Woman's Dog Plays a Part in Her Recovery from Surgery

In honor of National Pet Week and Be Kind to Animals Week: I'd like to profile some of the amazing pet guardians and pets I've come to know since writing Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals.

Today, I'd like to tip my hat to Florence Clark and her dog, Daisy Mae. I met Flo when she signed up for my Fall 2008 Artist Trading Card workshop. Since then we've become friends and she's kept me up-to-date on her creative endeavors.

Flo's dog, Daisy Mae, was captured so delightfully in a small painting she did recently, that I asked her if I could post it on Appalachian Morning (my creativity blog), and she said yes and sent me a second painting she'd done as well.

In my book, Open Your Heart with Pets, I shared the stories of many people whose lives have been rejuvenated, enhanced, redeemed, restored--really I can't think of strong enough words to express just what a pet can mean in the life of an open-hearted human, but I think you must know... Flo does. Daisy Mae does. They share a bond that time and separation couldn't alter and now they are together again and enjoying each new day. Here's what Flo wrote about Daisy Mae and the benefit of spending time creating:

"During my separation from my life as I knew it — including living without my Daisy — it was making art that saved my sanity; first it was the little ATC cards, then a step into art journaling, and finally painting with acrylics on ATC-size canvas. It is in this medium that I have been able to express my love of my Daisy Mae and of art.

"I must add that Daisy and I have been reunited because of the kind lady who rescued her from the kennel and kept her until I was able to take her to live with me again.

"Daisy has been my inspiration as far as recovering from my surgery — she keeps me exercising and she always makes me laugh. We do share a unique bond; she is a blessing to me, and every day we say grace before our meals (she's even learning to bow her head!)and thank God that we awoke that day, that we are together and that we have so many, many blessings. I AM truly blessed — with recovering health, with good friends, loving family, my Daisy and a creative outlet; God is so very good."

Hats off to Flo and Daisy Mae — and Flo, keep up the wonderful creative work — you have a gift of peace and mindfulness that this world needs more of.

(Paintings on this page copyright Florence Clark, 2009. All rights reserved.)

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:

• 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.