By Bob | June 26, 2011 at 05:34 PM EDT | No Comments
I’m a sniffer. So much so I could probably use a support group if there was one. I’d stand up to the group and say “Hi, my name is Bob and I’m a sniffer.” Everyone would say “Hi Bob” and then I would tell my story as they drank strong coffee. I can’t help myself. It is genetically programmed, but most of all I WANT to do it. I get great joy from smelling a freshly peed on pole. However, my desire creates a problem on walks as my humans don’t have the same want to stop every ten feet. Naturally, it started me thinking. However, not while sniffing because I can’t think and sniff at the same time….come to think of it I can’t hear or do anything while sniffing, which is also part of the problem …Anyway, what I started thinking about is wants, who gets them, why do some not, is there a middle ground? If mom wants to walk and I want to sniff, who gets what they want? I’ve talked about compromise and balance before but I think the idea of wants is a separate topic all together that is a much larger issue.
Getting what we want is something I think everyone struggles with these days. You have people who take and take and are very good at making sure they get what they want in life. Oil companies come to mind. Then on the other end of the spectrum you have those that sacrifice their own needs and enjoyment by never reaching for the proverbial brass ring, or getting basic needs met because too many people told them they don’t deserve it. You are a woman so you don’t deserve the promotion. You were born poor so you must stay poor. What is the middle ground of getting your own and allowing others? Is it a fine line that is hard to see, or a wide plank we just choose not to walk on? Plus, how do you define where it is? One person may view someone as selfish while another calls them an inspiring and outgoing entrepreneur. A gray area really grows when the want is supposed to be for others. A Greenpeace activist may seem less selfish if he tries to prevent whaling but what if a sailor dies on his mission? Was his want justifiable despite the outcome? If we go back to the person who sacrifices or never gets want they want in life, are they loving and selfless or weak and a victim?
Our wants obviously define us and shape who we are and can take us in different directions on our journey. Maybe finding the fine line is an individual issue that is a part of personal growth. Maybe each want needs to be looked at by each individual: is that second bowl of ice cream good for you, or does cheating your neighbor really get you ahead? Therefore, could it be said all wants are merely to compensate insecurities? Perhaps wants can remind us to walk each step in life with love. Love keeps us from tipping into the greedy selfish side hurting others but at the same keeps us from hurting ourselves. If you have an answer to this, I’d love to hear it. But is there really ever an answer? So many questions. All I know for sure is that I can smell squirrel butt on a blade of grass whether I need to or not, beyond that all is very gray.
As you contemplate this blog topic, think of the emotional and physical impact on all things on this planet if everyone did what they wanted simply because it was what they wanted. But if everyone sacrificed extensively would there be any better emotional health worldwide? Perhaps awareness is the best first step.
By Bob | May 03, 2011 at 04:16 PM EDT | No Comments
Fun stuff at http://www.obeythepurebreed.com/
My last blog entry talked about possible reasons why we perceive things as we do. Then I wondered how we can change our perception and I thought about the old saying one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. It isn’t always easy to change our perception since past events and people can cause deep roots and repetitive grooves to how we feel and act. So how do we change, see the treasure in all things, when often subconscious feelings only allow us to see junk? There are numerous self-help books out there and I doubt I could tell you anything you don't know, but I thought I would share what we’re doing at my house right now in case it gives you a spark. Affirmations. I’m sure you’ve heard of them, and maybe even done them in the past, but I want to suggest you add them to your daily life…unless, of course, you like using the rubber band on the wrist method and snapping it when you have a negative thought.
Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, does a wonderful job of walking you through the power of affirmations and gives suggestions on what to say for different areas of your emotional and physical state. According to Louise, you don’t even have to initially believe your affirmation but it opens the door for the Universe to help guide your subconscious toward growth and change. She suggests the first one to start working with is “I approve of myself.” It may sound simple or silly but you’d be amazed at how difficult it can be to look yourself in the mirror and say it. Question some of the words the little voice inside your head uses to taint your perception. Break that little voice’s habits and train it to say positive things. Affirmations can help.
My daily affirmation is I move forward, free from the past. I am safe, I am free. Rex got the world is a safe and friendly place. I am safe. I am at peace with life. Mom is releasing the need for Lyme disease, among other things. My boy says on the way to school It is a great day and my teachers are loving and compassionate.
What do you need to affirm? Accepting love? Forgiving yourself or others? Your beauty? Makes me think of another great saying, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.Your animal companions see your beauty, make sure you do too. If not, say to yourself in the mirror every day “I am beautiful.” Start seeing the treasure that is you and soon you will see all that glitters around you. You can fill in those old grooves and use yet another old saying and perceive the glass as half fullinstead of the glass as half empty.
Okay, enough of the old sayings. But really, affirmations are easy as pie. Oh, I just couldn't resist. Now I'll really stop. Until next time, keep racing for your dreams.
By Bob | March 30, 2011 at 04:21 PM EDT | No Comments
There is a lot of frustration in the world today. My mother has taken to using the word ‘really’ in a questioning, sarcastic tone whenever someone does something beyond her belief. A friend of hers tends to like referring to those types as “dumbass” (no offense to any equine out there because we all know you are very special.). Even my boy isn’t immune as he vents about how each boy wants to play foursquare their way during recess. Needless to say people are pushing each other’s buttons more and more.
Luckily, once again the sagging couch cushions have given me just the right acupressure on just the right points to get the chi flowing and come up with a possible reason for all this frustration. My eyes rolled back in my head, my tongue rolled out of my mouth, the light became bright and angels sang…okay, maybe I was just in my usual napping position, and the stereo and light got turned on…but either way, I once again have an idea for you all to ponder.
Consider that our lives are movies that we view through our eyes. We are the stars and as stars we naturally want everything to go our way. We want people to want to hear our ideas, believe as we do and do things as we do. Unfortunately others are starring in movies of their own simultaneously with their own ideas and are rarely concerned about their roll in ours. The result is a lot of frustration and fear that some of our movie or life is bad because of them, and we view their behavior as less than desirable. The thing to remember though is everyone is behaving the way they are supposed to for their journey in life. I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a little upset at crazy dictators, but the person who chose to build a giant, eye-sore house down the street isn’t doing it purposefully to ruin your life. They are doing the best they can just like you.
Taking it a little further, consider that maybe your frustration might not be what others are doing but how we view things and the deep-seated negative thoughts we have about ourselves. Author Louise Hay says, “All the events you have experienced in your lifetime up to this moment have been created by your thoughts and beliefs you have held in the past. However, that is your past. No matter what the problem is, our experiences are just outer effects of inner thoughts. What is important in this moment is what you are choosing to think and believe and say right now. For these thoughts and words will create your future. Your point of power is in the present moment.” In other words, you hate the neighbor's giant house because you don't feel you deserve one. Ultimately the quality of our lives is our responsibility and ours alone. So let go of old, negative beliefs and simply choose happiness for yourself. When you feel good about yourself what others do is not such a concern and out goes the frustration. Problem solved once again by looking within instead of out.
So what do I choose to believe to change my experiences? I get that squirrel!
By Bob | March 01, 2011 at 02:28 PM EST | No Comments
Just as dogs have individual personalities, they also have varying boundaries. My mom just talked to a Dalmation in foster care that didn’t want to be around young children. A lot of dogs don’t want small kids grabbing their face, while some love to lick away whatever treats are left on fingers and faces. Not all dogs want to greet or be greeted, sniff or be sniffed by other dogs either. Take our little Rex for example. If you are an adult bring on the kisses. If you are a kid you may or may not be liked. If you are a dog the Grand Canyon of boundaries instantly appears. His doggy obedience teacher educated my humans that dogs don’t have to like or greet every dog. His reaction needs to be well mannered but we can’t force him to be in close contact if he doesn’t want to be. Makes sense, because do you like every person you come across? We can help our dogs be balanced by respecting their boundary needs and teaching them to respect those of other dogs. (That means you, you crazy Labradoodle up the street that pulls his owner behind him trying to pounce on every dog.) It is important to remember that dogs can’t be lumped into one big “dog” category and there is no one way they all will act at the dog park. Cats are actually excellent at setting boundaries. (FYI: This is one of the few if not the only time I will be complimenting cats.) If they want you to touch them they come up to you. If they don’t want you they stay away. And if you don’t respect their boundary, you receive the claws. A bit barbaric but whether you realize it or not, you do what they ask.
With humans it is a whole other story. Boundaries are needed because they help create balance, and yet they appear to be so hard to set for some and so hard to respect for others. If you are one of those that have difficulty setting them, a wise woman recommends imagining some shutters in front of your heart. When the person you are with is creating a positive, loving, respectful situation, your shutters can be wide open. But if someone is pushing and negative, then close the shutters and excuse yourself from the situation. It doesn’t mean you are being rude or have to be forceful in any way. You deserve to protect yourself and have limits, and you definitely have the right to say no. Saying “now isn’t a good time for me” is the truth and a kind way to close the shutters. It also does not mean those shutters need to be forever closed with any one person; you are simply setting boundaries as to how much of their negativity you are willing to absorb at any given time. For those people who repeatedly don’t get your polite boundary hints, I give you permission to channel your inner cat and bring out the claws…just kidding….well maybe just a little.
That is all for now. Until next time: teach children early on to ask permission to pet a strange dog and always, always respect the dog’s boundaries and pet the body until you know him better! And remember, people who don’t respect boundaries usually don’t like you to set them either and may try to make you feel bad, but you have every right to protect yourself physically and energetically.
By Bob | January 31, 2011 at 05:49 PM EST | No Comments
Today I want to talk about lost animals. My mom gets a fair number of calls from people about their animals being “lost.” First, let me say I have nothing but sympathy for the humans when their furry family member disappears. I know how much they miss them and worry about their safety. It is also heart wrenching to have heard the panic in an animal’s spirit that just wants to find their way home after bolting accidentally from the house. What people don’t realize is that communicating to find a “lost” animal is a very challenging task for a communicator because there can be so much more going on. Normally people are solely focused on getting the animal back, rightly so. Yet the human’s high emotions can affect telepathic clarity; the animal may be too upset or hurt to connect with; or quite possibly the animal doesn’t want to be found. This last thing presents the biggest challenge because not all animals are “lost” and that is something hard for people to hear and understand when they just want the animal home and things back the way they were.
As many of you know, animals have their own personalities and beliefs, as well as jobs and journeys to fulfill. What you think has happened in a “lost” situation and the outcome you want is not always as the animal sees it. There are those who make the conscious choice to leave. One cat my mom talked to just wanted to adventure and was nearby. He promised to come home if his human would let him out more. She did and he did; happy ending. Then there was the one cat that wanted to be wild and another that left because his human’s daughter moved in with her cats and he wasn’t happy about it. Sometimes an animal may feel they fulfilled their job with one family and they need to move onto the next.
Sadly there are those that leave to pass away like a herding dog that was so proud of her skills on the farm but once she could no longer perform to her standards she chose to leave her body. No one likes accepting that an animal has passed while missing but it is another possibility making what a communicator has to convey very difficult. Interestingly though there are stories of animals leaving their bodies and new spirits coming in to use them, or animals leaving but changing their mind and return home battered and bruised. This reminds us that often it is ultimately the animal’s choice and journey.
If someone’s animal were to go missing, I would tell them to stay as calm as possible, focus on the love between them and their animal, and let go of outcome expectations if possible. Anxiety can create an atmosphere that can actually prevent the animal from coming home, sort of like a fog to get through. Instead, send out thoughts of love, strength and positive energy that the animal is safe and capable. Also use the Golden Chord exercise to help direct them home if they are truly lost. I’d tell them to do what is needed to find the animal, and then rejoice when the animal returns. But if that return is not to be, it is okay to grieve but honor the animal by finding the strength to move on while hanging onto good memories, learn what they came into your life to teach and give forward what they gave you during the time together.
I pray that nothing like the above ever happens to any of you. But just in case, don’t forget to hug your animal family today and thank them for being a part of your life.
By Bob | January 11, 2011 at 04:10 PM EST | No Comments
Hello 2011! A new year and new adventures! I’m ready to sniff new butts, pee on exotic foliage and make this year the year I catch a squirrel. Rex on the other hand isn’t so sure about things. The picture above shows his reaction to boxes of Christmas decorations brought into the living room last month. He didn’t like them at all; scooted away from them right onto my back and didn’t leave until everything in the room was sorted out. He’s normally quite a likable guy but fear tends to take over when he can’t control unknown things. He bounces between aggression toward other dogs to cowering from loud noises and toys. Being a dog means needing to understand where you are in the pack, what your responsibilities are and where the boundaries are. Without those things, fear sets in and dogs can become neurotic. Between you and me I’m not anxious to deal with a neurotic pug if it means becoming his comfort pillow.
Luckily my human family is trying to help him. Rex came to the house not knowing how to respond to any requests from ‘sit’ to ‘no’, so the first remedy was a basic obedience class. He is beginning to understand what is expected of him and knows to look to the family for support. He has also been taking the flower essences, Mimulus and Rock Rose, both for fear. He even gets a healthy raw diet, some energy work and of course hugs and kisses. The body, mind and spirit are being looked after. Being an older dog he’s probably had issues a while, so it is going to take some time to change his reaction habits but it is coming. Small dogs can have it harder because while loved very much they don’t get the obedience training a larger dog gets. No one gets hurt when a Chihuahua jumps up on them so no need to teach obedience. Wrong! They are still dogs and still need their boundaries and roles.
I just keep telling him to let it all go and relax because ultimately you can’t control anything. Controlling is merely something that keeps the ego mind busy so that it can believe it is safe because life is orderly and can therefore ignore the fear of what might happen otherwise. However, it is a short-term peace, since eventually fear will rear its ugly head by way of something you can’t possibly control. Weeds will continue to grow in your garden, your child will eventually get their feelings hurt by a friend, and your spouse will react based on their own journey in life. Control, like fear, is all in our minds. Not to mention, fearing what might happen if we aren’t in control is a lot of energy wasted because most of the time the strength of our spirit handles what does come along a lot better than we think. And an added bonus is that a lot of times what we feared ends up not so bad after all. Fear must be faced and acknowledged for what it is: nothing - until we make it something. This new year, be sure to look at your body, mind and spirit. Stop giving fear an existence, relax, and enjoy the adventures that await you.
I’ll keep you posted on Rex. He is doing a lot better and I suspect one day soon he may be as awesome as me. However, that does not mean I will relinquish my top-dog status here at the house. He’s too short for the job anyway.
Wishing you all peace and joy in 2011. Until next time: never underestimate a good roll in the snow and keep racing for your dreams.
By Bob | December 15, 2010 at 10:08 PM EST | No Comments
‘
'Tis the season and I love it! The magic is everywhere in smiles, twinkling lights, music and the joy from children. It is a time of love, wonder and belief that someone, anyone you believe in, is out there wanting to make your wishes come true. Rex and I couldn’t wait to tell the Big Guy in Red our wishes. Here are our lists:
Rex:
Food
A longer nose
Treats
Tolerance toward other dogs
More food
To get to sleep in the big human bed
A few more treats
To live at my new home forever
Bob:
My very own couch I don’t have to share
Automatic squirrel rifle with scope
A bone that never ends
My corns gone
That all shelter dogs find homes this year
The decorations are up and our lists have been delivered. Now it is up to the magic. Without magic life would be one dimensional and flat. If only we could keep our eyes on the magic brought by the holidays throughout the year. It isn’t as if it all disappears once the packaging is cleaned up. It is there in the kind gestures by strangers, a parents healing kiss on a child's boo-boo, the speed of a hummingbird’s wings, when bulbs bloom and in the miracle of birth. Open your mind and your heart and let the magic in. Maybe ask that someone you give your wish list to for help. Whatever it takes let the magic flow!
I wish all my wonderful readers a joyous holiday season and may 2011 bring you peace, good health and prosperity…and lots of magic, of course!
Thought you would like to see what these little guys in my neighborhood are up to.
By Bob | November 17, 2010 at 06:38 PM EST | No Comments
We’re coming up again on the American tradition called Thanksgiving. Being a dog, I’m not privy though to all the specifics having never gone to grammar school or traced my paw and turned it into a picture of a turkey. Apparently it celebrates an awesome soiree held by pilgrims and Native Americans. I’m guessing due to the official name given the holiday, everyone was giving thanks for the summer bounty and the pilgrims were especially thankful that the natives saved their starving butts. Lucky for the pilgrims they were smart enough to look past any prejudices they had of these so-called savages who lived so differently and came together for the good of the village. So maybe rather than only seeing the holiday as a time to give thanks for what we currently have, also use it as a reminder to be open to the adversity and differences that we encounter in all aspects of our lives and embrace them as blessings of which will enrich us in ways we can’t imagine.
Reasons aside, I wonder if it has become a catch all day for people to get all of their thanking out of the way in one fell swoop. It’s like going to the gym once, buying an annual membership and never actually going again. Just as you need to continue to go to the gym to get fit, you need to be thankful throughout the year to receive the benefits. The more thankful we are, the more we give back and thus create a circle of love and more connection to those and that around us. Maybe that is what holidays are truly about. Instead of using it like a ‘get out of jail free’ card, it is a wonderful reminder for us of all of the work we still need to do.
We dogs are very good at being thankful. We get a treat and we wag our tail in gratitude. Give us a hug, we give you a kiss. Save us and our brown eyes melt your heart. Besides telling their humans they love them, the second most communicated thing by animals via my mom’s consultations is “thank you” for all the care they receive. So be like a dog, take care of all that gratitude stuff during the rest of the year so that you can focus on the best part of Thanksgiving: the FOOD! Remember, I’m a dog.
Cheers to everyone! Stay safe throughout the holiday and tell your animal family “you’re welcome” the next time they snuggle next to you.
By Bob | October 12, 2010 at 01:53 PM EDT | No Comments
Some hound help in math class!
It has been a bit longer than I would like since my last blog entry, and I apologize. You see, I am at the mercy of my typist who had other priorities; one of those being a family vacation. No, we four-legged beasts were not able to partake but we did get to stay home with a gorgeous, college co-ed that didn’t know the biscuit limit. I must admit blogging was therefore not my focus either. All brain power was diverted to sending her the “treat” vibe. Based on Rex’s new waistline, she was easily swayed.
Another distraction was the start of fourth grade for my boy. It was a very hectic start learning a whole new set of expectations and getting to know a new teacher and her rules. Unfortunately it wasn’t a very smooth start for anyone. There were a lot of emotions and a lot of different opinions and perhaps somewhere the bigger picture was lost as to what was in the best interest of students, as well as teacher.
Even the best of intentions can sometimes get off track. Passions and fears about a subject can easily take us to a non-grounded place. Take for example a lost cat my mom talked to for a woman who considered herself an animal rescuer. The woman wanted a declawed cat trapped and adopted out so it was safe from the coyotes and dangers of the area, a noble gesture. No argument there. However, the cat didn’t want to be rescued. She managed to trap it and get it into a home, a home which he soon left. Once again the woman was frantic to find it. Tears flowed as she begged my mom to try again and again to communicate with the cat and get it to come forth. She spent thousands of dollars on this cat, which even included a tracking dog. She lost sight of the bigger picture: what was truly in the best interest of the cat, what was logically attainable, what could her money have done to help more than one animal, and that it ultimately isn’t about what she personally needed from the situation. Her emotions took over, blinded her logic and her good intentions created more harm than good.
I think it is wise to occasionally step back and question if the ideas and campaigns being championed for, whether considered good or bad, haven’t lost sight of the big picture and require some moderation. Our desires, emotions or fears can make us believe we are doing things for the right reason, absolutely, 100%, no if’s and or but’s.But if we step back and view things as a whole, as others may see it, and how it affects ourselves and others, we can often see that a situation needs a middle ground. Then we can walk more peacefully on the earth.
By Bob | August 05, 2010 at 03:57 PM EDT | No Comments
Today I would like to share with you a walk in my neighborhood.
These penguins began as 3 and blossomed to 12. They move around the yard throughout the year. They sparkled at Christmas and played soccer during the World Cup.
Birds seem to be popular in the neighborhood. Last Halloween these guys had awesome homemade robot costumes. Aluminum foil is not just for cooking. I think the family diversity is a nice touch.
This guy started as a dinosaur years ago and has morphed into a giraffe. Who doesn’t like a giraffe looking out for you as you walk by? I find it very calming.
The items here have tripled since I joined the neighborhood. There is always something new to see. The fake cowboy is a little creepy though.
Sometimes a home simply wants to make a good point.
This is just a sample of some of the things you see. Some people like the decorations and some think they are crazy, but everyone looks. No matter the emotion, it is a nice break when reality gets too serious. I hope you got a little joy during this walk through my neighborhood and maybe it will encourage you to spread a little at your house.
By Bob | July 15, 2010 at 10:04 PM EDT | No Comments
I’m a little late writing because my human grandparents visited during the past couple of weeks and we had so much fun I have had to recuperate. We took the ferry to an island and ran around an old naval fort. It is one of three called The Triangle of Death, which were to prevent a Japanese water invasion of Puget Sound in WWII. Another day we drove up a lovely road and hiked in a forest. Before the road was made, travel in this area north of Seattle had to be done by boat.
One day everyone went to a place I couldn’t go but they talked about it at home. It was a tour of Seattle’s historical underground. Seems due to sewage and flooding, Seattle streets got built up to its second story. All the commerce and activity continued but it was “underground” as the sidewalks eventually got covered up after people kept falling in. Over time the shops turned to brothels, and from there things went down hill until eventually the underground was boarded up. History is so cool! It is amazing to think another person stood in the same spot as you so long ago. What was it like through their eyes? How did they feel, how did they affect the future, and how are we connected?
It all brings to mind something I heard once. All the water that exists on earth has, for the most part, always existed on earth. The amount remains essentially the same because water recycles itself through evaporation and precipitation. So the next glass of water you drink might have been in a bubbling spring millions of years ago that a dinosaur relieved himself in. (This idea might have prompted the ‘no peeing in the pool’ rules of today.) Just as water molecules have affected beings throughout time, can the same be said of emotions? We put ourselves ‘out there’ when we emote. We ‘share’ love. We ‘spread’ fear. So are those emotions floating around, recycling like the water in the atmosphere? Do we feel the fear and anxiety at a WWII battle location? Does the stress of a miner getting robbed, late at night in the Seattle underground bank permeate the walls that remain? Do you feel the love of a young woman on her wedding day 100 years ago? It makes you think a little bit about what you put out there. Obviously if you have to exist in a recycled pool of emotions, the loving ones would be a nicer swim…unlike dinosaur urine.
Keep up the good thoughts. Until next time: never underestimate the wisdom of the ages and keep racing for your dreams.
‘
