February 24, 2010

"You look at bit ragged around the edges, Larry."
"It was a pretty wicked divorce.  I lost it all...the house, the cars, the money. Even my motor scooter."
"How did you manage to keep your dog?"
"We had a pre-pup."
                                           --SHOE by Chris Cassatt & Gary Brookins

While this cartoon gave me a chuckle, I know divorce is often hard on pet-owning families.  Who gets custody of the pets?  Who pays for veterinary bills that may arise?  When the time comes to say good-bye to the pet, is the 'custodial parent' obligated to notify the 'ex' prior to the pet's death so he or she has a chance to say good-bye?

These issues never occur to most couples while life is scooting along.  But, quite honestly, there can be a great deal of value in formulating a "pre-pup" agreement, especially if a family break-up seems imminent.  And, if there are children involved in a divorce, working out a plan for them to stay connected to the pets they love is essential.

Most major law schools in the US now have courses on animal law.  It's a growing area of legal expertise.  Yet, pet care and end-of-life agreements for family pets are still not discussed or made part of most divorce settlements.

If you're divorced or are contemplating divorce, it may be wise to think through your pet's future, as well as the relationship you wish to maintain with your pet.  While it may be too late for a "pre-pup", it's never too late for a meaningful conversation with your spouse (ex- or not!) about your pet's future. (View the full cartoon here.)

 

February 17, 2010

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward." -Spanish proverb

Cats do this.

Do you know anyone more contented or serene than your cat?  I vow to include more nothing and the resting that follows it in my life this year.  I vow to take a lesson from my cats...

February 10, 2010

“The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.” –Benjamin Franklin

It seems that I spend a good deal of my time ‘pursuing happiness’ by trying to figure out what I like to do.  Do you do this, too?

It seems I’m always doing…taking classes in writing…investigating arts like beading and watercolor…making scrapbooks…going to yoga.  And I have fun doing all of these things.

Yet, the deepest contentment I feel comes from the moments I am simply being.  This usually comes from the routines in my life.  Greeting my pets when I come home from work.  Reading.  Turning on the lamps in my house as dusk dims the light through my windows.  My nightly ritual of walking through the house and picking up the clutter left by the day’s comings and goings---these activities slow me down, bring me peace, and remind me to feel grateful for what I have….

I’ve learned a lot about how to “catch happiness” by watching my dogs.  They are paragons of being, spending most of their days just being and seeming very happy with that!  Of course, they love to empty the trash can under the sink or chase a ball now and then!  But, they don’t stress about it.  If they can get to the trash, great.  If they can’t, no big deal.  They’re happy to just be…

 

February 3, 2010

"Love stretches your heart and makes you big inside." -- Margaret Walker

Have you ever had this sensation? I felt it last night when I was outdoors in our yard playing fetch with our dogs. Bear, my 100-pound Chessie, was so excited and happy that he literally bounded toward me, ears flapping, eyes dancing. His joy was contagious and I felt my heart swell with his energy. I felt stretched, big inside, as if I could be more patient, more generous with my time, more at peace in my own little world.

The love of a canine companion often gives me that sense of well-being. That's one reason I will always live with dog!