Dogs and Politics

Violated the cardinal rule about dog walking today:  engaged a neighbor in politics.  Oops.  Never again!  About the world she said, "I hope we don't get involved in another war."  Does that mean the "other side" is saying or thinking "I hope we do?"  No.  No one hopes for a war.
She said, "Hillary gave such a good speech yesterday."  I listened to it.  I supported Hillary strongly and even worked on her behalf.  I think in the speech she said, "... it's despicable.  You countries better do something."
When I walk Cookie I cannot say, "I hope she behaves."  I have to act to make her behave.  Behind my actions stands the firm belief that if I consistently do what will make her behave then life will be nicer for both her and for me.  Hope is not an action.
When one says, "I hope we don't get involved in another war" what is one doing?  Saying something to feel good about herself?  If one says, "I pray we do not get involved in another war," is that different from "I hope we do not?"  Is prayer more active than hope?  Should I pray that Cookie learns not to pull on her leash?  I believe I can only pray that I remain firm in training her to obedience, pray that I continue to do.
This neighbor is now a challenge.  I shall avoid politics and continue to talk with her.  I believe, like everyone, she is educatable.  I suspect she suspects I might be slightly evil.  So you can guess which side is which.

You need a dog

Today, I did it.  I crossed the line.  I saw a nice man walking at 7AM and he had no dog.  I called out, "You need a dog!"  He replied, "Yes,  I do.  I just lost mine."  I thought he had lost one but then I realized he meant his dog had gone  to heaven.  One is not lost in heaven.  He agreed that he would soon be getting another dog.  A walker without a dog seems so lost and isolated.  There is this whole underworld of (us) dog people.  We are so much happier--not only because we have our dogs; we have each other.  I have not met a dog walker I didn't like.

People walking without dogs

Now when I see people out walking in the morning without a dog I want to say to them:  "Where's your dog?" or "You need a dog."  or "A dog would be nice."  But I do not say it; I just think it.  Why take a walk without a dog?  When I wonder, if ever I do wonder, whether I should have gotten a dog, I look at her face.  The wonder changes to wonder.  When people ask me, "Are you glad you got a dog?"  my answer is always an immediate, "Yes," and so I believe that.  When I see JJ put up a cutie - like Ginger last night, who was said to cry non stop from the moment she got put in the pound - all I have to do is see Ginger, hear the crying, and know that I am taking care of another soul.  And it's Cookie's soul, so she is also taking care of me.  Right, Cookie?