There’s an aphorism I’ve been familiar with as far back as I can recall. It goes something like this: “Don’t criticize a person until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.”
April was poetry month, so I couldn’t resist chasing this back to its source and including the poem from which it is adapted. There’s a method to my madness; keep reading. :-)
“Judge Softly”
“Pray, don’t find fault with the man that limps,
Or stumbles along the road.
Unless you have worn the moccasins he wears,
Or stumbled beneath the same load.
There may be tears in his soles that hurt
Though hidden away from view.
The burden he bears placed on your back
May cause you to stumble and fall, too.
Don’t sneer at the man who is down today
Unless you have felt the same blow
That caused his fall or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
That were his, unknown to you in the same way,
May cause you to stagger and fall, too.
Don’t be too harsh with the man that sins.
Or pelt him with words, or stone, or disdain.
Unless you are sure you have no sins of your own,
And it’s only wisdom and love that your heart contains.
For you know if the tempter’s voice
Should whisper as soft to you,
As it did to him when he went astray,
It might cause you to falter, too.
Just walk a mile in his moccasins
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse.
If just for one hour, you could find a way
To see through his eyes, instead of your own muse.
I believe you’d be surprised to see
That you’ve been blind and narrow-minded, even unkind.
There are people on reservations and in the ghettos
Who have so little hope, and too much worry on their minds.
Brother, there but for the grace of God go you and I.
Just for a moment, slip into his mind and traditions
And see the world through his spirit and eyes
Before you cast a stone or falsely judge his conditions.
Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins
And remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave
In other people’s lives, our kindnesses and generosity.
Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins.”
~ by Mary T. Lathrap, 1895
Now, having not walked in his human‘s moccasins, so to speak, I have no idea of the back story regarding this handsome and lovely fellow, the only information I have is that he was unceremoniously surrendered with the family saying "the father could no longer care for him.” Who knows - job change, divorce, maybe illness? Hoping nothing worse than that. In any case and for whatever reason, he’s with us now, and soon he’ll be the beloved member of a family that CAN care for him as he needs and deserves. We’re just glad we’re here to help Dobers in need, regardless the reason.
Observations from our volunteers:
“Eclipse is a ‘prototype’ male from a size-and-elegant-beauty standpoint. My wife thinks he is one of the best looking Dobes she has seen come through. A very nice and relaxed fellow, he craves attention but is patient. He loves playing with the Jolly Ball, although I wish you good luck in winning the tug-o-war battle with him! He is also a follower in the sense that he doesn‘t let you get too far out of his sight. As with most of our beloved breed, he strikes me as one you wind up talking to as though he is a person because of how he will connect with his human. He’s a really great dog!”
“Eclipse is a new addition to DRT, and he’s a handsome, loving boy! The first time I saw him, he wagged his tail without barking—a great sign that he’s well-behaved. And he didn’t let me down; he’s a super-sweet boy who loves being with his human friends. He comes to you for affection, pets, hugs, and play. His tail is always wagging, happy to see you; he’s not a big barker and has a beautiful black and tan coat. Eclipse is playful, easy to leash, and walks well on the leash. He leads a bit but doesn’t pull much at all. From my observation, he’s a well-balanced, beautiful Dobie who wants to be a companion and is easygoing.”
“I met Eclipse in the playground this past weekend. He eagerly came up to me and let me know he was happy to meet me. He’s a pretty big guy but he’s also pretty gentle. As soon as he finished giving me a few kisses, he wandered off to explore the playground. Not long afterwards he was back checking in with me and leaning into my legs. All around a great dog!”
I guess the only thing to say after all that is, for what are you waiting? You should have the sequence memorized by now, but just in case: apply, acceptance, appointment, arrive, acquaint, away. My boy Earle is also a hundred-pounder and about the same age. I just wish I could bring Eclipse home and have the two of them together. The sofa would never be the same again! | 
