Vocal Media Helped Me Publish a Book

I published a short story on Medium . . . and then another. The enjoyment of watching Dagney had to be shared so I shared the horrific and humorous event of me in the middle of the night, wearing a nightgown, chasing Dagney through the trees. Dagney was chasing a skunk. A 5-Pound Dog Protected Me in the Dark of Night.

Our 6-year-old Yorkie provides constant entertainment. When I first had the idea to adopt, my husband quickly squelched any prospect of another canine living under our roof by reminding me that we had agreed, “No more dogs.” That lasted until he saw her, held her, and she licked his face. How we came to meet her is another story. Needless to say, she is now a permanent member of our family.

Vocal provided inspiration to write and readers offered feedback on the quality and content of the writing. As a result, a collections of stories, picture, quotes, and activities joined to create a book.

Between the covers of this book:

• 30 chapters
• 87 colored pictures
• 40 inspirational quotes
• Dozens of life lessons
• Tons of laughs

I never understood the intelligence of a dog before. Dagney has a calming effect. She has taught me to be a better human. I have learned that dogs understand priorities and approach life one day at a time. Channeling my inner dog, ten stories grew from my observations. Below are the titles of the ten self-improvement articles -with a small sample from each.

1. Patience Provides a Window to the World

2. Build Strength to Support Others

It’s important to take care of yourself. A person can only support others if they manage their own needs. That’s why airlines instruct passengers to place the oxygen masks on themselves prior to assisting small children.

Animals possess natural instincts to protect themselves. Nobody needs to remind a dog to drink plenty of water or take a nap. Dogs lay quietly in nature absorbing the sun while watching the leaves fall, the snowflakes pile up and the raindrops feed the earth. They naturally understand remaining healthy requires rest and attention to personal needs.

3. Sniff Out the Situation

Five strategies help human’s increase awareness of their environment.

Be mindful

Use the five senses to assess the situation. Dagney’s body begins to shake, her ears vibrate, and her nose wiggles if something is not right. Listen to what your body communicates.

Identify exits

For our dog the only readily available exit from the house is the doggy door. It provides immediate escape. I have watched Dagney fly through it at a supercharged speed. So far, the door has always been open but someday she may learn the hard way to investigate at a slower pace.

Watch people and animals

Alone we cannot see all corners of a room. Blind spots conceal events that may signal danger. Being observant to others can provide warnings, and animals’ reactions inform of dangers.

Limit distractions

It is natural to be engaged in conversations and important to be active listeners with others. However, when numerous activities occur at once, we miss important details. Be careful to remain alert.

Trust your gut

Animals’ instincts inform them when something is wrong. They respond quickly to threats. We should also. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

4. Learn to Relax by Imitating a Dog

Some people record relaxing as an item on their daily list of things to do. Then they check it off when the task is accomplished. Relaxation should not be a goal because that destroys the whole concept. If you require planning to make time to relax, the opportunity is lost. However, when necessary, planning may be needed to train yourself how to relax.

A dog, on the other hand, will be walking along and without intentional thought, flops over and lays down. That is relaxation. Every body muscle goes limp. Dagney provides a true visual of the definition of dead weight. Thankfully, our pooch only weighs 5-pounds so she can be picked up and carted home when she reaches maximum tranquility.

5. Find the Humor in the Situation

"Dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of them's making a poop, the other one's carrying it for him, who would you assume is in charge?" - Jerry Seinfeld

"It's tough to stay married. My wife kisses the dog on the lips, yet she won't drink from my glass." – Rodney Dangerfield

"Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails." —Max Eastman

6. If You Want Something, Speak Up

7. Never Underestimate a Dog’s Healing Powers

Anyone who lives with a dog, understands their regenerative power. When I come home after having what felt like the worst day ever, the comfort of our dogs melts all the stress. From the moment they greet me at the door through the evening when they smother me with licks, follow me around the house, lay on the floor beside my feet as I cook dinner, and cuddle me on the couch, I realize what is important. Love. Affection. Companionship.

8. Break Rules to Control Your Destiny

Flip through the pictures on your phone. Which ones make you smile or even laugh out loud? I bet some of them are pictures of misbehavior. My daughter called upset and frustrated when Winston tore up his bed. As a pup he didn’t have the refined communication skills that Dagney developed so he acted out to make a point. I encouraged patience.

Days later, when he did it again, she complained and sent another picture. Again, I offered reassurance that it was a stage he would outgrow, but also asked her to look at his eyes observe his body language because within it lived an apology.

9. Believe You Can Fly

• What cages you and restricts the freedom to be happy?
• Debt?
• Incompatible people?
• Greed?
• Meaningless entertainment?
• Unrealistic comfort?
• Fear of loss?
• Social expectations?
• A mindset that there is more out there?

10. Play and Enjoy

The proverb, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy,” holds truth and remains accurate when we insert any of our names into the statement. The benefits of play are numerous: increased healthy relationships, physical energy, creativity, brain function, confidence, healthy sleep patterns, and positive attitudes.

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Some of these self-improvement articles were hosted by Vocal Media with the goal to inspire others to mimic a dog to find balance in their lives, I have since added journaling prompts and self-reflection activities to each story above.

Readers’ enjoyment of Dagney’s antics prompted me to create her own Facebook page for dog lovers, Dagney’s Stories: A Dog Who Thinks She’s Human. I am embarrassed to admit she may have more followers than I do. Knowing this and with encouragement from Dagney, she talks me into crazy stuff, a book grew.

How did Vocal Media help create a book?

The one story grew into a collection which developed into a book. Vocal readers accepted Dagney and her stories, encouraged me to continue to write. Without their support and encouragement, Live a Satisfying Life: Doing it Doggy Style would never have emerged. The answer to the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” proved true in this case. By taking one bite at a time a book emerged when I didn’t even know that was my goal.

I don’t believe I ever would have written a dog book without the invitation to write for Vocal. This online magazine welcomes writers who wish to experiment, grow, and interact with other writers. The fellowship offers a springboard for authors who are starting their writing journeys without a specific direction or goal established. Vocal Media became a compass that directed me to complete a book.

Live a Satisfying Life By Doing it Doggy Style is available on Amazon. Perfect read for any dog lover and an excellent gift to share with others.