Actually every day is a mother’s day. This lifetime commitment isn’t always easy, celebrated, or what you thought it would be. I’ve been lucky enough to be Bess’ Mom for 13 years but she’s the one teaching me. Bess is my beloved Border Collie who romps around the garden and shows me how to love all days:
Wishing all mothers happy days!
Pets are on my mind. I’ve finished viewing “The Truth about Pet Cancer” which I alerted you to in my previous post “Your Pet Trusts You.” And with today being National Pet Day I’m thinking about these beloved creatures more than usual. According to PetSecure.com, “Americans spend over $50 billion annually on their pets, and 36% give their dogs birthday presents.” But why wait for one special day when animals freely give us their love, forgiveness and attention 365 days, year after year after year?
Don’t have, or can’t have a pet you say? It doesn’t matter. Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter American animal shelters every year. These animals don’t have a pet parent or pet guardian — their only hope is caring humans. Cats and dogs come in varied sizes, so are the ways you can help. Here’s some options:
Shop on Amazon Smile and get 0.5% of your purchase donated to a 501(c)(3) pet charity registered on their site. Even better, buy some pet supplies via Amazon Smile then donate them to your local SPCA, no-kill shelter or rescue group.
Support no-kill shelters. Look for no-kill shelters in your area: https://www.nokillnetwork.org/no-kill-animal-shelters.php
Aid rescue groups. Some rescue groups are breed specific:
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/maps/feral-cat-groups/feral_cats_list.html
https://www.habitatforhorses.org/state-national-rescue-links/
For some tips on rescue groups visit: http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-breeds-breed-specific-rescue-group-adoption-tips or http://www.avianwelfare.org/links/organizations.htm
Assist with dog transport and save the life of a dog on death row:
FreedomTrainTransports: http://freedomtraintransports.com
If you’re on FB or Yahoo, take a look at these sites to see what you can do:
Animal Rescue Transport Network: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Rescue-Transport-Network/117998798306519
Rescue Angels on Wheels: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RescueAngelsonWheels
Rescue Transport: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RescueTransport
Help find homes for orphaned pets by signing-up for Shelter Pet PR and promoting the pets on your social media site: https://www.dosomething.org/us/campaigns/shelter-pet-pr
And what about that beloved pet you do have? I thought I gave good care — at least until I realized that Big Farma and Big Pharma have also corrupted the pet food and medical “industries.” Remember, your animal friend relies on you to give them the best of health. It’s not that difficult (and you’ll become healthier too).
Feed a breed-specific diet and the best diet you can afford. For instance, use quality canned food for cats who can dehydrate easily and need more moisture; and if your dog can’t tolerate a totally raw diet, select kibble without soy, corn or rice, and is preferably organic. Supplement a few times each week with raw meat-based scraps and chopped brightly colored veggies like spinach, kale, broccoli and carrots. Blueberries and even a raw egg now and then are good too. Just skip the pizza crust and other highly processed foods! That includes colored food treats too.
Offer plenty of clean water — spring or distilled rather than fluoridated city water — in metal or ceramic bowls. (Get rid of plastic dishes.)
Play with nontoxic toys, get lots of exercise and sunshine!
Consult a holistic vet especially if your pet buddy is already not feeling well. They are trained to help pets achieve quality living without costly surgeries, pharmaceuticals or side effects: https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/
Bess still thanks me for taking her for acupuncture. In two treatments she was running like a pup again — even though she was 11 (and now doing well at 13). She’s not leaving a spec behind of the raw purple cabbage and kale with flaxseed oil and organic raw chicken added to her kibble!
Include animals in your will. If you have a chunk of cash to leave behind, consider naming a charitable pet organization in your will. None of us will be here forever so make sure your pets will be cared for in the event you depart first. For some helpful info, visit: https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/protect-your-prized-pet-create-a-pet-trust or https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/pet-trusts.html
Of course, the standbys of donating money, supplies, and volunteering your time are always needed. Hopefully, National Pet Day is the kickstart for you helping animals all year long — just like the love they give to us every day.
Oh, and if you missed National Hug Your Dog Day yesterday (4/10) — just give them a hug every day too.
Have you noticed how many smiles you see? Or don’t, in this overly busy time of year when buzzing around making returns, shopping, doing errands, or whatever tasks need to be done. I counted only one smile today. And it was a wide one as another customer and I passed each other at the store.
One priceless gift to return is take one second and smile — at whomever you encounter. It’s a gift to yourself as well. You don’t have to say anything, although a pleasant word is a bonus. As is a smile returned.
When you smile, your face muscles trigger a release of endorphins. Helping to reduce stress levels, they are responsible for making you — and others — feel happy.
So the next time you see someone, offer up a smile. Like a breadth of fresh air in a weary day, notice how much lighter you feel too and it didn’t cost you a penny. Just one…second…of conscious…thought. A gift you can be happy to return.
It’s true. Smile and the whole world smiles with you.
Set the energy in motion…Let it begin with you.
