2015 started with us making a long trek to pick up our new family member, Rosie!!
We had been looking for our new dog by visiting the local shelters often. I had hoped to find a great match for us there, but it wasn’t happening.
The dogs that seemed to be good fit were quickly taken, and it wasn’t easy going into the shelters and seeing some of the same dogs there time after time. Part of me longed to bring one of those dogs home, but I know I am not the right match for a dog that is too anxious, or aggressive, or needs extra help adjusting.
So we decided to try a different strategy for finding our doggie. Instead of actively looking, we sat down and started discussing what we loved about Sooke and our other dogs. What worked, and what didn’t, for us. We created some critical qualities for both of us.
- calm
- confident
- affectionate
- smart
- good with people and other dogs
- not too hyper or in need of constant exercise
We then called on Sooke, whose spirit we know is still right here with us, to help guide us to our next dog.
Well, let’s just say, the results of this more energetic effort, were FAST!!
That same day, not two hours later, our good friend, Susa Holt, sent us an email and shared about her brand new Sheeperdoodle puppy AND that there was one more female in the litter needing a home. BTW, Susa mentioned that she was headed back to the breeder’s that very same afternoon, and could put in a good word for us and check out the available puppy.
We had never heard of a Sheeperdoodle, but had been interested in the “doodle” doggies previously. We did some quick research and soon discovered the qualities were amazingly in line with our list.
- smart
- friendly
- people oriented
- playful but also calm
Without too much more thought, we called. Two days after putting our vision out into the universe, we received a beautiful, playful puppy, Rosie! (We forgot the part about asking for her to be close by. It took us two days to get her home and a total of 25 hours of driving over a three day trip. Whew!)
Aside from the long trip, this has been a significant reminder of the magic in practicing visioning, and aligning, to manifest what will come next – be it a puppy, a house (we’ve done that couple times now) or new business.
It’s all very exciting. I am aware that I want to avoid become a totally neurotic puppy parent. There are some early signs that I will have to work hard to not let Rosie become a spoiled little one. I want to stay on the path towards training, and establishing some solid boundaries and clear guidelines.
As I write, Rosie is sleeping in her gated play area. There are probably too many toys inside, but she’s learning to settle in her own space, and we are learning to let her whine.
Unless you are a dog person like me, you may not be as interested in this post. However, I am hoping that the real take away is to remember that if things are not happening quite the way you like, stop trying so hard to make them happen. Instead, pause, and spend some time getting really clear about what you want, the qualities, the way you want to feel, and for a few moments stop worrying about how it will happen.
Amazingly things start to happen when I stop thinking that I have to make it happen. Thanks for Rosie, Universe!
I am sure I will need to be reminded of these steps when I start forcing Rosie to comply to my will. I imagine CrisMarie will be all too willing to encourage me to – stop trying so hard, pause and get clear, let go of the how and wait. I imagine Rosie will get more from that tactic than she will through my forced compliance!
Watch this is a short video clip – listen carefully to me in the background – demanding accomplishments from a 10 week old pup. Not my proudest parenting moment!
It’s time for some more house training! Got to go take Rosie outside!! Wish me luck!
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