Secrets to happiness learned from Zoey

It's been a bumpy road for me at times, and it hasn't always been easy trying to figure out who I am, where I'm going, and how I fit in. I've always been a little self-conscious, and at times absurdly sensitive, and often I feel as if these traits are more of a liability than anything else. It's not easy being introspective, but I also think it's important to rock out the hand you're dealt. It can be exhausting when you're constantly trying to figure out if you're okay, and doing or saying the right things, and sometimes there are moments of freakish bravery when you just let go and have faith it will be okay. It isn't easy, this whole letting go business, but I think relinquishing some of some of that control mongering is healthy and oh so necessary for happiness.

Animals enrich our lives and pet ownership has been widely attributed to increased longevity, lowered blood pressure, and higher levels of life satisfaction. They're also pretty fantastic teachers. I've learned an extraordinary amount of lessons on life and love in the last ten months and have discovered that quite possibly my dog, Zoey, is a lifestyle guru.

Firstly, Zoey does not let anything stand in the way of getting what she wants. Sliding glass door be-damned she will be the first to the backyard every time. She refuses to give up, and is tenaciously determined to get whatever she is pursuing. It's not always easy for her, she's crashed into many objects while trying to out-retrieve other dogs, but I love her spirit and admire her determination. She doesn't hesistate, trying to weigh pros and cons and figure out risk vs. reward. She just goes for it. There is nothing tentative about our gal.

Zoey makes friends with abandon. She is hyper-social and wants to say hello to everyone at the dog park, everyone walking down the sidewalk, and anyone who seems even remotely interested in her is fair game for a greeting. Even dogs that are displaying a distinct "please leave me alone vibe" Zoey sometimes tries to interact with which maybe isn't so great, but I think it's kind of cool that she's always willing to at least try. Our two cats are not Zoey's biggest fans, as she continues to try to win them over, but I hope that one day Harper, Harlow and Zoey will live in harmony, as it certainly can not be attributed to Zoey's lack of trying. In a lot of social situations I find myself getting nervous and awkward, fearful that I'm imposing or not interesting enough to contribute to conversation. That's just silly. Risking a little initial awkwardness should be no reason to put myself on the bench socially. Everyone should be a starter, life's too short to miss out on other's experiences, insights, and perspectives because it's simply easier to be timid.

Zoey is not self-conscious at all. She does what feels good, completely without care about how she may appear to the casual observer. She likes to hold her toys in her mouth, while laying on her back, I'm assuming in an attempt to maximize a nice air-to-belly sensation. Sometimes she leaves an ear rakishly flipped inside out. Her tongue often hangs outside of her mouth at a bizarre angle. More often than not, she takes her stuffed bear outside with her while she is using the bathroom. She is unabashedly silly and I love her for that. I think her ability to let her freak flag fly is quite wonderful and even a little inspirational. She is who she is and I may be biased, but I think she's fantastic.

Our Zoe-beast is not shy about speaking up when she wants something. She lets us know when we haven't played with her enough or if we haven't reached her daily physical activity quota by being barky and even, dare I say, a little obnoxious. When we're running around and she is thirsty she flops down, knocking over our Nalgene bottle as if to say, "Hey you guys! I'm dying here get me some water!" She can be a little pushy, but she sure does get her needs met. She doesn't suffer in silence, and often I find myself wishing I could just say what I want and what is on my mind, without fear of how it may sound. I think a lot of women fall into the trap of wanting to be everything to everyone without taking the time to figure out what it is that they want. Feeling frazzled and pulled in a million directions is no fun. Zoey gives and takes, and I think her quality of life is maximized by her ability to ask for what she needs.

Zoey can be pretty lazy. She clearly enjoys curling up in a comfy spot to recharge her batteries and takes rest breaks frequently throughout her day. Very often we cram so much into our days that there is barely enough time to eat meals, let alone to carve out a couple of minutes of quiet time to reflect and get our bearings. Hectic days are stressful and take a major toll on our health. A study conducted by Expedia found that in 2006 Americans passed up more than 574 million vacation days; it is estimated that less than half of Americans are satisfied with their current work situation. It would seem that millions of people hate their jobs and are working at them too much! No wonder we're so sick and tired collectively. Vacation deprivation may sound like a term coined by travel agencies to boost reservations and revenue, but there is something very worthwhile in taking some time for yourself. Time away makes you a better employee and a happier and healthier individual overall. Be lazy-ish, relax and recharge. Take care of yourself by giving yourself time to reflect and re-examine what makes you happy, and to be thankful for what you have.

Zoey is a perpetual optimist. Every time I reach for something on top of the fridge she believes wholeheartedly that a biscuit is coming her way. She goes through all of her tricks in rapid-fire succession hoping that it will perhaps rain dog biscuits. Often it works out for her, although sometimes it doesn't, in either scenario I believe she thinks in her own way that the universe is good and fair, based solely upon where her dog biscuits are stored. Zoey greets each day with enthusiasm and an open mind. She is as happy to go for a quick walk around the block as she is when we go to a super awesome crazy fun dog park. In Zoey's world, life is good and there is an opportunity waiting at every corner, lamppost, fire hydrant, tree, bush, etc. There is no room for worry or self-doubt, and there is wonder in the most mudane of places.

As time passes, I am sure I will gain even more wisdom from watching and interacting with Zoey. Dogs are fantastic teachers and I'm very blessed to be able to share so many experiences with our silly, rambunctious, fun-loving, and all around inspiring pup. It's not always easy, but I'm learning the value of just being myself, liking what I like unapologetically, keeping a sunny perspective, and just trying to seize every day as a new opportunity to learn and grow, while taking time for myself to breathe and relax a little bit. Zoey needs me and I'm now realizing just how much I needed (and continue to need) her.

Rainy day in Maryland

So it's a rainy day here in MD, and dragging myself outside to walk Zoey is always a challenge in yucky weather. It's tough to find motivation to stomp through puddles when it's so gross outside, but getting Zoey exercise everyday goes along way to keep her healthy and happy, and since we don't have a backyard here, we must hoof it around the neighborhood. It's funny how once we get going it usually becomes pretty fun, as the Zoe-bear seems to be quite fond of rainy days. Perhaps it's a throw-back to where her ancestors came from, or maybe her fondness for water isn't limited to just swimming. Either way, she walks a little lighter on her feet and shakes off water periodically, with her tail wagging nonstop. It's hard not to feel just a little happy (while getting drenched) because watching her have so much fun brings me joy. Luckily it's not too chilly yet, because that is definitely a mental hurdle for me, just getting outside can be tough on cold and rainy days. I just have to keep in mind how much happier my two cat's lives are when Zoey is too worn out to chase them...

Historic Ellicott City offers plenty of dog-friendly activities

The Wine Bin is a unique wine boutique featuring wines from all over the world, with an emphasis on quality and accessibility, over mass-production and inflated price tags. Wine doesn't have to be fussy or expensive to be appreciated, and The Wine Bin boasts over 200 wines under $20. The store is pet-friendly and dogs are allowed to accompany owners as they shop. The Wine Bin is also hosting a Yappy Hour from 6-8 p.m. on September 18th. Dogs are welcome, and the event features chocolate and wine tasting.

The Yuppy Puppy Pet Boutique features tons of adorable items geared more toward little dogs including ultra-cute sweaters and outfits, although there are leashes, collars, and a selection of toys that work for large breeds. The Yuppy Puppy also has specialty treats which are hand-iced and in a wide variety of whimsical shapes and colors. There is also a cat section with toys and accessories so kitties won't feel too left out.

Historic Ellicott City has lots of outdoor patio seating and benches which make for a pet-friendly way to spend a leisurely afternoon touring the historic mill town.

Another summer ends...

The end of summer is always a little sad for me. Soon, tank tops and flip-flops will be retired to the dark recesses of drawer bottoms and closets, as daylight hours get shorter and shorter. Bundling up becomes necessary, and fall eventually leads to an always too long winter. I'm getting a little melodramatic here, but summer can be a hard season to let go. Baseball, cold beers, barbeques, thunderstorms, and gorgeous late sunsets are hallmarks of summer, and are easy to miss when fall sets in.

One thing that is kind of nice about the end of the summer season though, is that Zoey and I can do more outdoor activities without having to worry as much about her over-heating, and that is truly a blessing. There are more hours to explore as temperatures drop, and I'm looking forward to being able to take advantage of the Columbia, MD trail system as the weather becomes more favorable for extra-long weekend walks. This was Zoey's first summer and we got a good sense of how she does on hot days. Life as a large breed black dog is not easy when the mercury climbs, and we had to adjust her activity levels accordingly. Some dogs just run hotter than others, and knowing your dog's heat tolerance is important, especially when traveling. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are potentially life-threatening and set in fast in our canine companions and I'm glad that we made it through our first summer while still maintaining a safe and high level of activity. Zoey's a pretty great communicator in terms of when she's had enough, and she's quite fond of flopping down beside our water bottles when she's thirsty and done with running around. She's not that subtle about it and I'm glad she's nothing if not very assertive.

This summer was a huge transition for us. We left our friends and family in Delaware and started a life in Maryland. It was hard, nerve-wracking, exciting, and scary all at once. We survived though, and are beginning to feel at home in our new place. We're not 100% there yet, but we're in much better shape than when we started. It hasn't always been easy, and in quiet moments in can be kind of lonesome, but having Zoey has kept things nicely in perspective and kept a routine amid a lot of uncertainty. I'm looking forward to our first fall in Maryland and all firsts associated with a new season in a new area. I'm planning on getting some mums for our porch, which I'm pretty sure I will kill in record time. Fall festivals and apples in season are definitely in the cards, and I'm excited to learn as I go, keeping you posted along the way.

September Dog-friendly Events

September 12, 2009 Canton Dog Park Wine Tails Gala Fundraiser

2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chesepeake Wine Company in Baltimore. Wine-tastings and food pairings are featured as well as a silent auction. Tickets cost $75 per person and $125 per pair and are available online. Proceeds benefit Canton Dog Park's 2009-2010 renovation.

September 18, 2009 Little Ben's Cruise for Compassion

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Annapolis City Dock. Dogs are welcome on board the Watermark's Harbor Queen. Music by Dan Haas and Ben Bones Band. Complimentary finger foods provided. Benefits the Animal League Defense Fund. Tickets cost $55 per person and dogs are free.

September 19 National Puppy Mill Awareness Day

September 19, 2009 Benefit for Fallston Animal Rescue Movement

12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the DuClaw Brewing Company in Fell's Point. RVSP by September 16th 1-410-671-PLAY. Pet-friendly, rain or shine, with music by One Rock Studio. Free hot and cold appetizers and the first round is on them. $25 per person by car and $30 per person by bus.

September 25, 2009 Paws Fido Fashion Show

5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Outside patio of Weather Rail at Loews Hotel in Annapolis, MD. Portion of drink sales, and raffle proceeds benefit Modest Needs.

September 27, 2009 4th Annual Pets on Wheels Dog a thon

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oregon Ridge Park Cockeysville, MD.

Quiet Waters Park Annapolis, MD

Quiet Waters in Annapolis is truly a great dog park. We don't get to go as often as I would like, as it's about 40 minutes or so from where we live, but it is always well worth the trip. Yesterday we were there for a Lab Rescue Picnic and I'm still amazed at how many Labs were in one place. I lost count at around 35 or so. It was complete raucous, organized chaos in the best way. The labs enjoyed hours of swimming and running around which is just the best to watch. Labs are goofy dogs that love a good time. I'm so glad that Zoey was able to get that kind of socialization and exercise, since most of her fun tends to be on-leash due to where we live. We had good food, great fun, and I think Zoey is still exhausted. Luckily the weather held up for us, and it rained just a little bit at the beginning of the afternoon, and held off the rest of the time we were there.

Quiet Waters has three off-leash areas. There is a separate special area for little guys, a larger fenced in area for big dogs, and the dog beach (my favorite part) just a short walk from the parking area. It's a well-maintained facility, with tons of areas to toss used bags, and there are also lots of bag dispenser stations found throughout the park. It costs $6 per car to enter the park, and it's good to keep in mind that Quiet Waters is closed on Tuesdays. The fenced-in areas have water spigots and hoses and lots of bowls, and yesterday there were kiddie pools for pups to wade in and beat the summer heat. Zoey finally figured out what the wading pools were for, and once that happened it was tough trying to persuade her to leave her watery oasis. When headed to the dog beach, it's best to bring a water bottle with you, as there aren't any freshwater sources and the dogs are getting tons of exercise. If they get too thirsty they start chugging bay water, which means MILLIONS of bathroom breaks later and potentially some seriously unpleasant curbing situations. There is a hosing station for getting some of the sand and grit out of their coats, but no shampoos or detergents are allowed. It's a great way to get them rinsed off (and smelling less like bay scallops) and a fantastic amenity that the park features. Bring a towel as well. We forgot one yesterday and improvised with John's undershirt. Oops. Towels are top of the packing list for next time.

Quiet Waters is a truly wonderful park. There are lots of pavilions available to rent for large groups and tons of places to enjoy a picnic lunch. They do some large events at the main building, and with its lovely gardens and fountains, I could see why someone would opt for this location to hold their special occasion. Throughout the summer, they hold concerts in the amphitheater and that could be worth checking out sometime. If you're near Annapolis, or want to take a day trip that includes tons of wet-nosed, wagging tail fun for your dog, Quiet Waters should be at the top of the list. It's always a good time and makes for a very tired dog.

Columbia Dogs on the Go

Yesterday was my first Meet Up with Columbia Dogs on the Go. The after work walk was scheduled at Lake Elkhorn in Columbia, and I was a little nervous to just kind of show up and meet new people. I've never thought of myself as a particularly shy person, but it would seem that I am in fact kind of a cowardly chicken woman in terms of just putting myself out there in new social situations. Thats the great thing about dogs though, they're fantastic social facilitators and even though Zoey was a little barky and WAY too excited at first, she mellowed out and we had a lot of fun. Next time I will be sure to take her on our morning walk, in addition to any evening meet ups that way hopefully there won't be so much antsy energy initially. It was a very nice group of people, and luckily there were a handful of newbies like me. Zoey made a bunch of friends including a mixed breed named Shadow, who was fully prepared to have Zoey's back when a German Shepherd got a little snappy, a tan mix named Eli, and his housemate Roxy. It's funny how I'm much better at remembering the dog's names than the names of their owners, but I'm guessing as I continue to go to different meet ups, the people's names will eventually follow.

I didn't go afterwards with some of the group to Pubdog, and I'm kind of regretting my decision to head home right after the walk. It would have been nice to have a beer and get to know some of the people better. Pubdog is definitely pretty fun, John and I went there for dinner one night. They're oh so dog friendly with a big patio and have water bowls outside for each table. All of their beers are dog-named/themed which is kind of cute. I opted not to go though, since I hadn't fed Zoey her dinner yet, and I felt guilty about staying out without getting some kibble in her belly. At least now I have a sense of what to expect, and will plan better for next time. I think the Meet Up website is a fantastic way to make some new friends and network a little bit, especially for people like me who have moved far enough away from home to get a little bit lonely sometimes. The Columbia Dogs on the Go group is very active and always has a bunch of activities in the works and the people are very welcoming. I'm proud of myself for being brave and trying something new and I'm so glad it's a way for Zoey to get some dog-time too.

www.columbiadogsonthego.org