Who Let the Dogs Out?
I recently watched a heartfelt “dog-umentary” [Pick of the Litter-2018] about the life of a guide dog. It explained how they were picked as puppies because of their potential to become leaders from their litters. It showed how they were trained, tested and then transferred to those people whose lives would be transformed and would benefit from their caring canine assistance.
When Life Gets Ruff
Guide dogs are such a blessing to so many. They allow the blind to live more productive lives and they provide companionship to those who need extra comfort and courage on the battlefields of life. Entire books and other movies have been written and produced because of the blessings of our furry “best friends.” Anyone who has ever had experiences with dogs—from working, playing and protecting, or being protected by—they know that it’s not a coincidence that canines can help us to conquer our challenges and enjoy life when things get ruff.
Courageous Canines
That being said, not all puppies chosen to be potential guide dogs will pass the test. It doesn’t mean they aren’t still useful and needed, but there is a certain criteria required for a dog to be able to help a blind person navigate the world, or comfort the crestfallen. Some of the tests include the dog being willing to disobey a command to protect their person from danger. This means that if the dog sees approaching danger like a hole (rut), or something that their person could trip over or be injured by, they will stop even if they are commanded to go forward. There is a lot of trust and responsibility involved and some dogs don’t make it. It doesn’t mean they’re bad, it just means they need to be “Career Changed.”
Get Out of the Doghouse
Sometimes in life we each need a career change. Where you’re at now in your life may have been the perfect place for you and your family. However, there are times when some people and places are also meant to prepare you for what lies ahead. If you feel stuck and stagnant in any area of your life, it’s worth a look to see if something needs to be changed, upgraded, improved or removed. It’s tough to see the road from the ruts, especially when you’ve been stuck so long that you’ve become blind and no longer realize that you’re not seeing things as clearly as you need to.
Unleash Your Best Life
Also, experiencing a career change isn’t always about changing careers or companions as much as learning to see more clearly how to remove the obstacles, fill in the ruts and potholes keeping you from becoming more successful and loving within your current career and companionships. This is where “man’s best friend” or a true friend can help you find your way.
Living Your Best Life is Not Im-paws-ible
Because despite the dangers out there waiting to discourage you and drown you in despair, you have the ability and responsibility to not only make your own life better, but to then help others navigate and live better lives. Helping others is the greatest career one could ever have. No, you don’t have to be perfect. You will fall and fail some tests. Nevertheless, you’ve got to keep getting back up, overcoming your challenges, making wise changes, committed course corrections and help each other endure, enjoy and live life better.