Jan
2012
A Tired and Hungry Dog: The Inspiration for Success
If truth be told, Zuke was the real founder of Zuke’s. He’s not just the namesake, the mascot or the cute dog on the package; he’s the spark, the impetus, the catalyst, the original reason that the Zuke’s all-natural treats exist today. And it was all because of a good, long hike on a typical summer afternoon…
Zuke was a well-loved dog. He and his human, Patrick, were the closest of friends and together loved to explore the beautiful mountains right outside their back door in Durango, Colorado. They had tallied up many miles of exploration when they set out on a typical afternoon hike one of the trails nearby. But on this day, after hours of romping in streams, fetching sticks and running the trail, Zuke slowed down. He seemed suddenly, and uncharacteristically, exhausted.
Concerned, Patrick sat down with Zuke, gave him some water and shared his energy bar. With that, Zuke perked right up and became Patrick’s greatest source of inspiration. Patrick finally understood what Zuke had known all along: pets need healthy, all-natural snacks for energy as much as people do.
Zuke was the inspiration for Patrick’s company and the source of much love and companionship during their life together. And whether your dog inspires you to start a business, take a walk or just get out of bed early on a Saturday morning, be sure to thank them for the opportunities and possibilities they show you that you may not be able to see on your own. They are inspiration at your fingertips.
Tell us how your dog inspires you! We will randomly choose one winner from the list of respondents on Thursday, January 26th, to receive a free bag of Mini Naturals!
My dog inspires me to keep moving. When I’m lagging after a long day, and the last thing I want to do is put on my running shoes she is there with an encouraging look and wag of the tail. It is then that I realize these runs aren’t just for my health, but hers as well. It’s always worth it later when we are both exhausted yet proud of what we’ve accomplished that day.
On June 1, 2010, I got a puppy–the first puppy I’ve had since the 1980s. My other dogs have been rescues. I have worked with As Good as Gold Golden Retriever rescue, fostering many dogs through the years, but I wanted one that I could train from scratch, using all the things the other dogs have taught me. Annie has inspired me to take up (at age 63) a totally new (for me) dogsport–tracking. And last fall, my puppy and I achieved, as a team, our very first AKC title, a TD. She inspires me to get outside and keep learning and keep having fun. This spring we’ll try another new sport. My little golden retriever girl and I plan to start work in the field so she gets a chance to try what her breed is meant to do. I’m grateful to her for keeping me active and happy!
My dogs have inspired me to follow my dreams and start up a business focused on dogs. They keep me very active and show me how to love unconditionally and live life in the moment
My old man Bouzer, shows me what love is every day. He once was the only thing that stopped me from ending my life, I was in the lowest of lows and he put a paw on my lap and laid his head down. He inspired me that as long as I have him I have someone that loves me no matter what. And he’s my inspiration to keep going everyday cause even though he’s getting older and is slowing down; he’s still my morning alarm clock, my nightly bed warmer and my constant companion whether it be to the barn to feed horses or even on trips to Wal-Mart.
My 2 beagles, Charlie and Ramsay, are my walking club buddies, and always inspire me to stick to our daily walking schedule. Even if I am a little under the weather or lazy, they convince me that a little fresh air will do me good. If we don’t go on our walk first thing every morning, they follow me around the house and “hound” me into going. The vet also suggested they shed a few pounds. I need to as well, so now we all have cut back our meal size. But the boys still get their Zukes and I don’t! ;-(
My dog is a retired certified therapy dog who spread love and joy to members of nursing, veteran’s and children’s homes. Milele taught me to look beyond disabilities and other issues to see the person inside. I’m inspired by her because she continues to meet and greet everyone with pure joy and happiness. I want to be the same way.
My dog, Bear, is a rescue pup, and has been a bit of a challenge. Bear’s progress has inspired me to be patient, and loving no matter what. He has inspired me to never give up, and I am so proud of him for all his hard work and achievements.
My pitbull Sweet pea has inspired to be a voice for this awsome breed.
A few years ago my sister got a pitbull puppy. I was so upset because all I ever heard was how mean and dangerous they were. After living with this great dog I went toy local shelter and adopted Sweet Pea, a 3 yr old pitbull who by her timid body language had been abused.
But still she adored people,She was so gentle and friendly I decided to train her for assisted therapy,which by the way she passed in the top 5%of delta society. I mow take her to senior homes and schools to meet and greet and show the better side of this breed.I have also started a group my local shelter called The Pitbull Crew we take Pitbulls out on the weekends to public places and try to get them adopted. We have saved 20 Pitbulls in our first 3 months. We have a long way to go but have had great public support. I now have 3 well behave, friendly pitbills and foster from my local shelter from time to time. Sweet Pea is my best friend, my rock, My Insperation . For with out her I would not be doing this great work for the breed and I would not have my 2 other awsome Pitbulls.
My dogs inspire me to make the most out of everyday. They show pure joy in the simplest things…it can be cold, raining.snowing and just plain miserable, but they are happy and bouncy and enjoy life. I wish I was that happy and appreciative all the time
My 9 month old Wheaten Terrier has inspired me to drop 30 pounds….she loves to walk and loves to play and through my activity with her, those 30 pounds dropped away effortlessly!!! Thanks, Lexi, you’re the best!!!
We got Bandit out of a dumpster when she was about 9 wks old. When she was 6 years old she was diagnosed with bone cancer. We were devastated. We made the heart-wrenching decision to have her right front leg amputated in an attempt to save her life. She sailed through the surgery and recovery. Encouraged, we embarked on chemotherapy, driving 3-1/2 hours each way to the university for each treatment. She enjoyed the adventure of it all and handled the chemo with no issues. She didn’t just survive; she thrived, with her spirit and personality fully intact, continuing to hike and swim and raise all kinds of — well, you know. After an astonishing 6-1/2 year remission we lost her at almost 13 years old to an unrelated condition. Bandit taught us that every day is a gift and that even when it seems hopeless you should never give up.
Hi everyone,
Thank you for all of your wonderful entries. Each of you truly has inspiring pets! And CONGRATULATIONS to Margaret Tyler. She was randomly chosen as the winner of our Inspiration Contest. Check back often for more great contests on The Dog Blog!
My rescue dog Jersey has inspired me to think of something else besides myself and my aches and pains. Because of this precious little dog, I have started to exercise more by walking him a few times every day. As I see him “bop’ along, walking proudly and interested and curious to all that surrounds him, I start to look around more and notice the beauty of the mountains and nature that is around me, also. He started life in a Puppy Mill, a shelter and then to a wonderful foster home with other puppies and a very special lady who is still my friend who unfortunately lives 7 hours away, but we went to visit last September….Jersey, me and my husband. What a terrific time we all had for a long week-end! Jersey is truly my best friend, but I won’t tell my wonderful husband that!