Spiritu, our 5-½ month tri-colored cocker spaniel, daily lives the Spirit of the holiday season – love, peace, joy, community, kindness, and giving from the heart.
Much of the time, our boy is a “delight”. And, when he is not, it’s most often because our communication is out of sync. Usually, I’m not understanding what he needs or wants. Sometimes, he’s “asking for a time out or time alone”; sometimes he’s hungry or needs to go outside. At the moment of our clashing, I have a choice to make. I can get into a power struggle which ends in either/or—either he gets his way or I get mine. Or, I can divert his attention and we both “win”. His unwanted behavior evaporates and he’s excited about the new diversion. We move on.
Being with him daily, I am reminded of four “rules” for living a full life:
“Show up,
Stay present,
Tell the truth,
And don’t be attached to the outcome.”
When I embody this “recipe”, Spiritu and I have the best time. Folks, big and small, see his “puppyness” coming “a mile away”—the love and joy are palpable. And, “most” dogs can’t resist his “invitation to play”.
Spiritu is learning to put his loving, fun, adventurous self out into the world where dogs and people alike receive him. He models “loveable and loving”, is learning respect, and the meaning of “yes” and “no”.
And, as important as everything else, we love sharing each other’s company. Happy Spiritu everyone…
Diane Halperin 
Ahhh, canine GED! Maybe he just might prefer yiddish, no? . . . . . Looking forward to your
visit. And art class. Happy New Year.
I think the art class most of all! Happy New Year to you, too.
Diane,
What a lesson: conflict is usually just a misunderunderstanding. Can’t wait to see you soon!