Reiki

Hello Friends! These are some uncharted times and uneasy waters. We are forced in maintaining social distancing as a way of keeping ourselves and each other safe from COVID-19.

These forced lifestyle changes can hamper our lifestyles. Many of us are accustomed to meeting up and sharing ourselves interpersonally. We meet at bars for brunch, the movies and for some of us, our work life is a great social hour too.

What about our dogs! These social venues also allow our pups to be with us. Being in Germany, that is TOTALLY the case. These forced closures of public spaces distance ourselves from one another and our dogs lose out too. The loss of a routine and our own stress translates to our own pups. They are so in tune with us and it only shows when things get upended in our own world. I know this first hand. Jack Bear is totally out of sorts realizing I’m home way more than usual! His rest and relaxation is tested 🙂

In the past year, I’ve been instilling a Reiki practice. Reiki, is essentially the flow of energy through one to another and out to the world again. We are all made of energy and for us who ever struggled with anxiety, for sure knows when energy is stored, can create unsettledness and agitation within ourselves.

https://positively.com/contributors/how-reiki-energy-can-help-dogs-in-many-different-ways/

Let’s keep the energy flowing. I’m still apprenticing with the practice of Reiki. I would love to share the gift of it with you and your dogs. If you would like exploring this energy work, reach out at katherine.porter09@gmail.com. We will chat a bit over email and set up a time to virtually meet! Challenges lay ahead, but the community we build through human connection over the internet or in person only builds the same-LOVE.

Dog Days of Summer

I don’t know about you, but its been hot as anything the last couple of weeks. My husband and I’ve been suffering in our sweat boxes of an office and home. My pups have been not themselves either. Heat is such a buzz kill for this Northeasterner even though I grew up without air conditioning. Maybe its me getting older and more intolerant of high temperatures or the world is getting warmer, whatever the case, I’m looking forward to autumn.

Friday marked the first day where we had comfortable temperatures and Jack and Bernie could not have been more thrilled. My husband got home early for work and was able to spend time with the Bears. When I returned home, Jack and Bernie were playing like they used to before the summer. They were wrestling, grabbing each other, play bowing and sneezing (you know its fun when both are sneezing a ton!). We caught them in the midst of their game of chase and Eddie said “they’ve been playing like that on and off all afternoon like that.” That makes my heart soar!

In celebration of cooler temps and my spirited Bears, I did a little DIY treat dispenser. Both were interested, but per usual, Jack was the most determined (I think Bernie likes the easy way out).

United by Compassion: Rainbow Bridge Can Wait Animal Rescue and Adoption

Here I am once again reflecting on the past couple of years. Why? Well, Eddie and I are in our last days in OK before we embark on our new adventure in Germany. Life in the military is hard. There are long days and months of separation and the feeling of sadness when leaving great friends behind. I always get choked up about saying ‘see you later’ because I never know when the next time I’ll see all my good friends I spent the last couple of years getting to know. I spend as much time as I can soaking in the moments before me, Jack and Bernie board our flight to Frankfurt and meet up with my husband. Bittersweet.

The other tug at my heart strings is leaving a wonderful animal rescue, Rainbow Bridge Can Wait. I can remember the evening when I first spoke with Carol Skinner on the phone about a German Shepherd we discussed me evaluating. Carol’s involvement in animal rescue continues strong after decades doing different facets of animal rescue with the culmination of her starting a non-profit Rainbow Bridge Can Wait Animal Rescue and Adoption. She is a powerhouse. Carol will defend and protect any animal abused and neglected with everything she’s got. On the opposite side of the same coin, her compassionate heart softens her and keeps her humanness tangible. Everything she’s seen and experienced, her ability in remaining compassionate about animals is extraordinary. You see, when helpers, like Carol are inundated with tragedy and sadness over and over again, its a challenge not to have compassion fatigue set in and become overwhelmed by it. I know Carol isn’t superhuman and she does get affected, she has a team of mostly women who lift her and each other up. They volunteer their time and energy in ensuring the animal companions in the rescue care are taken care of and matched with a family. The positive relationships the volunteers have with one another is tremendous. They, together make it happen. They are committed in ensuring vet appointments get made, dogs are transported to and from said vet appointments or to new furever homes. The volunteers assist with adoption events are coordinated and all the dogs available for adoption get to the event and have an opportunity for a new family. The foster families caring for some of the dogs in the program are also a vital component. They are responsible for helping the new dogs in the program have a warm place to stay and have a sense of a home life which many didn’t have before coming into the program.

I’m grateful Carol kept an open mind with me, a Lawton newbie and a little green around the edges with starting my own dog training business. I wanted to offer training services for animals in a shelter setting. I said before, RBCW has fosters for some of the dogs. There are still plenty of dogs at the rescue in Carnegie. They too need attention and care. For me, I spent my time at the rescue working with Zack, the German Shepherd Carol and I initially discussed. He started off reactive and on the defense. As we got to know each other, we became friends. He’s come such a long way, Zack accepted April another RBCW volunteer. Zack still remains conflicted with new people, but its so reassuring he’s able to get to know unfamiliar people and accept them. I’m proud of the work we put into building this relationship and this experience has definitely shaped and solidified my training style. I also had the opportunity in assisting new adopters in having a smooth transition with their new furry companion. This has been rewarding for me seeing the change of perspective.

Rainbow Bridge Can Wait Animal Rescue and Adoption are always needing more volunteers. The time spent with this rescue will change your heart and keep you grounded in the goodness in the world when things outside are hectic and chaotic. The love from a dog is enduring and knows no limits. Spending however much time you can with RBCW or any rescue near you will leave you changed. Consider donating your time in supporting, volunteering or advocating for the defenseless animals in your community, you’ll be so grateful you did. My heart is full and my gratitude for Carol and the rest of the RBCW team and supporters overflows. Much Love.