I’ve been so fortunate that for most of my life I have had dogs. I have learned a lot from them.

But recently an experience with a dog taught me a lot about health….which

reminds me once again that there are gifts in everything.

Often I take my two rescue mutts to a large field where they can run off leash and meet other dogs. A few weeks before I had chatted with a young woman named Cindy & met her year-old Boxer “Max.” Cindy was a first time dog owner & was excited about having a dog. We talked about dog behavior and I told her of some of my “dog learning” experiences.

A few weeks later I was at the field and saw Cindy and a guy I assumed was her boyfriend as they were very involved with each other. However they were not very involved with Max.

Max was running around and getting further away from them. Cindy would occasionally pull her attention away from her boyfriend and call Max to “come.” When Max did not come, her calls became increasingly shrill.

She eventually came in my direction so I took the opportunity to offer her a dog treat to entice Max with, explaining that was a way I had taught my dogs to come. Cindy told me emphatically that Max didn’t deserve a treat, as he was being “bad.”

Finally Max did come to her and she began to hit him and tell him he was a bad dog. I was very upset to see this and felt I needed to intervene. I said that I knew she was frustrated but he would not want to come if he was punished when he did come. Of course she didn’t pay any attention to me and hauled Max away.

With a very heavy heart, I saw that the relationship between Cindy and Max was headed for trouble and possible abuse. And probably the pound for Max.

Later that day I was reminded of the relationship between Cindy and Max when I saw an article about exercise were the emphasis was on the ”No Pain, No gain” school of health.

It occurred to me that many of us have the same type of relationship to our bodies that I saw between Cindy to Max.

That is, we ignore our bodies until they don’t perform like we think they should and then we punish them and tell them they are “bad.” We treat our bodies like they need to be punished with brutal exercise and deprivation diets. We don’t take the time to learn much about what they need and we don’t pay attention to the “messages” we get about what makes our bodies feel good. So it is no surprise that our relationship to our bodies is one of frustration and confusion.

So I am going to suggest that we adopt a new view of health

starting with the motto:

“Your Body is Your Best Friend”

And the remembering these simple D.O.G ideas:

D= don’t rely on fad diets or quick fixes,

good relationships take time & care.

Do “check in” regularly to see where

your body is and where it is going.

O= Own that your body is unique and will

willingly tell you what makes it thrive.

Do you need more sleep than is?

“average”? Do you like walks more

than treadmills?

Find out what works for YOU, not

what “experts tell you

G= Give your body the care and respect

it deserves.Walks, lots of play,

good food and loving attention

make dogs and bodies thrive.

Treat your body as well as you would

your Best Friend…because it

really is.

Be the person your dog thinks you are!

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Holiday Gifts can be challenging but all of these are easily “doable” & take little Time & Money.

1.Use an “assembly line” to create ready-to-use dry mixes (think: cookies, multi-bean soups, or muffins) and package in attractive containers from art or dollar stores. These are great time savers and easy to create.

2. Plant paperwhite narcissus bulbs in pebbles in pots, water weekly and put in window. They will bloom in Jan. and be a fragrant gift during the winter.( I do this every year for clients, neighbors etc. and they tell me they appreciate them).

3. Make “Gifts Certificates” for your time/expertise. Here are some possibilities:

• Certificate for a favorite/special dish

• Certicate for some hours of “ grunt work” …cleaning garage,painting,raking leaves,etc.

• Certificate for helping with a project that could use your painting, sewing, organizing skills

4. A “PASS” coupon for your kids for chores that kids are usually do; lets them  “opt out “ of chore when they use their coupon.

5. “Happy New Year” gifts given in January gifts may more noticed and appreciated and a good way to reconnect after the rush of the holidays.

6. For business customers, give a percentage “off” on your client’s bill or order with a thank you holiday note. Many will appreciate money more than a present.

7.Give a donation in the clients name to a favorite charity, especially if you know of your client’s interests. Often a magazine/newsletter also will be sent & your client is reminded of you all year.

8. Consider a donation where client can “adopt” an animal or land. Rescue/rehab groups or environmental organizations will often send client a picture or certificate and progress reports.

9.Give yourself a present. You deserve it!

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