What is it about a dog, cat, parrot, or other pet that enables it to gently nudge (or, in the case of Golden Retrievers, gallop) their way into our lives and hearts? Certainly, there's the "cute factor." But only some of the pets that folks adopt or purchase are adorable puppies, kittens, or geeky, dependant parrots. The desire to love, nurture, rescue... that's a strong desire for many people. Yet, even these people who are thinking of what they can give to the animal, are surprised to find it's the pet that ends up bringing so much to their lives.
We might forget who our best friend was in third grade, but we remember our childhood pet. How they listened, how they smelled, their funny antics. It is this acceptance by animals that allows them to help those of us whose hearts might be a bit closed, "a few sizes too small," as Dr. Seuss might say.
Animals are unique to humans in their ability (gentle or tenacious depending on the species) to make progress into the heart of a person who, for whatever reason, is limping along in life with the door to their heart firmly bolted. The very fact that this closing of the heart is often the result of our experiences with another human being enables the dependant, forgiving, and dependable animal to encourage us to keep on.
Like many kids, I was bullied as a child, by a family of tough children who roamed the neighborhood free of parental guidance. These were the kind of kids who could sense insecurity a mile away, and knew just where to strike. (We're all familiar with them, as they grow up to be adults who send us to bookstores to purchase books on dealing with difficult people.) How great it was to come home from school to my miniature dachshund, Joey, who thought I was wonderful. He couldn't wait to see me; he was always there. After Joey, there was a toy poodle, Suzette. She was the girlfriend always ready to put up with my experiments in dog grooming. I felt prettier just holding her.
Our dogs were a source of happiness and security when life seemed mean. Think back to your first pet. What was it? How did you feel when you spent time with it? What did you tell your pet that you never told anyone else?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Snowfall Creates Fun for Creatures Great and Small
Yippee! It's snowing and Mom's taken me outside!!!!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
What is an open heart?
In the winter of 2006, Meg Bertini, a vibrant, intelligent publisher for whom I'd done some illustrations, asked me if I'd like to write on the theme Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals. Meg had launched the "Open Your Heart" series of books on a wide range of subjects and as she knew my love of animals, and of writing, it seemed a good match.
I was excited at the prospect of holding the finished book in my hands, and being able to say I was published by Dreamtime Publishing, but first I had to write it... And, even before that, I spent some time musing about what it means to have an open heart. Here's what I came up with:
When I put these thoughts to paper, I realized that I would have the easiest of all the Dreamtime authors. Their subjects were basketball, skiing, reading, singing, geocaching, art... Really, what is more able to open one's heart than a pet?
When I was writing Open Your Heart with Pets, I had the pleasure of communicating with pet lovers throughout the U.S. They generously shared their stories, and the response only increased my belief that pets, and their unique instincts and gifts, can give us as much, if not more, than we can give them.
I was excited at the prospect of holding the finished book in my hands, and being able to say I was published by Dreamtime Publishing, but first I had to write it... And, even before that, I spent some time musing about what it means to have an open heart. Here's what I came up with:
An open heart is a heart that feels comfortable saying: "Let's try." "We'll find a way." "Let's learn something new." An open heart is a heart that is not afraid; it knows how to endure sadness. It knows how to heal and how to forgive. It is strong and loving. An open heart is not exclusively feminine or masculine. At its most basic, an open heart is a heart that is not afraid to love deeply. It is not blind to cost, or reason, or practicality--but it's not necessarily governed by those factors either. An open heart sees possibilities. It has vision. It is patient, it is wise.
Most would agree--an open heart is a good thing--for a man or woman with an open heart is a joy and a pleasure to be around. Their positive attitude and energy are infectious, even inspiring. Open-hearted individuals may be leaders or they may be a quiet, constant manifestation of goodness to their immediate circle. Intelligence, good health, family connections, and money are not prerequisites to opening one's heart to a pet. You can begin wherever you are in life's journey--in fact, starting the process lets in that sliver of light on the door of a heart, and we know just how much can grow and happen with the smallest bit of light.
When I put these thoughts to paper, I realized that I would have the easiest of all the Dreamtime authors. Their subjects were basketball, skiing, reading, singing, geocaching, art... Really, what is more able to open one's heart than a pet?
When I was writing Open Your Heart with Pets, I had the pleasure of communicating with pet lovers throughout the U.S. They generously shared their stories, and the response only increased my belief that pets, and their unique instincts and gifts, can give us as much, if not more, than we can give them.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Farley, the Open Hearted Mutt
Part whippet, part beagle, and who knows what else, Farley (age 4) has the most beautiful brindle patterning I've ever seen. She is my husband, Mark's, dog and could be the Poster Pet for "Most Open-Hearted Dog." Farley must have had Yeats' phrase, "There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met," whispered into her floppy ears at the moment of birth. She loves "cookies" and everyone.
Is this due to a perfect puppyhood? Not likely. Farley was adopted from an animal shelter, so the first six months of life were rather rocky for her. Until I married her "Daddy" last August, and brought my two dogs, Tyler (Pekingese) and Jackie (Chihuahua) into her home, she'd not lived with other dogs. Still, she's friendly with every dog on our block of frequent dog walkers, and greets everyone she meets with unbridled enthusiasm.
She's a smart dog – not all dogs are, of course. When she casts a wary sideways glance at human or canine, it's not in skepticism but analysis. Once she's categorized things into her mental file drawer and committed scent, behavior, voice, and appearance to memory – or so I imagine – she's ready for further attention. Or, if the subject is otherwise preoccupied, a nap.
Being so friendly can be tiring
Life is simple for Farley, but she is far from a simpleton. Somehow she's learned the secret to open heartedness or, more likely, it is in her very nature and has been reinforced by the consistent loving attention of Mark over the last four years.
In my work as a freelance editor, many self-help books have crossed my desk. So, to wrap up today, let's see what the Table of Contents in Farley's self-help book might contain:
Is this due to a perfect puppyhood? Not likely. Farley was adopted from an animal shelter, so the first six months of life were rather rocky for her. Until I married her "Daddy" last August, and brought my two dogs, Tyler (Pekingese) and Jackie (Chihuahua) into her home, she'd not lived with other dogs. Still, she's friendly with every dog on our block of frequent dog walkers, and greets everyone she meets with unbridled enthusiasm.
She's a smart dog – not all dogs are, of course. When she casts a wary sideways glance at human or canine, it's not in skepticism but analysis. Once she's categorized things into her mental file drawer and committed scent, behavior, voice, and appearance to memory – or so I imagine – she's ready for further attention. Or, if the subject is otherwise preoccupied, a nap.
Being so friendly can be tiring
Life is simple for Farley, but she is far from a simpleton. Somehow she's learned the secret to open heartedness or, more likely, it is in her very nature and has been reinforced by the consistent loving attention of Mark over the last four years.
In my work as a freelance editor, many self-help books have crossed my desk. So, to wrap up today, let's see what the Table of Contents in Farley's self-help book might contain:
- Chapter 1: Everyone is my friend. If they are not, I've forgotten it.
- Chapter 2: Today is the most important day of my life and it is going to be great!
- Chapter 3: I'm happy with the toys and food I've got.
- Chapter 4: My stepsister is a b_ _ ch, but it's not about me.
- Chapter 5: Walking outdoors is good for me.
- Chapter 6: I've never actually caught a squirrel, but I keep the dream alive.
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