The bad news: Our Peggy is not feeling good which leads to . . . The good news: I have free reign on this blog (where canines have been marginalized).
According to REGINA BRIGHT, MS, LMHC there are 12 ways to “ignite the flame . . . and restore the passion that you and your partner deserve.”
I’ve got important suggestions (and comments) for her list:
- Be social. Socializing with other couples will bring about new adventures to add to your list. (Always smell them first.)
- Make your partner feel special. Let him or her know that your relationship is at the top of your priority list. (Preferably by giving lots of belly scratches and treats).
- Learn to be an effective communicator. Being a good communicator means being a good listener. Most couples listen with the intent to reply. Instead, listen with the intent to understand. (That’s all well and good but we will never understand humans.)
- Play nice. Watch your tone. No name-calling, no degrading, and no blaming. (Never say “baaaaad doggie) If you slip up, don’t forget to apologize. . . ( by offering a treat.)
- Volunteering at a church, soup kitchen, women’s shelter, Red Cross, or nursing home is a great way to give back to the community and will leave you and your partner with a sense of accomplishment. (Volunteer at an animal shelter or become a foster parent to a canine.)
- Break up the routine from time to time to make things more exciting. (Take walks in different locations to find different smells.)
- Learn to accept your partner for the things that you like and don’t like. Respect each other’s differences. Allow your partner to be themselves. If we mold our partner to be what we wish they were, then we only love the reflection of ourselves. (I have no idea what she’s talking about. Molding humans is our calling)
- Everyone needs alone time. (No they don’t . . . unless you’re a cat.)
- Surprise your partner. Surprises can also come in other forms. Straightening up the garage or cleaning up the kitchen can be a great gift. (The only gift that makes sense is surprise treats)
- Intimacy not only means physical affection, it also means emotional affection (and treats)
- Equally divide chores. (Chores?)
- Experience something new. Maybe redo a room together or learn how to make sushi this Friday night. (Sushi would be good, beefsteak would be better.)
Frankly Freddie,
Freddie Parker Westerfield, Certified Canine Therapist, RET and relationship expert

Freddie Parker Westerfield, CCT, RET
If you don’t believe me, read the unedited: How to Refresh Your Relationship Today by REGINA BRIGHT, MS, LMHC
Freddie, you are so sweet and special. How could anyone not love you and follow everything on the list? For humans, it helps if they have separate bathrooms. They can get ready for a date in their own bathroom and the guy can pick up the lady when she is ready without watching her get dressed.
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Dear Linda T., Human-being,
You are a very perceptive human. Everyone loves me because I love everyone . . . even cats. If humans only knew how liberating it is not to need a an indoor bathroom like we canines know they might all get along better. Thank you for writing me.
Frankly,
Freddie Parker Westerfield, CCT, RET
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Dear Freddie, CCT, RET, I’m trying to stop laughing enough to make an articulate comment.
Oh well, failed again.
Tell your human you deserve a hug, a scratch, a walk, and a treat.
Geez, I’m still laughing. I’m off to give my partner a belly rub.
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Dear Sharon Bonin-Pratt, Human-being
Thank you for putting it in writing that I deserve a hug, a scratch, a walk and a treat. Before I print out your reply to give to her. Could you please add “hourly”?
I hope your partner knows to roll over for the rub.
Frankly,
Freddie Parker Westerfield, CCT, RET
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It’s taken me weeks to stop laughing long enough to reply to this. My partner rolling over for the rub? Hilarious.
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Dear Sharon Bonin-Pratt, human-being,
Has it also taken your partner weeks to roll over?
Frankly,
Freddie
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