Dogs are some of my favorite teachers! Each day they offer incredible wisdom and inspirational life lessons, of which I am truly grateful. This poem below, by an unknown author, beautifully captures many of the amazing life lessons learned from our beloved dogs. Whoever wrote it must have had a very special relationship with their dog!
In a world that often seems cold and unkind, I pray this simple poem will help us refocus on some of the more important and simpler things in life. Continue reading “Best Life Lessons from Dogs”→
If you aren’t in the moment, you are either looking forward to uncertainty, or back to pain and regret. —Jim Carrey
Dogs are some of my favorite teachers, imparting wisdom into my life in ways I never thought possible! One of the most cherished lessons I’ve learned from my dogs is to live in the moment. Dogs are masters of mindfulness. In other words, they are aware of their surroundings and what they are doing moment by moment . . . and I believe that they extract the fullest joy from each moment. I think this is what gives them their seemingly carefree spirit.
Potty training your puppy is a perfect opportunity to exercise those smile muscles!
Laughter and learning are like two sisters walking along holding hands on a sunny day. Every opportunity to learn can truly be a wonderful experience when we take hold of laughter and walk together in harmony! Wayne Dyer writes, “It is impossible for you to be angry and laugh at the same time. Anger and laughter are mutually exclusive and you have the power to choose.”
I love having choices in life, don’t you? My dogs give signals they want to “go potty,” but often I’m too busy or too slow to catch the signal. That’s when I have a choice—to get upset, or to laugh at my own failure to be quick to learn. It’s certainly not the dog’s fault.
Laughter lightens the mood and keeps learning fun for all. Personally, I’d rather spend a few minutes of relaxation, bonding, and fun than to embark on a frustrating journey with my dog. It breaks my heart to see dog owners display fits of anger or frustration towards such an amazing, brilliant, and loving creature. There are no “bad dogs.” Mishaps on the part of a dog while training are usually feedback to our own shortcomings as owners and trainers.
Our attitude while training can make a huge difference in our dog’s receptivity to learn. Growing up, my kids enjoyed school much more when they had a pleasant teacher. Stay lighthearted and try a little laughter. It’s truly good medicine!
Here are some of the benefits of laughter!
Strengthen the immune system
Diminish pain
Boost energy
Reduce stress
Release endorphins (the bodies feel-good chemicals)
The best part is, laughter is contagious! Your dog will sense your happy mood; it relaxes him and in return reinforces his happy disposition. The sad part is that the opposite is also true . . .
So why not send some positive vibes to your dog rather than negative ones? Whether it’s your children or your beloved pets, your students will thrive in a positive and pleasant environment where they are motivated by love!
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” —Proverbs 17:22
Leila Grandemange is an award-winning writer and recipient of the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award. She writes to inspire faith in God, and the responsible care of our furry friends! See her books on Amazon.
Finding Joy in the Journey with God, Family, and Furry Friends! 130 Uplifting Stories and Devotions for Dog Lovers!
Unleash a richer, simpler, more meaningful life!
Pawz & Pray is a collection of 130 uplifting stories, scriptures, and prayers, inviting you to slow down, savor moments, and discover the secrets to a truly meaningful life. If you’d like to draw closer to God, and happen to have a sweet spot for dogs, this book is for you! [Read more]
Book Endorsements
Leila’s book has been a true inspiration to me. It makes you focus on what’s really important in life. The author gives us great examples on how we can have a closer walk with God by following the lead that our pets give us in their everyday life. “Pawz & Pray” encourages us to put our worry and anxiety aside and take time to enjoy the things God has put right in front of us. This book has touched my heart in an indescribable way. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals and wants to have a closer connection to our Heavenly Father.
—Holly Cornwell, Editor 2007 – June 2014, The Royal Spaniels Magazine
Published in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Bulletin, Winter 2012
by Leila Grandemange
Have you ever wanted to make a difference in this world, but wondered how?
Recently I heard a story that sickened me to the core, a precious Cavalier King Charles Spaniel beaten to death by an obviously violent person. With heavy heart, whenever I hear stories of abuse and neglect I wonder, “How can I make a difference?”Continue reading “Have You Ever Wanted To Make a Difference?”→
Pawz and Pray 