Hogan's Hope - editing his story

Today as I started to take a hard look at the editing of Hogan's life story, I felt an overwhelming sense of intimidation and self doubt.  While I want to make his story real and personal, I know that I have to make some difficult decisions regarding the editor's wise and skilled recommendations.  Wow.  How do I get it done?  Then, just when I was feeling "low," several encouraging messages came across my path and prompted me to keep going and not give up.  "Nothing worth doing is ever easy", right?.  Someone else told me that "there are no good writers; only great editors."  And, as if those weren't encouraging enough, a FaceBook post said, "Never be ashamed of what you've been through.  God will use your story for His glory."  That's exactly what I want!  I want Hogan's story to be used for His wonderful glory.   I believe with all my heart that the Lord will guide me and give me the insight and words to bring Hogan's Hope, the book, to fruition.

I am extremely blessed.  Two amazing and talented people have come back into my life and are graciously willing to help.  With their insights, I have to put my pride aside and be ready to change, cut out, and rearrange.  I must humble myself to be open, to listen to constructive criticism and input, and to commit myself to the work.  It is a story worthy to be told, and it will happen.  

Do our dogs understand our words?

#Hogan is watching intently to what he is being told.

So many times when I talk with folks about their pups, I hear things like, "I know he understands me when I talk to him," or "She knows every word that I am saying."  And, I agree! 

I have had many wonderful pups over the 67 years of my life; and I believe that, even though they didn't or don't have the ability to verbalize in the human language of speech, they did or do understand me when I talk to them.  How can anyone argue when they witness my Clarence (one of our 3 pups) fetching my slippers instead of my shoes, my shoes instead of my boots, or a note from my hubby who is upstairs.  But, there are those who doubt and think me to be "just another a silly #dog lover." 

I was reading on the Internet at the Huffington Post about a study on dogs' brains and the different areas of the brain that were used with different words, phrases, and intonations.  Part of it stated: 

"They found that the dogs processed the words and tone of voice separately, in different sections of the brain. When they heard the familiar “praise” words, the left hemisphere of their brains lit up — the same general location that humans use to process language. This occurred no matter what tone the trainer was using.

The #dogs appeared to register tone, however, in their right hemisphere. Again, this is in the same place that people do it."

Interesting, indeed!  Our beloved dogs' brains work similarly to us humans.  So, just because our loving dogs don't talk back, we need to consider that they may be understanding every word we say.  I wonder if that's why Jim and I have to spell words at times in order to avoid an explosion of excitement?

Enjoy each and every moment with your pup!