Ol' Jumpy - The Fence Dog

January 12, 2025

Ol’ Jumpy - The Fence Dog

Joy, glee, and happiness are feelings that I experience when coming to the point about 2/3 of the way along my routine running route and Ol’ Jumpy - The Fence Dog reliably greets me. I do not know what the dog’s real name is, but to me, he is just Ol’ Jumpy. I don’t think there is a time that I have run along this route and Ol’ Jumpy hasn’t been there checking me out over the fence. So, as running does for me, it got me to thinking about parallels of looking over the fence to see what is on the other side versus the security of being behind a barrier and just barking.

There are other dogs along the running route behind fences that bark as I lumber by. Yes, in many cases, these pets don’t have the same vertical leaping capabilities as Ol’ Jumpy, but I bet most of them are not as curious as this dog and if they had the choice would likely prefer the safety and security of life confined within their spaces. I think people are the same way. Some curious, some comfortable.

There is not necessarily a right way or wrong way in the choices people make in their journeys, just a difference. Some humans are naturally more exploratory and curious than their fellow beings. What else is out there, they ponder. Am I willing to rise up and see what is across the way, like Ol’ Jumpy? Others prefer the known and are more comfortable in the sanctuary of their environments. Masters of their domain. What I have and who I am is sufficient and I am comfortable with it. No need to change or go forth in a different pursuit. I’m good, as is, like the dog merely barking.

Ol’ Jumpy may be asking, are there barriers that you have placed on yourself because of comforts that have been established over the years? Is it more pleasing to stay behind the fence and bark at what may be on the other side without fully knowing what is there? Is fear of the unknown overwhelming enough that it is holding you back from perhaps realizing more of your true potential? Or is contentment so comfortable that you are willing to forgo opportunities to stick with what you know? Questions to figure out and find the balance of what is optimal for you. Self conquest is your job.

One thing that I can count on, is Ol’ Jumpy greeting me along the running route. I’m glad that Ol’ Jumpy is one of the few that looks over the fence and does not just bark at what is on the other side.

Jump a little today!

J.C.