Self -Discipline and Good Byes

My two old friends - Miami on the left and Portia on the right

What is this elusive thing called self - discipline and how is it developed?  I suspect, like any other trait, it's done in small, consistent baby steps.  Posting a blog every day takes a lot of effort and dedication .  I'm back and will soldier on.  

This past week was a hard one for me.  I had to say goodby to my Portia.  She was thirteen years old  and a sweet, loyal friend to me her entire life.  For a German Shepherd, this is a long life but the years went by in the blink of an eye.  It seems like she was a tiny dark ball of fluff that I could hold in my hand only just yesterday.  She was a free, independent spirit who often liked to go off on her own to explore the surrounding areas.  Not a good thing!  I even took her to a pet psychic once in an attempt to get insight into her behavior.  She told the psychic that I worried too much and that she wasn't running away, she just wanted to do a bit of exploring on her own.  She said that she would always return when she was done. Ha!  That was not good enough for me so I eventually fenced in my entire 100 acres of property.  She taught me patience, compromise, and, then, more patience.  You are now free to roam to your heart's content, my dear sweet friend.  I miss you, good girl.