I met neighbor Julie walking her small dogs and got caught in an odd embrace. One dog she has had several years, and the second is a new rescue from an older person who could no longer care for the dog. This was the first time I saw the dogs together. Julie and I faced each other, getting in a quick chat before we had to move on. I realized each dog kept walking, one on either side of me. I was hemmed in, so if Julie moved forward, she would be forced to hug me. Either we would hug, or we would have to extricate ourselves. Maybe she would raise one arm high, and I would duck under. Being about the same height, we might not have accomplished that smoothly.

I thought I had a solution, and without saying anything, I reached for one of the leashes. She immediately let me have it. I just pivoted outwardly, handing her the leash again with me on the other side. Awkwardness not needed! Julie accepted it without question. I was laughing inside, because I could have planned that move for a week and turned the wrong way or not done it gracefully. What a relief to have quick thinking solve a problem on demand!!