Over Indulgence

Topic: Obsessions

In this week's dialogue, James, Alexia, and Sundance will discuss how dogs and humans are compelled to do the things they do. Sundance will ask a series of relevant questions and James and Alexia will provide answers.

Sundance showing thanks.

Sundance: Last night I got to thinking about why dogs and humans do the things they do. Why do we lick, and why do humans obsess in front of computer screens?   

James: Licking is something dogs do to clean and show reverence to their masters or mates. It's done in a submissive manner to show appreciation and respect. When it becomes unstoppable, then we have a fixation problem. 

Sundance: I've never seen a human lick their computer screen, although I have watched you clean the computer with a special cloth. Are you showing appreciation to the great Apple in the sky by performing this task? 

Summer cabin in Beaver, OR.

James: Yes I am. I like my personal things to be clean, plus your Mama and I like to maintain a refreshing environment. We both understand that we cannot keep everything from becoming soiled and dirty, but we can do our best to keep a healthy habitat and maintain our resources so we don't waste money.

Sundance: When a dog is bored and licks its paw or leash or scratches its sides or chews people-things, is this like an "obsession" or "habit" or "tick?" 

James: Yes. 

Sundance: But whenever I see someone at a computer or reading, the human is always using a hand-paw to scratch the scalp, pick the nose, pop a pimple, or preform some other undesirable behavior. What gives? 

James: These are similar traits. Humans perform the same behaviors just as frequently as dogs, and it stems from imbalance, stress, anxiety, or boredom, just like dogs. We are not so much different. Humans enjoy probing at things and clearing whatever lies in front of them claiming imminent domain and call it perseverance, but it's just an obsession. Humans feel the need to be in control and make things appear smooth and sandpapered. Is this just? Not at all! We humans like to organize and mark things. Dogs will check-off hydrants and resource guard. Our lives are not  so much different, but you have something humans have lost in our quest to be superior beings, and that is innocence. So you see, your obsessions are brought on from our inability to guide you in the right direction and redirect your energies. 

Grooming session after exercise.

As your leader, it's my job to make sure you are well groomed, bathed, exercised, trained, and properly socialized. And as my own leader, I must do the same for myself as well.

Sundance: Once again, Daddy, you make it all clear for me. Too bad I only have a two-second memory!