Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA)
After recently receiving my certification in Level 1 Animal Reiki ~ Let Animals Lead Method, I am very excited to join The Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA) and become a SARA Practitioner.
SARA is a nonprofit organization created to bring Reiki energy healing to sanctuary and shelter animals. SARA's mission is to raise awareness of the benefits that Reiki can provide for shelter and rescue animals. Our goal is to create a healing and harmonic energetic space to promote stress-relief and relaxation, supporting healing possibilities on all levels for both the animals and their caregivers.
To learn more about SARA visit the Shelter Animal Reiki Association web site.
As a SARA practitioner, I have made a volunteer commitment offering Reiki treatments for local shelters, sanctuaries and rescues. If you are local (MA) and interested in learning more, please reach out to me by email or text:
[email protected]
or text 774-826-8118.
"The Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki teaches animal-guided healing through meditation. This unique perspective on healing helps humans support animals. Techniques teach practitioners how to support their animals through difficult times with peaceful acceptance, through letting go of judgment, worries, the need to fix and the need to control outcome". (Source: https://animalreikisource.com/animal-reiki-information/what-is-animal-reiki/
As a SARA Practitioner, in working with the animals, I follow these guidelines:
• I work in partnership with the animal.
• I always ask permission of the animal before beginning, and respect his or her decision to accept or refuse any treatment. I listen intuitively and observe the animal’s body language in determining the response.
• I allow each animal to choose how to receive his or her treatment; thus each treatment could be a combination of hands-on, short distance and/or distant healing, depending on the animal’s preference.
• I let go of my expectations about how the treatment should progress and/or how the animal should behave during the treatment, and simply trust Reiki.
• I accept the results of the treatment without judgment and with gratitude toward Reiki and the animal’s openness and participation in the process.
Check back often to learn more about Animal Reiki and the amazing work of SARA. We will be sharing a lot more in the days to come.
Master Blaster: Featured Product
The health of our family and animals is always a top priority when choosing household products. Finding effective toxin free alternatives is not always easy; however there is an option ... Master Blaster! This single product can replace both your stain removers and air fresheners and is natural and toxin free!
We may not be able to eliminate all the hazards we face daily, but we can create a toxin free home environment at an affordable cost!
We offer many great products but this one is a must for households with children and animals! If you give it a try, you won't be disappointed!!
This super-hero cleaner is here to save the day, naturally! It blasts stains. Eliminates odors. Freshens fabrics and furniture. Deodorizes sneakers and shoes. And so much more – without harmful chemicals.
Made with all-natural ingredients, eco-friendly, and safe around kids and pets. This plant-based multi-enzyme formula works within minutes to break down stains (even red wine!) and eliminate odors. Color will vary from bottle to bottle.
ingredients: water (purified), organic grape alcohol, enzymes (mannase, lipase, cellulose, protease), vegetable glycerin (kosher, non GMO), coco glucoside, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), medica limonum (organic lemon) essential oil, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) leaf essential oil, citric acid.
Interested in hosting a virtual gathering AND earning free rewards!
Email [email protected] or text 774-826-8118 for more info.
Pets and Seasonal Allergies
As the seasons change, many of us humans suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of seasonal allergies and our pets are no different! There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy now that spring has sprung from hiking the trails to swimming and gardening. It is unfortunate that pesky allergens seem to lurk around the corner of every beautiful flower and freshly mowed lawn, but it certainly doesn’t have to keep us from getting out and experiencing all the sights and smells that the season has to offer. Instead, we can simply be mindful as to how these allergens affect our pets and some simple, natural ways we can mitigate the symptoms of their presence.
Although our pets can’t use words to tell us when allergies are making them uncomfortable, there are some signs we can look out for. Many symptoms that pets experience when it comes to allergies are not all that different from those experienced by humans. Although only a vet or wellness professional can know for sure if your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies, some of the most commons signs are:
• Runny nose
• Rashes
• Licking paws
• Excessive chewing and/or scratching
• Inflamed skin
• Sneezing (more often than usual)
• Itchiness
• Watery eyes
• Hair loss
In order to help our pets stay more comfortable during allergy season, there are some simple things we can do at home that can make a big difference. To alleviate some of the itching, it is helpful to bathe pets regularly. For those with dry or irritated skin, a medicated or calming type of shampoo can be used. Regular bathing helps remove allergens from the skin and coat, but too much bathing can also dry out a dog’s skin. So, aim to bathe your dog about once a week during allergy season to keep him looking his best!
Another easy thing to do is wipe or rinse your pet’s feet off before coming inside, especially after playing or taking walks. If you notice your pet chewing at their toes it may be due to allergens, and a simple rinse can go a long way.
To keep your home clear of dirt, pollen, and other irritants, be sure to wash your pet’s bedding regularly. It is important your pet can sleep in a clean place that is free of these allergens. Each week, run all bedding through the washing machine and vacuum and shampoo carpets anywhere your pet spends a lot of time.
This will not only keep the entire environment more comfortable for your pet but also cleaner for you and reducing allergy symptoms for any affected humans in the household.
The immune system can be under heavy stress when dealing with seasonal allergies, so be sure to maintain a healthy diet for you and your pets. Eating local and spending time outside in your local area will help the body become accustomed over time to the natural allergens present around you.
If after implementing some of these simple changes your pet still appears to be uncomfortable and itchy due to allergies, consult your pet’s wellness professional for further information. Sometimes a small dose of antihistamine can provide a lot of relief, but it is up to you and your vet to decide if that is best. Always approach giving any medication to pets with caution and, whenever possible, solve problems the natural way.
Seasonal allergies can certainly be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and even painful at times but this shouldn’t keep you from enjoying the fun and beauty of spring with your pets! By looking out for the symptoms of allergies and implementing some safe and natural changes to your routine, you and your pets can conquer the springtime and be rolling in the grass and sniffing the flowers without a watery eye or stuffy nose in sight!
Ashley Gustafson
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31
Instagram (@ashikiwoman)
Galileo!!
“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
― Karen Davison
Meet Galileo!
This handsome boy is a 5 year old American Staffordshire Terrier/Great Dane mix and has been with his wonderful friends at Suruluna Rescue for 3 years. In this time, many of his friends have come and then gone to their new forever homes ... and he patiently waits for his turn .... hoping he will be next to find his very own forever family.
Galileo's Background:
Galileo was listed for euthanasia at an NYC shelter. His life was spared and he was adopted, but sadly to the wrong person. What might have been a "happily ever after" turned into a nightmare of abuse for this undeserving boy.
Galileo ultimately ended up at Suruluna, a safe haven for him to heal and find peace as he recovered from the mistreatment and injuries caused by the abuse and excessive and improper use of a prong and shock collar.
About Galileo:
Galileo is a strong, obedient boy who shows zero aggression.
He needs someone who is gentle and loving but firm.
Help us find this boy his forever home.
Home is where the heart is and this beautiful heart is looking for his forever home!
You can't change a dog's past but you can rewrite his future.
Please join us in this mission to spread the word of Galileo and help him find his forever home!
For more information on this handsome boy, please contact:
Suruluna Rescue: (917) 533-0701
Email: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.Suruluna.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suruluna
Sidewalk Update!
Now that the better weather has arrived -
Sidewalk's wheels are oiled and she's ready to go!
Sidewalk loves walking and being with people!
The Pawsitive Cause Project, Inc is helping provide CBD oil to Sidewalk and other dogs in need. We can make a difference one dog at a time!
To learn more about Sidewalk, visit the Suruluna Rescue Facebook page!
Visit our Sidewalk page to learn more about this sweet girl.
The Diary of Dougal
Meet Dougal! We invite you to share in his story and adventures.
The Beginning:
Our cat Neo lived for almost twenty years. He was a handsome fellow who had many (mis) adventures,...but that’s another story ...for another day. We all loved him dearly and the decision to say goodbye was a very, very difficult one, but we knew he was in great discomfort. We shed many tears on that day, but we also cherished the countless happy memories.
We had always told our children that it wouldn’t be fair on Neo to get a younger puppy since he was such an elderly gentleman. When we said goodbye we waited for a time and then put it out there that we were interested in adopting a dog. I knew that throughout the pandemic both dogs and cats were being adopted at record levels so I expected the whole process to take months but, through a stroke of serendipity, we heard of Dougal. His huge soulful eyes and mischievous air had us all hooked.
Dougal (it means “little dark stranger” in Irish) is a Cunucu breed and he comes from Aruba. On the island these dogs are often left to fend for themselves and several rescues have been established. We saw the profile of our little man on the Sgt. Pepper’s Friends site. We instantly fell in love.
We submitted an application and kept everything crossed. After some back and forth we finally got the final word…Dougal was flying over to live with us! My husband and I were giddy with excitement, but we decided to keep the final word from our kids. It would be a lovely surprise.
And so it was, on that fateful and chilly night, we set off for Logan Airport in Boston. We had fibbed to our kids and said that we were picking up a friend of a friend. They were a little baffled, bit they took it in stride.
My husband ran in to arrivals to fetch Dougal from the very kind people who had accompanied him to us. He was tiny, nervous and shivering. It had been a very busy day for an eleven-week old pup!
As we waited in the car the kids had no idea what awaited them ...they were completely “gobsmacked” when they saw Dougal. I had tears in my eyes as they held him.
That first night was pretty magical as we got to know him…and he got to know us! The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. Dougal is slowly, but surely gaining a little more confidence every day. He now barks at the Fedex guy. We think he thinks he is protecting us…and it couldn’t be any cuter.
We are just getting started though! There is so much to do and lots of training. I plan on trying to record it all. I’m a first time doggo Mom and I’m eager to memorialize it.
I really hope you’ll join me in our Dougal escapades.
There are going to be a lot of learning moments…and a lot of fun...’til next time.
What’s In Your Backyard?
We live on 3 acres, surrounded by lots of undeveloped land, This past Christmas we got a couple of trail cams to check out the activity on our property that we will likely never see.
We have a fisher cat that makes multiple weekly appearances, deer, coyote, squirrels, turkeys and more. Check back weekly as we share the images that we capture in our yard on the trail cams.
This is our backyard.
Should We Keep Our Pets During the Zombie Apocalypse?
There are certainly pluses and minuses. Dogs can be fiercely loyal, but require you to support them with precious food. Cats are not so loyal, but can fend for themselves. Your goldfish might be a burden if you have to relocate quickly, but maybe your canary can sound an alarm for you.
The end has come. You’ve seen the plot many times in pixels: marauding zombies hunting for brains while handfuls of humans struggle to survive. But now it’s for real and you have decisions to make, such as where to hole up, how to stay warm in winter, what to do for food. Oh, and should you take your pets with you?
Let’s begin with the apocalyptic rules for the sake of our discussion:
• Get bitten by a zombie and you’ll join the horde.
• Animals seem to be immune from infection.
• Zombie taste for brains is particular to the human variety.
• It is an apocalypse, so the power grid is no more, and there are no authorities to protect you. You and your family and friends are on your own.
So should you keep your pets?
We’ll begin with dogs. The apocalypse can be pretty lonely, and dogs can make life more worth living. And if you are not completely alone, when your family starts driving you crazy, your dog can keep you sane, possibly preventing you from becoming a monster yourself.
From there it gets dicey. Food will be in short supply, and getting enough for your dog compounds the problem. But maybe you stumble onto an overturned Petco truck and there’s plenty of Chewy. Still, there are other issues. If you need to move your family to another location, will the presence of a dog help or hinder you? Well, barked warnings could save your life, but it could also draw zombies, and dogs are not known for their reticence. Also, while they are courageous fighters, they are not much for discipline among the ranks…especially if they spot a walking bag of bones. So, you’ll have a lot to weigh when deciding.
What about cats? They’re very good at predicting the weather, which will come in handy. If you survive long enough to plant crops, cats can keep mice out of your harvested stash. The physicist Schroedinger showed us how cats can be both alive and dead at the same time, not sure if that would give them an edge against the undead. There doesn’t seem to be much downside to keeping your cat, except for this: toxoplasma gondii. A parasite carried by cats that will infect your brain. And with zombies already hungering for it, maybe it’s best to give your brain a break during the zombie apocalypse.
Could any other pets come in handy?
• Homing pigeons: in case you want to get a message out, since cell phones will be useless.
• Goats: because they’ll eat anything, so if you have any dead undead lying around…
• Hamsters: you can hook that wheel they love to run on into a small generator which might get you enough to charge a battery. Don’t plan on powering your home, however. It would take 460,000 hamsters.
So what’s the conclusion? Should we keep pets during the zombie apocalypse? Joanna from the Zombie Guide Magazine concluded we should not. Considering the pros and cons, I would suggest the following: if you don’t have any pets before the end comes, the apocalypse might not be a good time to consider getting one. However, if you see your pet as part of the family, as most of us do, then treat them accordingly. So if you got room in your new fortress for Uncle Irving, save a spot for Fido and Kitty.
Grooming Tips to Paw-nder
When it comes to keeping our pets looking and feeling their best, regular grooming is of the utmost importance. Each dog (or cat) has their own unique needs when it comes to grooming that vary depending on factors such as age, breed, and lifestyle. No matter the pet, however, there are some grooming necessities that all of us pet parents should consider.
As spring rolls in, one of the most common concerns is excessive shedding! Any pet with a thick double coat will begin to release the dead hair kept close to the body that is used to keep the body warm through the winter. This is when pet parents pull out the vacuums and lint rollers, inevitably bringing Rover to the grooming shop looking forlorn and exhausted, maybe even a little itchy.
Do not underestimate, however, the power of an at-home brushing routine. Not only does regular brushing remove the dead and excess hair that causes shedding, but it also improves circulation which promotes skin health. It is even a great way to bond with your pet as many come to really enjoy brushing as a way to receive positive attention and also just because it feels good!
How often to brush your pet’s coat and which type of brush is best to use differ depending on breed and coat type. Consult your groomer or vet before purchasing a brush to make sure it is a good fit. Getting in the habit of brushing and tending to your pet’s coat all through the year will make shedding season easier for you, your pets, and your carpets. It may also lower the bill of any professional grooming services as you won’t be tacked on upcharges for things like de-matting or de-shedding.
Another grooming requirement universal to all pets is nail care. Nails that are overgrown can cause discomfort and even pain to walk on, potentially making the pads of the feet sensitive and even setting your pet up for arthritis in the future.
Some cats may require nail trims, although cats who are allowed outside or those who very diligently use their scratching post often maintain their own nails for the most part.
All dogs require regular nail trims regardless of age or breed. A good time frame for most dogs is about two nail trims a month, or once every two weeks. If you do not feel comfortable to trim your pet’s nails yourself a professional groomer can perform this service quickly and for a low cost (usually about $10-$20).
Another great option is to consider filing your pet’s nails. Many dogs who are fearful of nail trims find filing to be more comfortable than trimming and will allow pet parents to perform the nail care more easily. Also, there is little danger of hitting the quick (blood vessel) and causing bleeding or pain when filing nails as opposed to trimming.
In order to make nail care a smoother process for everyone, it is best to take a few minutes to touch and play with your pet’s feet everyday. Touch the tops and bottoms of all four feet, put your fingers between each of their toes, and touch each nail as you do so. You can end the session with some cuddle time, a toy or treat, whatever is the most coveted reward for your pet. This will make nail care seem like no big deal and will help to desensitize pets who are fearful and stressed out by the process.
There is so much more to discuss when it comes to grooming, but these are some basic and important tips that any pet parent can implement and get started today! Just as we groom and care for ourselves each day, our pets require that same TLC in order to shine to their full potential and they thank us with their love for our constant care and concern
Written by:
Ashley Gustafson
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31
Instagram (@ashikiwoman)
