A GIFT FOR YOU!

A gift for you!

* peace  *  companionship   *  joy  *  pleasure  *  healing *

…all things the canine brings to our world (just to name a few, that is!). Who knew that America’s favorite family pet could make such an impact in, on and for our lives? What a gift!

 A gift to the young man with physical limitations who lives alone in a large, empty home. Canine companionship offers him a constant in his world… a warm greeting upon coming home from his daily 14-hour work day. The evening training games, the feeding and walking routine fill his personal world with goodness. Suddenly, his home feels not so empty. Dogs do that…

A gift  to the high-drive, successful professional woman that lives alone and works alone, from home (longer hours than anyone I know). Canine companionship has offered her a connection that was missing from her world. Her dogs MAKE her take breaks throughout the day and oh the smiles they bring with their goofy little antics! Stress reduction at its finest! Suddenly, no longer a feeling of isolation. Dogs do that…

A gift  to the professional dog trainer who recently lost her working dog and still struggles with a gaping hole in her heart...the size of Texas. Canine companionship, with a new young Aussie, has given her hope…this pain WILL ease. Joy happens. Change is okay…suddenly loss does not sting so horribly. Dogs do that…

A gift  to the married couple that has desired a dog in the family for 9 years now, but delayed, for years, this decision since mama had a horrible experience with a dog in her childhood. Canine companionship, by a new and very lucky dog, offers another opportunity to grow together and completes this beautiful family! Suddenly, new memories are created. Dogs do that…

A gift  to a beautiful, caring mommy that was, herself, the victim of a dog attack at a young age. With two young children in the home, she bravely pushes outside of her own comfort zone in an effort to teach her children. She is now the proud owner of her first dog. A huge, gentle retriever who will change the way she views the canine animal and will teach her girls the goodness of pet ownership. Suddenly, healing begins. Dogs do that…

A gift  to the older woman (a single mom with grown children) who lives alone, with no family in town, and now has a community to support her. Canine companionship has opened up a world of new friends, hobbies, and responsibilities. Working partners, now, rally around her in good times and bad. Suddenly, again, her smiles shine with purpose. Dogs do that…

A gift  to the couple that cannot conceive children of their own. Canine companionship doesn’t change it AND it offers a caring man and woman the opportunity to BE a mommy and a daddy in a very unique and special way. Suddenly, there’s a healthy distraction and a full family. Coping happens. Dogs do that…

A gift  to the young dude in his late 20’s who struggles repeatedly to find just the right love to heal his heart. A love of which we are all worthy. Canine companionship offers him an outlet in between broken relationships. Always, that shepherd is there…waiting to care for her sheep. Suddenly, change can be okay because there’s always one constant. Dogs do that…

*Overcoming grief *Overcoming obstacles * Overcoming fear*   *Overcoming loneliness*

My gift to you today…turn around, take a look…there’s probably a little soul behind you breathing heavily, tail wagging, fish-breath ready to deliver sloppy kisses and undoubtedly ready to offer you an unconditional love for the remainder of his or her life. This gift, today, my friends, is to offer you a moment to slow down this holiday season and SEE it. Breathe it in. Rejoice in it and remember this most awesome experience (even if only a minute) of gratitude and love. Dogs do that!

Happy holidays. Thank you, as always, for sharing this journey of the canine with myself and my team! Paws up for you and your canine companion!

 

Kimberly Burgan, CPDT-KA
Owner, Kimberly Burgan Dog Training of Austin, TX
Author, "Poppy and Puppy Are Friends: A Child's Introduction to Responsible Dog Ownership"