer walked with us. Within seconds of our stepping outside, a medium-sized Rottweiler stared at Charlie from across the street.

That’s all it took.

My pup reared up on her hind legs, front paws clawing the air, eyes glazed, ready to snap at anything in her path.

Fear rose in my chest.

It wasn’t from what could happen. It was from my total loss of control.

In those seconds she was lost to me. She wasn’t Charlie anymore. I wanted my sweet, soft greyhound, not this crazed creature.

A similar time came flooding back – when my son wore that same crazed look.

When he was under the influence of whatever drug of the day, he was no longer my sweet son. He was as lost to me as this insane hound.

The trainer warned me. Don’t try to argue with her when she’s like that. She won’t hear you.

Like addiction. Jacob could never hear me during his worst, drug-drenched days.

I had to learn to let go, to relinquish a control I never had, to stay close, love him, and pray he would return.

Nine years later, I’m rewarded with that sweet boy, again. The control that I thought I needed was his to exert – not mine.

Here’s hoping that’s a lesson Charlie will learn, and soon, too.