No.

Rosetta Charlotte is a beautiful dog and she loves to play ball games with us. The games used to be quite difficult to play, but as she has matured it has become easier.

After a few minutes of constant throwing + running, she retires. Rosetta grabs the ball and takes it away under a tree, there she lies down in the shade with the ball. She does this when she has had enough or out of breath. By doing this she can play for longer and doesn't look half dead at the conclusion of play.

Do not be shocked when I tell you that there are some dogs that don't do that. Some get caught up in the activities so much that looking after themselves is less important than the activity. These dogs run, run, and run until they literally run themselves into the ground.

Got me thinking about how clever my dog is at recognising her need to pace herself out. Also the collecting of the ball and taking it with her for the break, fascinates me. This ball-removal is very effective as she gains some control of the situation, so things don't get crazy. My dog has created a healthy pattern using boundaries, and can create a pace that works for her.

Rosetta has learnt to say "no".
Not sure if all humans have got that concept yet!

Blessings,

Akita.
30-1-08

To view past editions of Thrive, click: THRIVE editions

Mark 6 v 31+32

Then, because so many people were coming and going that
they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them,
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

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Akita Olsen
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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