Hi there! What a pleasure it is to meet you! My name is Elmer and I am a young and active dog who is up for adoption here at AWS! I hope you’re having as good a day as I am, with lots of friends and fun in the sun. Of course, every day is a good day for me because I am a ‘water bowl half full’ kind of guy. There is always a smile on my face! Want to know how I always stay positive? I’ll be happy to share my secrets as part of Mental Health Awareness Month!
1. Keep Good Company
One of the ways I always stay so happy is because I surround myself with good people. Everyone here at AWS is an amazing friend, and all the volunteers make me feel so loved and cared for. They always give me compliments and tell me I’m the best boy ever! When you surround yourself with happy people, it’s easy to be happy as well!
2. Stop and Smell the Roses
I take lots of walks, and I always make sure to stop and smell the roses when I do. Well, actually, I stop and smell most things when out for a walk, but you get the idea! Take time for yourself and remember to enjoy the little things in life. For example, I appreciate chasing bugs, taking naps in the sun, eating cookies off the floor, and snuggling. Don’t rush, and take time to enjoy life!
3. Treat Yourself
Most of the time I get offered treats by others for being good. Sometimes, though, it’s necessary to provide the treats yourself! I’m always able to stay positive because I ask for belly rubs when I deserve them, take time for a nap when I know I need it, and don’t guilt myself into working too hard. If you’re feeling down, try treating yourself to something fun and relaxing. You deserve it!
4. Know Your Worth
This one’s a big one! I know it can be hard sometimes, but remember that you are important and loved. When I was first brought to AWS, I was feeling lonely and confused. Would I ever have a family who loved me? However, it wasn’t long before I was reminded that I am a fun, capable, and friendly dog who anyone would be lucky to own. Just because I was at the shelter didn’t mean I was unwanted. It just meant I was given a second chance to find true love! Same can be said for you. The world is better because you’re in it, and anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend. I know I would be! Know your worth, and flaunt it!
5. Always Have Hope
Lastly, it’s easy for me to always remain positive because I always have hope. Hope for the future, hope for myself, and hope for everyone around me. I know that I will find a family someday and that all my dreams will come true, even if it’s not right away. I have hope that my perfect people will read this, feel a connection, and come and get me. I also have hope that all my friends here at AWS will find homes, too! When you have hope, you have everything. I just hope (*wink wink*) that you understand.
See?! It’s not hard to keep a smile and stay positive. There are so many things to be happy for! However, it’s okay to feel sad sometimes, too. You don’t have to be positive all the time. But if you want help feeling happy, I’m here to assist! Come take me for a walk, or a car ride, or a romp on the beach and I’ll show you what I mean. I don’t want to brag, but it’s hard to stay unhappy when I’m around! Who knows? Perhaps we’ll fall in love and realize ‘wow! You were the thing that was missing all along!’ I can’t think of anything more positive than that.
