Choices & Consequences

To be, or not to be, that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of having rolled 

In a steaming pile of fresh, steaming, cow manure 

And, by doing so, force a bath, 

Or to sniff the south end of a friend heading north.

To die, to sleep--No more-- 

And by a sleep we mean to dream

Of chasing rabbits and humping legs,

The thousand natural shocks which dog is heir to.

If I were to die, I'd like to come back as a dog.  Whoever thinks this is a good idea really needs to consider reevaluating the life they live and the choices they make.  I love dogs, but dogs have flea issues, they smell like, well... a dog, they eat kitty Rocca out of the cat box, hump the legs of strangers (I might be able to get over this one), eat rotting dead road kill, and roll in the first fresh cow pie they come across.  Oh, yeah!  Sounds like a hoot to me.  The next time a dog licks your face or your mouth, think about where the tongue has been.  I mean, really, they clean their crusty private parts with it - constantly.

Dogs act exactly the way we would act if we had no shame.

-- Cynthia Heimel, feminist, humorist, author

Humans say and do things without thinking through the consequences.  Our mouths are attached to vocal cords spring loaded in preparation for the next knee-jerk reaction to some ridiculous thought that traverses the wasteland of our mind.  Sometimes it takes us years to develop an understanding of the relationship between choices and consequences, and more years to master the art of thinking before we act, if we ever manage to.  Without good breeding we simply wander through life like so many trailer trash sires and bitches, wondering where we went wrong and shaking the empties looking for the dregs of warm beer as we wait for the next welfare check to hit the mailbox.  The last thing we do is worry about the meaning of life or what tomorrow brings.

My dog doesn't worry about the meaning of life. She may worry if she doesn't get her breakfast, but she doesn't sit around worrying about whether she will get fulfilled or liberated or enlightened. As long as she gets some food and a little affection, her life is fine.

-- Joko Beck (1917-2011), Zen master

German sexologist and author, Ingelore Ebberfeld, says, "Kissing originates from animals sniffing each other." Okay, I'll buy that, but if this is true, we must have been sniffing each other's mouths, right?  I mean, otherwise, like a dog, we'd probably be planting a juicy wet one on each other's ass.  The choices we make and the consequences of those choices can have far reaching historical and cultural effects.  Perhaps it is better if we're, at least a bit, concerned about getting fulfilled, liberated, and enlightened as we travel down our path looking for our next meal and a little affection.  

Some people have compared butt sniffing in dogs to saying “hi” or shaking hands, but it actually goes much deeper than that. A dog’s anal glands can reveal its gender, reproductive status, general health, and even what it had for breakfast. In other words, it’s like peeking at someone’s Facebook page before you meet them.

Scent can also reveal whether the dog is friendly, nervous or hostile – which are obviously important things to know when two dogs meet for the first time. But just as important is the butt sniffing ritual itself. How dogs conduct themselves when sniffing and being sniffed is key to harmonious canine relationships. That’s why you should let dogs sniff away when greeting each other, regardless of how distasteful it might seem.

-- Matt Jobe, The Smell Test

Coming back as a dog might have some advantages.  We might learn how to conduct ourselves when "sniffing and being sniffed."  We might find, as dogs do, how our conduct is the key to harmonious relationships.  It really isn't veterinary science.

Editor's Note 

(re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card) 

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and then engaging in peaceful, constructive, discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning the opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with an Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research.  Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as Chaplain Program Liaison, at a regional medical center.