What Tomorrow’s Movie Opportunity Means to Me.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1625 1200Joie has had her nails clipped and a nice soak in the kitchen sink so she is ready for her film shoot tomorrow for “The Surface.” First, a little bit about the film taken from their Facebook page:

The Surface, an independent feature film with adventure, mystery, humor and heart, is the story about two strangers, both at the end of their rope, who suddenly meet in the middle of the unpredictable waters of Lake Michigan. It’s about how even on the darkest days there’s light and how precious life is. It’s an uplifting story about desperation, friendship and hope.

Lake Michigan is an integral character in the story, with its calm beauty and powerful unpredictability.

My favorite two lines in the description are, “It’s about how even on the darkest days there’s light and how precious life is” and “It’s an uplifting story about desperation, friendship, and hope.”

Matt, from the film crew called me on Friday to let me know we need to be on the set by 7:00am tomorrow.  He said they are looking at having Joie in one or two family scenes of which one of the characters is reflecting back.  From what I understand when I talked with the producer, Jeff, many weeks ago, at one time he had a dog in a wheelchair. Though it was a large dog.  I don’t know for sure, but I’m assuming part of this story is then based on his story. But I’ll need to clarify that if I can.

At any rate, I’m truly looking forward to having Joie be part of a film that is about how precious life is and a film that is about hope. Something I talk about often on this blog.

This also means so much to me to know Joie will be representing all dogs around the world who are in a wheelchair. These dogs are what hope is all about to me. Frankie, Joie,  and all the dogs I “meet” through my Facebook page for National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day inspire me and remind me how precious life is.

I have a special bag packed for Joie with her favorite treats, her favorite toy and some water.  I’m praying she will do just fine with her part for the scene. But I’m also going to soak in what a special opportunity this is – really, a once in a life opportunity.

The film will be out later in 2014.  I hope to capture some photos tomorrow and be able to share them on my blog, so stay tuned.

If you’d like to see some local news coverage of the film being shot here, click here.

Have You Become More Human Because of Your Pets?

Posted by Barbara Techel

kylie with paper 1200Recently I posed this question on Facebook:  Do you think you have become more human because of your pets? If so, how?

Many said they feel they have become more compassionate toward other animals, especially those in need in rescue, puppy mills, etc. While I think that is wonderful, I realized I needed to be more specific with my question.  I expanded on it with this, How has that compassion for animals led you to be more human?  Meaning, how has it led you to being more human toward other human beings?

One person said, “Through animals, I’ve learned that I am not the most important species on the planet and not the most intelligent or forgiving.”

I’m not sure I’d say we are less intelligent, but I would say we each have something powerful and profound to offer each other. This, in turn, I believe, can make our planet a better place for all to live.  I don’t feel that animals are less than, but important to our own personal development if we are open to what they are teaching us.

While most said they have become more compassionate and patient, I was still interested in digging further with examples of what that means. I know my love for animals has made me more compassionate and patient also, especially for those with special needs. But  I realized years later that the work I did with Frankie as a therapy dog and working with children, that I became a better person toward my fellow human beings. Here are few ways in which I think I’ve become more human because of what I’ve learned through my pets.

  • I’m less judgmental toward others.
  • I have more patience for those I may not fully understand and those that tend to frustrate me. I’ve learned that they are my greatest teachers in what I want or don’t want for my own life.
  • I’m kinder to others with just simple things such as offering a smile more often to strangers, or holding a door open.
  • I don’t worry as much about the small stuff, which makes me much nicer to be around.
  • I live more authentically which I  think encourages others around me to try and do the same.

This list is a work in progress, as I do lose my way now and then, because, well… after all, I am human. When this happens, I stop and look into the eyes of my dog’s and I am reminded once again of the ways in which they teach me to love unconditionally.

I’d love to hear your thoughts so feel free to let me know what you think.

Bench Time with John. Making a Difference. Catching the Sunrise.

Posted by Barbara Techel

sunrise eIt has been about three months now since our young friend, Cassy has been renting our lower level from us. I rather hate to even say she is renting from us because she really has become part of our family.

Just about every morning John and Cassy sit together, coffee mugs in hand, and sit on the bench in front of our house. That bench has never gotten so much use in all the years it has sat so still through the seasons.  The stories it could now tell!

Cassy lovingly calls this time “Bench time with John.” While there are times I’d love to join them, my yoga morning time is precious to me. Cassy respects and honors that. Besides, I love the fact that John is able to be there for Cassy in a way that is making a difference in both their lives.

When I married John almost 29 years ago I’ll never forget the pastor saying that I would have to work hard to get John to share his feelings . He tends to hold things in. I also used to kid John that I made him love me and the pets we’ve had because at times he was afraid to let anyone in. But I’ve gotten good at knowing he will tell me things that may be bothering him in due time. His right time. He always does.

I think I can now speak honestly here that John has learned to be more open, not afraid to share his feelings. It has been a beautiful thing to watch unfold over the years. But what really has me in awe is watching how he has been there for Cassy.  He has been in her shoes in the trenches of trying to run a business. He understand the traps, the pitfalls, the triumphs, the passion.

While he is making a difference in the life of Cassy helping steer the ship of her business in a new and positive direction, the difference Cassy has made in his life is hard to put in just the right words. I’ve witnessed a side of John I’ve not seen before. His heart glows through in all he does and says lately. He is really enjoying helping another person succeed.

It can be scary to let another person into your life for fear of expectations and disappointment. Everyone has to be on board with understanding each others quirks and needs. But when things come together as they have with Cassy living with us as well as accepting our guidance, making a difference becomes a beautiful thing for everyone. That difference then ripples out into the world and though we never know where it may land, we trust that it finds its way.

While I don’t get to catch the sunrise as John and Cassy do during their bench time (Cassy got the shot above!), I am warmed full up with love for both of them and the positive impact this time together is having on all our lives.