jon katz

Staying Positive By Building Your Tribe

Posted by Barbara Techel


Living with more joy and being positive is a path I’ve been on for a little over 10-years now. Staying positive in a world that can seem to thrive on negativity can make it challenging for me to stay positive. It’s a choice I make to look for the good out there. It’s a choice I make to find joy in each day. Am I always successful? Do I fall back into old patterns? Yes, I do, because I am that one thing I can’t escape, which is being human. But I also know that what I am seeking is to be a more spiritual person, winding my way back to which I came from.

I’ve got so many people in my life that keep me on my positive and joyful journey. I am very grateful. I call them my tribe. But my tribe really began because of a chocolate lab named Cassie who made me stop and think about living more fully. I carry her with me in my heart daily. Then, of course, my biggest lessons learned to date have come from my dachshund, Frankie, who was diagnosed with IVDD in 2006 and was fitted for a doggie wheelchair after losing the loss of her hind legs.

My tribe has grown immensley since then. As Frankie ages (now 12) and we have slowed down a bit in our work together, I feel this new transition taking place inside me. I can’t quite name it or see what the next path ahead is… but I feel something new wanting to blossom. I know in time I will know. I’ve learned to trust that process more. And I get excited about it even though I can’t quite name what it is I’ll be doing next.

My tribe also expands as I find myself seeking deeper meaning. One connection that has been helping me in my expanding, as well as in my writing is author Jon Katz and his farm journal entries on his website, Bedlam Farm. I’ve followed him for years and see a new transition in him, which most days has me awash in tears (good, not bad) and saying, “Oh My God” because something he says sends off a spark of resonating in my heart.

Another newly discovered blog is Mary Muncil from White Feather Farm. She’s given me many joyful goosebumps lately. And another new one is Jenna Woginrich and her blog is Cold Antler Farm. Jenna is a young woman in her 20’s who went after wanting to have her own farm. Her courage and zest for living her dreams is so inspiring. Her new book, Barnheart had me eagerly turning the pages and then sad that I came to the end. I wanted to read so much more about her. I have no doubt though that she will continue to write books.

When we connect with our tribe there is no doubt that it helps to keep us in balance, to think deeper, to live more fully, and to share that piece of ourselves in the world, hopefully setting off a spark in another. We may not always know who we touch, but if we live into who we were truly meant to be, the universe takes care of the rest.

So today I’m making a choice to make it a good day- to find joy no matter what- to expand on my thoughts- and live more deeply from my heart.

Thank you, Mary Muncil of White Feather Farm for sharing this TED video which was the start to my joy today and making it a good day. I hope others will take the time to watch and listen to this thought provoking 10-minute video. Stop the to-do lists, the worrying, the hustle and bustle of the season, kick back… and “just be” as you watch…

Book Giveaway & Magnet Set Giveaway!

Posted by Barbara Techel

NOTE:  Be sure to read through to end of this post to see how you can win a signed copy of Jon Katz’ new book!  Also see how you can win a set of Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Halloween magnets!

Yup, that’s me in the front row as the director of the WI Humane Society is introduction author Jon Katz (my mom is next to me putting her books under her chair).

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to see Jon in Milwaukee also and sat right in the front row… and I was just as excited to be in the front row once again.

I thought it would be sad when he talked about pet grief, but I actually walked out of the talk feeling lighter and even more grateful for life and death. Jon has a wonderful sense of humor and shared some funny stories with us before touching on the subject of the death of our beloved pets.

One question an audience member asked was if Jon would address the subject of how we tell a child about the death of a pet. I appreciated his answer as he said, “Don’t lie to your child.” He said in his research he talked with many adults who still had resentment towards their parents for not telling them about the death of an animal when they were a child. He talked about making a special photo album with your child of the pet, or perhaps a memorial service to help your child.

He shared with us that each of his dogs have taught him something in his life- something he needed to learn at the time. Tears sprang to my eyes as he said that as I could relate, as I think so many of us can.

One important thing I felt he shared was that no one knows our pets better than we do. Only we can do what we feel is best when a pet is diagnosed with a terminal illness or when it is time to euthanize them. He said so many people feel so much guilt over this, but they shouldn’t. Yes, it is one of the hardest things we have to do, but he said an animal does not fear death, nor do they worry about it. They come into the world when they need to and then leave when it is their time.

He does not feel their is a heaven for pets… but I’m not so sure about that one. Though I understood what he was saying. I want there to be a heaven where our pets are there waiting for us, but do I know that 100% for sure?  No, I don’t. But when I lose a pet, it is what helps get me through my grieving process believing I will see them again some day.

So in honor of all the pets that gone before us I am giving away a copy of Jon’s new book, which is autographed by Jon.

All you have to do to enter is:

Leave a note in the comments section:  “In memory of (and name of your pet)” or “In honor of (and name of your pet). I’ll choose a name at random from all the entries. Drawing will be on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011.

Another giveaway I am doing is through DogTipper.com.  I am giving away a set of Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Halloween magnets, so be sure to stop over to DogTipper site to enter. That contest runs through Wed. October 19th.

Both giveaways open to the US and Canada only. Magnets and book giveaway will be shipped to winners week of October 23rd.

To Grieve an Animal is Part of Loving Them…

Posted by Barbara Techel

The title of this post was spoken by Marilyn Brooks of Battenkill Bookstore as she talked about her thoughts about Jon Katz’ new book coming out in September, Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die.


It’s so true- to grieve when an animal dies is part of loving them. If we didn’t grieve for them, could we have loved them?  We can’t have one without the other- no matter how hard and painful that grief is.

I’ve had so many people this summer ask me how I will go on without Frankie. I guess now that she has turned 12 recently they see that as limited time together. While this is true, I try not to worry about the “someday.” I had a period last year where I got so caught up in the worrying of “someday” that I was not enjoying each day with her- there came a point where I was completely exhuasted living that way- I don’t want to do that.

 

When I am asked how I will go on without her, I’m not always sure what to say. Most of the time I tell people that yes, it will be very, very hard. Sometimes I tell them I try to focus on the here and now and enjoy each precious moment with her. I know it will be painful and all I will be able to do is just “go through it.” There is no way around it, but through. But most of all I hope in my grief when the day comes, I can find peace and comfort in all the joy and inspiration she brought to this world.

Marilyn Brooker’s Video Review of Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die