Friendly Neighbors
We have found ourselves situated in an apartment complex, just in the foothills of the mountains that surround us. There are so many things about the complex that is appealing to us; the proximity to hiking trails, the big green spaces between buildings, walking distance to downtown, and the pet-friendly units. Prior to moving in, I do not think that either one of us was looking for "pet-friendly" apartments, but there is something special about the culture that is created when almost everyone has a pet, a sort of LOVE fills the air.
When we first got our pup we had no idea that there was an entire culture that came with being dog owners. After our pup turned six months, we brought her to a local dog park for the first time and got a taste of this culture. When we entered we were immediately greeted by wagging tails, drooling jowls, and smiles from people we have never met before. We have a dalmatian which is not a popular breed to own, but is a popular breed recognized by others. Instantly people swarmed our six month old puppy and asked us "how old is she?" or "is she a dalmatian?!" or "how is having a puppy?" These questions are typical, MUNDANE even, to ask when you see someone with a puppy, and yet our experiences have not changed as our pup has aged. It was odd, that a few MUNDANE questions gave us friendly faces each time we went to the dog park.
That dog park culture is the same at our apartment complex. Almost everyone has a dog it feels like, so our green spaces are rarely empty. Usually some dog and their owner are out exploring or just hanging. I walked out in the evening with my pup for her nightly bathroom run and ran into some neighbors with their very large husky. I've seen them around and have offered a smile or small talk before and this time was no different. But yet it was different. They asked about my pup, of course, and then they asked, "Did you play softball?" What an oddly specific question! But yes, in fact I did. As we continued I learned that this neighbor's daughter was playing softball and is super into the sport at the moment. She wants to be a catcher. Wow, what a coincidence. "I was a catcher all through high school!" "She is pretty small to be a catcher at her age," he replied. Ironic, because I was considered small to be a catcher when I started as well. Then the conversation turned, "I remember your husband saying you played softball and he offered you to play catch with my daughter if she wanted." Gosh, I would love an opportunity to share a sport I LOVE with a young girl so I responded, "Haha, yes, well the offer still stands if she is interested." By this time my pup had run off so I turned to walk away. Dogs running off is the universal sign to all owners that the conversation is ending and there is nothing rude about it. And as I did he simply said, "I might take you up on that offer." Wow, what a possibility!
In the morning, I took my pup out and found myself following her around the green space as she smelled and explored. Other neighbors were sitting on their porch watching us, although I did not see them at first. Their cats were watching us from the window too. When I called my pup's name the neighbors called down asking me about my pup. There was nothing out of the ordinary, just MUNDANE comments like "she seems to not want to listen right now." Often pet owners will comment or even talk for their pets as if we know what they are thinking! And even people who know nothing about the demeanor of a pet will do so. It is sort of a pet owner's way of connecting. I laughed and they laughed and we all went about our day. But, I started the day with a laugh. Wow.
What is so special about these two interactions with my neighbors? Nothing came from them. No promises were made, no friendships were fashioned, and yet they are two moments that made the days better. Sometimes, when we are in the MUNDANE of life, taking our dog out to the bathroom or sitting on our porch, we forget that there is still LOVE to be shared. But the key is that LOVE can only be shared when we invite others to share in that LOVE. Casual, usual, friendly comments from neighbors allowed that LOVE to be shared. And the only connection was a pet. What is interesting about these kinds of exchanges is that they often do not carry outside of the moment, as if a small shot of LOVE was thrown back by strangers who became momentary friends, and then continued on in the day as strangers. But if LOVE is made in the cracks, these moments are essential to the maintenance of the flow of LOVE. What a MUNDANE reminder to participate!
What comment have you made to your neighbors of late?
