Turn off Animal Planet. Go out and play with the dog.
I was so miserable yesterday and this morning that I thought I’d have to lie through my teeth about giving advice on relaxing during stressful times. I’m still having major problems with Medicaid, and now have to fill out even more application forms. Apparently, they have trouble believing I make so little money as a freelance writer (it’s a feast or famine career). I’m not all that proud of chronicling my lack of freelance writing success for Medicaid’s scrutiny, but I have to do it. This, and other reasons, has had my depression kick me in the gut.
So, I thought I’d relax this morning by watching Animal Planet. My dog wasn’t too happy about this choice. It snowed quite a bit this morning and she wanted to check it out. To her, snow is an adventure. To me, snow means a very good chance I’d fall flat on my back — and I currently have no health insurance whatsoever.
Puppy Mojo
My dog can communicate more effectively than most people. If she wants something, she will sit in front of you and stare. She will also place her paw on your chair or your leg. If you ignore her, she will then jump on your lap and stare directly in your face. Since she weighs about sixty pounds, she’s a tad bit difficult to ignore.
My Mom calls this, "Puppy mojo." It certainly works like magic.
Now, I hardly watch television because I’m too busy working, reading, trying to find more clients, or writing fiction. So watching an entire television program winds up being a weekly rather than daily treat. And now I had to give up my treat just for the dog to get muddy paw prints all over the house?
Yes
We have a fenced in back yard, so that’s where my dog and I played in the snow, and I immediately began relaxing. Although I was shuffling about, tossing the Kong toy as opposed to resting my but on the couch, my body quickly lost its tension.
My dog discovered she could toss the Kong about herself. Since it’s heavier than a tennis ball, it would land in a snowy puff which she’d have to dig out. So, not only is there running and chewing, there’s digging involved. When she’d get tired of her throwing her own toy, she stares at me to throw it. I do have to admit I fake throw a couple of times just to see her bounding off, furiously wagging her tail, while I’m still holding the toy.
Fortunately, she has a good sense of humor.
After about ten minutes of playing in the snow, I realized I was more relaxed than in days. I was able to get out of my own cloud of misery and see the world through the eyes of my dog. Perhaps things aren’t so bad after all. Good dog!
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
To be notified by email when there are new blog entries, 
