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Where to Look When You Need a Smile and Everyone Around You Can Use One Too

A Pitt Bull reminded me to walk in peace and not fear.

Tonya S. Ware
5 min readSep 15, 2021
Narrow road lined with tall trees on both sides, leading to open area of sunshine that’s sure to make you smile.
Photo by Ilse on Unsplash

Soiled Covid masks hung from the tree like Christmas ornaments. I didn’t think trying to climb it was my best option. Yet, I wasn’t sure what to do when a Pitt Bull approached me.

Strays used to be a big problem in my neighborhood. In 2019, the city’s Animal Services personnel went door-to-door asking to see papers if you have a dog. They wanted to verify the pets were spayed or neutered. One of my neighbors squawked so viciously that I thought she was talking to her husband. She didn’t appreciate the intrusion of having to show what amounted to a doggie passport.

The dog troopers came to my house. Although I don’t have any pets, I understood how my neighbor felt. I don’t want anyone knocking on my door asking for papers, either.

With all that’s going on today, you might have to look harder for what makes your heart glad. Searching for smiles, I walked to the neighborhood food store.

Most walkers near my house carry big sticks. One man always has a hoe with him. Once, I saw someone with a sword. I didn’t take a weapon with me, though.

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Tonya S. Ware
Tonya S. Ware

Written by Tonya S. Ware

Live healthy, age well, laugh, and have fun. Let’s make it happen. tonyasware@gmail.com

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