The dogs with the loudest bark are the ones that are most afraid.~Norman Reedus

Most people who really know me would tell you I’m a logical, methodical thinker. I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember. I look at situations from many different perspectives, analyze the information and choose a path that leads to the desired conclusion. To some, this comes across as manipulative or scheming. To others, it seems to be a knack for predicting outcomes. I found out tonight that to yet others, I appear defensive.

Oh yes. I was drawn into a service dog drama. For those not familiar with these incidents, they occur when one person feels they have the “right” perspective on something related to service dogs. Much like any discussion on a topic people are passionate about, there are always opposing views. I don’t think it’s unique to discussions about service dogs yet it seems that there is more baiting and needling within this community.

I’m sure many of you are familiar with the “lies, damn lies, and statistics” methodology. In short, the more “facts” you can throw out, the more convincing you appear. The problem is, anyone can find “facts” to back up their position. Information flows freely through the Internet and you can find other people who perceive things the same way you do with just a few keystrokes. Just because you have more “facts” in your argument does not make your argument more valid.

In my experience the harder you push for your “facts” to be believed by others, the more you have to hide. It’s one thing to take a stand and state your beliefs. It is an entirely different thing to intentionally mislead and knowingly agitate people just for fun. In my book, that just makes you a bully.

So read the quote above. Think about the people who push “facts” at you and remember that a loud bark does not necessarily indicate confidence. Sometimes it’s just a distraction to keep you from pursuing independent thought.