“You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile.” I Samuel 12:21 NASB
It takes a while for both master and dog to become accustomed to a retractable dog leash. (It’s purpose is to essentially obliterate the command, “heel”, which keeps a dog literally at your heel!) The retractable variety allows the dog to move to and from the master with a spring-loaded wire or nylon ribbon which recoils into its housing when not being used.
One of the problems for the dog is having to learn there is a limit to the distance he can roam from his master, a lesson that is usually taught when he darts after a cat or squirrel and is suddenly choked at the neck by the force on his collar. Famous, who would otherwise race across the yard after a squirrel, now understands he would never have a chance of catching him if he is on the leash that can deceive.
Then there is the human component of this team. He or she also has to learn the limit of the leash or otherwise suffer the blow of a dislocated shoulder depending on the size of your dog. (Springers have powerful hindquarters which can supply great force to the surprise of many pet sitters.) Many of these leads have a button which allows you to lock the leash in place, but finesse is not achieved until you learn how to quickly unlock them if the dog turns back in order to keep the leash from dragging the ground.
Then there is always the fun of running into a neighbor’s leash and having to dance around people and dogs to become untangled!
One can see how the predictable path is usually beneficial to both members of the team. But still Famous may turn aside to pursue an interesting scent or discarded bit of food. I have even seen him disappear into a bush and emerge elsewhere leaving his lead tangled in the branches. Maybe I should have given more attention to the lesson on “heel.”
Dear Jesus, help me to not turn aside today by keeping my eyes focused on You.
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