Sappy Saturday, I guess for me. I feel good today, and perhaps that brings about these posts...
Last week as I was out in the yard working on something of little consequence but definitely not paying enough attention to Gracie, I heard an exclamation from the road and realized that she had gone running out to visit with someone walking by. This is a quiet neighborhood, so lots of people walk these roads for exercise and wool gathering. Gracie normally won't run out to visit, but something must have convinced her that it would be ok. I, of course, disciplined her for it. But, the older lady that was so surprised by 60 pounds of fuzzy faced goofiness was not put out. I called Gracie back over so that she could get a scratch behind the ears and the nice lady and I talked for a few minutes.
Come to find out, she was my pre-school teacher. People, that was over 40-years ago!! She said she always remembers the great ones. I responded, "Yeah, and the ones that keep you shaking your head in wonder" as I mimed covering my forehead and shaking my head in disbelief. She laughed and patted me on the shoulder and said, "Yes, those too".
So, here is to the wonderful people like our friend Miles, who somehow pound into thick skulls like mine the concepts of math, composition, reading, history, philosophy, etc. Oddly enough, some superheros don't wear capes.
http://justajeepguydc.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-teachers-make-poem-by-taylor-mali.html
Please click on the link and see this great post. Thanks.
4 comments:
As a pet owner I have faced the same situation of a dog running into the road, I actually held one of mine as she was stitched up after getting hit by a car. I was only 14 at the time. However I have I am always wary of making a dog fearful of coming when I call, so when they make a mistake and run off, do you punish them for running, or will that cause them not to want to come back when you call??? You are so much better with this kind of thing than I, so let me know what you think. Also I am so glad Gracie is OK. Hugs
Guten Morgen Randy,
We had a school anniversary. There I met a teacher after 50 years.
That time she was neat and pretty - she taught on high "heels" with stiletto heels.
Now she is a "compulsive hoarding" (we say Messie) - she no longer pays attention to her appearance.
But what amazed me:
When I introduced myself, she remembered my former appearance, where I was sitting in class next to whom, how my behavior was, how my participation in class and my achievements were.
All this after 50 years.
Gruß Nikki
Hi Scottie;
It's a difficult thing... I expect Gracie to do what I am telling her to do when I tell her to do it. Safety, of course, is a huge reason for that.
I try to be sure that she knows why she is being negatively disciplined and why she is being rewarded. Typically one would ignore bad behavior and it would be replaced with what gets good rewards - which means you have to be careful what you reward. But, if she ignores what I tell her to do, she gets a swat on the butt - and she knows why I am doing that. Mostly it is because she found a great smell or some other thing that seems far more interesting than doing what I say.
In the end, like people - if you are loving and rewarding, the animal wants to be near you and will do what makes you happy just to be happy with you.
Bad news... cats are different. The best you can do with a cat is allow it to train you.
Good news.... works on people. A bit of attention and treats, Ron and James will be rolling over and jumping through hoops in no time.... :) ha!
hugs!
randy
Hi Nikki;
Isn't that amazing! I can't believe the care they must have for their students to remember them for so long!
hugs
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