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FINDING JACK

July 13, 2015 | 4 Comments

WHEN THE WAR ENDS, HOW DO YOU LEAVE YOUR BEST FRIEND BEHIND?

A Tribute to War Dogs

findingjack

 

Last month, we introduced you to the movie ‘Max.’  Continuing with the theme of War Dogs, it gives  me great pleasure to share with you ‘Finding Jack.’ A rare gem of a book written by Gareth Crocker.

I take my time working through a book.  I’ll pick it up ‘now and then.’  Finding Jack is a book that captivates the reader early on and is not easy to put down.  The short chapters are deceiving; it’s easy to justify ‘just one more,’ over, and again.  Immediately, we connect with Fletcher, the main character and learn of the heartbreak that motivates him to sign up for the Vietnam war.

In a world where, understandably, if men survive, many find it difficult to overcome the stress, emotional and more often than not, the physical trauma endured.  A dog would be a welcome comrade.  Our introduction to Jack is anything but wagging tails and kisses.  Tissues required.  This story depicts how even the darkest world is made brighter with the presence of a very special dog.  Jack not only protected the soldiers in his unit, he boosted morale among the entire base.  Except for a few good men, this comradery, lasts only as long as the war.

This beautiful, poignant story is a tribute to the Vietnam war dogs,

many of whom gave their lives to protect American and allied soldiers. Shortly after troops began to pull out of the war, it’s believed the U.S. government ordered that the dogs be left behind.  It was proving too expensive to transport them home.  They were labeled as ‘surplus military equipment’ and left to fates unknown.

Fewer than two hundred dogs made it home.  This beautiful story about loyalty, perseverance, and hope, is dedicated to the dogs that saved the lives of more than ten thousand soldiers.

 

Note: this novel contains language that may be offensive to some readers.

 

Gareth Crocker

Categories: BOOKS & ENTERTAINMENT Tagged: Believe, Dogs, Faith, Family, Forever Home, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Love, Loyal, Safe, Soldiers, Trust, Wardogs

A DOG’S PURPOSE

March 21, 2015 | 2 Comments

A Dog's Purpose
Who says only cats have nine lives?

In this beautiful story ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ written by W. Bruce Cameron, we learn of one dog’s many lives; some lives are brief, and others end tragically.  Each glimpse of a lifetime, however, is heart-warming and provides insight touching on everyday, real-life situations lived by dogs we all know or at least know of.

The story is told from the dog’s perspective.  Perhaps that is why it is so emotionally powerful.  Although there are several laugh-out-loud moments, be warned, this emotional story is a real tear-jerker.

You will want to put this book down several times while ready the story. ONLY to hug your dogs and hold them close

So far, ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ is my absolute favourite book – of any genre.  This book is not ‘a loaner,’ you will want to read this book more than once (and I RARELY read a book a second time).

The Purpose of a dog (no spoilers), is to love and to be loved.

Thank you, Mr. Cameron for writing and sharing this book – such a beautiful gift to the world.

Categories: BOOKS & ENTERTAINMENT Tagged: Adopt, Beautiful, Believe, Best Friend, Cuddles, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Faith, Faithful, Family, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Loyal

bedside manner

March 1, 2015 | 29 Comments

Nurse Reese

I cried all the way home from our appointment. Not just cried, body convulsing, wailing, runny mascara, runny nose bawling. Both dogs were staring at me with great concern.

Never in my life had I experienced such a lack of cooth from a professional – especially someone in the medical profession. Someone, who, in my opinion should be a caring individual and receive ‘compassion’ training or at least have learned empathy during their time in practice. Veterinarians will inevitably have to share devastating news with clients about their animal companions. Most of us consider our companions family and to learn of an illness – especially one that may end their already too short lives even earlier is devastating. This is a VERY delicate situation and how this news is delivered is the first step in treatment.

My husband arrived home a few hours after we did, and it took him another hour to calm me down.  I was in shock and the way our vet handled the situation caused all three of us (Reese, Henry and me) unnecessary stress. I admit, I shared my anxiety with the dogs – our companions pick up on our energy.

I don’t even remember why we had gone to the vet; I think it was a routine checkup.  Our DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) had a Veterinary Technician training at their clinic.  After looking at Henry, the Vet also gave Reese the ‘once over.’  He made a comment about her heart murmur – I’m not sure what, exactly he said, I was still digesting ‘heart murmur.’  We knew she was special needs – more due to bladder weakness and fearfulness.  She was in pretty bad shape when rescued from the Puppy Mill at only eighteen months old.  Reese was a cage chewer – reacting out of fear and nervousness she would grind her teeth on the metal surround of her confinement  (common among Mill dogs).  Grinding and the complete lack of dental (or other) care provided for this type of ‘livestock,’  resulted in several of Reese’s teeth being removed when she was finally vetted at the rescue organization.

Still reeling from the initial blow, I barely had time to catch my breath and drift back into the moment, when I was dealt another punch in the gut.  The vet said to the technician

Let’s get them both on the table.  I want you to listen to a ‘good’ heart and then listen to a ‘bad’ heart so you can compare the two

“HELLO……MOTHER OF DEFECTIVE DOG STANDING RIGHT HERE!!!”

MY heart sank further from my chest down into the pit of my stomach. ‘A bad heart?’ Hearing my beautiful, sweet little girl spoken about as if she were nothing more than a training tool for this clinic was incredibly upsetting. I don’t remember any discussion that followed.  I couldn’t wait to get out of there.  We never went back.

Since then, we have been clients at two incredible clinics.  After such a negative experience, we didn’t know where to start when considering other options.  We asked friends from the area to share their opinions and experiences.  That turned out to be the best way to find a ‘good’ Veterinarian.  We moved a few years ago, and one of the most difficult things about relocating was the need to find a new clinic.  For the longest time, we made the three-hour round trip to visit our trusted Veterinarian. We realized it was unrealistic and once again reached out to people in the area for their advice.  Since then we have received more difficult news.  The difference between the two experiences being that our current Veterinarian delivered the news in a sensitive manner and assured us by suggesting a treatment plan and outlining various options.  We did not feel as overwhelmed and were not left to deal with the news alone.  In fact, our clinic followed up with phone calls to check on the status of their patient – Henry.

As for Reese, she is completely unaware of her condition.  We have to give her ‘time outs’ from Fetch regularly as she builds up quite a (sweat) pant from running after her toys.  Our current Veterinarian has assured us that Reese’s heart, although with murmur, is quite fine. Together we will monitor her and address any change as and when we need to.

We spoke with clinic patrons to find out what they like and dislike about the service they receive.  We also found out from one of our trusted Veterinary clinics what you should look for when deciding on a clinic and what questions you should ask.

Thank you to patrons and the team at the Barrie Veterinary Hospital for sharing the following:

PATRONS

  • We take our pets to a holistic vet. She combines eastern and western medical techniques. The atmosphere is relaxed and the pets can wander around the room. They play soothing music and examine the pets on a little yoga mat on the floor
  • Look for an AAHA accredited veterinarian.  I discovered only two of our city’s vets were accredited.  I also look for friendly staff, personal service and a doctor that takes time to listen and understand
  • Open to and ideally experience in alternative therapies (holistic, east/west), raw diet, reduced vaccination schedule, non-pesticide preventatives
  • Has the animal’s best interests in mind (avoids unnecessary procedures and treatments)
  • Welcomes questions (whether or not you may have”googled” them), answers fully in non-judgmental and open manner
  • Open office – allows you to accompany patient to any area of office (barring surgery, etc). This has vastly increased in importance for me
  • Proactive and “non-alarmist”
  • Searches for solutions that don’t always cost us a fortune (when possible)
  • Our vet is an excellent listener and never rushes us. He often calls US without us having to call him to check in on whatever might be going on with either of our pets.  He also gave me his cell phone number YEARS ago, when my Angel Bobo was in the last stages of heart disease. I have used the number since but I ALWAYS am respectful and ONLY use it in a situation that warrants it. I also try to text instead of call whenever possible.  He gives us the feeling that he loves and cares about our “boys” as much as we do. He laughs at them, enjoys them, talks to them…..I had the misfortune of seeing a vet (once) when I first moved to Michigan who literally manhandled my Angel Bobo and treated him like a number. I never went back
  • We, too, had a terrible experience at the vet we used to go to. They almost killed CK performing an unnecessary blood test. The vet we go to now will not do a procedure that is unnecessary and I can e-mail/FB PM her doctor anytime and it saves CK the stress of having to go to their office. She answers any question I have and will even follow up with a call. This vet practice was referred to us through the woman we work with at our rescue. Incidentally, we had used this vet with our first cat years ago and only switched because the other vet was closer and we had adopted both Autumn and CK through them. We will never go back there under any circumstances
  • I think one of the best ways to find a good vet is through the referral of a friend or co-worker, which is how I found my current vet
  • He or she must love cats.  I often look for cat-friendly practices from the AAFP, but that is not always possible.  My current vet has three cats who live at the office/clinic, all street rescues — her husband is allergic to cats.  She, and all of her vet techs, are certified for low-stress handling.   She is also a consultant for veterinary behavior — she helped me teach Parker Prettycat that 2:30 am is not playtime.  And every year, around the first of the year, she holds a memorial service for those of us who have lost our furriends, whether it was in the past year or earlier.  There are some vets who consider cats as something they have to do to get the dog or large animal business.


THE TEAM AT THE BARRIE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

  • Does the clinic provide overnight/emergency care?
  • Are they a cat-friendly practice?  Some clinics offer separate cat doors/cat rooms as well as dog doors and dog rooms

it should always be about the pet

  • What species have they studied?
  • What are their specialties; exotics, felines, equestrian, do they specialize in surgery or specific conditions (i.e. Megaesophagus, Addison’s disease and cancer)
  • How many vets are on staff?  What are their accreditations? Do they attend continuing education workshops?  When did they graduate; are they receptive to new ideas?  For example a holistic approach
  • Are the vet techs registered?  Have they taken exams, which means they are qualified to do more and are held in higher esteem
  • Are they personable?  Team member Janet shares her personal experience of a time when she visited a clinic and was emotional and in tearsThe staff at the clinic didn’t even offer me a tissue
  • Staff confidence; retention/turnover
  • Hospital cleanliness
  • Hospital reputation/personal reference/word of mouth
  • Cinic hours/location/convenience
  • Technology available; digital x-rays, laser treatment, etc.
  • Does the clinic refer to specialists i.e. ophthalmologist/dermatologist
  • Does the vet speak in layman’s terms?  Team member Janet gives another example of a DVM that drew a diagram of a liver as part of their explanation to her (as a client)
  • Pricing – where does the clinic fall within the CVO (College of Veterinarians of Ontario)/OVMA (The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association) range?
  • Is the clinic independently owned and operated?  Sometimes this makes a difference to DVM’s being money motivated.  If they are owned by a corporation there may be less pressure and they might not be as inclined to upsell
  • Price should not be indicative.  For example; lower cost should not mean less time spent with a patient
  • Does the clinic have an on-site pharmacy?
  • Does the clinic have a pain management protocol; do they monitor patients closely and provide adequate aftercare?  For example, pain medication following surgery
  • Is the clinic involved/connected with the community; does it provide support for shelters and rescue organizations?  For example food banks, spay & neuter programs/clinics and adoption or support for rehoming of surrendered animal companions
  • Does the clinic make good moral choices? Do they declaw cats and will they euthanize for no good reason?  Sadie: I once learned a dog that was the innocent victim in a divorce – neither parent could agree on who would have guardianship of the dog, so they chose to have the dog put to sleep.  Thankfully, the DVM refused and offered to find another home for the dog

we do what we do so we can sleep at night

  • Does the clinic offer a loyalty, referral or reward program i.e. food, complimentary service (waived consultation fee)

Please comment sharing your experiences and suggestions with us.  Thank you.

http://www.barrievet.com/Home/tabid/56/Default.aspx

https:/www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/

https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/programs/ahtvtpac/colleges-with-accredited-programs


cooth

A Scottish coloquilism, meaning to be polite or well mannered.
Mainly used as sarcasm.
And by yer granny.
You; thats a pure piss on yer sandwhich, that is!
Me; yer so cooth aint ye?
you; …aye
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cooth

 

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS, OUR PACK Tagged: Health, Heart, Life, Veterinary Care

MICHELLE SMITH ART

February 3, 2015 | 2 Comments

A Fluff Triangle

A Fluff Triangle

This adorable cartoon of the Rooster, Reese and Henry was created by artist Michelle Smith of North Wales, UK.  Michelle combines her love of animals, sense of humour and a background in cartooning to help support North Clwyd Animal Rescue – NCAR;

They do great work helping unwanted, abused and abandoned pets, finding them new homes with loving families.  I was introduced to NCAR when I was looking for a new pet dog. My family and I visited the centre where we first met Stars, our beautiful, happy staffy. We fell in love with her instantly. Since then we have added to our collection from NCAR with four kittens and cats.

Michelle started by ‘tooning’ her pets and posted them on Facebook.  She soon had friends requesting toons of their pets too.  “You will also see lots of toons of Winston, our slightly overweight pug, says Michelle.

Michelle saw the opportunity to use her creative talent as a way to help NCAR, a rescue organization that provides shelter and foster homes for various types of animals in need.  The organization also educates people about the effects of unwanted litters.  NCAR take visitors; large groups as well as individuals.

I really do enjoy learning of their characters and turning this into a toon.

Michelle found photos of Ricky (the Rooster), Reese and Henry online and although I did not provide information about their characters, Michelle was able to interpret their personalities beautifully.  Reese LOVES being doted upon and when paid attention she really does bat those pretty lashes.

Interested in a cartoon of your animal companion(s)?  Perhaps you’re looking for a unique gift for someone with a pet?  If so, please email Michelle with photos and a brief description of the pet’s character.  Michelle will create something special for you too.  Here are further examples of her talent:




Contact information for Michelle;
http://www.toonpetz.com/ 

Thank you Michelle for our team toon and for all the good work you do for rescue animals.

More about NCAR

North Clwyd Animal Rescue does not receive state funding and relies on donations.   They do have charity shops which help to bring in much needed regular revenue however, with veterinary bills topping £7,000.00 per month (nearly $16,000), their ability to continue is becoming increasingly difficult.  The organization charges a minimal ‘adoption donation’ for the animals which in most cases does not even cover the Veterinary bill relating to that animal.

http://www.ncar.org.uk/

#SPONSORED

Disclaimer: Her and her dogs received the adorable cartoon of Ricky, Reese and Henry from Toon Petz for posting about Michelle’s artwork and the cause it supports. The feedback and opinions shared in this post are ours, in our words. We did not receive monetary compensation for this review, and it is our choice to share this product/service information.

Thank you for visiting our blog. We would love to hear from you; please send us a message or leave a comment beneath a blog post. If you know someone that might enjoy or benefit from the information, please ‘pin it,’ ‘post it,’ ‘tweet’ about it or simply share the link via email. Be sure you don’t miss future posts – sign up for email notifications.

 

Categories: FOR A CAUSE Tagged: Art, Beautiful, Cats, Dogs, Family, Goodwill, Happy, Life, Love, Rescue, Selfless Acts of Kindness, Treasure

raw, vegan lifestyle

January 29, 2015 | Leave a Comment

RAWvolution & THE RAWVOLUTION CONTINUES

RAWvolution

My copy of RAWvolution, a ‘no cook’ recipe book is quite worn and a little worse for wear unlike the countless other recipe books in my kitchen. My husband is the chef. I don’t cook. I do however like to spend time in the kitchen ‘not cooking.’ And by that I mean spending time preparing raw meals.

In RAWvolution Matt, writes;

Animals will begin to interact with you in a different way as they are no longer afraid that you may eat them. Your outlook on the day – not to mention the state of the world and society – will shift.

When you choose a diet that is compassionate toward animals and nature, nature responds by being kind and compassionate in return. This is not just a lovely sentiment of New Age hocus-pocus; it is an irrefutable law of cause and effect.

Matt Amsden is the author of this wonderful book RAWvolution: Gourmet Living Cuisine and award-winning co-author of THE RAWVOLUTION CONTINUES. Matt has also been crowned one of the world’s premier raw chefs.

THE RAWVOLUTION CONTINUES

Matt is a partner in a raw café in Santa Monica, California. From here, Matt started the world’s first raw meal delivery service sharing his culinary talent with thousands of health-conscious individuals including Alicia Silverstone, Cher, Susan Sarandon and super-model Carol Alt.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Matt and learned, in further detail, his experience and thoughts about living a raw, vegan lifestyle:

Sadie:

January, of each year, is the time when people look to make changes in their lives. For some, the changes are subtle and for others, the changes are extreme.

In your book ‘RAWvolution,’ you changed your entire lifestyle after hearing a radio interview with David Wolfe, on the ‘Howard Stern Show.’ After further research, you committed yourself entirely to the diet and lifestyle. Please tell us about the process; did you take a leap of faith, purchase a plane ticket and surround yourself with like-minded individuals in Los Angeles? Or, did you take some time to develop, visualize and action a plan?

Matt:

It was definitely more of a leap of faith. I was eating a regular ‘Standard American Diet’ and after reading David Wolfe’s first book – Nature’s First Law, I made the switch to a one hundred percent ‘raw, vegan’ diet. It wasn’t right away that I moved to California. I remained in Ontario for two more years before moving to California. That move was also a leap of faith – I didn’t know anyone here and had never been to Los Angeles. I knew it was an opportunity; it was the right time and right place to be involved in raw food.

Sadie:

What are some challenges you initially encountered (reaction from friends, quality produce, etc.)?

Matt:

Yes, all of those things. At the time, I didn’t even know another vegetarian let alone a vegan or someone that was into raw food. I was living with my parents, and they were taken aback and thought it was very strange and extreme. They were definitely worried. I lost weight initially – which eventually came back. I ended up being healthier and stronger than I ever was. When you start getting into raw food, you very quickly realize if you’re going to be eating a lot of produce you want it to be organic. That was in the late 90’s, very difficult to come by; at least, in my small town.

I moved to Toronto for a year before coming to Los Angeles, and it was a little easier but I still had to go out of my way to find one special place to get organic produce. The cold (Ontario) weather also affected produce. There certainly wasn’t access to gourmet, prepared raw meals in stores back then and only one or two raw food recipe books. That was something I was intimidated by. It was another world for me – one that initially consisted of a lot of fruit and salads. That had its benefits for a time and then when I did taste more elaborate things it was mind-blowing! I thought ‘if this is what it’s going to be like, this isn’t so bad.’

Sadie:

How did you overcome these challenges?

Matt:

While it is going to be more difficult than just doing what everyone else does, it’s infinitely easier now with the amount of resources that exist today. Take advantage of those resources: Recipes, in book form and online, prepared raw meals once in a while to take the pressure off and inspire you. Raw food is available at markets – fresh and non-perishables. There are videos and ways to order things online – ingredients and meals you can have shipped right to your home.

When you’re willing to eat anywhere, it’s always going to be easier. The benefits outweigh the difficulties.

Sadie:

Why RAW?

It’s just such vibrant food with so much life-force and nutrition. You have to try it to understand. I feel so much better, I have a lot of energy, and it tastes great. Revisiting the ‘organic’ option, I would say you just need to ‘start where you are and just do the best that you can.’ It’s not going to work for everyone if you decide you have to live on a pristine Hawaiian island and have access to wild food. Just try eating more raw food. You’ll get benefits from any degree that you participate.

No creature, whether it ate plants or other animals, ever chose to cook its food.

Sadie:

Is a Raw diet more expensive?

Matt:

Yes. Anytime you’re discerning (about choices related to health), you’re going to end up spending more money. We’ve become a ‘cake and eat it too’ culture these days. We want things to be better, and healthier, and tastier, and cheaper. It’s great when it works out that way but usually, you pay more for better quality. Strangely, no one questions it until it comes to food. People understand that if you’re going to buy a nice car you’re going to pay more than if you buy a cheap ‘junker’.   It’s the same with clothing and watches, and electronics/computers – with anything.  People either buy or don’t buy, but they don’t seem to complain as much until it comes to food. I guess maybe because we’re eating three times a day it hurts a little more when it’s more expensive?

You have to look at it as an investment. Any amount of money, you spend on food that is not ideal, is more of a waste than spending slightly more on something that’s top of the line, great for you and healthy. It pays off down the road – I don’t spend any money with Doctors. It’s a great investment to feel good all the time, to not be sick, to be your ideal weight. These things are priceless. Sometimes things are more expensive. I’ve done item by item comparisons with organic vs. non-organic ingredients and green vs. non-green products, and the healthier option is often close to the same price and in some cases, even cheaper. It is an assumption that healthier is the most expensive option. It may be true in some cases but not one-hundred percent of the time.

The ingredients are simple, organic, and vegetarian, but the results are rich and gorgeous.

Sadie:

Is Raw an everyday way of life for you?

Matt:

It was for over a decade – one hundred percent raw for more than eleven years. I do include some cooked foods now, but I think it’s important to say it’s not because I felt like I was missing something nutritionally or from an enjoyment stance. I think you can still reap a lot of benefits from doing mostly raw which, I’m in favour of. When I first started it was like a grand experiment. There weren’t as many people doing it and there weren’t any long term anecdotes about how people felt. If I was going to promote this, I wanted to really know what it was like to do it ‘full-on.’ It worked for me. If you want to go ‘whole hog’ so to speak, I think it’s great. Some people find it difficult depending on blood-type and body type. I also don’t think it’s completely necessary – you can use (raw food) as a tool rather than having a bunch of rules around it. Maybe try raw for breakfast and, or lunch. You certainly don’t have to trade in one membership card for another. Incorporate it with what you already eat. Eating more fruits and vegetables is what we’re all trying to do. It’s truly just about that.

Sadie:

In your opinion, what is the best way to prepare for this new lifestyle? Did you experience detox effects by switching straight over to this diet?

Matt:

I did have those reactions. The idea of taking it slower and minimizing those effects (detoxifying) is probably a good idea. It’s more what works for your personality; I need to dive in and get through it and start to feel better as I do. People are either inspired to jump right into it or try to incorporate each meal or for a few days or incorporate more each day in addition to what they’re already eating. I think it comes naturally for each person to figure out the best way to interact with it.

Sadie:

At the end of your book RAWvolution, you offer great tips on eating RAW while travelling. What are some tips you can provide to people working in their kitchens about organizing grocery lists and menu planning to avoid waste?

Matt:

Keeping non- perishables is good. At least if you have that stocked-up you know it’s there and lessens your weekly or daily list. That way you just have to deal with produce. Then it becomes trial and error; you’ll get to know how much you use. And then there’s ways to incorporate extra. If you bought too much, you could dehydrate things, which makes them last quite a bit longer. Green foods can be blended in smoothies.

What are some arguments people have challenged you with regarding your choice to eat raw and question your ethics. How do you respond to those people?

Endlessly – especially at the beginning when veganism was less well known, and I was less confident about it myself. Perhaps I attracted that challenge. I’m at a place now where I’m extremely confident in the choices that I make. It doesn’t even happen so much anymore. I could come up with every argument in the book, but I’m also not interested in arguing anymore. Maybe what people are saying is true for them. I don’t have all the answers; I still tinker with my diet, and there’s still plenty to learn.

It is such a deep subject. Where do I start…I began to consume a vegan diet for health reasons or from a health perspective, but then fairly quickly the ethical side started to influence me too. It became the strongest reason that I wouldn’t go back (to eating meat). I really do think the vegan diet is based on striving for compassion.

A pure diet leads one toward a more natural lifestyle.

Sadie:

Congratulations on your second ‘no cook’ book ‘The Rawvolution Continues’ (with twice as many recipes as the first book), which you created with your wife, Jenabai. You also have your restaurant in Los Angeles where you prepare and deliver raw meals for people.

What’s next for you?

Matt:

More of what we’re doing. We’d love to do another book. We have the restaurant where we hope to deliver healthy food to more people, more often.

The happy (Amsden) family

The happy (Amsden) family

Sadie:

What are your favourite recipes (from either of your books)?

Matt:

I really like the Superfood soup – that’s fantastic, the nachos grande, and M&J smoothie. All from THE RAWVOLUTION CONTINUES.

Sadie’s picks: falafel with mango chutney and RAWvolutions’ Famous Onion Bread from  ‘RAWvolution.’

It was a pleasure speaking with you Matt. Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us.

http://www.rawvolution.com/

http://www.davidwolfe.com/

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS Tagged: Health, Life, Lifestyle, Vegan

puppy steps

December 31, 2014 | Leave a Comment

OUR TOP 3 RESOLUTIONS FOR 2015!

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

1. Diet

2. Exercise

3. Reduce Stress

Stress reduction is among the top resolutions in researched polls. However, I may or may not have manipulated it into  the #3 position (blogger’s right).

FAILURE IS AN OPTION –  so is success!

Based upon (many) years of personal experience, I site the following two reasons for failed resolutions:

1. Lack of preparation

2. Setting unrealistic goals

3. The third reason and my favorite, from Kristi Hedges, leadership coach, speaker and author

We fail because we always expected to. We live up (or in this case down) to our own expectations. Then we can pull out all of our familiar excuses of being too busy, overwhelmed, or inadequate to face the challenge. It also plays into the cynical zeitgeist which supports the gravitational pull of the status quo.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. Visualize and stay focused on your goals

2. Eliminate the pressure by giving yourself a realistic timeline to achieve your goals.  It doesn’t have to be all or nothing – remember the tortoise and the hare?!

3. Celebrate the small victories.  How many of you have been told ‘you are your own worst critic?’  Give yourself a pat on the back for the small successes.  Recognizing and overcoming a negative thought pattern may not seem like a big deal when in fact, it’s HUGE!

Join us throughout the month of January as we put our best paw forward and share tips on health and wellness for pets and their people.

Practice makes perfect.  Puppy Steps!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2012/01/03/why-your-new-years-resolution-will-fail-by-february-1/

I love resolutions #15 and #20, and some made me chuckle (#18) – thank you to the UK survey group for your honesty!http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/best-new-year-resolutions-top-2955595

This is a great list!
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20452233_11,00.html

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201012/why-new-years-resolutions-fail

http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/

 

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS, OUR PACK Tagged: 2015, Beautiful, Best Friend, Celebrate, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Family, Friends, Fun, Happy, Heart, Holidays, Hope, Inspiration, Life, Love, New Year, Puppy

HUCK – a tale of hope and faith

January 22, 2014 | 1 Comment

my christmas miracle

my christmas miracle

 

I love to read – especially books about animals.  Admittedly, I don’t make enough time to do so.  That is why I was quite surprised to receive this charming book from a dear friend.  This dear friend is patiently waiting for several books lent to me from her library, and yet, she said ‘I saw it and thought of you’.

Before the arrival of the books main character Huck, we are introduced to his family.  They are relatable – we all know families like this one, and have experienced similar upsets within our own.

I knew what was coming, and almost didn’t want to read on.  At the same time, I couldn’t stop reading.  I’m so glad I continued.

‘Huck’ was the perfect story to read as the year came to an end; it inspired me, and gave me hope for the new year ahead.

Thank you Elaine xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: BOOKS & ENTERTAINMENT Tagged: Best Friend, Cuddles, Dogs, Enjoy Life, Faithful, Heart, Hope, Inspiration, Kisses, Life, Love, Puppy, Trust

happy Canada day – i will celebrate you always

July 1, 2013 | Leave a Comment

My Godfather 'Uncle Reg' centre, his beautiful 'Betty' far left.  Me in front.

My Godfather ‘Uncle Reg’ centre, his beautiful ‘Betty’ far left. Me in front.

this weekend, I not only celebrate the country I grew up in and all that means; I am also celebrating the life of a wonderful man I had the honour of calling my ‘Godfather’.  Uncle Reg was an Englishman, a veteran and a true gentleman. Although born in England and proud of his heritage, Uncle Reg loved Canada and spending time with his family.  That is Canada Day!  Make the most of the time you have as every moment is precious and are like the now obsolete penny, too often taken for granted.  Invest in these memories.

Uncle Reg had been a part of my life, since the day I was born.  Even though I was too young to remember, I love hearing that he treated me to my first chocolate ice-cream cone.  He and my Auntie Betty ‘vetted’ John during their annual visit to England, approved my choice and reported back to my parents.  They attended our wedding the following year.  Uncle Reg was not afraid to display his pride in a few tears that escaped him during the ceremony.  That was a magical day for me and I am so glad he and Auntie Betty were part of it.  I am lucky to have known such a wonderful person and even luckier to have had Uncle Reg as my Godfather.

Categories: UNCATEGORIZED Tagged: Life, Love, Loyal

resolutions 2013 – dog lessons for people

January 2, 2013 | 2 Comments

020

I wish I knew the wise person who wrote this;

  • Enjoy the simple pleasures of a walk.
  • Follow your instincts.
  • Never underestimate the value of a belly rub.
  • Be loyal and faithful.
  • Always drink plenty of water.
  • Sometimes it is best to just sit close and listen.
  • Be quick to forgive.
  • Avoid biting when a growl will do.
  • Keep digging until you find what you want.
  • Run and play daily.
  • Accept all of life’s treats with gratitude.
  • Life is short, pet often.
  • Love unconditionally.

Categories: OUR PACK Tagged: Accept, Belly Rub, Dig, Faithful, Life, Love, Loyal, Play, Run, Treat, Walk

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