Eternity by Joan Henkle

Eternity's memory stone in the shape of a peanut

In my book "Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone" I was fortunate enough to have others share stories of special memories of their pets and photos of the art made to honor them with love. I am now collecting new stories for a revised addition and so that others may help heal their hearts by reading and resonating with these special words.I hope these special lives will  live on forever through these stories. I believe when lose a special love,  it is comforting  knowing others have loved as much and felt the same. 

I was for fortunate enough to have Joan share her  story of Eternity. She also allowed me to honor Eternity by making a pendant with her special memories in mind, with her ashes lovingly fused inside.Thank you Joan for sharing your story and trusting me to honor Eternity's  life with love. Below is her story.

Meet Eternity (Eternity May when she was in trouble! lol) She was our baby girl, our peanut, and our resident hussy. Let me tell you her story.

She came to us at the ripe old age of 4 months. What we didn't know until she arrived (she came from CA) was that she came from a puppy mill. We may live on the other side of the country but we got a full blown investigation going on that place real fast! When she arrived she had a triple ear infection, an ulcer on one eye that was so bad the vet wasn't sure he would be able to save that eye, she had never had her paws on grass nor had she been handled much. The medical issues took a while to clear up. The potty training took some time because we also had to get her used to the feel of grass. Getting used to being handled took no time because there was always someone who wanted to cuddle with her.

She was always small. At the most she weighed 20 lbs. She never had puppies. I don't think she would have known what to do with them. Eternity was an airhead. Loveable but her elevator didn't go all the way up. I would open the door and tell her to go out and go potty. She would just look at me and wag her tail. I would tell her again. She would wag her tail again. I would then say "Eternity May! Go outside!" She would then jump up with a look on her face like "ok!!" and run outside!! She would also prop herself up in the corner of the couch or chair, sitting on her bottom with her back against the corner and just sit there. Unless someone walked over to her. She would then roll onto her back and spread all her legs. Yep, she was our hussy lol

Eternity and Churchill 

Shortly before Christmas last year (2015) I noticed she was making a snorting sound every once in a while. A very unladylike sound. The vet couldn't hear it, of course, but said it could be a sinus infection and gave me some antibiotics for her. They didn't help. Neither did the second round. They then thought there might be a mass in her sinus cavity so off to the specialist to have it checked. That was on a Wednesday morning. They found a small knot on her neck, kind of under her jaw and they did a biopsy on it. They called me on Saturday morning to tell me the knot was an aggressive form of cancer. Sunday she stopped eating and drinking. The knot was so big she was having trouble breathing. I spent all of Sunday giving her water with an eye dropper. Monday I wouldn't let her suffer just so I could keep her sweet spirit one more day. I made the hard decision to let her go. She was my Peanut.

Churchill's stone I made for Joan years ago

 Thank you so much for the memory stone you made for my little "peanut". Your work is true art. No two are the same. The first one you made for me for Churchill is so totally different than this one for Eternity (our peanut). Thank you so much for the love and care you put into each of the stones.~Joan

Remembering Catrina with love by Miriam guest blogger

In my book "Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone" I was fortunate enough to have others share stories of special memories of their pets and photos of the art made to honor them with love. I am now collecting new stories for a revised addition and so that others may help heal their hearts by reading and resonating with these special words.I hope these special lives will  live on forever through these stories. I believe when lose a special love,  it is comforting  knowing others have loved as much and felt the same. 

I was for fortunate enough to have Miriam share her  story of Catrina. She also allowed me to honor Catrina by a sun catcher designed with her special memories in mind, with her ashes lovingly fused inside.Thank you Miriam for sharing your story and trusting me to honor Catrina's life with love. Below is her story.

  

I’m in the mood for talking about this wonderfully spirited ginger cat: Catrina! She’s not a shy cat at all, so I suppose this is divergent from my topic here but she is also a major cat figure in my little cat household.  In some ways she’s the polar opposite of Sammy.  Where he does not seek to be alpha cat, Catrina will fight for that post.  Where Sammy has a complete entourage of adoring fans, many of the others view Catrina with fear and trepidation.

At 6 lbs she is the smallest cat in the place  but she has confronted and hissed at every other cat in the house. Except for Zeke they  have responded either by skulking away from her or, as in Napoleon’s reaction, stalked her until she’s fed up and engages him in a tooth and nail, rolling, spitting cat fight.  Definitely a sight to see. Actually there are 2 of the munchkins who don’t let her phase them. Penny and Poppy will just give her a glance and then saunter right by her even as she hisses.  Luckily she never pursues them.

Pre-cat rescuing, I lived with just Catrina (currently 18 ½) and Zeke (just about 20 now) since they were young. Gorgeous, sweet-looking Catrina was snatched from the Humane Society while on the list to be gassed any day. The documents said she was 1 year old. They also said she was already spayed but as I learned a month after she moved in, that was not the case. There is nothing like an already emotionally disturbed cat going into heat. Sigh.  I still assume she was 1 year old  then since no vet has countered that.

Zeke was 2 ½ when Catrina joined the family.  I had lost a 16 year old cat name Amelia Earhardt to massive kidney failure a month before. Zeke was very attached to her, so I brought home Catrina to give him a friend.  He immediately fell in love with her, but she hissed, snarled, turned to me and attacked.  Hmmm.  I called the shelter up to ask about this and they said to bring her back. I asked what they would do and they said put her down. Not willing to allow that to happen, I engaged Catrina in a battle, of sorts. Wearing oven mitts and thick slippers, I gave her the tough love treatment (along with a good spaying) and we came out the other side.

She and Zeke turned into cuddling buddies which was always delightful to see. And truthfully I love spunk in a cat and she has plenty of that.

Crazy Catrina has used up her welcome with most every vets office we’ve visited. Getting her into the carrier was like loading an atomic bomb into a suitcase. I can go on and on, and I imagine I will eventually.

I love telling the horror stories about Catrina but she has been my sweet little girly cat ever since, though not too many other people have ever seen that side of her. Not significant others, not family nor cat sitters. In fact one of my closest friends who I have traded cat sitting duties with for years, neglected to tell me that she had visited him with a flying leap attack on his back while helping me out with them. Now that’s a good friend!  

Now in her old age, with a certain amount of kitty senility coming into play, she has become gentler and easier to cuddle with.  I truly love this cat enormously.

Of course 18 years of antics is way too much for one blog post, but I’ll end this one with this tale of when I moved into my current home. Over the years I had taken Catrina and Zeke outside to play in the yard and get fresh air. (I’ve got some good stories from her outdoor adventures!)

I’ve since changed my mind about letting cats out at all after seeing the things that happened to the over-50 cats I’ve had to rescue in the last 10 years, but taking Catrina outside has a calming effect on her inside behavior. So I continue it with her only under supervision.

In my first summer here I had an elderly neighbor, Albert, who would sit on a bench by the front of his house and chat up anyone who walked by. I’d talk to him and gather lots of local juicy gossip, but had mixed feelings about him. He had a foul mouth on him and said some racist things about some of our non-white, non-Euro neighbors.  I practiced ways of politely but firmly reprimanding him on this but he would just do it again the next time we spoke.

So, he wasn’t someone I expected to have been a cat lover. But he was. I found him feeding a few strays and then I realized that my Catrina had fallen in love with him. Upon being let outside she would race over to him, purring and rubbing herself against his legs. I was speechless. I’d never seen her do that with anyone.  In fact after he passed away she has continued it with his widow and 2 adult children (all of whom I have talked into adopting some of the various cats I’ve scooped up off the street, given Catrina’s positive references for them). But my friends are still all quite afraid to be left alone with her.

The Iditaord , Making a Positive Difference in the Lives of so Many

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ― Jane Goodall

Wade Marrs
Photo courtesy of Stumping Jump Kennels

No words rang a greater truth than in this year's 2016 Iditarod. I believe the Iditarod is not just a race or sport, but a time of community, learning and camaraderie. These mushers and this race make a difference in the life of so many.

As I reiterated in my book, "Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone" a quote by Dee Dee Jonrowe, "Musher’s win in the manner they take care of their dogs, in the way they treat people in the villages, and how courteous they are to the volunteers."

Some of these communities that the race runs through are very poor, or small in the middle of nowhere. These towns look forward to this event and love to come out and participate with signs of support. 

Dallas Seavey
Photo courtesy of Jeff Schultz

I would like to congratulate Dallas Seavey on another win, his 4th of the last 5. He started out the race very sick. Dallas at only 29 years, is in excellent shape and has been athletic his whole life. 

He chose to make a difference by example and push on. He chose to find his inner strength and determination and followed it all the way to first place under the Burled Arch again. I would also send a special congrats to Mr. Wade Marrs. I just adore Wade's disposition and his care of dogs. He is making a difference by continued dedication to detailed care of his dogs. He attributes his continued success to "looking at his own faults" and working on improvement. It was a nail biter back on the back and  forth race to the finish with Peter Kaiser. The last stretch of the race they were running only a mile apart. Wade also started this race coughing and sick. He flew in, out of breath, into the finish line saying, "I never worked that hard in my life" but with a huge smile on his face. His hard work is showing. In just 5 years he has gone from, 47th to 4th place. I whole believe with all my heart, this ethical, hard, 25 year old musher, who started at 8 years old, is someone to watch! 

This year's Iditarod experienced a horrible tragedy when Arnold Demoski of Nulato intentionally drove a snowmobile towards Aliy Zirkle , Jeff King and their dog teams. The tragedy harmed 2 dogs and sadly killed King's dog Nash. I send love to Nash and Mr. King. Both Aliy and Jeff chose to push on. I would like to congratulate Aily on finishing 3rd and Jeff on finishing 9th, and overcoming adversity. I also believe into every storm a little sun must shine. I believe both mushers have made a difference by showing strength and determination. As Laura Wright, Teacher on the Trail writes,  "The tragic situation outside of Nulato has created a 'teachable moment' for educators who are following the race in their classrooms."  Children are making inspirational signs. Just to quote a few, "You are brave and brilliant and oh so resilient , Go Aily" , "Don't say 'Why me' say 'Try me' Go Mr. King" and "Aily ~Winner's are not people who never fail, but people who never quit." I believe these life lessons are one that our future leaders will remember and hold in their hearts

Aliy with Kodiak at 2016 Iditarod Ceremonial Start.
 Photo courtesy of the SP Kennel

The fact the overuse of alcohol was a factor in this tragedy will teach lessons that will make a huge difference in the life of so many. It is a know fact there is a problem with alcoholism in Alaska. I believe the isolation and lack of sunlight greatly contribute to this.  Musher John Baker, his wife Katherine and Governor Bill Walker formed ACT a state-wide wellness initiative. Their "goal is empower all those residing in Alaska, especially native villages, to establish healthy wellness goals, prevent substance abuse and suicide." Wade Marrs was also asked to be an ambassador of this group and he accepted. Since I have been following Wade, I have seen him work in many ways to make a difference in the lives of so many including the dogs. 

Martin Buser
photo courtesy of Happy Trails Kennel

Sadly this past summer there was another tragedy with the Alaskan fires.  Dee Dee Jonrowe lost her home and sadly one of her dogs. So many lost so much. Everyone showed such camaraderie helping to get dogs out and to safety. The Buser's housed hundreds of dogs and welcomed them to their home. After showing such kindness sadly, the Buser's experienced a horrific tragedy in their life when son, Nikolai suffered extensive injuries in a bad car accident in Seattle WA on Jan. 22nd. Martin spent all his time at the hospital and was not even sure he would race. He was not able to do the training that he needed. He also came down with pneumonia. Dee Dee also was not able to do all the training she wanted. I believe they both made a difference by showing determination and getting out there anyway. I also believe that the Iditarod was healing to them in many ways. Being alone, one with the wilderness and your dogs can work magic. At a checkpoint interview Dee Dee said when talking about the Iditarod, "Something in my life I understand what is going on." Mr. Buser is was having a hard year and also pulled a hamstring so terribly that he blacked out. He was asked at a checkpoint interview, "You're not going to scratch?" He replied, "Scratch? That would be like quitting, I can't quit." "I gotta prove that when you start something, you gotta see it through and I kinda wanna do this for my son who since January 22nd has a hell of a lot more to overcome than I have." I hope that both Martin and Dee Dee found some peace on this trip. When 4 time Iditarod winner Martin Buser crossed the line in 37th place this year he was asked how was the race. He replied, "What race? My camping trip, just did a fun camping trip." I hope you enjoyed your camping trip. You deserved and needed the solitude. I also want to give Dee Dee and Martin a four paws up for making such a positive difference in the community. The both are ambassadors for ethical treatment of the dogs. Dee Dee is a founding member of Mush with PRIDE, "which provides responsible information of a dog's environment, exhibiting her commitment to set the standards for all aspects of sled dog care". Martin regularity talks to the youth at schools on the humanitarian care of animals. I believe educating our future leaders on ethics is one the biggest and most important differences we all need to strive for. 

I believe one of the biggest differences we can make in the world is to be happy, share our happiness and stay positive as much as we can. I believe also we learn by example and can make a difference just by being kind and ethical, especially to the voiceless, the dogs in the race. One of my favorite parts of being a member of the Iditarod Insider is the footage and the interviews and I see this infectious joy, and love for the animals being shared! When watching Paige Drobney and her husband Cody I was very inspired and resonated with Paige's feelings. She loves being alone in the wilderness with her dogs so much "she cried tears of joy". They both mush for the right reason, the love of the dogs and nature. Aily was interviewed while camping on the very windy Bering Sea. She thought she was going to run a little longer but the dogs needed a break so she did was best for them and stopped, in the wind, to rest. She made the best of things with a smile. She said with a grin, as the wind whips in her face, "It's pretty look at it, most people wouldn't choose it, but it's sunny." Miriam Osredkar, a rookie this year running the puppy team for Joar Leifseth Ulsom has a contagious smile and a joy for this race that is quite infectious. You can feel her love for the dogs. Brent Sass has always been know for being positive and he has a logo with the word "Believe" on it, one word that says so much. He states at the finish line, "Places in the end didn't mean anything to me. It's all about the dogs." It warms my heart to see how much the mushers in this race make sure the dogs are put first and foremost and shown so much love. 

Grandpa Phil volunteering on the Pee Team

I believe one of the biggest keys in this race is the volunteers. Without these volunteers there would be no race. My friend Grandpa Phil Cady, was one of the very first volunteers of the race when it started. This year, at 89 years young, he came in all the way from Florida to volunteer on  the "pee team" to test for drug screening to ensure the safety of the dogs. All the vets that ensure the safety and good health for the dogs at every check point are not paid and all volunteers also. 

Once a dog is "dropped" for being tired or injured they must go somewhere to be properly cared for.  There is a "Prisoner Sled Dog Therapy Program" that provides this care. Women from the prison come to care and love these dogs very much. Inmate Danielle Carrier states while stroking a dog with a gentle hand, "There is a lot to be said about dogs, not for just a mental health aspect but definitely  for recovery and substance abuse as well."  Veterinarian, Dean Bauman states, I am so thankful they are willing to work with us on this. It's a win- win situation, not just for the dog's but the inmates too."  I commend these volunteers for their dedication and love of the dogs. They are making a difference in so many ways.

To this author The Iditarod is not just a sport, but a way to make a difference. It is making a positive difference in the lives of so many. It inspires our future leaders and adults to be the best you can be, teach by example and love the voiceless animals, always treating them with the proper care they deserve.

To learn more or become a member for next years adventures go to Iditarod.com.

To read a little bit more about my views and love of the Iditarod you can read older entries on my blog www.furryphilosophy.blogspot.com. 

You can also read my article in  the 2016 March -April issue of http://lastfrontiermagazine.com/ .

TTouch , a second look

"The circle, ancient symbol for life unending, for renewal, community, wholeness and self "~Linda Tellington-Jones

Molly

We connect the circle as a symbol to countless things, eternity, love, and so much more, but for healing and change also? Absolutely!
In past articles I have mentioned TTouch as part of what I incorporate in my dog Odin and my daily special time together, when he gets his range of motion exercises, cold laser, etc. I will do everything his ol' bones need to keep him moving good and happy.
I would like to paws and elaborate on this amazing technique that deserves a closer look.
What is TTouch?
According to Tellingon Touch Training ,it is briefly defined , "TTouch - the Tellington TTouch - is a method based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. The intent of the TTouch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence - a little like "turning on the electric lights of the body. The TTouch is done on the entire body, and each circular TTouch is complete within itself. Therefore it is not necessary to understand anatomy to be successful in speeding up the healing of injuries or ailments, or changing undesirable habits or behavior."
Ttouch was first perfected on horses and they seem to be one of the animals that are very in tune with this type of technique.

Trigger

TTouch is very easy and there is no wrong way to do it. It is circular movements that are performed with your hands ,very lightly and gently. I have taken a seminar on it. There is definitely  a lot of information you can learn to incorporate to benefit your animals. That being said your pet can benefit immensely also from simple information. I highly suggest the book, "The Tellington TTouch" by LInda Tellington-Jones with Sybil Taylor. You can get the basic cliff notes at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SoOfVpYXFo If you watch this video and want more information look to the right and you will see longer videos to click on. You can also find seminars to attend at http://www.ttouch.com/
Over the years I have heard nothing but wonderful results from Ttouch. Odin seems to respond wonderfully to it and enjoys our special time, bonding with wordless love. When you spend this time with animal in your life don't forget to breathe deep, they will relax and you will find yourself relaxing with them.

Odin J.

I have a good friend who has two beautiful horses, Trigger and a rescue, Molly, who I have been fortunate enough to go visit and spend time with. Molly has had some issues such as being difficult when ridden and showed signs of stress when my friend would run the tractor or various loud machinery. She would chase Trigger and get very agitated. Trigger was very standoffish. After a very short time of trying out the TTouch technique he has seen a change in both horses. Trigger is now not only enjoying attention, but seeking it out. Molly is calmer and now shows no reaction and doesn't even flinch when the tractor and loud machinery are brought out. Molly also is seeking out attention. I love to hear unbiased personal accounts such as this.

This quote by the founder of TTouch, Linda Tellington-Jones resonates with my beliefs on Ttouch and also in a whole how to' be' with our pets, "All it takes is your desire, your love, some trust in your intuition -and, of course, a little practice."

Fostering is a priceless gift

"There is a deep sleep that only comes on the first night out of the shelter. As he settles in, he gives a great big sigh. Like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. Then he sleeps deeper than he ever has. Knowoing he's safe. You get a lump in your throat as your realize how close he came. Now he's safe. Forever. Because you fostered."  ~Two dog farms

Paula Smith and her 3 rescues.

I cannot express how important fostering is to pets. Fostering allows pets to feel like they are loved and allows them to get used to what it is like to live in a loving home. Proper fostering allows the pet to get some basic training. Basic training will help to ensure that a pet stays in a home once it is adopted and lessens the chances of returning to the shelter.
This month Odin and I would like to introduce our guest writer and good friend Paula Smith from Dog Blessed LLC. Paula specializes in reactive dogs. She also has helped, trained and fostered so many dogs that are thankful for her expertise.
Take it away Paula!

When your foster dog leaves to join her new family, it is a bitter sweet moment.  In my case it always involves a few tears, but every day I look back on it with a warm heart and smile on my face.  I know I helped her find that special family to give her the life she deserves and I got a chance to have another special dog in my life, even if only for a few weeks. Most importantly, I helped save a life.
According to the ASPCA website, approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide every year.  Of those, 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are euthanized for a variety of reasons. Shelters play an important role by providing temporary shelter, safety, food, and water to animals in need.  However, shelters have limited space and resources. Additionally, some animals don’t do well in a shelter environment.
Foster homes are a vital part of saving lives of dogs, cats and other animals.  These special homes are lower stress environments that allow the dog to feel safe; learn that humans are kind and loving; and, how they should behave to live their life with humans to the fullest.  Foster homes also free up space in the shelter for another animal so shelters do not meet capacity or have to turn needy animals away. Most shelters have a foster program and there are many rescue groups that operate as only foster homes, without a main facility.  Some of these groups are breed specific.
While the primary goal of the foster family is to save lives and provide safety for their foster, they can also teach her basic rules about living in a human world. These simple lessons impact the dog’s quality of life forever. Many dogs are abandoned because of behavioral issues that can be resolved with basic training. Other basic training such as sit and keeping four feet on the floor can also help a dog make a better first impression to potential adopters.
Best of all, anyone can foster.  If you love animals, you can open up your home to them while they are waiting for their new family to find them.  Most shelters provide training and everything you need, so fostering costs very little.
To learn more about fostering, I suggest contacting a shelter or rescue group you are familiar with or one in the back of this magazine to learn about their foster programs.  Ask questions to learn about their program.  How do you select your foster dog? What happens if the foster dog does not get along with your dog?  What if you have to leave town and can’t take the dog? Do you get to help select the dog’s new family? What expenses (if any) are you responsible for?  What if you think the dog needs special vet attention or training?  Can you adopt the dog if you decide to you want her forever? Are there any cases where the dog might not be adoptable? If so, how are those handled?
This past fall, I fostered two puppies from a litter of eight abandoned at a kill shelter at just six weeks old. I had the opportunity to socialize them and teach them many lessons during a very critical time in their lives that will impact them and their families forever.  Best of all, one of those puppies ended up finding his permanent home with our family. I hope you find your next family member through fostering or at a local shelter.
Paula Smith , Dog Blessed LLC

Patience with reactive dogs

Patience is the key which solves all problems. -Sudanese proverb

      This applies to all aspects of life , however I think we need to especially remember this when it comes to our animal friends. They have memories and fears just like we do. Sadly they do not understand English and we need to be patient. We need to particularly remember this when it comes to reactive dogs.
     What is a reactive dog?  Sara Reusche, CPDT-KA, CVT, ANWI  states, "Simply put, reactivity can be defined as an overreaction to external stimuli."  Personally living with a semi-reactive dog, I believe just like autism, it is not a disease, but just a handicap that we can work with. We do not turn our backs if a child is autistic or has learning disabilities. We find ways to make that light bulb come on over their heads and we don't set them up for failure . The same principles should be applied to our canine friends. We have to celebrate making it over the hurdles and celebrate the accomplishments, not punish their downfalls.

     In my case and in many others I have seen, reactive dogs are highly intelligent. It is so important to give those pets jobs, structure, and positive activities to celebrate that intelligence.
     There are many tools available for reactive dogs, and also for basic obedience for that matter. In my opinion, there should never be force,violence or hitting in training. Structure and positive reinforcement are the key.  One method that is highly effective in working with a dog, is to not free feed, but make your dog earn their dinner by watching  you , and performing basic obedience such as sit , stay , down, etc.  There are fun ways that will keep them thinking and earn  food. You can purchase puzzle and treat toys and hide their food around the house and teach them to "find".  Rally and agility are excellent activities that allow your dog to bond with you and teach them to pay attention and look to you with trust and joy for commands.

      Please make sure you take all proper precautions with a reactive dog, you want to protect your dog at all cost. If you know there are going to be small children or other dogs at an event and your dog is reactive to them , PLEASE DO NOT take your dog or take the proper precautions, such as bringing a kennel.

 Your dog would much rather feel safe in a kennel than to be thrown in a situation they cannot handle. Do not be afraid to be bold or even rude to protect your dog. If someone bends down to stick their face in my dog's face,  I have no problem telling them, "back off, he cannot handle that". When I teach kids bite prevention, I stick my face one inch from their nose and asking them if it makes them uncomfortable. We need to give dogs that personal space and not be afraid to tell others too. I suggest hanging a small sign on your door that says something like, "please be advised my dog needs space, please give it to him." You are your dogs voice and you need to speak for them.
     Some helpful tools to help you with your reactive dog are handouts and literature from Dr. Sophia Yin http://drsophiayin.com/. A gentle leader is a great tool to take a reactive dog into public. To make sure people are not rude and give your dog the space they need, I found a great snap on leash sleeve in bright yellow that says, "I need space". This reminds people to ask before they pet, so you can instruct them the polite way to approach a fearful or reactive dog. You can find these on this site http://www.thedogperk.com/products/leash-sleeve-i-need-space-brights
     I suggest contacting a kind, reputable trainer in your area that specializes in your problems. DON'T be afraid to ask for multiple references. If a trainer is rough, cruel, or in any way makes you uncomfortable, speak up for your dog and don't allow it. Force will only make matters worse and don't let any trainer convince you otherwise. There are so many positive activities now for reactive dogs. They can now even compete without being exposed to other dogs or people that they may fear in cyber rally and agility.
     If you are in West MI and want a trainer who specializes in reactive dogs and who can assist you with cyber competitions, I highly recommend Dog Blessed LLC.  http://www.dogblessedllc.com/ 616-430-0297.
Odin and I wish your pets a joyous stress free life.
 Please feel free to read the first chapter of my book and more articles at www. furryphilosophy.blogspot.

Paws and Remember the Magic of Christmas

Most of us remember the wise words from  Dr. Suess,

"Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!"

"Well, in Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day. And then - the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of *ten* Grinches, plus two!" 

     I believe, our pets often share the same message, gifts from the heart mean so much more; it is the laughs, homemade gifts , and the things you did to give back that will resonate the most in your memory. Our pets don't care the price of things, for them it's about the love and fun.

     There is something about Christmas that puts that sparkly fairy dust in the air. We bake ,we wrap, we want to give and make merry. 

      Odin,Raven and I would like to ask that you spare just a smidge of that magic in your heart and merriment and remember to give back in anyway that resonates with your heart.

    Giving back can be not only rewarding but fun. I really enjoy heading up charity pet photos with Santa. It is a evening of laughter, joy and giving back. You cannot help laugh at pets in their Christmas attire and feel their happiness as they know something good is happening. They enjoy getting special goodies thanks to our ever faithful and gracious hostess, Tonya from "Must Love Dogs Boutique and Spa".

     I recently interviewed a wonderful man, 'Grandpa Phil' who was one of the organizers of the first Iditarod. He now lives in Long Boat Key, Fl. and he protects the nests and aids  the  baby turtles to safety every year.  He is 88 years old and still running two miles a day on the beach. I asked him to share some of his secrets of longevity he would like to convey. He said, " If it ain't fun don't do it". He has spent his life enjoying it, but also giving back in ways that were fun for him. 

     Everyone has a talent. Aren't we put on this earth to share the gifts we are given? For example, I love photography and editing and tweaking photos. Every year I take and collect pet photos from others to collaborate a fundraiser calendar.  

       There are so many ways to give back. Follow your heart ,it will lead you. Do you have room in your home for a rescue? The love the can give is priceless. If you search, you can find the breed you are looking for from a rescue. If you can't rescue , please consider volunteering , donating or giving a small part of your heart. In return you will also feel your heart grow and fill up to the top just like that Grinch.

 This Holiday Season,Odin, Raven and I wish you joy, laughter , and unlimited treats for all the furkids. We also wish that all the homeless pets will find their fur-ever home and receive the love they deserve.

Below are suggestions on ways to give back this holiday season and always. Feel free to use my contact info below for more information on any of these:

* Best Pals animal Rescue charity calendar only $10 full of fun furry friends.

* Foster a pet for Christmas

*Volunteer with Heal with a Horse and be fortunate enough to spend time with those amazing creatures. The mission of Heal with a Horse is to enhance the quality of life of chronically ill and special needs children through equine assisted therapy. 

*Be fortunate enough to be in presence of rescued wolves, exotics, and other miscellaneous  rescues by volunteering at Howling Timbers Animal Sanctuary.

*Buy the perfect Christmas gift for animal lovers  of "Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone".  I feel it only fitting since I was given the  gift of memories from the animals to give back to them. $5 from every book sold is donated to the animals with love.  This month (and always on my list to chose from ) I will donate $5 to Best Pals Animal Rescue.

* If these don't resonate with you, remember your heart, it knows the way.   

  Read more Furry Philosophy in my book, “Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone.” It is available at Amazon.com or by emailing cani7lupus@aol.com or calling 231-893-1227.  

Find more fun photos and updates by following me on Facebook  “Memory stones by Jodi” and “Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone.”