4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love comes in differents shapes and forms. Whether it is from a four-legged companion or from an old dear friend, the presence of love is liberating. This Valentine's Day, why not indulge in gifts of love? Here are our top 3 recommendations: The Gift of SELF-love
Be confident in your own skin. The best gift of love is the love you have for yourself. Do not let insecurities interfere with your purpose and destiny. You are gorgeous! You are amazing. You are you! Own it! As Pierre Cornielle wrote, "Self-love is the source of all our other loves." The Gift of Family Love
The gift of family love is the gift that keeps on giving! No matter the circumstances, we can always count on each other to lift our spirits high. As Michael J. Fox said, "Family is not an important thing. It is everything." The Gift of Friendship Love
The gift of friendship is priceless. Invest in memories and treasure moments. There's value in each other's company. As Thomas Aquinas quoted, "There is nothing more on this earth to prized than true friendship."  Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day! May your hearts continued to be filled with love, peace, and eternal joy!
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“Some people come in our life as blessings. Others come in our life as lessons.” -Mother Theresa  Life lessons come in different forms, from joys, successes to failures and even broken relationships. Moving on and starting over was something I wasn't expecting to endure. But it happened. And I would be lying if I said the process was easy and smooth sailing. There were good and of course, not-so-good days but through it all, one thing remained constant, the love received from my two boys, Hoshi and Zen. Lucky for me, I had them to lick off the salty tears. They were more than just my four legged companions, they were my anchors of hope.  Despite the boys not saying one word through the tears, their actions helped to heal my heart and soul. Every single day, I learned valuable lessons on love, on healing, and on forgiveness, all by being their adorable selves. Here are a few: Lesson #1: Hoshi lives in complete darkness, yet walks with pride and confidence. He doesn't let obstacles stop him from moving forward.  Lesson #2: Zen was abandoned by his previous family and left to walk the streets on his own. Despite experiencing a loss, he never gave up on love.   Lesson #3: Hoshi focuses on his strengths. Rather than dwelling on what he doesn't have, he works with what he has and maximizing his other abilities...his ability to hear, smell, taste, and love. Hoshi thrives every single day!  Lesson #4: Zen's health is compromised, having been diagnosed with an enlarged heart and pulmonary edema. Despite having complications, he focuses his energy on what he's able to do…breathe, eat, sleep, drink, play, walk, etc., never taking for granted that he is able-bodied.  Lesson #5: Hoshi and Zen love unconditionally, without judgment, insecurities, and doubts. They are loyal and kind, never holding a grudge. They welcome with enthusiasm, asking for nothing in return. What matters most is what is happening at this very moment, not tomorrow, not yesterday, but now.  In life, there will always be opposing views…luck or curse, blessing or lesson, good or bad, joy or pain, etc. How we choose to react, rather than choosing to dwell, is a more meaningful way of dealing with the cards at hand. To my sweet angels, thank you for blessing my life. In a life full of uncertainties, one thing remains constant…you boys are my world and I would not trade one moment shared with you both. God gave me you as beautiful reminder that true unconditional love exists. Mommy loves you!  Your greatest test is when you are able to bless someone else while you are going through your own storm." - Devon Franklin  Love is an investment...an investment of time and energy. When it comes to relationships, we must remember to love with purpose. A love with purpose is built on a foundation of respect and selflessness. To love with purpose is to support, cheer and accept unconditionally. On days when there is a million and one emotions going through your veins... anger, sadness, confused, frustrated, bitter, just to name a few, a love with purpose helps to ease the difficulty and heal the pain.  We all have a choice. We can choose to live in happiness, sulk in sadness or engage in madness. Some days are brighter than others. The difference between myself and my blind dog is that I have the option of turning on or off the light (figuratively and literally). Hoshi can't. He lives in complete darkness all the time. But despite his inability to see, he adapts and explores the world using other senses. Just like us, dogs too have the capacity to feel joy, sadness, fear, anxiety...but for the most part, unless something triggers them to go haywall, they live in complete utter happiness. As I watch Hoshi walk around the lake, I am reminded that it is not about what happens to me, but rather how I choose to react. Without any hesitation, Hoshi moves forward, pacing himself to where he needs to be. He walks with confidence and follows through with his agenda. Hoshi does not let his blindness deter him from exploring. His primary focus is what is happening right now, spending quality time with myself and Zen. Everyday he continues to live and love with purpose.  Zen is a beautiful example of what a love with purpose looks like. Zen was adopted in 2014 from a local shelter in Spokane, Washington. As healthy as he looked, he came with many medical issues, including an enlarged heart, pulmonary edema, and narrowed trachea. Despite the complications, he continues to live and love life to the fullest. Over the months after Zen's adoption, the health of Hoshi's eyes got worse. He was already blind in one eye and was going blind in the other. Hoshi suffered from severe glaucoma and was dealing with chronic infections and inflammation as a result of old age (Hoshi is now 13 years old). He was in a lot of pain. There were many times when I thought Hoshi was ready to cross the rainbow (for he had no energy and barely any appetite). He has been to the ER and has seen different vets. Hoshi was a healthy boy. His senior profile was impeccable...he passed with flying colors. There were no red flags found in his blood work, stool results, or physical findings. There was absolutely no reason to say good-bye. Putting him down was not an option. So we entrusted the advice of our family vet to do the enucleation surgery.  Having Zen a part of Hoshi's recovery is truly a blessing. Little did I know the big role he would end up playing in Hoshi's life, especially during Hoshi's journey to recovery. Zen has enabled to Hoshi to experience and enjoy life. Hoshi has always been an active dog, so to have someone in his life who is as adventurous is truly a gift, for now he can continue exploring with his best friend.  To love with purpose means to take care of each other. Zen's adoption was unrelated to Hoshi's surgery. The months following Zen's adoption, Hoshi's eyes started to get worse and worse. When I chose to adopt, it was not for the purpose of finding a guide dog for Hoshi but rather a life-long partner. Zen became Hoshi's best friend, partner in crime, soulmate and vice versa. I never saw Zen as the guide dog; I considered him as Hoshi's guiding light to help navigate Hoshi in the dark, because all Hoshi sees now is darkness.  I believe everything happens for a reason for they both come into each other's lives at the right time...at the time of when the condition of Hoshi's eyes was getting worse and at the time when Zen was left abandoned. Through their own storm, they blessed each other in the form of love. They cultivated a brotherly bond within their friendship. Hoshi trusts Zen and Zen protects Hoshi. They have faith in one another and they both love each other with purpose, on purpose.   Who is My Best Friend? |
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"A (BEST) friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." -William Shakespeare
Savor. Memories. In. Life. Everyday.
Everyday is special. Everyday is different. Everyday is a chance to mastering your best self. As dogs, we do not have to think about much, except for eating when hungry, drinking when thirsty, sleeping when tired, and relieving when needed to pee or poop. Other than that, we live a simple life, a true lesson in itself. It is in the simplicity that we can truly enjoy the moments. With a harness, leash, and a car to get us to our adventure, we indulge in the finest things in life...the great outdoors. And it is in these moments do we feel truly connected with Mother Nature. As our paws leave prints on the trail, we remember to S.M.I.L.E. (Savor Memories In Life Everyday). Life is short and our time left is unpredictable. All we can do is to PAWS and take in the goodness that is all around us.
For us, the most important things in life cannot be bought...but rather can be shared and experienced together. From a shared laugh.....
...to a shared hug....
...to a shared look...
...to a shared inside joke... we know that whatever life throws at us, we will always have each other's back.
We do not own the fanciest things and that's okay. Our memories together make our life rich and fulfilling.
Life is meant to be explored and enjoyed...and we will continue to do so TOGETHER for as long as we are breathing and living!
"Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart."
-Gordon B. Hinkley
"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." -Confucious
Today we explored a trail, hiking one mile to a viewpoint overlooking majestic mountains after mountains! What was once a former site of a fire tower is now a plateau covered in layers of artistic design. Gifted with a panoramic view, we thank Mother Nature for this serene experience.
"Mother Nature has the best box of crayons." -Nancy Drowne
To avoid the heat wave, we started early in the day. Along the trail, we encountered a snake (which we waited until it crossed the trail), lizards, and the sounds of crickets! For us two senior dogs, walking at a slow pace, we reached our destination in 40 minutes! Thanks to our mom, we had water and snack breaks every 10 minutes and of course, at the very top of the trail!
"Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy." -John Denver
We are living out our golden years to the fullest possible, taking advantage of our abilities while we still can. We may not be as fast as the younger pups, but we can still make it to the top without stopping. When it comes to colorful adventures, we say WOOF! From the blue skies, to the green vegetation, to the grey rocks, colors are all around us! Life is one big canvas so why not create magical memories with vibrant experiences?
“When you step away from the confines of realistic, you become an artist painting your own masterpiece, an explorer charting new territories. -Rick Foster and Greg Hicks
When you find yourself feeling stuck in a rut, go and revitalize the soul! Do what makes your heart sing. Keep up the momentum friends and move forward! Soak up the beauty of Mother Nature! Whether it is 1 mile or 5, 5 minutes or 10, or better yet, half a day to the whole day, go wander and explore! Here's to colorful adventures every single waking day! Woof!
“Respond to every call that excites your spirit.” -Rumi
Dear Hoshi,
Your big day is here. Happy 13 years my sweet boy. I can still remember the first day we met. On, June 16, 2004, Grammy and I drove to Albany, Oregon to pick you up and no surprise here, I was in love. You were a small bundle of cloud fluff, full of excitement and love. And now, many moons later, you have become a big bundle of cloud fluff, with the same amount of excitement and love. Everyday you gift me with unconditional acceptance, unlimited love, and enduring strength. With you I share my ups and downs, my joys and heartbreaks, my achievements and failures. You lift my spirit, fill my heart, and take away my pain…just by being you. So thank you for existing in this world. Thank you for loving with no boundaries, no expectations, no judgment. Most importantly, thank you for blessing me with another year because I simply can't imagine life without you. I love you baby boy, always and forever.
Love,
Mommy
"God sent angels down to earth in the form of dogs with notes saying, 'Don't judge....just love.'
The dogs ate the notes but they keep trying to deliver the message."
An open letter to my boys ✉
Dear Hoshi and Zen,
Today is Mother's Day and I couldn't pass an opportunity to express my gratitude and love for you both. Thank you my loves, because of you, I am a mother. We may not share the same DNA, but in my heart, you are my babies.
Dear Hoshi and Zen,
Today is Mother's Day and I couldn't pass an opportunity to express my gratitude and love for you both. Thank you my loves, because of you, I am a mother. We may not share the same DNA, but in my heart, you are my babies.
As your mom, I will be here to nurture your sense of wonder, to nourish your appetite for life and to take care of your well-being. And in return, I receive the greatest gift a mom could ask for...unconditional love. Thank you for making me smile and laugh whenever I'm feeling down and for filling my heart with joy and pride on days it feels empty. Thank you for being sweet caring boys who understand that some days mom needs a little extra hug time and extra sloberry kisses. And lastly thank you for being brave souls through the storm and for being patient little fluffs through the process.
 | Your strength, determination, courage, and perseverance has helped me during the roughest days. I am reminded by you both to not give up and to keep moving forward. From conquering mountain summits to learning new tricks, you prove to yourselves day in and day out that you are capable of anything. You define what it takes to be a survivor, thriving and living life to the fullest. How did I get so lucky to have raised such incredible beings in my lifetime? I love you both so much. As your mom, I celebrate you both every waking day. Love always, Mom  |
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“Dear Human:
You've got it all wrong.
You didn't come here to master unconditional love. This is where you came from and where you'll return.
You came here to learn personal love.
Universal love.
Messy love.
Sweaty Love.
Crazy love.
Broken love.
Whole love.
Infused with divinity.
Lived through the grace of stumbling.
Demonstrated through the beauty of... messing up.
Often.
You didn't come here to be perfect, you already are.
You came here to be gorgeously human. Flawed and fabulous.
And rising again into remembering.
But unconditional love? Stop telling that story.
Love in truth doesn't need any adjectives.
It doesn't require modifiers.
It doesn't require the condition of perfection.
It only asks you to show up.
And do your best.
That you stay present and feel fully.
That you shine and fly and laugh and cry and hurt and heal and fall and get back up and play and work and live and die as YOU.
Its enough.
It's Plenty.”
― Courtney A. Walsh
It's no secret. Relationships take time, energy, and perseverance. So you can imagine when a relationship falls apart and ends unexpectedly, in comes the pain and heartache, especially when everything you had was invested into that other person. Breaking up is not easy...it will bring you down. But the beauty of it all is when you hit rock bottom, the only direction you can go is up. This is the time to rise, where you will come out stronger, wiser, and unbreakable!
The most common advice ever given when it comes to being in a relationship is to be yourself. While that may be true, a more appropriate advice would be to know yourself...or better yet love yourself. Before jumping into another relationship, ask yourself, do I really, truly, genuinely have personal love for myself? Through sickness and in health...for better or for worse?
Why does one become his/her own worst critic and yet the biggest fan of a significant other? You should be your own biggest fan. Fall in love with yourself before falling in love with someone else. Know that YOU are worthy, YOU are valuable, YOU are one in a million. But to know is only half the equation...you must also believe.
As you work towards moving forward in life, remember this quote by Deepak Chopra, "Everytime you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask yourself if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future." Welcome to a new book of your own destiny! Without further ado, here are 5 more quotes to help you in your journey of personal love.
The most common advice ever given when it comes to being in a relationship is to be yourself. While that may be true, a more appropriate advice would be to know yourself...or better yet love yourself. Before jumping into another relationship, ask yourself, do I really, truly, genuinely have personal love for myself? Through sickness and in health...for better or for worse?
Why does one become his/her own worst critic and yet the biggest fan of a significant other? You should be your own biggest fan. Fall in love with yourself before falling in love with someone else. Know that YOU are worthy, YOU are valuable, YOU are one in a million. But to know is only half the equation...you must also believe.
As you work towards moving forward in life, remember this quote by Deepak Chopra, "Everytime you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask yourself if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future." Welcome to a new book of your own destiny! Without further ado, here are 5 more quotes to help you in your journey of personal love.
"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." -Lao Tzu
"Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option." -Mark Twain
"All the strength you need is inside of you." -Karen Salmonsohn
"Goodbyes are actually just introductions to ourselves."
-Veinna Pharaon
"Respect your uniqueness. Drop comparison. Relax into your being." -Rumi
"Don't be so hard on yourself.
Take a moment.
Marvel at your life:
At the grief that softened you,
At the heartache that wisened you,
At the suffering that strengthened you.
Despite everything, you still grow.
Be proud of this." -Karen Salmonsohn
In celebration of National Reading Month, we are debuting our new book: A Fluffy Friendship. Boop our noses to order!
Quote of
the Month
"LOVE is meant to be an adventure."
-Gordon B. Hinckley
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