Stanley, Buddhist Dachshund

Stanley lives next door. He’s a miniature Dachshund. And a rescue. My neighbors, Mike and Lisa, got him about a month ago. When Lisa told me about getting him, the only thing I said was: “He’s not a barker. Is he?”

It’s true little dogs don’t bark. They yap. Often! Stanley is no different.

Mike immediately became attached to Stanley. There was no going back. Mike is a very good neighbor. Recently when I brought home a big heavy box of furniture, without being asked Mike was over to help out and truth be know did most the work.

My bedroom and office are on the side of the house closest to Stanley.

I have a tape in my head that undisciplined dogs are a sign of an undisciplined owner.

This daily torment could get to me if I let it. I believe gratitude is the best antidote for grief, which you may recall from my blog on Stache, the happiness guru Brittany.

Today, I recognized how grateful I am to have such a good neighbor and how grateful I am that Stanley brings Mike joy. Reframing his barks as gifts to Mike eases my grief of having Stan’s continuing presence. I’m looking forward to how this reframing works.