Day 1138

“Don’t cry over spilled milk” is a saying that has resonated with me since childhood. Today, sweet Asher received a dose. Spilling a “bit” of chocolate milk on himself and the couch, he approached me with the saddest face EVER!!! He was so sad and apologetic! I said, “Goodness! You certainly didn’t do that on purpose!!! Are you OK? Let’s throw your clothes in the wash while you snuggle under a blanket.” His relief was palpable and his gratitude beyond measure!

I knew the feeling because I learned that response from my own parents. Instead of allowing adrenaline to move your words and actions to agitation (or worse), why not take in a deep breath and take those seconds to feel empathy instead. We have ALL spilled milk and probably received various reactions from those around us. We also can tap into the response we would prefer!

If I reacted negatively to the mistakes my Goldens make each day (chewed socks, spilled water, barking, etc.), this would be an unhappy, stressful home. Instead, I look at their sweet faces and know they don’t mean to make those mistakes.

Today was the perfect example of a challenge met with my attempt at empathy. It certainly worked for Asher… now why is Ranger barking for an unidentified reason…big breath in progress!