Question the Rules

By: Tessie

My humans find it funny that I always want to take the closed trail, but I believe it’s good to question rules. Sometimes rules are there for a good reason, but other times there’s no logical explanation at all. I always wonder, “Why are they trying to keep us out? Is there something fun we’re missing on the other side of the closed sign?”

One of the rules I dislike most is the requirement that dogs be on a leash on trails. Mala told me she used to have a special tag that let her hike off-leash, but apparently, that only applied to the place she used to live, and there isn’t a similar option where we live. My parents say I need to be on a leash so I don’t chase wildlife or interfere with other trail users, and so they can make sure I interact politely with other dogs.

I’m quite skilled at sniffing out interesting stuff and have a strict “eat first, ask questions later” policy, so being on a leash helps them prevent me from eating things I find along the trail. While I understand the reasons for being on a leash, I would much rather run free. Luckily, we have a couple of places where I can do that on hikes starting right in our backyard. Mala and I love to run and play together, which isn’t possible when we’re leashed.

Mom tends to follow rules, but Dad is more selective about which ones to obey. I agree that sometimes rules should be questioned before following. In some cases, bending the rules a bit might be acceptable. Being young, I’m not as concerned about safety, so I guess it’s good that my parents watch out for me. I usually jump in without considering the consequences because having fun is my main goal. Maybe that will change as I get older, but for now I’m living life to the fullest by questioning the rules.