Dog-Breath

The calendar says it’s a New Year and has filled this month ocean-deep with promises.  And even if you did not resolve to exercise more, eat better foods, or save more for the golden years, then surely January 1st was a day for some quiet reflection—hopefully without a hangover!  For me, I welcomed the opportunity to wave goodbye again to a past year, let go of disappointments, and turn my optimistic head toward the future…

But being rather self critical, I first needed to take stock of what I could have done better and mistakes I vowed never to repeat again!  I added the gentle reminder that I am, after all, human and Wonder Woman was really just a comic strip.  And before I let myself feel too miserable, I stopped to praise those moments of grace—when someone took the time to send a card or short note to thank me. (Yes, I do keep thank you cards propped up  around my desk for a quick pick-me-up on a tough day.)  Grace can be those moments when our hearts dance with the joy of feeling appreciated and valued for who we are and what we are able to accomplish.  As for our failures—we don’t need anyone to make mention of them as they are rarely forgotten. Only the passage of time can help us to make peace with our past, leaving us with another wonderful gift, wisdom.

So, if there is that someone who has made a difference for you, your community, or maybe the planet, which includes all of us and the animals we cherish—please take a moment and send them the priceless gift of appreciation. Trust me; any gesture of appreciation will bring you a nice return on your investment—perhaps better than any mutual fund!

Well, I didn’t accomplish all my goals for 2007 but I did hit one home run—I developed my idea to teach and empower dog lovers in a written format called 30 Minute Vet Consult.  I zeroed in on the three biggest issues affecting the health care of our dogs:

• Why most vaccines pushed by greedy drug companies are totally unnecessary 
• Pet food companies that sell out for high profits create health hazard diets
• How you can help your itchy, allergic dog without the use of steroids or other drugs

I hope that you, too, accomplished a goal in 2007, or at least have a good head start on one for 2008!