You know what? I’m glad to meet you! When you stopped by this blog you were looking for something, weren’t you?
Hopefully you’re finding some of what you’re looking for here — even if it’s just a few minutes to dabble away from whatever’s stuck in your mind – work, the love life (or lack thereof) or family stuff.
You’re probably also a fan of dogs – and cats and most of the other creatures that share our space here on Earth. I know I am. I’m not embarrassed to say that my life is amazing and joyful – and much of that is due to my ability to share it with animals.
Of course, 8 of the 10 legs belong to Kiera and Deuce. They are the pups that share my home, my bed, my life. They’re both chow mixes — Kiera’s 8 in 2009 and the fluffier of the two. She’s primarily Chow Chow and German Shepherd Dog. She’s also a diva, bossy and dainty. She’s got a dry sense of humor and is so smart that I’m constantly trying to catch up to what she’s thinking or planning. Deuce is a Chow-everything. As she was growing she’d look like a different breed was tossed into her genetic mix — lab, husky, terrier, sheepdog and a little of everything else. The mix suits her well — she’s gorgeous with the prettiest tail I’ve ever seen on a dog who wasn’t bred for a show-tail. She’s a court-jester, a companion and my pal. We’re together most of the time and while she doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety — chances are good that if I’m in the vicinity, she’ll do whatever it takes to be as close to me as possible.
Emma, the 20 year old tabby rounds out the animal kingdom in our home. She’s ornery, smart and very aware that she is the queen of the household. We all beam when she decides to grace us with her presence and it’s a high moment for anyone who gets to pet her without her walking off (or worse, swatting your hand away!)
Loving animals is something I was born to do. When I was 8 or 9 I made a little altar in my woods with a porcelain statue of the Virgin Mary that I had to plead with my mom to release to the outdoors. I was really looking for a St. Francis statue, but we weren’t really statuary people and I figured Mary would do. My afternoons were spent back in the woods listening to the rustle of leaves and calls of birds around me. Our family dog, the collie, Tumble T. Tiger would wander back to check on me periodically and then take off after some small moving creature. And one of our cats would invariably stumble upon the altar and me and sit around and chill out for a visit.
As I grew I wandered my way to the local horse barns and farms (yes, New Jersey really is the Garden State!) and somehow managed to wrangle my way into a job mucking out stalls and taking ponies to birthday parties (most often, in the rain). I could spend hours at the barns talking with the horses, cats and dogs who made the land their home and I learned a great deal about silence and the energy of being in the presence of those who don’t use words to communicate.
People sometimes ask me, “Isn’t it a lot of work?”
While having 2 fuzzy dogs and one ornery cat underfoot, reliant upon me for meals, exercise and healthcare, all the while shedding pounds of fur by the hour can cause you to reevaluate your priorities (clean house? probably never going to happen!) the pure love and joy we share is unmatched by any relationship in my life before or since.
Before you go thinking that I’m one of those people who can’t mix and mingle in the “human” world — you’re wrong. If I do say so myself, I’m really pretty popular with humans. Public speaking is one of the best parts of my job and networking is a favorite past-time — it’s a way to meet new friends. I run a successful and growing business that helps men and women find their own path to fun and meaning. I read hands for clients around the world and love being there and holding space for people to learn to be gentle with themselves. I admit, much of how I approach my work with humans is reflective of my time with animals — approach everyone with love and light and see what blossoms.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? Of course I also get crabby, scared and reactive – - usually when I’ve missed a meal or sleep. That just means I’m human, right?
This blog is my world with animals — when I find new and interesting sites and information, I’ll share it with you. I’ll put you in touch with experts and resources that I love but mostly I’ll share my story. My love story with animals — most of it happens when 10 legs are walking.
