Olive asks a difficult question...

I'm surprised and in tears this morning. I'm not sure what to think about my latest conversation with Olive.

She's been tense. Her acupuncturist, the great Becca Seitz, says that she has some of the tightest muscles in her back that she's ever felt in human or animal. 

I'm working on rubbing out her back, and we're keeping things light and fun here.

Today, she was lying in her chair, having a bad dream. I sat down next to her, woke her up, and said "Olive, you're my sweet girl, you NEVER have to worry about being hurt again."

She said, "But what about the other dogs?"

She showed me a row of kennels, pictures from the LA harbor animal shelter. 

"What about those dogs?" 

I thought that life would be great for her, moving forward. I thought she'd play ball and eat snacks and sleep under the covers until she died peacefully in her sleep at an advanced age. 

I thought that while we've started up Olive's Heroes, a group that raises money for rescues that help dogs in need, that she'd be a sweet spokesdog who'd get annoyed having her picture taken. 

I didn't expect my girl, Olive, to be thinking about these things. I didn't expect her to be so attached to those she left behind. She feels guilty and sad. She's so serious these days. 

She's four years old. She should be thinking about tennis balls and snacks. That's what every dog should be thinking about. 

I know, if you're reading this, that you love dogs. I bet you've got some good ideas of how to help dogs. Would you share some ideas here? 

Comments

[Becca Seitz, LAc]

Sweet Sweet Olive. I love that dog :) You tell her that now that she's in a loving home, she can help you help those other dogs find loving new homes. By being a great dog and appreciating what she has found, she will be SUCH an ambassador for those other dogs who need their own special loving homes. Give her a big fat hug for me :)

[Ming]

Guess who is getting a Reiki session tonight. Olive. For some reason something told me to check your blog. She's so sweet so giving. Animals teach us so much don't they. Hmm.. let's do something for LA Harbor Animal Shelter Olive!

[elizabeth]

she has such a huge heart. :)

I made some of my prints available for sale - and plan to give all proceeds from prints that include animals to Bonnie Hayes or to the local Weim Rescue. I figure every little bit helps! :)

[rainie]

One of the most gratifying things I've ever done is volunteer to walk dogs at our local shelter.

Even if someone walks just one dog for 20 minutes, that's 20 minutes outside the kennel and away from the other dogs that he/she might otherwise not get.

[Sarah]

WOW!! Olive is such a doll baby!!! Bless her little heart...or I guess, monterously huge heart!

What would it take to help those dogs so Olive can be at peace and rest easy?? (Asking this question over & over to see what awarenesses come up)

xoxo