On sticking together.

Dogs are pack animals. We have a leader, our alpha animal, who dominates and leads the rest of us around. We usually have an alpha male and alpha female, with the rest of the group falling into some combination of dominance (love it) and submission (not a fan). We always know where we stand and, we always know who is looking out for us.

Out for my morning walk, I am often struck by the solitude of you humans. One by one, you pass me on Summit Avenue. Some of you are on bicycles, some of you chasing squirrels and rabbits (why else would you be running?), and some of you (humans after my own heart), having a nice leisurely stroll – perhaps stopping for a sniff or two. What is all of this traveling alone? Where is your pack?

I think you humans secretly want to find a pack. You know how I know?

We recently had a mugging in our neighborhood. Some not so nice people had guns and took the gym bag of a very nice person. The humans around me grew concerned and some, dare I say, freaked out. That’s understandable. What surprised me even more was what came next. The humans in my neighborhood formed a pack!

My human planned a crime watch meeting at our house. The neighborhood pack, an impressive 32 strong, came out to learn how to “take a bite out of crime” (sorry, McGruff, that’s too good not to use) and feel safer in their homes. Neighbors met neighbors, interesting conversation ensued, and people left feeling connected. How cool is that?

I am all for this type of behavior. However, if you humans are truly going to band together as a pack, here are important tips from dogs and other animals living in groups:

– Herds of elephants: Young elephants are led by the older elephants with their tails. The entire herd will protect the young ones if there's any sign of danger. In other words, “It takes a village.”

– Towers of giraffes: Groups of 40 and 50 giraffes are common. It has to do with a concentration of their favored foods on a specific location. Translating for humans: Bake chocolate chip cookies, leave the windows open, and see how quickly your neighbors cluster near your door. Poof. Instant herd.

– Pods of whales: Whales in pods protect each other from predators. Think of it as an oceanographic block club.

Neighbors in the Selby/Kent area, I’m proud of you for banding together. I love seeing you stop to talk on the street and I’m even happier when you give me a little scratch. Keep it up. Let those gun-waving bullies (and anyone even thinking about it) know that they are not welcome here. In our neighborhood, we stick together.

Until next time, I’m Selby, a proud member of the Selby/Kent pack. See you on the Avenue.

On dinosaurs.

It’s been said that clothing fashion returns every 20 years. I think that’s true, considering the number of bell bottom jeans in the windows of vintage clothing stores, and showing up on the non-hips of the young and hip.

There’s been a recent showing of another blast from the past—dinosaurs. If they have a recycle period, it seems to be once every 65 million years. Part of the Science Museum of Minnesota’s “Diggin’ Dino’s” project, they are everywhere – at local businesses, in parks, and near event centers. They stand proud, wearing banners and signs, demonstrating a performance art style that would do Yoko Ono proud. On any given day, they stand for photo shoots, allow kids to climb on them, and wince as the occasional dog mistakes them for a fire hydrant (present company excluded, of course.)

Seeing these critters got me thinking of other things that have returned:

The VW Beetle.
1935 - “People’s Car” prototype on the autobahn.
1960s - Love Bug.
1990s - Car of choice for retro-hipster Internet bubble bursters.

M&Ms.
1941 – Sent to GIs who couldn’t shoot weapons with chocolate on their hands.
1954 – Peanut.
1990s – Peanut butter. Almond. (Does anyone actually eat these?)
2007 – Addams Family dark chocolate (Comfort food has become creepy and kooky.)

Cher.
1965 – Sonny’s hair-flinging, "I Got You Babe"-singing counterpart.
1980s – One word. Moonstruck.
2000 and beyond. – Drag queen. (Wigs. Costumes. Fabulous!)

All of this reminds me.

It reminds me that gone doesn’t always mean forever (although you never know, appreciate while it's here.) It reminds me that, while shiny and new is nice, old and familiar can be even better. I see this every day as houses in our neighborhood are re-worked, as neighbors pull together to restore a sense of community, and as the next generation of world-saving, hip-hugger/bell bottom-wearing college kids takes its place in history. Good stuff.

I wonder what’s next to hit the recycling circuit. Another Police reunion tour? Eight track tapes? Peace, love, and understanding? Time will tell and I'm looking forward to it.

Until next time, I’m Selby, just waiting for Cher’s next farewell tour. Like all good dinosaurs, she will be back. See you on the Avenue.