The Free Radical

Sometimes, soul programming can be rather difficult to overcome. For instance…

…at first glance, insects tend to trigger that automatic response that usually begins with “Ew!” And this guy, from the side, seemed outfitted for battle and conquest– though, I was pretty sure I could take him in a fair fight!

And then I greeted him head on…

That’s more the face of a philosopher, or the hierophant. He looks clever and wise… thoughtful, pleasant even… just the sort of fellow one might like to share conversation with. Unfortunately, I didn’t even realize it in the field; only at home, with my photo-editing software, did I connect with his soulful look.

And that brings us to this next encounter…

Yesterday it was just Sitka and me; the other dogs were out camping with their Dad. The river had turned as muddy as I’ve ever seen it… from what must’ve been a hefty rainfall high in the western mountains, where Dutch Creek is sourced.

Sitka sees everything…

She spotted this guy on the far (northern) bank right away… and proceeded to bark furiously. Fortunately, the rush of the river was way too loud for her to be heard. I scrambled for my camera and told her repeatedly to shut up. I immediately saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

At first, I thought the bear was just climbing into the river to cool off. It was still hot and muggy, despite the recent rain. As he disappeared into the river, Sitka lost sight of him, although she remained vigilant.

It was at this point when I realized that the bear was determined to get to our side of Dutch Creek. With an almost casual bravery, he didn’t think twice about testing his ability in the strong current.

This is when I decided to name him Sovereign Will. I admired his singular confidence. I should point out that so far he had no clue as to Sitka’s and my presence on the other side of the river. What’s more, he was generally heading straight toward us!

Half way across, he emerged from the current to stand a moment on an island in the river. Just as I was readying the camera to resume shooting, Sitka spotted him again… and well, she just couldn’t contain her soul programming. She charged straight at him, barking her fool head off… as I yelled my protestations “No Sitka!!” Finally, the bear heard all of the commotion above the roar of the rapids and immediately took off the way he had just come, disappearing again into the forest on the far bank. Shit Sitka! A unique opportunity squandered!

Now, I realize that most people would be heaping praise upon their dog for acting thusly. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m not most people. I’ve had nearly 500 bear encounters to this point, and I like to let them get as close as possible; I have never been shown aggression from a bear, despite many VERY close encounters– even sharing my tea with one once. Once my frustration had dissipated, I took the time to explain things to Sitka (for real).

“Sitka, I know that your instincts– the soul programming for your species– tells you to bark your most ferocious bark in such situations… and generally, that’s a good thing.” (In previous days she had chased off a bear three times while we were in thick forest… and I praised her for doing so.) “But this time, Sitka, I specifically told you not to bark and to stay extra close. Sometimes we have to be able to put our programs aside and deal creatively with the situation as unique opportunities arise. I’ll expect a better performance the next time I ask you to transcend your instinctual impulses.” She understood.

Sitka’s not even two years old yet. She was easily forgiven. And the next time, she might even listen. At home, I tried showing her the pictures of the bear on my computer to augment her understanding, but she couldn’t make sense of the river setting without the accompanying movement and sound; she didn’t know what she was looking at. It is my hope that by the time she’s three she’ll be prepared to trust and to listen to whatever I say… even when it goes against her basic instincts. She’s got the intrepid Spirit required, I’m sure.

And then there’s this guy… for really no reason.