How do you find the perfect dog for you? On reflection, I’m finding the process pretty similar to buying a boat. No, really. Keep reading and see if you don’t agree by the end.
Life Lessons
Be Scared; Do It Anyway
Honey took one look at the ramp I had placed on the floor and walked around it. When I put yummy liver treats on the end, she decided she wasn’t that hungry after all. Honey felt scared of the ramp. But she learned to use it anyway.
Dog Stuff vs Human Stuff
Less time for visiting my friends online. Less time for having fun. Less time for playing with my dog. All because I have too much stuff to get rid of before I sell my house. How much better off would I be if I just had dog stuff and not so much human stuff?
Take One Step Closer To Your Dream In 2015
People are so rough on themselves this time of year. Everyone feels dissatisfied and is vowing to do better. My Facebook feed hums with people making resolutions for 2015. Luckily, our dogs set a good example for us. They know life couldn’t possibly get any better. Unless it included more treats, tennis balls, or cuddling.
Learning From My Minimalist Dog About Stuff
It happens every time. Someone comes to the door. Honey pads over to her basket of toys and looks for just the right offering. She returns to the door to greet the visitor, now holding the precious toy in her mouth. Honey always finds just the right item. She doesn’t worry that she doesn’t have …
Who Copes Better With Change? Us Or The Dog?
We’ve made a decision. And I’m scared sh*tless. So is my husband. Honey? Not so much. She’s sleeping at my feet dreaming of peanut butter and tug toys. What’s the difference? We know what’s coming and how uncertain our life plans are. Honey lives in the moment. So who copes better with change? Us or the …
Take Control to Feel Less Scared – Good for the Dog; Good for You
Does taking control of a situation make you feel less scared? I don’t know about scientists. But sailors know it’s true. And so do dog trainers. How Does a Dog Control a Kayak/h2> Honey enjoys kayaking. But when the motion of the boat startles Honey, she responds. She stands up. It happens when we face …
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone – Good for the Dog; Good for You
I’m lucky. I enjoy my work and it pays me enough to support myself. I’ve been happily married to a loving (if exasperating) man for 24 years today. (Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!) I have a cute (but not terribly clean) house. My life is comfortable. I wonder what I would be like in a really stressful …
Good for the Dog; Good for You – Look for Help When Scared
Should I Be Scared? You’ve probably seen this: A toddler, running through a playground, trips and falls. He looks up at his mom or dad. If they look concerned, he starts bawling. If they react mildly, he gets up and goes back to playing. Your dog looks to you the same way. If you’re nervous …
The Puppiness Project – Everyone Gets Scared
Gretchen Rubin wrote in The Happiness Project about the year she spent “test-driving the wisdom of the ages, the current scientific studies, and the lessons from popular culture about how to be happy.” The Puppiness Project is my attempt to learn the same from Honey, my Golden Retriever, and Chérie, our visiting Foster Pup. When we brought Honey home, …