Roll Dog

Some of you might be aware of the term “roll dog (dawg),” with other variations including “role,” “rode” and “road.” This term, which originated in person, refers to a friend who sticks with you regardless of the situation. Through thick and thin your “roll dog” is by your side, sometimes helping you to get into trouble and other times bailing you out. While the term may have originated behind the iron curtain of America and have a negative connotation there, it can definitely be used on the outside to suggest something good.

Last night while watching TV, a commercial came on with about six guys playing basketball. These guys were playing hard; as sweat glistened on their faces and gave their t-shirts the two tone effect. One guy would dribble the ball then pass it to another, who would take a shot and miss. The other team would get the rebound, pass the ball to a teammate, who would also take a shot and miss. The scene ended with both teams getting a basket. What caught my attention though, was the fact that all the guys were in wheelchairs. But after the last basket was scored, one guy said “we’re getting better at this;” he then pulled the Velcro that was holding his legs back and stood up. Four other guys followed suit, leaving only one in a wheelchair as they left the gym. The next scene showed them in a bar, as it was a commercial for Guinness Stout.

Now, I don’t know if drinking Guinness makes you a better friend, but I do know that only true friends would go through that “hassle” in order to make sure one friend was accommodated for. Not everyone is willing to go to such lengths for another individual, but true friends will. Your “roll dog” will do whatever it takes to make sure you are as comfortable as they are. The five friends with the ability to walk could have easily found one person to replace their friend in the wheelchair, for their games of basketball. After all, it’s easier to find one person walking then five guys in wheelchairs. But they decided it was better for their clique to stay together and accommodate their paraplegic friend.

Are you that type of friend? Are you willing to do what it takes to help someone in your life feel a bit better about himself or herself? Today you may be the one “walking,” but tomorrow it could be you in the “wheelchair.”