Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
Sometimes We Need A Little Magic
Hi! My name is Magic. I got my name because I am kind of a magical cat!
I got here like many feral cats do…we all know how that happens. A little kitty romance happens and bam…there were kittens! Since I grew up feral…I did what I had to do to survive without a home. One of the things I learned was to be like a stealth cat…you don’t even know I’m there if I don’t want you to. That’s how I picked the home I have now.
A little about my territory and my backstory. There are quite a few properties here that are all connected. There is a BIG flower farm and then a lot of other smaller properties- and some have houses. There are quite a few of us that wander this area and find food where we can. It was on my travels that I came upon THIS farm where I now call home. There was a barn- so I had shelter if I wanted it. There was water for me to drink all the time and sometimes there was food out on the front porch. I figured I’d stay a bit and see if it was a good place. No one knew I was here though- that’s where my magic came in.
I was always around…watching…deciding. Was this a nice spot? You see…although I was young myself, I knew something was happening inside me. I was going to have kittens. I needed a place for them to be safe. I checked out the buildings…the fields and woods…the bamboo patch and of course the food they put out. I decided it was going well…so now was the real test. I had to let them see me!
The main person I always saw was a woman. She was outside a lot caring for the other animals here. They seemed to like her ok so I thought that was a good sign. When she first saw me- she talked to me and brought me food. I made sure she didn’t get very close to me…just close enough to see me and let me see her better. Every day I popped up to check her out and it soon became a fun game! I started to love surprising her …she never knew where I was until I magically appeared! She’d laugh and talk to me (and feed me) and that’s how I got the name Magic. I like that name! It fits me really well.
Fast forward a bit- I had kittens. I only had two and I tried keeping them hidden for as long as I could. I wasn’t very good at picking a safe spot for them…I kept them in the bushes and now I know that wasn’t a very good spot. The one the woman named “Georgie” got very sick. The person tried to catch her but I had taught my kittens too well to be wild. I taught them to not get close to anyone. Sadly…by the time they were able to catch Georgie, she was too sick and went to kitty heaven. My other kitten they named Duffy…and luckily they were able to catch her and she was not sick.
Now if I wasn’t a cat and knew to do otherwise…I might have gone on my life a single cat again and gone back to playing magical games of hide-and-seek…but…nature took over and I got pregnant again. I know the people didn’t want this for me (or the kittens to come) - they did try and trap me but I was too clever. I snuck away and had my kittens…this time I had FIVE! That was a lot of work and I was still not a very smart mom. I kept the kittens hidden for a couple of days and then brought them to “my” home- to the people that fed me. Here’s where I’m glad my people looked out for me. I was hiding the kittens in the bushes again and wouldn’t let the people close. Then one night we had a HUGE rainstorm! I didn’t know what to do so I ran away to find a better spot…leaving my kittens in the mud. Luckily the woman realized I might need help and she came out in the dark to check us and found them all in the mud. She scooped them all up- took them in the garage- dried them off and made us a nice bed. I was thankful for that but not ready to share them with anyone yet…so I hid them…but this time I was smart enough to hide them inside the garage!
I think the people knew where I was- but they left me alone to care for my kittens- I’d come out to eat and all…but them I’d go back into my hiding spot. This worked well until my kittens got a bit bigger and got wild! They were wandering all over the place and I couldn’t keep them hidden. The people made us an area so the kittens were safe and I could come and go as I wanted.
A few weeks went by and then all of a sudden I only had 3 kittens! I wasn’t sure what happened to the two at first (later I learned they got good homes). I had the other three to watch over still. What I didn’t know at the time is that my food each day was being put inside a cage of some sort. The door never shut on me- so I thought it was safe. I’d go in- eat and come out. All was good! Well one night and went in and the trap door slammed shut. I was SO SCARED! I had no idea what was happening to me. Next thing I know- I’m getting into something and we are moving. We stop and get out and I get taken into a new place and there were soooo many other cats! We were all crying and upset. I learned that we were all feral cats and were the lucky ones!
Why were we lucky? We were all getting “fixed”…apparently that means we won’t have more kittens…and then we got to go back to our homes/areas. This is called TNR…we get trapped- neutered and then released back out. Now some people say this is bad…we should get homes…but first of all I can tell you- there are a LOT of us “invisible” cats out there…way more than available homes…we come out at night- when no one is around- we take care of ourselves as best we can and some of us like being wild. I do.
After my procedure- I came back to my home. My kittens were not there but I knew the people cared about them- so I wasn’t worried. I got to stay in the garage and get better for a few days…and then I went back to my days as a wild and free (and now non-kitten producing) magical cat!
I probably should clarify here what I mean by free. I have a pretty good gig. I’m free to do what I want. I won’t let anyone close enough to pet me…but I have the luxury of being fed every day…I have a cat bed…on cold nights I sleep in the garage – I even learned to use a litter box! So I have the best of all worlds! I get to stay warm and safe…I even am allowed to bring my friend Legs inside with me when I want. I still make the woman laugh all the time when I magically appear in front of her! She never sees me unless I want her to! She talks to me all the time and when I’m in the mood- I talk back to her to let her know I appreciate my home (and sometimes I’m telling her I’m hungry and need more food!!) I see two of my kittens Duffy and Tippy in the window on occasion (they live in the house now). They tell me they are happy. They love being inside and being cared for. This makes me happy! I choose to live the way I do- but I don’t want them to have a hard life.
My hope in telling you my story is that you might think differently if you see a feral cat. We didn’t ask to be born out in the wild…but that’s what we know. We try and survive- we don’t mean to get in the trash when we do- but sometimes that’s all we have to eat. The best thing you can do for us is help us get fixed so there are not so many of us…if we are friendly- bringing us inside your house or barn is awesome…but if we are not- please let us back outside. We will help keep the cat population down in our area …keep the mice away…and we will most likely find ways to make you smile!
Oh No, Where’s My Social Skills: Tips For Socializing Your Rescue
People tend to think of socialization as exposure to many different people and other dogs, however the primary goal of socialization is to let your dog experience and become comfortable with the world around him.
The critical time for socialization and learning in a dog's life is between 3 weeks and 5 months old. This period allows puppies to be exposed to a wide variety of sights, sounds, smells, and sensations without becoming fearful. Puppies who miss out on these experiences may have difficulties learning to be comfortable around unfamiliar things, paving the way for anxiety and fear as adults.
When socializing a rescue dog to any new sights, sounds or experiences it is important to let your dog set the pace. New or previous bad experiences, may cause anxiety and fear. Pushing too much too quickly will just reinforce his fears and set his socialization back further.
Signs of discomfort, anxiety or fear in your dog’s body language may include:
- Tucked tail;
- Flattened ears;
- Lip or nose licking;
- Yawning;
- Shaking;
- Crouching;
- Attempting to dart or hide;
- Whining;
- Hair standing on end on the neck and/or spine.
Here are a few tips to socialize a rescue dog
- Keep encounters positive and reward with encouragement and praise;
- Ignore unwanted behavior;
- Keep encounters brief;
- Start with less challenging environments or encounters;
- Pick your battles.
The key to socialization is keeping your dog under his “stress threshold.” If he's relaxed, he’ll be able to learn and the experience will be positive.
Remember, we often do not know what kind of past our rescue dog is dealing with. He may have been abused or neglected. Some were wanted and loved at one point, then later abandoned.
It’s your role as your dog's guardian to show him a better life full of love, comfort, and security. If your dog is terrified of something, there’s probably a good reason. You can continue to work on your dog's fears over time, but your ultimate responsibility is to do what’s best for your dog.
Some interesting links:
Stress and Your Dog
Just as we feel stress, so do our dogs. And although stress in itself is not necessarily bad, for a dog, a build up of stressful situations can cause changes in health or behavior and trigger anxieties.
Change often creates stress in dogs. Some common stressors are loud noises such as thunder, fireworks or construction, boarding, travel, and many other things depending on the dogs' experiences and temperament.
Stress can affect your dog in a variety of ways:
- loss of appetite;
- obsessive chewing;
- weakened immune system;
- diarrhea;
- high blood pressure;
- stomach ulcers;
- frequent urination;
- mood changes and increased readiness for aggression;
- behavioral problems;
- slow healing processes.
When a body is stressed, the body releases cortisol. This helps the body respond to a stressful situation such as directing blood flow to the muscles as part of the fight or flight instinct. When stress becomes a chronic problem, cortisol also causes problems and can weaken the immune system.
Stress also releases adrenaline into the dog's body. Adrenaline increases the heart rate, blood pressure and causes dilation of the bronchial tubes and pupils. It also increases the need for oxygen causing the dog to pant.
Aldosterone is also released when a dog is stressed. It is important in the regulation of blood pressure and water balance - the conservation of sodium and secretion of potassium. When out of balance it contributes to the onset of heart and kidney disease.
Trigger stacking is an accumulation of stimuli that a dog is sensitive to happen in a short period of time and the dog becomes reactive as the survival instincts are switched on. Behaviors that result from trigger stacking are often spinning, lunging, barking, growling etc.
It's not surprising that you will see these behaviors with some dogs found in a shelter. It isn't their "natural" behavior but their bodies response to the stress of a new and scary situation.
Stress is a norm for many rescue dogs. They experience change beyond their comprehension. Some adapt easier than others. For some, this stress is a new experience, for others its the only life they know.
From stress related behavioral problems to exacerbated medical conditions, its a vicious circle for some of the dogs, who cannot cope with a shelter type environment.
Seeing the benefits of CBD oil and its impact on my family's life, I realized that this incredible oil could make the difference with a rescue dog. CBD oil is not a drug or a medication, it's not a tranquilizer. CBD is a natural supplement that helps to regulate the body's systems and create balance (homeostasis). In. other words it helps to lessen the fight or flight responses and reactive behavior allowing the true nature of the dog to shine. This inspired A Pawsitive Cause, providing free CBD oil to rescues in need.
Update on DeeDee and Biscuit: 2 Weeks Into Their CBD Oil Journey
On February 13, DeeDee and Biscuit each received a bottle of CBD oil donated to them through A Pawsitive Cause.
DeeDee is a 60lb Mountain Curr. Biscuit is a 115lb Great Pyrenees/Labrador mix. Both dogs are rescues with Smiles Pets4Vets.
DeeDee started with 20mg of CBD a day - 10mg in the am and 10mg in the pm of Pure Gold (broad spectrum). Biscuit started with 30mg of CBD a day - 15mg in the am and 15mg in the pm of Premium (full spectrum).
After a week, both dogs were doing well on the oil but little change was noticed so the serving sizes were increased. We increased DeeDee to 35mg per day and Biscuit to 50mg.
With the increase in CBD, the dogs are noticeably happier and more playful. Although still early, these are positive signs that they are both feeling better.
DeeDee and Biscuit started their oil less than 2 weeks ago and a noticeable change has been seen in their behavior, which is a clear sign that they are feeling better and a major step forward on their road to better health.
It is very exciting to see the progress of DeeDee and Biscuit as they start on this healing journey. The power of CBD is truly amazing in its effects on the body. And just as amazing is the power of the body to heal when it is in an optimal and healthy state.
Testing “Honest Kitchen Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix”
I have been cooking for my dogs for the last year. My dogs in the past were real easy, I bought what I thought was quality food, fed them and no problem ... until my Catahoula, Finn, joined our clan. I soon discovered, that although we bought the same brand of food, there was inconsistencies from bag to bag and some bags gave him an upset stomach - which usually meant accidents in the house. These accidents weren't pretty. A big dog can make a real "gross" mess! So I looked for another option ... did a lot of research and a little experimenting and started cooking.
Occasionally my experiments did not go well (upset stomach) but for the most part we have that issue completely under control.
Just as we have different nutritional needs, so do our dogs depending on age, weight, allergies and other health issues.
For my dogs, they eat a mixture of organic brown rice & quinoa along with a variety of vegetables (primarily a mixture of brussel sprouts, peas, green beans, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli) steamed and then ground to a paste in the food processor. In addition they get chicken, beef, salmon and occasional sardines, and gizzards. They also get eggs and goat's milk.
Concerned that the dogs were not getting all the necessary vitamins and for days that I need a quick meal because I was limited on time for cooking, I decided to try Honest Kitchen's Base Mix.
I mixed the first batch today! I found it at our local pet food store. It was actually less expensive here ($29.99 for a 3lb box) than on many of the web sites. Chewy's had the best deal if you get autoship - then its $28.99 per box). Since I am already giving my dogs' vegetables, I will only be adding 1/2 cup of the Honest Kitchen base to their daily meals. This means a box will last us about a month.
The dogs tried their Honest Kitchen base with their breakfast and loved it!
To Read a review on Honest Kitchen on the Dog Food Advisor site.
Remembering Finn: the Unicorn of Cats
It was a day like any other, yet it was very different. Within a few months of each other, we had lost our two sister cats, Pup and Jaz, at age 14 both to renal failure and decided the best way to heal our hearts was to put our love into others cats that were up for adoption at a local no-kill shelter. We decided to adopt 3 kittens, our logic being if one got sick and passed, we'd always have two...one for each of us. Made perfect sense to the grieving heart.
The shelter had a few locations of adoptees. The first one we visited garnered us two sibling kittens, bother and sister black tabbys, who we promptly named Oliver and Tiger Lily, Lily for short. But we were still looking for our third. We were sent to another location, not far from the first one, located in a retail pet store chain. There they were, all in their cages in various stages of sleep or play. All seemed happy or at the very least content, however a little red and white boy caught my eye all the way on the end. While my better half was already playing with a beautiful long-haired baby girl kitten (he has a thing for the ladies), I was pulled towards this sad boy in the corner. His name was Tangerine and he had a herpes eye infection. I inquired about his story. It seems he and his brother, Rocky, were rescued from a dump site and vetted at our no-kill shelter before being placed for adoption. His brother was adopted quickly, as kittens often are, because he was healthy. The adopter did adopt two kittens but didn't want Tangerine because of the infection. I picked him up and kissed him. He looked at me with such sweetness and stretched out his arm with tender care and touched my face. I walked him over to my lady-killer partner and said, "This is the one". He placed the beautiful girl back in her cage, surely to be adopted by sheer virtue of her looks, and he held Tangerine. Well...the rest is history.
Once home, we renamed Tangerine Finn...Finnigan Shamus formerly. He was timid from the very start and it never changed. He had a sweetness I've never known with any other cat. As our limit of three cats as our maximum grew in time to seven, he remained the untainted sweetheart of the tribe. When we'd throw the fuzzy mice for the cats to play, the tribe would run one after another galloping up and down our halls each pouncing to attack it's prey. Once they were finished, Finny would gently walk over and kiss it. Often he sat with a statue to Buddha we have in our house in what would appear to be silent meditation. He fought with no one, never meowed, and was dedicated to love in all his interactions with us. His loving energy was actually palpable. He showed his love by turning his head upside down which we came to call his "flippy show". This flippy show was our greeting every day upon our return home from work. His purr was so loud and comforting that over time I found I couldn't fall asleep without him on my head, which he had grown accustomed to doing. It became his happy place. He was a man of few words, little effort, and the largest source of love in our household. We declared him a martian, not from this planet and he was placed in our path and home making it rich in rewards.
Several weeks ago we noticed his eating was off and he was coughing a bit. We found out he had heart issues and life expectancy would be short. The night of his diagnosis while he stayed at the vets office for further tests in the morning, I had a dream of him. The dream was so real I could almost swear it wasn't a dream at all. He was sleeping with me, as he always had and was purring as he always did and smiling, radiating his health. I knew that morning it was my sign he would pass soon. He passed within a month of his diagnosis. Eight years is too young to lose a cat, but I remind myself it's not the quantity but the quality. The depth of our affection for each other was so deep and eternal that sadness is not dictated but rather gratitude for being blessed with his incarnation. Sweet Finn has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge sharing his tender messages to all he greets. He was the Unicorn of all cats...loving, patient, delicate, magical, devoted and transcendent. If all cats were like Finn, everyone would have 20 and want more. That's his legacy and we were so blessed to have been a small part of it.
About the Author:
Rev. Cheryl Caruso, PhD Candidate, CNC, APP is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, accredited by The American Association of Drugless Practitioners, a Professional Member of The American Association of Nutritional Consultants, a Polarity Therapist, as well as an Ordained Interfaith Minister, a graduate of The New Seminary, chartered by The Board of Regents of The University of New York and a CBD Educator and Senior Director for Kannaway, a Division of Medical Marijuana Inc. . Other professional affiliations include The American Association of Holistic Health, The Coalition of Natural Health, and The Association of Interfaith Ministers. Rev. Caruso has been a student of A Course in Miracles since 1995, and has been living a life based on the principles she teaches for over 25 years, counseling patients in her practice since 1998.
Oops A Daisy: An Unexpected Delivery Turns 2
Sometimes our animals come to us in the most unexpected ways. This is one of the stories. It's also a story of the beauty of nature, and despite the odds and without human intervention, this beautiful soul came into the world, and forever changed her family's life.
How did Daisy come to be with you?
Daisy’s arrival was a total surprise! We had bought a young pony named Gemma. She was only three years old, so my plan was to give her off until the spring of her 4th year so she could finish growing up a little. She was just hanging out in the pasture, getting fat, but we never thought anything of it. I just remember thinking I will have to keep an eye on her weight when the spring grass comes up.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was Feb 19, 2018, my husband and I left the farm around 2 pm to run errands, I checked the horses, gave them hay and off we went. We got back about 5 pm to feed. I called Gemma to eat and she didn’t come. I could see her at the far end of the pasture. We rushed down there thinking she was hurt (as she never missed meals) and there was this little tiny thing next to her. At first glance I thought it was a baby deer, but then she turned around and I saw a big white blaze. I remember thinking how did that foal get here ... and then realizing OMG- it’s Gemma’s foal!!!
Who is Daisy's Father?
Now that is a funny question! It took a DNA test to figure that out. Since no one knew Gemma was pregnant, the father was a mystery, however there were 2 suspects that had been neighbors in adjoining pastures. Apparently one of the boys was able to (secretly) reach her through the fence, and no one was the wiser until Daisy was born. The DNA test revealed that Sticky Fingers was her father.
How did Daisy get her name?
Addie Bdzak came up with the barn name Daisy (short for Oops-A-Daisy). Her registered name (she’s half welsh) is Butterfly McQueen named after the actress in Gone with the Wind. The day we found Daisy, all I could think of was the scene where the woman says she doesn’t "know nothin’ bout birthin’ babies" and that was so me that day, so we chose the name Butterfly McQueen.
What does Daisy like to do & who are her best friends?
Daisy is quite sassy and loves attention! Some of her favorite things are: having people come see her (especially if they bring mints or treats), taking naps, eating (she loves her alfalfa hay), getting dressed up (or maybe this is one of my favorite things!!) and hanging out with her best pal Dodger.
Tell me about Daisy's first horse show.
Daisy has only been to one show so far. That was The Devon Horse Show last May. The plan had been to get her to a few small local shows so she could get used to things before her Devon experience, but that didn’t happen. Although Daisy was a bit overwhelmed at first (she had never seen so many horses, ponies and people all in one spot), she got herself together and behaved quite well in her yearling filly class! I was extremely proud of her for being so brave and (mostly) well-behaved lol.
Future Plans?
We aren’t sure if the Devon Horse Show is going to be on the schedule for this year. The plan right now is to get to as many small shows as we can (hopefully some of the welsh shows) and let her get a lot of general mileage/experience. I would like to find some shows that have an in-hand trail/obstacle course for her to do as well. My thought is the more I can expose her to, the better it will be for her. I’d like her to be very relaxed in new situations.
A longer term goal for her is hopefully the Young Pony Under Saddle at Devon as a 4 or 5 year old.
If you are looking for a fun and happy page then you should follow Daisy & Dodger's adventures on Facebook and Instagram!
Daisy’s social media accounts are:
Facebook - Daisy & Gemma https://www.facebook.com/daisyandgemma/
Instagram: Daisy_ButterflyMcqueen
Daisy lives in New Jersey with her persons Cindy and Joe, her best friend Dodger, and her horse friends Leo and Dylan, Magic the barn cat, and other cats Duffy, Tippy, MoonPie, Garfield and Baby Kitty, and dogs Luna, Cooper, and ET.
Animals Are Property? The Law Sees It That Way. What You Can Do To Help Make A Change.
We share this world with many animals. We are their caretakers, they are our companions. We have the responsibly to ensure the well being of animals in our care. Despite our recognition and "understanding of the intelligence and rich emotional and social lives" of animals, the legal system has not caught up.
Although there has been much progress in the law regarding animals, such as felony provisions for intentionally killing a dog or cat, animals the legal system still defines animals as property. (Did you know that a corporation is classified as a "person" under the law?) When you think of property, what comes to mind? Your house, car, computer ... but MOST people would not include their companion animals in their list of property. Our animals are our companions and family members!
"The core purpose of our system of laws is to protect the vulnerable from exploitation and to ensure fairness. Animals deserve a legal status that reflects the kinds of beings they are — individuals with their own desires and lives, who have the capacity for pain and pleasure, joy and sorrow, fear and contentment." (quote from Animal Legal Defense Fund)
How Can You Help?
Help raise awareness and join the Animal League Defense Fund's “I Am Not Property” campaign by following the steps below.
Print out the “I Am Not Property” sign, write in something that describes your animal buddy, take a photo, and post it on social media with the hashtag #NotProperty. We'd love you to include the hashtag #PawsitivelyWell so we know you heard about through us!
Don’t forget to tag the Animal Legal Defense Fund so they can share your photo with their supporters.
Instagram: @animallegaldefensefund
Facebook: @animallegaldefensefund
Twitter: @aldf
Visit the Animal League Defense Fund (ALDF) for more information on animals and the law.
Support the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s efforts to establish comprehensive legal protections and basic rights for all animals in our society by signing this pledge:
Legislation In Place To Protect Animals
Although classified as property, there are many provisions (varying by state) that are protecting animals:
- Animal cruelty laws: There are laws in place in all 50 states. What constitutes cruelty and the associated penalties are determined by each state and vary.
- Animals as crime victims: Being a victim under the law is different then the legal classification of "crime victim." Learn more about the difference. Animals classified as a crime victim have many more rights than an animal victim of a crime. (One of the many nuances of the law.)
- Basic care laws: These are laws requiring people responsible for animals to provide a basic level of care.
- Anti-tethering laws: Almost half the states have these laws, which limit how long animals can be tied or chained outside, especially in extreme weather.
- Hot car laws: About 31 states have laws that criminalize leaving an animal in a vehicle in extreme weather.
- Domestic Violence Protective Orders: Many states now allow animals to be included in domestic violence protective orders. The 2018 Farm Bill includes the PAWS Act, providing federal support for animals affected by domestic violence.
- Evacuations in natural disasters: The PETS Act, (passed in 2006) requires states, cities, and counties to “account for the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals before, during, and following a major disaster or emergency” in order to receive federal funding for their disaster relief plans. More than 30 states have amended their disaster relief plans to account for the needs of companion and service animals.
- Retail pet sale bans: CA (in 2018) and MD (in 2020) are the first states to require pet stores to sell only cats, dogs, and rabbits from animal shelters and rescue groups.
- Laws against the sexual assault of animals: Enacted in all states except Hawaii, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
- Veterinary reporting of animal cruelty: About 17 states require vets to report abuse, other states allow (but not required) reporting of suspected abuse and only Kentucky prohibits vet reporting of suspected cases. What are your state's laws?
- Post-conviction possession bans: These laws prevent a person from having any animal for a determined period of time after conviction of animal cruelty. (About 12 states have no laws providing this protection.)
- Courtroom animal advocate programs (CAAP): These laws allow advocates to provide a voice for animal victims in criminal cruelty cases.
- “Pet custody” laws: Several states have legislation providing guidance to courts for the interests, well-being, and care of companion animals in divorce proceedings.
- Trusts: Most states recognize enforceable trusts for animals providing them the resources necessary for their health and well-being even after their person dies.
- Wild animal performance bans: Some states regulate the use of wild animals in performances.
- Farmed animals:These animals are often under-protected under the law. CA prohibits the most extreme methods of confining farmed animals and bans the sale of products produced in other states using these methods.
- Increased penalties: Some states have laws that allow animal cruelty penalties to be increased for animal crimes, in certain circumstances.
