The noble art of "loofing"

My dog has a reputation of being a bit aloof. I don't think he's aloof at all. I think he is a bloody genius and that we should all follow his example. Here's why.

Mar 17, 2024

Ancestors: Lion hunters. Me: Couch potato.

This is Henry Jones Junior II. Henry’s my dog. Or, I’m his human. I don’t know. I guess we are each other’s, and it’s perfect. He’s not even three years old, and I can’t remember life without him. I’m sure it was much cheaper, but who cares?

All dogs are different. Different breeds can be more or less prone to certain behaviours, but each individual dog has its own peculiarities. Henry is a “loof,” and I want to be one, too. Let me explain.

Henry is a Rhodesian Ridgeback. They were initially bred to hunt lions in Africa. He’s very big, athletic, and looks the part. But don’t let that fool you. He tiptoes around our five cats as he quickly learned that an annoyed cat is a very scary cat. His ancestors may have been lion hunters, but Henry is a gentle couch potato who doesn’t want any kind of drama in his life. Well, sometimes he forgets how big and strong he is and sends the coffee table flying, but apart from that, no drama.

Henry shows no interest in other dogs or their people on our walks unless they’re nearby. If they are, he acknowledges them with a quick, friendly look and then moves on. If there’s any sign of drama - barking, pulling or screaming - he gives me a look that says: “Dear God! Give me a break!” and actively ignores them by demonstratively turning away. Then he promptly continues our walk with a swagger that says: “Talk to the paw!”

The complicated science behind a perfect loof.

This has earned him a reputation in the neighbourhood as a bit aloof, which doesn’t sit quite right with me. The word “aloof” has a negative ring to it. It’s basically “reserved” with a touch of “cold” and “distant” thrown in. That doesn’t sound like Henry at all. He’s just a sweetie pie with a healthy dose of integrity.

So, no, I don’t think Henry is aloof. He is just a big, goofy “loof”. I also think he is a bloody genius. Here’s why:

The world would be a much better place if we all stopped sticking our noses in everybody’s business, even if we don’t really know them.
Refusing to let other people's drama seep into our lives all the time has major health benefits.

I haven’t quite mastered the noble art of loofing myself. I’m sometimes unnecessarily invested in what other people do or don’t do, and my drama shield is not at full capacity. But my doggy mentor seems to think there’s hope for me yet. And you know what? I think we could all use a bit more loofing in our lives.