Open Up To Peace

english springer spaniel open up to peace Open Up To Peace

We think that peace is something that happens outside of us. But that’s not true.

Joyful Springers open up to peace.  They understand that peace is something they invite into their lives from the inside.  They focus on peace, so peace fills their lives.

If you want peace, be it.  Start by finding peace in your heart, and you’ll open yourself to peace in your world.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Sweet Pea is back. This eight-month old from Wheaton, Illinois, is obviously open to peace AND love. Who wouldn't love a face like that? Thanks, Sweet Pea, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


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It’s Okay To Get Protection From A “Big Dog”

hound and kittens its okay to get protection from a big dog Its Okay To Get Protection From A Big Dog

Of course we all want to be strong and independent, and these are great qualities to aspire too.  But the life can get scary and overwhelming at times.  And when it is, sometimes we need help.

Joyful Springers know its okay to get protection from a “big dog.” They understand that when they’re struggling, it’s smart to cuddle up to someone who has more resources, more connections, and/or more power.

If you are feeling lost or scared, know that you don’t have to go it alone.  Somewhere out there is a person who can assist you in a way that will be just right for you.  And asking for that help is not only okay, it’s the wise thing to do.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful LAB/HOUND MIX and joyful KITTENS.

[Zoey (the dog), Kabobby Doll (the gray and white kitty), and Nikk Shish (the black kitty) are back. This adorable trio belongs to Stacy Klesen, and they all live in happily together in Atlanta, Georgia. Thanks, Zoey, Kabobby, and Nikki, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer!]

Would your pet like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All animals can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


 Its Okay To Get Protection From A Big Dog

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Head Right At It

english springer spaniel head right at it Head Right At It

We start out with big dreams, most of us.  Then life somehow convinces us that big dreams are a big waste of time.  Once we believe that, when we see an opportunity, we don’t have the courage to do anything about it.

Joyful Springers head right at it.  They see something they want, and they immediately believe they can have it, and they take inspired action to get it.

Is there something you want to do that you’re not allowing yourself to do because you’re afraid it won’t turn out the way you want it to?  Pretend for a moment that it WILL turn out the way you want.  See that outcome in your mind then head right at it.  If you focus on the fun of the romp toward your desires, you’ll be delighted by what you find at the end of your journey.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Mattie's back. This gorgeous, ready-for-adventure girl was all ready to play in the snow at the promise of a snow storm in her town of New Bern, North Carlina, but the snow storm turned into just a dusting.  That didn't stop Mattie from having a good time, though! Thanks, Mattie, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


 Head Right At It

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Dream Of A Love-Filled Life

English springer spaniel dream into a love filled life Dream Of A Love Filled Life

Henry David Thoreau said, “Live the life you’ve dreamed.”

Joyful Springers dream of a love-filled life.  And because they dream of love, they live love.  They live it in the way they treat themselves and others.

If you want more love in your life, BE more loving to yourself and everyone around you.  Have more loving thoughts.  When you choose love-filled thoughts, your world will literally transform before your eyes into a more loving place.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Millie and Larry are back.  Millie and Larry live with their mum, Christina, in London, England.  As you can see, they adore each other. Thanks, Millie and Larry, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer!]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


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Love Yourself

english springer spaniel love yourself Love YourselfSelf love gets a bit of a bad rap in our society.  If we think too highly of ourselves, we’re called selfish, conceited, self-involved, and a bunch of other bad names.

Joyful Springers love themselves.  They know they can’t give others what they don’t already have.  And the more they love themselves, the more love and value they can offer to others.

On this Valentine’s Day, this day of love, why not celebrate the most important love in your life?  Be your own Valentine.  When you love yourself, you not only can give more love, you receive more too.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky definitely loves herself, and that doesn't stop her from loving everyone else too! icon smile Love Yourself ]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


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Cherish Kisses

englsh springer spaniel cherish kisses Cherish Kisses

The blush of first love brings many kisses.  We shower kisses on our new loves and new family members.  But over time, kisses have a way of becoming perfunctory.

Joyful Springers cherish kisses.  They treat every single kiss as the priceless treasure that it is.

If you’re dropping kisses and giving quick smooches to those you love without really being present to what you’re doing, try becoming more mindful when you offer or receive a kiss.  You’ll find that you truly experience the love in the kiss if you relish it.  And that’s a feeling worth noticing!

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Angel Riley is back.  This gorgeous 9-year old from Southern Pines, North Carolina loves her special heart toy.  Thanks, Angel Riley, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


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Find The Rosy Side

english springer spaniel find the rosy side Find The Rosy Side

Can it be said too many times?  We spend WAY too much time looking at the negative stuff in our world.

Joyful Springers find the rosy side.  They are able to take any situation and find the advantage in it.  They can look at any scene and zero in on the beauty.

It’s not serving you when you filter your world through the “problems” and “worry” lens.  A set of rose-colored glasses can totally change your world.  Because when you look for good, you find it.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Butch and Pump are back, and they've stopped to smell the roses. In my opinion, these gorgeous Springers from Whispering Pines, North Carolina out-beauty the roses. icon smile Find The Rosy Side And they're not just pretty faces.  Here's what Pump said to me in an e-mail a couple weeks ago:  "I look so cute and did you know that I am no longer thinking about my problems but I am sharpening my dog therapy skills to support the residents at St. Joseph of the Pines and the getting ready to visit the domestic violence safe house to visit with the children?" icon smile Find The Rosy Side   And Butch is a therapy dog too! Four paws up for Pump and Butch and other therapy dogs like them!! Thanks, Butch and Pump, for guest starring again on The Joyful Springer.]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


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Happy Anniversary To The Joyful Springer

Joyful springer anniversary Happy Anniversary To The Joyful SpringerA year ago today, I started The Joyful Springer to honor my last Springer, Muggins’, life and celebrate the joy my new Springer, Ducky, had brought into my life.  The site has grown to include a family of wonderful dogs whose photos have delighted me and hopefully my readers too.

Thank you to you loyal readers who have sent me photos, warm and wonderful e-mails, and left comments on the site!

For some time, I have felt a bit of strain in keeping this site going.  Processing the photo submissions and creating the daily posts takes a great deal of time, and I have other projects that require my attention.  The Joyful Springer is not an income-producing enterprise, and I have decided I need to follow my own advice and take a look at my priorities; I need to put my energies into other enterprises.

Because I love this site and the dogs who guest star on it so much, I would like to keep it going, but I need to do it at a much more relaxed pace.  So I’ll no longer be posting daily.  I’m going to aim for about two to three times a week for the foreseeable future.

Please do continue to send me photos, but understand that it may be weeks before you see them appear on the site.

Oh, and Ducky says that if you win a lottery or something and would like to help make it possible for us to post more frequently, please feel free to click on the “Donate To My Treat Fund” link in the right sidebar.  icon smile Happy Anniversary To The Joyful Springer

I celebrate the love that each of you has for the truly awesome dogs and cats who so enrich our lives.  The contribution you make to the world through your devotion to compassionate care for animals is immeasurable.

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Have An Underbite

boxer have an underbite Have An Underbite

When people get in our face and verbally attack us, it’s instinct to attack back.  But that kind of confrontation doesn’t serve us.  There’s a better way.

Joyful Springers have an underbite.  Instead of charging in with a growl and bite when confronted, they under-react.  They remain calm, listen if it’s appropriate, and walk away if it isn’t.

You don’t have to engage with people who are raring for a fight.  Stay in your own quiet energy and let them vent if they’re polite about it. If they aren’t, tell them to have a nice day and walk away.  Defensive reactions just escalate the negativity.  And who needs that?

… another wise tidbit from a joyful BOXER.

[Meet Lofty. This uniquely handsome nine-year old boxer is originally from Seville, Spain.  He was abandoned as a puppy, and his momma, Susan Dickson and her then husband, who was in the RAF and stationed in Gibraltar, adopted Lofty and took him back to England with them.  Susan says Lofty is her best friend.  Though some might find Lofty's natural expression intimidating, "He is," Susan says, "one of the happiest dogs I have ever known and loves everybody and everything." Thanks, Lofty, for being a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer!]

Would your pet like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All animals can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


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Have Some Decorum

english springer spaniel have some decorum Have Some Decorum

Freedom of expression and authenticity are essential for happy living, of course.  But in some situations, we need to pull it together and dial it down a bit.

Joyful Springers have some decorum.  They understand that sometimes they need to be on their best behavior and concentrate more on manners than on doing whatever they want.

Of course, you must be uniquely you all the time.  But that doesn’t mean you need to be impolite.  Even if you’re as quirky as all get out, you can find a little room for manners.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky is always on her best behavior when she's at her grandma's house.  She sits on the sofa like a little lady and listens to our conversations. icon smile Have Some Decorum ]

Would your dog like to be a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer? All dogs can fit the definition of a Joyful Springer. Click here to find out how to submit your photo.


 Have Some Decorum

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