Joy Is a Choice (My Dog Proves It Every Day)
I have a 12-year-old German shepherd that I call my dogger - as in I have 2 sons and a dogger.
She’s my first breeder dog, and for a long time, I carried guilt about that. Until I accepted that she was simply meant to be with us. I say “us” because I was still married and my youngest was still at home when we got her. She’s become my dog, but she brings joy to all of our lives—including my ex-husband’s new family.
One of the many Colorado 14ers Sam has summitted with me.
Sam is an emotional dog. I can see when she is sad or anxious. But mostly she’s just happy. Like 99% of the time she’s so full of joy. Even at 12 years old.
And I’ve come to appreciate that she doesn’t know the abuse or hardship many rescue dogs experience. I’ve had those dogs. I’ve worked through their quirks and triggers. Sam has her own, but she has never cowered from me. And when I accidentally step on her foot, she immediately accepts my apology.
She’s a weirdo!
One of her challenges is that she’s dog aggressive. It’s common with German shepherds, but it makes boarding difficult and rules out dog parks or daycare.
A trainer once recommended a training collar. Yes, it can shock her—but it also has a vibration setting, more of a warning. I mainly use it when she’s off-leash. She’s a free spirit, and that little vibration helps her recall. And yes, occasionally, I’ve had to use the shock.
It sounds horrible. But it keeps her—and other dogs—safe.
And here’s the part that matters: she gets excited when I put the collar on her. Because to her, it means freedom. Adventure. Fun. That’s what she associates with it—not the discomfort, but the experience that comes with it.
She chooses what it means.
A tired dog is a good dog!
She also has Pannus, a condition that affects her eyes. She’s needed drops twice a day since she was one year old.
And every time she gets those drops, she gets a treat—her favorite: a marshmallow.
So now, when I say it’s time for drops, she comes running. Not because she loves the drops, but because she’s chosen to associate them with something she does love.
Her last big hike in 2023 — 13er Whale Peak.
Like Sam, we all get to choose what we focus on.
We can dwell on the discomfort, the inconvenience, the pain.
Or we can choose to see the good. The growth. The upside that comes with it.
Joy isn’t something we find.
It’s something we choose.
Sam chooses it—99% of the time.
What about you?
