Both of my dogs are “good boys” but one of them (Herbie Valentine) is a little bit better.

Sweet and social, he wears his sensitive heart on his sleeve.

He is perfect in almost every way except…..when he barks. For such a stout, solid, sturdy boy, he has the most high pitched, nerve jangling, shrill bark.

His nails on chalkboard bark tends to come out of nowhere as he alerts to sounds only he can pick up on, causing me to startle and scare.

He caused me to jump today with one such ear splitting yelp and I responded by raising my voice to an equally shrill and measured “Stop It!”

I slapped my hand on my thigh for emphasis and sent him upstairs to “Lie Down!” and “Be Quiet!”

Twenty minutes later I had moved on and it was time for lunch.

The “crew” gathered around the table with one noticeable exception. Absent from the “festivities” was Herbie.

I called his name several times and instead of the clatter of nails on stairs I was met with the silence I had asked for.

I had overreacted, his feelings were hurt and somewhere upstairs he was sulking and brooding and waiting for an apology.

I felt it as I climbed the stairs and found him ignoring me; staring out the window of my husband’s office. I called his name again but he merely folded his ears down and gave me his coldest shoulder.

Yes.

The dog was mad at at me.

And yes.

I apologized to the dog.

I told him what a good boy he is.

That I appreciate him alerting us to things we may not be aware of; the mail truck two blocks down, a jogger passing by the front of the house, the tone of our voices, the strength of our words.

I thanked him for reminding me that being “bigger” or “stronger” does not make us right.

For reminding me that there is no shame in admitting an error.

In taking responsibility.

In making amends.

I thanked him for allowing me the opportunity to grow from a place of shame.

For not holding my mistake against me.

For graciously accepting my apology (and the cookie that I promised him.)

As we headed downstairs together, I thanked him for being patient and wise, for loving me through my missteps and imperfections.

I thanked him for realizing that I am, after all, only human…..