Add A Touch Of Diva

Add a touch of Diva Pump Add A Touch Of Diva

Most of us only get dolled up on special occasions.  And we tend to think glitz and glam are for celebrities.

Joyful Springers add a touch of diva.  They know they’re stars even if they’re not famous, and they have a right to glam it up just for the fun of it.

Having a blah day?  How about getting decked out in some finery for no reason whatsoever?  It’s amazing what a spirit lift it is to put on something special.  Get in touch with your own star power today!

[Pump is back.  This North Carolina beauty is may have more than just a touch of diva in her.   icon smile Add A Touch Of Diva ]

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Slurp Often

Slurp often Nellie Slurp Often

Slurrrrrrp!  Rarely do you hear this sound except when someone is savoring the pleasure of something yummy.

Joyful Springers slurp often.  They understand that every part of life has yumminess in it, and the best way to remind yourself of that is to go into everything with a “what’s here to slurp?” attitude. icon smile Slurp Often

Even the things we dread, even our biggest challenges, even our most emotional moments have something in them to savor.  Getting in the habit of making a little slurp sound now then can remind you to look for the tasty aspects of all of your experiences.

[Nellie's back. Betsy Kiehl's sweetie recently turned two years old, and she's slurping up the fun.  Betsy said Nellie was born in the same month that Betsy's last beloved Springer, Charlie, was born.  So she was born the same month and year that Charlie died.  I often think that our older dogs somehow pave the way for their replacements before they leave.  Betsy says that Nellie has helped ease the heartbreak of losing Charlie.  I know what she means because Ducky has done the same, helping Tim and me through the loss of our Muggins.]

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Remember Why You Were Born

Ducky 2nd birthday Remember Why You Were Born

You didn’t come into this world to hate … or judge … or complain … or struggle.

Joyful Springers remember why they were born.  They know they are alive to be part of an endless connection of love and joy.  They know they came here to experience the world as it is … just ducky!

When you keep in mind why you’re here in this world, it’s easier to live in acceptance and harmony with everyone and everything around you.  Ever wonder what your life purpose is?  Your life purpose is to feel love and happiness … always.  Living from this “just ducky” awareness makes life a lot more fun!

[Ducky is two years old today!  Happy Birthday To Ducky!!!!  Our birthday girl definitely knows she's here to love and be loved and have a great time! icon smile Remember Why You Were Born ]

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Put Your Shoulder To The Ball

rescue dog put your shoulder to the ball Put Your Shoulder To The Ball

A line from Aesop’s fable, Hercules and the Wagoner, “Put your shoulder to the wheel,”  has become a sort of unspoken mantra for our society.  It has become like a teeny, invisible slave driver sitting on our shoulders, cracking the whip and bellowing, “Work harder.  Work harder.”

Well, forget the wheel and that slave driver.

Joyful Springers put their shoulder to the ball.  They understand that life isn’t supposed to be a push and a struggle.  They know it’s supposed to flow and roll along … kind of like a ball.

Instead of manhandling your way through the day forcing yourself to stick to obligations and agendas, start listening to your inner guidance and what it tells you to do.  That guidance will lead you to a balance of work and play that will transform pushing a wheel into having a ball.

[Mollie's back. This mixed breed girl takes her ball playing seriously.  She uses it to help bring balance into the busy life of her momma, Donna, who's a life coach teaching people how to create fun and fulfilling lives. ]

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Be All About Mirth

Its all about mirth Morgan hoffman Be All About Mirth

Laughing Cow Cheese’s slogan asks, “Have you laughed today?”

So, have you?

Joyful Springers are all about mirth.  They find a reason to laugh everyday.

Don’t let a day go by without a good, full-out belly laugh.  Actually, several of those are even better than one.  And if you can glue those laughs together with big smiles, you’re setting yourself up for a great day … no matter what happens.

[Meet Morgan.  This happy five-year old rescue from North Carolina belongs to Darlene Hoffman.  He's Snickers' brother. Darlene says Morgan is "a big lover boy." icon smile Be All About Mirth ]

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Have A Tropicical Temperament

Have a tropical temperament Delta Have A Tropicical Temperament

Are you waiting for your outer circumstances to suit you before you feel good?  You may wait a long time.

Joyful Springers have a tropical temperament.  They know they don’t need to have the world be a specific way to feel what they want to feel.

If you want to experience the peace and fun that tropical vacations conjure, don’t think you have to take a Caribbean cruise to get what you want.  Just CHOOSE to feel relaxed and happy now.

[Meet Delta.   This sweet five-year old from Monroe, Wisconsin, loves the snow and obviously has a keen fashion sense.   Her momma, Joan Howe, says that last winter, "If she wasn't chasing through it (with a toy) (notice her toy matches her coat), she was rolling in it and coming in the house, completely covered in snow."  I don't usually put snow pictures in the summer, but I thought the outfit screamed "summer."  icon smile Have A Tropicical Temperament Thanks, Delta, for being a Guest Star on The Joyful Springer.]

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Get Your Bunny On

Get your bunny on mattie Get Your Bunny On

You’ve heard of getting your groove on, right?

Joyful Springers get their bunny on.  They know they can get in a hopping great mood just by acting as if they have an ear for only the good stuff in their world.

Getting your bunny on is a attitude of positive expectation and an energetic leap into the best parts of every day.  It’s something you can choose to do right now (furry pink ears are optional). icon smile Get Your Bunny On

[Mattie is back. Brenda's lovely lady was kind enough to "get her bunny on" and pose for photos on a recent sunny North Carolina day ... even though Mattie knows she doesn't need the ears to hop into great fun.  icon smile Get Your Bunny On ]

Happy Easter from Ducky, Tim, and Me!


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Trample It

english springer spaniel trample it 1 Trample It

Too many of us live careful lives these days.  We’re so aware of what could go wrong, we hold back and don’t engage with the world the way we would if we felt totally safe and excited about life.

Joyful Springers trample it.  They don’t focus on what could go wrong.  They focus on the fun to be had.

Life was meant to be savored.  Don’t tiptoe through your days.  Trample them with passion and enthusiasm.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[I know it's Spring, but I had to get in one last snow picture.  icon smile Trample It Ducky was so excited about her first ever encounter with more than a dusting of snow that she had it trampled down in a matter of minutes. icon smile Trample It ]

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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Spread Your Variety

english springer spaniel trample it Spread Your Variety

We all have so many aspects–so many sides, so many interests.  Often, though, we hide away much of who we are because we get penned into a particular part of our personality or into a limited number of activities.

Joyful Springers spread their variety.  They make the most of the life they’ve been given, and they let every part of their personality come out to play (both the “good” parts and the “bad” parts).  They fill their days with all their interests, not just one or two.

If you’re feeling a little trapped or stuck in a rut, check to see if you’ve locked away some part of yourself.  Maybe you’re not letting your fun side or your creative side out enough.  Maybe you’re not making time to do enough things you love to do.  Take an inventory of who you are and what you love and be sure you’re fully living the variety of who you truly are.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky loves her variety of toys and LOVES to spread them around the house (there are dozens more outside this photo's range). icon smile Spread Your Variety ]

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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Dance Away The Winter Blues

english springer spaniel dance away the winter blues Dance Away The Winter Blues

It’s that time of year.  Short days and cold weather often bring blue moods.  But we don’t have to hang onto those moods.

Joyful Springers dance away the winter blues.  They find ways to frolic in any weather and under any conditions.

You can choose to feel blah because it’s not bright and shiny and warm outside.  Or you can choose to have fun.  Get up and move!! When you shake your tail a bit, you rev up your energy and your mood.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Sweet Pea is back. This lively eight-month old's mom, Denise, says she wishes she could have someone take action shots of Sweet Pea because "it's hard to play and take pictures at the same time."  Anyone who owns an active dog has had that issue--and we probably all have blurry pictures of tails, the floor, and the wall. I'm glad Denise managed to get this funny shot of a clearly happy girl.  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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