Straying

Little Samantha Dustbunny is curious. She has begun to realize that the world is larger than just the front yard. She has explored the side yards and part of the backyard.

When she first came to live with us, she stuck close to our feet. With each passing day, however, her comfort zone has expanded. She has crossed the street and explored my neighbors' yards. I follow her, plastic bag in hand-- but she thinks it's fun to keep 10 or 15 or 20 feet ahead of me.

Sammie has no real experience with danger and tragedy. She has ridden inside a car, but there is no way to make her understand that cars are dangerous. She is so tiny that drivers might not see her. If she were to wander off too far, I fear that she might get lost and not be able to find her way home. She is curious and, like most babies, has no concept of boundaries. There are so many interesting things to discover!

We've tried a harness and leash. The problem is that the harness is the smallest we could find, but it's still too big for her. She chews on both. She doesn't understand that they are intended to keep her safe. We are attempting to teach her to come when we call by giving her puppy treats when she comes.

The challenge is to teach Sammie caution, yet not to be overwhelmed by fear.

Superheroes are not afraid to take action, but they learn to assess new situations with caution. Saving the world demands that they do something; they have to try in order to succeed. Superheroes also learn how to assess situations. They know that some things are clearly dangerous to themselves and to others. They avoid these. While they may stay clear themselves, they call a warning voice to others to help them get out of danger. But, superheroes also know that fear must be conquered or it will paralyze us, keeping us away from good things in life. Superheroes aren't afraid to try conquering a math problem or shooting a basket or saying hello to the new kid at school. They know they dont' have to be perfect at something to find joy in it. Superheroes understand the value of "limited" success, that the fun may come in the attempt. It can be fun to laugh about the failures, which makes the joy of success all the sweeter.