She’s Mighty Dog In Her Mind!

Written by Writer Dad on October 30, 2008 - View Comments
Categories: Blogging

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

~Winston Churchill

About a dozen fallen leaves more than a month ago, I got a note in my inbox.  It was from a daily reader, regular commenter, and first time emailer.  He liked the site and wanted to know if there was anything he could do to help make it better.  This was the Blogopolis version of asking if I’d like to share his peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Over the course of a weekend, he added the 40 to my WD.  He’s the reason everything around here looks so shiny.

A couple weeks later, perhaps it was the season changing (or maybe he couldn’t stand Blogger Dad having all the fun), we decided to pool ourselves on a project.  Collaboration has been daily since.  Eric Hamm, as you may already know, runs the blog “Motivate Thyself.”  An apt name for an individual as motivated as he.  He’s also started a second blog, “Up and Coming Blogger.”  He is quick, intelligent, and quite deserving of being a blogger I heart.

Without further ado, Eric Hamm:

The other night my wife and I were watching the TV show, ‘Bones’, on Fox dot com.  During one of the commercials we saw a slow motion shot of a dog leaping into the air to grab a flying Frisbee.  Jokingly I shouted, “Look, it’s Ginger!”  Liz laughed and then followed with a, “Yeah right.”  Then Ginger popped her head up as if surprised by the questioning of her Terrier like talents.

She’s a wiener all the way.

At only 8 months of age, Ginger is the younger of our two Miniature Dachshunds.  Spotted like a cow and about as coordinated as a…cow…Ginger is by no means a show dog by any standard.  She got the short end of the stick, which, for a breed that barely breaches the surface, is like saying a certain Sloth is slow.  Her shape resembles a hot dog for sure, but we think this one was left to cook just a few minutes more.  When she’s frustrated she moans and her bark is more like a ‘blark’, but we love her just the same.

Her ‘perfect’ older sister.

Abi is more the essence of excellence when it comes to raw physical ability.  She’s fast, jumps like a jack rabbit and can howl with the best of them.  So when comparing these two characters, we can’t help but see the stark contrast.

Watching them play is always good for a laugh.  Abi puts her ‘slow legs’ on so Ginger can keep up.  She leaps over obstacles as Ginger kind of throws herself through the speed bumps.  And when Abi lands with grace, it’s Ginger that tumbles on by as she loses the game with gravity.

Ignorance is bliss!

But what gives Ginger her ‘gingerness’ is her complete disregard for her disadvantaged demeanor.  Her personality is filled with confidence as her spunk is bounding with bravery.  In her mind, when her leaps barely break contact with the ground, she is most certainly soaring like a super hero.  It’s as if she never got the memo; never realized her lack of athletic ability…or she just doesn’t care.

Unaware of ourselves.

Life is often unnecessarily stressful because of a constant obsession with ourselves.  We are always over analyzing as we filter experiences with our fine toothed feelings.  Many of our greatest mistakes are in some way related to an insecure reaction to reality.

So what can we learn as we imagine this four legged lap dog, with little success to show?  She’s a determined little thing, that’s for sure, but it’s not her ‘never give up’ attitude that I’m interested in at the moment.  Instead, I can’t help but admire the way she sees the world around her.  I guess that’s the point…she’s actually looking outward; not picking apart her peculiar personality.  You can just tell that when Ginger is faced with a task, she is not hindered by the inconvenience of insecurity.  Whether or not she gets the job done, you can be certain that her mind was clear in the attempt.  And if she fails, she just picks herself up and moves on; never being at the mercy of her mistakes.

I’ll be the first to admit that life for us humans is much more complicated than that of a dysfunctional Dachshund.  And I’m certainly not implying that we can somehow ‘flip a switch’ to clear ourselves of our self consciousness.  But I would encourage you to let yourself learn from the simple minds of our complicated world, that life is too short to spend it sulking in solitude.  So enjoy this day as you look out among the many opportunities for adventure.  And when you’re hit with an unexpected hurtle, just think about Ginger and remember that it’s not about the gifts you’ve been given, but the ferocity of the fight inside you.

Great job, Eric.

You can subscribe to Eric’s feed here, and follow his tweets here.  I can’t think of a single reason why you wouldn’t.

Writer Dad

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  • Writer Dad
    Oktober 5: Great connection!

    Jamie, Barbara, Patricia: Thank you kindly, all.
  • @Friar: Interesting point and very funny. :-)

    @Stacey: "What would you do if you didn’t need the approval of others? The answers include something like: Probably try more and not fear the mistakes."

    Enough said. Thanks for adding your insight.

    @steph: Thanks! It's good that you have a pup that you can learn from. :-)

    @Oktober Five: I never would have thought of that. Great pick!

    @Patricia: Very interesting find Patricia. Liz and I always talk about how it seems like Abi (the other one) can understand/sense our intentions. Like she's a little person. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    @Barbara: That's awesome that you took on the needs of that dod. What a great and fitting name!

    <abbr>Eric Hamms last blog post..Pick Your Guest Post…</abbr>
  • Hi Writer Dad and Eric - I think we can learn so much from dogs. We rescued a dog who is nearly blind, nearly deaf, has very few teeth left, is clumsy, but show her a little bit of affection and she's content. Kind of like us humans - just show us a little bit of love. BTW: We named her Lucky. :)

    <abbr>Barbara Swaffords last blog post..How To Survive A Bashing In Blogosphere</abbr>
  • I thought this was a lovely read and dogs are just such great teachers and healers - they sometimes just know exactly what to do. This post comes after reading on one of the news posts that the researchers have definitely decided that Dogs can read human facial expressions and respond with patterns that will work on the person they are "treating" to their know how.
    Ginger must know that you needed a great story for your writing today and aren't we lucky she got you to share it with us. Thank you Eric and Sean

    <abbr>Patricias last blog post..I Do Not Know Anything Different</abbr>
  • I thought the Platt household could use this today: http://lifeslittleinspirations.com/high-flying-faith

    ;)

    <abbr>Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Missing Rita</abbr>
  • Oktober Five
    Rocky Balboa, the Italian Stallion. He fits the happy yet clueless-but-not-really description perfectly. I wish I were Rocky.
  • This was AWESOME. I loved this post. Not only does it ring true (and I've also learned much from our precious boxer Lucy) but it came at a really good time for me. Thanks for the reminder.

    <abbr>stephs last blog post..Wednesday Night</abbr>
  • I often think pets have it made in so many ways. I love the line: never being at the mercy of her mistakes.

    Which to me also translates into approval. Ginger goes on her merry way, not thinking twice about her actions. I often ask people: What would you do if you didn't need the approval of others? The answers include something like: Probably try more and not fear the mistakes.

    <abbr>Stacey Shipmans last blog post..Are you thinking BIG Enough? Interview with Wendy Hanson, The Sassy Ladies</abbr>
  • Kyddryn - I agree. When I was in my early 20's, I was good friends with some people who were a lot like Ginger. They drank a lot, always had fun and were oblivious to the world. I thought maybe if I just loosen up and got drunk a couple of times I could do the same. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I just got sleepy and ... depressed!

    I do find a lot of joy with my 18-month old son, though, who is at the moment, a lot like Ginger.

    <abbr>Blogger Dads last blog post..Last chance for Halloween costumes</abbr>
  • @Oktober Five: I hear what you're saying. It does seem to get harder to stay positive, the more you know and understand about life and yourself.

    But I think that's what it's all about...a positive mindset. I don't think you have to be clueless to maintain your focus as you keep moving forward. In other words, I think you can be a very happy person most of the time and still be quite intelligent and self aware (though personality plays a big role in this possibility).

    @Bamboo Forest: I know, we're saints! :-)

    @Blogger Dad: "I wish I could find that switch to flick on and disconnect that part of myself that attempts to defeat me."

    Don't we all! BTW, Dachshunds by nature are not a dumb breed. It's just 'this one' who has a bigger imagination that she has abilities. :-)

    @Lance: Thanks for the kind and encouraging words.

    "Ginger’s got it right - we don’t need to let any physical limitations we have affect our mental abilities!"

    Well said!

    @Scott: Thanks, Scott. I love your blind date offering. That's great!

    @Sal: Great story, Sal. I could picture it as I read your words. There's just something so endearing about a pup with powerful personality.

    @Janine: I must agree that the runts are often the 'diamonds in the rough'. I like to think of them as dogs with all the best qualities of the pure breads, wrapped up into one perfect package. :-)

    @Hayden: I fly radio control airplanes at a local flying club in our town. When you're there it is blatantly obvious that nobody cares what others are thinking. They're just in their own worlds, enjoying their passions. Thanks for sharing that great point!

    @Jamie: I don't know, Jamie, are you? She has an older sister, but she could always use another companion! :-)

    @Aylad: Happiness by association is certainly an experience I often have with my dogs. You're right. Simple, positive mindsets can have a wonderfully uplifting affect on those who come in contact.

    @Kyddryn: "You know, there’s nothing wrong with wandering about in life a little oblivious - it’s what gets me through most days with a minimum of fuss."

    It sounds like you found that switch that Blogger Dad's looking for. :-)

    I'm glad you could connect with the post! Eric.

    <abbr>Eric Hamms last blog post..Pick Your Guest Post…</abbr>
  • I envy dogs. I'd love to be as oblivious and happy as they are.

    But, on the other hand, maybe they envy us and our opposable thumbs, which can be used to open doors, unhook leashes and open up cans of food!
  • You know, there's nothing wrong with wandering about in life a little oblivious - it's what gets me through most days with a minimum of fuss. If I think too long or too hard about what I am doing, I start to worry, to doubt, to feel self-conscious and want to hide under the covers until the world goes away.

    I think your little dog has the right idea.

    Shade and Sweetwater,
    K

    <abbr>Kyddryns last blog post..Heh, Heh, Heh</abbr>
  • Aylad MacOdys
    At the school where I teach, there is a boy in that special room down the hall... you know the one... and he often follows his teacher around as she runs errands and attends to paperwork. "Sam" (not his real name, of course) proudly, happily, and loudly says "hey!" to everyone he sees... every time he sees them. If you get caught in the same room with him, you might have to say "hi" a dozen times or more in the space of five minutes. :)

    Due to his unique qualities, "Sam" is possibly the least self-conscious person I've ever met, and he is definitely the person most likely to put a smile on everyone's face every time they meet him. Those of us who are too self-conscious (or isolated, per Blogger Dad's comment) to say "hello" to the people we meet could learn a lot from him.
  • Makes me wonder... am I secretly Ginger's people-twin? Ignorance truly is bliss. :)

    <abbr>Jamie Simmermans last blog post..The No Regrets Journey</abbr>
  • It reminds me of that concept of 'flow'. When you're doing something you really love doing and the time just flies. People are pretty unaware of themselves then.

    Ginger sounds adorable!

    <abbr>Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..What is Real?</abbr>
  • I'm a sucker for an animal with heart. I always go for the 'runts' that have the most charisma and determination. I think that's one hundred times more appealing than natural talents...someone or something that isn't given free gifts but works hard to achieve the same outcomes is worthy of just as much if not more admiration.

    <abbr>Janines last blog post..Nose-Diving into Economic Turmoil.</abbr>
  • Sal
    I had a little Golden Retriever puppy at one point, my wife and I were fostering while the rescue looked for a permanent home. Needless to say, there were a couple of bigger dogs in the neighborhood that Boomer loved to play with. It was amazing that he, just a little thing at the time, saw himself as large enough to rough house with the big boys, each at least 4 times his size and 10 time his weight. He would stand there and bark at them with his "big boy" voice, a little more than a yelp, but that didn't give him any insecurities. It was so fun to watch, but still, he commanded their attention and presence. He didn't have to go to them, they would come over and see him. Impressive if you think about it. A leader doesn't have to look and sound like a leader, only earn and command the respect of those around him.

    <abbr>Sals last blog post..My First Guest Post!</abbr>
  • The ol' saying that one gets when getting setup with a blind date comes to mind, "I want you to meet 'Ginger', she's got a great personality!"

    "Life is often unnecessarily stressful because of a constant obsession with ourselves" - How true is that.

    Great post Eric!

    Sean, ditto to what Blogger Dad said.

    <abbr>Scotts last blog post..Where Did That Come From</abbr>
  • Awesome post Eric (and thanks for the introduction Sean)! We (I) tend to get caught up in my own insecurities, and forget that sometimes it's just about trying - whether I succeed or not. Ginger's got it right - we don't need to let any physical limitations we have affect our mental abilities! Awesome reminder on how to live our lives Eric!

    <abbr>Lances last blog post..At One Hundred, Life Is…</abbr>
  • Eric - great post. This kinda' goes with a theory I have. People I know who are like wiener dogs, a bit dim and goofy, have an innate ability to plug away, enjoying life with a big smile plastered on their mugs. Some of the happiest people I know are among the least aware of nearly anything - news, history, pop culture, books. They float from one moment to another with nary a thought beyond their immediate needs.

    Meanwhile, the smarter (or at least more aware) and pensive types (I would put a dog breed in here if I knew of one which had these qualities) are more apt to depression and isolation.

    I'm sure somewhere out there are smart and happy people who would disprove my theory. There are a FEW people I've known who were both smart and happy, but they are few and far between and often just faking the happy part.

    I like your advice, I wish I could find that switch to flick on and disconnect that part of myself that attempts to defeat me. You can be sure that the next time I face an obstacle, I will think of Ginger and at least have a smile.

    In short, dogs are happy because they're dumb and I have a new blog to enjoy :)

    Good choice, Sean.

    <abbr>Blogger Dads last blog post..Our baby story part five: Hello, world</abbr>
  • A dog that "blarks" and yet you still give it a warm home. That's great.

    <abbr>Bamboo Forests last blog post..Make This Halloween a Ghost Dad Halloween</abbr>
  • Oktober Five
    I know people like your dog, and althoug I envy them for one thing, I wouldn't care to be them for other things. Sometimes I wish one could have both worlds--cluelessness and self-awareness. Unfortunately, I've never known anyone like that.
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