The Nicholberry Dispatch
A free calendar, Brené Brown, and thoughts on whether our dogs love us
Welcome back to the Nicholberry Dispatch, where I bring you the latest insights into all things dog and a few things human. As always, I promise to keep it brief, but will also link to some great content that just might take you down a rabbit hole. And if you know me at all, you know I love a good rabbit hole!
BOOK NEWS
So this is fun: a giveaway! If I were to examine the top 5 FAQs I receive on Instagram, one of them would be, “Have you considered doing a calendar?” So when I met with my extraordinary team at Celadon Books and we tossed around some imaginative things to do prior to “pub day” (I’ve learned that is publishing world speak for the day that a book actually gets published), I suggested a calendar. Not only did Celadon enthusiastically embrace the idea, but they are offering a free calendar for all pre-orders of Puppy Brain prior to March 3rd (U.S. & Canada). Talk about going above and beyond!
The claim process is very simple. Go to this link and upload proof of purchase. Voila! A calendar will ship to you in a few weeks. Thank you Celadon for making this happen! (And if you want to participate in choosing the pictures that make it in the calendar, head on over to Instagram and put your selection for each “Pick Your Fav” posted - we’ve only done two, so you’re not too late).
SOMETHING TO LEARN
Brené Brown on What Vulnerability Isn’t
I drove down to UCLA this week to walk through the campus with my son and nephew - I got through a lot of great podcasts. (My nephew visited USC earlier in the week and proudly wore his USC jacket around the Bruin campus - something I did when I went to UCLA, as I was raised in a Trojan family and that imprint goes deep!) I chose this podcast simply because I love Adam Grant and Brené Brown, expecting it to be slightly inapplicable because it is ostensibly about work life. Was I ever wrong! I instantly sent the link to several friends, as it has fantastic content about how vulnerability moves relationships forward (and how to be vulnerable). My favorite takeaway: “There is no courage without vulnerability.”
SOMETHING TO READ
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I had to share this article. My belief? It’s an unequivocal yes. And if scientists ever think they can prove otherwise, I don’t want to know. What are your thoughts?
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER
“I need a dog pretty badly. I dreamed of dogs last night. They sat in a circle and looked at me and I wanted all of them.”
John Steinbeck
SOMETHING TO LOVE
Let’s keep changing the world, one dog at a time.
Hugs,
Kerry
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE CALENDAR!
Secondly, as far as the dog's ability to love...I think that a dog can truely and deeply love. Not only with other dogs/animals but humans as well. I look at when we lost our german shephard and how our other dog reacted. He was lost, depressed, and yes he cried. He mourned the death of his friend. He loved his buddy. I have also seen dog's reaction when they lose the human. It is the same reation. Now if I look at how a human response to loss it is almost the exact same way.
I know my 3 dogs will respond to the way I am feeling. They comfort when I need it. They offer the snuggles when I need it. They support when life takes it toll. I can see it in their eyes ..a direct look into their souls.
I think thats why dogs are man's best friend...to be supportes, playmates, rescuerers, therapists, comedians and all things dogs.
I believe whole heartedly that dogs can feel and love. I have seen it with your dogs and the puppies. I have seen it with my dogs. And I agree with you, Kerry, IF they ever scienticically prove they can't, I don't want to know.
After all, if you spell DOG backwards it's GOD. How could they not love?
Years ago - my brother had a dog - much loved by his family & a lovely dog --- when they used to go to their cabin at weekends- another dog used to always go to him & hung out on their door step ! For the entire weekend! Despite my brother returning the dog - Daisy- to her owners!!! This went on for a month! Finally - Daisys " owners" told my brother he should & would have Daisy as she had " found them & wanted them " 🐾 Daisy adopted him & his family! And Daisy was beautiful in spirit & temperament & it was a beautiful relationship ❤️🐾 She was a special heart & quietly was always next to my brother for the rest of her 16 years. So yes - the bond between dog & human is real, amazing & beautiful🐾🤗💓 Daisy was truly incredible & had such a beautiful dispostion ! Much loved & still in our families hearts🐾❤️