As we walked our dog Molly and darkness quickly settled in, a shadowy figure galloped toward us, its feet “clip clopping” against the cement. A dog, I figured, escaped from his leash. But as the shadow approached, the little light remaining revealed this was no happy-go-lucky pup on a joy run. This was a pig, none other than what we know as the modern javelina. It was too late to escape. We prepared for hand to hoof combat. But with seconds to spare, the javelina adjusted course, scurried across the street as if deciding he was in no mood to tangle. He or she disappeared into the desert and we returned home after yet another sidewalk adventure.

During our next walk, I armed myself with an aluminum cylinder, refusing to surrender Scottsdale’s sidewalks to disgruntled pigs. We also took a lesson from Will Smith’s character in the film “I Am Legend.” His character set an alarm on his wristwatch, notifying him night soon approached and reminding him to swiftly return home before zombies began to stroll the streets. I set a smart phone alarm, alerting us to start our walk earlier than before. This time, we encountered only a rabbit and large lizard. This time, the javelina did not disguise itself as a dog as part of a devious plan.

1. Don’t Lose Control Of The Message:  Javelinas lost control of messaging long ago. They owned the desert first. Humans built houses on their homeland. They earned the right to “clip clop” wherever their heavy hooves so choose. Instead of holding a grudge, they learned to co-exist with humans. But we approach them with fear, carrying weapons as if these creatures are neighborhood intruders. We compare them to Hollywood zombies. Businesses and politicians:  Don’t allow the media and opponents to define your existence. Focus on your key messages. Answer critics with your positives. You are a javelina, the hometown hero and compromising friend willing to reach across the aisle or change with the times.
2. Tell Your Story:  You are not a stinky, ugly pig who bites when cornered. You are a family man or woman. In fact, people often see you about town taking leisurely walks with your spouse and children. While others hide behind walls and garage doors, you enjoy wandering the community, meeting strangers, even those who greet you with skepticism and aluminum cylinders. You also believe in discipline, following the rules and setting a strong example. When people see you stroll, the family is single file, the youngsters showing respect and learning from their elders up front. And family is important, so people should not blame you for confidently galloping toward them now and then to protect those precious loved ones. This is your home. You are willing to compromise. Family, community and discipline are important values. If people call you a pig, explain you are an important one, a leader of your kind. You are beautiful. And you smell great. Say it proudly:  “I am javelina.”