Happy New Year!!
Your mind can focus on fear, worry, negativity, or despair..
Or is can focus on Confidence, opportunity, solutions, optimism and success..
You decide!!
-Don Ward
It's been a long time since I last wrote or posted to my LJ.
I have missed you all and am going to try to post to both blogs...
Here is my latest post from my http://www.aplacetobark.blogspot.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
It is another year...
Eeek, that also means I will be another year older:)
Wrinkle, crinkles and grins!!!
Amazing how time flies..
I remember being in a catholic grade school and staring at the huge clock that hung over the door, wondering how time could go so slow.
The older I get, the faster time seems to go. So much to do and always fighting the clock.
I've learned to accept, that I do, what I can do and try not to focus on what I can't.
If you focus on the negative, it breaks your spirit and clutters your mind.
While the words written sound easy, the actual task of focusing on the moment, doing what you can without guilt, is always a challenge of growth.
Who would have thought at 42 I would still be growing up:) Or better yet, I never thought I would be 42!!!
I remember years past, New Years Eve celebrations, black tie affairs, being full of the holiday spirit so to speak, while dancing the nite away, dinners in my home with our friend and french chef Pierre who always put on a first class meal.
Our house was always full of people, with laughter and smiles all nite long...
Those are memories that will live on in my heart forever and make me smile.
While times have changed, New Years in my heart has not. My life has changed, as all of ours do...
Gone to the dogs!! Happily and joyfully!!
With every season, life is a journey, a path of growth, retrospection, a challenge to better ourselves and become comfortable in our own skin, to love deeper and live richer more spiritually fufilled lives.
The animals have taught me that and you all have taught me, that good does live in the world, that perfect strangers can become your best friends. A love for God's creatures links us together, wanting a better future for each and every animal.
I am very proud to say we have rescued over 400 animals this year!!
I never ever could have done it without your help and your kind words.
Your comments, e-mails, letters and donations have made it possible for me to make a difference for the animals.
I do grow weary & overwhelmed some days, but every comment and kind word helps to recharge me to go on..
We all do our part, each and every one of us, acts of kindness that go beyond the season, teaching your children that animals are living creatures that need us, educating them to be the responsible pet owners of the future and why they should never buy a dog from a puppy store, when there are so many that need to be rescued.
I thank each and every one of you that read my blog and have been with me on this journey, you are my Angels!!
As we go into "2008" I plan on slowing down just a bit, to rest myself and get caught up on year end things, my art auction which I have been wanting to get up and running, I'm hoping for February to have everything listed.
I will be going to CHA in February and will also be attending a seminar at the same time at the Helen Woodward Foundation
This is where my art and the animals can work hand in hand, my traveling enables me to do more, learn more and in time have my shelter built. I soooo need a shelter here on the property, but for now we'll do the best we can.
The "Zoline Foundation" which is my primary sponsor has agreed to do a matching grant for "2008" to help us with our shelter. So I'm really excited about that, more details to come..
I also have cut my teaching schedule down, to pratically nothing for the year, but need the time to work on writing my new books, magazine articles and making ornaments.
While my lifestyle traveling sounds fun, it is exhausting being on the road so much, I need to work on finding some balance this year. I will miss going to Cortona Italy to teach and Art Unraveled, but I just can't do it all..
"2009" I will plan on getting back on the road teaching, but for this year I am going to try to slow down a bit, if that is possible:)
I know many of you have also asked about Jeff. He has been very ill this past year and every day life is a struggle for him.
He is a huge help, sitting with and working with, the frightened, unsocialized animals who need one on one attention.
This little guy is "Dugan" he is a male Maltese. Poor darling is probably one of the worst matting , flea and tick infestation cases I have ever seen.
We had to sedate him to groom. It was very painful, but it's done now. He looks and feels so much better as you can tell!! Only about a year to 2 years old, he is love starved and will need some clothes for a bit.
These cuties are "Woody" & "Pearl". Funny Pugs!! How can you not love Pugs, they just make you smile:)
Pearl is female approximately 4-5 and Woody is male approximately 7-9 years of age. Great with kids, other animals and love everyone!!
These two beautiful purebred Border Collies are soooo sweet, but very shy and scared. They truly stole my heart..
I spent New Years Eve at the pound. The picture at the top of the page and the two below were taken at the pound.
They are going to keep these guys for me till I get back from my transport on Thursday. They came from a breeder who deemed them unworkable dogs and left them at the pound to be put to sleep. I have heard from others that his training techniques are one of a heavy hand and what many would consider abusive. I just find it sad that time after time I find his dogs at the pound, to be put to sleep because they won't work livestock. I know many a city dweller that would love a non working Border Collie. Actually I have a couple of Border Collies from this same breeder who are living in Chicago and doing very well.
This is "Jilly" she is a female, approximately 2-3 years of age.
This is "Jongo". Male approximately 2-3 years of age.
This is "CeeCzar" he is a male Hound Mix. Approximately 8-10 weeks old. Busy, smiley and lots of spunk!!
These are the three Amigas. Too funny these girls are approximately 10-12 weeks old. Pit Bull/Lab/Hound mixes.
Sweet and loving!! Don't let those stories about the bully breeds scare you. It is all in how much time you put into the dogs and the training they receive. Too precious for words.
This is "Sparrow" a female Shihtzu/Maltese Mix, the best we can figure. 8 pounds, approximately 1-3 years of age.
Alpha in personality. She loves her owners, but is very fearful of new people. Fine with cats, no small children please.
These little guys are Shepherd/chow/mixes. Fun and loving, we also have their mom. 8-10 weeks old.
Yes, I know.. Not the most flatter photo, tried to cut most of me out. But I was pretty sick, so hence the jammies and hoodie:)
There are so many more here, but I just never can find the time to post all the pictures..
I will be on the road Thursday to Chicago to transport and will be back in Tennessee on Saturday.
A stop in Wisconsin on Friday to deliver some cats to my friend Debbie and to get an over due haircut.
Also, to stop in and discuss plans with my friend Kim Nugent about her upcoming art retreat in October of "2008".
Gotta run, tons to do..
But please if you read my blog, post a comment so I can view your blogs when I get a moment.
I know many of you read from all over the world. I am amazed and wonder how you found me...
I want to try to get to know many of you that read, for I am flattered that you visit us here!!
I wish you all the BEST Life possible for "2008"!! May all your wishes and dreams come true..
Lets keep fighting for the animals and looking for the day that all adoptable animals are adopted and not needlessly put to sleep.
Love and Light to you all,
Bernie
Or is can focus on Confidence, opportunity, solutions, optimism and success..
You decide!!
-Don Ward
It's been a long time since I last wrote or posted to my LJ.
I have missed you all and am going to try to post to both blogs...
Here is my latest post from my http://www.aplacetobark.blogspot.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
It is another year...
Eeek, that also means I will be another year older:)
Wrinkle, crinkles and grins!!!
Amazing how time flies..
I remember being in a catholic grade school and staring at the huge clock that hung over the door, wondering how time could go so slow.
The older I get, the faster time seems to go. So much to do and always fighting the clock.
I've learned to accept, that I do, what I can do and try not to focus on what I can't.
If you focus on the negative, it breaks your spirit and clutters your mind.
While the words written sound easy, the actual task of focusing on the moment, doing what you can without guilt, is always a challenge of growth.
Who would have thought at 42 I would still be growing up:) Or better yet, I never thought I would be 42!!!
I remember years past, New Years Eve celebrations, black tie affairs, being full of the holiday spirit so to speak, while dancing the nite away, dinners in my home with our friend and french chef Pierre who always put on a first class meal.
Our house was always full of people, with laughter and smiles all nite long...
Those are memories that will live on in my heart forever and make me smile.
While times have changed, New Years in my heart has not. My life has changed, as all of ours do...
Gone to the dogs!! Happily and joyfully!!
With every season, life is a journey, a path of growth, retrospection, a challenge to better ourselves and become comfortable in our own skin, to love deeper and live richer more spiritually fufilled lives.
The animals have taught me that and you all have taught me, that good does live in the world, that perfect strangers can become your best friends. A love for God's creatures links us together, wanting a better future for each and every animal.
I am very proud to say we have rescued over 400 animals this year!!
I never ever could have done it without your help and your kind words.
Your comments, e-mails, letters and donations have made it possible for me to make a difference for the animals.
I do grow weary & overwhelmed some days, but every comment and kind word helps to recharge me to go on..
We all do our part, each and every one of us, acts of kindness that go beyond the season, teaching your children that animals are living creatures that need us, educating them to be the responsible pet owners of the future and why they should never buy a dog from a puppy store, when there are so many that need to be rescued.
I thank each and every one of you that read my blog and have been with me on this journey, you are my Angels!!
As we go into "2008" I plan on slowing down just a bit, to rest myself and get caught up on year end things, my art auction which I have been wanting to get up and running, I'm hoping for February to have everything listed.
I will be going to CHA in February and will also be attending a seminar at the same time at the Helen Woodward Foundation
This is where my art and the animals can work hand in hand, my traveling enables me to do more, learn more and in time have my shelter built. I soooo need a shelter here on the property, but for now we'll do the best we can.
The "Zoline Foundation" which is my primary sponsor has agreed to do a matching grant for "2008" to help us with our shelter. So I'm really excited about that, more details to come..
I also have cut my teaching schedule down, to pratically nothing for the year, but need the time to work on writing my new books, magazine articles and making ornaments.
While my lifestyle traveling sounds fun, it is exhausting being on the road so much, I need to work on finding some balance this year. I will miss going to Cortona Italy to teach and Art Unraveled, but I just can't do it all..
"2009" I will plan on getting back on the road teaching, but for this year I am going to try to slow down a bit, if that is possible:)
I know many of you have also asked about Jeff. He has been very ill this past year and every day life is a struggle for him.
He is a huge help, sitting with and working with, the frightened, unsocialized animals who need one on one attention.
This little guy is "Dugan" he is a male Maltese. Poor darling is probably one of the worst matting , flea and tick infestation cases I have ever seen.
We had to sedate him to groom. It was very painful, but it's done now. He looks and feels so much better as you can tell!! Only about a year to 2 years old, he is love starved and will need some clothes for a bit.
These cuties are "Woody" & "Pearl". Funny Pugs!! How can you not love Pugs, they just make you smile:)
Pearl is female approximately 4-5 and Woody is male approximately 7-9 years of age. Great with kids, other animals and love everyone!!
These two beautiful purebred Border Collies are soooo sweet, but very shy and scared. They truly stole my heart..
I spent New Years Eve at the pound. The picture at the top of the page and the two below were taken at the pound.
They are going to keep these guys for me till I get back from my transport on Thursday. They came from a breeder who deemed them unworkable dogs and left them at the pound to be put to sleep. I have heard from others that his training techniques are one of a heavy hand and what many would consider abusive. I just find it sad that time after time I find his dogs at the pound, to be put to sleep because they won't work livestock. I know many a city dweller that would love a non working Border Collie. Actually I have a couple of Border Collies from this same breeder who are living in Chicago and doing very well.
This is "Jilly" she is a female, approximately 2-3 years of age.
This is "Jongo". Male approximately 2-3 years of age.
This is "CeeCzar" he is a male Hound Mix. Approximately 8-10 weeks old. Busy, smiley and lots of spunk!!
These are the three Amigas. Too funny these girls are approximately 10-12 weeks old. Pit Bull/Lab/Hound mixes.
Sweet and loving!! Don't let those stories about the bully breeds scare you. It is all in how much time you put into the dogs and the training they receive. Too precious for words.
This is "Sparrow" a female Shihtzu/Maltese Mix, the best we can figure. 8 pounds, approximately 1-3 years of age.
Alpha in personality. She loves her owners, but is very fearful of new people. Fine with cats, no small children please.
These little guys are Shepherd/chow/mixes. Fun and loving, we also have their mom. 8-10 weeks old.
Yes, I know.. Not the most flatter photo, tried to cut most of me out. But I was pretty sick, so hence the jammies and hoodie:)
There are so many more here, but I just never can find the time to post all the pictures..
I will be on the road Thursday to Chicago to transport and will be back in Tennessee on Saturday.
A stop in Wisconsin on Friday to deliver some cats to my friend Debbie and to get an over due haircut.
Also, to stop in and discuss plans with my friend Kim Nugent about her upcoming art retreat in October of "2008".
Gotta run, tons to do..
But please if you read my blog, post a comment so I can view your blogs when I get a moment.
I know many of you read from all over the world. I am amazed and wonder how you found me...
I want to try to get to know many of you that read, for I am flattered that you visit us here!!
I wish you all the BEST Life possible for "2008"!! May all your wishes and dreams come true..
Lets keep fighting for the animals and looking for the day that all adoptable animals are adopted and not needlessly put to sleep.
Love and Light to you all,
Bernie