Over and over again we have opportunities to change lives including our own; what we do in those eras tell a lot about us. What do our lives look like today—from where we began, to where we are going— all the while assessing our progress and tweaking. Are you satisfied with who you are becoming?

Are you a doubter? Have you lost trust in folks and governance? I hear you, some days, so have I! With the uncertainly of our times I have come to know first-hand, more and more people who are unsure and distressed!  I talk to people every day who live in fear.  They have fear of being sick; losing their jobs, their homes and “having enough money” to keep food on the table for their families, including their pets and themselves. I ask; so what are you willing to do about it?

For a sum of years, I have been in partnership with our dogs and cats. Some have passed on but stay attentively connected with us in “spirit.” They have become our guides. As you know, Cedar Dog and I crusade for pets and their people.  As a result, we talk every day to folks about a pet’s impact on the earth; are you courageous enough to hear how you impact your pet’s health and your own and then make the changes required? Are you willing to do better, and who else will you tell? Some choose action, others do nothing.

I was a crusader in the 70’s fighting for civil rights during very threating times of hate mongers. Of course, even these days we know many people still choose hate. What I know is rational people stood then as many do today with belief in each other.  Some act boldly; the end result is a day like yesterday, September 20, 2011, the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” While that may not mean much to you, for those experiencing intolerance and hatefulness, this is their first day of independence. September 20, 2011 is now known as “Repeal Day.”  According to a Washington Post writer the military discharged 14,364 service members since late 1993 for violating the 18-year ban. Today, opportunities abound for thousands?

I am grateful for those self-determined warriors. There are countless ones to acclaim. I remember gathering with Lenny Matlovich in the 70’s, together with Harvey Milk, alongside Del Martin. Del and her partner, Phylis Lyon, partners of 55 years, were legally wed inside the San Francisco City Hall by the Mayor, Gavin Newsom in 2008. Lyons’s work spanned 50-some years; she was an incredible role model. NPR’s interview.

The lesson is pretty simple, the work is not. Things take time, perseverance and trust. Who we become in those moments measures the nerve or cowardice in each of us.

You may wonder where I am going with all of this prattle. I believe it is about our connection with each other, with the animals, all of life and who we come to be. Isn’t it about choice and believing you can matter, then doing the work and enjoying the ride? Who are you willing to become? The world needs your gifts.

Our pets as guides

You see we impact our pet’s lives in profound ways. Sometimes we know it, most often we do not. Our impact on their health and well-being is huge. I trust you will learn what quality care exacts and give them the best.

They can’t speak for themselves and often their ways of showing us what’s going on with them is very subtle (and sometimes not so when they act out); what’s more they take on our doubts and physical ailments; they emulate our emotions. Bottom line we are all very connected, the animals are right there with us. As my animal communicator friend and colleague Kate Solisti reminds, “We are all in this together, for better or worse.”

I want to share a paragraph from her book, Conversations with Dog, an Uncommon Dogalog of Canine Wisdom. It is done with permission. The question comes from a human, “Why do I love you more than most of the humans in my life?” The dog’s answer, “We are uncomplicated.” Dog continues:

“Dogs want us to know, “Our gift to you is unconditional love. We love you no matter how much or little money you make, where you live, what size clothes you wear. With loyalty and devotion, we give you a model of commitment. With absolute trust and uncompromising joy, we show you who you can be. By being the rug beneath your feet which buffers you from all the harshness of life, we help you feel safe in your world. By sending and receiving love, we teach you that you are lovable to others. This is our only agenda.

Most humans have not arrived at this uncomplicated place. Most humans still walk in the world afraid. You are afraid to change, afraid to stay the same. You are afraid to speak for yourselves, afraid to upset the apple cart. You seek prestige and respect, but can’t give it to yourself. You collect things in order to fill up an empty space in your heart. As a result of all of this fear and baggage, you create obstacles between yourself and others. Obstacles create separation.

Separation is loneliness. Loneliness is isolation. Separation leads to neediness. Neediness complicates human relationships.

Embrace life as we do and others will enjoy your company. Share love and enjoy each other unconditionally, just as we enjoy you. Live in the moment and make it spectacular. You will begin to find that one fabulous moment connects to another, and another, and another…”

Cedar Dog, the thirteen and a half Chesapeake has long said, “Mom, people just make things hard and I am here to support you.” So what do we do? Spend time with your animals and heed their wisdom. When life grows hard, open; when trust falls away, hope; when you feel at the end of your leash, love!

Kathy Deitsch, and my ever faithful and wise companion, Cedar Dog