And We're Walking...

With the changes and worries I've had in my little life recently, I feel that I've focused too much on the challenges and not enough on the joys. It is easy to recognize the joys in my life daily, and I thank God for every second, but I have spent a bit more energy on the things that worry me and make me sad and frustrated. Today, I found a more rewarding focus. Today, I took pictures of the dogs I so happily walk.

Springtime with Allie, Blaze, Honey, Tredder & Luna

Something I've realized about myself in the last couple of years is that I am more myself, more at peace with everything I know, when I am walking with a dog. There are people that I feel comfortable with and treasure and enjoy, but I've found no one makes me feel more powerful, more graceful, more strong, more smart, more loved, more understood, more at peace, more in tune with nature and myself, more secure, more Me, than a dog. I have a few favorites, but walking with a dog makes me The Best Me.

I have some dogs in my life that teach me daily, and who remind me I have to be clear in my communication. Since my sister's dog Allie has been with us, Allie is reportedly more calm at home and actually worn out at the end of her day! I hope that is a result of our communication with Allie: I tell her with words and gentle hands where to be and when to sit and when to lie down and when to go through doors and when to run around. If I wasn't clear in what I want from Allie, she might become stressed and confused in her new-ish environment. We're pretty busy around here! With direction and activity, and lots of praise, Allie is hopefully calm, tired and happy from her mental and physical day at Camp Canine! I know I can get tired from being vigilant about meeting the needs of all 3 dogs here. They're all different, but they're all dogs, and my joy comes from interpreting and meeting their needs. My joy comes from hearing and seeing that they are fulfilled from the day.

I've read and been told that if I don't meet my own needs, I can't meet the needs of those around me. While I can understand what people mean, I know they can't completely understand that one of my greatest needs is to give my family a great day. By trying 17 different locations, Satchel finds One that makes him feel comfortable. It's hard to lift him every time so he can find that One, but I feel successful and happy for him when he's found that One. He's often comfortable for an hour or more if he finds that One Spot himself. By meeting that need of his, I am filled up.

In my opinion, dogs need a structured walk every day to be on their way to being fulfilled. It's not the only thing they need, but it's a major player in what makes a dog happy. It just so happens, that I need a walk every day to be fulfilled too! So walking with Luna, or Luna and Allie, or Luna, Allie and our dog walking clients, fulfills all of us. Walking seems to meet a primal need in each of us.

So I'm walking and I'm fulfilled.
So I'm walking with my dogs, and I'm happy, and will be better able to focus on the joys of my every day. My every day with dogs.