"The One You Feed!"  Apparently that part of the elder's story must have gotten 'stuck' in my head.  I'd been in the grips of a horrendous depression for six months prior to hearing this story of the two fighting dogs.

My depression had progressed to the point that I was seriously considering suicide as an option to end the relentless emotional pain and suffering.  One especially dark rainy winter morning, while agonizing over how I could make it through another day, the story of the two fighting dogs popped into my head.  I decided, "What do I have to lose?  Let's give this Good Dog concept a shot."  In my desperation, even the idea of trying to come up with a positive felt hopeless, but I HAD to try, or die!

As hard as I tried (and I tried really-really hard), I simply could not come up with a single positive thought to focus on. Depression does that.  I believed in the power of feeding the good dog but simply couldn't find anything positive in my head.  There was nothing there - Nothing!  Zip, Zero, Zilch!  Absolutely NO-thing, which, by the way, made me feel even more depressed. Nothing to be grateful for?  People who have not experienced serious depression might find this hard to believe, but it's true. Just cold black hopelessness.

I was terrified. I didn't really want to die - I just needed the pain to stop.  Then it occured to me that I needed help from a power greater than myself. I am not a religious man and not much into prayer, but let me tell you, that morning I dropped to my knees, and prayed long and hard. I'd hit an 'emotional and spiritual bottom' and felt powerless to do anything about it.  There was nothing left in me.  But prayer?  Who would of guessed.  And then what a coincidence - life started changing - FAST!

Looking back, it's clear to see that 'Daily Good Dog' was born that very morning.  From a place of complete darkness sprouted a small seed of new-found hope. I jumped onto the computer, googling 'inspirational quotes,' saving my favorites.  Each day I did the same, and a few months later I was shocked to realize my depression was gone!  I could breathe again. The black fog that choked out the light for so long, had lifted.
 
I made a personal choice to focus on something positive each day.  So, every day I would research, collect and send out inspirational quotes.  Soon the people I sent them to passed them along to their friends, who sent them to their friends, which has resulted in a worldwide network of positive-minded folks.

Over the years, I've heard from many people, describing how this little Dog has positively affected their lives.  The most powerful medicine I have found to keep my depression in remission - is service to others.  It feels great to be a positive force in a negative world.  We all need a little Daily Good Dog.

    Good Dog is my baby, my BIG baby, and I'm incredibly proud to share him with you.  Every week, I devote myself to feeding this baby, giving it 200%, and believe me ... this baby is hungry!

    I scour dozens of my favorite resources, sucking up wisdom from the greatest minds of all time.  I painstakingly select each quote, poem or parable, arranging them within themes (often a week-long series is devoted to a theme).   I then format them into a clean, easy to read single page email newsletter with absolutely NO advertising (except, of course, shameless self promotion). 

    Although spiritual in nature, Good Dog has no appetite for religion and politics, as he thinks it has a tendency to separate and polarize.  'The Dog' doesn't take sides - it just hands out a little love.

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. 
The mind is everything. What we think, we become."

Buddha

Cartoon Stuff

While putting together the website, I realized that the conceptual 'Good Dog' was, after all, a dog.  Duh!  So, I started collecting various graphics and fell in love with a particular style from illustrator, Dennis Cox.  I purchased quite a few and was experiencing considerable anguish trying to select 'the right one.'   I couldn't decide, so I used them all!  I hope they brighten your day.

What do I get? 
How much does it cost?
How do I sign up?
And ... What's the catch? 

WHAT? 
There will be a fresh Good Dog in your inbox - every Wednesday, 52 weeks a year including holidays, especially holidays, when we need it most.

HOW MUCH?
This is the best part - it's FREE!  No strings attached, well almost none (see 'The Catch' below).  

HOW to Sign Up?
Just click the 'subscription info' link and sign up. Takes about 30 seconds. You'll start receiving your Dogs the next Wednesday. SUBSCRIPTION INFO

No Strings Attached? Really? Well, Not Really! 
'The Dog' showcases 4-5 of my original photographs. I combine them with quotes that move me, that compliment the images, then format and send them out to you, every Wednesday and have done so, for four years now. I need your help.

The Catch?
I'd like to ask your help in growing my photography career.

I'm considered a 'fine arts photographer,' which simply means I shoot whatever it is that inspires me, as opposed to specialized photography (weddings, portrait, commercial, etc). It also means that unless I catch a break, I can't afford to spend the time devoted to my art, creating work so I can catch a break! Ahh, the vicious creative cycle.

So, what's a break? Being 'discovered,' which means attracting someone in a position to expose my work to the public. And how does that happen? YOU!

All it takes is one 'share,' a forward to a friend, who knows a friend, etc... and Voila - I'm discovered. Of course 'discovered' only means a'chance' to be succesful - the work must be good or nothing happens, but that's my job.

Your job ... Please pass along your weekly 'Good Dog' to anyone/everyone that might find them of value - especially art type people (gallery owners, art buyers, etc.).

I get so many heartfelt emails a week, and I love them all, but the greatest compliment to my efforts, is you sharing 'The Dog' with a friend.

Thank You.

Louie Rochon
Photography Website
Facebook Link
Updated BIO



NOW What?
I invite you to hang out awhile, read some sample 'Dogs,' check out a few testimonials and browse the site.  Then sign up, sit back and let your head suck up a little daily inspiration and motivation.

May 'The Dog' be with you,

Louie Rochon

Help Spread a Little Dog (Love) Around.

Click on the 'SHARE' link below for many options.