Monthly Archives: June 2011

A Morning’s Tale

Coexisting with animals, humans and the planet is such an intricate journey. It takes courage just to walk out the door. Often times I don’t.

A’ responsible father’, unbeknown to me at the time of our initial encounter, rents my neighbor’s garage driveway space. How ‘the responsible father’ got there; I answered a Craigslist ad the ‘responsible father’ had placed looking for a space for his RV; I gave my neighbor ‘the responsible’ father’s information.

We will call the responsible father ‘Troy’. Troy works hard at labor intensive jobs and travels a great deal following work. Troy has a pick up, young and strong. He has a glow of health about him; tan and handsome. Me, I’m an ‘old woman’ trying to grasp every straw of ‘health’ and ‘goodness’ I can; often leaving me breathless and sore.

Troy was kind enough to take me to pick up a couch that I purchased. I gave him a few dollars…he didn’t want to take the money, but I insisted, I know how hard his money comes and gas is expensive.  For awhile I let Troy to use my outside plumbing to fill water containers. However, Pieper and Sprout barked a great deal when he came; which was disturbing to me and the neighbors; so, I had to ask Troy not to use the outside water anymore. He seemed to understand.

Continue reading A Morning’s Tale

Companion Animal Ten Commandments

"A Mother's Love" (Elyse Gardner 2009)
"A Mother's Love" (Elyse Gardner 2009)

A friend forwarded ‘A companion Animals Ten Commandments’ to me recently, I thought I’d share it. It’s June, it’s hot and just as we strive to keep our human selves cool…we need to remember our furry friends need the same consideration.

I just got back from a quick hike down a rugged trail in the wilderness to get to a small lake to let my Golden and Norfolk Terrier/Griffon mix take a swim. I was so tempted to jump in. They had such a great time swimming. It was cooling to watch them.

As the July 4th is close I want to remind everyone that our furry friends don’t like fire crackers; and in Colorado, the fire danger is so very great I encourage everyone to find a peaceful way to celebrate!

 

A Companion Animals Ten Commandments
  1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any Separation from you is likely to be painful.
  2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
  3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
  4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
  5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking.
  6. Be aware that however you treat me, i will never forget it.
  7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, i choose not not to bite you.
  8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
  9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
  10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Be thankful for your animal companions. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, a less joyful experience without critters.  Now please pass this on to other animal owners.
Happy compassionate trails!