A letter sent to us by one of our readers amused us and we think you may also enjoy it. In her letter, Jan told us that a relative of hers had made "loves dogs" a prerequisite for having a serious relationship with the next man in her life.
Jan's relative met a suitor through an online dating service. He seemed to fit the bill, and their match was made in dog heaven. For those of you who don't know, dog heaven is otherwise known as dog park. This is where city dogs run and play like crazy with other dogs while their adoring humans observe and visit with each other.
The man whom Jan's relative fell in love with decided to prove his devotion to dogs by surprising her with a unique setting for declaring his intentions. He got down on his knees (in the woodchips?) at the dog park the couple frequented with the woman's pooch. There, he proposed marriage and presented her with an engagement ring. This was done in front of all the dog-loving witnesses at the dog park. As you can imagine, the woman and her dog immediately accepted his proposal.
Is "loves dogs" or "loves cats" or "loves horses" a prerequisite for your significant relationships?
Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
"CRAZY" DOG LOVERS' HABITS
We wanted to share a story from Connie Bowen that was published in our Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter. It is delightful.
"CRAZY" DOG LOVERS' HABITS
By Connie Bowen
Do you find yourself among that rare breed of dog lover who your friends think have gone just too far in your love for your dogs? Read on and see if any of these dog lover traits sound all too familiar.
Do you fluff up their bed just one more time, to make sure your dogs are comfy cozy during the nighttime hours? And of course, if they should deem our bed more to their liking at 4:00 a.m., we're happy to oblige with a scoot to the edge, braving cold toes or worse yet, a dangerous fall-off to the floor below.
If they ask to be in the bathroom with us during our morning shower, we'll leave the door ajar should our dogs feel an urgent need to leave, even if it means less privacy and a strikingly cold draft.
We plan our dinner outings around their eating habits, begging them to chow down early so that we can sit in comfort at a restaurant, awaiting our entree, awash in the peaceful fog of knowing they're safe at home with full tummies.
We wouldn't dream of keeping the TV too loud, the house too warm, or running low on dog cookies, treats, and toys.
We announce our comings and goings explaining when we'll be back, how long we'll be gone and what we'll bring them when we return.
All in all, we know what life would be like without our dogs, and we shudder to think of the possibility.
Are you a member of this rare breed of dog lover? If you are, then join the ranks with the best of the best. We can't *all* be crazy, can we?
BIO:
Visit www.conniebowen.com to view Connie's animal portraits. Connie is also the illustrator for Susan Chernak McElroy's book, HEART IN THE WILD (Random House, 2002).
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
What would life be like if we weren't owned by our pets?
Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
"CRAZY" DOG LOVERS' HABITS
By Connie Bowen
Do you find yourself among that rare breed of dog lover who your friends think have gone just too far in your love for your dogs? Read on and see if any of these dog lover traits sound all too familiar.
Do you fluff up their bed just one more time, to make sure your dogs are comfy cozy during the nighttime hours? And of course, if they should deem our bed more to their liking at 4:00 a.m., we're happy to oblige with a scoot to the edge, braving cold toes or worse yet, a dangerous fall-off to the floor below.
If they ask to be in the bathroom with us during our morning shower, we'll leave the door ajar should our dogs feel an urgent need to leave, even if it means less privacy and a strikingly cold draft.
We plan our dinner outings around their eating habits, begging them to chow down early so that we can sit in comfort at a restaurant, awaiting our entree, awash in the peaceful fog of knowing they're safe at home with full tummies.
We wouldn't dream of keeping the TV too loud, the house too warm, or running low on dog cookies, treats, and toys.
We announce our comings and goings explaining when we'll be back, how long we'll be gone and what we'll bring them when we return.
All in all, we know what life would be like without our dogs, and we shudder to think of the possibility.
Are you a member of this rare breed of dog lover? If you are, then join the ranks with the best of the best. We can't *all* be crazy, can we?
BIO:
Visit www.conniebowen.com to view Connie's animal portraits. Connie is also the illustrator for Susan Chernak McElroy's book, HEART IN THE WILD (Random House, 2002).
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
What would life be like if we weren't owned by our pets?
Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Why do you have a pet?
By Allen and Linda Anderson
We sometimes hear or read the argument that living with a pet isn't a reasonable or logical lifestyle choice. The financial cost of vet bills and food, the additional cleaning that is necessary, and other responsibilities seem prohibitive to some.
And why would people willingly put themselves through emotional loss, when they know that someday, a beloved animal will leave or die? Many who have never lived with animals question the motivation (and sanity) of those who share their homes and lives with pets.
For those who haven't experienced the human-animal spiritual connection, sincere animal lovers seem to lack common sense. Pet lovers are accused of having emotional weakness and immaturity, which spring from their lack of "real" human contact and companionship. They must be severely bored to need animals as their source of amusement.
When Linda types this line, Speedy looks at the screen as if to ask, "Do you think that's true? Do I amuse you?" Linda strokes her hand down the cat's back and replies, "Yes, you do, but that's not the only reason we love you."
Our cat Cuddles seems to know exactly what to do when we need encouragement. Her special way to offer comfort is to touch her paw ever so gently on the shoulder of the one who needs a little extra TLC. Her eyes peer straight into that person's heart and without one word spoken say, "You are loved."
Our dog Leaf wiggles, licks with his soft pink tongue, and wags his tail in circles to let us know that his offer of friendship is unequivocal.
Our cockatiel Sunshine whistles and says, "I love you, sweet baby." Who could mistake that sign of affection?
Do you notice when an animal gives you a gentle touch and wide-eyed, innocent look of unconditional love? In today's busy lifestyle it's easy to ignore these signals that love is all around.
Stop, look, listen, observe, be grateful. The pets in your life are there for you in ways you may not be noticing. What are your pet blessings?
Allen & Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
We sometimes hear or read the argument that living with a pet isn't a reasonable or logical lifestyle choice. The financial cost of vet bills and food, the additional cleaning that is necessary, and other responsibilities seem prohibitive to some.
And why would people willingly put themselves through emotional loss, when they know that someday, a beloved animal will leave or die? Many who have never lived with animals question the motivation (and sanity) of those who share their homes and lives with pets.
For those who haven't experienced the human-animal spiritual connection, sincere animal lovers seem to lack common sense. Pet lovers are accused of having emotional weakness and immaturity, which spring from their lack of "real" human contact and companionship. They must be severely bored to need animals as their source of amusement.
When Linda types this line, Speedy looks at the screen as if to ask, "Do you think that's true? Do I amuse you?" Linda strokes her hand down the cat's back and replies, "Yes, you do, but that's not the only reason we love you."
Our cat Cuddles seems to know exactly what to do when we need encouragement. Her special way to offer comfort is to touch her paw ever so gently on the shoulder of the one who needs a little extra TLC. Her eyes peer straight into that person's heart and without one word spoken say, "You are loved."
Our dog Leaf wiggles, licks with his soft pink tongue, and wags his tail in circles to let us know that his offer of friendship is unequivocal.
Our cockatiel Sunshine whistles and says, "I love you, sweet baby." Who could mistake that sign of affection?
Do you notice when an animal gives you a gentle touch and wide-eyed, innocent look of unconditional love? In today's busy lifestyle it's easy to ignore these signals that love is all around.
Stop, look, listen, observe, be grateful. The pets in your life are there for you in ways you may not be noticing. What are your pet blessings?
Allen & Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Case of the Missing Glasses
By Allen Anderson
The other day Linda couldn't find her glasses. Unfortunately this isn't an unusual occurrence, as she often absentmindedly takes them off and forgets where she put them. On this occasion, she searched all the regular spots.
Running out of time, without Allen at home to aid in the reconnaissance mission, Linda looked at Leaf, our black cocker spaniel with a nose for adventure. He had been following her from room to room and stood watching her meltdown. In exasperation she asked, "Leaf, where are my glasses?"
Linda took one more sweep of the dining room area rug. Sometimes, if she leaves her glasses on the dining table, our cat Cuddles will decide they make a great toy and sweep them onto the floor with her little white paw. But this time, there were no glasses on the rug.
Then Linda went into the kitchen to finish making breakfast without the glasses she needed to enjoy reading the morning paper. When she returned to the dining room, in exactly the spot she had just looked, Leaf stood over a slightly mangled pair of glasses. He appeared to be mighty proud of himself.
Sure enough, those were the missing glasses. Linda still doesn't know where they were, but Leaf did. We're thinking of opening a doggie detective agency.
Have you ever had a pet find something you lost?
The other day Linda couldn't find her glasses. Unfortunately this isn't an unusual occurrence, as she often absentmindedly takes them off and forgets where she put them. On this occasion, she searched all the regular spots.
Running out of time, without Allen at home to aid in the reconnaissance mission, Linda looked at Leaf, our black cocker spaniel with a nose for adventure. He had been following her from room to room and stood watching her meltdown. In exasperation she asked, "Leaf, where are my glasses?"
Linda took one more sweep of the dining room area rug. Sometimes, if she leaves her glasses on the dining table, our cat Cuddles will decide they make a great toy and sweep them onto the floor with her little white paw. But this time, there were no glasses on the rug.
Then Linda went into the kitchen to finish making breakfast without the glasses she needed to enjoy reading the morning paper. When she returned to the dining room, in exactly the spot she had just looked, Leaf stood over a slightly mangled pair of glasses. He appeared to be mighty proud of himself.
Sure enough, those were the missing glasses. Linda still doesn't know where they were, but Leaf did. We're thinking of opening a doggie detective agency.
Have you ever had a pet find something you lost?
Monday, January 19: Manifest Destiny - Co-creating with your animals!
Manifest Destiny with your animals on this Monday's showAbout a year ago I was doing a reading with a woman and her horse. The woman had come to recognize that the stable her horse was boarded at was desperately inadequate. The horse was not being feed enough, nor was there adequate water. She was feeling guilty and carrying tremendous responsibility about finding a new stable, immediately.
I checked in with her horse and I commented that "he had just as much ability to manifest his new home as she did". The 'aha' light went off for all of us. In our conscious relationship with our animals, we have the ability to co-create the things we want and THAT is the topic of Monday's show - Manifesting with our animals.
My guest are Karen Biehl and her animal friend Eli. They have a mission statement and are co-creating an amazing life.
Tune in Monday, January 19 at 12 Noon EST
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Mercury Retrograde and Pets
by Kathy Biehl
The planet Mercury began its first retrograde of the year today. If you're aware of the concept of Mercury retrograde, you probably associate it with snafus in communication and transportation. Technology misfires; messages get garbled or blocked; travel is delayed. That's not all, though. Anything ruled by Mercury can come up for revisiting or benefit from closer attention under a retrograde. And one of the things that Mercury rules is pets.
The general advice about not making a major purchase during a Mercury retrograde applies to pets. This is not an optimal time to adopt, buy or take in a pet. If you do, something about the pet will probably not be what you think. There's a high risk of a critical piece of information being left out, forgotten, withheld or misunderstood.
On the plus side, this is an ideal time to learn more about and reconnect with an animal that's already with you. Pay close attention to its behavior; if something changes, the cause may not be what it first seems. Make a point to spend more time together, too. The interaction will make you both feel better -- and will counterbalance some of the frustrations that Mercury heaps upon you. When you get home late because traffic was snarled, the loving touch of a pet can help wipe your slate clean.
Mercury will be retrograde from January 11 through February 2. It will happen again from May 6-May 30, September 6-September 29, and December 26 till January 15 of next year.
The planet Mercury began its first retrograde of the year today. If you're aware of the concept of Mercury retrograde, you probably associate it with snafus in communication and transportation. Technology misfires; messages get garbled or blocked; travel is delayed. That's not all, though. Anything ruled by Mercury can come up for revisiting or benefit from closer attention under a retrograde. And one of the things that Mercury rules is pets.
The general advice about not making a major purchase during a Mercury retrograde applies to pets. This is not an optimal time to adopt, buy or take in a pet. If you do, something about the pet will probably not be what you think. There's a high risk of a critical piece of information being left out, forgotten, withheld or misunderstood.
On the plus side, this is an ideal time to learn more about and reconnect with an animal that's already with you. Pay close attention to its behavior; if something changes, the cause may not be what it first seems. Make a point to spend more time together, too. The interaction will make you both feel better -- and will counterbalance some of the frustrations that Mercury heaps upon you. When you get home late because traffic was snarled, the loving touch of a pet can help wipe your slate clean.
Mercury will be retrograde from January 11 through February 2. It will happen again from May 6-May 30, September 6-September 29, and December 26 till January 15 of next year.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Our Dog Has Trained Us Well
By Allen and Linda Anderson
Our Dog Has Trained Us Well
Okay, we have a question for you folks who love to train dogs -- Who does the training, the dog or the person or both?
We ask, because our cocker spaniel Leaf, smart little adolescent boy that he is, seems to be training us and everyone else as much or more than we're training him.
Example: At doggie day care this week, we hear that Leaf scratches with his mighty paw on the gates to let the staff know whether he wants to play with the big or the little dogs. They come running to fulfill his request.
Example: We use our trainer's suggestion for how to get Leaf to stop trying to lick dirty dishes in the dishwasher when the door is opened. We say, "Leave it." When he stops, we're to give him a treat and say, "Take it." Get the picture? He's trained us to give him treats by licking the plate or threatening to do so in hopes that we'll say, "Leave it" followed by "Take it."
Example: Leaf loves to beg at the table when we eat. Rather than hassle with him at every meal, we put the gate up between the hallway and dining room. He's trained us to give him a kong that occupies his little mind and focus while we eat in peace.
Example: Leaf has trained us to give him a treat so that he doesn't go into overprotective mode when an invited guest comes into the house. The guest gets trained, too, to offer him a treat.
So you tell us, who is training whom?
Our Dog Has Trained Us Well
Okay, we have a question for you folks who love to train dogs -- Who does the training, the dog or the person or both?
We ask, because our cocker spaniel Leaf, smart little adolescent boy that he is, seems to be training us and everyone else as much or more than we're training him.
Example: At doggie day care this week, we hear that Leaf scratches with his mighty paw on the gates to let the staff know whether he wants to play with the big or the little dogs. They come running to fulfill his request.
Example: We use our trainer's suggestion for how to get Leaf to stop trying to lick dirty dishes in the dishwasher when the door is opened. We say, "Leave it." When he stops, we're to give him a treat and say, "Take it." Get the picture? He's trained us to give him treats by licking the plate or threatening to do so in hopes that we'll say, "Leave it" followed by "Take it."
Example: Leaf loves to beg at the table when we eat. Rather than hassle with him at every meal, we put the gate up between the hallway and dining room. He's trained us to give him a kong that occupies his little mind and focus while we eat in peace.
Example: Leaf has trained us to give him a treat so that he doesn't go into overprotective mode when an invited guest comes into the house. The guest gets trained, too, to offer him a treat.
So you tell us, who is training whom?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Author Stacey O'Brien talks about Wesley The Owl: January 12 at 12 Noon EST
You know how much I love stories about the interaction of animals and people, well you are in for a real treat. This coming Monday my first guest will be Stacey O’Brien, author of “Wesley The Owl: A Love Story Between and Owl and his Girl. O’Brien who is a biologist and a barn owl specialist rescues a baby owl who will not make it in the wild. The owl, Wesley, spends nineteen years with Stacey. Tune in to find out what this relationship was like and what Stacey gained through this amazing friendship.Join in Monday January 12th 2009 at 12 Noon EST.
Stacey O'Brien with Wesley
Trish Nixon from the Peregrine Fund - January 12th 12 Noon EST
Monday January 12th 2009 – following author and biologist Stacey O’Brien, I’ll be speaking with Raptor Specialist, Trish Nixon from the Peregrine Fund. The Peregrine Fund, a not-for-profit that directs 100% of all donations to their programs – is dedicated to conserving nature by restoring species in jeopardy, conserving habitat, educating students, and training conservationists. Trish will be speaking about Owls and providing insights into what they contribute to and how we can support their continued presence on the planet.Join in Monday January 12th 2009 at 12 Noon EST.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Do you have the Spirit of a Dog?
I was at a baby shower today and found myself telling someone that although I love all animals and have a connection to them, I find that energetically I resonate with dogs. They stop on the street to say hello to me, oftentimes pulling their people just to reach me. They hear me when I talk to them, often to the surprise of the people in their lives and they are easy and comfortable with me.
I was then telling the story of coming to the neighborhood I know live in. My husband had been here for 10 years before I arrived and knew no one. Now he complains that he can't walk down the street without having to say hello to someone and he jokingly refers to me as the Mayor of Cobble Hill because I know everyone from the dry cleaner to the pharmacist to the woman walking with her baby, by name. One of the women that I was telling this story too said "well that's because you are just like a dog." And I thought it was a wonderful insight. It's true, some people are like dogs, some people are like cats, some are like birds and some are like horses.
Here are some indications that you are a dog person.
I was then telling the story of coming to the neighborhood I know live in. My husband had been here for 10 years before I arrived and knew no one. Now he complains that he can't walk down the street without having to say hello to someone and he jokingly refers to me as the Mayor of Cobble Hill because I know everyone from the dry cleaner to the pharmacist to the woman walking with her baby, by name. One of the women that I was telling this story too said "well that's because you are just like a dog." And I thought it was a wonderful insight. It's true, some people are like dogs, some people are like cats, some are like birds and some are like horses.
Here are some indications that you are a dog person.
- You walk down the street and greet everyone and you know their names.
- You're a little impulsive but once the rules are explained your right on board.
- You don't like arguing, so when it happens you try to distract everyone.
- You're just as happy sitting at home in front of the fire as you are walking to the park.
- You find yourself jumping in the car and just driving to see what you can find.
- You look forward to your loved ones coming home and greet them at the door.
If you resonate more with cats, horses, birds, fish you name it, let me know what energies connect you to your animal friends.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
What If?
The hundreds of stories we've collected from all over the world show animals as conscious, sentient, spiritual beings who reason, create, and choose. These are concepts most people find difficult, even unnerving to believe. One day, Linda was watching "Good Morning, America," a daily national television program. That morning the guest was Jack Hanna, accompanied by a man who trains rare and exotic birds. As the man did his routine of having parrots interact with him by carrying on conversations and finishing his song lyrics, host Elizabeth Vargas kept asking, "But these birds can't really think, can they? They're only mimicking humans, right?" Linda found it amusing to hear the note of panic in Elizabeth's voice at the thought that these birds could be something more than intelligent robots.
So the question for January 1, 2009 is: What if?
What if animals are much more than we've ever realized? What if they don't need for us to attribute human characteristics to them but have their own special qualities? What if, since they've lived on this earth for much longer than we have, they know a few things we haven't figured out yet? How will this change the way you view and interact with the animals on this earth?
What if?
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