Most people who love pets already know about the basic benefits of pet ownership—how animals help to stave off depression, reduce anxiety and blood pressure, and how they make us smile and live in each moment.  They teach us true patience and make us feel loved and needed no matter how little we see in ourselves.

Today, while walking with my Australian Shepherd on our normal daily stroll, he observed my inner thoughts and saw that I was deep in my head while on the walk.  He knew I didn’t have much in me to offer passersby in terms of simple kindness—not a great quality but wonderful when you can see yourself in your animal’s behavior.  While I was deep in thought, a sweet little lady spoke to me, and my dog immediately sounded off on her to leave us alone.  I was a bit embarrassed by his abrupt tone toward this nice woman, but I realized he was speaking for me.  He knew I was in my head and had little to offer by way of simple kindness.

In that instance, when I saw my dog respond for me, I snapped out of my head and became present in the moment, deciding that the walk was a chance to exercise, see people out and about, and enjoy my time with my furry companion.  Once I became aware of the beauty around me—the beach, the nice people, the lovely trees, the sunny skies, and the great weather—seeing other people walking their beloved pets brought me back to the walk.  I opened myself up to experience the blessing of being alive. After that, my faithful dog, connected with my current state of mind, welcomed people who approached us.

What I learned in that moment was how to be aware of the signs our animals show us about what’s going on inside us.  Our pets not only need us to care for them and take the lead, but they also give us a glimpse into our state of mind.  Let’s keep paying attention instead of disciplining their behavior. Let’s take a moment to look at ourselves and see what we could be asking them to do on our behalf.

I started the furLifeLiving website and community to share with the world the benefits of our relationships with our furry children.  Just like taking a yoga class or practicing meditation, we have to learn how to find that center outside our yoga sessions and meditation and use those lessons in our daily lives minute by minute.  My animals show me where I am, and I practice finding the place of calm and peace and compassion because it is a lifestyle change.  #furLifeLiving encourages visitors to focus on our loving relationships with our pets and to share the same unconditional patience with the people in our lives.

The furLifeLiving website and community gives everyone the same access to the unfettered antics and simplicity of the lives of our animals.  Try it out!  It keeps my soul at peace just being present with my animals. We have cameras all around the house catching everything from their perspectives 24/7.  It is guaranteed to make you smile! #furLifeLiving #MakeitaLifestyle

califa@furlifeliving.com