Archive for dogs
Honoring Munai
Posted by: | CommentsThis article is a departure from my usual “Insights,” but I think you’ll understand why I’ve shared it today.
It has been a little more than a week since Munai passed. Based on the kind comments many of you made on my Facebook page, I know that you understand deeply the significant relationships we have with animals and their heartfelt impact our lives.
When My Chow-Chow, Waiki, passed two years ago, I wrote about what she taught me. Now I’m doing the same for Munai.
Beth and I first saw her in the Pima County Animal Care Center, where we had gone to find a pack member for Waiki. We had lost our Golden Retriever, Wiser, about two months before and decided that we would adopt a rescue dog.
Well as many of you know, in a shelter setting a dog as much chooses you as you choose it. Munai was a six-month old little lab mix being kept with two other dogs. When she saw us she immediately came up and said in Doggie language, “I want to be in your pack.” She wasn’t the only one, but she was the most persistent, so we decided to bring her home.
After being spayed and treated for kennel cough, Munai came home. She was initially scared, but she settled in quickly as a result of being held close and Waiki’s willingness to welcome her into the pack. Her personality emerged. She was playful, loving and always a little scared, but she managed her fear by seeking reassurance.
We also discovered two other traits: she was very protective, and she was an exceptional hunter. One time we saw Munai catch a pigeon in flight by launching herself into the air and snatching it six feet off the ground. (We were able to release the bird, which then flew off.) She also never met a lizard she didn’t chase. The funniest memory of this particular characteristic was the time she caught a mouse in the house. We saw the mouse just as she did. It looked like she had it cornered, but then it disappeared. We thought it got away, but then we looked at Munai sitting quietly and noticed a tail emerging from her mouth. I told her to “OPEN,” and she did, only to have one scared and lucky mouse leap out and run off. I think it moved out of the house that very moment because we never saw it again.
With puppies and small dogs Munai was always loving and gentle, having a natural mothering aspect. She expressed this time and again. She was also affectionate and playful with kids and interacted well with other people, except when she sensed that Beth was concerned or wary about someone. In that case she was protective and fierce. She also used to support Waiki in the job of protecting the neighborhood from strange people and dogs.
What Munai was absolutely best at was being a loving friend. She would want to be there in the same room, close but not suffocating, just enjoying the closeness. She decided early on that her place at night was sleeping on the bed next to Beth; she wanted that connection. Munai did this until she was older and couldn’t jump on the bed any longer.
Munai also especially enjoyed the kitchen experience, where she took on the tough job of chief taster, a role she was not willing to relinquish to anyone else. When Beth and I changed our eating habits and went on an anti-inflammatory diet, that included a muffin made without wheat or sugars—one that had lots of fruit as its main component. Well, after one taste, Munai decided that this would be part of her diet, patiently waiting for her share every morning.
So what lessons did we learn from sweet Munai?
- Once you make a choice of the heart, do all you can to make sure that you honor it.
- Enjoy physical touch.
- Stay close to the people you love.
- Fully enjoy your relationships.
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I like to collect stories about belief change experiences. If you have any interesting ones, please share them below so I can comment on them in future posts.
P.S. Do you want to share this post? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
Waiki, Our Esteemed Companion
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A number of you have read my comments and stories about our Chow Chow, Waiki. After 14 adventurous and wonderful years, she transitioned.
Her very way of being, epitomizing trust and loyalty, wasand always will bean inspiration to me and Beth. I can truly say she has been one of my best teachers, and I am only beginning to understand how much she taught me.
A Time to Walk and a Time to Nap
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Salka’s message this week is that he likes predictability and order in his life. When things get out of order, he’s not always sure how to respond. A lot of times you can create a sense of safety and predictability if there’s order and routine in your life: food time, play time, bed time, etc. When that routine is interrupted, he and his pack mates get out of sorts.
Know your rhythm and adapt accordingly.
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
Setting Your Own Pace (and Sometimes Adapting to Another’s Pace)
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Salka’s notes are actually from Waiki this time.
She can’t keep up these days and has no interest in doing so. She has her own pace and is not interested in adapting to the other dogs. They have different demands. Waiki’s agenda is to go out and be in the neighborhood. Despite her failing health, she’s really happy and enjoying herself.
The added bonus is that accommodating her needs allows me to get a brisk, heart-healthy walk with the other two dogs and then take it easy with her. It reminds me of raising children. With kids, we often have to adapt to their styles rather than having them adapt to ours, and doing so pays dividends for everyone.
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
Do You Avoid Those Who Are Different from You?
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Salka met Ellie, a rescued Chihuahua, at a friend’s house on our trip through California two summers ago. As you can see, Ellie is about the size of Salka’s head. Though she hid from him during their early encounters, they are now best friends.
Do you avoid potential friendships or connections because someone is very different from you? Hopefully your potential friends don’t have to worry that your bite is something they need to be concerned about.
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
Do You Have an Energizing Mission?
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According to studies of people who have survived “incurable” cancers, they had two things in common at the time they were battling the disease. First, they believed that their treatment—whatever it was—would work. Second, they experienced a re-mission; their illnesses didn’t disappear, but they took on something larger than themselves, a new mission. They dedicated themselves to a new life’s work. For some it was a charity, for others a friend or family member, but in all cases, they took on something they felt was more important than themselves.
Waiki, our chow chow, is currently struggling with cancer. Since becoming sick, she has been less focused on our other dogs and more focused on us. She is now dedicated to her relationship with Beth and me. Waiki depends on us in ways she didn’t or wouldn’t before, even allowing me to pick her up and put her in the car. She embodies trust.
Waiki’s health was deteriorating when I left for Las Vegas at the end of July, and it got worse upon my departure. When I cut my trip short and returned home, however, she improved. Something about me coming home allowed her a recovery or remission of sorts. Her tumor stopped bleeding; she starting eating on her own; and she began walking much better. Since that time she no longer is affected by her tumor, and even though she struggles to get up from the floor, she is always up for her daily walk.
Beliefs can have that effect. They are powerful. To help clients who are struggling with an illness, try to connect them with an important mission. Assist them in finding a higher purpose, and it might make a difference. The flipside of this is exemplified in retirement. Those who feel like they lost their identity and purpose upon retirement may have a hard time enjoying it.
People who have a mission they really identify with rarely struggle with motivation. Rather than trying to address motivation on a behavioral level, look at the reasons for doing what you’re doing. Establishing or reconnecting with a purpose reduces the issue of motivation. When there is a strongly held mission, things like behaviors, motivation and identity are more likely to fall into place.
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
Do You Make Friends Easily?
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Salka is always interested in making friends. Even though he’s large and looks like a wolf, kids are drawn to him. He actually assumes that everyone likes him.
Once when we were in a sporting goods store, we ran into a father with two daughters. One of the girls came running over to see Salka, and they interacted. The other daughter, who was perhaps 7 or 8 years old, was clearly scared of him. Her father said she had been bitten several years before. Because of that incident, she was afraid of dogs, and they had decided not to get a puppy even though the younger daughter clearly wanted one.
After getting her fathers permission to talk with her, I was able to do some rapid trauma resolution. I then challenged her idea that because one dog bit her in the past, all dogs are biters. I was able to get Salka to be calm and relax and lie down. (He could sense her unease.) Within a few minutes she was able to pet him. When I looked at her father, his eyes were tearing with emotion. He thanked me and, of course, Salka.
Like Salka, your attitude towards others will determine your relationships. If you believe you are going to be liked and can connect with people, you will.
Have you experienced this belief in action? Please share your stories and comments below.
(In these pictures Salka and a few new friends are taking advantage of a temporary river in Tucson. Normally a dry wash, it can fill up within hours. At this time, it had receded about seven or eight feet from just a day and a half before. Within three or four days, it was dry again.)
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
An Appeal from Salka
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This is a bit off-topic from my usual posts, but it’s important to me and Salka.
As you can see in this photo, Salka is perfectly comfortable in the lobby of a dog-friendly hotel. In fact, he often goes with me to several dog-friendly businesses. Due to changes in corporate policy, unfortunately, he is no longer welcome at some of the places we used to go. As a result, I may stop going to those places, and I know the same is true for others with companions like Salka.
Salka understands that the policies may have changed because some of his brethren are not well behaved. Nevertheless, he encourages pack leaders say something to these businesses, because there are many of us who make choices based upon such policies. In fact, Salka and I have already stopped going to a couple of banks specifically because of these policy changes.
If you are a pack leader with pull, please do what you can to encourage businesses to adopt or maintain dog-friendly policies as appropriate for their clientele. Salka and I appreciate your efforts.
Are there any experiences you’d like to share regarding a dog-friendly business?
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
Is It Time to Work or Play (or Sleep)?
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Like all dogs, Salka has sleep time, eating time and playtime. His energy level is at its highest early in the morning, and he makes the most of that.
We all have a time when we do things better. Take a cue from him and discover what your rhythm is for certain things. If you work best at 3:00 in the morning, don’t “weird out” about it. Work with it!
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
Do You Know Where You Stand?
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If you’ve been following my blog, you met Salka last week this month. (If not, find out more about him here.)
Salka is always acutely aware of his environment and how he fits into it. As you probably know, dogs like to “leave their mark,” designating their territory wherever they go. They will even go out of their way to do this on top of marks left by other canines. I have seen people execute similar—albeit more “civilized”—behaviors in corporate settings, trying to establish dominance and vie for position as the alpha male or female.
Knowing where you stand in relationship to others is important not just for dogs but also for humans. Do you know where you stand in your most important business and personal relationships?
P.S. Do you want to reprint this article? Please do. Just be sure that it remains intact and includes the following bio.
About Terry: Terry Hickey, M.S., is a Certified NLP Professional Coach, Business Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the co-owner of NLP Advantage Group. Originator of the Belief Breakthrough Method™, Terry specializes in teaching coaches and entrepreneurs how to rapidly resolve limiting beliefs about wealth and success. His tips and strategies can help you launch yourself into the future you want… NOW. http://terryhickey.com/
