Photo by Angela Kirk

It is a strange new world. Starting this week, Doc and I are alternating between working at home and working in the office. On Tuesday we were the on site crisis counselor and we will go back and do it again on Thursday. We only talk to our patients through tele therapy now. It feels quite strange and sad for both of us. Doc and I miss seeing and interacting with our patient’s face to face, so it was a happy meeting when Doc took me outside yesterday morning and one of the patients hollered and waved at us from their car. What use to be such a normal occurrence that we took for granted is now a treasured and happy meeting. For just a few moments everything felt normal again.

There is no doubt in my mind that we will get through this together. I know that humans get frightened when they realize that they can’t control everything. That is why it is so important to do your best to stay in the moment and focus on what you can control. In other words, try your best not to let anxiety rule your thoughts.

As I am finishing this blog, I am stationed next to Doc, watching the magnificent sunrise right outside our window. It is a reminder that nature is sorting everything out as we speak. The day will soon come when all of this will be over and we will rejoice and appreciate what it is to feel free again.

As of this writing, Doc and I are still going to work.  As part of a large team of medical and mental health professionals, we are making sure that our patients are being taken care of.  Many of the patients and staff are anxious, so I am here to help calm and comfort, it is just the natural way that dogs take care of their pack.

Doc told me she has been proud of how I have been comforting everyone. She said my behavior is a good reminder that we are all connected and should watch out for each other during these difficult times.  It’s easy to get lost in your fear, but don’t despair as this too shall pass.

Any time there is uncertainty, the worst thing you can do is dwell on it 24/7. Doc and I have been spending a great deal of time outside when we are not at work. We take our daily walks, visit with the neighbors from a distance and check on our family and friends. Doc also spent part of Sunday counting our roles of toilet paper. We have 40 rolls. Don’t judge, she didn’t just go out and purchase these recently, she has been hording toilet paper since I have been alive. It’s a thing for her and now this pandemic has just reinforced that weird behavior. She is now smugly telling me that she always knew it would come to this one day and she would be prepared.  I was proud that she offered the neighbor some of our stash when they told her they were running low. But I digress.

Relax, take a deep breath, wash your paws and watch some old reruns of your favorite sitcom. Until then, stay tuned.

Photo by Angela Kirk

Last night as Doc and I went outside to bask in the light of the super moon we could hear a coyote howling in the distance. It’s mating season and all of nature is waking up from the long winter.

The first full moon in March is called the Worm Moon because the ground is soft enough for the earth worms to appear signifying the beginning of spring. Earlier in the day we noticed the flower bulbs that Doc planted last fall pushing up through the brown earth. The first signs of spring always give me hope that warmer days are ahead .

Spring is really a time of renewal. It’s time to take stock of our lives and move forward with positive intentions. For example; What do you need to purge from your life? This could be anything from getting rid of clutter to ending or distancing yourself from relationships that have become toxic . Recently Doc and I got rid of many of my dog toys at work by giving them to dogs at the shelter. All I have left is my favorite ball and my bone. And do you know what, that’s all I really need to be content.

A few years ago Doc and I made a decision that every spring we would go through a rebirth of sorts. We reevaluate our lives and let go of the things that are weighing us down. Here’s hoping that you give this some thought by challenging your beliefs and opening the door to new possibilities.

You all know the old saying if March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb and vise versa. Well March 1st was a beautiful mild sunny day and I for one enjoyed it immensely without worrying what the 31st will bring.  As a dog I am not one who believes in humans superstitious tales. I just take things as they occur. Doc who has read up on all these kinds of tales told me that humans find some comfort in trying to predict what may happen. Simply put, it gives people a sense that they have some control over a situation.

About half of the population has some superstition they believe in. Don’t think you have any superstitions? Well I bet you probably say “bless you” when someone sneezes. Did you know that human ancestors said that in case the devil showed up to steal the sneezers soul?   Many buildings and hotels don’t have a 13th floor because people would ask for a different floor to  rent or stay on. Check out the buttons the next time you are on an elevator.  How about walking under a ladder? Are you ok with that? The saddest one of all is that people don’t want to adopt black cats or dogs. Doc told me when I was older that myself and my litter mates were adopted at a lower price because many people don’t want black dogs. How awful!

The bottom line is that if you believe in yourself and your own abilities you don’t need superstitions, magical thinking or Jedi mind tricks. You have the power inside of you to conquer your fears and succeed. But if you ever want to borrow my rabbit’s foot I’ll Be happy to lend it to you.