Being the new kid on the block can bring challenges. You have to make new friends, avoid new enemies, prove yourself worthy in a lot of ways. Making that transition can be hard and finding new buddies to share life’s experiences can be that much harder. So, when you are finally accepted into the fold, life feels complete. What could be better?
Rufus was accepted as one of the gang right off the bat…even before I officially decided to keep him. I thought Grimm might be a little jealous of the new guy since his position of youngest was being usurped by a new hellion. I had visions of gang initiations and hazing going through my head. I could just imagine Grimm, Zella and Charley making Rufus dress like a cat and meow all day or forcing him to give them his ration of treats and food as tribute. But did they? Nope. They took him in and immediately made him feel welcome–sharing their toys, their food, their beds, their love. He became their newest little buddy.
Maybe, I thought to myself, the dogs knew at that time that he wasn’t supposed to be a permanent resident. They were just being polite. Now that I’ve officially adopted him (and by officially, I mean I just said, “Okay, I guess you can stay”), I thought maybe the jealousy would start. Dogs can sense so much–surely they can determine through their canine superpowers when something is temporary versus permanent. Surely they would gauge the subtle shift in the environment when Rufus was given tenure. Surely the petty squabbles would commence.
Unless playing tug of war with a stick counts, then I was completely mistaken. You see, that is what is remarkable about dogs. They have an innate sense of goodwill (well, most dogs, anyway) about taking things at face value. The newbie didn’t have to prove his worth to them or remake himself to fit their ideals. He could be himself, and they theirs, with no apologies for their quirks, no expectations to become something more or less…no hidden agendas, no subterfuge, no scheming or gossip. How refreshing it would be to live in a world such as this! To be able to just say what you mean and mean what you say…well, why can’t we?
Rufus couldn’t be happier about being accepted into the fold. To belong to something…to be part of something…isn’t that what most of us desire? Don’t we, too, understand the feeling of wanting to fit in and the joy of finding true friendship? As long as we can be ourselves and be true to our spirit, then finding our niche should bring us joy. Love your friends and accept them for who they are. And if your friends also love to tug on sticks as much as you, well that is a huge bonus! Tug away, my friends…tug away.
Grimm's Furry Tail 
