My new rescued baby who rescued me...

When my pup, Barney, was getting ready to crossover, I was so distraught that I was sure I'd never adopt another dog.  The pain felt unbearable, and I thought WHY would anyone choose to go through all this.

Then I spoke to a friend who has had rescues for years and he told me he always looks at it this way -- if he can give another pup a chance at a good life in a loving home, it's worth it.

He's right...

So, I started looking for another pup to rescue and found this amazing rescue:

And now, 2 months after losing Barney, I have another sweet pup to love... Onyx...

He's a joy!  Sweet and so smart and I'm thrilled to have him in my life!  I still miss my Barney, but I know he sent me Onyx and that he's happy that a new pup will have the good life that he had too!

And I met an amazing woman who has been saving these beautiful babies for 13 years.  As a side note, I bought a few products from an affiliate link that donates to her cause.  My order arrived right away, and I love them!  I've been getting eaten alive by mosquitos this year and one of the things I bought is called "melagel" and has been a lifesaver in stopping the itch!  I also love that all the products are made with good ingredients.  I've been doing my best to avoid harsh chemicals and these products are just what I needed!

So if you want to help support these beautiful babies too, check out these products!

Because who doesn't love PUPPIES and GREAT products that support PUPPIES!  Onyx and his siblings thank you and send you many puppy kisses! 💜🥰

Looking through some old photos and of course my Barney pops up.  

Most days I'm OK, but it hits me, when I see his pictures, how much I miss him.  Such a funny little guy.  I knew he couldn't be with me forever, but I tried not to think about it and even now I try not to think about him being gone.

I cried a lot those first couple of weeks, but I feel him with me all the time and that comforts me.  I keep asking him to send me another rescue to love and I know he will.

I got an email today that I was approved to adopt from a local shelter and we're heading there on Saturday to meet the pups.  One or two caught my eye.  I'm excited and anxious at the same time.  

Sometimes I wonder if Tim is right and we should enjoy traveling without worrying about pets, but we still have Simon, and I can't imagine my life without dogs anymore.  Funny that for over 30 years I had no pets and didn't even think about it but having had these two rescues for almost 9 years, I can't imagine life without them.

So maybe this weekend I will meet my next furry love, and if not, in time I will.  He or she is out there waiting for a good home, and I have that as well as plenty of love to give. 💜 No one will ever take the place of my sweet Barney, but thanks to him, I learned the joy of loving animals and I am forever grateful. 💜

11 Days

I can't believe it's been 11 days since I said goodbye to my sweet boy.  Some days I feel ok and then I look for my shadow and he's not here anymore, no longer at my feet while I work, under my desk, following me to the kitchen, waiting for me to share a snack. That absence has left such a hole in my heart... 💔

Sweet pup, he taught me so much in the almost 9 years that I was lucky enough to have him in my life.  I didn't even know how much I wanted a dog until I adopted him and his brother, who were almost 5 at the time.  Simon is OK, sometimes he seems to be looking for Barney, but it's hard to tell.

I had no idea our time together would be so short, but it was worth every second, even during the last few months of giving him pills and running to the Vet and trying to get him better.  I would do it all again in a second and someday I will adopt another sweet puppy, once this ache has healed.  Maybe in the Fall. I know there are other babies out there waiting for a loving home and I know that Barney would be happy to have me share the love I gave to him with someone else who needs it the way he did 9 years ago.

The Vet dropped off his ashes on Thursday. I had gone an entire day without crying and the site of his little box filled with his ashes, his little nose print and paw print and the little bottle with his hair had me crying all over again.

I know it will take time for that emptiness to go away. There will never be another one like you, my sweet boy, but there will be others to love too. ❤ My heart will go on. 💜😔

Saying Goodbye...

My sweet pup, Barney, is going to cross the rainbow bridge in a couple of hours.  My heart is broken but at the same time, I'm happy he'll be free from pain.

It would have been 9 years in September that we adopted him and his brother Simon, both from the same litter, had been living in a high kill shelter and came as a "package deal".  I was happy to take them both.  They were almost 5 at the time and I hadn't had a dog in about 35 years.  Honestly didn't even think much about having a dog, but my husband is such an animal lover, and I eagerly accepted these 2 pups into my life.  

Of course, the first couple of months I thought I must be crazy, they're a lot of work, but eventually they became my kids and my life, and I have loved them so much.

Barney was diagnosed with diabetes almost 5 years ago and I managed to keep him going despite the naysayers who said most dogs with diabetes die within a year and go blind.  He had cataracts but he could still see me, and I had done so much research, changed is food, did everything I could to keep him healthy.

Of course, what I couldn't control was the cancer in his foot.  That was a surprise, and it quickly took a toll on him despite the many supplements, the toe amputation, the acupuncture, and everything else I tried.  It suddenly started to spread quickly, he couldn't walk on it anymore and his quality of life quickly declined.

I spent many nights begging God and the Angels to take the cancer away, but deep down I knew it was his time and I knew that I didn't want to let go, no matter when it happened.

He is my spirit animal.  We've had such an amazing connection. He follows me everywhere, sleeps under my desk while I work, sits on my feet when I'm in the bathroom, and my heart will ache with the loss of his physical presence, but I know his spiritual presence will always be with me.

I wish that could be enough... but for now, it will have to do...

Goodbye, sweet boy, run free and happy again.  I will always love you and there will never be another beautiful soul like you, though I know one day you will send me another one to love and care for on this earth. 💜

  

Messages from the Universe

This morning as I was getting ready to start my day, I spotted this beauty outside my window staring right at me.  I was mesmerized!

I continued getting ready as I wondered what message this cardinal had for me.  Over the past year or so, I have forced myself to step out of my comfort zone and try new things.  In the past I would tell myself that "I could never do that" or that "other people can do it better" so why bother?

Thanks to the messages from the Universe, I've started to ignore that little voice of doubt that would have stopped me and the results have been fabulous.  I've gained more confidence and I've met some amazing people.

So I looked up the spiritual meaning of the cardinal and here's what I found:

The cardinal symbolizes friendship, love, devotion, self-confidence, assertiveness, family, home, protection, and angel messages. Thanks to its bright colors and confidence in its abilities, the cardinal represents self-confidence and inner strength, always encouraging you to assert yourself and embrace your talents.

Beautiful message!  He was telling me I have the "self-confidence and inner strength" to do these things!  

And ironically, today was my first time going "LIVE" on my favorite app (Insight Timer) doing something I would have never attempted a few years ago, AND IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE!

If you see a bright red cardinal, it means that you are being blessed with good luck and fortune.

And if you love Insight Timer as much as I do, or need to find a place where you can share your insights with like-minded people, please click here and join me in the "Coffee & Crystals" group!

108

About a year ago, I started seeing the number "108" a lot --and I mean a LOT, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day.

I'd be listening to LIVE meditations or talks on my favorite app (Insight Timer) and I would look at the screen and see "108" meditators or I'd be driving down the road and see "108" on a mailbox or getting my hair done and the total came out to "$108".  What are the odds?  So yes, the Universe was sending me signals!

I looked up the significance of the number and here's a little of what I found:

The number 108 is considered sacred in many cultures and religions around the world. It is often associated with the universe, infinity, and wholeness.

In Hinduism, 108 is considered to be the number of beads on a mala, a string of beads used for meditation and prayer. It is also the number of syllables in the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most important mantras in Hinduism.

In Buddhism, 108 is considered to be the number of dharmas, or teachings of the Buddha. It is also the number of vows that a Buddhist monk or nun takes.

In Jainism, 108 is considered to be the number of tirthankaras, or enlightened beings. It is also the number of vows that a Jain monk or nun takes.

In Chinese culture, 108 is considered to be a lucky number. It is often used in the design of buildings and objects.

In numerology, 108 is considered to be a number of balance and harmony. It is said to promote peace, love, and compassion.

The number 108 is a powerful number with a rich history and symbolism. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for spiritual enlightenment.

There are many different ways in which the number 108 appears in these cultures. For example, there are 108 beads on a mala, a Hindu prayer beads, and 108 petals on a lotus flower. The number 108 is also used in the construction of temples and other sacred spaces.

I'm paying attention... and so far, so good...

I had lunch with a couple of friends this weekend.  We stopped at a lovely store (Tibet Tree of Life) and this beautiful singing bowl and mala came home with me. And yes, purple is my favorite color! 😉💜 

If it makes you happy...

 

I must confess, I'm obsessed with crystals.

It started about a year before the COVID pandemic about 4 years ago.  My husband and I attended a workshop led by an amazing woman who runs the Rose Healing center and plays a beautiful crystal harp.

During one of our meditations, she let us all hold crystals that she had placed around the room. It was love at first sight!  

I was drawn to a beautiful fuchsite heart and ended up buying it and a small amethyst tower from her.

Eventually I started attending holistic shows in the area and buying crystals that I was drawn to, mostly hearts because well, who doesn't love a pretty heart? 💜 My collection was growing slowly until COVID-19 when everything went virtual.  A friend told me about a crystal shop that was trying to survive by doing LIVE shows on Facebook and of COURSE I wanted to help, so I bought a LOT of crystals... I mean A LOT! 😁  I was thinking I might need rehab...

You'll be happy to know that I got a grip on it (somewhat) and slowed down after adorning my house with hundreds of beautiful crystals.  I have a lovely collection of Angels, hearts, spheres, towers, a few wands... you get the idea. OH and I also bought a beautiful crystal singing bowl (a gift for my husband who loves them now).  I've since added a shamanic ocean drum, Tibetan bells and a small Tibetan bowl to the collection.  I also acquired quite a few card decks, but that's another post...

Long story short, the energy in my house is amazing.  I look around and it brings me joy.  So ok, I might have spent a lot, but I supported a lot of small businesses and I have enough crystals to combat any bad energy for at least the next 50 years.  Win--WIN! 💜🙏💜