This was just shared in a Facebook Group that Tara belongs to. We have sadly had many friends experience the loss of their canine friends, so we thought we would post for you to have as well:
BILL OF RIGHTS FOR GRIEVING ANIMAL LOVERS
(author unknown)
It is Hereby Declared that Grieving Animal Lovers have the Right:
To feel the pain of grief when the bonds with our pets are broken. The bonds we have with our companion animals are deep and strong; the pain we feel when those bonds are broken is real and worthy of our grief.
To feel shocked and overwhelmed by the intensity of our grief. Since our animals' life spans are so much shorter than our own, it is inevitable that eventually we will experience the loss of our beloved animal companions. The grief we feel at such times can be far more intense than we ever expected, no different from that of losing another special family member or cherished friend.
To understand our grief reactions, feelings and behaviors as normal. Grief is a natural, spontaneous response to the loss of a significant relationship.
To express our grief in our own unique way, within our own time frame. The course of grief is unpredictable and uneven, with no specific time frame. How we express our grief will vary among individuals, but we all get through it in personally meaningful ways.
To have our grief recognized by others as significant and legitimate. Since grieving over animals isn't generally accepted in our society, we may feel uneasy or embarrassed, as if we have no right to feel or express our grief because our loss is not significant enough. But we're not grieving "just an animal". Since we're the only ones who know how much our animals meant to us, when they're gone we're the only ones who can measure how very much we've lost.
To feel supported by others in our grief. When our companion animals die, there are no formal, public rituals where we can express and share our sorrow, talk about our loss and obtain the sympathy and support of others. At the very time when we need to be with others who understand, we feel isolated and alone. We need to find someone with whom we can openly acknowledge our feelings, express and work through our pain, and come to terms with our loss.
To honor the memory of our pets in whatever way we see fit. To memorialize our beloved companion animals is to honor and acknowledge the important role they played in our lives, to bring comfort to ourselves and to help us keep their love and presence in our hearts. Among other things, we can memorialize our pets by writing about them, making an album or a scrapbook, planting a living memorial in our garden, having a meaningful memorial service, funeral or ritual, or making a donation to a charitable animal organization in our pet's name.
Pictures of us
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| Another picture slideshow by Smilebox |
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
From our Aunt Ezzie...
Love, laugh, sing, play.
If you want to heal your mind,
do these things every day,
and there will be very little left to heal.
If you want to heal your mind,
do these things every day,
and there will be very little left to heal.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY.
FOR THOSE THAT DON'T, YOU NEED A PET TO LOVE~
The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.
Dear Dogs and Cats:
The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.
The other dishes are mine and contain my food.. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm..
For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.
The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.
Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:
TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:
(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm..
For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.
The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.
Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:
TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:
(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.
Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't smoke or drink,
(7) don't want to wear your clothes,
(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't smoke or drink,
(7) don't want to wear your clothes,
(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children
No vacation for us?
So Tara says we got a vacation, but we really didn't! The human portion of our family went on something called a cruise. We don't like the water, so we may not have enjoyed it as much as she did, but we for sure did not go on a vacation. We stayed home with our three foster siblings and Tara's brother. It was nice to be home, but we always miss work when we aren't there.
Someone mentioned that we were having a "staycation." What does that mean? We sure "stayed" in one house for the week! We never act like ourselves when Tara is gone because we get so nervous. Two days before they left, the suitcases came out. That means we barely slept! Those suitcases also mean someone is leaving and usually without us!
With the two of us being "edgy", as Tara calls it, our foster siblings started to act funny. We don't think they know what suitcases meant...until now. We didn't have to wait long for "Uncle No-no" (that's what our human brother calls Tara's brother) to get here, however we weren't sure what he was doing here.
We aren't going to lie...we all took advantage of Tara being away and pretended like we lost our doggie manners. The foster siblings REALLY took advantage of this! Tara was not happy when she got home and learned the trouble we gave Uncle No-no! Maybe next time she will take us with her!
Do you always take your dogs on vacation? We do get to go a lot of places, but not always on vacation...
Sorry to cut this short, however Tara and Bode need to get to work on their presentation. They are headed to NASW-Fl in two weeks with Liz and Somer to teach about pet-assisted play therapy.
We will blog again soon!
Abbey and Bode
Someone mentioned that we were having a "staycation." What does that mean? We sure "stayed" in one house for the week! We never act like ourselves when Tara is gone because we get so nervous. Two days before they left, the suitcases came out. That means we barely slept! Those suitcases also mean someone is leaving and usually without us!
With the two of us being "edgy", as Tara calls it, our foster siblings started to act funny. We don't think they know what suitcases meant...until now. We didn't have to wait long for "Uncle No-no" (that's what our human brother calls Tara's brother) to get here, however we weren't sure what he was doing here.
We aren't going to lie...we all took advantage of Tara being away and pretended like we lost our doggie manners. The foster siblings REALLY took advantage of this! Tara was not happy when she got home and learned the trouble we gave Uncle No-no! Maybe next time she will take us with her!
Do you always take your dogs on vacation? We do get to go a lot of places, but not always on vacation...
Sorry to cut this short, however Tara and Bode need to get to work on their presentation. They are headed to NASW-Fl in two weeks with Liz and Somer to teach about pet-assisted play therapy.
We will blog again soon!
Abbey and Bode
Friday, May 25, 2012
Love...
There is no doubt that we love each other other. Not all siblings get along like we do, but there is so much love that we have for each other. It all started with the day Abbey picked Bode out. We aren't sure why, but felt like we should recap the story of us!
In June of 2005, Abbey was chosen to join our family. She was a wedding present that our human parents got each other when they returned from their honeymoon. She was sad to leave her brother, as their mom and sister had already been adopted. Tara had fallen in love instantly and so did Abbey.
Abbey learned to be spoiled, like only children do. She loved going places with our parents and even more so when it was training classes or the dog park. She even made a friend names Chloe that we still get to keep in touch with. Chloe's mom lives in Orlando but her grandma lives in SW Florida like we do!
In April of 2006 Abbey really wanted a sibling. Our parents agreed and off they went looking for me. They checked around at different rescues, looked online, and more. Our Aunt was volunteering at a shelter one day and I was patiently waiting to meet my forever family. Three dogs were chosen for Abbey to meet and I was one of them. From what I hear, Abbey turned her back and wouldn't even look at the first two...then I came in. As soon as I saw her, she did a play bow and we wrestled and rolled. It was love at first sight.
The shelter told everyone I was a hound mix and about 16 weeks old. They said they guessed I would be no more than 40lbs. That was my little secret....
I followed Abbey everywhere. I didn't make Tara teach me much as Abbey took the lead. She taught be where we are allowed to go to the bathroom, how to behave to get extra treats, and more. She is an amazing big sister! She even convinced Tara to teach me how to be a good counselor and we all get to work together.
Six years later, here we are! I am not a hound and I just weighed in at the vet this week a little over 150lbs! Yup, I am a Great Dane mix.
Abbey will always be my big sister, even though I am much "bigger" than she is. She knows how to teach me still and I am a good listener.
Do you show your siblings how much you love them? You should!
With love,
Bode
In June of 2005, Abbey was chosen to join our family. She was a wedding present that our human parents got each other when they returned from their honeymoon. She was sad to leave her brother, as their mom and sister had already been adopted. Tara had fallen in love instantly and so did Abbey.
Abbey learned to be spoiled, like only children do. She loved going places with our parents and even more so when it was training classes or the dog park. She even made a friend names Chloe that we still get to keep in touch with. Chloe's mom lives in Orlando but her grandma lives in SW Florida like we do!
In April of 2006 Abbey really wanted a sibling. Our parents agreed and off they went looking for me. They checked around at different rescues, looked online, and more. Our Aunt was volunteering at a shelter one day and I was patiently waiting to meet my forever family. Three dogs were chosen for Abbey to meet and I was one of them. From what I hear, Abbey turned her back and wouldn't even look at the first two...then I came in. As soon as I saw her, she did a play bow and we wrestled and rolled. It was love at first sight.
The shelter told everyone I was a hound mix and about 16 weeks old. They said they guessed I would be no more than 40lbs. That was my little secret....
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| (C) Delta Family Counseling, LLC Even at work, I listen and Abbey gets to claim the comfy spots first! |
I followed Abbey everywhere. I didn't make Tara teach me much as Abbey took the lead. She taught be where we are allowed to go to the bathroom, how to behave to get extra treats, and more. She is an amazing big sister! She even convinced Tara to teach me how to be a good counselor and we all get to work together.
Six years later, here we are! I am not a hound and I just weighed in at the vet this week a little over 150lbs! Yup, I am a Great Dane mix.
Abbey will always be my big sister, even though I am much "bigger" than she is. She knows how to teach me still and I am a good listener.
Do you show your siblings how much you love them? You should!
With love,
Bode
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Discrimination...again!
Hi, it's Bode!
I was so excited about doing another school workshop next week but then they cancelled. My feelings are really hurt as to why, especially considering Tara and I were going to talk to the students about self esteem!
As you may or may not know, we visit schools as often as we can to talk to children about safety around dogs and then usually have a lesson with it. Mostly the teachers ask for lessons on self esteem or test anxiety.
I thought we were making waves with all the invitations and having such great feedback about our interactions, but not with this school! The teacher was able to schedule us and confirm with her administration, however when they learned that I was a "LARGE Therapy Dog", they said only if I was small. What? How is that fair? Abbey doesn't really like large group work like I do, so I go with Tara to all the schools and large workshops, and Abbey does small groups along with the clients we see.
Again, because of my size (which I don't think I am that big), I am shut out of something! Luckily the presentation we have coming up was able to make accommodations for Somer and I to travel with Liz and Tara as originally they said we were too big to sleep in the hotel, but we were ok'd to be there to present. Strange, but like I said we are all set now!
I am wondering how you handle being told you can't do something because of something that is out of your control? Tara and I played lots of games to recoup from the news and that helped, but it still doesn't seem fair!
Now that I am typing this, I realize this is sort of how my foster sister, Gemini, must feel. She is a great dog, only 3 1/2 months and already housebroken and learning manners. When Tara takes her out to meet people and they realize she is part pit bull, they actually say she is no longer cute (after they oohed and awed over her). That is just as sad...and she will probably be big since she is already over 20lbs!
Until next time...
Bode
I was so excited about doing another school workshop next week but then they cancelled. My feelings are really hurt as to why, especially considering Tara and I were going to talk to the students about self esteem!
As you may or may not know, we visit schools as often as we can to talk to children about safety around dogs and then usually have a lesson with it. Mostly the teachers ask for lessons on self esteem or test anxiety.
I thought we were making waves with all the invitations and having such great feedback about our interactions, but not with this school! The teacher was able to schedule us and confirm with her administration, however when they learned that I was a "LARGE Therapy Dog", they said only if I was small. What? How is that fair? Abbey doesn't really like large group work like I do, so I go with Tara to all the schools and large workshops, and Abbey does small groups along with the clients we see.
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| I guess I am a little big for this house... (c) Delta Family Counseling, LLC 2012 |
Again, because of my size (which I don't think I am that big), I am shut out of something! Luckily the presentation we have coming up was able to make accommodations for Somer and I to travel with Liz and Tara as originally they said we were too big to sleep in the hotel, but we were ok'd to be there to present. Strange, but like I said we are all set now!
I am wondering how you handle being told you can't do something because of something that is out of your control? Tara and I played lots of games to recoup from the news and that helped, but it still doesn't seem fair!
Now that I am typing this, I realize this is sort of how my foster sister, Gemini, must feel. She is a great dog, only 3 1/2 months and already housebroken and learning manners. When Tara takes her out to meet people and they realize she is part pit bull, they actually say she is no longer cute (after they oohed and awed over her). That is just as sad...and she will probably be big since she is already over 20lbs!
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| Meet Gemini...she is still looking for her forever home www.brookeslegacyanimalrescue.org (c) Delta Family Counseling, LLC 2012 |
Until next time...
Bode
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day!
You should love your mom every day of your life....and show her! In case you don't, there is a day called Mother's Day, it is today (hope you already knew that!), to remind you and give you lots of ideas on how to spoil your mom.
We love our mom so much! We try to remind her every day with lots of love and closeness. We know we are adopted, so that makes our relationship even more special to us. We were chosen! No matter how your relationship with your mom happened, it is unique!
Some of our clients had trouble this week with knowing Mother's Day was approaching. When you have had your mom die, have been taken away from her for various reasons, or maybe never even knew her, you may turn to someone else. That new "mom" will never be the same as the woman you were born too, but in some cases that is so much better!
The definition of mom was also debated this week by some of our clients. Is a mom someone that you are born to or does it take more to be a mom? What about the term mother? Everyone has their own definitions for each. Sometimes they are emotionally driven and sometimes they are just words.
To us, our mom is Tara and she is not only our mom, but our trainer, coach, co-therapist, and more!
Before we sign off, we want to let you know that we are thinking of those of you that are struggling with the loss of your mom, the loss of a child, and those that are trying hard to become a mom and experiencing struggles with that. Today is hard for you and we know that!
In honor of moms of all kinds...Happy Mother's Day!
love,
Abbey and Bode
We love our mom so much! We try to remind her every day with lots of love and closeness. We know we are adopted, so that makes our relationship even more special to us. We were chosen! No matter how your relationship with your mom happened, it is unique!
Some of our clients had trouble this week with knowing Mother's Day was approaching. When you have had your mom die, have been taken away from her for various reasons, or maybe never even knew her, you may turn to someone else. That new "mom" will never be the same as the woman you were born too, but in some cases that is so much better!
The definition of mom was also debated this week by some of our clients. Is a mom someone that you are born to or does it take more to be a mom? What about the term mother? Everyone has their own definitions for each. Sometimes they are emotionally driven and sometimes they are just words.
To us, our mom is Tara and she is not only our mom, but our trainer, coach, co-therapist, and more!
Before we sign off, we want to let you know that we are thinking of those of you that are struggling with the loss of your mom, the loss of a child, and those that are trying hard to become a mom and experiencing struggles with that. Today is hard for you and we know that!
In honor of moms of all kinds...Happy Mother's Day!
love,
Abbey and Bode
Monday, May 7, 2012
Amazing people...
So we find ourselves apologizing, again, for the delay in posting. We have been very busy had some ups and downs. First--we realized we forgot to tell you that Bode made his last step down on the meds and is looking like he is almost done and back to his new health.
We have three new foster siblings. Yes, that is right...there are five of us in the house along with our humans. Sleigh Belle came back today. We haven't heard much, other than her family decided it was not a forever placement. We will post more when Tara tells us.
Bo Duke, we call him "Duke" is a coonhound/beagle mix that has lots of energy. We have worked hard to teach him quite a bit. He was afraid of doorways and leashes, but will now go for walk (quite eagerly) and let's himself in and out of the doggie door.
Gemini came to us with her sister Virgo for the Dog Days of Summer baseball game. Virgo went back to Naples to get adopted and Gemini was supposed to, but that family backed out. She is really fun, but only 3 months old. She is a pit bull mix, but not the type of pit bull people are scared of. She is so loving and enjoys playing with our human brother.
After that baseball game, Duke and Gemini got sick. Then Bode got sick and now Abbey is coughing. Our house went on what they call "puppy quarantine". We cant work or be around other dogs and the foster pups cant go to events. We are hoping it is gone and Sleigh Belle doesn't get it.
We have continue to keep ourselves busy and are having fun, but that is what we do best!
Bode got to go to Skyline Elementary a couple weeks ago and had an amazing time. He visited Mrs. Salyers (AKA Aunt Ezzie), Mrs. Rice, and Mrs Ruska's room. Bode was so happy to be back teaching classroom lessons that he didn't stop sharing about it for days! We all want to go next.
A few days later we received some pretty amazing cards and letters. They had pictures of Bode on them and were so talented. The cards came to Bode, Tara, and Rachael--she is our new intern at the practice. We loved reading how much the self esteem lesson meant to the kids and how much they enjoyed interacting with Bode. Most of them seemed surprised by his size and the fact that he was so gentle to give treats to.
Some of the students asked us to respond, and we will try to do that individually, but wanted this blog to get to them too! When we need to feel better about ourselves, we do all sorts of things. Talking to a friend who always has nice things to say is one of our favorites. Tara and Rachael enjoy playing with their human and canine kids.
Due to confidentiality, we were not able to take pictures.
As you can see...we have continued to encounter many amazing people and we can't wait to see who is next! We hope the 4th graders from Skyline continue to do amazing things and remember the lesson from Bode and their teachers.
Until next time...hopefully sooner!
Bode and Abbey
We have three new foster siblings. Yes, that is right...there are five of us in the house along with our humans. Sleigh Belle came back today. We haven't heard much, other than her family decided it was not a forever placement. We will post more when Tara tells us.
Bo Duke, we call him "Duke" is a coonhound/beagle mix that has lots of energy. We have worked hard to teach him quite a bit. He was afraid of doorways and leashes, but will now go for walk (quite eagerly) and let's himself in and out of the doggie door.
Gemini came to us with her sister Virgo for the Dog Days of Summer baseball game. Virgo went back to Naples to get adopted and Gemini was supposed to, but that family backed out. She is really fun, but only 3 months old. She is a pit bull mix, but not the type of pit bull people are scared of. She is so loving and enjoys playing with our human brother.
After that baseball game, Duke and Gemini got sick. Then Bode got sick and now Abbey is coughing. Our house went on what they call "puppy quarantine". We cant work or be around other dogs and the foster pups cant go to events. We are hoping it is gone and Sleigh Belle doesn't get it.
We have continue to keep ourselves busy and are having fun, but that is what we do best!
Bode got to go to Skyline Elementary a couple weeks ago and had an amazing time. He visited Mrs. Salyers (AKA Aunt Ezzie), Mrs. Rice, and Mrs Ruska's room. Bode was so happy to be back teaching classroom lessons that he didn't stop sharing about it for days! We all want to go next.
A few days later we received some pretty amazing cards and letters. They had pictures of Bode on them and were so talented. The cards came to Bode, Tara, and Rachael--she is our new intern at the practice. We loved reading how much the self esteem lesson meant to the kids and how much they enjoyed interacting with Bode. Most of them seemed surprised by his size and the fact that he was so gentle to give treats to.
Some of the students asked us to respond, and we will try to do that individually, but wanted this blog to get to them too! When we need to feel better about ourselves, we do all sorts of things. Talking to a friend who always has nice things to say is one of our favorites. Tara and Rachael enjoy playing with their human and canine kids.
Due to confidentiality, we were not able to take pictures.
As you can see...we have continued to encounter many amazing people and we can't wait to see who is next! We hope the 4th graders from Skyline continue to do amazing things and remember the lesson from Bode and their teachers.
Until next time...hopefully sooner!
Bode and Abbey
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