Energy Healing: "soft like a child" says Vida

I witnessed an amazing scene with Vida today that just made me wonder - how much are we missing in our day to day interactions with our dogs?

Dog wisdom: 15 for Vida's 15th

1. OM – meditate daily.

2. Sleep well – your body rejuvenates when you rest, and it just feels good.

3. Age is just a number – don't fall for the myth that sickness is part of growing old.

4. Never stop being curious – you'll be rewarded.

5. Eat your greens – plant medicine is the best medicine.

6. Take your work seriously – you can accomplish a lot by paying attention and sharing your expertise.

7. Be honest – straight talk means less confusion.

8. Get outside every day – walk, play, enjoy the scents and sights.

9. Don't get pulled into the drama – folks express aggression because of anxiety, respond calmly and compassionately and you'll both feel better.

10. Take a nap in the sun – lay down on the ground and let the planet heal you.

11. Say “hi” - the small joy of brightening someone's day will brighten yours.

12. Listen – even if you don't agree it might be important.

13. Don't be ashamed of what makes you happy – enjoy it!

14. Be patient – sometimes it takes folks awhile.

15. Be your own person – you're unique and perfect in this world.

Test Results: An eye opener about food

I got the results back on the Alternative Sensitivity Assessment for Vida and it has been very helpful. While it also covers environmental sensitivities (and there were some), the food category has given me the information I need to avoid instigating problems via diet. Here are the most common foods that came up "Yay" or "Nay" for her:

Water, Part 2: Providing Love

I bought this beautiful bowl made by Tamara Mann at an arts event in the small town in New Hampshire where I spend my summers. 

I'd been thinking of getting Vida a new water bowl for some time as part of my goal of having her use only products I know are made ethically and without toxins.

I also wanted a bowl that reflected the beauty of the water that would go in it.

Does that seem odd? I mean, water is clear, almost invisible, you can barely discern it in the photo above. And it's not like the dog cares, right? Well, let's explore that.

Water, Part 1: consider the source

Water is often taken for granted in the States. 

There are many topics that could be spun off from that simple sentence, but I'm just going to share a little bit about my own experience and give you something to think about for your pets.

Summer Means Swimming for this Senior Dog

Vida may be 14 now, but she still gets her swims in during the summer. She's not the most enthusiastic swimmer, but the benefits are so great that I get her in there nonetheless. And with a beautiful setting like this.... much better than a chlorinated pool with a person controlling her every move and no walk-in option. 

She's not willing to swim as long each day, and I'm skipping days for her to have extra recovery time, but it really improves her carpal/tarsal arthritis and builds her hind-leg muscles nicely with the increased range of action swimming entails. 

As she ages she needs more accommodations, but that's my job, to watch and learn, and accept her limitations. 

Her favorite part of  swimming? Jumping into the backseat of our '89 toyota afterward to scrubrollscrub herself on the upholstery. Seriously, she gets so excited, it's her big reward.