A Dog's Purpose, (according to a 6-year-old)

Today’s entry was written by a veterinarian who was called to attend to an old dog. I thought that you would enjoy this phenomenal article about the thought processes of a six-year-old boy.

“Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply
Love generously
Care deeply
Speak kindly


Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessing of you.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!”

Until next time,

Teia

How to Potty Train Your New Puppy

Many questions arise when you bring your new puppy home.

Such as . . .
How do you potty train your puppy?
What can you do about your puppy when you are at work?
Are there steps to follow when potty training your puppy?

Keep in mind that raising a new puppy is a lot like raising a child. It is a lot of work, they keep you up at night, they get into things and make messes, but your new baby (puppy) also gives you a lot of joy and love.

Potty training a puppy is not that hard.

Here are some proven steps to potty train your new puppy:

1) Purchase a play pen, portable dog pen or kennel.

2) Line part of the floor of the kennel, portable dog pen or play pen with newspaper or puppy pads. In the play pen and the portable dog pen there is room for newspaper/puppy pads on one side and bedding on the other. If you use a kennel, it is a little smaller and your puppy may have a few accidents at first. Generally, dogs do not go potty where they sleep, but when they are very young, they just cannot hold it for long.

NOTE: Using a play pen or portable dog pen is such a great way to potty train your puppy. They are also great for when you are unable to give your puppy undivided attention. You can place your puppy in them and it is a safe place for puppy to play and not get hurt or get into anything that he shouldn't.

3) Keep your puppy in the play pen, portable dog pen or kennel when not attended or when you are not at home.

4) Within 30 minutes of feeding your puppy make sure there are newspapers or puppy pads accessible for your puppy to go on.

5) If you catch your puppy in the act - place your puppy immediately on the newspaper or pads so they can finish there.

6) Do not hit your puppy. They do not respond to cruelty. Instead reward your puppy with treats whenever they go potty properly on the paper or pads.

7) As soon as your puppy has received its third set of shots you can begin putting your puppy outside to go potty. You can move the newspaper outside to help your puppy get used to going outside.

8)After a while (usually 4-6 months), your puppy will be trained to go outside on his or her own.

9) The end result will be that you will get a well trained, well-behaved puppy and you will be a happy owner too!

The first week of potty training your new puppy may be a little trying at times, but you have to remember this is a commitment to a life long friend and your new puppy is getting used to his or her new family.

You really want to be consistent in your training of your puppy. Your puppy will be more easily trained if you follow a routine -- otherwise you will confuse your puppy, cause your puppy to have more accidents and have a much harder time with potty training.

Putting time into your puppy at the beginning of its life will pay big dividends in good behavior later.

Until next time

Teia