People should be treated as well as dogs
By Mandy Kendall
It turned out that our puppy’s little episodes last week were a symptom of something a bit more serious than a tummy upset. This resulted in us spending pretty much every day for a week at the Carson Valley Veterinary Center.
The care and love we received there was truly inspiring. I say “we” because not only did they take care of our puppy, they also took care of us. There were hugs and tears and laughter, all during a pretty stressful time. Even the staff that was not involved in taking care of us stopped and chatted and rubbed a tummy (the dog’s tummy that is).
Mandy Kendall
I can’t say I’ve ever been in a hospital for humans where that happened. What is it about animals that get us humans to open up and interact so much more freely?
I’ve noticed during our walks, too, that strangers seem much more comfortable about stopping to chat when you have a dog. Maybe it’s the unconditional love that pets are willing to offer with no judgments or -prejudice. A study of 5- and 6-year olds discussed by Jason G. Goldman on The Science Blog showed that those children “more attached to their pets showed greater empathy toward peers.”
Could it be that our social constraints prevent humans from being as open and friendly with each other as they would like to be? Do pets provide us that safe space for us to behave the way we really want to behave?
How often do we hear stories or see videos about how emotionally and physically beneficial pets have been to their owners. Pets seem to have a natural ability to accept us for who we are and love us regardless. Wouldn’t it be amazing if people were like that? Now I know some people are not very likeable, but what if we treated them as if they were? What if we just appreciated them regardless?
Here are some Qwik-e thoughts to take with you:
• Try to approach everyone with an open heart and mind, no prejudgments or agendas, just with love and appreciation.
• If you meet someone who appears unlikeable, just imagine him or her as being friendly and treat him or her accordingly.
• Treat everyone you meet as if they were carrying a really cute puppy.
Until next time.
Mandy Kendall operates Health Connective in South Lake Tahoe, which aligns wellness seekers with their ideal wellness provider. If you have questions, would like some advice, or would like to request some Qwik-e tips on any health and well-being topic, drop her an email at connect@healthconnective.com or keep an eye out on Lake Tahoe News for regular Qwik-e tips on how to make healthy changes one Quick and Easy step at a time.
Our campanion animals, especially dogs and cats, are our forever children and we tend to treat them as such.
The flip side is when we have too many children we don’t euthanize them as we do our campanion animals. The toll is the many millions that suffer from human indifference and neglect, not to mention fatal injections at animal control agencies for unwanted and unloved pets.
This article is a lovely reminder of how to treat our fellow humans. Thank you. Namaste’.
Thank you Mandy.
It is so easy to forgive your 4 legged best friend for stealing that roll of toilet paper and decorating your home with it. Some of us laugh, hug the little fellow and remind ourselves to pick up that attractive item next time. Basically we know our “best friends limits” and except them or train them to create new positive behaviors.
With people, I do (admittedly) judge them too frequently and forget we are all different with our special personalities, backgrounds and “limits”. However, underneath it all we are all truly the same – wanting love, acceptance, connection, peace and happiness.
Thank you for that reminder to approach ever human like a new puppy
If you have a dog or cat or any furry friend please give them a hug or a lap for just a little longer than usual, maybe a scratch behind the ears, they love that! They don’t live long so ya gotta love em’ while ya got em’.
Lucky’s cremated remains which arrived here yesterday will be put in a hole by the garden this spring where I’ll plant a tree. The Lucky tree. I think he’d like that.
If you want a good companion,go to the animal control building on Shakori, 577-1766. That’s where we got our “Pet of the week” featured in the Tribune 14 years ago. Goodbye old buddy, I miss you. Tearfuly yours, OLS
OLS, thanks for mentioning adopting pets from the animal shelter in Meyers. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30-12:00 and 1:00 to 4:30, and their new phone number is 530-573-7925. Many dogs and cats are there awaiting their new homes, you can see their photos and stories on http://www.petfinder.com.
If people were treated as well as their animals then maybe I could get some sleep at night. Pet owners who let their dogs bark all night or day are selfish, rude people.
Another insightful, heart-warming and thoughtful article by Mandy reflecting the person and woman she is daily. I’m happy to be her friend and fellow member of Soroptimist…she’s a gem to this community and LTN is lucky to have her intelligent, compassionate writing.