Lurcher Life Lessons

What I’ve learned from 4 years with an anxious long dog.

TAKE UP SPACE

Blue spends at least 50% of the day stretched out on his back, legs upright and his tongue hanging out his mouth.

Is he concerned about taking up our entire 4 seater sofa?

Absolutely not.

So why are we staying small?

Let’s proudly take up space and share our unique combination of experience, skills and personality with the world.

There’s more than enough space for all of us.

EXPLORE EVERYTHING

If Blue could talk he’d say:

“Explore every nook and cranny that catches your eye (and your nose) leaving no stones unturned.

Meet everyone who interests you, but remember, you don’t have to let them into your space if you get bad vibes.

Most importantly, always remember to stop to smell the flowers along the way”

DON’T ASK, DON’T GET

Blue tells us exactly what he wants and when through some very unique sounds and actions!

Although this was rather annoying when he was a zooming puppy finding his voice, we now have a great understanding of each other and I really appreciate his upfront attitude.

He’s taught me to vocalise my thoughts, boundaries, desires and needs and I’ve realised it’s often the quickest and easiest way to get to the end goal.

How will anyone know what projects you want to do more of, or who you want to work with unless you tell them?

TRUST YOUR GUT

If your heart says no, that’s cool.

We don’t always have to be our most brave or courageous self or need a comprehensive reason to back away.

Turn away from the scary thing, the hard thing or the energetic thing with the knowledge it’s the right decision to protect yourself today.

You might have more capacity for it tomorrow or next week.

Give it another go then.

SHAKE IT OFF & TRY AGAIN

Blue and I enjoy learning lots of tricks together because we’re that cool.

It takes a while to get the hang of some of them, and when we’re struggling, Blue will shake (a self-regulating action of all animals) take a little walk around, and come back to me when he’s ready to have another go.

He doesn’t get cross with himself or give up, he just instinctively relieves his stress by doing what makes him feel good and tries again.

What a legend.