let’s get the “h” out of there!!!

Swearing was verboten in my house growing up. Decades later I still shudder thinking about the consequences if we had. The closest we ever got to profanity was using the letter “h” to refer to “hell”; such as in the spelling “h” “e” “double tooth pick” (which referred to Hades) or in telling someone “let’s get the “h” out of there!” I’ve spent the last four weeks with my rescue dog, Ruby, unlocking all the secrets of her canine mind. She was scared of certain things. Due to my inability to pinpoint exactly what was frightening her, I met with a behavioral specialist who used relaxation protocol and a bag full of turkey hot dogs as positive reinforcement. With each new sight or sound, I looked in Ruby’s eyes, spoke calmly, and plied her with treats. She slowly began to realize that things that had previously scared her were now harbingers of her favorite snack. In short, Ruby quickly learned how to turn a “threat” into a “treat” by getting the “h” out of there. I wish I could be such a quick learner! One little change in your attitude leads to a whole different outlook on life. Hans Selye said, “Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” Truer words were never barked!