Once, we were at a picnic-style event with friends, and in our group there was another dog. The young pup was a rescue and still getting used to other dogs and noisy outdoor settings. Minjay, ever-friendly, wiggled up to the dog to try and play. He rolled around on the grass, smiling, clearly loving our Summer night outside. The other dog was barking non-stop, right in Minjay's face, but that didn't deter my guy from having a great time.
I think on some level he knew that the dog wouldn't hurt him, and he was not about to let anyone ruin his fun or change his mood. I was stunned — even though I'd seen his happy disposition in action a thousand times before — at how he stretched out on our blanket, a huge, happy dog-smile across his face, tail wagging, completely ignoring the other dog's agitation. I made a huge mental note to myself that evening: no matter how someone else is acting, you don't let them alter who you are and your mood, or ruin a great time for you.
