Learning through Grief
I began this post before the untimely loss of my best friend — Bess my beloved 14 1/3 year old border collie. Acceptance soothes my broken heart when acknowledging this will happen to each and everyone of us and everyone we love, that this behest of time is a transformation of life. I continue learning through my loss of Bess…such as doing what I can then letting go, and the power of thought and perspective. I anticipate sharing more from time to time on insights gained through this experience…
“All of life’s experiences are to be either enjoyed or learned from.”
— Alan Cohen
Bess gave me both.
I am curious to know how you process grief. A sage shared this short (18 minute) video with me. Hopefully, you will benefit as well — not just in a time of need.
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:
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.
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).
Animals in my adult life who have graced me with their love…
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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!
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.
…to do the right thing. Please, if you love your pet you need to watch this ASAP. There are several segments but each one is available to see for only 24 hours. I offer this because I gravitate to nature and natural treatments. Much of the critical information is shockingly true for our pets, ourselves and in our society: https://go2.thetruthaboutcancer.com/pet-docuseries/episode-1/
