Dark Days
Dear Frankie,
No one would describe me as upbeat, sunny, or a go-with-the-flow kind of person. I admit I see my water bowl half empty.
Most days, I don’t let life get me down. But on dreary days, it’s hard not to cave. As much as I try not to think about my failures and lost opportunities, I can’t.
Some days, getting out of bed is about as much as I can handle. My mom knows I’m struggling and tries her best to understand what’s troubling me. But there are some things that only another dog can understand.
My mom doesn’t know what it feels like not to have a pedigree, not to win a blue ribbon at an agility competition, or never to be asked to sit with a popular dog on the doggie daycare bus.
Any ideas on how I might develop a more positive view of myself and my life?
Randolph
Dear Randolph,
You have already taken the first step in changing your behavior. You have acknowledged your negative thoughts are a problem.
You have also taken a second step: you are motivated to become a more positive thinker.
For starters, I suggest you find a canine therapist to help you on your road to recovery. You might also attend a Canine Anonymous group meeting and get a sponsor.
If you have a library card, which every self-respecting canine should have, check out the self-help section on the power of positive thinking.
Regarding your issue with not having a pedigree, that is a fact that can’t be changed. So, stop moaning and start thinking about parlaying the paw that was dealt to you.
As for competitions, most who enter will lose because only three can win. Consider the critical role you play for the winners. As a loser, you make them winners. Most dogs would kill to go to doggie daycare and agility competitions.
Have you ever thought about saying positive things and smiling when you are on the bus, even though your heart isn’t in it? Nobody wants to sit beside some sad sack.
There are many paths to accomplish your goals; whatever you choose, remember what you reap is what you sow.
Best, Frankie
© 2022 Geneva Woodruff
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