Blog the Change 4 Animals- LOVE

 

We really don't have an important cause or a grand message to give for this "Blog the Change 4 Animals" post, except we keep coming back to one thing...

If you have struggled with knowing what LOVE is (like I have), watch your animal and they will show you.

Almost like a wedding vow, they will show you how to LOVE, for better or worse, for richer or poorer until death do you part.

It is that real.

It is that awesome.

It is LOVE.
 And we can do all things with it.

 Like the famous Beatles song:

All you need is LOVE, LOVE is all you need. 

Are you prone to finding strays?

For some reason all of my life, I've never found a stray or lost animal.  I have no idea why, but it has never happened.  I've read stories and have known people who come across them all the time, but have never had this unique experience happen to me.

These are my closest encounters with strays: 

I couple of years ago a stray Pointer ran across the back of my neighbor's yard, the dog never stopped moving and seem to look right through me.  They were some of the most haunting eyes I'd seen.  This dog had been on the running on fear for some time, it never even saw me.  I tried my best to stay with it, I made a few calls on the dog's behalf, but I never saw it again.

About three winters ago, we had a stray cat live in our garage attic.  Have no idea how it ever got in there and never once saw it.  But there was no doubt it was a cat.  I left food and water on the work bench for it.  In the spring it left and never came back.  

Then last summer, Blaze and I ran into a young kitten, maybe a couple months old or so.  It ran right in front of us and Blaze scared it up a tree.  I took Blaze home and being the idiot human I am, was afraid the kitten couldn't get down from the tree.  I tried coaxing it with treats and trying to get high enough to reach it, which only made it climb higher.  I was like a 6-year old who had finally found a kitten to bring home.  My husband was rolling his eyes later when I told him.  Like I needed another animal in our household.  :)

Later that night sitting out with the dogs, I heard the kitten crying.  Like the looney tune I am I tried to find the kitten in the dark by the sound of those cries.  When I must have been too close for the kitten, it stopped crying.  So I set out some food and water.  It came back the next night and I named it Song for it's distinct voice, then never heard from it again.

So how about you, do stray animals seem to find you or you find them?  Or are you like me and just hear the stories and rumors that this happens? 

animals to rescue

Does anyone else find this true in their own lives?

Mallard Duck eggs

My husband and I were tearing apart a deck we found for free in the paper.  One of those u-haul deals.  Our day started hitting one major snag after another and what should have taken a few hours turned into an all day disaster.  Halfway through I felt like I was ready to just lose it.  Just then the owners pulled up and out jumps two dogs, I felt instant relief.  Just like that I was able to breathe again at just the sight of those dogs.  I didn't need to touch them or have any major connection with them, their presence was enough to settle those frayed emotions.  And while our "free" deck continued to be a nightmare, I was able to carry on knowing that there was fur running around like crazy and was close to me.

Another time I found myself in a very troubling situation with someone I didn't know very well, when out of no where I was instantly calmed by the presence of a cat that had crawled into my lap.  And while it didn't change the circumstances there was a comfort in the warmth and love of this tiny being that helped me make it through what was a difficult situation at the time.

And then just last week, my husband and I were invited to a Christmas dinner where I didn't know a single soul, only to sit down in front of a gigantic fish tank!  I couldn't wipe the grin off my face at the discovery there were other creatures in the house and the feeling I wasn't alone.  I was instantly at ease.

 A furry comforter named Tiko

All it takes sometimes is a glimpse of an animal, whether it be wild or domesticated to feel back in touch with myself.  A chickadee in a tree, deer in the woods, someone walking their dog and there is a peace that comes over me even if just for that moment.  I have even felt this transcendence with insects and plants. Though out of all the beings of the world there is none that compares to when I see one of the canine varieties; who hold a special place in my heart for saving my life several times over and letting me know I am never alone.  Isn't that what any animal is a reminder of?

Does anyone else find themselves feeling that instant comfort and sense of belonging when you see pets or animals, even when they aren't your own?  

How Many of Us?

How many of us have been ridiculed by non pet lovers?  How many of us have been told, "They are just dogs," or "It's just a cat or horse or fill in blank."  How many of us have went home after being chided about our love for our pets and held them tight knowing their value is worth more than money?  How many people just don't get it and feel the need to express their dismay at this strange relationship between human and animal?

I think we have all been there at some point.  I read two post on the same theme.  Buddy Wilson's Ponderings and Jet's Furkid Palace.  Buddy Wilson's Ponderings who is sacrificing everything for her dogs, some who are fosters that would have been put down otherwise, has been bombarded by negative comments by others who feel what she is doing with her dogs and the number of dogs she has is a waste of time.  Jet's Furkid Palace stated something similar how others don't "get it," referring to her relationship and bond she has with her dogs and why.  We have received many of those same comments (How much is that doggie? and Throw Away Dogs)with those shaking their heads about the time, money and energy we waste on our pets.  How many of us have gotten those looks that state we are crazy for our investment in these furry little creatures and devote a blog to them?  Yes, we are certifiably insane and proud of it!!

I could devote an entire post of all the reasons why we are dog, cat and animal crazy in our house, but they still wouldn't "get it."  Unless you've experienced the unconditional love of an animal and form that everlasting bond that comes through love, training and emotional healing and teaching you aren't going to "get it."  That is the magic of the these pet blogs, because we get it.

Just because my husband and I decided not to have children, doesn't mean I go around berating everyone that does.  I'm sure we all know people who we don't understand the way they live and why, but I don't feel the need to let my ignorance be known by butting into their lives with such rude comments and remarks. We all need life, love and purpose so please give us some respect especially when you obviously don't know what you are talking about.   

For those that feel the need to express their opinions at the cost of others for things you can't understand, here's a monumental saying I learned when I was in third grade:  "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all."  Try it out, you might help make some one's day.

Blog the Change-Adpoting An Abused Animal

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There is a stigma about adopting abused animals and that they are too damaged to be saved.  They will come with many behavioral problems and issues that will take too much time and money to be helped.  It would just be easier to get a puppy or kitten and raise them the way we would like. 

While these statements may be true, I believe there is often a misconception about all of them.  It is difficult to bear the weight of damage that has been done to an abused animal.  It can be challenging trying to understand behaviors you may not be accustom to, but the rewards far outweigh the challenge.

It takes a special person with patience, understanding and a willingness to give.  It takes time, lots of time to regain trust with creatures who have survived such harsh conditions due to human cruelty, but there is nothing more rewarding than watching that trust open up.  Witnessing the little bits of love that will begin to sprout as they begin to accept their new life and the love that surrounds them.  It is like being part of a miracle.

And for those that think that getting a puppy or kitten will eliminate those behavior problems, think again.  All young pets come with their own set of tribulations from the first day you bring them home.  It doesn't matter that they came from the best breeders, animals are still animals living in a human world.  They have instinctual tendencies that they are going to act on.  Coupled that with genes, their care as newborns and their particular breed, you are going to have some problems.  No more different than you would with an abused animal, the level of intensity and depth is just different.

Living with six dogs and two cats I have experienced many different behavior problems.  Two dogs from our litter came back abused and we are still working out the finer details of their abuse issues and the way the previous owners raised them. What I find amazing about these two is that heir gratitude is unmatched making every step of our journey with them worth it.  I have a dog I got as a puppy that was taken from his mother and siblings during his socializing period.  We discovered these facts along with an aggressive gene towards dogs that we are still working with.  We are seeing progress every day.  These are three testimonials in world where they are many more like them.  Is it challenging? Yes.  Painful?  Yes.  Rewarding?  More than my heart can share.

If you have the time and love, think about adopting an abused animal.  You will not only be saving their life, but your own.

HOW DO THEY DO IT?

How could you not love coming home to those smiling faces?

I don't know how people live without dogs.  I find it very unsettling not having a constant companion laying at my feet, or nudging my hands or even barking to go outside.  When I have been to other people's houses who have no pets, I always feel like something is missing and there is an emptiness in my heart.  I almost don't know how to act without an animal near me.  I can complain about the dogs all I want, but in all honesty I would be lost without them by my side, or climbing in my lap or jumping up with the thrill that I am home.  How do people live with that void of love?  Their homes seem so bare and hollow compared to the constant bustle of love I have through my home.  I can almost become disconnected without having that furry touch to rely on.

I realize sometimes I take that my dogs for granted, I have been surrounded by animals all my life and it is easy to get frustrated with them or feel I need a break from them, but I'm always so grateful when they are there waiting for me.  I have found over and over despite our troubles I don't know how I would survive without them.  They are a constant reality check and they keep me going when I am down, just as much as they are there for me when I need them.  I do not see how people function without having all that extra love around.  How they live without that comforting touch just at the right time.  Not knowing that level of understanding that comes from those extra sensory cells or just being there when you need to feel life and love.  It is something beyond my comprehension.  I can not fathom my life without animals.  I mean at one point in my life I had a hamster because I could only have small pets where I lived.  I would have felt lost otherwise. 

What do people do without animals?  I find it very sad and troublesome that more aren't able to truly experience the love of having an animal.  Of having that wonderful relationship of such value and trust.  I have let my dogs down many times, but they still lick my face and share their unconditional love with me every day.  Not to mention how much my animals have taught me about being human and a loving being.  My dogs challenge me every day to be a better person as I learn the true meaning of unconditional love and every day I am surprised by what that really means.

And I ask the question again, How do they do it?  How do people live without animals in their lives?  If you are new to having a pet, how has having an animal changed your life?  Have you ever went through a period when you didn't have an animal?  What was that like for you?  What about those of you that have always had animals like me, can you envision your world without them?            

Where the Love Started

My love for animals comes from deep place within.  My mother is the one who showed my how animals love.

My mom was pregnant with me when she got her first puppy.  She was a Golden mix named Sandy.  My mom had a difficult time loving me, but was able to share her love with Sandy, who then passed it down to me.  Where I in turn learned to be loved by the love of animals.

Sandy was my mom's dog.  I helped in the care, but the bond was always with my mom.  Sandy was my first dog walking experience.  My mom said there was no way I could walk her.  At about 7 years old, I told her I could and I did.  With Sandy dragging all the way down the road.  (sound familiar?)  My mom was probably laughing her butt off the whole time.  Thirty-some years later I am still trying to change that walking pattern.

Sandy had a horrible fear of loud noises.  Thunderstorms and fireworks were a nightmare for her.  She would actually hide in the bathtub of all places.  As she got older her tolerance for the racket declined sharply and she would be a complete basket case.

A jackhammer had been running all day in our neighborhood.  I had just gotten home from school, I was around 11 or so at the time.  My mom had an appointment to go to.  Sandy was shaking from head to toe.  She had been panicky all day and was getting weaker by the minute.  I remember hiding in the bathroom, silently crying and thinking she was going to die.

When my mom left Sandy laid down and I held her until her last breath.  It was that simple and over that quick.  I have never forgotten that day, how Sandy looked and the peace that came over her after such a tumultuous day.

I don't know if my mother thought Sandy was going to die when she left, but I don't think she ever got over coming home and finding her gone.

When Sandy died, so did the only connection of our love.  My mother and I were never the same after that.  Though Sandy is the one thing we still hold dear in our hearts.