Okay, so I said I’d write about how to take your pets with you this holiday season in this month’s column. But, alas, it was such a good idea that I’d already written it! In the Summer of 08 you’ll find a column on taking your pets away for a holiday with you. So, scratch that.

Then, I had all kinds of goodies and notes about holiday traditions with our pets – I made a call for stories in a national on-line way and received close to a dozen stories – cute ones about cats that get dressed up to visit Santa and mice that get their own little mini stockings. However, between September and now I’ve had a major computer melt-down. Guess what went down in the soup that was the data in the old computer? You betcha, those cute, heartwarming stories.

Oh, and there’s the fact that I’ve been in the process of writing a book for my full-time job – teaching people to up their communication skills so that they can enhance their relationships and maybe, just maybe, not throw the mashed potatoes across the table at Aunty Jacquelyn this season when she pushes the “Why aren’t you married yet, you were always such a perky girl?” button. (By the way, the book is done and it’s part of the amazing Gift of Insight Package available on my website, www.intuitiveevolution.com.)

So, yes, life gets in the way even when we have the best laid plans in the world. And who suffers? Well, in my household, I feel a great deal of guilt over the dogs. Kiera and Deuce are my loyal companions. Kiera hangs out near the front door, ensuring that no one comes into our little compound without hearing from her. I mean no one. The mail carrier has been known to throw the mail over the fence – even though the dog is inside! Deuce hangs out at my feet most days. She has a long and fluffy tail that has spent much time being plucked out of the wheels of the desk chair that she’s fond of wrapping herself around.

When I work they do their best to cajole me to get out of my head and into the world. Worried about paying the mortgage this month? No worries, the dogs are there to remind me that, yes, Virginia, there is more to life than the concept of paper currency. Worried about making a deadline and losing your non-paying job? Again, no worries, two pairs of brown eyes come charging to my lap with a basketball and tennis ball respectively. Both try to pull in opposite directions and I find myself full of the giggles once again. I try, oh, do I try to get back to work and put my game face on. I even, in my deepest, most serious sounding voice tell them, “NO, Let me work” when they try yet again to drag me outside into a perfectly frozen-tundra sort of afternoon. Yet, I feel somehow wrong and like I’m missing something ever so important. Something that I used to know and understand in my bones. That life is about finding balance. And that the balance comes from finding play and joy in each moment.

My dogs can be completely serious and focused on a task (just ask that squirrel that had the fright of his life when he was caught, for a few minutes, until my urgent pleas and cajoling convinced the canines to let it go)! They have their own self-determined jobs. Deuce, it’s clear believes her job is to comfort me, give me extra brain power and to never let me out of her sight for a second, lest I fall into a well or do something else that only a hare-brained human can think of. Kiera – I’m certain she believes her job is as it was in long-standing Chow-German Shepherd heritage – to guard and to protect. She is as loyal as the day is long, not particularly interested in loving or warming up to anyone more than good old mom. She takes my moods and interprets them in a way only a trusted counselor or therapist could. She is there when I need her and she never, ever, ignores my needs.

This holiday season I reflect on what it means to be human. And what it means to be in the company of dogs. It is the greatest responsibility I have and yes, they are like my children. I’m okay with that. Life has arranged for me to be able to share my home with dogs and not kids, and that suits me just fine. No matter what I worry about, I never worry about being loved unconditionally. I always intend to keep my dogs with me and my fleeting moments of deep sadness are usually upon reflection that in all it’s infinite wisdom, the Universe has arranged for humans to almost always outlive their animal companions. That’s a cruel joke. So while I know I need to work, and enjoy the challenge (mostly) of deadlines and the self-sufficiency that comes from running my own business, I’m trying to embrace the lessons my dogs are trying to teach me - that work is just part of the day and that in some way, shape or form, your work must come from within you, not the other way around. That your work should both keep you grounded and provide you with joy. And that when it’s time for a break – you’re job is to have fun and not be thinking about the pile of papers or bills on your desk. Run in the leaves, roll in the stinky stuff and open yourself up to every possibility. You never know, you may catch the squirrel of your dreams!

 

HOLIDAY SEASON IS GOING TO THE DOGS…..AND CATS

In an effort to connect homeless animals with potential families this holiday season, two large national companies have come together - General Growth Properties (GGP) and The Humane Society of US (HSUS), to form a retail adoption center called “Bark Avenue/Meow Place.” Current economic conditions have caused an influx of homeless animals to local animal shelters this season due to the national foreclosure crisis.
This pilot program will opened its first location in the Washington DC market at a Landmark Mall in Alexandria on November 29 and is open weekends until Sunday December 21.
HSUS is the nation’s largest animal protection agency- backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30 people. For more than a half of century, the HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hand-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty is the mission statement.
GGP is the second largest real estate company in the country, with over 200 properties in 44 states, and over 200 million square feet of space. GGP is a publicly traded REIT on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Chicago, GGP employs over 4,200 people and has over 24,000 retail concepts in their centers.
Landmark Mall has been the mall of choice in the Washington D.C. market for nearly 50 years. Located at 5801 Duke Street in Alexandria, VA, the mall features over 120 of your favorite stores, including Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, and Sears.
The adoption center is located on level one next to Victoria’s Secret and will be open Saturdays 10 am- 3 pm and Sundays 11 am-3 pm. Local humane organizations will be providing adoptable animals during these hours.
For more information contact Cindy Ciura at 248-515-7171.

 

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