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Danger to Your Rabbitry - PAWS Legislation
Many of us have heard some of the horror stories of puppy mills.
News programs describe the unsanitary conditions, the
uncontrolled breeding and the poor condition of the animals.
Congress has responded by introducing a billed called the...
Dog Aggression Training
Dog Aggression Training
Why do so many dogs get euthanized when there owners could have
taught them not to bite?
When it comes to dog aggressiveness, there are laws that state
the dog's owner can be charged and the dog put down if the...
Dog Training: Quick Ways To Teach Your Puppy To Climb Stairs And To Accept The Collar
Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting time for the
entire family. Getting that new puppy off the right start with
proper training is very important to making that puppy a valued
member of his human family. There are a number of talents...
Getting A New Pet - 7 Tips
Getting a new pet is a big step. It is not just about owning a
soft, cuddling creature but about taking care of another life.
This life that you bring into your home needs to be properly
cared for. And, it needs to be in the right setting as...
Hollywood - Gone To The Dogs?
There is no question that people in America love dogs. One look at popular culture in our country will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Americans have a love affair with dogs. Movies and TV shows about dogs go in and out of popularity and...
How Boxers Work With the Family
How Boxers Work With the Family Boxers are very family-oriented and always love to be around people. Treat them as family members. Never underestimate their need for human companionship, which is the most notable trait of this breed. The Boxer is...
National Pet Memorial Day, September 11, 2005
What Is National Pet Memorial Day? The International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC) has designated the second Sunday in September as National Pet Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember our departed animal friends. Special events such as...
Puppy House Training
House training is one of the most important things you can do
for both you and your puppy. It is imperative that you begin
your puppy's housebreaking as soon as you bring him home.
It is natural for a dog to relieve himself where ever it is....
Rabbit Temperament - An Interview With the Experts
Rabbit Temperament
We love holland lops! I believe they are the greatest breed in
the world. Most of our herd will run to the front of the cage
when they see us. They love to be petted, and often lick us
affectionately. Each of our...
Vaccinating Your Dog – How Much And How Often?
Pet lovers know that it is very important to vaccinate their dogs, but how early and how often are two questions that are currently much on their minds as well as on the minds of the veterinary community at large. While vets agree that it is still...
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Life Lessons I Learned from my Cat
Even if you are not a cat person, bear with me, this story goes far beyond cat mania. Our little tabby cat was frightened and highly-sensitive from the day we rescued her from the SPCA, two and a half years ago. No doubt being jailed there for four months messed her mind. As we came to learn “Shylo’s” nature we renamed her “Shybaby.”
Practice Patience, Breathing and Being
Extreme patience was the first virtue Shybaby taught us. We would have to be still, with arm out stretched, finger pointing toward her, and wait for her to rub by our finger numerous times before she would deem to move in closer. Closer contact would have to be her move, not ours. If we rushed this timely greeting she fled. (Often this time consuming ritual was far too much for our teenage boy!)
Yet, if we, and particularly myself (as I must admit that little cat really came to dote on me) were too impatient or too busy to spend time with her, Shybaby became even more skiddish and frightened. Intuitively she knew when I was lost in my hyper, anxious “I have so much to do and so little time” state, as then, Shybaby fled from my energy. Seeing this I would stop, sit down, and practice breathing and being - my “kitty meditation.” As I calmed down, kitty calmed down.
Couldn’t we all benefit from a little more “kitty meditation” in life? Firstly, noticing when we are anxiously driving ourselves and then, practicing patience with ourselves, and breathing and being?
Precious Present Moment
This sweet little soul also taught me the preciousness of each moment. As usual, she leaped upon my bed this morning - with her uncanny knowing the moment I had opened my eyes - to give me her love greetings. I relish her affection even more so today and with a heavy heart knowing she is to die tomorrow. My little girl cat is in the advanced stages of liver cancer, no longer eating, and there is naught else we can do other than love her.
So, this moment with her is so very special because I know it will never be repeated. Soon she will be gone forever from our lives. With bitter-sweet revelation I
understand this to be the truth of each single, present moment. We only have each moment now, this once, to fully experience and enjoy it, and then it is gone forever. I am chilled by how carelessly we forget this - rushing onto the next thing, consumed with past and future thoughts – missing the only moment we have!
Keep Things in Perspective
Also, I have my cat to thank for helping me keep things in perspective. Yes, there is a deep hurt in my heart knowing cancer rages in her body and soon she will be gone yet, I am deeply grateful it is not one of us. Our lives have already been scarred by painful losses caused by cancer.
Yet, we are now deeply grateful as my father-in-law seems to have won his recent round with cancer. With much relief, we are no longer visiting him in the cancer ward. I am losing my sweet, little cat but my loved ones are here.
Do Your Best to Keep Loving, No Matter What
Little Shybaby has barely eaten in over two weeks. Although a small cat, she used to have a roundness about her that is lacking now. Although we know we can no longer selfishly delay her death - wanting one more day of her sweetness - it is so hard to let her go. I am amazed at how this little animal – despite illness and lack of nourishment – seeks to be near me and to heal me with her loving purr even now. This too is Shybaby’s legacy on leading a happy life: Do your best to keep loving, no matter what.
So let us all remember the teachings of the wise little Zen master, Shybaby:
1. Practice Patience in All Things
2. Practice Breathing and Being
3. Live in the Precious Present Moment
4. Keep Things in Perspective
5. Do Your Best to Keep Loving, No Matter What
About the Author
Teresa Proudlove is the publisher/editor of www.yourlifework.com: support and inspiration for your work and life. Teresa has been inspiring, supporting, and mentoring over 3000 people upon their lifework path for fourteen years, leading workshops and authoring many internationally published articles.
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