Choices are reflective of….
“If it's important you'll find a way. If it's not, you'll find an excuse.”
― Ryan Blair
Our choices are reflective of a number of things, but mainly what we deem to be a priority. Where things fall on our personal value system.
There've been times I've been strapped... but really, really wanted something that added to my personal and/or professional life. A way was MADE. And whatever came with that was dealt with.
When we feel something is important enough, we will find the time, make the way, and deal with whatever may come along with this.
Often, when it comes to dogs, people want change and help; but are unwilling to invest in it (financially, energetically, time and attention-wise, etc.). So, excuses are made. The problem persists. And it's usually the dog who ends up suffering for it (fears and anxieties continue, reduced freedoms and walks, living a much smaller life, living in isolation, getting re-homed, having unfair and inaccurate labels and stories attached to them, being dumped at a shelter-- likely losing their life, etc.).
I can't tell you how many times I've had someone reach out for help, say they couldn't afford it, then post pictures of their latest travel adventures, a new car, etc. This isn't to shame, but to highlight where their current priorities lie.
Our dogs 100% rely upon us for everything in their lives.
And, sadly, many with dogs don't view them as a priority. It's a one-sided dynamic. There's value in what the dog does for them... what the dog gives to them (affection, comfort, attachment, feeling "needed", "having someone there", etc.), but that's where things stop. The bare minimum is given when it comes to what the dogs need from us. And if and when circumstances change (a move, a new baby, new puppy, etc.), the dog gets the boot. It's heartbreaking how many dogs this happens to.
There's information in our choices.
And if we want any level of change in our lives... if we want any level of change when it comes to our dogs --- we've simply got to make different choices. We can't continue to make the same choices and expect anything different.
Change involves getting a little (or very) uncomfortable, which many will resist and avoid; but this is a requirement if we want different and better.
If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that change never happens in our familiar, predictable zones of comfort.
It's not easy, but it's definitely worth it.
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Pre-order our latest book, "The Human End of the Leash: Dog Training's Missing Link" here:
https://packfit.thinkific.com/courses/the-human-end-of-the-leash
