Note from the Founder – August 2012

Friends are an important part of life, especially when nothing seems to be going your way. Sometimes we need friends who listen. Not suggest ideas, solutions, make comments, or advise, but just listen.

You can probably think of at least one friend you can go to for a soft place to land—a place devoid of all judgment.

Work issues, spats with friends, frustration with spouses, money problems … no matter what you throw at this sturdy friend, she never waivers. She stays committed to unconditional love, offering 100 percent attention, even when you are whining and complaining. She does not care. She is unfazed. In fact, she may even nuzzle you harder and lick you more.

Seriously, who else but your pet could tolerate the amount of drama you unload on her on a regular basis? Our animals simply cannot relate to the emotions we humans are lucky enough to possess. And that’s a beautiful thing.

Upset about yesterday’s short walk? Annoyed that dinner was late last night? Still stewing over the favorite toy that was “lost” at the dog park? Not possible for our pets. They are so totally engulfed in the present moment that every time I take out the garbage I am welcomed back with the same enthusiastic greeting I receive after a two-week vacation. Wagging, licking, and rubbing her giant white furry body all over mine never gets old for Luna (truthfully, for me, either).

I often talk about taking a lesson from our pets. We can enjoy this moment for what it is. It seems like it should be easy. But for me, living in the moment is a state of mind that takes daily practice. I have it, then I lose it.

When I catch myself snapping at one of my kids, or being short with my husband, I wish I were more like my dogs and cats: not letting the past pile up—blocking our path to the future—and obscuring the present.
Just like the popular saying, “I aspire to be the person my dog thinks I am.”

TAILS readers know how much I love quotes. Recently I have become obsessed with pinning quotes and images to our Pinterest board (Pinterest.com/TailsMagazines). There are so many inspiring and creative people out there, it’s fun to pool ideas together and share. Be careful, it is addicting!

Go hug your pet—

Tagged August 2012, Janice Brown