The Power of PAWSITIVE Thinking (and How Wine Can Help)

I'm an optimist by nature—after all, I am a boxer. I'm also a dog, and dogs have known about and understood the "Law of Dogtraction" long before humans turned their own version into the subject of mega-selling books and videos.

The principle is simple: You attract into your life the things you think about. That doesn't mean that I can stare at a jar of peanut butter and make it fly off the kitchen counter and into my wide-open and eagerly awaiting jaws—no matter how often I try. That's ridiculous. (If you've watched the highly annoying The Secret and saw the scene with the lady and the necklace, you'll know what I'm talking about.)

Instead, I focus on the things in my life that are positive. It doesn't matter if they are big or small. Today, it only took a small ray of sunshine coming through the window to make me wiggle my little nub tail with delight.

It also helps to look for the humor in every situation. I like to think that I'm teaching my humans a lot in that regard. (Hey, it wasn't my fault they didn't put the toilet paper away. It takes effort and talent to unravel the whole roll and use it to decorate the living room.) Fortunately, they think my antics are pretty funny. My behavior also gives them plenty to talk and write about.

All of this said, I also know that reality sometimes bites. Sure, I believe in silver linings, but I also live with humans in the real world. No matter what the positive-thinking gurus say, the idea that a positive and cheerful attitude alone can make everything better is a recipe for disappointment.

The truth is that the problems of the animal world and the human world are gigantic. Sometimes, they make it difficult for anyone, dog or human, to feel like they can make a difference. The "big picture" can be so overwhelming that it makes a sensitive dog like me want to run to the backyard, dig a hole and bury her head.

So what's the secret to staying motivated when things get tough? Baby steps. If you want to tackle a complex issue or challenge without becoming overwhelmed, you have to focus on the things you can do right here and right now.

For example, my mom wants to feed, foster and adopt every single rescue boxer whose profile she reads online. Most of their stories are heartbreaking, but sometimes there is not much that she can do personally. Fortunately, there are rescue groups like Legacy Boxer Rescue in Texas with volunteers who pour their hearts and souls into their work. That's why Mom and I are happy to be donating 40% from the sale of each book to them (click here for details).

Of course, the folks at Legacy Boxer Rescue take their work seriously—but they also know how to have fun (after all, they live with boxers!). This Saturday, February 26, they are going to celebrate their seventh anniversary with a wine social in Plano, Texas. My mom is disappointed because Plano and Portland aren't anywhere near each other. This is, after all, a woman who never says "no" to a good wine social. But that doesn't mean we can't help spread the word...or raise our glasses in solidarity.

But if you live in Texas, you like wine and you love boxers (who doesn't?) then please check it out. All of the proceeds will help boxers in need. And, don't forget to bid on my "pawtographed" books at the silent auction.

Cheers!