I chose to have animals in my life. I can’t imagine life without the furry(or finned or feathered) creatures that share my space.

For me, it is not a hard choice. It is what is. They are a part of me, a part of who I am.

With that choice came huge responsibility. Huge commitment. I knew that my time would be taken up with feeding, watering, cleaning, grooming, and training.  Spending time getting to know each soul, learning what they need, want and like. Learning what they are like in ultimate health, and knowing in an instant if someone is feeling poorly. I like to think I do a good job in caring for each and every one of them.

Yes, sometimes, I don’t want to go out to clean up after them. Sometimes I don’t want to haul water in -30 degree weather. And sometimes, I wish they could get their own dinner! But, they depend on me. They need me. They can’t go find their own water, or their own dinner. That is my job. I have them safely tucked behind fences to keep them alive and healthy. Really, they are at my mercy, they have no choice.

I can’t ever remember a time where I regretted having the animals. I can’t ever remember wishing I didn’t have them. I have, on occasion not wanted the work that is involved with keeping them at their best. But it only lasts a second or two, and once I am with them, doing my ‘chores’, I just become content. Content to be with them. I enjoy their company. I truly am amazed at their being-ness…. they are so ‘in the now’. And to them, that is all that is.

I always remember that I chose them to be in my life. And because of the choice I made, I have to look after them. Every Day. Even when I’m ‘just too tired’ or ‘feeling rotten’. I do it anyway. They count on it! And it is always worth it.

I hope I am worthy of their devotion. I hope they keep teaching me about love, life, and about having fun. I hope I keep learning everything they have to teach me….

My choice was easy.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk among my friends about training…. Trying to figure out the best ‘words’ to describe training. Well, the words don’t matter all that much to me, and they certainly don’t matter to the dog(or horse or cat or what ever animal is being trained). What matters is : Do you treat the animal fairly? Do you remain calm? Do you keep training fun and interesting? Can you be firm, without being aggressive or angry or annoyed? Do you ‘think’ like your pet?

The reason I am so successful with animals is because I don’t think like a human when I am working with them….. I think like the species I am working with…. for instance, horses are prey animals, to them, we are predators….. a dog is a predator- You can’t teach them in the same way-they think differently…..

I am always consistent in the way I behave. My animals always know who is going to walk through the door…. Even if I am having a really bad day, my animals won’t know it- well, they instinctively know, and sometimes try to make me feel better-and they are usually successful. What I am saying is, I never treat them differently, just because I am feeling bad….. I never take out my frustration on them….. it isn’t fair….. and they certainly wouldn’t understand.

My crew have kept me grounded(heck they have kept me sane at times). They have given me so much. Taught me so much. They can always make me laugh, and they ‘force’ me to live in the moment. What can be better than that???? If I can Walk their Walk, I will be a better person for it. I already am.

Today was a good day. Didn’t really get up to much. Did some chores. Played with my dogs. Did a bit of shopping. Sounds pretty boring….

I did run into a couple of my ‘old’ clients…. (I say old because of course, I am no longer working at the same store-I was laid off) It was really nice to see them…. I miss that part of working. All the people that I met, and chatted with. And became friends with. I am glad we are in a small(ish) town, and I do run in to folks on occasion….

I hope that I will see many more of my clients and friends. My departure from work was quite sudden, and unexpected, so I didn’t have time to tell people that I wouldn’t be there anymore….. That is the sad part to me…. I feel like I’ve left things unfinished….

Ah well, such is life I guess.

Life does go on, and I plan to live it to the fullest!

Hope to see you soon!

Peace and Love,

Dana