Tip of the Month - Need Therapy for these Stressful Times?

(Courtesy of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb)

Watching the world news these days is enough to stress anyone out... thank goodness dogs don't care about human news!

Everyone is soooo busy these days that often taking time to meditate or be mindful or just sit quietly (without multi-tasking or making a mental to do list) is often completely overlooked (and underestimated!).

Why not take a little quality personal time out of your non-stop 24 hour day to lighten your mind, rest your spirit and recharge that ever loving relationship with your awesome dog?!

It's great that your dog insists that you get outside to walk, but... do you ever consciously have the mindfulness to walk your dog for your own personal benefit as well?

What about taking that walk without your phone or social media or ear buds? What about being present enough to benefit you in ways other than just physical exercise? You might be fascinated by the benefits of taking your 'dog time' to another level, for both of you!

Dogs love your company. Your dog is always happy to see youwho else in this world greets you like that? Your dog is constantly looking for ways to please you! Dogs never judge, they are the best listeners ever, and... are labelled human's best friend (in every language) for a very good reason! Really! Stress reduction is just one of the many ways your dog can help improve your physical, mental and your emotional health. So who needs a therapist when they have a dog?!

Here are some suggestions to help you, help yourself, via your dog: * first and foremost, while walking your dog, leave your phone at home! * embrace the opportunity to breathe deeply, awaken your senses; smell the fresh air, feel the ground you walk on, listen to your footsteps, the birds and chipmunks, observe what surrounds you... take it all in. * one of the best ways to calm your busy mind is simply taking a few minutes to sit with your dog and just be, quiet and present * while sitting on a log, park bench or the grass, focus solely on your dog (I challenge you to do this without talking). Stroke them slowly with your heart in your hand. Feel of them and for them - feel the sensation of their hair and skin and temperature. Be with your dog, for soothing tactile 'relief' of tension, for both of you!

* get down on the ground with your dog and play together! They might be surprised to find you 'there' for them. You'll be delighted how they want to make you laugh and will joyfully respond to your lightened self! * go for a slower walk than usual, 'saunter' not for exercise but to actually s.l.o.w. your body and mind.

Your dog will love the extra time to check the doggy news!

Enjoy a few of these approaches and enjoy how your dog gains a new appreciation for when you are actually present with them. They will acknowledge your shift to calm and quieting your worlds will do you both a world of good! As for the chaos of the rest of the world and your endless list of things to do... they will still be there waiting for you but, your own perspective will be much healthier. Soon you'll wonder why you ever lived with your dog any other way!

Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/operator of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb at Monte Lake BC. Offering custom care boarding (non-dog park style) Patricia provides personal care, attention and daily exercise for ALL dog types, breeds and doganalities! She also offers one-on-one dog-owner training, helping individuals to create healthy happy relationships with their dogs. Here she shares her vast array of experience with a beneficial monthly tip for you and your pooch to enjoy!

(See her listing under Pet Central)

A male dog will usually prefer playing with a female dog. On the other hand, a female dog does not discriminate between sexes. Scientists believe this evolved from a dog mother’s need of taking care of both sexes.

Dogs can feel jealously, but they can’t feel guilt. Don’t believe those “guilty-looking” puppy eyes!

Male dogs raise their legs when urinating because they want to leave their mark as high as possible. This gives the impression that they are tall, thus intimidating.

It is illegal for residents of Anchorage, Alaska, to tie their dogs to the roof of a car. Who actually tried this?

TOP DOG! OF THE MONTH

This is Smokey, my 1-year-old purebred black Labrador. He is very energetic and loves to chase my snowmobile. He tries to play with our cat who wants nothing to do with him.

- Niki, Dawson Creek BC

Pet Central

EVERYTHING PETS (Princeton BC) 250-295-7381

Quality Foods & Supplies for all your Pets! See us on Facebook. 10/23

HARMONY FARM KENNEL AND LAMB.com, Monte Lake BC, 250-375-2528. “Custom Care” boarding welcomes ALL dogs! 12/23

Do you offer a dog service or training business? Sell pet feeds and supplies? You can advertise here! Prices start at only $250 per year (11 issues). Call 1-866-546-9922 or e-mail nancyroman@saddleup.ca

Canine Capers

SPONSORED BY

Your one-stoP Pet shoP

Farm, Fencing & Horse Supplies

Pet and Livestock Feeds 604-894-6740

Pemberton BC

For more information on any of these events go to canuckdogs.com unless another website is provided

May

This is my dog Sol, he is a Shepherd mix and is 4 years old. Sol had a rough start to life. We rescued him from Mexico where someone had cut his ears and tail off. Sol saved my mom and I from a deer one time. Sol is the best dog I could ever ask for, he is my best friend. Two of his favourite things to do is going for a run and laying in the sun. I love Sol.

- From Hurley, age 9, Logan Lake BC

Send us a photo of your favourite pooch!

Tell us the dog’s name, breed, and up to 50 words about him/her. We will print your first name (or initials) and your city/province.

E-mail to nancyroman@saddleup.ca and put in subject line: TOP DOG OF THE MONTH. Photos will be printed on a first come first serve basis.

Do you have a WORKING DOG event coming up?

Let us know! Call 1-866-546-9922 or email nancyroman@saddleup.ca