Reflection.

 

As this year comes to an end,

I feel reflective...

it's something that most of us do this time of year.

At the heart of everything for me is heart.

It's how I try to live.

I let my heart guide my steps and

it's led me to a place I happy to be.

I've been on an interesting journey over the last couple years.

Maybe it's my age,

Maybe it's the awesome people that love me,

Maybe it's the contentment that comes with helping others,

Maybe it's all of the above. :)

It's easy to be happy

when you remember the feeling of being very unhappy.

Those bad feelings are so strong that it makes it hard to forget.

That's not a bad thing.

It's important to remember the bad

so that you can avoid getting to that point again.

"History repeats itself endlessly 

for those who are unwilling to learn from the past." -Leon Brown

I don't want to repeat the past,
I have spent enough time doing that
while working through the events,
so that I could learn.
And learn I did.

Actually,
I repeat so many of the good things...
I have a lot of things that could be repeated, endlessly.
For that, I am happy.

So, what are you focusing on?
Do you relive the past, hoping that it will change?
Or...
Do you live in the now?

My hope for you as we move into the new year,
is that you live for the day.
The future will be a combination of those days.
If your days are filled with good events, helping others, and learning,
what a great future that will be!

A Murphy Christmas

Maybe you haven't met my best friend...

He's Murphy.

or Murph

or The Murphinator.

No matter what he's called,

he's the best furry friend a Lori could ask for.

And when you have a bestie like him,

you must have a stocking for him at Christmas

and he must receive fun items from "Santa" too!

Here of some of the things that will be under the tree for Murph

and a few things that he just LOVES that will make your pooch happy too.

Star Spinner

Murphy's brain needs to be active all of the time (Border Collies-Geesh!) and this will be a perfect, fun game.  I was super excited when I won the bid for this on an online auction for Lovers Not Fighters Pit Bull Rescue.  He's going to love it!

Mimi Green Reflective Collar

Okay, maybe Murphy doesn't care about this, but he's happy when I'm happy.  I'm happy when he's safe and I can see him.  It works well.  I love these collars because Murphy had a habit of breaking his dog tag off during his very active play and these collars are engraved with my contact information.  Perfect!

Yeti Dog Chew

Murphy loves these chews and it's easy to know why...it's cheese! Yep...it's Yak and Cow milk made into this hard cheese.  Now if your furry bestie is an aggressive chewer, DON'T get this.  My mom got one for sweet Daisy girl and it lasted just a few minutes. Yikes! At around $10 a chew, you would definitely want it to last a little bit longer than that. Murphy isn't an aggressive chewer...he's a savors each bite and nibble, so it's perfect for him.  (I have to admit that I purchased this for Christmas and have already given it to him.  He smelled it and I gave in.  I can't take those big eyes looking at me! Yes, I'm a sucker.)

Buster Dog Maze

When I leave for work, this makes me not feel as guilty because Murphy's face isn't so sad.  He knows that when I leave he has some of his favorite treats to find and get out of his maze.  It makes leaving this sweet face a little easier.

Chase 'n Pull

A holiday is not complete until I mention the best toy ever!  The Chase 'n Pull is the highest reward toy for Murphy, which means that he adores this toy and I keep it that way by only bringing it out once or twice a week.  He gets so excited as soon as I say, "Tug?!" Boom.  Murph is ready to run and run fast! Zoom!

These are just a few ideas,
but they are sure to make your pup happy and you feel good.

From myself and The Murph,

Merry Christmas to you!

FIFTY

Yep...it's have a century kind of number.

Last weekend included two builds that bring my build number to 50...

50 Fences Built = 81 dogs that are Living Life Free.

Just as they were meant to be.

Like Sally O'Malley,

I like to kick, (chains away from dogs)

Stretch, (fence wire)

and kick it. (with my friends)

I seems unreal that I have been a part of this 

life-changing team of awesomeness for almost 2 years.

Even better that there are fifty fences that I have been a part of building.

I like to think that I leave a little Lori sparkle on each one. :)

It's a nice thought to this sparkly girl. 

Fences #49 and #50 

both included a nice long drive to Ocean Park, Washington.

But if I have to make the drive 

then I'm lucky to have awesome people to ride with...

it makes the time go a little faster...

especially if I can sing along to music or even better

CHRISTMAS CAROLS. HA!

 Oh course, we had to make a little stop on the way.  

And I have to strike a silly pose.

 Somehow, these people put up with my silliness 

and keep acting happy to see my goofy face.

But, we really do enjoy each other and have a great time together.

There aren't very many people that you can muck around in well...muck 

and still laugh, smile, and joke.

We do all of that.

Build #49: 

Snuggles, an older Husky who was too scared to have us near,

but who's life will be much, much better.

So we get to work to get this girl off a tight, rusty chain 

and into an open space with a dog house to keep her warm.

 We all know what jobs to do and set a record time for this fence.  

Finishing in just under two hours from start to finish.

It's all for you Snuggles.

 You are loved sweet girl and life will be better.

With the sign hung and pictures taken,

we are off to the 2nd build already in progress a couple miles away.

Build #50: 2 Husky Sisters who can't wait to play and play and play!

This build was already in progress, but we set to work right away helping to finish things up.  Unfortunately, by the time we got there, 

the pups owner had taken them for a car ride to get away from all of the work. 

Bummer!
But we set to work even without puppies around,
because we are professional volunteers and we get the job done. hehehe.

 I just adore these girls...

 ...and Jeff Hood...

 ...and my bro Jerry....I just LOVE THEM ALL!

Even you Tom! 

Though you made me look silly in the photo 

since I was doing the Tom pose 

and then you had to go and wave.  

Geesh! Oh well, I still love ya. 

Want to join in the fun, silliness, and love with an awesome group of people?

Come out and volunteer with us!

www.fencesforfido.org