TO WOOF ~OR~ NOT TO WOOF IT DOWN, THAT IS THE SUBJECT

A well known psychologist, that had a habit of cooking big dinners for all of his clientele, was known for not only his quick eye on behavior but for his delectable dishes as well. He would spend hours contemplating the behaviors of his patients and matching a dish that might suit their needs. He was a quirky man that did well by thinking ahead of the curve.
 At each sitting you could find up to 30 guests with magnificent layouts of fine silver and china. His guests would file in the dining hall with curling stomachs caused by the aromatic smells that made mouths water.  As everyone was seated and introduced the man would make a gesture to the room. His hands lowering from over his head with a hush. The room would go quiet, the food was presented and the head of the table would look at his plate. Everyone would follow suit and respect the food before them with heads bowed. The candles lit, a bit of silence before eating...
  Then the man would look up and glance at each and every guest saying "If you can stomach it...DIG IN!"  The forks and knives clanged against the roar of thirty mouths opening for the first bite of a long awaited delight. Some shoveled and some inhaled while others picked and poked or buttered bread. All the while, the Psychologist observed this flurry and within moments he had his diagnosis sorted out. Every one of his patients were unique. When he was satisfied with his observations he would pick up his fork, and with a boom he would say "But remember to chew, it is obvious that we all have much work ahead of us to do."
And he would take his first bite quite gracefully.    

-the end-

Skylar R. Rathbun

2009

Remember this story the next time you feed your dog. Are they a gobbler or a picker, did they respect the food and their host? You can learn a lot about someone with a little careful observation. It is possible to teach your dog to eat slowly or at least carefully but it may take into account other factors like health and well-being.


We might even think about this story the next time we find ourselves scarfing down a burger, fries and shake while chatting it up on our cell-phone... mindful eating is healthier.