Day 796

We have a “Finicky Boy." Our Gus is picky about food, going outside alone, where he sits and every other little decision in his life. Some of it is due to his sight disability, but it is truly his nature and personality.

Our major trial is getting him to eat. If Gus were an ‘only pup,' we would just let him graze throughout the day. Being that his brothers would gobble it up in a split second, we leave him sequestered in the front hall until his bowl is empty. Today, I decided to play some piano for him as “breakfast music” to see if that would help. Within a couple of minutes, the food was devoured and he was snuggled up to the foot pedals of the piano. Sweet Boy.

Bringing up my own four children, meal planning was a challenge. Pizza and spaghetti were the only things all four would agree on. Unlike other parents, when neither of those two menu items appeared on the table, I would become a “short order cook” to make certain everybody ate a meal. Many families would have the attitude of, “this is what’s for dinner. If you don’t like it, you’re going to be pretty hungry.” My husband came from a family where, if you didn’t eat your salad at dinner…that was your breakfast!

It never bothered me to make a quick ‘PBJ’ for the finicky child at dinner. I almost believed it was a privilege to be able to make certain all four children were full when they left the table. To me, it was just another part of a job description I so embraced with all of my heart.

With children, dogs and just about anyone in your life… my philosophy has always been, CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES! Not every little thing has to be a confrontation with consequences, or a win/lose! I always know when to stand my ground and that hasn’t failed me yet! Otherwise, why not attempt to make the lives around you more peaceful and loving?

Now I can add a piano concert to my Gus’s meals. Not only does my boy eat, but Mac and the other three Goldens get to hear music as well! Win/Win!