Help us give dogs a New Leash On Life!

The New Leash on Life program is a pairing of homeless dogs with the most unlikely of trainers, Forsyth Correctional Institute Inmates.  How does this work?  An inmate is paired with a dog in need of socialization and rehabilitation, both then go through a 10 week program where the dogs are crate trained, taught the basic obedience with Professional Dog Trainers then when the dog graduates it goes to a great home with adoption.

Not just the Inmates go through a rigorous training program and qualification process, but the dogs that are chosen as well as the families that adopt.  Many dogs come into the system unable to be adopted, this program gets them to a point where they can find a forever home.  Some of the inmates say that the program has changed their lives, in the 10 week program they have learned responsibility, and discipline, something they will take with them outside of the Correctional system.
Want to help?  There are several different ways:

1.  Adopt a Dog!  New Leash On Life has a doggy class graduating the 7th of August, if you’ve thought about adopting take a look at the graduates you may fall in love with one.

2.  It costs money to run this program, any donation from a token “we believe in you” to a gift that puts a dog through the program, as a non profit your money goes not not just helping dogs in a need of a home but the inmates as well.

3.  Wear the New Leash on Life T-shirt – stop by and pick up yours.  Wear it proudly around town and answer questions about the program spreading the word.

4.  They are always in need of supplies, dog food, dog treats, training videos, books you name it.

5.  A little time goes a long way, help volunteer with the program or with the Humane Society to put up flyers, answer phones or just help out.

These dogs and their trainers are taught to love and trust, some come from backgrounds that have broken that part of them, help Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family give these deserving dogs a NEW LEASH ON LIFE.
Visit www.anewleashonlifefcc.org

Our Family Dogs! (Daisy, Kipper and Sadie)

Bad, Bad, BAD DOGGIES! Has your dog ever done something at just the right time?  If you have ever owned a dog, you know what I’m talking about.  It’s that “perfect timing” when they create chaos for the moment, but great laughter later.  

In our family we love our dogs. My husband and I have a miniature schnauzer, Kipper, whom we adore. Our oldest daughter, Kalee and her husband, Matt, have a Labrador retriever named Sadie. Jillian, our youngest daughter is getting married in less than three weeks and her fiancé, Bob has a beagle mix, named Daisy.

It was very odd last week when all three dogs, who live in three different states, chose to create chaos in our various situations. Has that every happened to you? When has your dog done something at the most inopportune time?

Monday: Daisy
It all began with Daisy. Jillian was on her way home from work when she received a call from Bob. Bob said, “Jillian, remember that you love Daisy, you might not always love what she does, but you LOVE Daisy!” Jillian knew this must not be good news. Upon arriving home, Jillian discovered that Daisy had chewed through some of the wedding supplies. (I might mention, again, the wedding is in less than three weeks!)

Tuesday afternoon: Kipper
On the way to the veterinarian, Kipper began to tremble terribly. I allowed her to crawl onto my lap as I was driving. Within moments, she began to poop all over me . . . while I was driving! Walking in the door at the veterinarian’s office the receptionist cheerfully asked, “How is your day going?” I said, “Pretty good other than being pooped on, while driving here.” Then I said, “I started to go home and clean up, but then I thought you folks were probably use to these smells!” (She quickly handed me some wet towels!)

Tuesday evening: Sadie
Kalee and Matt were cleaning the house preparing for me to visit them on Wednesday. They were busy making everything clean and just right for Mom’s visit when Kalee noticed Sadie running from their bedroom. Kalee went to check and discovered that Sadie had urinated in their bed! Keep in mind, being a Labrador retriever; this was not a small spot!

Has your dog (or dogs) ever had “perfect timing?”

My goal in life
is to be as good of a person
my dog already thinks I am. 
~Author Unknown~

Kipper’s Christmas

Is there anything unique about this Christmas season, anything especially memorable to you? Consider this year’s holiday season through the eyes of a child, an aging parent or even your pets!  Kipper, our 14 year-old miniature schnauzer will remember when her quiet home was invaded by two other dogs.

Kipper was a Christmas present for our daughters, Kalee and Jillian in 1996. That year, Kalee was in the seventh grade and Jillian was in the fifth grade, a lot has changed since that time. Kalee now lives near Atlanta with her husband and Jillian lives near Lexington, Ky.

Kipper was excited to see Kalee and Jillian and even excited to see Matt, Kalee’s husband and Bob, Jillian’s fiancé, but she was not too thrilled with the guests they brought. . their dogs! First came Daisy, a small friendly beagle. Kipper tolerated her well, by ignoring her. Then Sadie, a small, happy dinosaur (70 pound, seven month-old lab) arrived and everything in Kipper’s home changed.

Kipper’s home changed from a quiet, clean basically organized home to a crazy, loud, messy place with the biggest dog she had ever seen. In two more days, her home will return to normal, but secretly I think Kipper enjoyed her Christmas. I know my husband and I loved every minute of it!

What will you remember about Christmas 2010?

Wednesday’s Word: Devotion

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. (Author unknown)

What is the difference between devotion and duty? Devotion is defined as passionate, enthusiastic, eager and often selfless love and dedication, as to a person or principle. Duty is defined as something you have to do, an obligation, a responsibility and even includes taxes, payments and dues.

Recently I was asked this question and I began to look at who I am and what I do through the lens of “devotion versus duty.” First I looked at primary relationships, which for me included God, my spouse, children, other family members and even close friends. Then I considered some of the things I do.

When I honestly evaluated myself, I realized that I was sometimes loving and doing from a sense of duty, and it was precisely there that unsettledness, frustration and other unsavory emotions dwelled.

When is it acceptable to do something from the perspective of duty? Could there be areas in your life where a shift from duty to devotion could lead to a more fulfilling and successful life or mission? What if parenting rose up from devotion to the family and the children? Are there times when you can be devoted to something and it is harmful to those that you love the most? Is it possible that we can learn to be better human beings from our dogs?

Previous Wednesday’s Words

Devotion (August 11, 2010)
Neighbor (August 4, 2010)
Service (July 21, 2010)
Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)
B R E A T H E (March 17, 2010)

Wednesday’s word: Peace

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.

(Thomas a Kempis)

Worry gives a small thing a big shadow

(Swedish Proverb)

Wednesday’s word: PEACE. Do you want to grow peace within your mind and spirit? What if the word peace described your home, workplace and even your mind and spirit? Is it possible to have a peaceful spirit even in the midst of daily duties? Most of us would gladly welcome greater peace and calm within our minds and our overall being.

Peace within ourselves – what does it look like? What helps you cultivate a sense of peace within you? Here are my ten top ways to cultivate peace in my life.

How do you welcome peaceful moments into your life? What could you do today to nurture peace within your spirit?

Wednesday’s words:

Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)

Daisy Smiles!

Can a dog smile? Does your dog smile or have you seen a dog smile? Many people including professionals contend that dogs do not smile or at least that contraction of muscles around a dog’s mouth is not a smile, as we understand it. In fact, many say that it indicates submission to the current situation, person or another animal.

Bob, a young bachelor came home from work on a wintry, cold, rainy night about eighteen months ago. As he walked up on his porch, he discovered a shivering, muddy, injured and wet dog. The dog was small and appeared to be a beagle mix. Bob called the Humane Society and they asked him if he would take care of the dog overnight. (Probably a secret trick they use!)

Bob bathed and fed the small dog and allowed it to sleep near the corner of his bed. He said the dog did not move from a curled up position unless he moved her. After several attempts to find its owner and after the veterinarian commenting that he though the dog liked Bob, Bob decided to keep the dog. He named her Daisy.

Do you think animals smile? I am sure Daisy smiles . . . I have seen it! In fact, Daisy smiles a lot . . . it is the sweetest thing. Does your animal smile? My own dog, Kipper smiles and I assure you it is not about submission!

Power Outage – Be Prepared!

How do you survive power outages? What is the difference between true essentials and mere comforts?

Two weeks ago, the wind was strong, the ground was wet… and a tree fell near my house! My power was out for almost eight hours. Alone and in the dark, unable to go anywhere, I’m going to be honest – I was miserable. Eight hours in the dark with nothing to do except look at my dog and call my husband and complain (thanks, Tim – I’m not sure I would have been as patient!). It’s a little embarrassing when I really think about how miserable (and pathetic) I was, but one thing I vowed: I will be better prepared for next time!

I now have a little place in my closet with necessary supplies. This includes both essential and comfort items. If I’m completely honest, I had all the essentials – what I was lacking were the things that would make me comfortable.

Essentials:
Batteries
Flashlights
Candles – however, careful here
Matches
Know how to open the garage door when the power is off!
Call the power company immediately – do not assume your neighbor did!
Food and water

Comforts:
Lights that work with batteries (so that you can read)
iPod or CD player that works off batteries (back ground music is a must)
Extra little LED lights around the house . . . it’s amazing how dark, dark can be!
Keep your cell phone charged
Red wine (white would need to be chilled) 
Chocolate
A friend

Any other suggestions? We have more bad weather on the way and we also have storm season to look forward to in the spring. Might as well get prepared!

Reducing Stress – A Woman’s “Stress Less” List!

Women everywhere have sore shoulders from carrying around way too much stress.  If you are alive, you are experiencing stress.  During the past 18 months, my husband had an kidney transplant; my mother was diagnosed with cancer and endured chemotherapy; my father’s health declined drastically and he died; a trusted friend broke my confidence; a daughter moved; a daughter became engaged and married; I lost my job and everyone knows what has happened to our family’s retirement funds!  

I know that you all experience stress that is unique to women and, as women, you are finding creative ways to lessen its weight on your shoulders. 

I would like to propose a “Stress Less” List, and I encourage you to make and share yours here.   A “Stress Less” list is a like a “Bucket List,” but of healthy, creative ways to lessen stress’s grip on your spirit.   This simple step prepares you to live life more joyfully and help others at the same time.

This is only the beginning of my “Stress Less” list.    

• Play with my dog
• Read a magazine . . especially Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family!
• Talk with my husband
• Spend time with my daughters
• Girls Night Out:  Forsyth Woman’s Girls Night Out is great and I am planning my own at my home!
• Relax in the backyard -listening and observing nature
• Clean the house. (weird, but it does help me reduce stress – sometimes)
• Watch the blue bird family in my bird house
• Purchase flowers for my house (just the inexpensive cut flowers at the grocery store, I love arranging them)
• Bicycle ride or walk at Tanglewood Park
• Pray
• Sing (it’s best for me to keep my windows closed or it could cause stress for my neighbors)
• Get a pedicure
• Suggestions . . . . ?

Start your own personal list, begin it today, and share it!  We will get ideas from one another!