Be Of Good Vintage

english springer spaniel be of good vintage1 Be Of Good Vintage

Why is it we’re always so impatient to master a skill or reach the goal?  In our rush to get to the end of the road, we often make a mess of the journey.

Joyful Springers are of good vintage.  They understand that “aging,” the slow unfolding of time, is what makes every year a great year.

Wine can taste pretty lousy when you drink it too soon after it’s made.  And you can have a lousy life if you get in too much of a hurry.  Allow your life to unfold in its own timing.  You won’t want to be done anytime soon anyway, do you?

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Rommy's back.  This adorable six-month old boy from Columbia, South Carolina has stolen his parents David and Leila Morris's hearts.  Thanks, Rommy, 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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Create Roots

english springer spaniel create roots Create Roots

Architect Harold Taylor said, “The roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that you can become.”

Joyful Springers create roots.  Although they understand they’re worthy just as they are, they make it priority to better themselves every single day.

What can you do today to be a little better than yesterday?  Just because you’re okay as you are (and you ARE more than okay) doesn’t mean you can’t get better and better.  Look for ways to grow each day, and you’ll put down the roots of true achievement.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Stoney is  back (at 5 1/2 months old).  He definitely knows how to create roots--the spot in the photo, according to his momma, is his favorite place. Thanks, Stoney, 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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Romp Often

english springer spaniel romp often Romp Often

Oh how serious life seems to be.  So many chores.  So many items on our to do list.  Sigh.  Who has time for frivolity?

Joyful Springers romp often.  They know that their play time spills into all their responsible time and helps them be more energetic and productive all the time.

When was the last time you played with complete abandon?  When was the last time you frolicked?  Romping isn’t just for kids.  Believe it or not, you’ll get more done if you have a jolly good time a little more often.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky romps every single day.  She's always ready for play.]

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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Be Wide Eyed

english springer spaniel be wide eyed Be Wide Eyed

Once we reach a certain age, younger than it should be, we think we’ve “seen it all.”  We start ignoring what we used to gaze at in awe because it’s now “old hat.”

Joyful Springers are wide-eyed.  They never lose their eager ability to see the wonder in all things.  They find a way to look at even the most familiar parts of life with new eyes.

If your life feels dull and ordinary, if you’re feeling a little down, you’ve probably muted out your surroundings with a jaded perspective.  Open your eyes wide and stare at something familiar until it seems unusual and new.  Seeing your world afresh can give you energy and change your mood.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Kirby's back. This handsome 7 1/2 year old from California sure has gorgeous eyes! Thanks, Kirby, 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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Be A Little Bit Country

english springer spaniel be a litlte bit country Be A Little Bit Country

Those of us who live close to nature know the joy of communing with nature on a regular basis.  We know how it clears the head and grounds us.  When you live in the city, though, you can forget about the value of open fields and fresh air.

Joyful Springers are a little bit country.  They know that chewing on a piece of straw and basking in the sunlight connects them with the infinite and makes them appreciate the world they live in more.

Even if you live in a concrete jungle, you have access to nature.  Spend a little time in it.  You’ll be amazed at how it refreshes and heightens your sense of the world’s abundance.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Nana's back.  This 10 month old girl (6 months in the photo) from Texas is happy wherever she is. Thanks, Nana, 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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Laze Regularly

Laze regularly Laze Regularly

We live in a racehorse society.  We’re praised for being on the go, go, go.  But all that going doesn’t get us anywhere good if we don’t stop often enough to catch our breath.

Joyful Springers laze regularly.  They know that frequent sprawls on the sofa ultimately give them more energy for fun and frolic.

Are you getting enough rest?  If you get drowsy whenever you sit down to do something quiet, you need more snooze time.  Add some more reclining into your life and see just how much more productive it makes you in the long run.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Muggins was an active girl, but she also knew how to laze in the prime spots.]

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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Remember Pumpkin History

English springer spaniel remember pumpkin history Remember Pumpkin History

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “We fancy men are individuals; so are pumpkins; but every pumpkin in the field goes through every point of pumpkin history.”

Joyful Springers remember pumpkin history.  They know that everyone started as a seed before growing into something magnificent, so they accept where they are in the growth cycle.

No one, no matter how successful or rich, is better than you.  Everyone started in the same pumpkin patch.  Have faith that you have what it takes to grow into anything you want to be.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Mattie's back.  Mattie wasn't a huge fan of posing with this scary cat, but she's a good sport.  She's used to her momma, Brenda, taking hundreds of photos. 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.

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Sometimes You Need A Big Head

english springer spaniel sometimes you need a big head1 Sometimes You Need A Big Head

If someone tells us we have a big head, that’s not a compliment.  But maybe it should be.

Joyful Springers know sometimes you need a big head.  They know that when others aren’t going to cheer for them and exult in their triumphs, they need to do it for themselves.

Instead of waiting for someone else to say, “You did good!”, do it for yourself.  Go ahead and be pleased with yourself. It’s called confidence.   There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging your value as long as you don’t belittle the value in others.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky's sister, Lucy, really doesn't have a big head.  It was just the severe camera angle when I took her photo that makes her look that way.  She's actually perfectly proportioned and quite modest.]

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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Hold Onto Your Books

Leo hold onto your books1 Hold Onto Your Books

You read it.  You got it.  You can move on. But then …

Time has a way of stealing knowledge.

Joyful Springers hold onto their books.  They build a library of information, and they keep it close so they can go back to it whenever a fact or two slip away.

You can’t be expected to know it all, but you can surround yourself with what you need to find out what you need to know.  Knowledge is power.  Books hold knowledge.  When you collect books … and read them, you grow your power.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful CHOCOLATE LAB.

[Leo’s back and reading again.  What a smart guy!   You can see more pictures of Leo and Cessna on Leo’s Facebook page.  Thanks,  Leo, for guest staring 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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Cast A Happy Shadow

english springer spaniel cast a happy shadow Cast A Happy Shadow

As we go through the day, the impact we have extends well beyond our immediate interaction with people.  We leave behind a vibe, or mood, everywhere we go.  It’s like an invisible shadow.

Joyful Springers cast a happy shadow.  They take their joy and contentment with them when they go out so they can spread it around for others to catch.

Today, how about leaving your bad mood, your resentment, your worries, and any other negative stuff at home?  Reach inside and find appreciation and wonder, and take those out into the world.  The great thing is that you tend to get back what you project.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Meet Savannah!  This six-month old girl belongs to Carrie Kikel, and is living a happy life in Portland, Oregon.  Recently, Savannah and the Kikels met Rainy and her parents, and now Savannah and Rainy are good friends.  You can see more pictures of Savannah on Carrie's Facebook page.  Thanks, Savannah, for being a Guest Star 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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