SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA FIGHT
Larry isn’t tough, but he doesn’t try to fool anyone. He’s pretty honest and open about the fact that he’s less than macho. He howls at sirens, lifts his leg on everything, even the things he knows he’s not supposed to sometimes. Lar, (pronounced lair) barks at strange noises or people coming around, but that’s pretty much where his duty ends. If it comes down to an altercation, Larry’s not remotely interested.
When my wife takes Lar and Lola to the vet’s or occasional grooming he loves to go, but when the big dogs are close by, Larry looks the other way – he avoids eye contact that might get him into a skirmish. He’s just a good natured dog… with the heart of a chicken.
Some years back, in the dead of summer, I was in the front doing yard work. I had on a baggy sweatshirt and a straw sun hat that’s got the shading circumference of a card table. I heard Larry as I made it through the side gate, his ear piercing bark that sounds too shrill to come out of a dog even as small as Lar.
Before Lar came into view I began galloping toward him and swinging my arms like an orangutan. The second my brave watchdog spotted me, he tucked his tail, literally all the way underneath him, and ran like a greyhound for the other side of the yard, yelping like he was being skinned alive.
Lar was so loud my wife came outside to see what was killing him. She spotted me belly laughing and demanded, “What did you do to him?”
“Nothing!” I laughed, “He didn’t recognize me in the hat!”
Larry slowly walked back over realizing it was safe and he was just a shamed coward.
When my dad was sick my oldest brother came to visit and brought his dog Teddy with him. Teddy was a real dog, and real tough, not a bully, but the real deal, and Larry knew it. Lar worshiped Teddy and followed him around our backyard looking for pointers.
While Teddy was a good dog, he was still a dog. One late afternoon after Teddy devoured his bone, he decided he wasn’t just going to take Larry’s bone, which Lar most certainly would have given him to avoid confrontation, he was going to hurt Lar first.
As the Catahoula hunting dog went after Lar’s neck he got a surprise… While Larry didn’t want to fight, he wasn’t going to be killed without one. I was shocked to see our stocky little Shih Tzu jumping backward on his hind legs snapping and biting back the jaws of death in defense. My brother called Teddy off and saved Lar from any harm.
I think about all we hear in the media about bullying, how they’re trying to educate and change people from doing it… There going to teach people right from wrong? I have news for them: People know what’s right from wrong and while the majority do okay, in general, there’s still the small percentage that just don’t care… no matter how much you try to educate them.
The old Kenny Rogers song comes to mind, “Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man.”
It’s a heartbreaking reality that I had to prepare my girls for the ugly and insidious side of this fallen world… The only thing worse would be me depending on human nature to change…
June
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 @ 6:54 pm
You can’t legislate morality. You redeemed yourself by saving Larry from Teddy in the end ;]
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:08 pm
I’m with you, June. Legalism has never worked in any setting. It’ about the heart. And while Lar isn’t the best dog, he’s mine and I’ll defend the little coward! Thanks, June!
Barb Raveling
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 @ 7:23 pm
I definitely agree that you can’t change everyone – and also that you can’t legislate morality. It would be interesting to know how much we could change. I think of the anti-smoking advertising campaign which has made a huge change in behavior and the civil rights movement as well. Definitely, people still smoke and some are still racist, but every little bit helps. Unfortunately we still have to prepare our kids to protect themselves from the ones who will refuse to change. Sad! (I’m glad your little dog is okay, Floyd!)
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:11 pm
Those are good examples for sure. In this fallen world perfection isn’t an option, even for those of us that know the Truth. Not like we’re going to go out and bully, but we fail, or at least I fail, in spirit far too often. Larry’s still kicking and howling at sirens, pretending he’s a big dog! Thanks, Barb.
Sharon
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 @ 7:26 pm
Floyd, I was chuckling over this post. I adore dogs, and my son has a beagle, Marty (my granddog). He is Mr. Silent – which is quite unusual for a beagle. He’s very good-natured, too. Loves everyone. Except for one big black poodle (and his distinctly unfriendly, grouchy owner) who used to walk by my son’s house. My son told me the story of how the black poodle once got off his leash and attacked Marty. Evidently, Marty is like Lar, and has some secret Ninja in him. Marty fought like a tiger, and barked and bayed like a monster! The poodle skulked away. My son said he’ll never forget what was lurking deep inside his little beagle.
So, Lar, you’re not alone. Big, brave boys are sometimes living inside little dog bodies!
And bullying – don’t get me started. It’s heartbreaking when we have to tell our kids about the *ugly* – and why is it always the nicest people who get picked on? Human nature – thankfully God saves us from ourselves.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:13 pm
Awesome comment! Human nature indeed. Sad, but we all learn and see it from a young age. I’ll bet your grand dog, Marty and Lar would be fast friends. Thanks, Sharon.
Bernard
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 @ 7:28 pm
Great story. I am teaching and preparing my boys to fight for what they want in life. I explain to them because some people smile in your face doesn’t mean they have your best interest at heart. I agree most people know what’s right from wrong and the choose which one they will participate in. The scriptures teaches us to watch and pray.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:17 pm
I like that, Bernard, “watch and pray.” Didn’t even think of it. Good for you, Bernard. I know you’re a good dad and will teach them to be fair minded men and peacemakers in accordance to our calling. I also know you’ll prepare them for the unexpected. I like you perspective, big surprise you and I are on the same page! Thanks, Bernard.
Chuck Allen
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 @ 9:40 pm
Ha ha! It’s fun to see the fight come out in the little guy.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:19 pm
Yeah it was! I thought I was going to have to fight for him. I guess you could say Lar walks softly and carries a big bone! (that was pathetic!) Thanks, Chuck!
Hazel Moon
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 @ 11:22 pm
I love a dog story and this one is awesome. Larry knew to stand up for what was right. Our dogs might look fierce enough to scare anyone wanting to enter our place, but offer them a doggie bone and they will let you come in a take anything you like.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:21 pm
I love your dog stories too, Hazel! We’re a couple of softies. Larry love his jerky treats so much that I could teach him to do anything I think! I taught him to roll over in a few minutes, not because he’s excessively smart, but his love of “treats”! We can’t even say the word without him going crazy! Thanks, Hazel.
Mia
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 3:12 am
Dear Floyd
I wish I could have seen you when you chased Larry with that hat on. It must have been a sight for sore eyes. Poor dog. Remember, he is just “in touch” with his feminine side. Oh, now I am talking rubbish. Floyd, I read the other day in Ephesians 2:2 that it is the evil spirit that works in the sons (daughters) of disobedience and before we were born from above, we were all slaves to the devil who deceives the whole world. We do not have a human nature apart from a spiritual source, we only have a individuality. Remember when God blew His Spirit in Adams nose, Adam became a living soul. Jesus frees us from that slavery to sin and the devil from the one moment to the next with His saving Resurrected Life (Rom 5:10). We were by nature children of wrath, of the evil one, but now we are by nature the sons and daughters of God. Hoping you are recuperating well after your operation, dear brother.
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:28 pm
Your mind is always working, Mia! Good for you! I so appreciate that trait. We’re born into sin and it shouldn’t be a surprise that we have these kinds of issues in society. Larry is a character, you’d love him!
Thanks for your prayers, Mia. The shoulder should be coming along fine. Blessings to you, sister.
Thomas Mason
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 6:18 am
The disposition of Lars is very similar to our Chihuahua, Tanner.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:30 pm
Great name! Amazing who big the personalities of these little dogs can be! Thanks, Thomas.
Dan Erickson
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 7:05 am
Love the start of this story. Love the end, too. I’m with you that this world does not always allow us to stand by and “take it” passively. It’s sad. Give my regards to Lar.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:33 pm
I know you know that all too well, Dan. I thought of you and your books when I posted this. Thanks, Dan. I’ll give Lar a pat on the head from you!
Voni
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 7:18 am
The world WILL intrude, trying to take our kids away. That’s its job. Good on you for getting your children ready for it. We need to be ready, ourselves. We must all be trained to recognize that wordly voice for what it is, and to hear God’s voice for the Truth it is.
Blessings, Voni
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:34 pm
Wow, Voni. Awesome words of wisdom, sister. All I can say to that is Amen! Thanks!
Ceil
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 7:19 am
Hi Floyd! I remember when my son came home from grade school, and informed me that life is not like our family. We love each other and don’t tolerate bullying. He didn’t see that in the ‘outside world’. Yikes. That was a wake-up call. I should have explained to him, as you did to your girls, that life is hard, and people are harder sometimes.
Bless your little Lar! He knew when he had to put up that fight no matter what. I pray that I will be like him too. Pick my battles, make sure it’s worth it…then go ‘all in’!
Happy Valentines Day to you and your precious girls 🙂
Ceil
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:37 pm
“Pick my battles, make sure it’s worth it… then go ‘all in’!” That’s profound commons sense, Ceil. We have to be on guard with our armor on to battle the lost world as it seeks to destroy all that is good. Thanks for the Valentine wishes and the same to you and yours, Ceil!
Bill (cycelguy)
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 9:39 am
So true Floyd. Human nature will never change…no matter how much we think it will. Hope you are feeling better my friend.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:39 pm
I’m with you, Bill. Thanks. I’m coming around… something about them cutting bones and drilling screws into them that makes for long nights! I’m coming around and appreciate your prayers, Bill. Lord knows I’m not as tough as I used to be!
Jason Stasyszen
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 9:40 am
Rules are good to a point, but just like good laws, you can’t legislate righteousness. People will find a way around it or openly rebel. Without a true heart change, there will be “playing nice,” but missing the bigger picture. Even if everyone were nice all the time though, we still have an enemy who only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He’s the biggest bully of all and we do have to learn how to fight or we’re sunk. It’s not by flesh and blood wrestling, our power or strength, it’s by His Spirit and the weapons of warfare He provides. I’ve gone on and on! Good stuff, Floyd. Thank you. 🙂
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:41 pm
I’m glad you did go on, Jason! That was an awesome summary and defense! The enemy is seeking to devour us like a lion! We have to be prepared in His spirit. Very well said, my friend. I like it when you get on a roll! Thanks, Jason.
Lisa notes
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 9:50 am
Lar ounds like my silly dog. ha. She’s a scaredy-cat for sure, but she can definitely bark from afar. I hope she never has to defend herself in a real skirmish. Same for all our girls. But, yes, there are times when we’re up against craziness and evil and we need to know what to do (and tears don’t always work).
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:46 pm
Before the girls both left for the UofA I spent time with them to prepare them for the ugly side of life. I pray they or none of us ever have need of it, but to stand up for ourselves and be peacemakers is just part of it. Silly is the perfect word to describe Lar! Thanks, Lisa. Tears don’t always work… you dod have a way with words, sister.
Dave Arnold
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 10:04 am
Good stuff, Floyd. I have some trepidation about raising my children in such fallen world (as you mentioned with your girls). But the key is, as you said, not to rely on human nature. It must be a constant reliance on God and His presence. Good reminder for me today.
Floyd
Friday, June 20, 2014 @ 9:01 am
That human nature that tends to rely only on our senses will mess things up every time! Thanks, Dave.
Audra Krell
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 11:00 am
Lar reminds me of my favorite kind of people. People just doing their thing, not looking for confrontation, but who won’t go down without a fight. Someone you can count on in times of trouble. Love that Lar proved he wasn’t the coward of the county.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:49 pm
Good point, Audra. I too like people like that. Our society mistakes their kindness for weakness… Lar’s still not the shining example of bravery, but he’s got a touch of it down there some where! Thanks, Audra. Good to see you again, sister.
Effie-Alean Gross
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 11:24 am
Floyd, You’ve capture the idea of “there’s a time for everything under the sun.” Yes, sometimes we must fight, and some of us don’t really like to fight. Consider the alternative and I’m with your dog, Lar. You always give us an insight to human nature, and you’ve done an excellent job this time.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:51 pm
Good analogy from scripture, now that songs’s gonna be running through my head! I’m with you too, Effie. I don’t want to fight anymore, hope I don’t have to, but if it comes to protecting my loved ones or innocent ones, then being a peacekeeper it is! Thanks, Effie! Great to hear from you, sister.
Caleb Suko
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 12:37 pm
So true, education only goes so far. I have seen the proof in the former Soviet Union where they had a huge emphasis on education and there was a belief that if everyone had a great education then all of societies problems would go away. For some reason it just didn’t turn out that way. That’s probably because education doesn’t deal with the wickedness in our hearts. In fact when you education an evil person you just give the more knowledge to use for ill. It reminds me of Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”!
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 5:54 pm
That’s one of my favorite verses! Good point, Caleb. Without the wisdom from our Father there is no peace. Who’s not for Him is against Him. Excellent point, sir! Thanks, Caleb!
David
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 12:55 pm
I have a Jack Russell, Dachshund mix, he’s a great people-dog but a terrible dogs-dog. At best, he tolerates other dogs – when he gets to know them – but his first reaction is to attack. Once, when he was a puppy, maybe 8 or 9 months old, he went after 2 pit-bulls! I heard the owner, who had them under control on short leash/harnesses pleading with my dog to please stay away. Fortunately I got to him before he became a snack to a much bigger dog that wasn’t even bothering him. When it comes to dogs, my little 19 pound Dach-Russell is the one doing the bullying. Kids!
I agree that you can’t legislate morality but I found when I addressed a situation head-on involving bullying towards my son, the school and the other kid’s parents were quick to take positive action. Unfortunately, I know that far too often that is not the case and often. Sadly the bullies in life aren’t just kids at the playground. I’ve even seen it happen at work.
Glad to here Lar found the courage to stand-up to Teddy.
Floyd
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 6:00 pm
Good for you for being there for your son, David. I too have seen the bullying or intimidation thing in business my entire life. I knew a guy who made his desk sit a foot taller than the other chairs in his office to make him feel intimidating. Didn’t work on me.
Gotta love your little dog’s attitude! Too funny! Thanks, David.
David
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 9:48 pm
It was one of the few times I got it right, I tend to screw things up more than screw things together …
Floyd
Friday, February 14, 2014 @ 9:54 am
I’d say your instinct to protect your loved ones speaks exactly to the man you are. Like most of us, not perfect, but your love isn’t just words. That does a lot for a kid to see. Nothing happens by chance. Good job, dad!
Dan Black
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 6:36 pm
I’ve once read about a velvet covered brick, being soft but hard when it needed to be. I think we have to be the same, soft most of the time but willing to speak up or be tough at other times. For the most part I’m soft but start messing around with my family or friends and you will see my hard sit:) Great post today!
Floyd
Friday, February 14, 2014 @ 9:49 am
Yeah, I somehow knew that about you, Dan. You’re a “walk softly but carry a big stick” kind of guy. I like that “velvet brick” analogy. Who we are on the inside is found out when trouble mistakes our kindness for weakness. Great thoughts, Dan. Thanks!
Betty Draper
Thursday, February 13, 2014 @ 8:29 pm
Your story made me think of the little dog (Leo) we had in Bolivia. He love to run with the big dogs that were the guard dogs. Everyone loved him because he was so cute and small but he would growl and I think would have tried to bit anyone who tried to hurt me.
We were just talking about this very subject today with some missionaries. There has to be a heart change for real goodness to come out for we are ALL SELFISH creatures…prone to love ourselves more then others. I am with Dan though…I will be nice until you mess with my family, kind of like Leo. Good post brother…as always a good story with a powerful ending.
Floyd
Friday, February 14, 2014 @ 9:52 am
Agreed, Betty. We are all selfish, inherited it from the origin of sin. I also know that you’re love for your Savior and family are your priority and you won’t back down from standing up for them! My kind of person! Thanks, Betty. Leo sounds a lot like Lar…
Betty Jo
Friday, February 14, 2014 @ 9:21 am
Oh My! I’m still giggling over the hat description “straw sun hat that’s got the shading circumference of a card table” and can just see you chasing Lar. So glad to read too that Lar stood his ground when it came to the formidable Teddy! Sadly, your article reminds me of our own country, and that we seem to be going down without a fight. I pray it isn’t what it appears to be, that there are many, many Christians fighting on their knees to turn the imminent tide. Update: Due to all the snow we had to postpone our move this week until next. Thanks for your prayers!! I do hope you’re doing good after your surgery Floyd; will continue to pray for fast and complete healing.
Floyd
Friday, February 14, 2014 @ 9:57 am
Yeah, they take the shade hats seriously out here in Arizona! I’m with you on hoping and praying for our country. More of us are praying than we realize…
Sorry to hear about your move, Betty Jo. I’m praying for you and hope you enjoy the time with your son. And thanks for the prayers, much appreciated.
Rick Dawson
Sunday, February 16, 2014 @ 4:10 pm
It has already been claimed here – to everything, there is a season – but it can stand repeating, I think.
In the narrative I sent you a while back, I wrote about an incident at a work site after my stint in the Navy. Having been on the receiving end of abuse at home and bullying outside the home, finally having the courage and the anger both aroused at that moment to say “no more!” was a valuable lesson. It would take years more to learn the rest of the lesson – there is more strength in restraint – but when you have to fight back, do it Christ’s way.
Floyd
Sunday, February 16, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
Yeah, that was a powerful point in the story. The ones that think they can walk on others need to be put in there places every now and then. I thought you handled it well. Good reminder! Thanks, Rick. It’s great to hear from you again, my friend.
Hazel Moon
Monday, February 17, 2014 @ 10:58 pm
I loved this post. Thank you for sharing your awesome story with us here at “Tell Me a Story.”
Floyd
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 @ 8:25 am
I know how you love your dogs, Hazel. Thanks for letting me share it with your world!
tcavey
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 @ 10:47 am
I have a small dog like Lar. Santo is even scared of remotes. They can just be sitting on an armchair and if he sees it, he freaks out.
He’s scared of EVERYTHING!
But when it comes to my German Shepherds BIG bones, he is brave. He takes them from my Shepherd without a single worry that the big dog can chomp his little head off without a problem. My poor Shepherd doesn’t realize she is bigger.
In all actuality it’s my big dog who is the bigger scardy cat, she just puts up a better show of being macho.
Floyd
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 @ 1:17 pm
That sounds a lot like how many people in this life live, putting on airs to keep up the pretense. That’s just slavery… Your big dog has a great heart, must take after you! Thanks, TC. Lar probably takes after me too…
Loren Pinilis
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 @ 11:55 am
Sometimes things just are the way they are. Human nature and dog nature won’t be changing for a while.
Floyd
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 @ 1:19 pm
Good call, Loren! Not until the lion lays down with the lamb! Thanks!
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, February 19, 2014 @ 2:26 pm
Well, we’ve definitely hashed this out when I was taught to fight as I was just turning 5, so I could deal with a bully. I wasn’t shown to be a sweet, kind kid very often. Sometimes was, and sometimes prepping for fighting. To be a “dog”, I’d be in real trouble, and causing real trouble. You always have a good way to turn naturalness of our days to the specialness of the Lord’s approach. Thanks much, dear brother. Often think of calling, talking…you are so kind and helpful re: my blog post. Blessings…
Floyd
Wednesday, February 19, 2014 @ 5:43 pm
Well you’re too kind, Joanne. We share so much in common that it makes it a bit easier for us to relate to one another. Fellowship, even long distance, is a blessed thing. Thanks, Joanne.