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Category Archives: Dogs
Morty Chameleon
Morty the Misfit, Morty Chameleon, Morty the one-eyed Chihuahua has captured my heart and lifted my spirits. May this musical video bring happiness your way too.
http://www.facebook.com/reel/411441188364931
http://www.facebook.com/watch/hashtag/mortythemisfit?eep=6%2F
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/hUfv5SuSPaVZHsfL/?mibextid=0VwfS7
Dec 3 – A Companion Shortens a Road
Some things don’t make sense until they’re over. In the meantime, friends, human and more-than-human, make life tolerable.
Shiba – photo by author
what will be, will be
years have flown so why pretend
it doesn’t matter
Three muses informed today’s senryu.
“Does Pinocchio turn into a real boy?
In the last moments of the film, as the newfound family walks out together, Jiminy Cricket comes to the end of his narration. He says that many stories were told about Pinocchio, with some claiming he becomes a real flesh-and-bone boy. However, Jiminy doesn’t know if that ever happened. But he says it doesn’t matter. What matters is that Pinocchio was brave, truthful and unselfish and that made him as real a boy as any!“ http://www.thereviewgeek.com/pinocchio2022-endingexplained/
It’s a Long Road to Freedom by Miriam Therese Winter
It’s a long road to freedom, a winding steep and high
But when you walk in love with the wind on your wing
And cover the earth with the songs you sing
The miles fly by
I walked one morning by the sea
And all the waves reached out to me
I took their tears, then let them be
I walked one morning at the dawn
When bits of night still lingered on
I sought my star, but it was gone
I walked one morning with a friend
And prayed the day would never end
The years have flown so why pretend
genius.com/Medical-mission-sisters-its-a-long-road-to-freedom-lyrics
irisharoundtheworld.com/irish-proverbs/
Giorraíonn beirt bother. A companion shortens a road.
When a friend helps time pass on a journey.
ETTA PEARL & IT ALL BEGINS WITH UNION
her blindness and his ignorance
her deafness and his magical thinking
her dementia and his futility
our connection and our rescue
Here are two different topics that totally connect for me.
First, Etta Pearl was the first rescue dog I adopted. Found near a dumpster, lost or abandoned, she needed and received help. Unfortunately, she was blind and deaf and very agitated. For some convoluted reason, I thought I was ready to take on this challenge.
I’ve since learned that there’s a term for when a rescue shelter wants to help an animal but knows they are extremely medically challenged AND they don’t want to hurt their statistics for being a “no-kill facility.” The term is outsourced euthanasia.
If a private individual adopts an animal and then proceeds with a vet-recommended end-of-life procedure, then the animal is “liberated” from their suffering AND the rescue shelter does not record the death on their records.
In Etta Pearl’s case, her extreme agitation led to obsessively walking in tight circles and biting anyone who tried to comfort or feed her. The vet said it was a clear case of canine cognitive dysfunction aka “doggie dementia.” My first rescue adoption lasted less than three weeks.
Second, is …
Richard Rohr‘s Daily Meditation
From the Center for Action and Contemplation
Week Forty-Eight: The Prophetic Path: Motivated by Love
It All Begins with Union
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 8:38–39
This week we focus on people who call us to act out of loving union with God for the sake of others. Father Richard considers union with God as something that has already taken place, whether we experience it or not:
We are already in union with God! There is an absolute, eternal union between God and the soul of everything. At the deepest level, we are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3) and “the whole creation … is being brought into the same glorious freedom as the children of God” (Romans 8:21). The problem is Western religion has not taught us this. For most Christians that I’ve worked with as a priest, God is still separate and “out there.” Most people are still trying to secure God’s approval. Our ego over-emphasizes our individuality and separateness from God and others. We limited God’s redemption to the human species—and not very many individuals within that species! [1]
Daily contemplative prayer helps us rediscover our inherent union and learn how to abide in Presence, trusting that we are already good and safe in God. We don’t have to worry about our little private, separate, insecure self. Jesus taught, I am one with you and you are one with your neighbor and we are all one with God. That’s the gospel! That’s the whole point of Communion or Eucharist; we partake of the bread and wine until they convince us that we are in communion. It seems easier for God to convince bread and wine of their identity than to convince us.
Believe it or not, we’re not here to save our souls. That’s already been done once and for all—in Christ, through Christ, with Christ, and as Christ (see Ephesians 1:3–14). By God’s love, mercy, and grace, we are already the Body of Christ: the one universal body that has existed since the beginning of time. You and I are here for just a few decades, dancing on the stage of life, perhaps taking our autonomous selves far too seriously. That little and clearly imperfect self just cannot believe it could be a child of God. I hope the gospel frees us to live inside of a life that is larger than the one our small selves have imagined. The larger life of the Body of Christ cannot be taken from us. It is the very life of God which cannot be destroyed. [2]
As Thomas Merton wrote in his journal, “We are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are.” [3]
[1] Adapted from Richard Rohr, Emotional Sobriety: Rewiring Our Programs for “Happiness” (Albuquerque, NM: Center for Action and Contemplation, 2011), webcast. Available as MP3 audio download.
[2] Adapted from Richard Rohr, “There Is Only One Suffering; There Is Only One Happiness,” homily, September 13, 2015.
[3] Thomas Merton, The Asian Journal of Thomas Merton, ed. Naomi Burton, Patrick Hart, James Laughlin (New York: New Directions, 1973), 308. Rohr’s emphasis.
Nov 23 – Be Thankful for Pets
Today, I am especially mindful of the lost loved animal companions that have passed since this time last year. For me, that includes two cats and two dogs: Leezy, Lexie, Tilly and Zorro.
I’m also remembering the cats and dogs that have been honored by sister and brother grief companions in the St. Louis region. They are Duke, Ellie, Journi Ray, Kitty, Lovey-Dovey, Maggie, Moses, Sangria, Stella, Stewie, Sunny Marie, Tully, and Whitey.
Below is a repost of a beautiful reminder of the many reasons we love our animal companions. Thank you, Katya Lidsky-Friedman, for all you do to recognize both human and more-than-human animals today.
Be Thankful for Pets: 10 Reasons to Be Grateful This Thanksgiving
BY KATYA LIDSKY-FRIEDMAN
On Thanksgiving, we all get to set aside some time to reflect and be thankful. To be grateful. To count our blessings and feel lucky for what we have. Hopefully, you can give thanks for your health, your loved ones, and your many achievements and opportunities. But how about your pets? Let’s all vow to give a special moment this holiday season to give thanks to our furry friends for the unique love they provide and the countless ways in which they enrich our lives. Here are 10 reasons to be grateful for pets this Thanksgiving.
1. They make us laugh.
Pets are always finding new ways to make us laugh. Whether they be old pets, new pets, or foster dogs and cats — we find ourselves in stitches over their hilarious antics. All pets have their own personalities, their own jokes, and their own way of being funny. Thank you to our four-legged friends for keeping us cracking up.
2. They keep us present.
Pets don’t live in the past or in the future. They’re living in the present like a furry little Buddha. They remind us to be mindful, to take deep breaths, to let go of past or future moments, and to be in the now. We thank pets for reminding us that the present is a gift.
3. They keep us company.
Who doesn’t love a good snuggle buddy to enjoy a good movie with? Pets make fantastic friends because they are simply masters of loyalty and companionship. It’s hard to be lonely when you have a devoted pal to spend your time with. We appreciate our furry friends for their incredible friendship.
4. They give us purpose.
Helping homeless pets feels good. It feels right. It feels worthy and meaningful because it is, in fact, worthy and meaningful. Because regardless of how you do it or how much time you have to share, giving back to animals is a wonderful way to volunteer and be of service. We’re thankful to help animals and, in turn, be given a mission we can believe in.
5. They make great teachers.
They’re non-judgemental. We can make mistakes in front of them and they don’t mind. They’re always there to lick away a tear or cuddle next to us when we need support. Pets allow us to learn as we go, to fail, and to be imperfect – and they love us anyway. We are indebted to animals for accepting us just as we are.
6. They keep us active.
Pets keep us active because they need regular walks, playtime, and socialization to keep both mentally and physically stimulated. Dogs make terrific running, walking, or hiking buddies. Cats love to play. By providing bunnies with a safe and enclosed area to frolic outside, rabbits can encourage us to soak up some sunshine. Horses pull us towards nature. High fives or high paws to all our pets for keeping us full of life and energy.
7. They challenge us.
Some pets are easier than others. Some are a more natural fit for your lifestyle. But we believe all animals deserve a chance at a happy life. Time and time again, we see that even pets who challenge us offer tremendous value and always reward us with as much as we put in. Whether it’s a more difficult pet with behavioral or health issues, a dog who takes extra time to smell the grass on a walk, or a kitty who just can’t get where the litterbox is, all animals require consistency, patience, and love from us in order to succeed. We get to become a team with our pets as we work with them.
8. They make us feel like rock stars.
Let’s be real — we all love how excited our pets get each and every time we come home. Even when you just step out of the shower, the display of adoration and dedication is good for the ego. Animals aren’t afraid or embarrassed to shower us with love and to show us how much we mean to them. We are so grateful to our dogs for making us feel as awesome and interesting as rock stars.
9. They make us better.
Our pets improve us in so many ways. Studies show that petting an animal can reduce a person’s heart rate as well as their blood pressure, and animals keep us physically healthier overall because they keep us moving. And the endless joy they bring increases our mental health. By focusing on positive reinforcement with our pets, we learn to pay attention to what we love about others, and it keeps us focusing on the good. Thanks to our pets for all the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits they grant us.
10. They let live with gratitude.
Look at the list above. We thank our own pets and all pets for keeping us thankful. With their help, every day can be Thanksgiving.
Katya Lidsky is a published writer, host of “The Animal That Changed You” podcast, and a life coach for Dog People.
Nov 8 – There Will Be Dogs in My Future
if we are lucky
a dog will give us their smile
and our hearts will melt
Yesterday, I listed the many lost companion animals of my past; most of them were dogs, dearly beloved dogs.
A good friend is a part-time palm reader. They recently read my palms and saw two very clear signs. First, there would be big dogs in my future and second, there would be small dogs. We both laughed.
I’m writing this on a very early Wednesday morning. In a couple of hours, I will be visiting the Stray Rescue of STL facility to walk dogs for the morning. It’s something I look forward to every week. One at a time, I will walk mixed breed dogs that have been abandoned and then rescued for hopeful re-homing.
Last Wednesday, I walked Goten, Supreme, Fury, Luck of the Irish and Pepto. Not sure who I will walk today. I’m always hopeful at least one of last week’s dogs will have been adopted or fostered in the meantime.
Here’s wishing you a day filled with joy and, if you’re lucky like me, a day that includes the love of a dog.
Sept 28 – With a Dog
I can walk into the night
down any alley, up any flight
or up or down, for that matter,
into the depths of hell
because I know, all will be well …
with a dog.
In season or out, blue skies or gray,
warm or cold, friendless or fourfold,
in good times or bad,
every day, such is life,
I always have hope …
with a dog.
Three more adorable and adoptable dogs from Stray Rescue of STL.
https://www.strayrescue.org/adopt-a-dog
Sept 21 – LOVE IS BUT A SMILE AWAY
your smile helps me smile
my life is always better
in your company
https://www.strayrescue.org/adopt-a-dog
So grateful to have the opportunity to walk the fur friends at Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Above are the five that reminded me yesterday that love still exists, and we can be a part of giving and receiving it, whenever we volunteer at our local animal rescue facility.
Aug 26 – International Dog Day
Can you feel the love,
see the desire to be close?
Nose to nose, we see.
“INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY: A SPECIAL DAY TO CELEBRATE ALL DOGS AROUND THE WORLD!
The International Dog Day is observed annually on August 26 to honor all dogs – no matter shapes, sizes, age and breeds – and encourage adoption to all those who have yet to find a home and a family forever.
It is a good and symbolic occasion to celebrate man’s best friend and to remember that every dog around the world should deserve a better life: a life of joy, love, protection, care and respect. A special day to raise awareness about dog adoption because if you are looking for a life’s companion, shelters are full of four-legged friends who are waiting for their chance and will bring just happiness to your days.
Today we also want to give special thought to all dogs that are still left behind in many parts of the world because people, government or local authorities do not care. We should remember all dogs killed, abused, mistreated, but also those who live homeless, in suffering with no care and need to be helped and rescued.
This day was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert and animal advocate who chose to celebrate the day on August 26 as it was the date that her family adopted their first dog ‘Sheltie’ from an animal shelter home.
Since the first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown in popularity and is now celebrated across the world as International Dog Day.
Today choose to celebrate by giving your dog an extra cuddle, but also do not forget the others and help them by volunteering in a shelter, making a donation or consciously adopting your friend forever.
Be sure to spend this day acknowledging how wonderful and valuable dogs are and give them something positive back as they deserve.”
Jun 29 – Walking with Friends
Today’s dogryu: Walking with Friends
Love’s many versions
await your return – they know
we need each other
Ponce
Freon
The Supreme
Life Matters 