I have two new boarders here this week, and I'm suspicious that one of them isn't a dog. I think I've been tricked into boarding a Wookiee 😆

Hunt for the good. Since joining this community and embarking on the 28-day journey, I’ve been noticing a lot of things. This platform in particular demands your attention, and if you want to genuinely respond to people’s posts, you have to take the time to read them. I’ve found my attention has improved, and I’m spending less time scrolling on Instagram, which, to be honest, only ever leaves me feeling shit and confused 😂 The last couple of days have been challenging for me, and today I’ve been at home sick. Earlier in the week, Betty and I went on some good, long, sniffy walks nice and early, and we both thoroughly enjoyed them. Today, she didn’t get a walk this morning and instead hung out with my son and me while we lay on the lounge feeling sorry for ourselves. She kept asking if I wanted to do something with her, and I said, “Not yet.” I didn’t feel guilty like I usually do because of the quality time we’d already spent together this week. This afternoon, when I felt better, we did a tiny bit of training so I could film a video, and I noticed that her eyes match the colour of this lead! I also had a good laugh at her encounter with a dead spider 😂 In summary, I’ve found the good, even when things are shit. I’ve come out of a bad mental state quicker than normal and I’m feeling more positive than I usually do in similar situations. I’ve actually given myself time and space and even been a bit kind 🤯

Check the Community Call Recording Library out. It's always fun, we troubleshoot things, discuss a bunch and often end with a little meditation. We always welcome people to join. To be honest, I'd miss my weekly call so much if it wouldn't happen. Just not as magical of a week without it 🥹. Thank you everyone who makes the time to show up and help us grow our movement. 🥰 Much love, Birdy

Yesterday was a big day that included a major car service, a drop-in client, and me getting a tooth extracted. I had been out all day, spent way more money than i wanted to, and got home feeling very sorry for myself. After a small soft meal & nap, Lois came into the room and just sat. I got up and started prowling around with that nervous energy of feeling the need to do the daily household chores but not wanting to do any of it. I was about to say out loud "sorry for not getting everything done today", when Lois did a small nasal exhale and left the room again. Like she wasnt going to bear witness to my bullshit. It made me pause. Instead I said "wow it's been a huge day" and a much more productive conversation followed. I went to bed without doing all the things. I'm still feeling a little sorry for myself this morning, but we went for a short walk of thanks.

I've still not officially restarted the PAWS 28-day journey. It has been a(nother) rough week and I realised another layer of stress I was unintentionally adding to myself - I "should be" doing PAWS! When I realised that, I paused to reflect and also realised that I'd still achieved my daily walk ritual with Lois every day, and inside of that, I had also actually worked on being more present... I still took a photo every day. Yes I feel the same FOMO pressure to do it, but a daily pic is also important to me. So I try to do it in the first part of the walk so it is done & then I can put my attention back into presence. I did miss 1 day on the a dual walk, so took one when we got back instead. I've been using presence to focus more on leash work. I love the conversation ability good leash work can give, and believe I'm pretty good at it. Lois & I definitely have 2-way conversations, but as she is not one to walk in front, or add pressure really at all, I wanted to really tune in and use the leash to bridge the presence gaps. Feeling those micro-movements in my hand has helped refine my leash handling skills. It's not perfect but I am enjoying the process. And Lois is even occasionally forging ahead a little! I've tried to add a pic from each day (since Thursday), plus the video is from this morning after breakfast - just after this she full barked at me! I think she's telling me to hurry up and finish my tea.