Category Archives: Pets and Animals

From the Heart

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“The best and most beautiful things in the world
cannot be seen or even touched
– they must be felt with the heart.”
Helen Keller

From the Heart

Daisy 1985 to 2005

There’ve been dozens of dogs that I have known throughout my life. All of these dogs were not merely pets, but all were considered family members. All these dogs had unique personalities as unique as their breeds. But, there was one dog of mine that stood out from all the rest. She was a Golden Retriever from the pound and her name was Daisy.

Daisy arrived unexpectedly one day. A friend had obtained Daisy from the pound and because of this friends recent hip surgery she was finding it difficult to care for Daisy.

I was hesitant to adopt a dog. Mostly because I worked at a demanding full-time job, had a young son, and my boyfriend and husband to be was recovering from a massive heart attack. Also, Daisy had a bad reputation for getting into the trash, digging her way out of yards and running away, and was extremely unruly. But, there was something I saw in this dog’s eyes. Something that showed me we were kindred spirits.

One of Daisy’s worst habits was jumping on anyone that entered our home. To my surprise, Daisy was a quick learn. After her first week with us, she stopped getting into the trash, never jumped on anyone ever again, and never ever dug one hole in the yard. In fact, you could leave every door open in the house and she wouldn’t step one paw over the threshold.

I had lots of experience over the year’s training difficult dogs, but Daisy wasn’t difficult by any means. On the contrary, she was the smartest dog I had ever encountered. She was so well-mannered, that one night my husband left a half-eaten roast beef sandwich on the coffee table and Daisy didn’t eat or even lay a paw on the sandwich.

Why was Daisy such a good dog?  It was simple. She had the best food, the best care, was taken for daily walks, and she was loved and groomed like a princess. She was always made to feel secure. Basically, Daisy knew how much we loved her.  A love that we both felt, from the heart.

Shine On

Sunflower Farm

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“To live is so startling
it leaves but little room
for other occupations.”
Emily Dickinson

 

 

There’s a YouTube channel I follow and enjoy watching, the Sunflower Farm Creamery. The farm is located in Cumberland, Maine and broadcast on YouTube since January 2012. The farm is owned by husband and wife school teachers that raise Nigerian Dwarf Goats. The couple also make and sell goat cheese, fudge and caramel.

I began following them because I found it extremely relaxing to watch their beautiful old farm and the playful goats.

Recently, with the Coronavirus impacting even this farm, the owner began daily videos showing all her pregnant goats and has included some yoga and meditation to follow along. The 30+ momma goats are due to foal their kids in less than 2 weeks, so I watch daily to see not only their progress but look forward to the arrival of all the kids.

If you want to relax and enjoy a good daily laugh, I’d suggest watching Sunflower Farm.

Shine On

 

Shelf Life

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“Life and death matters, yes.
And the question of how to behave in this world,
how to go in the face of everything.
Time is short and the water is rising.”
Raymond Carver

shelf-life-3

Spring has arrived. This season is one of my favorite of the four. But, it’s also one of the most difficult. Why? Because March is also the month that reminds me of the people and pets that I parted with in the month of March.

We all deal with the process of grieving differently. For animal lovers with pets they have lost, grieving can be as difficult as losing a human loved one. Don’t judge yourself for not getting over it fast enough. You have to grieve in your own time. There’s generally no right or wrong way to grieve. Some people like to talk about good memories and good times they had with the deceased. Me, well I prefer to be alone and to have quiet time, looking at old photos or videos of the deceased during better times.

Life and death is something that everyone must learn to deal with in our own way. We will never know our expiration date. And whether we like it or not, we all have a shelf life.

Shine On

Dog Athletes in Motion

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“There is no such thing as a difficult dog,
only an inexperienced owner.”
Barbara Woodhouse

Dog Athletes in Motion

 

Every year I look forward to watching the prime televised dog shows. I’m always amazed how the judges select “Best of Show” from such beautiful and diverse breeds. But, there is one event at the recent Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show which doesn’t require a judge. The best in the agility category.

There are different breeds and sizes that compete in dog agility. But, whatever size or breed you prefer, there is no denying that these agility dogs have a whole lot of heart.

P!nk, who is pictured above and yes, named after the singer, became the sixth border collie in seven years to win the 2020 Westminster Masters Agility Championship. The dog and her owner, Jennifer Crank, won the 16-inch class for the third consecutive year.

If you love dogs and have never watched a dog agility competition, you’ve missed the experience of witnessing dog athletes in motion.

Shine On