A Note from Janice Brown, Founder
During the days of bare feet, water balloons, and popsicles on theporch, everyone in our house is in a better mood. The cats loll around on the (screened) balcony basking in the sun, every so often openin one eye to swat at a bug or falling leaf. And the dogs can sense by th way my husband puts on his sandals and grabs the keys, when a trip t the beach is in their near future.Animals seem to do what comes naturally, embracing whatever activity they’re engaged in with complete attention. They don't worry aboutwhat others are thinking, or if it will "turn out." When presented with an opportunity, we do not see them weighing their options, discussingthe situation for hours with other pets, or agonizing over the details. No—they just go with their hearts. Animals don’t know any other way.
Having been recently featured in a book called “Be Happy at Work:
100 Women Who Love Their Jobs, and Why” by Joanne Gordon
(Ballantine Books), the subjects of happiness, contentment, and the
many unique paths people take to get there have been on my mind. I
am very much honored to be included in the book, and to be acknowledged
for doing something I love. Looking back to when I started the
magazine, it is clear I had a glimpse of how my animals live each day.
There was no time to over-analyze; I just had to go with my gut. Had I
known what I was getting myself into, the “thinking” part of my head
might have stopped the part of my body that just “believed” it was possible.
As usual, I can look to my own pets for enlightenment. These
highly evolved souls know that this is truly the only way to live.
We could all learn a few things from the amazing dogs featured in
this issue who perform rescue, detection, and security work. In “Furry
Agents” on page 9, we meet motivated dogs who help find drugs,
search for bombs, and sniff out illegal food with much success. To
them, it is one giant game, not work! All day long they are on the
“hunt,” only to be rewarded each time they find the “prize.” It is the
same for the animals who help people see, hear, and detect seizures.
They are not working, but are 100% invested in caring for their people
and taking care of them. When a working dog puts in a full days work,
she is content and fulfilled when it comes time to rest.
I know our animals get it. And as always, I am reminded by my dogs,
cats, and even the fish, to live in the moment. Life is not about getting
somewhere. As cliché as it sounds, and as simple a message as it may
be, it is easier said then done. Getting caught up in the little things is
an easy way to distract ourselves from our “real life” as it flies by.
Here at Tails, as we approach our 5th anniversary, we continue to
grow and evolve. Please welcome Jason Heidemann, the new Managing
Editor, to our pages. His genuine love of animals, positive energy, and
his passion for the community around him has already allowed him to
fit right in, and we are confident he will be an asset to the magazine.
Enjoy the summer and be sure to take some time out for yourself and
your pets this summer. Warm weather in Chicago can be brief, so make
the most of it!
Janice Brown
jb@ChicagolandTails.com
