Old Dogs Don't Die

I remember the day.

I’m sitting at my desk, scrolling through my LinkedIn feed when these three dog faces caught my attention and made me stop to look what the post was about.

Seconds later, I had tears running down my face.

Not sad tears. More like the words had scratched open my soul and love started to pour out through my eyes.

Thinking of my Leo who crossed the bridge more than 2 years ago now, but is definitely very much alive in my heart. Grateful for the 3 pups I can cuddle now.

So, get the tissues ready ..

Old dogs don’t die; they can’t.

They’ve merely run up ahead; they’re waiting for us just out of sight. Close your eyes late at night and you may smell his musky odor, or perhaps hear his snuffle from the next room. Pay attention and you may feel his nose on your hand or the back of your leg. When your final day comes, you can go on to meet him; he’s never left you and never will, and when you close your eyes for the last time, you’ll open them again to be met with his Bright eyes and wagging tail.

Old dogs don’t die, at least, not those dogs who take the biggest chunks of our hearts with them when they leave us. Those dogs are inextricably part of our souls, and they go with us wherever we are. Though we may not see them, we know they’re there because our heart is still beating; we still breathe, and those of us who have been truly touched by a good dog know our lives really started the day we met them.

Magnificent dogs don’t die. They shepherd our dreams and only allow the good ones through the gates of our consciousness. They watch over us much as they did in life, and that moment when we step just barely outside of death or disaster, it’s because they moved our feet or they stopped short in front of us as they did in life.

You see, a good dog is something only given to a few people. They are a gift from the universe and, though they’re with us only a short time, they never really leave us. They are loyalty and love perfected, and once we are graced with that sort of love we can never lose it. We merely lose sight of it for a time, and that is our fault; for how can love like that ever go away?

It can’t. It can’t, and it never will. For these brave souls trade their hearts for ours, and they beat together beyond sickness, beyond death. They are ours, and we are theirs, for every sunrise and every sunset, until the sun blazes its last and we once again join the stars.

Pawsome Humans Interview: Miranda Wimbush

If you saw last week’s newsletter, the name will be familiar.

In fact, Miranda and I met in the context of her The Empowered Dog Lover summit (which was wonderful by the way)

When I heard the name of the summit and the focus of her work, I knew we were on the same wavelength and I wanted to speak to her.

In this episode, Miranda, founder of The Mindful Canine, shares her unique approach to understanding and improving dog behavior.

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Miranda has converted her ground-level dog behavior work into an online platform where she offers virtual programs focusing on wellness for both humans and dogs.

We explore the emotional connections and patterns between dogs and their owners, advocating for a more compassionate, understanding approach towards our furry friends.

We delve into how addressing our personal traumas can better our relationship with our pets, shedding light on the incredible potential for joint emotional healing.

Find out more and connect with Miranda:

The website: https://mindfulcanine.ca/

Gift yourself a time-out and listen in .. https://share.descript.com/view/R5qA06KJP7A

If you prefer to listen ... subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

Craft Corner

I no longer sew flamenco costumes or anything for other people, but I’m still a maker at heart.

So I couldn’t resist this little tutorial for an adorable, chunky, cozy dog bed ..

I’m not sure how big mine would need to be for puppy Lea to fit in 🤪🤪🤣🤣 

but if you have a small dog, this could be a fabulous winter weekend project

Ready to get YOUR Soul Touched by Dogs mug?

How about a mug with a picture of YOUR dog, for your morning coffee or as a gift, using the proceeds to sponsor dogs in need and help the people who help dogs?

If you’d like one, hit reply and let me know.

Send me a good-quality photo of your dog and I’ll create the design and send you a link where you can purchase it.

They get made to order so it takes 10-12 days to arrive. €15 + shipping.

(Shipping depends on where you are of course but will be somewhere around €5-12. I’ll check for you before I go and create the design, so there won’t be any surprises)

Get your Soul Touched by Dogs t-shirt

The moment I had the idea for the mugs, I knew I also wanted t-shirts 😝 and I’m super happy with mine 🐾🐾😊😊

If you want, you can get yours here https://mavericks.tpopsite.com/product/t-shirt-woman-soul-touched-by-dogs-dark-blue (they come in a few different colours)

If it doesn’t come in your size, let me know. I do work with another supplier so we can find an option that works for you.

Just like with the mugs, the proceeds are going to dogs in need.

Coming up next February .. Panic to Peace - Holistic Approaches to Easing Anxiety in Rescue Dogs

I’ll be hosting a virtual conference to help people help their rescue dogs. The first speakers have already said yes, and I’m super excited.

So stay tuned ..

Until next week,

Anke