Grace Montes De Oca-Fischer
I’ve heard it said that the best way to learn something is to teach it. I wrote, Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse, three years ago, but it wasn’t until I adopted my new rescue dog Grace, that I am reminded that The Animal-Human Health Connection is a powerful and energizing elixir for every-day life.
Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder
I didn’t realize how much I needed an animal companion until I didn’t have one. Now that Grace is here, I see how uniquely she adds to our health, happiness, and wellbeing.
Since Grace’s arrival, she and I get up early in the morning to take a walk, and at the end of the day, we do the same. Sunrise and sunsets in New Mexico are masterpieces, and with Grace, I’m appreciating them more than I ever have.
The dog park is not only a great way for Grace to socialize with canines, but while I’m there, I do plenty of socializing with humans. Meeting new neighbors and making new friends is great fun. Community building is also one of the secrets that people who live past one hundred years of age share with each other.
How often do you play? This morning, Grace and I woke up to a powdery white yard and chased each other through the snow. Back and forth we went, and when it was over, she got me to do it again.
Grace is a tad overweight and I’ve gained a few extra pounds since moving to the Land of Enchantment. Because I am mindful of Grace’s diet, I am also more mindful of mine. Gradually, I am moving Grace towards a 100% plant-based diet. My dog has lost three pounds over the last few weeks and I have lost four. It looks like we are off to a good start!
Just In Time For Valentine’s Day
Exercise, building relationships, finding time to play, and eating a plant-based diet are important elements for our wellbeing but Grace has been great for our love life, too. Ken and I are approaching our eighteen-year wedding anniversary soon and because of Grace, I believe we are more in love than ever.
Although Ken is the kindest man I know, because of Grace’s history, she does not trust men and shies away from them. To make her more comfortable, and to show Grace that he is not a threat, I hug and kiss Ken a lot more than usual. As Grace sees us enjoying each other she is slowly coming to understand that Ken is not a scary person but a beloved pack member.
Going to the gym is great; taking a yoga class is awesome, but every animal lover knows that adopting a dog or a cat and experiencing the power of the animal-human bond is a life-enriching experience that is second to none. If you love dogs, cats and other animals, and you want to give your wellbeing a boost, I heartily recommend that you visit your local animal shelter today!
And so does, Grace!
Stay Pawsitive,
Carlyn MDO
Love it!!!
Thank you and “woof” from Grace!
Thanks Carlyn – great reminders! I like how you explain by showing how you practice that connection..XO Lisa
Thx Lisa! There is so much more I didn’t talk about. We laugh so much more and there’s a softness in our life that wasn’t there over the last year.
I hope all is well with you. thx for sharing your comment:)
Love how you express your love for Grace and nature and just living your best life. Enjoy reading your new experience with Grace.
Thank you, Gloria! It is certainly a pawsitive life, now more than ever with our new friend to show us how.
Much love to you and yours.
Hi Carlyn❣ It’s seems as though your original pack is no more? Sorry to hear but so happy you and Grace have found each other. Like I said before, there is something in her eyes that tells me she is a very special soul. I wish I could meet her but since I can’t, please give her a kiss and a pet from Josh and me❣ ❤🌠
Unfortunately, my 6 pack is now living across the rainbow bridge. I mention it in this blog – http://animalhumanhealth.com/2020/01/21/how-to-convince-your-partner-to-adopt-a-dog-when-they-dont-want-to/
I do feel like Grace is an old school. we bonded so fast. She is sleeping right beside me as I type. I think back to our Pal days often and am grateful for you, Josh and Boomer.
So happy that you’re back with your posts.
Love the relationship with Grace! Hope we see you sometime soon.
Gloria
Thank you so much! I’m glad to be blogging again too:)
Carlyn, thank you so much for adopting Grace. I love seeing your pictures and reading your blogs. I feel honored that you adopted a Rowe dog.
I just got back from the dog park and people were commenting about how much Grace has changed since the first day I brought her. She is playing more and smiling. Someone even commented that her mountain lion injury looked better. I have been treating it with Vitamin E oil and noticed a difference too! we are so grateful to have her be part of our lives. Thank you for all you do to help dogs in need, Rachel.
What a great post, Carlyn! You’ve reminded me that every animal companion has something unique to teach us. Hope to meet the extraordinary Grace one day soon! xx Stefanie
Thank you, Stefanie! You are spot on with that observation. When you think of all of the animal companions you have over your lifetime, and all of the lessons and unconditional love they offer – that is a whole lot of wellbeing!
Wonderful blog, Carlyn. Keep ‘em coming. 🐶
Thanks, Genny! I’m glad you like the blog. I enjoy writing them. And lately feel very inspired!