Predictions

February 2nd was Groundhog’s Day here in the United States. It’s the day that Punxsutawney Phil gets hauled out of his burrow and is required to see his shadow. Or not. And, based on this overblown and unscientific method, six more weeks of winter is either predicted. Or not. Given the fact that I live in Maine, where Spring is a stealth season, the point is actually moot. What does amaze me, however, is the amount of coverage this event attracts. It’s the hot topic in the news, on blogs, and even in schools. It was a movie, that’s cited each year as a marvelous story about “reliving events over and over until you finally get them right”. Not to sound like Ebeneezer Scrooge, but “Bah! Humbug!”. I am a strong believer in Christmas, and the Christmas message. I am a strong believer in the call to love others as ourselves. But, predictions based on a groundhog’s shadow make me realize how much we are a people who need to believe in something, even if it’s simply an earlier Spring.

I have nothing personally against Punxsutawney Phil. He’s just a cute furry creature whose hibernation is disturbed by frenzied camera crews. I would just like to see the same kind of coverage over the every day, small miracles that we happen in our midst without us even knowing about them. The media has been filled with dire predictions: the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the spiraling down economy, the job loss rate, the home foreclosures and 1 in 3 teen drop out rate from school. There are animals who, unlike Punxsutawney Phil, are beaten and starved and neglected. And yet, there are quiet, humble miracles that happen every day, to help create a world that will include much bigger blessings than a shortened Winter season.

Joshua James Lapp, age 16, saved his elderly neighbor from an overwhelming fire. He heard her cries for help and climbed in her window into the dense smoke. Although nearly overwhelmed by smoke inhalation, and covered in lacerations to his arms, Joshua was able to save both of them, as well as another building resident. He did this without thought to his own safety. In a world in which teenagers are maligned and marginalized, Joshua’s actions were both extraordinary and wonderful. His name was released with his prestigious Carnegie Hero award, and yet few had heard of him before this. He is a hero, and he created a miracle, but quite literally caring for his neighbors as he would himself.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary creates quiet miracles every single day. Although based in Utah, Best Friends reaches their mission nationally to inform and educate people on animal care, as well as to provide rescue missions for animals in dire situations. Some of the miracles this organization performs appear on their program, “Dogtown” on the National Geographic Channel. One of the stories that touched my heart was that of Tuffy, a nearly dead Dalmatian mix who was attacked by starving other dogs at a hoarding situation of 100 dogs abandoned in the Nevada desert. Against all odds, this “toughie” not only survived by thrived. His caregivers were incredible, and his foster father, Jeff, was a true hero, loving Tuffy back to life. The most heroic part of all was Jeff’s giving Tuffy to his new adoptive family, a healed and loved dog.

None of these stories make it to the front pages in the same way that bad news, or Punxsutawney Phil does. But, these beautiful stories of quiet miracles are a much better ‘prediction’ of what we, as human beings, are capable of. Winter will turn into Spring, both metaphorically and literally. But, we, ourselves, can help generate our own predictions for a better world by our own choice of actions: to be a heroic, to be humble, to be kind and most of all, to think of others before ourselves. I believe that’s a much better predictor of our future “climate”.

All dogs go to heaven...

You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Dogs are truly amazing creatures. They love us with complete and reckless abandon. If our days are horrible and depressing, and we’re in the very worst mood possible, the love we receive from our dogs can be the most healing of all soothing balms. Coming home to an empty house from a stressful day is always hard. But, being welcomed with the joy that returning soldiers receive when arriving safely home from battle makes walking through that door worthwhile. And, we haven’t even risked our lives. We’ve just slaved away, listened to other people’s complaints, tried to solve problems and felt little satisfaction. And, yet, we are greeted as liberating heroes ! Their trust in us, their faith in us, and their complete devotion to us make believe in ourselves again. Dogs have the ability to see past our grumpiness, our laziness and our worst faults. They look into our very hearts and see the good that lies within.

Dogs, however, aren’t sedentary creatures. We have to walk them, care for them and engage with them. Study after study has shown that people who own dogs live longer, healthier lives. Why is this ? For those who live alone, dogs provide a reason to get up the morning, to exercise and to look outside ourselves. For others, they provide lessons in love and responsibility. The wonderful programs of visiting pet programs into nursing homes have shown remarkable results in the residents. Even people who can’t have a dog, can feel the joy emanating from their furry visitors. Dogs beg us to interact and to be less selfish…even if it means sharing a bite of bagel in the morning, or a touch of steak at dinner. But, we are happy to share with them, because they make our lives more musical.

Dogs can also be incredibly sensitive. A few years ago, we had a dinner party for my mother, and some of her oldest friends. One friend, Norma, was disabled and in a wheelchair. My oldest dog, Mackenzie, was then a 3 year old, and a very large German Shepherd. Mackenzie sat by Norma’s chair the entire time, occasionally resting her large, gentle head in Norma’s lap. While Norma didn’t own a dog at that time, she had been a Shepherd owner and lover during most of her adult life. I was amazed at the serenity Mackenzie, usually so dramatic and playful, showed while staying very close to our guest. She was attentive, concerned and gentle. When the car arrived to pick up our guests from their evening, Mackenzie followed Norma out the door and looked over the car very carefully. I could almost hear her brain saying “Is this a suitable and safe way for my new friend to leave ? I understand she has special concerns.” The extraordinary part about this visit was that Mackenzie had never been around a disabled person before, and often was overly gregarious in her greetings. I had been concerned about her being gentle enough. Yet, Mackenzie rose to the challenge, and made Norma’s evening special. Norma enjoyed being loved, gently & peacefully, that evening from someone who simply enjoyed being by her side.

These stories are endless and almost everyone has them. I enjoy walking my dogs into town, because I’m often stopped and talked to by people who have dog memories to share. They’re a great unifier among very different people. The provide a common language for all of us. Of course, I’m just as often stopped by people who are fascinated that, combined, I walk 260 pounds of dogs.
In Yoga, a pose I enjoy practicing as part of our Sun Salutations, is Upward Facing Dog. When held for 15 seconds or more, this asana can improve posture, strengthen, arms, wrists and back, firm your abdominal muscles and has even been shown, in some cases, to improve mild depression. I find it utterly fascinating that a pose can help treat mild depression…and has the name of one of the greatest loneliness cures: dog!

Since two of my favorite topics are dogs and yoga, I have watched Animal Planet’s “K-9 Karma” for years. I am only sorry that there aren’t new episodes, but the wonderful ideas combining our pets and our yoga practice have made their ways into my heart. Unfortunately, my pets aren’t nearly as cooperative about practicing yoga as “K-9 Karma’s” host, Kari’s, are. Mine usually feel the urgent need to kiss my nose while I’m in an asana. But, it’s a wonderful, uplifting and joyful celebration of two of my passions.

So, today, take your dog for a walk. Kiss her and snuggle with her. Tell him what a wonderful boy he is ! And, if you’re not a dog owner, I can guarantee there are fabulous friends just waiting for a walk, some time spent, or even adoption, at your local shelter. Just guard your slippers.

Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ~Roger Caras

Murphy & Me

The popular book (and, soon to be, the movie) “Marley & Me” chronicles the life of an outrageous, persistent and highly destructive Labrador and his hapless owners. Marley is a larger than life character, and yet when I read this book, I found that it didn’t make me laugh or cry, as was intended. It hit a bit too close to home for me. Marley was a wild, goofy, out of control dog who takes his owners on an insane journey that involved offending innocent bystanders and closing beaches. He joyfully welcomed his human siblings. He was brave until his death and taught his owners to keep a zest for a dynamic life in their hearts. As an animal lover, I had expected to adore this story. But, because I have Murphy as a real life Marley, I must say the authors’ trials and tribulations were frighteningly familiar.

I have discussed Pancakes, the Demon Bunny, and her wild disregard for long held animal behavior truths. Many people have seen pictures of Mackenzie, my long haired German Shepherd. But, Murphy is a bit of an enigma in our pet family of female divas. Murphy is part Golden Retriever, and we believe, part Newfoundland. He looks an awful lot like a snuffling walrus with a weight problem. Murphy was, fittingly, born on Saint Patrick’s Day, and since his happy Irish soul entered his pudgy doggy body, he has never met a stranger. Literally. Murphy likes everyone. He likes the mail carrier. He likes the man running the gate at the town dump. He likes the vet. He likes every dog he’s ever met. He gets along with pets other people have deemed to be aggressive. In short, Murphy has the luck of the Irish, and he brightens our lives with his joyful exuberance almost every day.

On the days he isn’t filled with a frolicking heart, Murphy is doing something he probably shouldn’t. While we have perfectly serviceable, but not terribly attractive, family room furniture from Sam’s Club, Murphy chose to eat our good leather couch in the living room that was made from the finest, softest hides imaginable. When I arrived home to see the innards of my sofa strewn all over the room, Murphy was lying on his back in the midst of the chaos, exalting and rolling in the foam. He wasn’t embarrassed at all. He brought me a small piece to keep as a memento. He ripped the shingles at dog height off the side of our house, and then nicely stacked them before burying them. Murphy also has the gifts of Houdini at being an escape artist. We have a well fenced in backyard. We have yet to discover how he does it, but Murphy manages to squirm his 130 pound girth under the tiniest gaps imaginable. I doubt the bunny could escape from places Murphy has squeaked under. Once he’s out, Murphy goes on ‘walkabout’. He visits neighbors, and if their doors happen to be open, he walks right in and wishes them “a top of the morning’”. It never occurs to Murphy that he may not be wanted someplace. In his happy-go-lucky mind, he is welcome, just as he welcomes others.

I’ve come to think of Murphy as my doggy Buddha. He’s rotund, jolly and incredibly friendly. He is generous and brings people gifts; often their own shoes. He’s joyful. Nothing ruins Murphy’s day. If he has a bone or ratty sock, he’s completely at peace. He’s completely self-actualized and knows he is just what he’s meant to be. Maybe Murphy does have some Zen-like lessons to teach me. I can learn to be more forgiving and outgoing. I can also learn to do without material possessions. I just don’t think I’ll practice drinking from the “Magic Water Bowl” in the bathroom. I have to draw the line someplace.