WISDOM FROM CORKY

You do not have to dramatize every experience in your life. Sometimes it is enough to quietly take it in and correct your choices from the experience. It is how those experiences affect your future decisions that determine their value. Sometimes in sharing over and over, you become stuck in the disempowering feelings. Instead, use these experiences to know what you do not want and choose something better.

TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY PHOTO CONTEST

Pet Sitters International started Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999 to celebrate dogs as great companions and to promote their adoptions. This year’s event took place on Friday, June 24. 

If you participated, PSI invites you to enter a photo of your dog at your workplace. Photos can be uploaded at PSI's web site until July 31. 

The winner will receive a $500 value products prize package from the contest sponsor and can select an animal shelter or pet rescue organization to also receive a $500 product donation in his/her honor.

Friends, family, co-workers and strangers on the street are encouraged to vote for their favorite photo. Take a look, there are some cute photos already posted! 

WHAT IF WEDNESDAY: ARE YOU AND YOUR PETS PREPARED FOR A DISASTER?

June is National Disaster Preparedness Month. 

Are you prepared for a disaster? 

How about your pets?

The American Humane Society gives a list of Top Ten Items to have for your pet in an easy-to-grab location in the event of a disaster. Those items include food, water, leash and collar, bowls, ID, medications, and immunization/vet records.

Interestingly, several months ago my instincts insisted that I prepare an evacuation plan for my eight dogs and what to take with us if an emergency came up. I’m not a person who would desert my furbabies, so my plan includes items to meet basic needs for both my dogs and for humans—shelter, water, food, cooking, cleaning, personal care, tools, extra clothes, and bedding.

We do have a “bug-out” location where we could go, but my plan includes items that would serve us if we can’t reach that location right away. You can find suggested lists on the Internet of what to keep in your vehicle for emergencies and tailor those to your specific situation and needs. (Search for “emergency supplies lists.”)

I have a vehicle that will carry my entire doggie herd—though we would be a bit crowded—and have decided where in that vehicle I would stash vital supplies like food and water. Fortunately, the seats fold down and there is storage space under those. 

My list is quite lengthy, but I want things that will do double-duty if possible. For instance, a roll of black plastic will provide shelter but could also catch rain for water. Five-gallon plastic buckets can hold our survival items as well as serve as stools to sit on. I like simple and natural cleaning items like baking soda—I can use it to brush my teeth, to clean cooking utensils, and soothe scrapes or insect bites. 

Hopefully we won’t ever have to use our evacuation plan, but it’s ready just in case!

TALK TUESDAY: WHY CAN'T HUMANS UNDERSTAND DOGS?

QUESTION: What should I do if my human doesn’t listen to me?

—a baffled Beagle

ANSWER FROM CORKY: Unfortunately, this is a common complaint from those of us in canine form. Most humans don’t understand that “Woof!” means more than “Feed me!” or “Take me for a walk!” or “I have to pee!”

You could try tearing letters out of the newspaper to form the words, “Learn to talk to me.” However, this could result in getting yelled at for destroying the newspaper. You could also try to form these words with your kibble—if one of your doggie buddies doesn’t eat the message. 

There does seem to be paw-sitive movement by some humans called animal communicators to teach other humans to understand pets. Until that happens, our best bet may be to keep learning seriously awesome tricks in hopes humans will catch on that we’re more than just a cute, furry faces!

Again, is it any wonder my eyes are closed in that prayerful position?

FRIDAY FAVORITES: A BETTER WAY FOR ALL OF US

Photo from It's a Heartful Life Blog

The killing of Harambe, a gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, after a child slipped into his enclosure has generated much discussion among those who love animals.

Two leading experts whom I admire posted thoughtful blogs about what humans can learn from this tragedy.

Animal communicator Val Heart shared her thoughts on her blog, as did Kathleen Prasad, Animal Reiki master.

What do you think? What steps can we take to avoid these kind of situations in the future?

GOLDEN RETRIEVERS--SMART, FRIENDLY, POPULAR

Golden Retrievers are described by the American Kennel Club as “intelligent, friendly, devoted.” Corky had all those attributes.

Originally bred to retrieve waterfowl shot by hunters, today Goldens are probably most recognizable as guide dogs for the blind. (Details on the history of the breed can be found at the web site of the Golden Retriever Club of America.) Goldens are about 24 inches in height at the withers and weigh about 65 pounds. They are one of the smartest dog breeds as well as one of the most popular for families, as Corky was for us. 

Golden have also found fame. According to udemy blog the list of famous golden retrievers includes: Buddy from the Air Bud movies, Comet from Full House, Shadow from Homeward Bound, Duke (the talking retriever from the Bush’s Baked Beans commercials), and Liberty, President Gerald Ford’s dog. 

If you want to read 15 fun facts about Golden Retrievers and see some great pictures of them, check out Country Living.

Enjoy!

THIS MONTH'S DOGGIE HOST: CORKY

MEET CORKY! Golden Retriever, loyal companion...

When I came to this family, the three older kids were teenagers—or nearly so. Humans can be baffling—and teenaged girls may be the most baffling. 

The oldest girl in the family showed great courage in dealing with deep, hurtful trauma. Instead of seeing her own courage, she fell into angst. 

I tried to be patient with her. Spent many hours sitting under the trees while she cried, trying to show serenity and love, but she was too caught up in over-dramatization to get the message.

When she graduated from high school and moved away, I hoped she would find another furry who could deliver the message of love, and I turned my attention to the two younger children—at least they weren’t both teenagers! 

Is it any wonder my eyes are closed in the photo?