I was turning left when I saw an older man walking his golden retriever at the corner. The dog had stopped so the man stopped too. He turned around and they stared at each other for a moment.

The man said something. I don’t know what he said because it wasn’t as spring-like today as it was yesterday. My windows were up. My heat (and my heated seat) was on!

But, I’m pretty sure he said what I have to say to my dog on so many walks.

“Let’s go. We are going this way. I’m in charge.”

And I’m pretty sure the golden retriever just laughed. I mean his mouth was open in that amazing golden retriever smile. You know the one.

I drove away laughing, so I’ll never know who got their way.

When this exchange happens on my walks I usually feel all sorts of feelings. I’m frustrated because I want to keep walking. I’m empathetic and feel bad for my dog who just wants to make an autonomous decision about where to walk. I don’t usually laugh.

But watching it through the van window? Seeing the dog smiling? I laughed, and honestly their exchange brought me so much joy. Some might say this makes me evil. I think it just gave me a little perspective.

Later I took my dog for a walk, and we got to the place where he always wants to go towards the park. He stopped and I sighed.

I told him, “Finn, I know you know I laughed and cheered for that golden retriever earlier. But right now we need to go this way on a short walk. Then, we will snuggle. Then you can have another walk. I’m in charge.”

And you know what? He walked with me, and I laughed.

Until we got to the next corner where he wanted to go to the other park, of course.