Pet Therapy

I've always loved animals.  Some people find relaxation in taking warm baths, watching a movie or reading a good book; I am utterly relaxed by the presence of animals.  They have an innate ability to read emotions, tend to needs and love unconditionally.  I have to thank my parents for supporting this love; growing up I had not only three cats and a dog but a bird, lizard, numerous hamsters and fish (all spread out through 18 years, of course).   When Braydon and I got Bear I knew from the moment he first cuddled into my lap that he too would provide me with a sense of tranquility and refreshment.  Last fall this feeling was confirmed when Bear spent hours sleeping and cuddling on Braydon's 91-year-old grandfather's lap.  I will never forget the gentleness and intention Bear shared with his grandfather.  I am convinced animals have a special sense for people's emotional and physical and needs.  The way they will come to you and just be present can feel almost spiritual.  I am convinced God has blessed mankind with animals as a gift and reminder of life's simplicities and beauties.

After our wedding I decided to enroll Bear in pet therapy opportunities.  During the past three months we have made several visits to a women's Alzheimer's home in Minneapolis.  Every visit I am utterly amazed how the women respond when Bear cuddles up to them.  Bear can be absolutely crazy and energized prior to our visits and the moment we walk into the Alzheimer's home he innately realizes the need to settle down.  The first time I placed Bear in the lap of a specific resident at the home, she looked up with a full smile and shed a small tear.  She was unable to verbalize her feelings but Bear and I knew that  we had a special purpose sitting with the woman.  

Time and again, the story remains the same, Bear comes into the home and in an instant changes the atmosphere; from a quiet, solemn house to a home filled with smiles, tenderness and love.

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"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role models for being alive."

-Gilda Radner (1946-1989)

And so we begin

One year ago today I very well could have been in my 30 square foot Manhattan apartment blogging about my life in New York City, my visits home to see my boyfriend and life as a brand new nurse in a huge city.  Today, I'm sitting in beautiful condo on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, my husband is at work, an adorable pooch sits on my lap and I have a night ahead of me as a nurse in smaller community hospital.  In one year my life has rapidly changed....

I moved from these tiny living quarters in New York City:

 To this spacious condo in downtown Minneapolis:

I moved nursing positions from this city hospital:

To this community hospital:

 I got engaged in New York City:

 Then got married in Virginia state:

 I gained 5 brother-in-laws, three sister-in-laws, a mother-in-law, a father-in-law, a nephew and four dog-in-laws:

I lost an old friend:

And then gained a new one:

I started a job in a cancer clinic:

Then moved to a job working with cancer patients in a hospital.

My only sibling got married, I gained a beautiful sister-in-law and a complete family:

 I took a hiatus from 'the blog' while moving, wedding planning, changing jobs and becoming a newlywed.  Now that I'm settled in a bit more, I have the time and energy to share my life with you all. As many of you may know I am a passionate writer with a mind for wellness, health, and faith.  I can't wait to share my story with you all; I hope you leave feeling a little fulfilled, a bit of joy and a lot of love.

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"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~Mark Twain~