May 1, 2012
Natural Horse Diet
Although our domesticated equines live very different lives than their wild brethren, their nutritional needs are very similar. A diet that is balanced, natural and low in manufactured sugars is essential for a long and healthy life.
One of the most high-sugar foods in the modern equine diet is horse treats. Current research indicates that horses who eat too much sugar could develop insulin resistance later in life. After doing research to find no sugar/low carbohydrate horse treats, I discovered “Natural Horse Treats”.
They are hand made in small batches and although ideal for horses with Equine Metabolic Disorder or Cushings, they are a superior treat for all horses. My horse Romeo loves them!
April 30, 2012
Pure Mischief
“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being” Abraham Lincoln
I’ve always thought of ‘rights’ as something which is deserving of every living creature. Isn’t it a given that by the very fact we share life, we also share the right to the most loving, safe, and joyous life possible?
Thankfully, we are living in a time when more and more people are changing the way they think about animals. As a result, we are creating not only improved quality of life for animals but a more humane and peaceful existence for all who call this planet their home.
April 29, 2012
Blueberry Joy
I think there’s a frequency in which animals exist most of the time. Kind of like the animal channel, it’s another dimension made up mostly of feelings, fun, moment-to-moment thoughts, smells, sounds, sensations, curiosity and complete trust in what is. This frequency is accessible to us, but only when we slow down, stop thinking and just be.
One of the reasons we like being around animals so much is because they’re like a channel changer…..they trigger us to flip the station, change the channel and remember what it’s like to live simply and joyfully.
April 26, 2012
Trees
I am a tree hugging, flower sniffing, grass rolling kinda girl. I feel a connection with all of nature’s delightful creatures. Today a tree-trimming crew appeared outside my office window, ready to take down a few of the old eucalyptus trees across the street. They had been slated for removal…considered diseased.
I said a prayer of kindness and thanks for these majestic beings who were giving up their lives. It was difficult not to feel grief for their passing….but when I tuned into their spirits, I could sense they knew this day would come and were humbly ready to give up that space so other trees, grass, flowers could grow in their spot.
When we respect and have reverence for all life, be it trees, people, animals, clouds… something in us shifts. We become soft, gentle, grateful. We become complete.
April 25, 2012
Oscar Under Cover
Our Orange boy Oscar loves to jump into Bella-dog’s bed especially after she’s been in it for a while..the covers are all warmed up. This morning when Bella left her kitchen bed to go check out something on the deck, Oscar was in there likiddy-split. He buried himself under the covers and by the time I’d grabbed my camera, he was sitting up.
The sleepy look on his face was telling: “What?! It’s just a nap.”
April 24, 2012
Keeping an Eye Out
Most places where horses live, you’ll also find dogs. I think it’s because many horse people are also dog people. Today while Romeo was turned out and I was taking a break and watching some lessons in the arena, two of the trainers’ dogs came by to hang out while their human dad finished up for the day.
Is it soup yet?
When they struck a pose, each intently watching the arena and anticipating going home soon, I couldn’t resist taking photos of them. Keeping an eye out, they were both content to watch until dad gave them the signal to start heading for the car.
April 23, 2012
Orange Boy, adopted
With so many animals in need of homes, what is the most humane way to adopt? Do we support breeders by buying only purebreds or do we look for our next horse, dog, cat only in shelters or rescue organizations? These are tough questions…and I don’t think there’s any one right answer.
I am an avid supporter of adopting animals from shelters and rescue organizations as well as programs for spay/neuter of domesticated pets. But because a puppy, kitten or foal is born from a purebred mother with ‘outstanding blood lines’, does he/she not also deserve a loving home?
I think the key is about raising awareness: Helping more people to understand the importance of re-homing animals and the blatant insensitivity of over-breeding while also understanding that every living creature deserves to be loved and adored for who they are, no matter where they came from.
April 22, 2012
Debra and Romeo
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened” Anatole France
Is there a difference between the way we love another human being and the way we love an animal being? Perhaps in loving our animals, we might trust deeper or open ourselves wider without fear of being hurt or betrayed. Loving a human is sometimes more complicated….or so it would seem.
I think animals are in our lives for many reasons, but one of them is to teach us to love with all our hearts, with no fear and with complete faith that in so doing we awaken our souls.
April 19, 2012
Harley
Animals are extremely sensitive to energy of all kinds. This is particularly true when it comes to health care for our beloved fur family. Being watchful of our own energy is essential in helping our animals work through any health challenges. Maintaining a positive attitude helps them more than we may realize.
I am an avid supporter of energy medicine. This includes Reiki, Acupuncture and Acupressure, Long-Distance Healing, Chiropractic, and Massage. Combined with traditional medicine, these modalities create a powerful force which can help animals (as well as people) live healthy, long lives.
As caregivers, it is our responsibility to keep an open mind about any and all practices which will help our animal friends live the best life they possibly can!
April 18, 2012
Killi and The Boys
During the first few years of our marriage, my husband and I had 7 cats…all rescued. Thinking we were doing the right thing by giving a loving home to as many as we could, we later learned that there is such a thing as too many.
As with all things in life, balance is everything. Having so many kitters under one roof ended up creating a stressful environment for all of them. The ages of our feline family ranged from very young to very old so within a few years after our elders had passed on, we decided not to add any new members to the group.
It was a valuable lesson. As much as we wanted to, we came to realize that we can’t save/help ALL who are in need. But we can help a few…and by doing so we are able to offer them the absolute best life we can.
