About once a week from now on and as long as she’s still with us, our golden retriever Sheba is going to share one thing she does to live life to the fullest. At times when I’m watching her doing something fun, I get this feeling that she knows that her days in this world are winding down, and she is determined to make the most of them. It never fails to bring a smile to my face!
TIP #10: BE A HELPER, because helping feels good for both the giver and the receiver!
What can dogs do to help?
Lots of dogs are service dogs, visit nursing homes or hospitals, or have other important jobs like sniffing out drugs at airports. However, not all dogs are going to work outside the home, but there are lots of things you can do around the house to help!
- Luke picks up his toys.
- The whole crew helps with the pre-rinse cycle on dishes by licking them clean.
- Luke and Cricket guard the house.
- Of course, there’s always giving love and comfort to your humans when they need you, that’s a very important job.
Sheba thought outside the box and found a different way to be a great help to me last week. I mentioned yesterday that Luke was going strong on his birthday, right through the end of the day. We had had a very busy week and by the end of that day I was so tired.
Luke had already played with two new toys from his Pet Treater box, and one birthday toy I had bought him. That was still not enough! Luke is a very smart boy and he knew where I had hidden his birthday toys, so he went over to that door and started whining.
With a big sigh, I had to give him his last toy, a Kong squeaky ball. I just didn’t have the energy to play with him, so hoped he would entertain himself. What did Sheba do? She got right in there to play with her brother and keep him entertained!

They succeeded in bringing a big smile to my face as well. What does your dog do to be a helper?
Today is the last day to enter Sheba’s Very Special Birthday Giveaway! Click here!
Have you seen Sheba’s other tips for Living Life to the Fullest?
- Tip 1 – Don’t be afraid to get dirty!
- Tip 2 – FunTime video!
- Tip 3 – How to get a good night’s sleep!
- Tip 4 – Indulge Your Parents!
- Tip 5 – Do what you love!
- Tip 6 – Be just a little naughty!
- Tip 7 – Enjoy the simple things!
- Tip 8 – Get out and walk!
- Tip 9 – Smile!
That is very cute. It looks like they had a blast.
what a great big sis, wonderful photos
Helping huh? If that’s what you want to call it but to me it’s “I want that ball now give it to me.” Love Dolly
Well, Dolly, aren’t you the smart one? You might be the only one that saw through to Sheba’s true motives. 🙂
That’s so cute, I just love seeing them play together. Let’s see, mine have the prewashing the dishes and guarding the house in common. Susie is the biggest help though by keeping her sister’s and brother’s ears clean. And they all help keep us warm by snuggling at night. ????
All very important jobs, and the ear cleaning makes me laugh! That used to be Moses job around here, but no one took over for him!
That was sure a fun time and helpers are always good…and important too!
We love seeing Sheba and Luke playing together.
Sheba and Luke looked like they really care for each other. What little time you have left with Sheba, I know you’ll all do your best that she gets to live it to the fullest.
Thank you so much for those kind words, Leigh. We’re doing all we can to keep Sheba with us for as long as possible. I worry about Luke when she’s gone though. 🙁
My dogs entertain me but other than than they are a Zero.
Entertainment has its value! 🙂
We tend to be more the opposite of helpers, but we do usually keep mom in a good mood.
The times they help probably don’t outnumber the times they aren’t any help! LOL. Helping to keep your Mom happy is a very important thing.
The boys help me by making me laugh and giving me unconditional love every single day. ♥
Two very, very important things! ♥
Aw, what a good girl! And big sister!!
Callie was my helper – especially with her sisters – but she taught Shadow what she needed to know to take over. And Shadow was an excellent student.
BTW, your post came directly into my gmail inbox this morning rather than detouring into the junk folder. YAY!!
I’m so happy to be out of the junk folder…LOL! I only had to try 10 different things to fix it.
Sheba is definitely a good big sister, though I’m not sure her motives here were strictly pure (she may have just wanted the ball). 🙂
My dog helps by making sure that I get out of the house twice a day whether or not I want too. ???? Unless it’s raining then she tries to convince me that she can hold it for 3 days straight or however long it will continue to rain. ????
They can definitely be good motivation for getting out and moving! However, mine think I should still go outside and play with them, even when it’s raining! 🙂
That is so sweet! Dakota helps me by “busting” Cody whenever he is someplace he shouldn’t be! Dakota will catch Cody on the kitchen counter and stand at the gate barking to get my attention……he is such a good little “narc” lol!
LOL…that is so funny!!
Aww it’s so sweet the way they play together! Luke is such a sweetheart for sharing his new toy, and Sheba knows just how Luke likes to play. You have two super sweeties there! 😀
It’s so true! Luke just loves to tease Sheba with the toy, and she is so patient with him! 🙂
Those are some good words Sheba
Woof,
Lily & Edward
Beautiful quote and picture of Sheba! I love watching my dogs play together.
Thank you! They are just so entertaining to watch, aren’t they? 🙂
Oh, Sheba … you gorgeous girl in every way! Good job showing Luke how it’s done … that’s the gift that will keep on giving!