My “head-heart thing” as a dog owner

When logic doesn’t "solve" emotions

Sometimes I can know something logically… and still feel something else emotionally. In college my favorite advisor and I coined the term “head-heart thing” to describe my perpetual disconnect.

Personal examples of the head-heart thing in my life

• I can logically know Sean is nothing like my ex partner—but emotionally I can still experience residual nervousness and insecurity from that emotionally abusive past.

• I can logically know there’s nothing “wrong” with Scout (or me as her owner) if she’d rather not interact with unknown dogs—but emotionally I can still worry we’re somehow failing.

• I can logically know it’s okay to turn down someone who asks to say hi to her—but emotionally I can still feel bad I disappointed them. (Especially if they were really sweet.)

• I can logically know a single mishap wasn’t a big deal—but emotionally I can still harbor a pit in my stomach.

• I can logically know Scout’s life is great and full—but emotionally I can still question if I’m a good enough owner.

I’ve ex…