Cultivating Creativity

These days it seems like everything is focused on commitments and obligations. That isn't a bad thing but it does leave little time for the creative, expressive side of me to flourish. I miss that. When I was a kid I spent a lot of time creating as most kids do. As children we entertain ourselves and explore life with imagination and expression. Some of us are lucky enough to have that tendency encouraged. I was. Whether it was music, dancing, drawing, whatever, I could escape most daunting situations through creativity. As an adult and, oddly enough, the older I get, the less that has been cultivated because of time constraints, lack of outside encouragement, excuses and just plain lack of motivation. Not that I don't have it all in my mind. I see things in my mind's eye all the time. I remember the excitement of taking photos of leaves falling against a beautiful blue sky, printing them, mounting them to poster board and writing a poem about Autumn. I was consumed by the project. It wasn't for any reason other than expressing a part of me that felt good, made me happy. I don't know that anyone even saw it. After a few years I looked at it and thought, "hmm, don't need that taking up space anymore" so I tossed it. No big deal. It served it's purpose. What happens as we get older? Now I feel like there needs to be a reason, a justification for creating something. For taking the TIME to be creative. It isn't "productive" if it doesn't have a reason. I pledge to myself that I am going to allow myself the opportunities to be creative, even if it means some other things have to be put off. This will have to be a balancing act as putting things off can sometimes cause stress and the whole point is to feel more emotionally and mentally balanced. This is a good time to start this process since it is the Christmas season. There are many ways to be creative and still be productive. Well, here I go....a project that has been on my mind for a while will begin. Support will need to come from inside. Motivation will have to be conquered. A lost way of prioritizing will be brought forth again.

WORKS WITH DOGS is up and running full swing! WooHoo! A dream come true. Now I am capable of expanding my work with dogs outside of the water or in home visits. The possibilities are exciting. At this point I am doing massage, Reiki and using the FitPAWS® conditioning equipment in a warm, cozy environment in the same complex as SplashDog. I will be adding Pet 1st Aid/CPR classes, Intro. to Canine Massage classes and other workshops after the first of the year. Come visit me at the Holiday Open House at Firdale Village, Friday, November 30th from 5-8pm and Saturday, December 1st from 2-5pm. Many of the businesses at Firdale, including SplashDog, The Dining Dog, DMarie's Doggie Boutique, will have special deals as well as snacks and drinks. The Dining Dog is holding their annual Santa photo shoot for your pup on Sat. from 12-2. Thanks for the support!

A Dark, Rainy, Winter Evening

Meanwhile, after hours at the InterUrban Building.... Devi and Rusty decide it's play time!

SEEing part of BEing

This morning as I was barreling down the short stretch of the Interurban Trail, on my way to the bus terminal at 6:45 am, I realized that my line of sight had been a tunnel straight ahead since I started the walk. I looked up at the sky, above the streetlights and ambient haze to see a beautiful predawn light creeping into the dark blue-black and tiny pin pricks of crystal clear light twinkling through. An audible chuckle came from my throat as I got this deep down feeling that nature was smiling on me,almost like a game of peek-a-boo.
My stress of catching the bus and the day ahead rolled away. Water over a pebble. I am thankful.

Help Our Local Economy, Shop Locally This Holiday Season

Please think about helping your local businesses this holiday season. How about gift certificates for things people love, like massage, or a movie at the Edmonds Theater. We have so many great restaurants...Think of one you have heard good things about but haven't been to yet (like Caravan Kebab maybe) and take a friend to lunch or dinner. Glorious Treasures at Firdale Village is what it sounds like; a treasure trove of eclectic items someone on your list will love! Don't forget about the sweet animals... How about a day at The Whole Pup, or Peanut's Pals (for small dogs). The Whole Pup also offers grooming and has training available that is fun and productive (I can attest). How about a holiday meal for your dog at The Dining Dog? It is a one of a kind experience for you and your dog! SplashDog has gift certificates and (shameless plug) so does Works with Dogs if your pup needs some cozy physical therapy.
So, happy holiday season to everyone and thank you for shopping locally and supporting your friends and neighbors!

Coming to Terms

Okay, I should be working. I have a lot of work to get done and feel like there is no end to the additional projects that pop up. But, right now I have to stop, reflect and acknowledge what I have been dealing with lately.

As someone who works with dogs professionally to try to ease pain and discomfort I am very often working with old dogs and disabled or mobility challenged dogs. When I say often, I'm talking about probably ninety percent of my canine clients fall into that category. I feel good about what I do. My clients and their guardians are usually helped and most often report success to some degree. The difficulty comes from the fact that they are old.

Old dogs are special. Like elderly humans the dogs sometimes change in ways we can understand if we put thought into it. They can become more demanding, more stubborn, more dependent on a strict routine and other mental changes occur that can be tough to deal with. They also start showing signs of physical changes like difficulty getting up and down, general mobility problems, change of sleep patterns, and weaker bladder and control of bowels plus loss of hearing and site. It isn't easy growing old and these dogs, our family members, need more care and attention as they go through these changes. They deserve our patience and understanding.

Caring for an elderly dog can be challenging to say the least. As a complimentary care health practitioner who works with these dogs my challenge is to deal with what is going on with them and their family through the aging process. Seeing them once a week or every other week, it doesn't take long for me to become very close to them. I develop a special feeling for each of the dogs I work with. When the time comes that I won't see one of them again it is painful.

Recently one of the beautiful dogs I have worked with for 4 years passed away. I was allowed to say goodbye to him. I am so grateful to his family for allowing me to have some one on one time with him and touch him one more time. I loved this dog very much. My pain is nothing compared to what his family feels I know. I've been on that side too.

Just as I move on and begin to book new clients and meet more dogs that need care, I am surprised to find out that another of my clients has failed. The circumstances are beyond the guardians means and probably beyond the point of any Veterinary care other than palliative or hospice. The dog's guardian was distraught and defeated. He didn't know who to call or try to contact. We discussed options and I was able to give him some referrals of in home Vet.'s that could help him help his dog pass on.

After hanging up from this last conversation I feel a strange detachment. Not from the dog or the guardian but from daily life. Almost as if I am moving out of a home. That feeling I get when I have been comfortable for a long period of time with my surroundings and now I have to walk away. That is how I cope. Sometimes it is much harder to do than other times. Today is hard. I will allow it to be but tomorrow I must walk.

Oliver Goes Swimming

Hi my name is Oliver. You may have seen my picture on J's site (although I am much handsomer in person) as I occasionally get massages from her

About a month ago my mom picked me up at The Whole Pup (another good place to see pics of me) and said "you are going to see J Linn tomorrow and swim!" Huh I thought-me swim. Oh no I don't think so. I am a Lhasa (ok mix but still) not a LAB-what was she thinking??

Saturday arrived and off we went-yippee. I have been to Splash Dog before Tully Girl used to go there to swim. I smelled the air and thought I am outta here no swimming for this dude!
I see J Linn and think ok, not so bad a massage which I could use after a hard week playing at TWP.. Egads, I have to get in the water first- no way Jose! Well, of course I was overruled and into the water went. Now I love my mom but she acts like a cheerleader-"come on Oliver you can do it." Geez, how embarrassing. Then she makes fun of my unique use of my tail as a rudder. How rude is that I ask you?

Well, finally I am done and let me tell you I ran down the ramp and was excited to get into the tub for a bath-which I am usually not-who wants to smell like that shampoo? I like my manly ala naturale smell.

Low and behold two weeks later and there I was again. It was not as bad this time but still-I am a cool dude and messing with my "do" is just not right. My mom tells me I am swimming better-Tully must me helping me. Well, maybe a little. She was old and she could swim like nobody's business.

Then last Saturday there we were again. I was excites this time though because I had been practicing my technique during my many naps. And let me tell you I was a sight to behold! I swam and swam. No rudder needed! I swam around the pool 3 times! Not bad for a pup with crooked front legs. J Linn said I am buff like I work out in the gym (thank you for noticing!) but with more swimming I will have a body like a runner! I may be neutered but I am still a chick magnet. Devi, Char and all The Whole Pup girls like to spend time with this dude!

So now I like going to Splash Dog and seeing J, grabbing a massage and SWIMMING! If I can only keep my mom from putting Tully's yellow ducky robe on me after my bath! I mean really.. a yellow duck on this buff bod? What is she thinking??