It’s a great feel-good story.

The following article offers some interesting information. http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/10/when-best-friends-can-visit/?src=recg

Here are some additional tips:

(1)  Inquire. Find out if a hospital has a policy about animal companion visitations.

(2) Be persistent. Don’t assume a “No” is the final answer. Speak with the doctor in charge, the hospital administrator, or other persons charged with decision making authority.

(3) Be informed. If the hospital you are dealing with is resistant to the idea, cite other hospitals that have an animal visitation policy in place (see the article referenced above). Be informed about such policies so that you can clearly and convincingly articulate a positive position on the issue. Hospital personnel may be focused on issues such as liability. Be educated on the issue so that you can respond and address their concerns and demonstrate why the benefits outweigh any potential concerns.

(4) Enlist Support. Contact local animal welfare organizations, your vet, or individuals who are actively involved with therapy dogs and ask for their assistance and support. The old adage that it is not what you know but who you know may prove to be very helpful in this situation.

(3) Be an advocate. You can make a difference. Passion and enthusiasm can go a long way in changing the status quo on any issue. Maintain an enthusiastic, respectful and persistent position. Your efforts may make a world of difference in many people’s lives.

Look inside each raindrop. Aren’t these incredible?

Ah! The wonder and magic of nature.

Hope these beauties add some inspiration to your day.

Photo Credit: These exquisite images were forwarded to me by a friend. If I knew the artist’s name, I would surely give them photo credit here. 

That’s the message you’ll see at the Dog Chapel on Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

The visionary was Stephen Huneck, an artist whose carvings grace the chapel along with stained glass windows with pictures of dogs. The church features a winged labrador on the steeple and the four pews are held up by life-sized carvings of seated dogs.

Messages of love abound and envelope visitors to the chapel offering inspiration for all, whether celebrating the joy of the bond between human and canine or grieving the loss of a beloved dog companion.

The 150 acre mountain-top farm is rich with wildlife and invites visitors to run free, play, swim and explore. It’s always open to the public. Special events are hosted at the Stephen Huneck Gallery on Dog Mountain at various times of the year. For more information, check out their website at dogmt(dot)com.

Our imagination is a powerful tool that can open and expand our perceptions. If we cannot imagine that something is possible, then it does not exist for us. Perhaps you’ve seen the quote: “What could you accomplish if you knew you couldn’t fail?” Good question. The answer for each of us is infinite.

In terms of communicating with animals, I often remind my students to use their imagination if they feel blocked at some point while learning animal communication. Imagine that it is possible to receive a communication from an animal and to send a message telepathically to the animal. Of course, it is possible to receive and transmit messages with animals and we all have the ability to do it. However, if someone doesn’t believe they can communicate with animals, then this can inhibit their natural ability to do so. Our thoughts are very powerful. So, if you wish to communicate with animals, then it is important that you believe that you can do it. Connecting with your animal companions in this way will surely deepen your connection with one another. Give it a try. You’re animal friends will be happy you did.

Our heart is an inner compass which is always pointing us to Love.

When we live our lives from our heart center, we experience peace, joy and the remembrance of our connection to the Universe which is abundant and infinite.

Won’t you join me for this enlightening and fun workshop… and experience the wisdom of your heart!

Gathering together in a small group, I will guide you through heart opening meditations. Teachings and fun exercises are also woven into the workshop to provide you with useful information and tools to incorporate in daily life.

Learn to:

- Connect with your heart center
- Expand your awareness of your internal compass
- Receive insights to live life more consciously
- Enjoy the bliss of communing with the Divine
- Experience what it is like to expand your consciousness in this way
- Cultivate and nurture a heart-centered connection as a way of living

This workshop is ideal for anyone who would like to explore the power of the Heart and create more love, joy and bliss in their lives.

Next workshop: Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 10am-4pm in the Asheville, NC area

Registration is $90. Online payment can be made via my website at http://rainhummingbird.com/ratesandpayment/. Space is limited so please contact me prior to registering for the workshop to ensure availability, (828) 337-4686 or rain@rainhummingbird.com. Thank you.
Directions and additional information will be provided after registration.

To watch a funny video of animals singing Jingle Bells, click on this link. It’s cute!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRzhd3eUyO8

Photo courtesy of Lisa in Connecticut.

A simple act of kindness can change a life forever.

Make kindness a habit. It’s the most important gift of all.

Wishing you joy this holiday and every day.

• Poinsettas, while beautiful, are toxic to dogs and cats.

• Tinsel on trees is a tempting toy, especially for young animals. If swallowed, however, tinsel can cause serious internal injuries.

• Chocolate, a holiday favorite for people, is toxic to dogs. Read this article for more details.

• Dogs are attracted to the taste of antifreeze. If consumed, the results may be fatal. Stow containers out of reach and check vehicles to ensure there are no leaks.

• Products that melt ice on walkways and driveways irritate paws and if licked can injure animals. Choose a safe alternative available at many healthy food stores or online.

• Check with your vet for a change in hours of operation over the holidays. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency animal hospital phone number programmed in your cell phone, just in case.

• While some animals may love the extra visitors to their home this holiday, some may not. Commotion and loud noises can be very disturbing to some animals. Consider creating a safe, quiet area or room where animals can retreat to if they need a place of refuge.

Wishing you and your human and animal family a safe and happy holiday!

This message is a wonderful reminder that every day is a good day to be grateful and that cultivating gratitude in our lives is a blessing for all.

Click here to be directed to the link.   Enjoy!

I am grateful for you in my life and I wish you many blessings! What are you grateful for today?