You never know...

Dear Readers,
Here are my thoughts for today:

Think back on the people who came into your lives and then left.  Some were here for a reason, some for a season.  Maybe they helped you through something, maybe you helped them through something.  Maybe you know it was happening, maybe you didn't.  But I assure you, there was a reason you met those people.

I had people enter my life and they are gone now and I truly miss them. The person I am now would be better equipped to handle the 'relationship'. I wish the person I am now could meet them all over again.  It's all about timing they say!

Now I have people in my life who I am trying to help, - not sure how much progress I'm making tho-and I also have people in my life who are helping me.  I can see it clearly, I see the reasons we are here together and I am grateful to be able to help someone, and humbled by the help I am getting from my friends.

Pay attention to your world.  Something is happening, even if it is just a 'rest' period.  Your life may be quiet now, but there is a reason for that too.  We need time to recharge our batteries, we need time to reflect and be grateful. This puts us in a position to be ready for our next step.

Our next step may be to help someone.  You may not get anything out of the relationship, but you may be changing the other person's world.  It may not happen before your eyes.  The affect you have on them may not be revealed to you, it may be evidenced long after you're gone.

Do your best to listen and to give, and to enjoy the people in your life now.  They are there for a reason and you may be changing their life in a long lasting positive way that will trickle into all areas, and affect everyone they meet since knowing you!

Pearl

If you’ve been tuning in here recently, you know I’m performing research for my upcoming Homeless Pets Heroes book.  Today was another research day, but it was far from ordinary.  As the George Strait song says “I saw God today."

I was sent to interview a Dad, Mom, and their delightful children who rescued a beautiful, gentle, and loving shelter dog; a boxer mix named Pearl. Immediately upon entering their home I sensed a busy household full of fun, laughter, hard work, and although this is a blended family, a genuine love for each other. I knew a special story was about to be revealed to me, and I couldn't wait to hear it.

We’ve all had experiences where things don’t go the way we planned, and in the end, things turn out much better than expected…That’s what happened for this family who rescued Pearl.

Pearl was passed up for adoption several times due to heartworms, and her time in the shelter was nearly up.  Mom pretty much met Pearl by chance because she had to pass Pearl’s kennel to get to the dog she actually wanted to see.  Mom spent time with both dogs, but was easily won over by Pearl’s enthusiasm, sweetness, and wet sloppy dog kisses. 

Heartworms are easy to prevent, but difficult and costly to cure, but this family was undaunted.  They adopted Pearl regardless, and gave her the medical care, love, kindness, and food she had been deprived of during the previous 2 years of her life. Heartworms were the least of Pearl’s problems.  While being treated, a tumor was discovered, necessitating the removal of her front leg.  After much research and many sleepless nights, during a family meeting it was decided to go ahead with the surgery, and hope everything turns out OK.

OK is an understatement. A few months have passed now, and Pearl is better than ever.  She is a very important part of the family, she is loved very much, and gives much love in return.  Vaughn says, “She always licks you and gives good kisses.”  Evan likes to snuggle with her and pet her soft ears and chin, saying “She’s a good pillow when she sleeps with you.”

Pearl can still do everything she did before he had the surgery.  Talia says, “My favorite thing is playing tug of war with her, with her bones and ropes.”   Gavin told me “She likes to run outside and chase me.”

Obviously I didn’t know this family prior to today, but it was quite evident Pearl has made a great impression on them.  Through her trials she has provided the family with several lessons.  Mom and Dad told me she taught them "to remember how uncertain life is, and to live each day to the fullest."  When I asked the kids what Pearl taught them, they said something that all of us should remember:  “Even if something is wrong with someone, don’t give up, you should help them.” 

Before I left, the family posed for photos.  In the lens of my camera I saw 6 happy, smiling faces, and one grinning dog - who clearly belonged to each other, yet came together by chance - and stayed together through love.  In the lens of my camera I saw God today.

Room Without a Roof

Ok, so you are not a Monday person.
You are not where you want to be in life.
You're tired of being alone.
You want a new job.
You are miserable, everyone else is better off than you are.
The world is going down the tubes quickly and there's nothing we can do to stop it.
You are tired of everyone telling you to be grateful for what you have, inviting you to church, or telling you it's time to see the doctor.

So you don't want to put in the effort pray or find something to be grateful for...But there is something that will make you tap your toes and that's a mighty fine place to start.

342,975,173 people have viewed this video, join them and see what it's all about.

Best 4 minutes you will spend today.

You have my word on it  :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM&feature=kp

Potatoes with Legs

Dear Readers,

I'm in the research process for book #3.  What a humbling experience! Book #3 (a children's book) is the result of working with Dr. Good, and it focuses on his Homeless Pet Clubs.  (See June 25 - The Very Good Doctor, Dr. Good)

In doing my research for all 3 books I was forced to take my blinders off.  I was forced to go where I didn't really want to go, and look closely at what I didn't want to see.  I'm the gal who changes the channel the minute I hear Sarah McLachlan start singing; I cannot bear to look at the injured and abused animals.
However, this book must be written from both my head and my heart, so I put my big girl panties on, grabbed a box of tissues and headed out to pet stores, kennels, humane societies, clinics and shelters.

Yesterday was "bunny" day, dedicated to learning all I can about these soft, fuzzy little gems. I didn't need to go far.  The Georgia House Rabbit Society is located within 2 miles of my house.  GHRS is the first and only rabbit specific shelter in the SE and only one of a handful in the country...this place is so cool!

Every bunny is welcome there and the place was hopping with dedicated volunteers caring for these helpless little ones. Jennifer spent quite a bit of time with me, passionately providing me with a much needed and appreciated  'Rabbits for Dummies" class.  In a nutshell:
Rabbits are considered exotic animals, but owning a rabbit is alot like a cat or dog in that a rabbit is a 10 year commitment. They are a very intelligent and social.  They need attention, mental stimulation, toys, exercise, environmental activity, and interaction with people, other rabbits, and other household companion animals.

Sadly, although rabbits are the 3rd most popular pet, many rabbit owners have not educated themselves to insure responsible pet ownership and care, so they give up on him.  The rabbit may end up in a shelter,where he may have only 2-3 days to get adopted before being euthanized.

This is where GHRS' mission comes into play.  Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abused, abandoned and neglected domestic house rabbits.  They spay and neuter, foster and find them great homes. Best of all, they educate the public on the care of domestic house rabbits.  This volunteer based, nonprofit, rabbit rescue center was formed in 1996 and has rescued over 3000 domesticated rabbits in need; all made possible by volunteers and donations.

They also board rabbits, and conduct outreach to assist humane societies and owners through publications, phone consultation, and classes.   They have a Hop Shop with toys and supplies for these cutie-pies.

They are always available to help if you find a house rabbit out in the wild.  These little ones really need your help - they can't survive out there alone.  You can easily spot a house because they look like potatoes with legs as opposed to the longer, leaner, rabbits who live on their own in the wild.

This is where is gets really good - Animal House, a reality concept show is going to give the Rabbit Center a much needed makeover, including remodel, expansion and other perks.  Talk about shining a national spotlight on the rabbits and the center's efforts toward rescue and education!

Having said all of the above, the most heartwarming thing for me, was seeing how many young teens and young adults were there donating their time, money, and effort on summer vacation.  They were cleaning cages, caring for rabbits,and interacting with them. I was fortunate to speak with one young man, and although he wants to be a professional lacrosse player not a vet, he was right there in the middle of it, knowledgeable, dedicated, and having fun. Not one kid was on the phone, complaining to go home, or wait for it... texting!

Please visit www.houserabbitga.com to learn more, and be sure to check out www.animalhouse.tv to learn when our local center will be featured.  Filming starts in October.  See you then!
PS. Jennifer is a volunteer coordinator, contact the center at 678-653-7175 to learn how you can help.

Now go give someone a hug,
Laura

Ed Christiansen, photographer, does a beautiful job of showcasing the personality of Peanut (pictured below) and others up for adoption.   See them all at  www.houserabbitga.com  Thanks Ed!

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Oh noooooo!!!

Dear Readers,

I'm sitting here trying to think of what to write and I find myself yelling at the TV that I'm watching while I'm on the internet.  I've got alot of passion going right now so I guess I should write about it.

Sad to say I'm watching the Bachelorette.  I should be studying Spanish or reading the Bible.  But no, it's Monday and I'm spending 2 hours on this nonsense. I mean really!

How do these people think they are in Love?  A few hours spent on a yacht that someone else paid for, or expensive trips around the world in 5 star hotels that these people will never afford, is not Love, and why do these people not get it?

I freak out every time they talk about their Relationship.  Just crazymaking!  A few hours spent together does NOT a Relationship make!

Good news is, at the end, Andi went to IA where the farmer lives and freaked out.  Where will I work?  What will I do?  Farmer told her she could be.... a wait for it --- housewife.  Sorry Andi, I think you are beautiful, sincere and appear to be a real Sweetheart, but honestly, you had that coming.

You NEVER should've let Brian go.  He LOVED you!  Hopefully he has already found the love of his life.  I really wish him well.  I'll watch the after the Bachelorette show just to see how he's doing. :)

Sad to say, I'll be watching hometowns, and most likely yelling at the TV.  Hopefully though, I will make better use of those 2 hours next week, but most likely I just won't be able to help myself again.

But then again, I just got a brainy idea and I Googled bachelorette spoilers.  I'm good with the guy she chose, so now I don't have to watch anymore.  Yippee!  Whew!

Doggie Selfie!

Dear Readers,
Today is June 27, Sunglasses day.
I could write about how important sunglasses are with regard to eye health, and I could educate you on UV rays and UV ratings on sunglasses and why all that stuff is important.  If you are old enough to be reading my blog you are old enough to know all this stuff already.  If not, you may want to play on Google for a little while and learn something new today.

Instead, being Friday, and for some of you it's been a long week.  So Sunday, June 29 is Camera day.  In honor of Camera day, I thought I'd share the photo below, from Baisden Live.  Hopefully it will lighten up your Friday, and get your weekend off to a laughing start.

Be kind to each other,
Laura

The Very Good Doctor, Dr. Good

If you have a love for animals, especially a soft spot for the injured and abused, you may want to check out www.homelesspetclubs.org.  I'm working with Dr.Michael Good on a project revolving around Homeless Pet Clubs and everyone involved is very excited about it.  It's still in the oven, not quite fully cooked yet, but we will let you know when dinner is on the table.

Homeless Pet Clubs are free, free, free.  What you do is sponsor an animal who is held at a shelter.  To sponsor an animal means to promote the animal in an effort to find it a forever home.  You promote the animal by simply telling it's story-being it's voice.  The shelter agrees not to put a sponsored animal down until it gets adopted.

Scouts, schools, business, military and communities all across the US have formed clubs and they are having fun and learning valuable life lessons and skills while saving the lives of many amazing animals who would otherwise be put down.

These clubs are great educational tools: They provide opportunities to develop skills in leadership, communication, marketing, advocacy and teamwork.  Club activities develop character and teachers report that from engaging in the clubs projects, meetings, and activities, students experience an increased sense of responsibility, achievement, and community involvement. 

Homeless Pet Clubs is an entity branching off of Homeless Pets Foundation.  Check out www.homelesspets.com to learn more about the foundation and all their rescue efforts through Town & Country Veterinary Clinic and the Underhound Railroad.

In perusing these websites you will quickly find Dr. Good is a caring, intelligent, hardworking man, who has dedicated his entire career to helping rescued animals and those who rescue them.  His team consists of an amazing group of employees, clients, and friends who's love for these animals shows in their hard work and commitment. I have worked side by side with these volunteers and am humbled by their dedication.

  

Please take a moment to visit the Homeless Pet websites, and don't snack too much, dinner will be ready soon, and I promise you will like it!