In our home it’s always Dog day! But today’s the perfect excuse for all of us dog lovers to brag on ours.
CJ & Esme got to hang out with me at work today, meeting and greeting people and their dogs. CJ loves the people, Esme loves the dogs.
How did your dog(s) spend National Dog Day?
Freddie Mercury doesn’t really give a crap! He knows cats are superior.
…Just a little food for thought post…
I wear many proverbial “hats,” as do most of us.
First and foremost I am Myself. I try to do ALL things for My Self. Not to sound selfish, but without caring for my personal self, I cannot truly be of any use to any business or any person if I don’t take good care of ME. I am in no way perfect, but I do my best to lead a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. I try to eat a healthy diet, I maintain an active lifestyle, and I take time to meditate as often as possible. Sometimes I fall off the wagon. Every now and again I drink more alcohol than I should, I eat more junk food than I should, and I fail to get in activity. I try not to beat myself up over these failures, but I’m human and I do often chastise myself for being irresponsible when it comes to my self. I think we all do it at times, but some more than others.
Second, I am a partner in a loving relationship. Though we are not married, I love Christopher more than life itself. He has been my #1 supporter for anything and everything I’ve ever done or tried to do. Like any relationship, we have our ups and downs, backs and forths, highs and lows, but we get through it the best we can and continue to grow together every single day.
Third I am a coach and mentor. This hat envelops my long-time professional career and my more recent part-time hobby. I enjoy teaching people and witnessing them grow and improve in their abilities. It brings me great joy to witness someone evolving from struggling to mastering something.
Fourth, I am a pet-parent. I love, cherish, and adore learning more about my furkids every day! I try to spend quality time with both of my dogs and my cat whenever I can. (This is probably one of the primary reasons I’m such a horrible blogger…I like to play with my kids whenever I have free time!). My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my pets already think that I am.
Lastly, I am an imperfect individual. Circumstances of my life have led me to this. I am not perfect and I don’t try to be. I have my own personal “issues” that I let get the best of me when I shouldn’t. We are all working to be the best we can be, no matter what life throws at us. I pride myself on my loyalty and honesty. If I say I’m going to do something, I will do it. If I offer to help you in any way, I’m not just saying it to appease you, I mean it. If you want or need help and I am available, I am yours. Sometimes I forget about a promise or commitment that I have made, but I’m also over 40 so that’s not surprising.
I’m babbling, but the main idea I wanted to hone in on here was that we are all different. We all wear different “hats” and a varying number of them. Our life situations and struggles are very different. Each of us has characteristics that make us unique. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you do, just always remember to be grateful for it. Be grateful for being YOU. Be grateful for the things you have. Be grateful for the people in your life. Be grateful for the experiences that have helped shape who you are.
“Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” ~Jim Rohn
A few months ago I decided to have both CJ & Esme DNA tested. I did it not just to learn their breed history, but also because this particular test screened for 140+ hereditary conditions. Royal Canin’s Genetic Health Analysis is a great addition to any dog’s health record.
If you follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, you may have already seen the results. If you haven’t seen the results, dare to venture a guess as to the top 2 breeds of CJ and Esme! I’ll let you all know what the results were in about 14 days. Let’s hope I don’t go on another blogging hiatus for months and months if the suspense is going to kill you. Here are some photos to go on in the meantime. First, CJ.
CJ LOVES the water!
CJ’s most favorite activity is fetching his aerobie. Aerobie is life for him. Even in his old age.
CJ and his aerobies. His most favorite toy on the planet!
Then Esme.
Esme’s first day in our home. Esme on the left, CJ on the right.
Esme enjoys walks and exploring. She has a great nose and has tracked a fox or two in the back yard.
Here is Esme after being with us for a month. Still working on leash manners!
“Just look at these tonsils!” Esme has a big yawn, is a lover and wants to be friends with every dog she meets!!! People she’s a bit leary of.
Feel free to comment to ask about personality, habits, etc. CJ is very much a fetcher. Esme does not fetch. Esme is a cuddler! CJ not so much. CJ loves people and tolerates other animals. Esme likes other animals, especially other dogs, but is weird about certain people. CJ is smart! Esme is cute. CJ eats edible things! Esme eats things she shouldn’t. CJ is 13 years old and weighs about 54 pounds. Esme is about a year and a half and weighs 44 pounds.
Dog owners far and wide, PLEASE get rid of your retractable leashes! I abhor the device and feel it needs to be banned. I do NOT understand why so many favor it, other than pure laziness.
Retractable leashes are dangerous for pets and their handlers. They teach your dog horrible leash manners, primarily pulling. They also have a huge potential to cause injury to both the dog and the handler. In addition, when you visit us at the vet’s office, you put your dog, our staff and other pet owners at risk.
Read my previous post here.
If you use a retractable leash and have a rebuttal please contact me. I would love to discuss other leash training options with you.
AnimalWhiz 