Finnigan's plush hedgehog Never underestimate what an animal knows or understands.
Recently, a friend posted a video of a wild, native hedgehog walking the grounds of a cemetery in England. I smiled seeing the hedgehog. A happy memory came to mind. Six years ago, (my dog) Finnigan and I went on a week-long animal companion training (out of province) in Quebec. Several other participants brought their dogs, and one participant brought their companion hedgehog Tink. It was the first time Finnigan had ever met a hedgehog.
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Yesterday's daily morning walk gave me more than exercise.
Finn was recently diagnosed with the first signs of osteo-arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Within weeks (even with treatment) his mobility has been dramatically affected. For years we have walked together every Monday to Friday morning with our dog friends. On this morning, I suspected that we would be unable to stay with the group for the first time. Within minutes we were trailing the group. They kept pausing to allow us to catch up. I felt the juxtaposed need of the group to move forward and Finn's need to slow down. A firm believer that nature walks are Finn's time, I checked in with him. He was willing and ready to do his own thing. I texted the group, now far ahead, to let them know of his decision. The walk unfolded and as it did so did my lessons and understanding. Animals, with dogs especially coming to mind, excel at "beginner's mind." The concept that each time is like the first time: the repetition of an event, situation, or experience never gets old, tired, boring or dull, yet brings the same exquisite delight of joyful discovery as the initial experience.
Dogs display a beginner's mind approach greeting their animal guardians. Whether you've been away all day at work, on vacation for seven days, or outside taking out the trash for seven minutes, dogs greet you with exuberance, enthusiasm, joy, excitement, and appreciation. Young children, like animals, are also expert's of beginner's mind, able to express playful delight at each new experience. Perhaps beginner's mind is the most powerful example of being present, of being in the now? Today, let's greet our animal family with equal attention, of presence, with a beginner's mind. Recently, a friend was visiting. While enjoying interacting with one of our cats, they mentioned they're considering getting a cat. I asked if they were aware of the commitment, including the financial commitment (especially for a kitten or puppy, being spayed/ neutered and vaccines) involved in caring for an animal family member. We talked about the option of fostering, a fixed short-term commitment, to assist in their decision making re: a longer term commitment.
Many people think about the happy and fun aspects of having an animal companion. It can be easy to forget animal family members are your dependents and require more than love. They need regular and daily play, mental stimulation, outdoor time (for some), committed care when they are sick and/or old (many animal companions are disgarded, due to illness or age, in our disposable society), healthy food and water, bedding, basic supplies (crates, leashes, dishes, toys, litter boxes, etc.). Today, some simple, practical yet useful and healthy tips for your animal(s). Always have fresh water available (that means a clean dish and changing the water). Avoid tap water, just as you may yourself. Infuse the water with intentions of good health and serve the water dish in good spirits. Some animals enjoying running water which speaks to their instincts (check out pet animal fountains). Use glass or stainless steel dishes for water and food, as water is a solvent and will absorb what it is holding (a plastic bowl will leech plastic molecules into your animal's water). Be wary of pottery dishes, which may leech toxins from colourful paints. Animals appreciate having their water and food dishes in separate areas (no joint dishes please). Their wild instincts still guide them (separate food and water sources) Your animal(s) will thank you!
Many people enjoy having animal companions. Some people adopt animals because they like the way an animal looks. An important consideration in adopting any animal is species influence. What is species influence? It means that a breed has distinctive traits which it cannot ignore. Another way of saying this? Breed temperament. For example a Border Collie is a highly energetic working dog. A Bernese Mountain dog may enjoy work but does not require as much exercise. Before adopting an animal companion it is important to research the breed for compatibility with your lifestyle. If you want a quiet cat, you would be best to avoid a Siamese! If you want a relaxed dog, you would be best to avoid a Husky! When people adopt an animal companion based on considerations other than species influence then a lifestyle conflict might be the result. Do your homework and your animals will thank you!
Today, I want to talk about sleeping locations and beds for your cats and dogs. Our animal companions spend more hours sleeping than we do. Mutiple locations and beds are ideal for cats and dogs. Animals, like people, have varied preferences for their sleeping arrangements. Social animals often enjoy having a bed, blanket, or basket in the centre, or main living area, of the home. It is also important for cats and dogs to have access to a quiet location they can retreat to, as so often their movements are influenced by what we do. Cats may enjoy high (shelves in clothing or linen closets) or low (a basket under a table) resting places, or both. If your dog sleeps in a crate, experiment with placing a blanket over the top and sides of the crate. If you live with several animal companions, you may notice they enjoy sleeping in one another's beds, or not! Pay attention to their preferred surfaces (beyond ease of cleaning for you), such as blankets (fleece, wool, cotton). Your animals will thank you!
Today feels like spring - a perfect day to talk about spring cleaning! Whether your animal companion sleeps in their own bed, your bed, a crate, a basket, or other, I'd like to to think about how much time your animal(s) sleep on their bed. Animal companions, both cats & dogs, spend a lot more of their daily 24 hours sleeping than humans. What they sleep on is important (and I'm talking more than comfort), particularly what you use to your wash their (or yours, if they sleep on your bed) blankets/ towels/ bedding.. Consider using gentle, unscented products (as opposed to strong, harsh chemicals and highly synthetic products). Another laundry product to skip is dryer sheets - full of chemicals which are absorbed into the bedding which your animals lie in hours each day. Your animals will thank you!
This week I talked with a tree.
Trees are master healers. Any time you'd like some help, approach a tree that attracts you. Stand (or sit) with your back against the tree, ask for support, and thank the tree when you leave. This time, I was guided to ask for a message from the tree. I stand with my back to the tree, looking out on the snow-capped landscape. The tree showed me that while on the surface it looked lifeless that underneath (hidden from view) tremendous growth was occurring. I couldn't see visibly see it, yet it was happening. The tree showed me an image of her roots, the soil, the inhabitants in the ground (under the snow) and I felt the energy of this growth coming from the underground. There was a flash... |