Gone to the Dogs Week 2: Carrie

Gone to the Dogs Week 2: Carrie

Carrie

Bonnie’s dog, Carrie, has an important mission in life: to protect the helpless. Several years ago, Carrie discovered a litter of "orphaned" kittens in the barn. Carrie apparently believed their mother was negligent. So, one by one she carried them to the house. Although the people of the home took the kittens back, Carrie ended up adopting the tiny gray tabby kitten. She raised it, and nursed it.....even producing milk! (The family had to supplement). That kitten grew up thinking it was a dog. And Carrie and Whiskers became inseparable. Bonnie finally had to separate them to "wean" Whiskers when he was 6 months old. Bonnie says it was ridiculous!

Then, a few years later, Bonnie's family got a hamster.....and here we go again! (No milk this time as Carrie was spayed.) Hammie, however, wasn’t as crazy about Carrie as Carrie was about him. A little mothering by a dog can go a long way when you're a hamster!

Anyways, if dogs have a heaven, Bonnie says “Carrie will surely have a wonderful home!” Carrie is now 13.5 years old and still a very loved member of the family.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption. When we cry "Abba, Father". Romans 8:15 NRSV

Gone to the Dogs Week 1: Daisy

Gone to the Dogs Week 1: Daisy

Reverend Floyd Wood and Daisy

Reverend Floyd Wood readily admits that his “girl” was not the prettiest one of about six dogs shown to him at the animal shelter the day he visited years ago. According to the retired minister, you could see the little dog’s ribs and she looked scared to death. The little terrier mix had been dropped off on the side of the road, thrown away like an unwanted piece of garbage. “I don’t know what her previous owners were looking for because she is just as perfect a dog as you can get,” asserts Reverend Wood as Daisy May, or simply Daisy, wags her tail.

After a previous beloved pet died, Reverend Wood and his wife decided they would find another dog. That day, a perfect match was made! Daisy seems quite content beside her beloved “dad.” She will jump up on the couch and is even invited onto the king-sized bed for sleeping.

Daisy does a happy dance any time Floyd is out and returns home. As Floyd puts it, “She always makes me feel welcome and happy to be back home!” Anyone visiting can see that the feeling is mutual. The little dog’s ribs no longer show, and Daisy is healthy and happy. “I think she saved my life just as much as I saved hers – she’s my perfect little girl.”

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose and ministered unto them. Matthew 8:15 KJV

Gone to the Dogs Word Search Puzzle and THANKS for Sharing your Stories

Several people have asked me how I'm going to weave dogs into a fitness challenge? What do dogs have to do with one's health? I'm glad you asked!

Holistic health includes one's spirit, mind, and body. I have had the wonderful opportunity to interview eleven people and learn all about dogs who have touched their lives. One dog had only one front leg while another only had one eye. Several dogs helped those around them, including humans and other animals. One seemed to have ESP while another provided protection. Many were rescue dogs, and quite a few have funny quirks!

Some people who have pets also enjoy better health - dogs often encourage the people around them to go outside and exercise more than they would otherwise and studies indicate that other people tend to be more engaging with those who have animals with them in public areas and often provide comfort to those who grieve.

Some of the people interviewed no longer have pets for a variety of reasons, but those memories have brought much joy and more than a few laughs along the way. I am so excited to share these stories with you. I hope these stories will be inspiring, make you laugh, or remind you of the healing power of resiliency. Perhaps these dog stories will open new possibilities for conversation!

Here is a sneak peak at the various dogs I will share with you over the next eleven weeks of this fitness challenge. Oh, by the way, you can exercise your mind while you search for them in the puzzle!

Gone to the Dogs Word Search Puzzle

Fall 2018 Fitness Challenge: Gone to the Dogs!

As we begin to wind down summer activities, this is a great time to begin or renew a regular fitness routine. Our Fall 2018 fitness challenge will begin on Sunday, August 26 and continue for eleven weeks, ending on Saturday, November 10 with a party scheduled for Sunday, November 11.

Katrena has interviewed several people about their pet dogs, so each week you'll have the opportunity to learn a little about these furry friends. A Bible verse will also be highlighted each week for those who wish to reflect on the spiritual aspect of holistic health.

This fitness challenge is free and open to anyone who wishes to participate. This opportunity is provided by the Woodleaf United Methodist Church health ministry. Children should get parent/guardian permission. Check with your healthcare provider first before beginning or changing a fitness routine.

The suggested goal for the challenge is to be physically active an average of at least 20 minutes/day; however, participants may make their own individual goals if they wish. Physical activities may vary; some examples include exercise classes, walking, swimming, doing yard work, cleaning house, hiking, etc.

Participants should send total time exercising each week of the challenge. Results will be posted on this blog each week. Please send the exercise times by Tuesday at noon of the following week via one of the following:

• Email Katrena at NurseforWoodleafUMC@gmail.com
• Call Woodleaf United Methodist Church (UMC) @ 704-278-1888 and leave a detailed message including your name and exercise time for the week if you get the answering machine
• Drop off your name/exercise time on paper at Woodleaf UMC

If you would like a form to help keep track of your exercise times, feel free to pick up one at Woodleaf UMC or print one using the attachment below.