Stop and Smell the …. birdseed?

“I am doing everything I can and don’t know what else to do!” I exclaimed as my trainer told me that Bruce just looks like he’s “out of gas.”

Exasperated, I didn’t realize at the time that she was trying to figure out how to help us. This isn’t a new phenomenon for Bruce as he tends to slow down when it’s 50 degrees or warmer outside. But this time felt different.

Bruce usually has plenty of energy when we’re around people he wants to visit. He might need a little pumping up for obedience tasks, but generally, he can be motivated. Lately, though, that hasn’t been happening. Poor Brucie has been moping around the house. He’s eating fine, playing with the puppy fine, but still… moping.

Our pack has changed, significantly. He wasn’t ready for it, and honestly, neither was I.

I reached out to an invaluable friend who has trained goldens for years. Her advice? A little “momma and Brucie” time. Apparently, this was an instant hit for her dogs. So, I tried it.

This week, I’ve been intentional about that. We went to Lowe’s, and I didn’t give him a single cue unless I thought he was unsafe. I didn’t train him. We just enjoyed the outing. I didn’t stress, and neither did he. He didn’t look sad, and neither did I.

You know what he did? He sniffed birdseed. Bags and bags and bags of birdseed. I could theorize why, but honestly, I don’t care. He enjoyed sniffing birdseed, so I let him as long as he wanted. Just the two of us. Together.

This gives me pause. I’m so driven to make progress that I missed what’s important right now. Sometimes life throws us a curveball or two, and we have to take time to make sure we, and those we love, are okay.

So, I encourage you: stop and smell your birdseed. It’s important.

Sandy