A Pet's 10 commandments

For all animal caregivers young and old....


1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years… Any separation from you is likely to be painful. 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. 4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you. 5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. 7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you. 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak. 9. Please take care of me when I grow old – remember, you too, will grow old. 10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. -Anonymous


Re-posted from:http://sphericalrectangles.tumblr.com/post/2915896936/im-not-weeping-nope

Consider a senior animal companion when adopting

Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."
- Sydney Jeanne Seward

Our animal companions can be wonderful teachers for us if we open our hearts to listen. Their practice of unconditional loving, being present in the now and optimistic outlook are just a few of the things I try to incorporate into my daily life.  Imagine having years of practice at the items above, and then adding a few more to the list and voila, you have the makings of the perfect animal companion for your family.

I came across this wonderful site while researching senior pet products for a client. The Senior Dog Project  is a comprehensive website with a wealth of resources for adopting a senior dog including the top ten reasons why to adopt a senior dog.

It has been more than a decade since our rescue rat terrier Casey joined our family. Casey was in her early forties in human years when she came to be with us. Just like the list said, she was patient, an instant companion, knew what "no" meant, good at giving love for having been given a second chance. More than that, she instantly made her way into our hearts to stay. Now 119 in human years, Casey continues to be a great teacher, especially with my daughter Kayman.

Won't you consider adopting a senior pet today?

Love at first sight--What do you remember about the day you met your animal companion?

I recall the day I first met Sophie. I woke up one morning deciding it was the day I was going to get a dog. I had never had a dog but have always wanted one. I really had no idea where I was going to look. I felt guided that this was going to be THE day. My compass was a list of animal shelters in the Los Angeles area. Starting from the beach area, I made my way through shelters from the west and headed east. I made many four-legged friends that day. But none spoke to me like she did.

There are some who say that we don’t pick our animal companions. They pick us. This was the case of Sophie. It was in the afternoon when I found myself in East Los Angeles.
The last stop of the day, I did not know what I was looking for. She was a ball of white fur on the docket for euthanasia based on her mixed pit race. Sitting at the end of the kennel, she walked towards me and peered up with dark solemn eyes. Then she leaned in, her fur pressing against the chain link. A soul of goodness who somehow ended on the wrong side of the tracks. These are the details of our first meeting. It was love at first sight.

What do you remember about the day you met your loyal animal companion?

Share the love --Mizpah/Best Friend's charms

While we were out on our daily walk today, I noticed that Casey was missing her half of her mizpah. The inspiration behind this charm, Casey has been a loving presence to her 4 legged sibling Lulu since they met. Both rescues, I am full of gratitude for every day that I get with them. Since we are in the overflow of love at the office figuratively and literally ;), I outfitted them with a new charm AND was inspired to add a valentine's day special of a 2 pack of the charm. This way, we can gift an animal companion, or share with 2 or more of our furry angels.

Our animal companions, our best friends, our family, our greatest teachers. For the month of Feb, we will donate 10% of every Best Friend's charm sold to Much Love rescue here in Los Angeles.