Marking Territory

Marking territory is serious business for male dogs. Just this morning, Leo went outside and sprayed the side of a plant stand. As soon as he was finished, Carl hiked up his leg and let it flow. Leo couldn’t allow the last urine smell to belong to Carl so he returned to the same spot, found his target and squirted what was left from his bladder.

Never having male dogs before, I was unaware of how important it is for these pooches to let other canines know who the alpha dog is. But it’s the dynamics of how Bee, our female dog gets along with her brothers that is most intriguing.

Being by far the smallest of the three, Bee has to use her wit in order to let her brothers know that she is not to be bullied around. Whenever there is a major confrontation, Bee doesn’t hesitate to get right in the middle of the scuffle.

I can totally relate to Bee. I had three older brothers that dominated the household. Trying to make my voice heard was very difficult at times. I was never able to win a physical fight or argument due to their strong personalities. As I observed Bee, I realized she used her wit to compete with these two male dogs.

Over the years, I have also come to understand that I don’t need to win an argument or be financially successful to find the joy that was destined to be mine. As I have studied the life of Jesus, I have learned to put my trust in Him and take my eyes off of what others have.


I am so thankful that I can find rest in Jesus. As long as I continue to look to Him for the meaning of this life, I know I will experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

As for Bee, she has taken a tennis ball and is using it to taunt her male friends. Every time Carl or Leo get close to it, she puts it back in her mouth and slings it across the floor. She has taught me a great deal in her approach. Instead of focusing on who she isn’t, she is taking full advantage of who she is. You go girl!



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