Note from Janice Brown

Puppy breath. Curious “mews” from a kitten. Velvety soft fur, big eyes, and paws too big for tiny bodies. There are so many reasons why people are drawn to puppies, kittens, and baby animals.

And it is especially fitting for me that our summer “Puppy & Kitten Issue” is coinciding with the birth of my third child, due any day now. There is definitely something intriguing about the newness of life, and the wonder and adventure that lies ahead. When you look into the eyes of a soul that has only been here for a short while, the innocence and trust they radiate can be overwhelming.

While it’s clear that Tails supports rescue and adoption of animals at any age, we recognize that many people are looking for younger pets. This issue reveals the joys and challenges of taking on the commitment to raise an animal from their early years. There are numerous benefits that accompany bringing home a puppy or a kitten, and for many this is the way to go. Alternatively, some people initially set on adopting a newborn often discover that a slightly older animal may be easier to manage, and will fi t into their lifestyle with greater ease.

No matter who you choose to welcome into your family, do your best to enjoy every minute of it. We’re all too familiar with the biggest cliché in the book: Time flies when you’re having fun. But it is so true. On a walk one day I met a man who had grown children, and saw me with my newborn daughter in the baby carrier. He looked at me, smiled, and said, “The days are long, but the years are short. Be sure to stop and enjoy the ‘everyday’
moments, as much as you cherish the milestone events.” It was some of the best advice I have received, and I think of that kind man and his wise words often.

We’re all busy these days. In the world of Blackberries, Palm Pilots, laptops, Tivo, cell phones, and gadgets geared towards saving time and multi-tasking, it seems we are always communicating with someone…and often not the people we are with. Our jobs demand more of us since we are expected to be more accessible. We can be reached anywhere, at anytime. Now more than ever we need to make a conscious effort to take some time to tune out and just be.

Animals instinctively know how to be present. They are like the Zen masters of living in the moment. Even at the ripe old age of 8-weeks, when most domesticated animals can safely be separated from their moms, they are already our teachers. They understand what’s important in this world, and thrive on love and affection. We need to spend more time following their lead—balancing our days with adventure, responsibility, play, and rest.

So whether you are welcoming home a new puppy, kitten, older pet, (or even a human baby,) my advice is to slow down. Your email will still be there once you’ve come home from the park with your dog or finished watching the butterfl ies go by with your cat.

Here’s to a long summer fi lled with lazy days at the beach and evening strolls to the ice cream stand-

Janice Brown
jb@MichiganTails.com