Emma, a little white dog who lives in SaddleBrooke
Hello friends. I’m Emma, your cheerful little white dog in SaddleBrooke. In this column, I share a dog’s-eye view on life by answering questions with kindness, gentle humor, and tail-wagging wisdom. Follow more of my adventures at emmathewhitedog.com.
Dear Emma:
Have you and your dad done anything interesting lately? We are looking for inspiration to keep our “paw-sitive” spirits up!
A Fellow Neighbor
As a matter of fact, we spent a very quiet, cozy evening in the TV room recently. Dad was watching A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a movie about Mr. Rogers, the famous children’s TV personality.
While the credits rolled, I glanced at a stack of mail on the coffee table and then back at the screen. I did a double-take! I barked at him, “Hey! That man on the TV has your name!” Most of you know him as “Emma’s Dad,” but his mail says Mr. Rodgers. We are just one letter away from being famous because Dad has an extra “D” in his name that Fred didn’t have!
I watched this man on the screen being incredibly patient and soft-spoken, and then I looked at my dad, who was currently struggling to find the “mute” button and grumbling about the Wi-Fi. I thought, “Well, they aren’t twins, but they’re definitely on the same team!”
I realized Mr. Rogers had a “paw-sitive” approach to life that dogs have known for years. Here is what I picked up from the “other” Mr. Rogers:
* The “Neighborhood” Spirit: He believed everyone is special. That is exactly how I feel on my walks. I don’t care what car you drive or if you’re having a bad hair day; I just think you’re the most interesting person in the world at that moment.
* The Power of Listening: Mr. Rogers was a world-class listener. We dogs are experts at this, too. We don’t interrupt or check our phones. Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for a neighbor is just to sit quietly and listen with your whole heart.
* Big Feelings: He taught that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. When I see someone looking down, I don’t try to “fix” it with a speech. I just lean against their legs or offer a paw. A steady, peaceful presence is often all the advice someone needs.
Being a good neighbor isn’t about big, heroic things. It’s about the small, kind moments when we’re just passing by on the sidewalk.
P.S. from Emma: I finally figured out that extra “D” in our last name. It stands for Dog. While the TV Mr. Rogers was a hero to humans, my Mr. Rodgers makes sure my dinner is served at exactly 5 p.m. That’s a different kind of greatness!
If you have a question, email me at emmathewhitedog@gmail.com. Mention you saw me in Saddlebag Notes, and I might answer it in a future column.
With love and wagging optimism,
Emma