(Main picture is Paco, up for adoption at the NFHS). I chose the name for this column after much thought. I love the words to the song it came from:
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have faith you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won’t let show
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry
I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load.
I have the luxury of writing this column in my pajamas at my home computer today. I’ve been away at a provincial OSPCA conference this week. I got smart after going right back to work last year. The conference was overwhelming in so many great ways, but it’s important to take some time to absorb it all, and rest my weary brain. I want to hit the road running on Monday-so many new ideas to implement and new paths to explore. I’m really feeling the word mindfulness today.
As I write this, Truman, my little eight pounds of mindfulness is literally leaning on me. He’s completely content just being with me in this moment. He’s a good teacher. His unabashed joie de vivre is inspiring. He just lives in the moment, and he asks for what he needs. When it’s time to play, he insists. When he needs to be petted, there’s no refusing him. When he’s scared he knows to just leap into our arms. I’m honoured by his puppy trust, and his love makes all things better.
Needing and being needed is a natural part of life, and if we are mindful, our animals can help us to see that. They can also help us to slow down, to have more fun, to be more active, to be more understanding, they teach patience, compassion, courage and love.
We try really hard to help all the animals in our care to find the right forever family. We aren’t in a hurry to get them out of the shelter. We’d rather take a little time and invest in their future. People sometimes get annoyed by our process, but we don’t sell pets, we facilitate adoption. We use our collective knowledge and insight about each pet, and will only place them with people we feel confident will be a great fit.
My encouragement to all of you is to stay mindful of the world around you, and to be open to what they teach you. I hope when you find your heart open to a new pet, you will think first of the shelter. I’m confident we can find the right cat or dog or bunny to fit your family.
Please support the shelter by attending some of our special events. Check out the website, there’s always something going on. Tomorrow we will be selling Sour Puss Lemonade at the Kustom Kar show, and next week is Dogfest at the shelter! We are extending our hours for the summer, we hope that will help people to be able to visit us.
Pictured is 7 year old chihuahua Paco. Paco would prefer an adult home where it can be clear to all that he is indeed the king of all things.
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