animal human bond

Tuning Into Our Pets We Can See Ourselves.

Posted by Barbara Techel

IMG_1625 1200pMy understanding of how each dog that comes into our lives and have new lessons to teach us continues to deepen. Or as they say, each dog comes into our lives just at the right time for whatever it is we need at that time.

Joie and I have had to make our adjustments. But in being honest with myself, I realize it was me that needed to be more open and pay attention to who Joie is as a dog. Ever since I had a reading with animal communicator, Dawn, concentrating on what Joie needs, I’ve felt a beautiful shift in my relationship with her.

Now don’t get me wrong– I loved Joie from the minute I saw her. I wanted her with all my heart and I’m so glad she is mine. But I still had work to do on myself, and quite honestly, I’ll always have work to do. This is what life is all about, right?

Joie is the first dog I’ve ever adopted, so I didn’t know how her day to day was before me. It is also interesting that when I share with people that I adopted her, and she is paralyzed, many assume she was abused. As far as I know, that is not the case.

Whatever Joie was used to before she came to live with John and I, I’ve learned to be more aware of her needs and be more observant. I discovered one morning as she was watching out the patio door, that maybe she wanted to be out on the deck while I was getting ready. Sure enough, I opened the door, out she went, and she seemed to have the best time exploring all by herself. I hadn’t thought before to let her do this because Frankie didn’t like being alone outside and would whimper if I wasn’t out there with her.

I love cuddle time with Joie, but I’m also enjoying seeing her as the independent little dog she is.  How interesting as I think she is helping me to be even stronger in what is right for my own life as well.

We (hopefully) have many years ahead of us to grow into the relationship that is meant to be just right for us. But Joie is a reminder to me to stay tuned in not only to her needs, but mine as well.

A Dog Named Leaf: The Hero from Heaven Who Saved My Life by Allen Anderson. A Book Review.

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

I had the honor of being asked to review this wonderful new book by Allen Anderson. Hope you enjoy my review!

It takes courage to share your story. I also think to share the deep love of a pet takes courage. The fact that Allen, being a man, shares his deepest fears and also his amazing love for Leaf makes this book truly inspiring. We’ve heard many stories of the connection between women and dogs, or children and pets, but to hear Allen share his deepest thoughts and biggest fears, as well as, his devotion and love for Leaf touched me deeply.

As I read the last page of his book I wanted to weep. I wanted to weep for those that never experience a connection like Allen and Leaf have. I wanted to weep in happiness for Allen and his recovery. I wanted to weep for the courage it took for Allen to share this remarkable story that some may find hard to believe at times. But I know it is real as I’ve experienced some profound moments with my own dogs, just like Allen has with Leaf.

If you’ve ever doubted animals have souls, this book will open your heart and mind to truly believing we are all connected. You will never doubt again. Your life will be enriched far beyond what you could have ever imagined and you will have author Allen Anderson to thank for it.

A Dog Named Leaf is a great gift idea for the dog loving friends and family in your life!

Find out more about Linda and Allen Anderson’s work on their website, Angel Animals. You can also follow them on Facebook!

How Pets Mirror Our Lives

Posted by Barbara Techel


The semi-retired life of celebrity, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog

I liked this recent post by Jon Katz, “Animals Mirror Our Lives.”  He talks about since losing his dog Rose, how his relationships with his other three dogs has changed. He now calls his Lab, Lenore, his Ride-A-Long Dog because she goes many places with him- though she didn’t before. Izzy now hangs out with his wife Maria in her studio and Freida protect the farm (which had been Rose’s job).

It made me realize how my relationships have changed with both my dogs since I made the decision to semi-retire Frankie this year.

I find myself talking to Frankie even more now that I am in my studio more. I am taking more brief little breaks to just sit and be with Frankie—holding her or petting her—telling her how much she means to me. I sometimes just sit in my desk chair and watch her sleep. It brings me such deep contentment to see her so peaceful. I think about how I love my work with her and how I didn’t want to slow down in it—but how I felt she wanted to slow down. So I felt strongly I had to honor that for her and in turn realized I too was honoring myself because I too had been wanting to slow down. Subconsciously I was wanting to write a new book, but not finding time—and here Frankie was mirroring to me what it is I wanted. What a smart dog.

My relationship with Kylie is growing deeper once again. With not as many appearances with Frankie, I am home more now, which means more walks with Kylie. And with her recent knee surgery her walks are essential to her healing. We’ve got a good six weeks to go yet with her therapy walking.  Kylie and I had just started to develop a bond as we worked together in her puppy and obedience training when she was a pup. But as many of you know that was all put on hold when Frankie was diagnosed with IVDD and an unexpected, but welcome journey was ahead of me in sharing Frankie with thousands of children. Even though it it winter here in Wisconsin, it has been mild, and now as move closer to spring, I soak in the sunshine and my time with Kylie.

I was also yearning this past year for a simpler life in 2012, more time one on one with my dogs—and how interesting that is all falling into place. If only I had gotten out of my own way sooner to see that yes, indeed, my dogs were mirroring for me all along what I was yearning for.


Kylie out for a walk today