b'A Mid-Year Resolution Refresh:Paws Up and Keep Moving Forwardby Nicole GellerW ere already almost half way through the year. onThink about the one dog who left a permanent pawprintHow have you made out with those 2025 New yourheart.Whydidyouselectthisone?PerhapsforYears Woofolutions you made for you and your protection,support,companionship,loyalty,unconditionaldog? Youre not alone if you didnt keep them. love, or simply a warm shoulder to hug. Did you know thatThe second Friday in January, known as Quitters Day, has interacting with dogs, including smelling their fur, can increasealready come and gone as has Resolution Regret Day both oxytocin levels in both you and your dog? Oxytocin is a hor-acknowledging that goals have most likely been abandoned. mone associated with bonding and affection. My suggestion isStop feeling guilty. Your non-judgmental dog is ready and will- this. Do not wait to sniff your dogs fur after a humid and warming anytime you are. Just look walk.Lastly, the importanceat those eyes and that wag- of just sitting with someone,ging tail.and being a faithful friend isWoof! We Did It List alessoninpatienceweMake a list of obtainable mightwanttolearnfromgoals,andrewardyourself our dogs.with small accomplishments. Afterachallengingday,Recognize the positives ver- whydoourdogsrecognizesus focusing on the negatives. thatweneedalittleextraInfact,anythingwedofor attention?Thesamedogand with our dogs is positive. that tested your patience ear-Dogsaresimple.Nowthat lier, is now nudging you withtheweatheriswarmer,they hernoseandwantingyourare happy with walks in the timetogooutside.Dogsmorningorevening,social know that exercising is phys-activities,bellyscratches,a icallyandsociallygoodforsmile,sometreats,water, Nicole, jogging with Ash, an Australian Shepherd. both of you. Dogs are wisemealsandacomfyspotto teachers,enlighteningustake a nap. about ourselves. We learn how to be more in the moment; toGo ahead and get outside. The socialization benefits are become better listeners; to manage our time and control ourendless for you and your dog. Nature has a way of revealing the emotions.Dogsfocusontheinternalgoodnessofpeople.most beautiful sunrises, breathtaking sunsets, fantastic conver- Mindful movement through Puppy Yoga, Puppy Pilates, andsations with other pet owners, and infectious smiles.Since we Pups & Pickleball are just a few ways to socialize and exercise. live in the Sunshine State, and the sun helps with the produc- We have become a society of incorporating our dogs intotion of Vitamin D, please take the time to enjoy soaking in the everything. And, honestly, since our dogs tend to bring out thebeauty of where we live.After all, our dogs are wonderful com- best in us, we should include them as much as they want to bepanions, and they want to be outside with us. included. Remember, be mindful of their well-being as well. U56THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'