The one about getting your paws wet
How our dogs remind us to try new things
Hello friends,
Tomorrow is February, and I’m sure we’re all well on our way to achieving those New Year's Resolutions! Right??
Anyway, you might be wondering….what should I do with my dog this week? Well, this week’s adventure is “Get your Paws Wet.”
Of course, “getting your paws wet” can mean many things:
It can literally mean going to the nearest beach or lake or river with your pup, having a moment of awe, a lovely walk, and yes, physically getting paws wet. (If your dog is into that sort of thing). Mine is!
It could also mean encouraging yourself or your dog to try something new, experience something for the first time, or explore unfamiliar territory!
For me, Getting Your Paws Wet is the actual doing of the thing instead of just talking about the thing. Like, maybe you actually GO to a dog training class (instead of freaking out every time Tinker-belle lunges at another dog on the sidewalk). Or perhaps you finally set off on a backpacking trip of your own (instead of just watching people on Instagram and thinking Man! I wish we could do that!). Or…what if you just get that jog in (even for 10 minutes?) instead of sighing that you and your pooch are not getting enough exercise?
Often, I spend a lot of time planning and thinking about how I will do the hard thing, when I really just need to be, um, doing the hard thing.
Now, here is Seth with a photo and story about an inspiring dachshund named Rhoda…
“One time I met an inspiring dachshund named Rhoda who always avoided the pool in her backyard. She was so terrified of it! But her human decided to teach her how to get out of the water, in the event she ever accidentally slipped in. Once Rhoda actually got in the water (you know, got her paws wet!!), she discovered that she LOVED to swim, and it became her new favorite hobby. You just never know what your dog can do until they try.“
Ultimately, Rhoda reminds me that we learn by doing. The only way she could get over her fear of water was by going IN the water. There was no way around that. But look how happy she is now! 👆 Michael Phelps look out!
So, let’s get our paws a little wet this week, shall we? Never know what’s on the other side of these fears!
Cheers,
Fern and Seth
Some items of note:
We had an advice column come out last week, you can check it out here. If you need dog advice, email info@thecaninehotline.com.
Is there a dog topic you’d like us to cover in this newsletter? Post it in the comments below.
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