Lessons from Chelsea the Miniature Groodle: Gratitude, Agility & Loving Unconditionally

It’s official—according to my friends, I’ve changed. I’m now a fully-fledged dog mum. Gone are the days of my speed walking, coffee-in-one-hand, multitasking on a call. Now? I’m that person stopping to let my miniature groodle Chelsea sniff the grass, chat to strangers, and collect sticks!

The biggest giveaway? My Instagram. Once filled with photos of the boys, it’s now a Chelsea highlight reel!

And honestly? I have softened. Chelsea has brought a new perspective—one rooted in presence, patience, and unconditional love. From the sheer gratitude she shows every morning at breakfast to the unexpected agility required when walking her (cue: balancing two coffees while she decides it’s the perfect moment for two poos), she’s been a four-legged teacher in ways I never anticipated.

Dogs have a way of simplifying life’s most important lessons—ones we often overcomplicate as humans.

Here are a handful that Chelsea has shared with us, ones that stretch far beyond puppy training and into the way we live, love, and lead.

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1. Gratitude is a Daily Practice

Chelsea greets her breakfast with the same unfiltered excitement every single morning—tail wagging, eyes sparkling, like she’s won the lottery (again).

It’s a simple yet profound reminder: how often do we start our day with that kind of appreciation?

What if we woke up and celebrated the small things with such enthusiasm—our morning coffee, a fresh start, the people we get to share the day with? Gratitude isn’t just about the big wins; it’s about finding joy in the routine, the familiar, the seemingly small.

Chelsea reminds me that happiness isn’t in what’s next—it’s in what’s now.

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2. See the World with Beginner’s Eyes

Chelsea approaches life with unfiltered wonder. Every stick, every new walking path, every person we pass is met with pure excitement.

Her stick obsession is unmatched. Big sticks, small sticks, sticks twice her size—she likes to trot along with them as if she’s won gold at the Olympics. The enthusiasm is contagious.

She reminds me to pause, to notice, to stay curious. To stop rushing and start experiencing.

As adults, we can be so focused on what’s next that we forget to be in this moment. But Chelsea? She doesn’t just go for a walk—she embraces it. She reminds me that life isn’t a checklist. It’s meant to be lived with presence and wonder.

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3. Agility—In Every Sense

Life with a puppy demands agility, sometimes quite literally.

Like this morning when I was juggling two takeaway coffees on a walk when Chelsea to our club’s Women Triathlon when Chelsea decided to do not one, but two poos. Suddenly, I found myself in a real-life obstacle course:

☕ Coffees in one hand
👜 Bag slung over my shoulder
🐶 Leash wrapped around my wrist
💩 Situation unfolding rapidly

Let’s just say… I got it done.

A lesson in quick thinking, problem-solving, and, most importantly, laughing at the chaos.

Life (and dog ownership) requires us to be adaptable, to pivot with grace, and to find humour in the unexpected. Because let’s be honest—sometimes, all you can do is embrace the chaos and keep moving forward.

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4. Presence Over Productivity

Chelsea doesn’t dwell on the past or stress about the future—she’s here, fully engaged, in every moment. Whether she’s chasing a ball, curled up at one of our feet, or giving her best sad puppy eyes for an extra treat, she’s all in.

A daily nudge to be more present, to truly listen, and to savour moments rather than rush through them.

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, achieve more, Chelsea reminds me that simply being—fully, presently—is enough.

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5. Patience & Positive Reinforcement Work Wonders

Puppy training isn’t about perfection; it’s about patience.

Encouraging progress, celebrating small wins, and reinforcing the good rather than punishing the mistakes. Turns out, the same applies to humans.

Whether in leadership, relationships, or personal goals, real growth thrives on consistency and positivity. The more we focus on what’s right—rather than what’s wrong—the more confidence and trust we build.

Chelsea is a reminder that patience, kindness, and belief in progress (no matter how slow) lead to the best outcomes.

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6. Love, Without Conditions

Chelsea doesn’t care about titles, to-do lists, or how ‘productive’ my day has been. She just loves—fully, unconditionally, without hesitation.

A powerful reminder that at the end of the day, what truly matters is connection, kindness, and showing up for those we care about.

Chelsea greets every person she meets with the same excitement and warmth. No judgement, no expectations, just pure joy at the opportunity to connect. Imagine if we approached our relationships the same way—with less hesitation, more love, and a little extra tail wagging (okay, maybe just the metaphorical kind).

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Softened? Maybe. Changed? Definitely.

Welcoming Chelsea into our lives has reinforced what I’ve always known but is sometimes easy to forget in the abundance of life: the best things in life come from the everyday moments, the simple joys, the relationships we nurture—human or otherwise.

So yes, maybe I have changed. Maybe I stop more on my walks. Maybe I see things with a little more wonder. Maybe I’ve softened.

And maybe that’s exactly the lesson I needed.

I can see why they say a dog is a person’s best friend.

She’s already taught me more than I expected, and no doubt, there’s plenty more to learn.

What have your dogs taught you? I’d love to hear the lessons you’ve gained from your furry companions!