Living Beyond the Irreducible Minimum

My Dog Cooper is a yellow Lab. He's about 3 years old now, coming into his own. Still learning and very playful but also has a lazy streak in him.   Not what I expect.  My family is a very active,hyper family.  So I was expecting a very active, hyper dog to fit in.  So when looking into this breed.  Here is what I wanted.

Labrador Retrievers, originally from Newfoundland, were initially used in work alongside fisherman, helping to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its skills as a true retriever. From this point in the breed’s history, "Labs," as they are affectionately called, were bred primarily to perform as an efficient retriever of game, with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting.

 An ideal sporting and family dog, the Labrador Retriever thrives as part of an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. A double-coated breed which sheds seasonally, regular grooming keeps his coat at its water-resistant best. Because of his even temperament and trainability millions of Americans own a Labrador Retriever as a pet.

With this being said I love my dog but he is not your typical definition of a Yellow Lab.  And the picture above is an example of that.  We went to the doggie park to run!!!!  Did you hear me to RUN!  And after running a bit.  He lays down in the middle of the field.  Like he wants to take a nap.  I am just not feeling this at all.  So I throw the ball and he just stares.

So Lori, what is your point.  He (my dog) has accepted the Irreducible Minimum.  The bare minimum, he ran briefly, he fetched the ball twice and he was done.  He was not concerned about being the best dog in doggieville.  He was just okay with being below average.  Not being exceptional, just existing.  And for us we sometimes do life this way.  Accepting the bare minimum.  As CS Lewis puts it "we are far to easily pleased".   You see, Cooper was easily pleased, according to his minute doggie brain he measured up, and now it was time to take a nap.  Blahh Blahh Blahh.

Well I want more, in life, more from life, more from my dog, more from everything I do.  I want to be exceptional.  I want to make a difference, not settle for second best, Especially not in doggieville. So it's to the park everyday until he gets it right.  And as you see below, I think he's got it!