A Time to Celebrate and a Time to Reflect

Merry Christmas, everyone! The dogs and cats as well as my husband and I enjoyed a delightful Christmas Eve afternoon together and now it's Christmas Day. The snow is falling, the fire is blazing in the woodstove, my husband is air-bound to visit his parents who live far away, and I have time to pause in celebration and reflection upon this past year and the wonderful ways my dear pets, my precious family, my great friends, and my loving God have helped me.

For many people today, Christmas Day, is a time to be with family and/or friends, to celebrate love, especially the greatest love of all - God's love for His creation. That love gave us His Son, Jesus, as Redeemer and Savior of all. I personally believe that includes the animals He created, for Genesis 1 tells us that when God created the Heavens, the Earth and the Earth's inhabitants, He called His creation "good". I believe God makes His presence and His love known to us through our pets - their devotion, their friendship, their comfort all reflect the love God has for us. My pets have been a great comfort and inspiration for me, especially this past year with the various struggles and set-backs my family and I have endured. Their continual loyalty and love, their perseverance, their enjoyment of life and taking things in stride serve as reminders to me that life is precious, life is challenging yet life is also to be enjoyed and friends and family treasured.

So this day, I say THANK YOU to my God, my parents, my husband, my friends and my pets for making my life special because of your presence in it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you!

Pets are Powerful Therapy

I've been away from this blog for quite sometime but that's because I spent nearly six weeks with my parents after each experienced major and frightening health issues.

For almost two weeks, in the later part of that situation, my blind Springer Spaniel, Sage, stayed with us as well in their small home in Montana. Sage has experienced significant issues herself, from progressive blindness to being lost for 3 days to frequent urinary tract infections to, the latest, a pre-cancerous skin tumor. Through each significant challenge, Sage has exhibited immense courage and tenacity; her tail rarely stops wagging, and her sense of confidence and faith is inspiring!

While she stayed at my parents’ house, she sat near each one of them, coaxing in a silent way for them to pet her. They often complied, giving her gentle pats and talking to her tenderly. Sage sat quietly, seeming to enjoy the attention and seeming to know they needed that respite of acceptance and devotion.

Dogs provide great health benefits to people. They can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, uplift our moods, and add years to our life. The simple fact that our pets accept us for who we are, they love us unconditionally and are devoted companions, they often wait by the door for our return, and pets (especially dogs) get us outdoors for fresh air and walks – all of these things and more are healthy benefits to people, both emotionally and physically.

Therapy pets are used in hospitals and nursing homes around the country to help patients feel better. The Delta Society and other groups certify pets and their owners to take into such public places and studies show these animals provide great benefits to those whom they visit.

Unlike people with whom relationships can be complex, unpredictable, and stressful, animals are a great source of stability and companionship. They don’t change, and their loyalty to their owners and ability to rebound from tough situations can be inspiring. Pets are also a great source of comfort. The simple act of petting a dog can lower blood pressure and bring a sense of calm to one’s spirit. Interacting with a cat in a playful manner can generate enjoyment and laughter. Even watching fish in a beautiful tank can bring about a sense of peace and an enjoyment of beauty through the colors of both the fish and the tank. And, don’t we all need a bit more peace and stability in our lives?

I am thankful for the therapy Sage gives my family and I. Her dedication and devotion are beyond measure. She has taught me many things during her young life, including the value of friendship and loyalty and the strengths of perseverance and courage. My own special therapy pet, whom I can share with others – what a blessing!

Cozy Comfort – Devotion from a Pet

This past week I’ve been down for the count – started with a scratchy throat, progressed to bronchitis. I’ve not slept well in nearly a week, spending most time in my recliner with the vaporizer on. Zapped of strength and energy, it’s been a lonesome, despairing week – expect for one important thing: I’ve not been alone.

My blind dog, Sage, has learned how to jump onto the recliner and turn around and find a comfortable position to lie next to me. She’s done that for quite sometime. Usually, she turns away so that her nose and ears face the livingroom so she can smell and hear things going on around her better. However, this week, instead of her “normal” position on the chair, she has turned to face me, lay her head on my chest, and simply relax and “look at” me with such adoration. My heart has melted, and thanksgiving rises up for this special dog. She has given me great comfort in being by my side and in how she “looks” at me. I know she can’t see, but there’s just something about her expression, her acceptance of both her condition and of me – not at my best – that is heartwarming and uplifting.

I recall walks we’ve taken and how she simply just “goes” – walking in snow, walking in the woods (on a leash of course!), walking through a park – and she expresses no reservations; in fact, she WANTS to go walking! I cannot imagine, not being able to see, and just walking. Trusting your companion fully and just enjoying the experience of being outdoors, taking in the smells, the crispness of the winter air, the freshness of the mountains in summer… What faith, what courage, what trust!

As I sat close with my dog this week, I was reminded how important we are to them, and I know how important she is to me. Giving me love, acceptance, devotion, and comfort in my time of need. How many people actually do that for other people, including those we say we love? Humans can certainly learn a lot from their pets. Too bad more of us don’t acknowledge that fact!