Ride When You Can

English springer spaniel ride when you can Ride When You Can

Hard work isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  Sometimes, relaxing and accepting a free ride will move us closer to our goals.

Joyful Springers ride when they can.  They know they don’t always have to slog along the trail under their own power.

Too much struggle can actually push away what you want.  Working hard isn’t as productive as working easy in the long run.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Tilly's first litter of pups are back.  Tilly, who belongs to the wonderful breeders we have to thank for our Ducky--Sally and Warren Wattenbarger, is Ducky's mom. Thanks, Tilly's pups, 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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Inspect It Before You Swallow It

english springer spaniel inspect it before you swallow it Inspect It Before You Swallow It

Sometimes we’re just way too gullible.  We read it in the newspaper or see it on TV or find it on the internet, and we believe it.  We don’t evaluate before acting or reacting to new information.

Joyful Springers inspect it before they swallow it.  The look closely at “facts” and keep an open mind.

Before you get all stirred up by news or other information you hear or read today, look a little further and make sure you’re not missing something.  A little circumspection can serve you well.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky wasn't actually inspecting that bit of treat on the sofa in front of her in this photo.  We had told her to "Wait," so she was keeping an eye on the treat until we said "Okay." Good girl, Ducky!]

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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Open With Knowing

english springer spaniel open with knowing Open With Knowing

When we open packages, we often do it with trepidation.  Will we like what’s inside?  Will we have to pretend we like it?  We do the same thing with life experiences.  We tend to go into them tentatively, worrying about what might go wrong.

Joyful Springers open with knowing.  They unwrap life with an expectation that the gifts they find will be wondrous.

Every day is a package for you to open and enjoy.  Open your days knowing they’ll be delightful, and they soon will be.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky enjoyed opening a package from her Facebook friend, Harry McCatley, who sent her a toy and some treats all the way from England!  Harry is  a very special cat.]

Harry 300x228 Open With Knowing

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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Put Foot To Ear

cocker spaniel put foot to ear Put Foot To Ear

Instead of sticking our feet in our mouths, we’d do better to put them to our ears and lead with our listening skills instead of our opinions.

Joyful Springers put feet to ear.  They understand that others’ opinions are every bit as important as their own.

Before you open your mouth today, be sure you’re allowing the person you’re speaking with a real chance to express his or her ideas.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful COCKER SPANIEL.

[Cody's back.  This adorable 10 month old boy lives next door to Ducky's sister, Halo, near Port Orchard, Washington. This picture was taken when his family first brought him home.  Thanks, Cody, 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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Yank On Essentials

english springer spaniel yank on essentials Yank On Essentials

Some things in life are musts:  loving and being loved, good food, rewarding passions, and FUN.  If these aspects of life get away from us, we need to tug a little to get them back.

Joyful Springers yank on essentials.  They prioritize the highlights of life.

Don’t let the mundane aspects of life pull your joy away.  Tug on the bright spots and make them the most important part of your days.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Ducky does her best to hang onto her essential green Frisbee when she and her daddy 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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Maintain A Blue Ribbon Self Image

english springer spaniel maintain a blue ribbon self image Maintain A Blue Ribbon Self Image

Who needs a prize when you know you’re a winner?

Joyful Springers maintain a blue ribbon self image.  They feel good about who they are, no matter what.

You are unique and valuable just as you are.  Don’t let anyone, including yourself, tell you different.

… another wise tidbit from a joyful English Springer Spaniel.

[Meet the Carolina Dock dogs--Pam Civile, the North and South Carolina Coordinator for English Springer Rescue America (ESRA), sent me this photo of 3-year old Pumpkin, 9-year old Riley, and 4-year old Butch. All three of these lucky dogs are rescue  Springers.  Says Pam, "With the help of ESRA, they now happily reside in Southern Pines NC.  They all love the water and being extremely active. Riley is the most avid dock dog,, and she is a senior girl. Her sister and brother are novices, and she is quite accomplished at the sport. As they say at Dock Dogs, a tired dog is a happy dog. Be sure to exercise your dog daily!"  Thanks, Pumkin, Riley, and Butch, for being Guest Stars 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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