It's been a long and very busy two weeks. I have gotten a full time job and am now adjusting my blogs, stories, columns, and life in general to going to work every day. It's a challenge after over two years of not having anything to do or anywhere to go. Well, that's not entirely true, but without a full time job, I found myself, IMHO, with "way too much time on my hands," as the old Styx song goes.

The dogs really got used to having me around all the time, and now they're not very happy when I say momma has to go to work. For the first week and a half, Tootsie didn't want to come in for Arleen when she left for Jimmy's. Arleen had to drag her inside. She still gives me the doggie evil eye every morning when I walk out without her.

Arleen and I are still looking for a place to call our own for the Church and a doggie business. It's still in the planning stage and I don't expect anything to get settled until after the New Year, but we're still moving forward on the business/church. I have been working on a business plan and gathering business starting data.

And we are still looking for another place to hold our services. We would like a place with fewer cats around since several of us are allergic. We don't have a problem with cats joining us at our Sunday services, but because of the great work Dunk N Dogs is doing with cat rescue, there are cats around all the time. Thus there is lots of fur and dander around all the time. That has been causing problems for some of our members.

Because we are looking for another place, I haven't been as diligent about promoting the church as maybe I should be. But that's going to change soon. We need more members. So I'm going to begin promoting again in hopes of getting more folks to join us. We really do have fun at our services. And so do the dogs. Come join us some Sunday and see what the barking is all about.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Fall weather always gets me thinking and reaching within to more spiritual pasttimes. Indeed, as Winter approaches, the plants and animals go into hibernation and for many of us, our thoughts turn within. And that is as it should be. We all need to have time to reflect, plan, and get in touch with our inner selves. It's time to reflect on our lives and everything we have done and decide whether we are heading in the right direction.

And with all the financial problems the world has been having, it's time to think again about what's really important in our lives and families. The one good thing coming from this economic downturn is the fact that many of us are learning what is really important in our lives. Many of us are learning to live with less -- less money, fewer things, less exterior wealth. And we are learning what we really have, who we can depend on, and what we really need to be happy. I hope that we can carry that forward as the economy improves. I hope that this new-found awareness will stay with us in the future. Maybe we won't have some of these problems again.

But I am also aware that some in this country are already doing things "the way they've always been done." They are trying to get things back to where they were before. IMHO, going back is never a good way. It's always best to move forward. In order for the world to heal economically, we need to move forward with courage and confidence into this strange new place. We need to change our thinking and our way of life and embrace the new, the change. If we can do that, perhaps we can grow from this experience and, I believe the world will be a better place.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

There were only two of us at yesterday’s church service. It was very disappointing and a little depressing. As I was driving over to the dog park afterwards, I remembered a talk my mentor, Jack Boland, gave many years ago. The talk was about how to achieve your goals and the process you need to go through.

 

As Jack said, there are three forces that you need to work with (or against) in order to reach that goal. The first, which Jack called “First Force,” is the one that pushes you to make the goal and start doing what needs to be done to achieve it. You make plans, list goals, get what you need, etc. First Force fills you with excitement and enthusiasm for the path you have chosen and your feet and fingers fly through the tasks.

 

But gradually, “Second Force” takes over. Things don’t go as planned. You run into stumbling blocks and misunderstandings. Things are just not working out as well as you thought. And your once enthusiastic friends and family are telling you that you made a mistake and you should just give up. To make matters worse, you are beginning to agree with them. You just want to give up in the face of all the problems. As Jack said, most people do give up when Second Force hits. They decide they just don’t have what it takes and their family is probably right.

 

But if they just hang in there and keep working, they will finally see “Third Force.” Third Force is when everything falls into place and you reach your goal. It is not an ending, but a beginning. You’ve made it through the tough times and have finally gotten what you wanted.

 

Right now, I’m facing Second Force with the church and dog-related business. Some days, I just want to give up and quit this whole thing. After all, I can always do what I've always done. Why change careers now? And so on and so on. But each time these words run through my mind, Jack’s words come back to remind me what I’m working for and how to reach the goal.

 

So if you’re also working toward a goal and finding it difficult to go on, remember Second Force and how it will work to prevent you from reaching your goals. Don’t let Second Force cause you to quit. I won’t. I will continue to work towards the goal of having a viable and energetic church of pet lovers like me. I believe that I need to work with pets and their people and I intend to do so.

So keep those goals in front of you and keep plugging away. Soon Second Force will give way to Third Force and you will achieve your goal.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

It's been a while since I've blogged. I have been busy writing my Detroit Dogs Examiner articles and I'm now writing for Hub.com where I'm writing two different blogs - God, Pets, and People and Life as a Foster Dog Mom, and Suite 101.com. Needless to say, I've been a writing fool.

In addition to all the writing, I have been busy taking fliers and postcards around to various vets offices, grooming places, and pet supply places to promote the church. I have written some press releases to send out too.

And ... I am continuing a search for a building we can rent or lease where we can hold our church services and offer other pet-related services. We are hoping to have something by the end of the year. I am looking into financing and possible getting a loan to get started. With the job situation the way it is here in Michigan, I think I will be more successful working in my own business than finding a job working for someone else.

Of course, the church is non-profit (and right now, it's really non-profit — we haven't run in the black yet). But according to the IRS rules, the church can pay it's pastor. So I'm hoping that someday, we will have enough money to give me a small stipend.

The good news about this economy is that many of us have found we can live on a lot less money. We don't have all the fancy stuff we had before, but we are surviving. So I have found that, although it was nice to have a lot of money coming in, I don't need it. Not that I wouldn't mind having extra money, but as Arleen says, I would probably spend it on charity anyways so...

Our Pet Blessing service was great. We had several new folks come in to have their pets blessed. I hope some of them will continue to join us regularly. Time will tell.

Well, I have to go get ready for the service. Have a safe, blessed day.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Yep, I'm still hooked on the Beatles and their music. I watched the entire two weeks of "Beatlemania" on VH1 Classic and even recorded some of the shows. I admit to being a diehard Beatle fan. Of course, I love many groups and most classic rock. I have found lately that I even like some rap/hip hop. I just love music. 

Boog is getting used to being in this crazy place with us, and he fits in perfectly. There were a few arguments when he first moved in, but things seem to have settled down now. All the pooches seem to be getting along just fine now. Even Bentley  seems to be okay with Boog.

Bentley has been much more active lately. He is walking around the dog park and seems to have more energy. He still has the arthritis and stuff, but he sure seems to be doing better. The old fart will probably live to be 20!

Dinky is doing better also. I have been taking them to the dog park several times a week and the exercise is helping all of us. After so much time in the hospital, we were all out of shape and, even now, are still struggling a bit.

It's going to be a great day today — sunny and 72 — a great day to be in the dog park. I hope someone is there cause Boog needs another dog to play with. My dogs are all too old and Muffin only wants to chase tennis balls; to play with him. Boog needs a young dog to run with.

Still working on the Pet Blessing service. More to come later. Everyone have a safe, blessed day and enjoy the sun.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Here he is, our Boo Bear. His real name is Boog, but most of the time we just end up calling him Boo. His other nickname is Boogie Oogie Oogie. Since I sing to all my dogs, Boog gets the Boogie Oogie Oogie song all the time. He's getting used to me. All the dogs are used to this crazy singing momma.

Boog is also learning that this mom loves to kiss doggie noses. He tolerates it, but I'm not sure if he likes it. Still, he gets kisses like the rest of them. He does like his ears and neck rubbed and, like many others, his butt scratched.



Boo Bear has a blue (purple) tongue. I read quite a bit about blue/purple-tongued dogs and was surprised. I, like many others, thought only Shar Peis and Chows had blue tongues. As all the pictures on the website show, I was wrong. I am sure Boog doesn't have any Shar Pei or Chow in him. Just a blue tongue.

I must say that he is truly a wonderful dog. He does like going to the dog park to run around and sniff. He has even found a few dogs to play with. I have noticed that he has a twisted front leg, but it doesn't seem to bother him when he runs.



He has those wonderful, expressive hound eyes that I love. When I was a baby, my neighbor had a standard Dachshund who I absolutely loved. Brownie was my protector, my best friend, and the love of my young life.  Although Brownie was a brown Doxie, Boog reminds me of him a lot. He had that same easy-going, laid back attitude that Brownie did.

I said before and I'll say it again, if his owner decides she doesn't want him back, he will probably be staying with us. We both love him. As for giving him back to his family, I guarantee we will cry. In this short time we have already fallen in love with him. But we will give him back. I made an agreement and I'll keep it.

This Sunday, September 13th is the National Pet Memorial Day so I'm planning a special section of the service for it.  I'm going to put an ad up on craigslist and in some of the online listings for it. I also plan to stop over at the Greyhound picnic at Bell Creek Park to see if anyone wants a blessing or memorial prayer for their pet.

I am considering getting a space at Hines Park with a shelter to hold the Pet Blessing service. I'd thought about using Dunk N Dogs, but I can't if they still have all the junk in the back room. I hope to have a good turnout so I need the room to be empty and ready. I just don't know if Sharon can or will do it in time.

I'll have more info about the Pet Blessing service up on the website as soon as plans are finalized.

Have a safe, blessed, happy day.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Boog is really a great dog! He is so laid back and sweet. He loves to be petted, especially around his ears and neck. And he LOVES the dog park! I'm still trying to find my camera to get a few pics of him. I put it somewhere safe?!?!?! (*#@&@%!&!!!)

I am still working on plans for the Pet Blessing service. I need to get moving on it so I can advertise it well beforehand. But I'm also working on cleaning up my yard, getting the garden ready for winter, cleaning the house, etc., etc., etc.  I would definitely use more day in my days!

I have written to Sharon at Dunk N Dogs about having the Pet Blessing service there but haven't heard anything back. I hope she gets back to me soon. I need to get a place set up soon.  I have already worked on the actual service and have it pretty much down. I need to run it by Arleen for her edits.

I am hoping to have a good turnout and maybe some folks will decide to join the church. I really wish we had the money to get our own place. That way, we could just set things up as we need to without being dependent on others. I am still working on a business plan to see if we can get a loan or something.

If anyone has any funds they wish to donate, please contact me or Rev. Arleen. It's hard to get things going without a permanent address. Ahhh, what fun!

I was totally immersed in the Beatles programs on VH1 Classic for the last two weeks. What a gas! And what great memories. I grew up with the Beatles and their music is the background of my life. Not just the Beatles as a group but individually as well. Someday, when I have some money to spend, I'd like to get the remastered set that just came out. I have always dreamed of having a complete set of Beatles CDs. Someday...

Well, it's time to get back to work on the house. I am trying to clean up and actually making progress. I really got some stuff done yesterday -- all while listening to Beatles music. It worked pretty well, maybe I'll try that again today. Did I say I'm a big Beatles fan?

Well, time to go start working again. Have a safe, blessed day.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Well, we have a new foster dog.  This one is a longer-term than usual. We will be keeping Boog for three months. His mom had to temporarily move in with her mom in a no pets apartment so she needed someone to keep Boog. I agreed and he's a real sweetheart. Boog is a black and tan Basset/Dachshund mix. His face looks very Doxie and his legs are Basset. He is a bigger dog, more like a standard Doxie and he has a black tongue. I'm not sure about why the black tongue, but he's sure a sweetie. He's very laid-back and easygoing. And he loves spending time in his crate, which Arleen LOVES.

The first night he was with us, he took himself to bed in the crate all by himself. Quite a change from the last two puppies who hated their crates and screamed to get out. Arleen loves that.  I don't have any pictures of him yet but I'm working on it. I took him to the dog park twice and he LOVES it! Yesterday he played with several dogs and walked the perimeter of the park twice sniffing and peeing. A dog that was truly in heaven.

Right now, he is in the crate and everyone else is scattered around the house sleeping. It's raining out so no park today. Instead I'm watching the Beatles programs on VH1 Classic and loving the music. The Beatles are my all-time favorite band and their music is the music of my childhood. Brings back lots of memories.

Well, gotta get back to work on the house and the Pet Blessing ceremony for October 4th. Have a safe and blessed day.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Scruffy is with Sandra and Dave and it looks like he's staying there. They filled out adoption papers for him and are anxious to make him part of their family. The kids LOVE him and he them. I think it's a great match. A match made in heaven. 

As for us, we are going to be getting another dog to foster. This one is a long term foster for a friend of a friend who has to move in with her mother for a while. Her mother lives in a no pets apartment so she needs a place for the dog until she finds her own place. We will go meet the dog today at the dog park. I need to make sure the new dog will get along with my dogs before taking him.

Dusty is nesting again. Right now she has three eggs in her nest. Last time she had five so I expect a couple of more. The eggs are not viable so no babies, but she is doing a great job sitting on them and stuff. Once she gets tired of the eggs, I take them out in the yard and bury them in the garden. I have an area of the garden where I bury the birds and fish who have passed. I put the eggs in the same place. Nesting however, does mean Dusty is tearing up everything paper she can get her beak on. I have to watch her constantly when she is out to make sure she isn't tearing up something important.

Well, I hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day holiday. Have a safe and blessed weekend.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...

Mr. Scruffy McDuffy spent the night over with Sandra and her family.
He really LOVES them.  When I opened the door, he was so excited he practically jumped in Kelly's arms. When he left, he never looked back. I sure hope Sandra can convince Dave to adopt the little guy cause he sure loves it there.

I am getting ready to go shopping and pick up my meds. Later I'm going over to Sara's to see the new baby. I'm excited to meet young Chayse Lawrence. At least I can see the baby. I missed the wedding because I was in the hospital.

I found out today that my Medicaid was cancelled because since I'm collecting unemployment, I make too much money to get Medicaid?!?!?!?! My unemployment, which will probably run out in the next few weeks, is only enough to pay for my mortgage. It figures that the state would think unemployment pays enough to actually survive.

Sometimes I'm just tired of struggling. I just want a way to support my family and keep my home. I wish some of the idiots who are fighting against President Obama's Health Care Plan. As someone without health care and on monthly medication, without some sort of health care, I'm screwed. I'm thinking of going to some of the Town Hall meetings to speak out for people like myself.

I think it's time for our government to be OF the people, FOR the people, and BY all the people again. We seem to have forgotten that in our present government. Actually, we seem to have forgotten that for the last several years. It's time to get back to that kind of government.

Well, I finished my latest Detroit Dogs Examiner article. You can check it out here and let me know what you think in the comments. I am trying to complete at least 3-4 articles each week for dog lovers. Especially since I didn't do any articles when I was in the hospital. If you have any ideas for stories you'd like to see, please let me know by e-mail, through the comments, or give me a call. Thanks.

Have a safe, blessed weekend.

Rev. Claudia and the critters...