Chrissy 0:00
Chris, welcome back to the dogs of our lives, and this is season three. I'm Chrissy Messick, and today we're launching something special, our summer working dog series, and this is where we're going to dive deep into the incredible world of dogs who dedicate their lives working alongside humans. And I wanted to do a special intro for this, because it's not just going to be about quote unquote working dogs. We're going to dive into the physical, mental, emotional and soul aspects of dogs and how we can support them. And we're not going to be just talking about quote unquote working dogs as well. We're going to discuss ethical breeding. We're going to discuss rescues that have the Working Dog gene in them and how to help them fulfill their purpose as well. So from the police canine units sniffing out drugs to the search and rescue team scaling mountains, from Guide Dogs navigating busy intersections to therapy dogs bringing comfort in hospitals. Working Dogs are our friends and companions, and they bring so much joy into our community and family, but behind every tail wag and successful mission is a complex being with needs that extend far beyond basic training and a job well done. They deserve our best foot forward. So over the next several episodes, we'll explore what it truly takes to support these remarkable animals in all dimensions of their well being. So we'll be looking at their physical needs, the conditioning, nutrition and veterinary care that keeps their body strong and resilient under these demanding conditions and common issues that we may come across and what you can look for. And we'll delve into their mental stimulation requirements and understanding how puzzle solving, varied training and cognitive challenges keep their mind sharp and engaged, and if they don't get that outlook, look out behavior issues. Here we come, and I have many clients who have working dogs as animal companions, and we have to find outlets that help fulfill that need. So we're not dealing with a lot of behavior issues. Perhaps most importantly, we'll discuss their emotional lives, the bonds they form with their humans, the stress they can experience, and the downtime and companionship they need to process their intense work and just seeing them as an individual. And yes, we'll even touch on what some might call their spiritual well being, so that deeper sense of purpose, connection and fulfillment that comes from meaningful work and genuine partnership with their human companions. And so one thing I want to touch on is every dog is a unique individual, and so just because they may have those working dog genetics doesn't mean that they want to be doing the quote, unquote, job intended for them. So it's up to us to learn what they need and what their purpose is and what they love and help fulfill that. One thing that's so important I feel to discuss is a working dog isn't just a tool or a resource or an object. They're sentient beings with complex inner lives. And when we honor all aspects of their well being, they don't just, quote, unquote, perform better, they thrive, and when they thrive, it's a win win for everyone. And I want to take it just one step further, while we're focusing on working dogs in this series, I believe every single dog has a purpose, so whether they're wearing a badge or guiding someone through their day or simply curled up on your couch right now, some dogs are meant to make us laugh with their goofy antics, especially boxers. Others are natural teachers showing us patience, forgiveness or how we live in the moment. Some are healers, sensing when we need comfort. Others are adventure buddies, pushing us to explore the world with fresh eyes. Our job, as they're humans, isn't just to feed and shelter them, it's to discover what lights them up, what gives them that spark of fulfillment, and then create opportunities for them to be exactly who they're meant to be, because when we do that, something magical happens. They don't just fulfill their purpose. They help us discover ours too. So grab your favorite beverage or enjoy listening to this on the road, and let's explore the full spectrum of what it means to care for the dogs who care for all of us and maybe learn something about ourselves along the way. Woof!
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