Patience vs. Frustration

[Jennifer Tramell]

(I am posting this as a reminder to myself as much as for anyone else.)  Lately it seems as though I have been caring for a lot of dogs.  They are different ages, different personalities, but coincidentally they have all been goldendoodles.

My parents were out of town and I took care of their 3 year old dog, Truffles.  My sister went on a romantic getaway and I kept her 2 goldendoodles (1 & 8 yrs old).  Some friends went to Disney and I kept their 1 yr old goldendoodle.  I am now taking care of a puppy.  Throughout these past months I have found myself REALLY irritated and frustrated with these dogs.  I find this feeling highly offensive as I love dogs and consider myself to be a better-than-average dog owner/handler/trainer.

The thing is, these are all really good dogs but I am used to my dogs and my life and my habits and my routine.  I have to remind myself to be patient and relax.  Don't take their behavior personally.  Appreciate the joy of the jumping, feel the love in the licking, hear the worry in the whining, even recognize the innocence of puppyhood in the piles and puddles. 

This is true for kids and dogs - most behaviors are not manipulative personal attacks.  They are just baby steps in growing up.  There will be more mistakes than victories, and I need to view those mistakes as a chance to help them learn.  Basically, I need to get over myself.  Put my schedule on the shelf and increase the flexibility of my goals.  Focus on relationship, commitment, and encouragement and I believe patience will be a natural result. 

[William]

This is excellent !!! :-)))

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

I'd rather deal with dogs than with employees.  Maybe I should start thinking of my employees as dogs...do you think that would help?

[Jennifer Tramell]

Lol!  I know I'm more patient with my dogs than my kids, maybe I'll start thinking of them as dogs.

[Jennifer Tramell]

It seems God wants me to continue to practice patience - both with dogs and husband.  Last night my hubby left the garage door open and Webster & Charlotte snuck out for a midnight run. He was playing fetch with Tessa and the other two took advantage of his oversight. (We live in a semi-rural area and are surrounded by woods & pasture.  Also, it wasn't actually midnight, just 8:30.)  It seems they met up with Pepe LePeu.  I've yet to find the pleasant side of skunk stink.  My mom always taught me to make lemons out of lemonade, but I don't know WHAT to make of skunk spray.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Make tomato juice! :-)

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Good grief - I want to leave my dogs with you!  You sound just about perfect.  Glad to see you still have your humor, patience and perspective intact after so much caring.