Have you ever taken the time to sit and observe a group of dogs? What did you notice? The other day, I did exactly that while I was at the dog park. I watched and observed, and what I witnessed left a lasting impression on me. It evoked both inspiration and a hint of sadness.

Unity in Play

Let’s start with what inspired me. As I watched the dogs play, I couldn’t help but notice the diversity of dogs. There was a Frenchie, a Dachshund, a Maltese, a Pug, and a few MCK9s. They all gleefully played together, disregarding any differences. Age-wise, there were both young and older dogs. The color range was diverse, including white, black, brown, and red dogs. Even one with all the colors! It was truly a diverse mix of pups.

While they enjoyed their playtime, I noticed something heartwarming. Each dog simply allowed the others to be themselves and do as they pleased. No one chased away another if they got too close. There was no hierarchy of dominance. They freely shared the water bowl and played with the toys strewn about.

Then, a Chihuahua entered the park. The other dogs took notice and went to the gate to welcome the newcomer. I overheard the Chihuahua’s ‘pawrent’ mentioning that it was their first visit. In contrast, all the other dogs were “regulars.” Although the dogs were all on the smaller side, they still dwarfed this tiny, adorable pooch. Yet, not even one of them displayed aggression towards the newbie.

Instead, they offered the universal doggie greeting – circling around and sniffing each other’s rear-ends. It was a comical sight. Once the initial introductions were over, they returned to their previous activities, leaving the new arrival there alone for a moment. However, it wasn’t long before the Frenchie sprang into action, playfully inviting the Chihuahua to join. What followed was an energetic display of excitement and fun, with most of the other dogs joining in a fit of zoomies. They tagged and pursued each other back and forth, endlessly.

Can we all simply get along?

Now, what’s the point of this observation, you might ask? It’s simple. In that park, there were approximately twelve dogs, each one unique. They possessed distinct personalities, behaviors, and hailed from diverse breeds and age groups. Yet, they all played together harmoniously. They accepted one another just as they were, without dividing into factions or engaging in conflict. They shared the park and its resources, all without a hint of disagreement – a master course of diversity and inclusion.

As I watched this diverse pack of canine friends joyfully co-exist, I couldn’t help but feel a touch of melancholy. Why can’t humans do the same? Why can’t we welcome others and share our resources? There are more than enough for all of us, after all.

Why do we insist on segregating ourselves? Why do we divide based on factors like color, religion, nationality, or gender? Why do we believe that only our own way is right? Why do we seek to exclude newcomers from our metaphorical park? Why do we meddle in the lives of others?

More That Unites Us

Just like those dogs, each one of us brings something unique and special to the “playground” of life. We come from different cultures, hold various religious beliefs, and possess our individual identities. However, at our core, just like our canine friends, we all desire the same things. Love, being loved in return, sharing our gifts, and forming meaningful connections along the way.

As sunset approached, one by one, the dogs left the park and returned to their respective homes. Later that day, it struck me that we can truly learn a great deal from dogs about diversity. It doesn’t matter where we come from, the color of our skin, or our size. We should embrace what sets us apart and, like those dogs, play together in life’s park.

I’d love to hear what you think. Please take a moment to share in the comments.

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