Underdogs

Well friends – life has been pretty ruff lately. My football teams playing this weekend were the underdogs, and the only “upset” was mine when both teams lost – badly. Michigan State Spartans and the Detroit Lions. Upset is not a strong enough word to describe how I was feeling. All week long I was looking forward to Big 10 Football and NFL Sunday. I had my Sparty party ready to go with milk bones and chew sticks. My lion mane was fluffed and my schedule was clear. Then one by one my teams took beatings. No fight song. No dancing in the end zone. Just solid disappointment.  

I took a ride on an emotional rollercoaster, feeling the highs and lows of every sensation. Shock – what is going on here? Denial – this can not be happening!  Anger – Grrrr…how come my team stinks so bad? Depression – maybe if I just take a nap things will look better in the morning.  

And don’t forget the embarrassment that comes with such a loss. I picture my fellow canines in the dog park, the fans of winning teams. I can see them now kicking grass in my face and turning up their noses. Ya, I am the mongrel who rooted for the LOSING teams. Woof! I feel like digging a hole and crawling in it for a while. 

But the truth is – I am still proud of my teams. Ya they took a beating, but they still finished the game. They didn’t give up. They worked together and although the score was not in their favor – they still persevered.

I suppose it would be easier if I jumped sides. Become one of those “fair weather fans” that talk bad about their teams to save face and not be associated with the losers. Only I could never do that –  I love the Lions and I am a Spartan at heart. So I suppose if I need to take a beating in the dog park I will. I will stand my ground for the teams I love so much.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to lend support when the chips are down. When it looks like there is no win in sight. Shocked by the situation and irate that play after play things just are not working in your favor. The good news is, there will always be another game to play – and that brings me hope. 

It is important to be hopeful. To know that even though times can be tough, we have others to rely on. Teammates who lift us up and help us off the field when we get hit too hard. Friends who will stick up for us and stand alongside us as we work toward the win. 

So friends, as we head into another week, let’s support the underdogs. Cheering each other on no matter the cost. Lending hope that the next game will be better. Reminding each other that when we get knocked down, we’ve gotta get up and push on. Get back out on the field and keep trying. After all, at the end of every losing streak – there is a win. 

Bark at ya next week!

Your friend,