03/28/2024
It's come to my attention that I'm a Facebook flake—surprise🙈Here's my attempt to redeem myself from disappearing, but mostly to say I think about you all every day and live in a space of incredible gratitude. Here goes...
Toward the end of '21, California pandemic restrictions were lifted. I fostered and adopted Stanley Xavier Bovine. The county shelter picked him and his sister up off the street, both wounded and emaciated, with severe signs of trauma, abuse, and neglect. I dedicated all of my time and resources to his rehabilitation.
Working with him was the hardest thing I've ever done—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I had no idea what I was doing. A team of trainers and veterinary behaviorist worked with us and taught me how to train and help him decompress using force-free, positive reinforcement methods. He became remarkably well-trained.
On May 1, 2023, he was behaviorally euthanized, which I will eventually speak about in the future. His life was short but big. We shared more outings together and covered more ground than some may in a lifetime. I'm endlessly proud of him for his commitment and resilience. He's absolutely my kid.
Our relationship was extraordinary. The few who met him know how special he is. He is my greatest teacher and has forever changed my life. The lessons are endless. His legacy lives on. I'm very fortunate to spend most of my time—days and nights—caring for pups, many of whom struggle with similar issues of fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, and separation distress.
Along the way, I was super happy to keep private coaching clients. I teach and guide meditation and Ayurveda virtually and infrequently in retreat settings. My meditation practice got me through incredibly hard, dark, isolating, and scary times. It continues to heal my body, mind, and soul. My body got neglected and worked, but Jennifer Ellis, the most brilliant yoga teacher, has given me a safe, healing space to slowly unravel injuries and physical toxicity.
I'm confident my personal meditation, mindfulness, and manifestation practices will intersect with my passion and advocacy for dogs. I'm unsure what it will look like, but I'm open-hearted and curious about what the universe has in store.
Thank you for you. I have felt loved and supported. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and for being ever so patient. I know we've all been on wild journeys. I hope this is the season for more magic and your dreams to come true.
You can take a peek at the ridiculously amazing fur kids I have the privilege of caring for on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/speakfluentdog/
Most importantly, I'm packaging up a boatload of love and expansive energy to send off to the ethers today to be delivered to you. Please keep a watch out. Delivery times may vary. I hope you're able to pause and feel my love and immense gratitude.
xoxoxo
