“What healthy behavior would your dog like to share with others?” Waggleview with Linda Coveney, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Please read the Waggleview below to find out about this remarkable woman leader and her dog. Woof on!
The Dog Owner: Linda Coveney, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Insights® Discovery Licensed Practitioner.
Through her Healthy-Behaviors business (www.healthy-behaviors.com), Linda now combines health coaching and Insights® Discovery training to support her clients with a suite of holistic wellness programs, which promote the essential goals of good nutrition, healthy interpersonal relationships, reduced stress and confident self-esteem.
You can find Linda at the following:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/healthy-behaviors lindacoveney@comcast.net
www.healthy-behaviors.com www.linkedin.com/in/lindacoveney/
Dog type and Name: English Springer Spaniel, Cooper Dexter Halfmoon. Cooper was born on May 5, 2010. Cooper is currently the Chief Exercise Officer and Columnist at Healthy-Behaviors.
Q: Why did you choose this dog?
L: We went to visit Cooper and his brothers and sisters when they were all just 5 weeks old. They were all so cute, but it was Cooper who wouldn’t stop untying our shoelaces and we felt that was the sign he wanted us to take him home. We had the 2nd pick of the two males. We’re pretty sure that he wanted to come home with us because he behaved badly in front of the person who had 1st pick. Pretty smart, that guy.
Q: Do you talk to your dog? If so, what do you talk about?
L: We have long conversations about so many things. He is always ready to sit and listen and sometimes add a nod or bark to show support. Of course, when he starts to yawn, we know we’ve gone on for too long. Most of the time, we talk about the what’s going to happen that day, that it’s time to go for a walk, what’s for dinner and how much we love him.
Q: What healthy behavior would your dog like to share with others?
L: Cooper and I spend a lot of time talking about healthy-behaviors. He sometimes listens in on my training calls, after which we have long chats about healthy eating. He knows that we should eat a rainbow of vegetables and fruits each day and live a lifestyle that aligns with our values. In particular, Cooper was very excited to learn that getting good sleep is very important to keep weight down and reduce stress. He recommends getting at least 8 hours of sleep during the night and another 8 during the day. While he recognizes that added day tine sleep is mostly for dogs, he agrees that the 8 hours of sleep for the human populations is one of the best things for energy and vitality. He would like to add that writing in a gratitude journal before sleep is helpful.
Q: If he could talk to you, what would he say?
L: Actually, he talks to us all the time. He will put his nose on the leash when he wants to go for a walk. When he doesn’t like our walking route for the day, he will come to a dead stop, with paws dug in deep until we turn around. He lets out a soft whine when he wants me to stop working and sit, talk and pet him. Not only does he talk, he can tell time. Each day at 4 p.m. he grabs one of my socks or sneakers, gives a yelp and lets me know it’s time to follow him to the living room for some play.
Q: If your dog had a job or career, what would he be doing?
L: Cooper actually has a job. He writes Cooper’s column in the Healthy-Behaviors monthly newsletter. Recently he was named, CEO (Chief Exercise Officer). He has started his first novel, Cooper – Unleashed. This may be a work in progress for a while.
Q: What lesson in life has your dog taught you?
L: How essential unconditional love is to the human spirit… and how often it is necessary to vacuum when you have a dog.
Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you?
L: While he is happy to go anywhere with us, he is especially partial to a small lake in the Adirondacks. He loves to swim and will fetch balls and sticks all day long and doesn’t mind when the water is a little chilly. He also loves to do the dog paddle with us. Sometimes, he will just jump in and swim along with us. He has several canine friends there who stop by and ask him to go out and play. Of course, there is Chelsea, a special friend who keeps coming over when he is in the water. Being the gentleman he is, he always escorts her safely home. He also likes to go shopping with Dad, especially to a few local businesses that keep a supply of treats just for him.
Q: Who or what does your dog find the most interesting?
L: Digging in the back yard. He is relentless about one special spot no matter how many times the hole is filled or new grass seed is spread. We’re pretty sure a treasure is hidden there. Chances are we have to plant a tree in that spot pretty soon. Then, he’ll have another reason to go to this special spot. He is also fascinated by the mailman – who also happens to carry a bag of treats with him.
Q: What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you?
L: Making sure your dog is safe, well cared for, has up to date shots and given lots of love.
Q: How has your dog changed your life?
L: He came into my life just as I was embarking on my own health journey. He encouraged me to go for walks each day and to stay home and cook and with his guidance and support, I was able to shed a lot of weight and bring more energy and vitality to my life.
Q: Does your dog have a philosophy of life?
L: Here’s an excerpt from one of Cooper’s Healthy-Behaviors columns.. It pretty much sums up his philosophy on life:
“You see, I’m a master of “not sweating the little stuff of life”. Getting worked up about something I can’t control is just not my style. My one exception is when my food bowl is empty. That is definitely on the “it’s okay to get upset about” list.
I’m told that unnecessary stress can raise blood pressure and that is not a good thing. Haven’t had mine checked, unless that is what the Vet is doing when he sticks that thing in my butt! Anyway, high blood pressure is not for me. I practice yoga and downward facing dog is my favorite pose. This helps to ease any stress that comes my way. Meditation, taking a walk, having a full bowl of water, and an occasional treat are all good ways to slow down and re-evaluate what is really important and what does not matter in the long run.”
Q: I love my dog because no matter how long I am gone, he is always there to greet me with more enthusiasm than I have ever experienced. He is pure love.
WAGGLEVIEWS: These interviews are focused on woman leaders in business, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected women in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about dogs and what these women do? This is a platform for women to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their dog!
Thank you Linda for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview.
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What healthy behavior would your dog like to share with others?
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