SAGE WORDS TO INSPIRE
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of the soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France
“Dogs are not incomplete wolves no more than a chimp is an incomplete human ... a dog is supremely suited for his life with humans.” Suzanne Clothier
“Accept that there will always be people who train with aversives ... Scared dogs make some people feel good!”
Jean Donaldson
"Our dogs deserve the best we can give them. In our efforts to train them, we must always respect their individuality and nurture their spirit. Only when we recognize the magnificence of that spirit can we begin to appreciate their worth. We must affirm that worth.” Sheila Booth
"An authentically empowered person is incapable of making anyone or anything a victim. An authentically empowered person is one who is so strong, so empowered that the idea of using force against another is not a part of his or her consciousness." Gary Zukav, Seat Of The Soul
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole” Roger Caras
[Puppy-hood] “is the seed time of good habits.” Thomas Paine
"The brick walls are there for a reason. Right? The brick walls are not there to keep us out, the brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough," Randy Pausch in his last lecture.
"Our personal attempts to live humanely in this world are never wasted. Choosing to cultivate love rather than anger just might be what it takes to save the planet from extinction." Pema Chondron, "The Places that Scare You."
“Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.” Harriet Braiker
“Laugh at your mistakes and praise yourself for learning from them.” Unknown
"We need another and a wiser and perhaps more mystical concept of animals. Remote from universal nature, and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion.
We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.
They are not brethren; they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of Life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth." Henry Beston
Competition is a form of dominance, socially acceptable when it inspires growth and teamwork, but at its worst it breeds opposition, suppression and destruction.
PET'S BILL OF RIGHTS
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1.We have the right to be FULL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY. We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
2. We have the right to STIMULATION. We need new games, new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
3. We have the right to REGULAR EXERCISE. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish . . . or overweight.
4. We have the right to have FUN. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don't expect us to be predictable all the time.
5. We have the right to QUALITY HEALTH CARE. Please stay good friends with our family vet!
6. We have the right to a GOOD DIET. Like some people, we don't know what's best for us. We depend on you.
7. We have the right NOT TO BE REJECTED because of your expectations that we be great show dogs or show cats, watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
8. We have the right to receive PROPER TRAINING. Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife -- and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.
9. We have the right to GUIDANCE AND CORRECTION based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
10. We have the right to LIVE WITH DIGNITY . . . and to die with dignity when the time comes.
Unknown Author.
American Indian Prayer
Great and Eternal Mystery of Life, Creator of All Things, I give thanks for the beauty You put in every single one of Your creations.
I am grateful that You did not fail in making every stone, plant, creature and human being a perfect and whole part of the Scared Hoop.
I am grateful that You have allowed me to see the strength and beauty of All My Relations.
My humble request is that all of the Children of Earth will learn to see the same perfection in themselves.
May none of Your human children doubt or question Your wisdom, grace, and sense of wholeness in giving all of Creation a right to be living extensions of Your perfect love.
Things That Really Matter
Take this quiz
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson?
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Charles Schulz
Canine Coaching Wisdom by Deborah Lee Miller-Riley
Teaching is an expression of Love!
The greatest gift you can give your dog is Your Attention!
Learning is a Shared experience!
Strive for Progress, not perfection!
Look for a reason to Praise and you will find it.
Be generous with your Praise!
Your dog is never responsible for your happiness - you are!
When there is a will to motivate - there is a loving way to do it!
Mistakes are a necessary part of learning!
Build confidence by rewarding courage!
Heartfelt Play is the Way!
Make it joyful - Joy is contagious!
"One can measure the size and moral progress of a nation to how she treats her animals."
Mahatma Gandhi
