Time to Cheer!

March 30, 2013

Have you ever noticed how fans eagerly cheer as sports heros enter the arena or field of play?  Doesn't it feel odd that we don't see or hear cheering as much as we like or need in our lives?  Yes, I've cheered professionally in grand stadiums myself and we all cheer for loved ones or friends at graduations, performances, or contests of beauty, talent, or strength.  Still, I feel that we all need to cheer and hear it more frequently in life.

In many settings, I feel the absense of heart-felt cheering.  I've encountered so many who lament that they have no feeling of deep appreciation for their achievements or sacrifices.  What a terrible shame!  I believe that many suffer from the idea that cheering might give someone a "big head."  If that is the worst consequence, so be it.  All of our friends, family, and work colleagues need to hear and feel our appreciation!  If others laugh or take me less than serious because I decide to cheer the success of others, so be it.  It's Time to Cheer and LOUDLY!

At the base of what motivates a young child or newly adopted pet is this need to be acknowledged by ones who are close.  Sure, distant fans and social media acceptance are great for our egos, but it is from people with whom we regularly interact that we need appreciation.  I have been blessed by family and friends who support me through thick and thin.  I thank God for them everyday!

I have an idea that unfortunately feels original in this tough and demanding world.  Even if co-workers stop cheering and we feel unappreciated ourselves, we have the chance to let someone know our thanks.  Reach out to them personally and to their parents and bosses to let them know we appreciate all their efforts.  Life wouldn't be the same without these positive moments of acceptance and acknowledgement.  Our imprint in the sands of life will be left whether others acknowldege them or not.  However, they will mean that much more to the person leaving their mark that others see and feel them.  Let's do our best to leave positive impressions in life, and with excitement, let others know what they do we also see and feel too!

Please consider a volunteer job or donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in your state.  Every donation, no matter how small, is put to such excellent use for such beautiful young hearts in our country.  Click on this banner to find a donation that's good for you.

My love to you today and always,

VICKTORY DOGS

March 14, 2013
 
Just because I am a former Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, it doesn't mean that I condone what Michael Vick did to those beautiful dogs of his.  In fact, it makes me sick to this day to think of it.  I am a firm supporter of the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah who took in 22 of Vick's distraught Bad Newz dogs.  Best Friends cared for their every need, they rehabilitated them, they attempted to make them new again.  It wasn't easy, Vick sure did a number on them, but this past Monday 3/11 something amazing took place - six of the 22 dogs who have been adopted returned to mark 5 years of freedom. We call them the Victory Dogs!  Cherry, Handsome Dan, Halle, Little Red, Mel, Oscar and their families gathered at Angels Landing at the Sanctuary with staff, volunteers and visitors for what was just like a family reunion.
“We had a fantastic experience being with six of the families who adopted Vicktory dogs and had traveled here with their adopted Vicktory dogs, as well as their other dogs and their children,” says Judah Battista, Best Friends Animal Care director.

There were incredibly touching moments. Each dog has changed their family’s life as profoundly as their own life has changed. Richard (Mel’s dad) has become a very outspoken advocate of pit bulls. Handsome Dan’s family has a rescue group named after him, and they’ve been able to save many more dogs based in part on the public’s interest in Dan. It was wonderful to see all of their fans who showed up (over 150). They were all incredibly sensitive to the dogs’ needs.
“It was clear that the audience felt privileged to be able to meet the dogs and their families,” says Judah. “I know that I did.”
 
One by one, each of the adoptive families took the stage and shared some of the stories of their dogs. Over and over, we heard how the dogs have come out of their shells. How they have changed from the shy and shutdown dogs they once were.
 
Cherry joined his parents, Paul and Melissa, on the stage and lay down as if he were completely relaxed. Little Red played with the other dogs and enjoyed belly rubs from her former caregivers. Little Red was there with her mom, Susan, and didn’t even seem to notice the audience. Handsome Dan, who has a harder time in a crowd, sat in his doggie stroller, where he was joined by his three-year-old human sister.
 
Oscar didn’t join his mom, Rachel, on stage. He’s been in his home for about nine months and is still shy in such a public setting. Rachel mentioned that being connected to all of the other families and seeing how far their dogs have come gives her a glimpse of the dog that Oscar may one day be. Of course she loves him just the way he is.
 
Dog Care manager Michelle Besmehn says, “It was great for everyone to see how well the dogs are doing. It was a wonderful reminder of what we are all working for.”
 
John Garcia, who was co-manager of Dogtown with Michelle when the Vicktory dogs arrived five years ago, adds, “The Vicktory dogs have gone on to be amazing ambassadors for this breed and are helping save even more lives, which of course is why we are all here.”
 
Click on this link to watch a video of the Vicktory dogs at the Sanctuary:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6goNpMIsiyU&feature=player_embedded
 
May God bless you and all the Vicktory dogs!

Beware the Dream Stealers

March 6, 2013

Hi Everyone!  It's not often that I post something that someone else has written, but this message from Denis Waitley speaks to me in volumes, as I'm sure once you read it, it will to you too. I have surely had my share of those "fair-weathered" friends who really didn't have my best interests in mind. Those that have bullied me have attempted to bring me down, but I have since learned how to be stronge and to let their words and actions roll right off my back. I hope Mr. Waitley's message inspires you just as much as it has me. Enjoy!

"Although your own internal measurements are the most important, you will occasionally need to seek external feedback on your progress toward your goals. When you do, be sure it is from people who are truly interested in seeing you succeed. Don’t seek feedback from fair-weather friends, competitive peers, or any person who doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Neutral doesn’t count. Get feedback from someone who is on your side but will still be objective and honest with you.

 

I’ve observed time and again that misery truly does love company. Jealousy creates some of the most miserable people I know. Surpass the achievements of your particular social crowd or your business colleagues, and look out for the slings and arrows of those who wish you were back where they are. You have to dodge the snide remarks and catty comments. Let them roll right off you. Don’t internalize them.

 

Only pay attention to feedback from those who have similar goals or who are working actively alongside you to achieve goals of their own. Motives and fears run deep. Study them in others. The sympathetic fair-weather friend who supports you and comforts you when you're down, may like you best when you are in just that state: down and dependent.

 

Ultimately, nobody else is responsible for your life but you. Nobody else is accountable for your actions but you. Therefore, nobody’s expectations for you and opinions about you are as important as your own. So make sure those take precedence in your mind over all others, and if you do need to consult with someone else, think very carefully before you choose exactly who."

 
Your True Friend,