Dogs are animals of integrity. We have much to learn from them.
Category: People and their pets
Back to more dog pictures from Unsplash.
Photo by Ramin Talebi on Unsplash
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Photo by Ramin Talebi on Unsplash
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Photo by Erin Minuskin on Unsplash
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Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
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Photo by Anantha Krishnan on Unsplash
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Photo by Hope Frock on Unsplash
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Photo by Karen Mork on Unsplash
That is all for this week. Be safe!
Today, he is taken in for cremation.
Brandy is being collected by Stephens Family Chapel at 10.00 PST.
Found drowned yesterday morning.
I went out yesterday morning to walk to the front gate; it is a quarter mile. I decided to take my Nikon with me.
Halfway between the bridge over Bummer Creek and our gate, I wondered if the tiny stream was flowing down that comes from the other side of the Hugo road. Imagine my surprise when I found a dead Brandy.
It was such a shock. I ached with pain and it was a while before I could function again.
However having the Nikon with me I was able to take a few photographs.
More on Sunday.
Brandy – In Memoriam
I trawled through my photographs on my Apple and here are a selection.
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That will do! Gorgeous Brandy!
I guess we will never know what happened to him.
Penny Martin offers another post, but first comment on the rain.
With this day being the 1st February I can tell you what we received in rainfall for January: it was 11.99 inches (30.45 cms). That is a record for the years that we have been living here.
Now over to Penny.
Penny Martin is now a regular contributor to these pages, and I am grateful for that. Simply because I have been blogging for a long time and having this resource is most welcome. Not that I consider Penny a ‘resource’ she is much more than that: Penny is a brilliant contributor.
Here is her latest offering, talking about the new world so many of us are now living in.
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Image: Freepik
Laptop and Leash: Succeeding as a Pet-Loving Digital Nomad
By Penny Martin.
In today’s interconnected world, the allure of becoming a digital nomad resonates with many. This lifestyle promises the freedom to explore the world while staying professionally active. However, for those who cherish the company of their pets, this dream presents unique challenges. This guide from Learning from Dogs is designed to navigate the complexities of adopting a digital nomad lifestyle with your pet, ensuring a seamless transition that caters to both your needs and those of your animal companion.
Establishing a Financial Foundation
Embarking on a journey with your pet as a digital nomad begins with the fundamental step of securing a reliable income. This financial stability is the cornerstone of your nomadic life, ensuring that both you and your pet’s needs are adequately met. Whether it’s through remote employment, freelance work, or managing an online business, a consistent income stream is essential. It provides peace of mind and the freedom to fully embrace the nomadic lifestyle with your furry friend.
Advancing Digital Skills
In today’s rapidly changing digital environment, the skills you possess are of paramount importance. It’s essential to devote time to bolstering your digital expertise. One way to do this is by pursuing further education, such as enrolling in online courses that offer specialized training. Notably, a cybersecurity degree can be earned online, providing an avenue to deepen your understanding of protecting data and computer networks. Additionally, acquiring skills in fields like digital marketing or web development can be immensely beneficial. These skills are invaluable not just for career growth and stability but also for ensuring you can work effectively from any corner of the globe.
Finding Pet-Friendly Living Spaces
Transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle with a pet requires thoughtful planning, particularly when it comes to accommodations. It is essential to find living spaces that are not just comfortable for you but also welcoming to your pet. This means prioritizing pet-friendly hotels, apartments, and co-living spaces in your travel planning. Ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for your pet is key to a successful journey, allowing both of you to settle in and adapt to new surroundings with ease.
Navigating Legalities and Regulations
As you traverse different regions and countries, it’s important to stay informed about the varying legal requirements related to pet travel and ownership. This includes understanding entry regulations, quarantine rules, and local leash laws. Being well-versed in these legalities ensures that you avoid any complications or surprises during your travels. It also demonstrates a commitment to responsible pet ownership, reflecting a respect for the regulations of each place you visit.
Emphasizing Pet Health and Safety
The health and safety of your pet should always be a top priority. This includes ensuring that all vaccinations are up-to-date and that your pet has a microchip with current contact information. Additionally, researching veterinary services and emergency clinics in each new location provides peace of mind. Being proactive about your pet’s health needs and prepared for any emergencies are crucial aspects of traveling safely and responsibly with your pet.
Access to Veterinary Services
Before setting off on your nomadic adventure, investigate the availability of veterinary care in your planned destinations. Identifying reputable clinics and hospitals ensures that you have access to necessary health services for your pet. In addition, carrying a basic first-aid kit for pets can help manage minor health issues that may arise during your travels. Being prepared in this regard is a testament to your commitment to your pet’s well-being.
Efficient Management of Pet Documents
Organizing your pet’s documents is as important as managing your own. This includes keeping a digital record of your pet’s medical history, identification, and travel permits. Utilizing mobile applications for document scanning and storage offers a convenient solution to keep these vital records accessible at all times. Efficient document management streamlines the process of crossing borders and accessing services, ensuring a smoother travel experience for both you and your pet.
The journey of a digital nomad with a pet is a path filled with rewarding experiences and unique challenges. By laying a solid financial foundation, enhancing your digital capabilities, and meticulously planning for your pet’s needs, this lifestyle becomes not only feasible but deeply fulfilling. It’s a journey that goes beyond mere travel – it’s about building a life rich with experiences and memories, shared with your loyal companion every step of the way.
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These are key tips from Penny and ones that all people who are regular users of digital devices should employ; and that is a huge number these days.
Jean and I are still coming to terms with Monday’s loss of Brandy. We will never forget the incident for the rest of our lives. Hearing that Brandy’s body had been found would be very helpful but, personally, I think that is very unlikely.
Still using Unsplash as the source of dog photos.
Photo by Poovarasan K on Unsplash
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Photo by Jasmeet Singh
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Photo by Cristina Glebova on Unsplash
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Photo by Henos Solomon on Unsplash
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Photo by Dineshkumar M on Unsplash
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Photo by Sayan Majhi on Unsplash
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Photo by Jasmeet Singh on Unsplash
Beautiful photographs, as I am sure many others will agree!
It is very likely to lose funding.
I am reading the latest issue of Science, the magazine put out by AAAS – the American Academy for the Advancement of Science. One of the news items in that issue is entitled Massive study of dog aging likely to lose funding.
One reads, in part, a remark by biogerontologist, Steve Austed of the University of Alabama at Birmingham: “It was going to be the most informative study of aging that was not done in humans.“
The project has a website, Dog Aging Project, from which one finds, under Project Details:
Studying aging in humans is challenging and expensive, but dogs truly are science’s best friends. Even though they age more rapidly than humans, they experience the same diseases of aging, they are genetically diverse, and they share our environment. By studying aging in dogs, we can more quickly expand our knowledge of the aging process not just in dogs but in humans too!
It is a great shame that the likelihood is that the project will cease.
Photo by Hannah Lim on Unsplash
Again, more photographs from Unsplash.
Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash
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Photo by Ayelt van Veen on Unsplash
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Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash
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Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash
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Photo by Silvana Carlos on Unsplash
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Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
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Photo by Anthony Duran on Unsplash
Again, that is all for this week! Please take care of yourselves and your dogs! See you next week!
Man’s First Friend
Last Sunday Jean and I watched a Top Documentary Film about the origins of dogs. It was filmed in 2018 and was precious.
Here are the words that accompanied the film:
He has been an integral part of our existence for over 20,000 years. Throughout history, his contributions have been diverse and invaluable. He’s aided us in procuring sustenance, safeguarded our domesticated animals, served as a shield against adversaries, provided navigation during harsh conditions, and rescued us from imminent danger.
Presently, he offers solace, alleviating solitude and assisting us in managing the challenges of advancing age. He has evolved into an unwavering comrade. The origins of dogs raise intriguing questions: How did these remarkable creatures emerge? How did they ascend to such prominence in our lives? How did we forge a collaborative relationship, leveraging their distinct abilities? Moreover, what remarkable feats do they accomplish for us in contemporary times?
Prepare to embark on a journey that unveils the extraordinary escapades of these exceptional beings, showcasing their heroic deeds. Transitioning from wild wolves to beloved companions, from predatory instincts to steadfast friendship, we will traverse the globe to narrate the captivating narrative of how dogs earned their title: man’s first friend.
Director: Frédéric Fougea
Luckily the film, that runs for 90 minutes, is available on YouTube.
Here it is:
If you haven’t seen the film then, please, put some time aside to watch it. You will not be disappointed.
Concerning addiction recovery.
Penny Martin is a regular contributor to these pages and I am delighted with that.
So without any more todo, here is Penny’s post.
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Fur-Ever Friends: The Therapeutic Bonds of Pets in Addiction Rehab
By Penny Martin
Image via Pexels
Recovery from addiction is a complex and emotionally taxing process that involves much more than simply abstaining from substance use. It necessitates a holistic approach to healing, which often includes medical treatment, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and, for many people, the support of loved ones.
Another source of support that is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic benefits is the companionship of pets. Whether it’s a dog, a cat, or even a bird, pets offer emotional sustenance, non-judgmental companionship, and numerous practical advantages. In this article from Learning from Dogs, we delve into how the presence of a pet can be a transformative experience.
It’s All About a Good Routine
Establishing a stable routine is a cornerstone of addiction recovery. A routine not only provides structure to the day but also instills a sense of responsibility and purpose. Owning a pet naturally requires a routine for feeding, exercise, and care.
This routine can help an individual in recovery stay focused and reduce the void or emptiness often cited as a relapse trigger. Technologies like automated pet feeders can further support this routine, ensuring that your responsibilities are met even when you’re dealing with emotional ups and downs.
Pets Just Make You Feel Better
PsychCentral notes that interacting with pets has been scientifically shown to improve emotional health. Simple actions such as petting a dog or cat trigger the release of “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin, reducing stress and elevating mood.
These emotional benefits are invaluable, especially during the psychologically taxing phases of withdrawal and detoxification. Mental health tracking apps can provide real-time data on your emotional state, often reflecting an improvement correlated with increased time spent with your pet.
Pet-Friendliness and Rehab
Selecting the appropriate rehab facility is an essential step toward a successful recovery journey. An important criterion to consider is the availability of pet-friendly options or the incorporation of pet therapy in the facility’s treatment approach.
Many centers, including local resources for treatment and recovery, are increasingly acknowledging the multifaceted therapeutic advantages that pets can offer and are thus integrating them into their treatment regimens. Specialized online platforms provide comprehensive data about such pet-amicable facilities, empowering individuals to make a well-informed decision.
Diverting from Destructive Urges
Engaging with pets can provide a crucial distraction from cravings and negative thoughts. Whether it’s going for a walk, playing fetch, or simply cuddling on the sofa, these activities require engagement that diverts attention away from destructive patterns. There are even interactive pet toys available now, controlled via smartphone apps, that can keep both the pet and the owner engaged, further reducing idle time that might otherwise lead to cravings.
Pets Make You Social
HABRI points out that owning a pet often encourages social interaction, which can be particularly beneficial during recovery. Whether it’s through meeting other dog owners during walks or engaging in community pet events, these interactions foster a sense of community and belonging. These newly formed social connections can be a significant supportive element in staying sober. Social platforms and apps for pet owners offer a virtual space to connect, share experiences, and seek advice, contributing to a broader support system.
Enhancing Self-Image
Successfully caring for a pet significantly boosts self-esteem and self-worth. Taking responsibility for the well-being of another life generates a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which are foundational in rebuilding one’s life after addiction. Virtual training modules and online courses offer valuable insights into pet care, further increasing competence and confidence in this area.
The journey through addiction recovery is seldom straightforward. It’s a path fraught with challenges, emotional turbulence, and setbacks. However, the simple act of caring for a pet offers an unmatched emotional and practical support system that aids significantly in the recovery process. From establishing routine and boosting emotional well-being to providing a sense of purpose, the benefits are multi-layered and profound. As you navigate through the trials of addiction recovery, the companionship of a pet can become one of your most significant sources of comfort, strength, and hope.
Learning from Dogs serves as a reminder of the values of life and the power of unconditional love – as so many, many dogs prove each and every day. Read more informative articles today!
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HABRI stands for The Human Animal Bond Research Institute and their website is available if you click on the title. I am going to see if I can republish some of HABRI’s articles.
Anyway, thanks to Penny for another great guest post.
It just goes to show the importance of loving an animal, especially a cat or a dog.
Learning from Dogs 