Your dog can be your greatest teacher in life if your soul is open to what he has to say

In this episode I talk about my first dog, my soul dog, Rufus, a Miniature Schnauzer whom I lost in 2017 at the age of 11. Rufus was my greatest, or should I say first, animal teacher in life and the reason I later became a Professional Certified Dog Trainer and Family Dog Mediator®.  I want to share this story with you because it’s a great example of how your dog can be your greatest teacher if you are willing to open your heart & soul and hear what he has to say. Rufus and I shared a very special bond but I am not proud of how I behaved towards Rufus due to lack of knowledge of dog behavior at the time. He taught me so many things; most importantly he was my mirror showing me clearly how my behavior affected him and that I needed to be more patient and show understanding for his needs. I was always frustrated and in a hurry when walking him but he showed me that life should not be hurried, he put his brakes on no matter what I tried, and I finally realized how he was so right and I was so wrong. Life is meant to be enjoyed, to be sensed, to be felt, to just BE. The walks were HIS, not mine, they were FOR him (and for me, if I had only listened and slowed down.....). They were meant to be sniffed, to be indulged..... to connect with nature, with the universe, with each other. But I missed the point entirely back then....Rufus didn't!! Thank you Rufus, my SOUL dog, my first and most significant animal teacher!! You inspired me to DO better....to BE better. I just wish I could have done better by YOU!! But I will love you forever and ever, my first dog, my 4legged soul mate. I know you forgave me - One day I will forgive me too! Thank you for listening with your soul, an open heart & mind, and for your support of this podcast! Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to www.thedogtalker.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------