dachshunds

To the Sea – You and Me

Posted by Barbara Techel

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There we were. Me in my big, floppy periwinkle hat, sitting in the sand, my knees hugging my chest. In the space between my thighs and chest, is you, peeking over the top of my knees, with the brim of my hat acting as an umbrella over your soft, petite head.

The sun is setting as we gaze out into the ever darkening sea. The waves gently lapping up to touch my toes every few moments.

Something about the water as if spirits are dancing on the waves reminding us that we are all connected. We can visit this inner place any time we want whether sitting on the beach, out for a walk, lying in bed, or wherever. It’s always there.

Each time this has happened, I feel this warm glow of knowing rise up in me. It makes me smile. We don’t speak, yet we know there is something real happening between us that needs no words.

This last week I began practicing what I was trained in a few years ago, which is Reiki. It means spiritual or universal energy. Practicing Reiki, which is like a meditation, is holding the space for another to accept and take (or not), whatever it is they wish for their own healing.

Miss Gidget has been the recipient of my practicing this again. And the last three days I find us on the beach as I described above during the Reiki session.

At first, like our minds always try to do, I tried to analyze it. Why are we on the beach? Why does this scene keep popping in my head? Were we once there together in another lifetime? Am I crazy? Why have I pictured this scene three days in a row now?

But then I let it go and sink down into my heart. This is the place I want to be. This place of no explanation. This place of feeling loved, safe and secure. And this is the gift. Not only to me, but to Gidget as well.

This is our connection – a bond between you and me that is ours and only ours – and it is real- and beautiful.

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A Blossoming Friendship: Gidget’s “Unofficial” Therapy Dog Visit with Miss Marie

Posted by Barbara Techel

miss G and Miss MGidget isn’t a certified therapy dog, nor do I particularly think she would be cut out for that type of work on a consistent basis. But she does love our friend, Miss Marie. I guess you could say that Gidget, at her age, has learned to set her boundaries and is particular about who she is going to spend her time with.

I’ve written about Miss Marie before. A dear lady I’ve been getting to know better, who before this, was always the mysterious woman to me who lives downtown in our small village, in the big white house on the corner. Fascinated by her artistic flair for quite some time I was, and then through a series of events, we have now become friends. I’m so grateful as I love spending time with her.

She was gone for a month and a half as she traveled to see family and to spend some time in Arizona. I admire her get up and go as she just packed up her electric green SUV and drove the route by herself.

I’m happy to have her back again. She is now recovering from some foot surgery. An email came later last week kindly summoning a visit from me, but most importantly, from the little 10 lb. dog, known as Miss Gidget, to accompany me to brighten up Miss Marie’s day who has been pretty much house bound since her surgery. Seems Miss G has burrowed her way right into the heart of Miss M who has had many cats in her life, but never a dog.

For years I’d been curious about what the inside of Marie’s house looked like. And today I got to find out! In many ways, it was just as I imagined, and I was tickled pink that it fit what I had been imagining in my mind for so many years. Eclectic with a twist of artistic flair (of course!), thrown in with 2nd hand shop finds over the years, and a dash of cottage style, I wanted to stay there forever among her treasures and the inviting, cozy atmosphere.

Still a bit weary from her surgery, after we at our Chicken Caesar salads I brought for us, Miss Marie said to grab a chair and come sit by her as she nestled back in bed, propping her foot up on pillows.

As we talked, Gidget napped happily and quite contently in the pink pouch that hangs like a sling around my neck and shoulder, like a little Joey nesting in a mama Kangaroo’s pouch.

Miss Marie, comfortable in her own skin and not afraid to say what she needs or wants. She tells it like it is too and I like that about her. Her laugh is endearing and her wisdom is something I soak up and take into my heart.

I brought along Miss Gidget’s beret  as Miss Marie often wears one now and then. I asked if I could get a picture of them together in their berets. Miss Marie was more than happy to oblige– anything for her little furry friend.

There are times I miss the “official” certified therapy work I did with Frankie, which we did about three times every month for three years.

But in a way, I too, am a bit more selective with my time these days and setting more boundaries. And perhaps Miss Gidget is my reminder of that for me at this time in my life. And I’m so happy for times like these where I can experience the joy of sharing the love of a dog with someone like Miss Marie.

So we may not be an “official” certified team, but our hearts are certainly in the right places as we brought joy to Miss Marie today. And in return, we came home with double the joy in our own hearts.

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Silly G as a Silly Dog Magnet

Posted by Barbara Techel

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UPDATE:  I’ve received requests from others asking if they can purchase the magnet set of Miss Gidget. Brianna is happy to oblige with a LIMITED EDITION available through her Etsy shop. And just an FYI, I am not an affiliate and will not receive profit – just one creative person supporting another creative person I truly adore!…and bringing a positive face to special needs dogs!

 Today’s journal post brought to you by Miss Gidget…

This is me. Silly G.

And me as Silly G as a Silly Dog magnet set.

Created by artist Brianna Brunsell.

Is your dog silly?

Or sweet?

Or cuddly?

Or funny?

All of the above, I have no doubt.

And lovable for sure. I just know it!

You know you want your dog on a magnet set! Who wouldn’t?

We dogs got you wrapped around our paws and have embedded our love deep in your hearts forever.

So come on, put your dog on a magnet set.

You won’t regret it. You’ll love it.

You’ll smile every time you pass by the refrigerator with your dog smiling back at you.

WOOF!

I’m not a paid spokes dog for Silly Dog Magnets. I just happen to love Ms. Brianna and how super cute she drew me. I’d say she did a fantastic job, wouldn’t you?

To learn more about Brianna and Silly Dog magnets you can find her and her two adorable weenie’s, Billie and Daisy, on her Facebook page and her Etsy shop.

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Stay tuned to National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day celebrated annually on September 22.  Brianna will be donating a custom made print with a wheelchair dog theme with proceeds to benefit The Frankie Wheelchair Fund (helping disabled dogs in need of a wheelchair with over 35 dogs helped so far!).

Last year Brianna donated this print below which was a huge success (thank you again, Brianna!) Also just an FYI that these type prints she does just for charity auctions. We will be doing the wheelie dog themed print auction beginning sometime in mid-to-late August. I’ll announce it here and on our Facebook pages.

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