Tag: panhandle animal shelter

Fear…

is it stopping you?

DSC_3800-EditHave a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.

Charles Dickens

I wanted to share this moment with you. It was taken this week at the shelter that I do volunteer photography for and for me it captures why I’m there.

I’ve lived in this community for twelve years now and until December had never ventured into the shelter. Why? Fear and my expectations about what it would be like to look into those eyes and then walk out the door leaving them behind.

The only way to conquer your fears though is to move through them. Like so many other things that I’ve done from falling in love with night photography when I’m afraid of the dark, to taking scuba diving lessons when I was younger to get myself back in the water after watching Jaws, fear was holding me back from doing something that I felt I could contribute to in a meaningful way.

We’ve gotten into a routine now that’s really nice and I look forward to my time at the shelter. It’s a special group of people and their love of animals is evident.

This image you might think, not so remarkable, lots of dogs know how to “shake”.

But…

he only has three paws, he’s missing a back leg!

So much heart.

There are many ways to make a difference, don’t let fear keep you from doing something. Work through it and you might be surprised at what you discover.

Come on…what are you afraid of?

 

Winter Carnival…

has gone to the dogs!

20170226-dsc_2505-edit-2Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

There’s a lot to be learned from our four-legged friends.

This week-end had a special event sponsored by some amazing local business’ all in the name of raising money to support the Panhandle Animal Shelter.

A little snow didn’t keep the crowds away and the dogs ran their hearts out pulling size suitable empty kegs down a snowy track to raise money for their less fortunate friends.

There were dogs of all sizes dressed in all kinds of gear sporting EzyDog harnesses for the Keg Pull.

This was my first time attending the event and I had the pleasure of being in the thick of the action. Some dogs gave it their all, seasoned veterans returning to better their times from past years. Others, new to the game, took more leisurely runs, pausing for photo opportunities along the way.

Great group of dog loving people supporting a wonderful cause and lucky me…I got to spend a few hours combining two passions, dogs and photography.

February’s Tip: Double your pleasure and try to find a way to combine two passions in one. Really think about what gives you the most joy to photograph and seek out opportunities that combine those things. Your heart will thank you!

Getting out of my own way…

and finding real dog moments.

dsc_8560-edit-2Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Leo Buscaglia

Back in December I made reference to something new that I was embarking on for 2017. It’s been a few years now since I have volunteered in a committed fashion not since my days of Search and Rescue with my bloodhound, Isabella.

Before that my beloved mastiff Brig and I would visit weekly at the nursing home to spread some joy and laughter to the residents there.

This year I decided that it was time to combine two of my passions, dogs and photography so I ventured into our local shelter to see if they could use my services.

Throughout my love affair with dogs I have always been afraid to spend time at a shelter, my excuse being that I thought it would be heartbreaking but like most preconceived ideas, that has been far from the reality.

I have found wonderful moments there and met a whole lot of people who spend their day dispensing kindness. I find myself looking forward to dropping in and spending time with the dogs, the shelter staff, and the many volunteers.

Sometimes you just have to get out of your own way and trust that good things will happen and if I can play even the smallest role in connecting these dogs with a forever home that would so satisfying.

Note: At the time of posting this wonderful dog, Luna, remains available for adoption at the Panhandle Animal Shelter in Ponderay, ID.