According to Cooper....

A little Rain Ain’t Gonna Hurt You

The first thunderstorm after we brought Coop home was a challenge. We read the chapter on weather in our puppy guide book, Puppies for Dummies. (Yes, they really do have a book for every subject under the sun.)

Since puppies must go outside in all kinds of weather, encouraging him to go out is important. The book suggested we play in the rain with Coop. We senior cowards thought, “What? Run around in the rain like silly kids?” 

We had no choice. Coop really needed to go out, but refused. So, a touch of tough love and daring solved the problem. We donned jackets and shoes, grabbed one of his favorite outside toys, and ran out into the rain, giggling. 

We didn’t melt, didn’t go into any kind of seizure, and we actually had some fun. We old retired seniors played like little kids. 

Although, when I mentioned running through the sprinklers on a hot day, I got the I-can’t-believe-you-said-that look from my husband.  But I was serious. What if Coop needs to go out when the backyard sprinklers are running? 

When You Get Cranky, You need a Nap

When the Psycho Puppy emerges, he is over tired and needs a nap, just like a toddler. That’s when we also rest. We read, nap sometimes, or just sit and chat. We all rest and distress. After a bit, we do necessary chores, rest a bit more, and then are ready for the next round of activity.

Things Don’t Have to Be Perfect

The house isn’t as pristine as I normally keep it. I don’t always get my shower before noon. There’s water on the floor by the patio door where we all ran in after playing in the rain. We have a few smudges on the off-white carpet. We will eventually take care of those things, but we will only have this precious puppy for a little while longer. All too soon, he will be grown, and we won’t have the same exuberance, or cuteness. We must enjoy it while we can.

We seniors so often get bogged down in our little routine and become irritated when it is disturbed. Coop has made sure we remain flexible. 

Please Be Patient With Me

Coop doesn't understand everything and has taught me to respond with patience, not irritation to his mistake. This follows through to my husband as well. His hearing loss has become acute and I must repeat everything I say several times, or stop and write down a key word. I find I have more patience for about everything. Thanks, Cooper!

Your Attitude Makes All the Difference

The world is filled with wonders we seniors too often take for granted. As with our children and grandchildren, a puppy inspires us to see the world in a different way. There are scary things, but if you’re with someone you can trust, it’ll be okay. There are also marvelous things like cool green grass on a hot afternoon, a ball splashing in the wading pool, and all those interesting birds and insects. 

The rambunctious neighborhood kids are a delightful mix of movement and noise. Coop loves the attention and calmly allows pets sprinkled with lots of kisses. Scary things like lawn mowers, the garbage truck, and the mail lady are interesting because we approach them as something fun.  

Attitude really does make a huge difference. 

Be Happy, Worry Less

Coop is such a happy little guy, and it’s contagious. Yes, life can be scary and not always what we want, but we can accept those things, deal with them, and move on. Instead of worrying, let’s go out and play in the rain, chase that ball or butterfly, roll in the wet grass (well, I might skip that one), and give everyone hugs and kisses.

It's really that simple, most of the time, if we choose it to be.