"The will to win, the will to achieve, goes dry and arid without continuous renewal."     - Vince Lombardi

There is nothing quite as inspiring as watching the positivity that a puppy can bring to the world.  As I write this morning to you, nibbling at my feet is a beautiful new baby girl.  This past weekend we made the leap and brought a new puppy into our world.  We had been planning it for a while and made the excursion out east to Kersey, Colorado to pick up our new 8-week-old family addition, a beautiful yellow Labrador.  

With much debate and many renditions we finally decided to call her Isabella or Izzy for short.  She really doesn't care much about all the fuss over her name - in fact she didn't seem to miss a beat as we called her Ava, Lily, Coco (of the Chanel variety), Maggie, Daisy and a variety of other names.  Somehow when we landed on Isabella it just seemed to fit.  And Izzy indeed marks the energy she goes after life when she is awake. 

I watched with a joyous heart as she melted all barriers around her.  Together as a family it re-connected us as well as everyone that came over to our house this past weekend.  She was like a super magnet instantly drawing everyone to her from children, to teens, to adults.  The power of attraction on steroids! 

Now Samantha our 10 year-old yellow Lab is not so delighted with what has come to pass.  It in fact has made our very happy dog a bit grouchy.  We are working with both of them to make sure this new addition to the family brings Sam happiness as well.  While we work to convince Izzy that Sam is not her surrogate mother we hope that they too will find the tie that binds them together. 

I encourage you to look on my facebook later this afternoon and as the week progresses for more cute and adorable photos. As you look at these photos think about these 5 powerful elements that a puppy brings to the world.  These are elements that each and every one of us has the ability to tap into - just by opening our minds to the possibilities that draws us to puppies. 

Bringing people together - break down social, age and any other barriers.  Creating a common bond for people who might not normally speak to each other. Suddenly everyone feels connected. Perhaps it's because a puppy doesn't really care who you are as long as you are willing to play and cuddle!

Ensue total self-confidence - a puppy wants what it wants because it hasn't yet learned that it needs to ask for things.  The result is for sure a bit of work for it's caretaker but it is sure cute and refreshing to watch it just be what it wants to be.

Living in the moment - with the freshness that all the world is for the playing.

The ability to bring out the kid in each of us - finding something fun in everything.

Honest emotions brought to life. No pretenses, no attitudes about what "should" happen - just having things happen.

Curiosity at its finest.  Everything is new and possibly chewable.

With that I am off as Izzy is calling me to play and Sam is ready for breakfast.