Skip to main content

a beautiful spirit


Beautiful Spirit

Today I would like to celebrate a beautiful spirit.  As animal people we have all got creatures in our lives who we adore.  The expression of my adoration is for Sasha.

Sasha joined my family when we rescued her as a puppy.  Found her in a cardboard box on the side of the road.  Someone was trying to sell her.  I instantly fell in love with her, but also needed to get her away from a poor welfare situation.  We went straight to the vet.  Sasha was diagnosed with joint ill.  A disease that is contracted through the umbilical cord.  It is usually contracted when animals are kept in inappropriate and dirty environments.  So began a long road to recovery that included all sorts of medications and interventions.  At one point she had to be injected with fluids every few hours.  I remember at one particular weak moment praying that one day she would grow into a big dog that I could hug.  And that she did.

 
I feel so grateful for some of the most incredible moments I have spent with this lady.  Long 20km walks around our neighbourhood, through the bush, along the railway lines.  Teaching her to swim in the sea.  Going for runs on the beachfront.  Road trips – just the two of us.  Soft wet nose kisses in the morning.  Cuddling on the couch. 
Another remarkable thing about Sasha is that as a puppy she was involved in killing birds on our new property.  However she seems to have learned that that behaviour does not make me happy.  She also never liked cats in the past, but now she is the biggest protector.  In fact two kittens that were brought to our home have been mothered by Sasha.  She protected them from the other animals.  Sasha’s best friend growing up was our pig Cleopatra.  They still have an understanding.  Cleo does not like any of the other dogs, but seems to enjoy Sasha grooming her.  Sasha is a nurturer.  Her latest flock is a group of four chickens who have been turfed aside by mother hen.  Sasha follows them around the garden and looks after them. 
 
Just had to celebrate how much I adore this lady.  She knows what I am thinking.  She knows what annoys me and how to get me to do her bidding.  She is an old lady now, but still has puppy dog eyes.  Lying on her back to get her tummy scratched when she wakes up in the morning.  Stretching and content. 
 
I am so so grateful for her beautiful  spirit.  Thank God for animals. 
Love you Sashie!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

In memory of my mother

My mum passed when I was 23. I never really had the opportunity to come back home to a respectful relationship with her after my teenage rebellious tribulations and assaults on her goodwill. So this blog is to honour and thank her for her contribution to my love for  nature.  She was an avid bird watcher and had dreams of travelling through the bush. I have many memories of her being fascinated by animals on our weekend getaways to the Kruger National Park.  My first memory of her was her riding a horse called Thunder. That is a beautiful memory and the name of the horse is as mystical and awe inspiring as her impact on who I am in relationship with animals.  She was fearless. And always confident that all would be well. She had faith in my animal relationships always. As a very young child I was given the task on many occasions to hand rear orphan wildlife and pets. She never micro managed the process but would offer helpful insight that came naturally to her.  The animals in our home

On his retirement. A tribute to a legend

Veterinarian & human extraordinaire. 50 years of true service to the animal world, the animal people, and to his animal-loving family.  Four siblings all who care significantly for animals as a result of the way we were raised.  To respect life.  Because that is who our father his.  Our father is more than a vet.  He is a compassionate man.  A vet who took his oath to care for animals to the greatest level, inspiring those close and around him to do the same.  Caring so deeply.  Working so hard.  Ensuring that he always did his best.  He has such depth and wisdom.  He has always had a following of people in his life who he wisely guides.  His generosity is boundless.  He has inspired his children way more than can be imagined.  We are pretty sure there are not many people who are so fortunate to have this example of humble love to follow.  We are equally unsure whether we can truly honour his example by duplicating his consistently magnanimous actions.  We have incredible memories

Reflections and projections

When they judge or throw stones (the people) - grace makes us the blank screen or the still water onto which they can see themselves and take personal account for their actions. When we train animals can we be that clear. So as to wisely be and act rather than contest and fight for what we want🥰