warnings

i've been training luna since march to be obedient off-leash. the key is to keep her inside an invisible boundary, say, a 50ft radius. i'm really proud of the discipline she's shown in the last two months, but it's all over now. i can't say it was all for nothing, though.

a few nights ago, we went to the field for the first time this season. this is a huge open space where she can run in circles, close to the ground. i stopped in the middle to look at a dandelion about to seed. i wanted to make a wish, but instead i just asked for knowledge. please, tell me what is going on. what should i do? talking to a weed is a distraction, to say the least, so i didn't realize luna had wandered away to the house on the corner. the woman there was outside with her dogs, only one on a leash. luna can't keep herself away from other dogs, friendly ones or not. after lots of barking, inaction on my part, and the woman screaming, "get your fuckin' dog, bitch!" i grabbed her and drug her away. we sat on the curb and i explained that this is the last time she'll be off-leash, ever. 

i carried her 40+ lbs back to the house, surprised and disappointed. 

then i thought about things. she didn't approach those dogs to break a boundary or be disobedient; it is simply her nature. when she sees another dog, any small bit of reasoning she's capable of is gone. given the opportunity, she will always be with dogs. i can't be angry at that.

it was unpleasant and maybe even scary, but i'm glad i was reminded of her limitations in this way. it could have been a bloody mess, something irreparable. maybe a short leash isn't punishment, it's just necessary.