human-animal bond conncection

Comfort and Joy from Our Animal Friends

Posted by Barbara Techel

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I don’t know about you, but there are moments when I just feel this awe-inspiring tingling in me in the presence of my dogs.

When this happens, my heart leaps with love and joy.

One such moment happened this week as I was getting done with my yoga practice.

As is our routine, Gidget snuggles into her blanket on my large wicker chair in my writing cottage, as I roll out my yoga mat.

By the time I begin my practice, she is burrowed under  her blanket. The only evidence of a dachshund who has taken cover for a quick nap, is her darling little behind that sticks out.

Tuesday was no different from our routine as we both settled into the unfolding of the morning ritual.

As I came to the end of my practice, I sat cross-legged with my hands resting on my knees, my eyes closed, taking in all the calm and restoration that yoga brings me.

Having some worries on my mind lately, I was trying my best to just observe them and let them float away, assuring myself that life challenges always work themselves out.

I also silently ask for guidance or peace as I sit in my meditative pose if there is something I’m struggling with.

Today, as I opened my eyes after moving through some feelings and then putting my trust in Spirit, I opened them to the sweet face of Gidget — as if she was looking straight into my soul (I quickly grabbed my camera to get the shot above).

Normally she stays buried under her blanket and I have to gently nudge her, then pick her up to take her back in the house when I’m done with my practice.

But not this day. She was looking right into me. I felt this with every fiber of my being.

My heart melted. I just knew in that moment she was reaching out to me to assure me that all is well.

I felt a tranquil calm wash over my whole body, and my mind found a peaceful place to rest.

All this from a sprite of a dog — she brings me so much comfort and joy.

Heart Somersaults.

Posted by Barbara Techel

g enjoying the sun eI took this photo this past weekend. As I planted annuals and perennials, my garden fairy, a.k.a Gidget, was always close by.

Yesterday on my blog, I asked the question if pets grieve the loss of another pet. Many responded they felt that they do. I shared the post on Facebook also, where many chimed in. Thank you to everyone who shared stories and their thoughts on a topic that is clearly of interest.

I’m still pondering the question, to which there will likely never be a definitive answer — though I find myself leaning toward feeling that they don’t grieve as we do — not that they don’t feel or notice something has changed — but that they just go through it differently than we do, and perhaps some not at all. I would be curious an animal communicator view of this, and perhaps it can be something I discuss with my animal communicator friend at some point.

But this also got me to thinking about my own grief. It’s been six months since I adopted Gidget. Nine months since I said goodbye to Joie and almost two years since Frankie has been gone.

Grief which can be very personal and so deeply intense for we beings called human, but when joy finds you once again in the form of the love of another dog, I find myself in awe of how we always seem to make the transition.

I also know that some don’t or won’t. The loss too great to consider what it could mean for their heart to open up again and let in the love of another dog.

But this weekend, as Gidget spent much time with me outdoors, I felt my heart doing somersaults over and over again each time I glanced her way. You know, those feelings that all of a sudden come over you that are so magical and joyful that you feel as if you might squeal out loud?

I found myself once again grateful to have found the courage to open my heart again to the love of another dog. Each one, in their own unique and special way has taught me things I don’t think I would have otherwise learned. Each one with a special mission to be a part of my life. To bring me a new joy. To become a part of who I am.