There are two major things that account for all of my positive upbeat energy.

1. My short attention span. If you can hold my attention for more than one minute, you’re really amazing and super important to me.
2. My ability to forgive and let things go.

These two qualities keep my heart light and my mind open to new and exciting opportunities. They also make it easier for me to not only love, but also show love to the ones I absolutely adore. In fact…

A few weeks ago, Mom was getting ready for work. Usually I sit and watch as she bounces from room to room, but on this particular day I felt like being right next to her.

While Mom packed her lunch in the kitchen, I stood by her side. Ok. You got me. I was secretly hoping she’d drop something on the floor, so I could grab it. As Mom picked out her clothes in her closet, I sat right next to her. When Mom was brushing her teeth in the bathroom, I stood silently by the door waiting for her to finish.

I was determined to spend every minute I had with her that morning.

As she walked from room to room, I stayed right by her side. Somehow over the years, I’ve even mastered the art of walking around the house so quietly that no one knows I’m coming. It’s almost like I can appear from thin air. I guess that’s why Mom didn’t see me standing behind her as she backed up after pulling her scarf out of the drawer.

As soon as she backed up, she stepped right on my paw. “Yipe!” I screamed. She immediately jumped, turned and knelt down to check on me as she uttered “I’m sorry, Sug” with a soft pat on my head. And as always, I forgave her with a lick to her palm.

Forgiveness is powerful.

As Paul Boese stated…

It keeps your heart open and allows you to walk into new experiences free from burden. Forgiveness also helps you develop sound solutions to any problem. How many of you can really solve a problem when you’re angry or upset? I sure can’t.

Holding on to these grudges can also make you bitter, stressed, and fearful of what’s to come. That hurt can even jade your perception of who you are and what you deserve. Honestly, we cannot control what humans (or pups) do to us. However, we can definitely control how we respond to it. And, that response will definitely affect your energy.

So, forgive and let go. Not for them, but solely for your peace of mind. Forgiveness is how you not only take your power back, but how you keep it. I’m not saying forget. Because, honestly the lessons you learn will stay with you forever. For instance, I forgave Mom for stepping on my paw, but I’ll be careful standing behind her when she’s pulling her scarf out the drawer so it won’t happen again.

These Apple Pear Pupcakes are dedicated to none other than the peace of mind and freedom a little forgiveness gives you.

And of course, we believe that every pupcake has a love story. So, while your favorite pup is PUPPY LOVIN’ on these pupcakes, we’d love to hear from you.

How has a little forgiveness allowed you to take back your power?

Please share your pupcake story in the box below.

And, after you’ve tried this recipe please share it with us @pupcakesugar on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or all three. We’d love to see how they turned out for you.

Ingredients

Apple Pear Pupcakes

• ½ Cup Brown Rice Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Pure Honey
• ⅓ Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
• 1 Peeled and Diced Pear
• 1 Egg

For Glazed Icing (Optional)

• ¼ Cup Plain Yogurt
• 2 Tablespoons Pure Honey

Instructions

Yields: 12 – 14 Mini Pupcakes

For Apple Pear Pupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.  Line 12 – 14 1.75-inch mini-muffin pan with paper bake cups and set aside.
2. In small bowl mix together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl add olive oil, honey, applesauce, and egg. Beat on medium speed about 2 minutes or until combined.
4. Add dry ingredients into the mixture and blend for approximately 2 minutes until well mixed.
5. Add diced pear to the mixture.
6. Fill each cupcake liner with 1 tablespoon of pupcake mix.
7. Bake pupcakes for 12 minutes. Pupcakes are done when you can stick a toothpick into the cake and it comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.

For Glazed Icing (Optional)

1. In small mixing bowl beat yogurt and honey together on medium speed.
2. Pipe, drizzle, or spread honey glazed icing onto the pupcakes.

Notes

• This recipe is for a fun treat ONLY. It should not replace your dog’s regular meals. Please consult with your vet on the best plan for your dog’s diet.