Success Lessons From A New Puppy

Today I want to tell you about 2 dogs in my life.

When I think about my little Bichon, Charlie, I think of this quote:

“When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’”

If you were to ask me what the most important trait successful people have, I would answer, “Perseverance.” When you do not give up you always have another chance to get what you want.

I’m thinking about perseverance today because of my little dog, Charlie, a loving, patient little friend to everyone in my family. In many ways he has looked like a puppy his whole life.

That is, until you look closer.

He became deaf about 2 years ago, but he learned to adjust. A diligent watch dog, he was very confused and disoriented at first.

Then, he lost his eyesight. His great appetite for food and life remained and, even though he was blind and deaf, he still climbed up and down the stairs.

Going up, his muscle memory took over and he climbed as fast as ever.

Going down required him to lean against the wall and take it one step at a time.

I was amazed every single day at Charlie’s perseverance. The thing is, he didn’t even know that he had the option of giving up. He just kept going forward and living for the moment, one step at a time.

After a good, long life of 16 1/2 years, my dog Charlie has gone to doggie heaven.

He kept climbing the stairs until 1 day before he traveled over the Rainbow Bridge. That was about a month ago. I miss him sleeping at my feet as I work, but I will also keep being inspired by his will to live every day to the fullest, no matter what obstacles I face.

So, when you get frustrated, think about Charlie and take life and the work you do one step at a time, and never, ever give up.

MEET DOODLE

Our house seemed so empty, so we added a new family member, Doodle, a white and black Havanese. He has one black ear and random black markings that look like someone “doodled” on him. Life with a puppy also has it’s lessons.

Puppies don’t sit around and wonder if they are making the right move or what their best option is. They just attack life head-on. They make mistakes (plenty of them) but that’s how they learn. Doodle just wants the best life has to offer him and he is willing to go get it, every moment he is awake.

Do you let your fear of making a mistake stop you from moving forward?

So many people wait for the exactly the right time to begin working on their dreams. The house has to be clean, the kids in school and every detail has to be perfect.

Instead, just start working on your ideas and goals. As you begin to work, you will find that your focus will change and you will get new ideas.

Doodle just learned to climb up and down the stairs yesterday. At first, he had no clue what to do and even fell down. But, with a loved one at the top cheering him on, he climbed up all 12 stairs without stopping! He puppy growls to himself on the way down to give himself courage.

If we didn’t let him try the stairs or if he had been too timid, he’d still be fenced-in behind the gate, wondering if he could do it.

So, start now, persevere and never give up. You’ll be surprised how much you will learn and how far you can go in a very short time.

Just ask Doodle.