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Green living, playful parenting and the pursuit of happiness

Sunday Observation

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Religion isn’t about believing things. It’s ethical alchemy.
It’s about behaving in a way that changes you,
that gives you intimations of holiness and sacredness.
-Karen Armstrong

There are only two ways to live your life. 
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle.
-Albert Einstein

How do you behave? How are you living your life?

Bluebirds of Happiness

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When nature made the blue-bird 
she wished to propitiate both the sky and the earth,
so she gave him the color of the one on his back 
and the hue of the other on his breast.  
-John Burroughs

My ear for bird calls is getting pretty good. Not that I walk about and consciously think, “Aah, there’s a cardinal, there a robin, there the nuthatch,” but when something chitters overhead that I’m not familiar with, it stands out in stark relief.

Yay! We have bluebirds! This is the female, I think; I have one other photo of a bird that is much more brilliantly blue, but not focused properly (grrr, stupid tree branches getting in my way).

I’d only seen them once before so I was pretty thrilled to get some photos.

We picked up some more birdhouses at the Tri-State Bird Rescue open house on Sunday so I hope I can convince these guys to stay awhile. Or is it too late?

What little accomplishment are you proud of this week?

Today is National Kids and Pets Day! (Giveaway)

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Happiness is a warm puppy.
-Charles Schultz

I don’t know that I’ve properly introduced the newest addition to the family: the Dogness, also known as Jimmy.  He was a shelter dog.

The day we went to the Humane Society, Cass was feeling unwell and was worn out by all the high-energy, barking, younger dogs. She settled in with a quiet guy who was perfectly content to just sit and be with her, licking her hands. She asked if we could take him out of the cage for a walk, and well, as they say, the rest is history. Jimmy walked into our house and our lives and our hearts and settled in for the long haul.

A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, 
and to turn around three times before lying down. 
-Robert Benchley

I wrote an article a while back titled “The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Children,” about whether I really wanted to get another dog after my beloved Zooey died. The website I wrote it for no longer exists so I’ll reprint it here:

Earlier today I came across this startling statistic from the Humane Society of the United States:
“The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for between 6–8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3–4 million are euthanized.”
Those numbers are likely to increase this year in response to home foreclosures and other economic woes, as more animals are turned over to shelters by owners who can no longer afford to care for them. In my area, shelters have been offering special days when adoption fees are waived; also, they have been asking the public for donations of pet food and supplies. Not just for the overcrowded shelters, but for pet owners who are in need of the help.
I can’t chase this thought out of my head, of all those dogs and cats in need of homes. But if the truth is to be told, I know that the real reason that I want another dog is because it completes my mental image of home, of family.
And in a completely objective, entirely unbiased sort of way, I’m mulling over all the benefits- physical, mental, and emotional- that this potential family addition would have for my children.

There are numerous benefits that pets provide for kids:
• Children who grow up in homes with pets have less risk of developing common allergies and asthma.
• Playing with a pet may help lower blood pressure.
• Kids with pets get outside more- to go for walks, run, and play- and enjoy all the associated health benefits.
• Pet owners require fewer doctor’s visits.
• Emerging readers often feel more comfortable reading aloud to a pet.
• Nurturing a pet is an acceptable way for boys to “parent play”; to practice being caregivers.
• Feeding and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility.
• Children with pets display improved impulse control, social skills and self-esteem.
• Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings.
• Pets offer security and stability. Nearly 70% of children confide in their pets, confident their secrets will not be betrayed.
• Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness, and anxiety.
• And pets provide a natural gateway into the animal kingdom- love for one’s pet as a child often translates into an adult belief that the relationship between humans and animals is one of mutual support.
The dog was created specially for children.
He is the god of frolic. 
-Henry Ward Beecher



Why am I telling you all this? Because it’s National Kids & Pet Day, and I was asked by the Global Influence network, on behalf of Kroger stores, if I would spread the word. I’m hoping to give that little push to all the moms and dads who are at the tipping point for pet adoption. DO IT. Pets bring so much meaning to your life, and so much companionship to your kids.

Family Friendly breeds:

Cocker Spaniel – These lap dogs are sensitive and sweet and enjoy the attention of children. Cocker Spaniels are obedient with training and friendly around people.
Pug – This affectionate breed loves being part of a family. Outgoing and mischievous, they make playful companions for children.
Golden Retriever – Similar to Labs in personality, Goldens are mild mannered and enjoy being around families and other people. These dogs are easy to train are gentle with children.
Basset Hound – This breed is good with children of all ages. They are known for their docile nature and gentleness. Their long backs need to be supported when they are picked up, and an eager child can accidentally injure them.

Tips regarding safe pet play:

  • Teach your children to pet softly, stay away from food dishes, toys and bones, and not to startle your dog or cat when it is sleeping.
  • Keep babies and toddlers at a level higher than your dog. Dogs perceive height as representative of their hierarchy. Keep your children off the floor when the dog is in the room.
  • Don’t give your dog toys that resemble your children’s toys or clothing. Stay away from fabric stuffed dog toys that resemble your child’s stuffed animals.
  • Involve your child in your dog’s care. Even just the presence of your child in the same room while your dog is receiving his favorite things or activities can help build a positive association to children.

You can find more information on family friendly breeds or additional tips on teaching your children about pet safety on Kroger’s Pet Health blog.

You can also find out about Kroger pet insurance policies, which cover routine care and medical procedures for dogs and cats. In addition to being available in-store at more than 2,400 stores in the Kroger family (including City Market, Dillon’s, Fred Meyer, Frye’s, King Sooper, Owen’s, Pay Less, QFC, Ralph’s and Smith’s), Kroger’s pet insurance can be purchased online. This pet insurance works at any veterinarian nationwide, with reimbursement typically occurring within two weeks. Coverage starts as low as $9.95 per month and right now, individuals who purchase online can save $10.

Jimmy has a heart murmur. The vet says it’s about a five on a scale of one to ten, which apparently means it’s not something to worry about in the short term but something we need to aware of for the long term. I think it also means that any routine “procedures”– like being put under anesthesia for tooth cleaning, something we need to do soon ’cause MAN the hound dog breath– are going to be a bit more complicated (read: expensive). I’ve thought about pet insurance but I need to do more research. Any feedback is welcome.

To celebrate National Kids & Pets Day, Kroger has provided me with a $20 gift card to give away to one of my readers, to buy a little something to treat their pets with. (They provided me with one as well, but since I have no Kroger stores near me I am donating it to an animal shelter.)

Just tell me something about your pet– or the place where you got them– to be entered to win. I’ll pull a winner Sunday, May 2nd when I get up in the morning 🙂

UPDATE 5/2/10: The winner is comment #3 from Carolsue!

Full Disclosure:
For helping raise awareness of National Kids & Pet Day I was provided with a $20 gift card to spoil Jimmy (which I am donating to an animal shelter) and a $20 gift card to give away to a reader so that they could do the same by the Global Influence Network and the Kroger Co. The thoughts and opinions here are my own.