Different ... in a Good Way

/ Rebekah Harp

I’ve been told on several occasions that my dogs and I are quirky. What an amazing compliment! Quirky is a moniker I enthusiastically accept for myself and my pack of misfit dogs known as “The Wayward Hounds.” In fact, I whole-heartedly embrace the label. I see being quirky as an art. Not every one, or every dog, can claim to be quirky. Quirkiness can’t be learned or even imitated, but true innate quirkdom is an absolute gift.

Quirky is my dog Jack, bolting off the flyball lane, wolverine paws outstretched, hurling pupperonis off a buffet table full of delectable treats on silver platters at a Country club event. Participating in a pug wedding with five pugsmaids and five groomspugs in matching outfits is a tad bit quirky. Walking an iguana on a leash in 5 Points is somewhat quirky— although, actually not so much in 5 Points, I suppose. A three-legged dog, a dog with no eyes, and a dog who uses a blinged-out cart to get around can be heartwrenchingly quirky. As a teacher, I see quirky at its very best when it bursts forth from a special student, one who sees the world differently than most, but who opens my eyes to a new joy. Rocking spiky blue hair, mixing fabric patterns, and rolling up in a hot pink van with The B-52’s blaring Love Shack is most likely quirky, or so I am told.

Our world would be a much lesser place if quirky didn’t rear its colorful head now and then. I dare you not to smile when you see something out of the ordinary, something unusual, something unexpected or seemingly out of place. I challenge you to check out the derpy Elvis lip on my dog Jack’s face and not allow yourself to chuckle.

Quirky may not be for you. But if it is, be confident enough to share your sparkle with those around you—your glitter might just rub off on them and enrich them in ways you may never know.

Let’s all learn to celebrate, accept, and encourage the quirky in us all. •

Rebekah Harp is a teacher of special needs kids, Goat Herder, Dog Rescuer, Pug Aficionado, FlyBaller, Jewelry Maker, Artist, and lover of all things colorful. Feel free to call her “Quirky” right to her face.