Musings….for the love of Dogs

It’s not money, it’s not diamonds, it’s not gold or other material things okay, maybe a little. One of the secrets to happiness is enjoying canine companionship.

Layla (lying down) & Adele.  Photo: d. king

My friend sent me a link to a book entitled THIS DOG WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE – a uniquely insightful, uplifting, emotional, and informative book that shows us how dogs make our lives better by making us better people.

I’m totally on board with this.  A dog did change my life.  Actually, we changed each other’s lives. His name was Jia Jia.  I wrote a story about how he changed my life (link at bottom if you’re interested – he passed away five years ago).  Now I have two reunited litter-mate sheltie females that are maybe not my whole world okay, maybe a little, but definitely make my world whole. I  could go so far as to say that they complete me.  I cannot imagine my life would be complete without them.

Why do dogs make us better people you might ask?

Because they have an uncanny ability to bring out the best in us. Whether it’s through their loyalty, their boundless joy, or their quiet companionship, they shape our character in ways that are both subtle and profound.  You heard the phrase “Be the person your dog thinks you are.”

Dogs rely on us for care.  We tend to their needs by feeding, walking, comforting and it helps cultivate a deeper sense of responsibility and emotional awareness.  And in return, they offer unconditional love. And love is all or most of what we need.

They love bones too, but don’t have one bad bone in their bodies.  They do not disappoint, abuse or abandon us.  Only people do that.

Their ability to sense our moods encourages us to be more attuned to others’ feelings.

Photo: d. king

Dogs live in the moment. They don’t worry about tomorrow or dwell on yesterday. They like routine. Simple things like a walk, a treat, a belly rub  that reminds us to slow down and appreciate life’s small joys.

Dogs get us outside, moving, and engaging with the world. They can be ice breakers.

They make us more mindful. They help reduce stress and anxiety, making us calmer and more emotionally balanced.

Have you ever known a dog to hold a grudge? They don’t. They forgive quickly and love fiercely. Their loyalty inspires us to be more devoted and trustworthy in our relationships.

And that’s a big part of having a wonderful life – at least for this girl!

You know the funny thing about all of this?  I used to be a cat person!

Walk 4 Awareness – Dogs without Borders

Once you have a wonderful dog in your life, you cannot imagine life without one (or two).

Alongside our pack leader,  animal welfare personality and influencer Lee Asher (THE ASHER HOUSE  Sactuary); a bunch of us came out to Spanish Banks on Sunday for a sold-out event in support of dogs needing adoption.

Lee with Adele + Layla   Photo: d. king

Held outside, they had to limit the numbers because of the amount of dogs and for knowing how much food, coffee + water to supply.

This was sponsored by “THANK DOG I AM OUT” – a registered non-profit society based in Vancouver, BC that is dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of dogs who are at risk of being euthanized, surrendered, abused, or neglected.  Their mandate is to rehome or support discarded dogs.  Sadly, there are many.

Photo: Stacey Harris

They say that shelters are maxed out now.  It’s very sad to hear that many people who got dogs during Covid ended up abandoning them by returning them to shelters when they had to go back to work and no longer had time for them.  For more info:

The fun fundraising walk was 4 km along beautiful Spanish Banks on a gorgeous September morning.  There were two tents for those who registered online with coffee (from the coffee bike) + treats for canines and their companions. Thank Dog I Am Out had merchandise for sale with proceeds going towards their cause.  I bought a hoodie.  Of course there was plenty of time for a photo opp with Lee.

The goodies included WAG BAGS for dogs with bandana, treats + discount coupons.  TISOL (Pet Nutrition + Supply) was a sponsor along with TURF (fitness studio, boutique,  café) and TIM HORTONS.

CANINE CONNECTION dog training experts also had a booth.  They offer private and group classes for training in Vancouver Area & Vancouver Island.

https://www.canineconnectiontraining.ca/

Curser down to “What is THE ASHER HOUSE?” to find out exactly what Lee Asher is doing:

https://www.theasherhouse.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXC-hiAZpMU

Tamara + Ireland
with Stacey, Laurel + little Eddie

Follow him on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/theasherhouse/?hl=en

This little guy named Eddie (short for Eduardo) is looking for a home.  Originally from Mexico, he was found at a high kill shelter in Los Angeles.  He’s now being fostered in Vancouver. You can adopt him here: LOVED AT LAST DOG RESCUE:  https://www.lovedatlastdogrescue.ca/

UPDATE: EDDIE GOT ADOPTED in October, 2023.  Yay!  You can still go to the website above for more rescue dog information.

A very good man