Lessons from an Older Dog: Seeing Truth and One-Sided Journalism

Hi, everyone. It’s me, your alway-loyal news sniffing JournoDog!

We have a reached a moment in time when it comes to me, your beloved tail-wagging news dog, to reflect on the realities in which we all live. My call of duty is, of course, to sniff out the news and unbury the scoop (of food) — even in these significantly stressful times.

“With age comes wisdom,” they say. Well, I have that canine wisdom. Nearing 15 years old, I have many puppies’ worth of doggo smartness. Lately, my failing vision in one eye adds another layer:

An ability to see even more clearly the things that matter in life. And to recognize how one-sided journalism, non-objective journalism and biased news, exist everywhere. People too often are just like me, looking out of one eye with the other partially or fully closed.

This is an age were “truth isn’t truth” and “alternative facts” exist. It’s a strange time, indeed.

In a recent survey, many American expressed their distrust of journalism. One-sided journalism is a major part of that, as is social media shared news. So many just don’t trust what they read, or what they hear from other people unless it fits snugly into a mold of what we already hold true.

Not surprising, one third point to “uncivil discussions about the news” to be of significant concern. And from what I’ve seen since I came into this world in 2006 and soon after took on the role of JournoDog, it’s gotten more pronounced through the years.

The decay in trust and civility is everywhere, chipping away at relationships and the good people can show to their fellow humans. For us doggos and fellow pets, it’s not a good sign.

Our humans aren’t as happy and loving as they once were, and that’s not fun to see — even as our own eye-sight fails and our time on this Earth winds down.

Reflecting on a larger truth

“There’s a lot to be uncertain about these days. At times, it can be tough to know what is familiar and whether it’s all worth it. Those stair-steps in life can be intimidating, threatening even. We may struggle to stand. And even as we tremble and stare blankly into the abyss in disbelief at what’s happening, there is reason to hope and look to the future without doom and gloom.”

My tail still wags, as I think about the potential people have. There is an innate goodness that is possible, and it just takes some effort to find it.

As wise journalists have said before, there are always 8 sides to any story, that you can see. Realize that and try to see as many sides as you can, even if they aren’t the ones you agree with.

Instead of posting on social media, we can put the gadgets aside and go outside. We can sniff the air. Take a walk. Go for a run. Just be around the people we love and snuggle them as often as time allows.

Our time is brief on this big ole planet and we’re supposed to make the most of it, embracing our hearts and helping those around us. Let’s not be angry, uncivil, mean to each other. We can decide to sniff butts, to not bark at kitty-cats when they playfully paw at our noses. We can wear those pet costumes with an appreciation for the love behind them (even if we don’t like them), and we can play with all the new toys that are brought home to us with the love they symbolize.

Love one another, recognize that as fact above all others. No matter what pettiness seems to divide us, see past it and look at truth with both eyes open.

Until the next time, whenever the news beckons like a barking dog you can’t help but pay attention to, #JournoDog out.

As always, remember: Love your pets. Read a newspaper. Support local journalism. Be kind to each other no matter what. And even when scared or stressed, try to smile and find a little happiness for your heart every day.

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