Of Dogs and Men

Just watched Bolt with my roommate. It was a great film about discovering the hero inside yourself, when your self image crumbles around you. This movie appealed to me for three reasons.

The first reason is that it was a great film. The animation was amazing and John Travolta did an awesome job. The characters were hilarious and complex and the plot never slowed down. It has joined the great Disney films like Black Cauldron, Sword in the Stone, and Oliver and Company.

The second is that it made me think of my dog Boog. He is a 5 month old Chocolate Lab who has more energy than a gamer on a Saturday night. He destroys the house every time I’m gone and pees and poops right on the rug. Not a fun sight to come home to after an 8 hour day. But he is a very intelligent and loving dog. Every time I come home to the mess I think I’ve had it. But then he jumps up and licks me like I taste like a milk bone and I forgive him. Dogs are amazing creatures. No matter how angry or upset you get they always find that soft spot in you and bring it out en masse.

The third reason is I identified with Bolt. He has this image of himself as a super dog who is indestructible and without flaw. And along his journey he realizes that not only does he have flaws, he’s just a regular dog. This made me think of my life. I spent a long time ignoring my flaws and my problems. Anger, jealousy, doubt, fear. They were all there. And in an instant I learned the truth about myself. I am only humans and only human. Like a tidal wave of fear and grief it hit me. And like Bolt I was in doubt right at first. Then I realized I could still be super. I just have to use what God gave me. He gave me intelligence, sensitivity, and love.

I have to begin recognizing my positive traits so I can shed the old. With God on my side I can and will change into a better person.