A little time with Grace

It’s been over a week since we said our farewells to our senior dog, Grace. At fifteen plus years she was an old gal by anyone's standards. Grace joined our family a scant sixteen months ago and despite telling myself this was (obviously) going to be a brief adoption, such logic doesn't seem to have been adequate insulation and protection against the ensuing sadness of saying good-bye.

Grace

Surely this shouldn't be a surprise; this matted, stinky blonde dog had me crying within the first fifteen minutes of meeting her at our local animal control center. (Adopting Grace) Her watery brown eyes and gentle disposition managed to melt my "one dog only" resolve nearly instantly.

And while I like to think that she enjoyed her final year, that she felt loved and enjoyed lots of walks, cuddles and treats, I think that I am the one who was lucky to have shared some time with her. Despite her age, the achy joints, failing senses and the challenges of dealing with her younger (and often hostile) canine brother, Zack, she remained gentle, patient and appreciative.

Often, there is much to learn from our doggie family members; may I learn to possess the grace of my friend Grace.

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Wishing you a grace-filled day,

Sandra

 

Could You Love Me?

 

Could you love me?

This is a guest post by Savanah, a beautiful 8 month old, female, lab mix.  Savanah has been staying with a foster family (who already has three dogs of their own) but is longing for a home of her own.

Sometimes it seems to me as though everyone has a family to call their own, you know, their own pack. I see them at the dog park and often walking past the window of my foster home.  I think to myself, "You lucky dog! Do you know how blessed you are to have a family that loves, cares for and appreciates you?" 

"Don't get me wrong, my foster family is a loving, lively place; with a Pit Bull, Bichon and a Schnauzer, this place rocks!  But sometimes in those quiet moments just before I drift off to doggie dreamland I imagine a human who comes to adopt me as their very own loyal friend.  I image how I will wag my tail when I hear their footsteps returning home in the evening, how we will watch TV shows side by side, how I will take them for long walks in the autumn leaves giving them a little fresh air and exercise.  I picture running on the beach and swimming in the lake, but heck, even an inflatable kiddy pool would be great.

You see, I've worked really hard at being exactly eveything that humans say they want in a canine companion; I never bark, I'm clean in the house, I delight in my solitude (no separation anxiety), I get along well with kids, dogs and cats and I even have a few doggy tricks up my furry sleeve. 

I guess I'm especially disappointed because I had a wonderful couple who adopted me a week ago ... but they said I wasn't cuddly enough.... and they returned me in less than 24 hours.  According to them I was perfect in every other way.  Correct me if I'm wrong but from what I understood being a 65 pound dog, I was taught that I wasn't exactly a cuddly lap dog, so I prefer to lay beside a human friend, not across them. 

Oh well, I'm not bitter, just a little disappointed, I know the "One" for me is out there.  In the mean time I will enjoy my foster brother and sisters, continue to be well behaved while I wait for that amazing day when I hear those words, "Come Savanah, we're going home girl."

If you think that you or someone you know is the "One" that Savanah is waiting for, please contact  the "Eat, Play, Love Animal Rescue" at their e-mail: eat.play.love.animal.rescue@gmail.com
Savanah is up to date with her vaccinations and is sterilized.

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Wishing you a day filled with love and companionship,

Sandra

It's September.... breathe deep

I absolutely love autumn but September can be less than fun, its back to school, work, traffic, committees and obligations of all sorts.  We wake up in the dark and by the time the dinner dishes are done it's nearly dark again.  I personally have a tendency to revert to "accomplish mode" hunkering down with my to-do list, nose to the grind-stone, push, push, push to get all the silly things on my self-fabricated to-do list done.

You see I struggle with fun, having fun, being fun and even being in the vicinity of fun.  I'm way too serious and have been told that I have the ability to "suck the joy out of my own life."  Yeah, that's me.  That is why is need to be so intentional about stopping, looking around, noticing all the beauty around me and trying to be gentle with myself and others.

Last Sunday we went for a drive to Hemmingford (a small community in southern Quebec) local artists were hosting a "Circuit des Artistes" where several painters had their studios open to the public. While I was luke-warm about going , it ended up being a wonderful day. 

Just the drive through the wide open farmland was rejuvinating.  Gorgeous sky, acres of fields, some dark green, some golden, others soft beige.  When I get out under such vast skies and remember how enormous the universe is and how small my concerns are, I can remember to breathe deep.

crops near Hemmingford, Qc.

Corn fields near Hemmingford, Qc.

Acres of farmland and miles of sky

We met some very talented and creative artists who were very inspirational.  They were warm and welcoming and generous with their artistic knowledge.  It left me excited about getting back to my own studio, about painting and creating.  It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday.  I might even say, "I had fun".

Thank you for stopping in at "My Turquoise Kettle Life" today.

Wishing you a fun day,

Sandra