It's The Little Things: #1 - Dogs

Today is the beginning of something new – a new series called It’s the Little Things. This installment will run for a week, and I’m sure it will be back … whenever I collect enough tidbits and morsels and odds-and-ends.

The premise of this series is that moving from the U.S. to Australia does involve a long flight, but it doesn’t really involve adjusting to extreme cultural differences. We speak the same language, we share similar values, we shop in similar stores, watch the same TV shows, and eat at the same fast food restaurants. So, the culture shock is not delivered in mega voltage, like sticking your wet finger into a light socket. It’s more like walking across a carpeted room and getting a little pop when you grab the doorknob.

So, what follows are some of the little things that have given me that gentle cultural pop, reminding me that I’m not in Kansas (OK, Florida) anymore.

It's the Little Things

#1 – Dogs

In the States, if you see a dog wandering around without a leash, your reaction would likely be:

1. Back slowly away. That thing could have rabies!
2. Call animal control so that they can get someone out here STAT!
3. Look for its owner so that you can roll your eyes at them, chastise them in your head for being such poor doggie-parents, and possibly Tweet about it on your iPhone ("Dude letting dog run arnd w/out leash. ths is not the Wild West bucko! thr shld B tests 4 pet ownership. It's called @petsmart, leash aisle!")

This is an American dog. Actually, it's my mom's dog. Trust me, he does not go out without a leash. He needs more Australian dog friends who will peer pressure him into being better behaved.

In Sydney, however, it is perfectly common for people to walk their untethered pooches. There seems to be an agreement amongst the dog population that they will behave and not run away. Sure, Fifi may trot a few steps ahead to sniff a mailbox or say hello to her friend Rocky; but she bounces right back when her owner calls. Woof! No worries!

In addition, it is not at all uncommon for dog owners to bring their canine companions along on errands. Heading into Woolies, you’re likely to see little Daisy leashed up to the parking sign outside, waiting dutifully for her owner to pick up dinner.

Besides the fact that all this canine freedom leads to adorable scenes of fidos running free, it also occurs to me that there is a social contract happening here. On one hand, the owners are saying, “I know that you, fellow residents of my city, are not going to steal my puppy pal.” And on the other paw (sorry …), society is saying, “I will not be afraid of your adorable dog, nor do you have to be afraid that I will press charges for millions of dollars if he bites me (which he won’t).”

And so, the dogs run free. I guess I don’t have to tell you that, unlike some Americans, Australians don’t leash their children, either.