On admitting mistakes

To quote one of my favourite fictional characters, "I've made a huge mistake" (kudos to those who know about whom I'm referring). 
 
Here are the details.
 
Bernard (my dog) was adopted in Korea. He is a small, white terrier-looking being when he's clean and groomed. Unfortunately we haven't had him groomed in about 8 months. Which makes him a small, brownish, shaggy, matted terrier-looking being.
 
You see, it took Bernard a long-time to warm up to people, and he's still quite sensitive. I can't even pick him up without triggering some sort of primal impulse that makes him snarl and snap. 
 
For this reason, grooming can be difficult. In fact, in Korea Bernard made a ninety minute appointment last three and a half hours, and was traumatized for a couple weeks as a result of his experience.
 
However, the time has come to restore him to his aesthetically optimal condition. Plus, I feel so terribly when he walks into signposts (his vision seems to be impaired by his mangy locks).
 
The cost for sedating and grooming combined is STEEP! I really don't want to spend that kind of money.
 
And then I realized, we don't have to. I mean, I'm not a professionally trained dog groomer, but he seems to trust me more now than he ever did... yeah, he might let me get near him with a pair of scissors. 
 
And so began the longest, most frustrating, hairiest three hours I've ever spent with my pet. 
 
I'm sorry Bernard, I've made a huge mistake. 
 
He's still cute (I think?)... just disheveled. And still slightly traumatized. 
 
So perhaps I made a wrong decision. But it's okay, the hair will grow back, and hopefully a professional groomer can make something of what's left. 
 
Another humbling learning experience for the world's first Student of Wonder... and I think the pictures make for good storytelling fodder!
 
Why is admitting to mistakes so difficult? When was the last time you swallowed your pride and admitted you might have been wrong? 
 
Pride gets in the way.
 
brandon@studentofwonder.com