Ready To Respond

I'm usually very aware of my surroundings, but I'm not even sure if that's helpful anymore.

You know when someone does something that immediately makes you feel stupid for not thinking of it? Well, today at a coffee shop, I watched as this person and their dog wandered to a table. At first I was amused—the dog looked to be some sort of pittie mix with white fur, wearing a very fashionable, multi-colored sweater. By the looks of it, it'd actually been a human sweater once upon a time.

From my spot against the back wall, I watched as the pair settled into the table in front of mine, facing the window.

Good view for the dog. Smart.

This person seemed completely unhurried; but also, it kind of seemed like they were on a deliberate mission. They were focused, but nonchalant about it. Anyways, after setting their bag down and wrapping the dog's leash around the feet of the table, they went to grab coffee. Looking around, the dog surveyed the rest of us patrons in the shop, but didn't budge otherwise. When their owner returned, that's when the laptop came out. Then, unexpectedly, they quickly fished around in their bag for something else. Fully invested now, I felt my lips purse and chin tilt to the side as I looked on. I had to squint to make sure I was seeing things correctly. 

When that person turned to hand a Kong, stuffed with treats, to the white-furred pup wearing their multicolored sweater in this rather full coffee shop, I think my jaw actually fell open.

Damn...what a pro.

They were aware of their environment, but not like how I am... they set their own conditions. They'd made sure they could show up fully open and with confidence. Even though I tell myself I do that, too, I immediately recognized the difference between us while watching this spectacle unfold.

I show up ready to respond. And that's not the same thing.