Lessons from My Lab
These lessons are from my first Chocolate Labrador, Sunday, I found this old blog with some great lessons. It still makes me smile and brings me to tears at the same time.
She fell peacefully asleep forever on July 27, 2012 after an amazingly fun and love-filled life. As I continue to figure out how to deal with this reality, I keep thinking of all the wonderful lessons she has taught me:
Wag Your Tail – Every week when I got home from my travels, Sunday was at the door furiously wagging her tail. That was the best greeting anyone could ask for. My husband once asked me why I didn’t greet him the same way that I greeted the dog and I answered, “you get in line in front of her and wag your tail and I‘ll greet you the same way!” Don’t be afraid to show people you like them – find your own way to wag your tail.
Growl Sometimes – Sunday would never make it as a watchdog, she just wasn’t scary and would give into anyone with food. However, every once in awhile she growled. Most of the time it was a friendly reminder to tell someone that she was looking for attention and they weren’t giving it to her. If someone “growls” maybe you’re not paying attention and remember to use your growl when you want some!
Use Barking Sparingly – We were very lucky as Sunday didn’t bark for the first 2 years of her life. The first time we heard her bark was the night we brought our daughter Hanna home from the hospital. She sat at the top of the stairs and guarded our newest member of the family. When she heard a noise she barked. After we realized that a door had blown shut downstairs and made a loud noise, we realized Sunday knew how to use her bark sparingly. We always paid attention when Sunday barked because she only barked when she sensed real fear. If you bark too much, people will stop paying attention!
I believe the biggest lesson Sunday taught me was to conquer your fears – my brother’s dog attacked me when I was a teenager. It was a pretty traumatic event and I was petrified of dogs. After much convincing by my husband and a great experience with a friend’s chocolate lab, we decided to conquer my fear of dogs and get our own. Most fears when conquered turn into the greatest life’s pleasures.