Motherly Law

The Sign Said to Take a Chance: Well, Here Goes.... {A New Business}

A Chance

The sign said, "Take at Least One." At the bottom of the piece of paper were little tabs to rip off that usually have contact information listed. This one had little tabs with just two words... "A Chance." I don't know who pinned this sign up on the Caribou Coffee bulletin board, but I thought it was clever and it got me to thinking.

Was this a sign I should be paying attention to? Have I taken many risks lately? Am I putting myself out there enough? What's too risky? What's not risky enough? Does it mean I'm not taking risks if I have to ask these questions?

Risky Business    

Honestly, I feel like that the last two years have been one risk after another with the start of launching Motherly Law in March of 2010. I have put myself out there, utterly exposed and vulnerable, in cyberspace and in the tangible space too. I have tried this and that. I have strived to grow as a writer and thinker and doer.

Then, after Will found himself in search of a job, under circumstances not of our choosing, we decided to pursue entrepreneurship and grow a business in social media consulting. Now, recall that I'm an independent contractor for a legal publisher and a freelance writer.

This is no life for the weak. This is a life of no regular paychecks; no benefits of any kind. There is little assurance of anything.

Well, I have decided to take another "chance." I am launching a new business today {in addition to everything we are doing}. I am now......hold onto your hats....this is going to surprise you....a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. I know, I know; I, myself, am still shocked when I step back and think about this statement. Now, wait, bear with me. I'm going to answer your questions: 1) What the Heck is Norwex? 2) Why this Product? and 3) Why Now?

What the Heck is Norwex?

Norwex's mission statement is this: To improve the quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.

Norwex cloths are an antibacterial microfiber. To use the cloths for cleaning all kinds of surfaces and spots and stains, simply add water. Nothing more is needed. How is this possible, you ask? Well, the microfiber cloth goes beyond surface clean because there is a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent physically and chemically bonded to the fiber of the cloth. The microfiber picks up and locks in the odor-causing/illness-causing bacteria into the fibers and the silver agent destroys the bacteria.

These cloths eliminate cross-contamination on surfaces or hands; are easy to use, launder when needed and use again; will reduce the amount of chemicals your family uses and absorbs; and cleans really well.

The cleaning products are enzyme-based and continue to work on a surface until all material to be cleaned away is gone and then the cleaner itself breaks down to Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen. These enzymes are naturally occurring and are not at all harmful to humans, pets or plants.

Additionally, there are personal care cloths for the bathroom that gently exfoliate your skin and clean makeup {including mascara} from your face without the use of soap and softer, gentler cloths for kids and babies. There are even cloths for your pets and much, much more. For additional information {and believe me there is additional information} go to the FAQ page on my website.

Why This Product?

I am passionate about these products. Norwex has already changed the way I clean; and more importantly it has changed the way I think about cleaning solutions filled with chemicals.

This sounds trite and canned, but it's the absolute truth. Since getting our Norwex products, Will and I have not wanted to stop cleaning and trying Norwex products out on various stains, spots and hard to reach grime; cleaning counters, floors, toilets, appliances and skin {there are bath towels too}; you name it. Our Norwex products have stood up to each task presented and have not let us down.

The first thing I cleaned with my Norwex Envirocloth was the dining room rug below Darling 1's chair. Bless his heart; he is the messiest eater no matter how hard he tries not to be. There are always spots and stains beneath his seating area. I have tried to get the spots up with various cleaners. I took the Envirocloth, got it wet, wrung it out and started scrubbing the spots on the rug. Every last one of them came up with ease. The rug looked brand new; and I was sold.

And that was just the start. I think it will revolutionize the way you view cleaning your home, your clothes and your body as it has done for us.

Why Now?

To be frank with you, and you know I always am, we need to increase our income so that we can focus on building Will's business and my writing portfolio; our passions. But I also look forward to the challenges of improving my communication skills and presentation style. I am excited about gaining business acumen. And I honestly believe these products will save time and money, promote health and better the environment.

The Scoop {This Part is Important}

So, here I go, starting the New Year with a Clean slate, so to speak, and taking "A Chance." If you love me or even if you just slightly tolerate me any and all support and encouragement is much appreciated. One way to support me is to Like my Anna Berend – Norwex Independent Sales Consultant Facebook Fan Page and/or Follow me on Twitter @AnnaBerend. Another way to support this endeavor is to check out my Norwex website: annaberend.norwex.biz.

If you are interested in hosting a party {there are really great gifts involved, plus it's a fun gathering of your friends} or you just want to learn more about these products and why I love them so much, please email me at acberend@gmail.com or leave a comment below. I would love to talk to you. I am hosting a launch party on Sunday, January 15^th. If you would like to attend let me know {evites will be going out soon to those whose addresses I have}.

As soon as I get my URL approved, I will launch my accompanying blog that will regale you on achieving a new State of Clean with Norwex product reviews and the philosophy and science behind these products, etc. So, stay tuned for that information in the near future.

Ready or not, here I come 2012. Oh, and Katy, stop laughing. I know; I'm eating my words. Over and out....

Anna

Making an Informed Decision: Alternative Medicine Part II

As I was thinking about yesterday's post on homeopathic remedies, I decided that perhaps I should have provided more background information and definitions regarding alternative medicine choices. To be clear, honey, as referred to yesterday in the opening paragraph, is not a homeopathic remedy. My point was simply that I, personally, use a combination of types of treatments; whatever I think is the best approach given the symptoms and issues at the time.

Here is a bit more information on a few alternative medicine approaches:

Holistic Health is looking at the body as a whole and working cooperatively with all systems and practitioners to achieve optimal health in mind, body and spirit. This means taking stock of your health on a spiritual, physical, nutritional, social, environmental, emotional and lifestyle level. For more information on holistic health, check out this page of the American Holistic Health Association site.

Homeopathy is medical science that is based on the "law of similar"; that is, the idea that like cures like. So, the theory goes that any substance that will produce certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure like symptoms in a person who is sick. For instance, take an onion: when you chop an onion, the juices will make your eyes water and nose run; now think of a person with hay fever; suffering from watery eyes and runny nose; a homeopathic remedy made from an extremely diluted onion can relieve these symptoms. There over 3,000 substances used as homeopathic remedies that treat the mundane cold, annoying allergies, painful arthritis and much more. Read more about Homeopathy here.

Herbal Medicine uses herbs to produce dietary supplements that improve a person's health. The supplements are sold over the counter in tablets, teas, extracts, powders and dried plants. However, many herbal remedies can also produce adverse effects in certain people. Herbal remedies should not be taken without consulting with a medical doctor.

There are many different approaches for each of us to choose from when trying to attain the best possible healthy, in both mind and body. Of course, there are other choices, including modern medicine, other than those listed here.

Watch for my announcement about the Motherly Law Virtual Cookie Exchange later; I would LOVE for you to participate. Over and out...

Anna

A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down: Homeopathic Remedies v. Pharmaceutical Drugs

Honey, Please!

When I wake to a little one asking for honey, I know I've got a sick boy with a sore throat or cough. At our house we start with a spoonful of honey for these symptoms. That thick, sticky, antimicrobial natural medicine often does the trick in the middle of the night, allowing my little guy to return to peaceful sleep despite congestion, sore throat and/or cough. Of course, I don't rely solely on natural remedies. I also stock children's ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Emetrol (for upset tummies), homeopathic cold and flu tabs from Boiron, medicated cough suppressant rub (a God send for stuffy, congested, croupy, snotty nights) and medicated first aid salve; both from J.R. Watkins Apothecary.

Treating our Kids Right

Intuition, a gut feeling, a sixth sense, instinct; call it what you will, but whatever it is, as a mom, I listen to mine frequently. When it comes to deciphering whether my son's runny nose and cough is just a cold; my son's headache and vomiting are actually strep throat in disguise; or I should make a bee line to the emergency room when his fever spikes, even when the nurse on the phone tells me I can wait and see, I trust my gut instinct and seek appropriate treatment.

A parent's primary interests are the health and safety of his or her child. To that end, the parent tunes in to the child to pick up signs of distress or ailment in order to attack any infection at the first symptom.

The question is when a parent goes in to battle an earache, teething pain, the flu, a cold, a cough, an upset tummy or other treatable malady does Dr. Mom or Dr. Dad reach for pharmaceutical drugs or homeopathic remedies to soothe and restore the health of the sick child? There are now just as many homeopathic remedies to choose from as there are pharmaceutical drugs.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy has been around for hundreds of years, but has only recently become more mainstream. Europe has been much more open to such treatments, but in the last decade the United States has begun to embrace these natural remedies spending billions of dollars on homeopathic products.

From the Greek words "homio" meaning like or similar and "pathos" meaning treatment, homeopathy is the practice of healing the body with highly diluted natural occurring substances that create similar symptoms when taken in large doses. It's a natural way of providing remedies to ailments, but not everyone believes that homeopathic remedies work.

Some parents question whether these natural elixirs are safe for their kids to use and would rather stick to over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs. Other parents have opted to take a better look at alternative medicines in light of the recent over-the-counter children's pharmaceutical drug recalls due to dosing issues in some instances and tiny metal shavings in another instance. And some parents have always used homeopathic remedies as their first line of defense when it comes to minor injuries and illnesses.

Homeopathic Remedies & Pharmaceutical Drugs

Homeopathic remedies are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA does categorize homeopathic remedies as a drug rather than a dietary supplement. Remedies labeled as such must meet the FDA's standards of Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS) just as pharmaceutical drugs must meet the agency's United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. However, according to the FDA's Compliance Policy Guide (CPG), compliance with the HPUS or USP "does not establish that it has been shown by appropriate means to be safe, effective, and not misbranded for its intended use."

So, are these remedies safe for use by children? Most doctors agree they are safe for use. Some doctors even subscribe to such treatments in place of over-the-counter pharmaceutical remedies. Since the active ingredients are so greatly diluted, there isn't much danger in overdosing as is a big concern with over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs meant for children.

These remedies are natural and non-toxic and should not cause any adverse reactions. Even still, care should be taken to discontinue use if any negative side effects appear. Of course, if the illness persists for more than five days, the child should see a doctor for further treatment.

Hyland's and Boiron are two of the leading homeopathic remedies companies in the U.S. These companies provide hundreds of natural remedies for both children and adults and are stocked in pharmacies, natural foods stores and co-ops across the country.

Whether homeopathy truly works is subject to debate. There are those who are devoted followers those who think homeopathic remedies are simply a placebo; and those who dabble in homeopathy with medicine cabinets filled with homeopathic remedies standing shoulder to shoulder with pharmaceutical drugs.

The Scoop

Many parents like the idea of using natural cures to soothe their kids when they suffer mild illnesses, injuries or pains, but will turn to ibuprofen or acetaminophen when the fever shoots up in the middle of the night. For most parents, it's a delicate balancing act of keeping as many toxins and potentially harmful substances out of their children's bodies while maintaining their health and wellness.

So, where do you fall in this wide spectrum? I'm more of a dabbler with both pharmaceutical drugs and homeopathic remedies in my cabinet. Here's hoping for a healthy holiday season! Over and out...

Anna

Let the Words Out: Writing From the Heart & Finding Your Voice

Acknowledge Your Voice

A half written novel hidden away in a drawer or stored on a forgotten disc; song lyrics on paper napkins; beautiful prose or poetry composed in your head.

Long before I clicked the "Publish" button, I was scribbling out works in my head and on occasion in a small lined notebook.

Almost two years ago, I started typing the words, letting them out of my head, and I've been letting them flow ever since. As I write, everything becomes clearer and clearer to me, and yet there is even more that remains shrouded in shadows, which has yet to be explored. Writing has been such a blessing to me; so cathartic; so liberating.

Tonight I'm giving a program on "Writing From Your Heart and Finding Your Voice" and I thought I'd share some of my thoughts with you as I prepare for tonight.

Start writing

Writing is a way to express yourself, share your thoughts and ideas, tell a story and release your emotions, come clean about something that's too hard to say out loud, etc. It can be a letter, an email, a journal, a blog post, an article or a book, etc. The only way to write is to... well, write. I have found that writing begets writing. That is to say that the more you write, the more easily the words will come.

I write something almost every day and have been doing so for about a year now and the year before that I was writing about 4 to 5 times a week. It has become a habit. Sometimes I write for pay; sometimes I write for me; and sometimes I write for my audience.

Find Your Muse

Every artist needs a muse; and writing is connecting and molding words into works of art. For me, it's music, natural beauty, my family, my passions and my feelings that often inspire me to ponder questions from the depths of my soul and explore the perplexities of the world we live in.

Inspiration can come from anywhere: a bulletin board, a chance meeting, an overheard conversation, a friend, a book, a movie, an experience, the lyrics of a song, a particular mood, a news story, an idea, a walk around the lake; you name it. Once you start writing, you might be surprised where you find inspiration.

Use Your Senses

After I had been writing for a while, I began to notice that I am always ticking off mental notes about how something looks or what had been said or what something sounds like or how something made me feel, etc. for me to draw upon later if it fits with something I am writing. You must allow yourself to truly experience how and what you and others feel, see, hear, smell and taste.  

Writers are in touch with their emotions and all of their senses. This brings authenticity to your writing; this helps others relate their experiences to yours.

It will also allow you to explore your own thoughts and perceptions. You might be surprised to find how you feel about something or find that your reaction to something is not what you would have imagined, which leads to my last point.

Be Honest with yourself {& your audience}

Some days I sit down to write something on a particular topic and end up writing something totally unrelated. But if the words or emotions are there, I allow them to come out. I have been surprised by the thoughts and feelings that have bubbled up during my writing sessions. There are times my writing reduces me to tears and other times I am reminded of a poignant time in my life or a funny story from years ago.

Whatever it is that works its way to the surface, you must be willing to allow it to come to light and you must be honest with yourself. If others will read what you have written, forging a story or veiling your true feelings will be apparent to your audience. If you are writing for you, then there is no sense in being dishonest with yourself.

When you are honest, your story will mean more to you and your readers. It will give them a sense of who you are and will allow the reader to stand in your shoes for a bit. When you are honest with your feelings, your critics will find it hard to pick at you. It's hard to disparage a respectful, sincere account even if you're in disagreement with the subject. 

The Scoop

When you start writing allow yourself to be awash in your feelings and observations and let down your guard, your voice will emerge from your words. You can expect that your voice will change as your perspectives change. Don't fight it; just keep writing.

It's alright if that voice is angry or afraid or sassy or funny, all of these things or none of these things. All you can be is you. Writing shouldn't be forced; have patience with yourself as you begin gathering words and searching for your voice; it will come.

And don't get too caught up in the grammar. Use Spell Check and do your best. You might miss your timidly emerging voice for the worrying about the rule on semi-colons v. colons or whether it's OK to end a sentence with a preposition; don't. The words hold all the power; unleash them.

To borrow a line from Ratatouille and slightly modify it: Anyone can write. Over and out...

Anna

Motherly Advice: Little Splurges & Lifelong Memories

Prudence keeps life safe, but does not often make it happy. 

~Samuel Johnson

When I was a child, my family didn't have much extra money. Even still, my parents made an effort to do special things, take small trips and make lasting memories. While saving money isn't a bad thing, if my parents had always saved every penny my childhood would be void of these vignettes in my mind. As it was, they created lasting impressions that meant something and shaped me.

There was one winter when we lived in South Texas that we spent Christmas in Corpus Christi on the beach. My mom found some kind of package deal during the off season. We stayed in a little condo and had credit for a dinner at a hip restaurant downtown. I remember the feeling of sand on the sheets, the open ductwork and bright colors of the restaurant, watching The Bells of St. Mary's on TV, putting up my little artificial Christmas tree with our gifts under it and walking on that beautiful, gray, solitary beach.

I spent many happy days on that stretch of coastline during my childhood creating many wonderful memories, but they were all sun-filled. This was different. It looked different; it felt different; and it's the only time I've ever been to the beach during the winter.

The sound and imagery of the beach is soothing for me, and I often call to mind the vision of the rolling, crashing waves and smooth sand doons. Generally it's the memory of this Christmas beach that I see in my mind's eye. Still to this day, The Bells of St. Mary's has a special place in my heart, especially at Christmas. This was one Christmas in all of my 37 years and yet it stands out the most.

Earlier this week I was thinking about this Corpus Christi Christmas and what it must have meant for my parents to figure out this trip for our family and how much it still means to me. Then, yesterday, I was talking to my brother on the phone and he said to me, "Do you remember that Christmas we spent in Corpus Christi?" And I said, "Why yes, I was just thinking about that time." This conversation won't surprise my parents. My brother and I are often on the same wave length despite the 1200 miles between us.

So, don't think about what you can't afford to do; don't save every penny for one, undefined, uncertain day in the future. Instead, find affordable opportunities for your family, go on little excursions, start a tradition and be spontaneous. You might just be creating a meaningful, lasting memory for your child. And those memories are truly priceless...for you and your child. Over and out...

Anna

Best Buddies: Resources for Teaching Kids Rules for Safe and Respectful Interactions With Pets

Old Wives' "Tails"

Did you see the headline about the cat who sucked the air out of the infant's lungs? No? Me neither. You know why? Because it never happened. Such an incident sounds beyond absurd, doesn't it? And yet, when I was pregnant people actually asked me if I was worried about this happening. This is how conspiracy theories spread, people.

No, I was never worried that my cats would smother my children, etc. I briefly considered a net canopy that attaches to the crib so that cats can't jump in the crib to sleep, but then realized how ridiculous it was. We simply closed the door to the room where the baby was sleeping, but I needn't have worried at all. The cats wanted absolutely nothing to do with the little squirmy, crying aliens who had invaded their space.

Tips for Being Safe & Respectful

This does not mean that pets should sleep with infants or be left alone in the room with infants. They should not. Extra care should be taken to ensure that safety measures are in place when it comes to animals and babies, as previously mentioned earlier this week.

Kids should never be taught to fear animals or mistreat them. Pets in a home can be a positive addition. Pets teach unconditional love, responsibility and trust among other things.

For a child to feel comfortable around animals, the child should be taught how to approach animals, which animals to avoid and basic safe practices in dealing with animals they may come across while walking down the sidewalk, visiting a friend's house or at a farm, etc.

Here some resources for finding this information and more:

• Tips for safe interactions between kids and pets;
• General rules for interactions between kids and pets; and
• Prevent dog bites from stray animals or pet's of strangers

Of course, kids should also be taught to treat animals with respect and kindness. Abuse of animals by young kids is not only disturbing, but can also be an early sign of trouble that could lead to more serious criminal activity in the future. If your child or another child you know hurts or kills any kind of animal, you should seek psychological help for that child or alert that child's parents, caretakers or authorities to this issue.

Here are tips for teaching kids how to treat animals, whether you have pets in your home or not:

• Teach your kids to respect their pets;
• Show your kids how to be kind and compassionate to animals; and
• Be a good pet owner by knowing what to expect before getting a pet.

The Scoop

Overall, be kind, be patient, be considerate, be smart. Always be a good example to your kids by treating animals with respect and kindness. Remember that pets are a lot of work and take a lot of time and energy. Be prepared for this before you get a new pet. It's heartbreaking to a child and teaches your child to question whether to connect with and trust another if you are constantly getting a pet and then getting rid of a pet because you don't have time, hastily chose the wrong breed, etc.

Pets are amazingly intuitive and can teach kids many wonderful things, including unconditional love and loyalty. Pets are great for cuddling with when feeling sad, lonely or down. They are equally fabulous companions for romping and playing with and generally keeping one company. Over and out...

Anna

 

 

Pets and the Hereafter: Helping Kids Cope with Pet Loss

Rexy

Before I was born, my parents were talked into giving away two of their three cats, believing that it would be better for the baby. Nonetheless, the one cat that remained was a fierce guardian of me and my brother. He was a large gray tabby named Rex who would faithfully run to our assistance and wait for mom to come to our rescue when we cried out. He was loving and tolerant and everything a first pet should be. He died when I was in Kindergarten and I recall being very sad, but it was most upsetting to my mom who had known him, loved him and cared for him so much longer.

As previously mentioned in an earlier post, my childhood home was always populated by a cat or two or three. When tragedy struck and a cat died, we got more kittens. Some came and went without making a huge impact in our lives, but others were members of our family.

Princess

When I was 10 years old, we got Princess. She was just a run of the mill white kitten from the animal rescue. She had a little patch of tabby stripes, a little bit of orange marmalade color and few spots of this and that, but she believed her name was indeed her rank and she ruled her castle and its inhabitants with kindness and love, but always with a firm hand.

Princess lived over 18 years. I was 28 when she died. She was a big part of our family, and it was like losing a member of our family. If you don't really love animals, you won't understand this sentiment, but it was devastating to our family. We still talk about her fondly, just as we do my grandparents or other deceased relatives.

Preparing for Loss

All of my pets are getting elderly and it will be devastating to our family when they die. A huge hole will be left in my heart. They are like children to me. They were my first children after all. First came the cats, relatively independent; then came the puppies, not at all independent in the beginning...oh, who am I kidding, the dogs have never been independent; and finally the Darling Boys, who are getting more and more independent by the day.

The Boys love our dogs and cats and have never known life without them. They understand the animals are getting elderly and Darling 1 knows that one day they will die. We have had a few deaths in our family in the recent past and have talked about death. We believe in God and heaven and do discuss this concept in conjunction with our pets and death. I don't think that Darling 2 completely understands the concept of death yet.

Desser the Best Ever Cat

Nine years ago, when Princess died, I found a children's book about a guy and his cat. The guy meets a girl, guy and girl get married and have a little baby girl, little girl loves cat and vice versa, little girl gets bigger and cats ages, and one day the cat dies. It's the saddest book I've ever read, and I can't read it without crying. Just thinking about it now makes me tear up. The book is Desser the Best Ever Cat by Maggie Smith.

I bought one copy for my parents and one for me. Last year, Darling 1 found that book in the basement among other books in a stack; he wanted me to read it. I begged off for a bit with excuses and suggestions of other books to read. Then, I finally gave in and read it the best I could. By the end, as predicted, I was in tears and could barely get the words out. When I finished reading, the Boys sat very still and quiet, and then Darling 1 ask me to read it again. I said I couldn't and I excused myself to go get a grip and stop the tears. A little later, Darling 1 came in, and sadly said, "But, I don't want Jazzy to die" as he choked back tears.

And neither do I, but he will and so will the others. It's the circle of life; it's inevitable; and he's used up most of his nine lives now. So, when Jazz and Ben and the others leave us, the reality is we will have to help the Darling Boys to make sense of it all and give them the tools to get through this death in the family, while we help ourselves through it, as well.

Tips for Helping Kids Cope with Pet Loss

Besides Desser, which I will be using when the time comes, here are some tips and suggestions for dealing with pet loss and kids:

1. Don't underestimate your children. Tell them the truth. They can handle it, and you owe them the truth;
2. Hold a memorial service for your pet with family and/or friends to celebrate your pet's life;
3. Plant a tree or flowers in honor of your pet or over the area where your pet is buried in your yard;
4. Allow your child to keep the pet's special toy or collar, etc.;
5. Talk about your pet; discuss memories. Even if it makes you and the kids sad, it will also make you laugh remembering the good times;
6. Telling your child the pet went to sleep or went away will only make them feel worse that their pet abandoned them and could lead to other fears and issues; be clear in your description of death;
7. Make a plaster stepping stone or small monument in honor of your pet;
8. Get out photos of your pet for your child to look at; perhaps make an album dedicated to your pet;
9. Don't hide how you feel; grieve openly in front of your children; the grieving process is important; allow you and the children to go through it;
10. Read age appropriate books, like Desser, that help to convey the concept of pet death;
11. Don't be afraid to get a new pet, but wait until everyone in the family is ready; and
12. If you are not a pet lover and are not grieving this loss, but your child is, don't underestimate your child's grief; this is real and often extreme sadness.

Sources: ASPCA & Pet Loss Support Page

The Scoop

This is not the post I sat down to write, but these are the thoughts that came to my mind and these are the words that my fingertips nimbly brought to light. This was a very difficult post for me to write. In the next several years we face a great many losses with pets who range in age from 16 years to 8 years old.

Tomorrow I'll be discussing keeping kids safe around animals. Over and out...

Anna

Legal Tails: Laws Protecting Animals and People

A Fear of Dogs

Years ago when living in Iowa, I remember being at a friend's home for a small gathering of new acquaintances. These friends had two dogs, one of which was at least part Pit-Bull Terrier if not full-blooded, and also one of the sweetest dogs you might encounter. I recall another friend there who it quickly became apparent was terrified of dogs. My friends apologized for having theirs out and put them in the basement away from the party.

The terrorized friend then related her story of being attacked by a friend's dog years earlier. This dog had never attacked anyone before, but had lunged at her, and she was severely injured and taken to the hospital. Her physical scars had healed, but her mental scars will probably never go away. If this had happened to me, I would probably have different feelings about dogs. When I see a dog that is powerful and intense, I think of her story.

In Reference to Yesterday's Post {It's easier if you just go read it: Animal House}

In yesterday's post I gave you a detailed account of my crazy chaotic household full of cats, dogs and kids. You now know how I feel about animals in general {I love them...in case you missed yesterday's article} and you know that my pets and kids mix and mingle and all equally share the home with us.

Yesterday I also shared two examples of when the mix of pets and kids goes awry with very disturbing facts and endings. A reader alerted me to another similar tragic incident that occurred just a few days prior to the 2 week baby being mauled by the family dog in Houston. This story comes from North Carolina. Five dogs were taken away after one or more of them attacked and killed a 9 day old baby girl. Among these dogs there is at least one Rottweiler and one Pit Bull Terrier. The authorities are also investigating that incident to determine whether criminal charges should be issued or whether this was simply a horrible tragedy.

These news stories are frightening and might be enough for some people to rush to conclusions about parenting styles or about having pets at all if kids are in the house. These stories are not meant to scare or threaten anyone. There are many wonderful reasons to expose kids to pets. They are simply a reminder that pets are animals and can be unpredictable at times. If we make sensible choices and err on the side of caution then most situations can be avoided.

It's important to realize there's a lot we don't know about the dog mauling cases: we don't know whether the dog(s) had been introduced to the infant through smells, etc., whether the parents knew or should have known reasons to keep the dog(s) and baby separated, whether the parents were negligent in failing to keep the two separated and whether the parents were diligent in their care of their infants. The investigations of these two terribly sad incidents will determine the answers to these and other questions in deciding whether to charge anyone with a crime. Regardless of any of these facts, two families have lost their tiny, innocent, brand new babies, and I doubt anything else matters to them at this time.

It's also important to note that none of the dogs have been sentenced to death at this point which probably indicates that none of the dogs have had any run-ins with the law before; meaning no previous reports of biting, etc., up-to-date vaccination records and current licenses. Once the investigations have ended, the fate of these dogs will also be determined. {By the way, the python from yesterday's scenario was spared and is in the custody of the state now. Given the fact that she was being starved to death by her owners having not been fed for over a month and was severely underweight she was not blamed for this death.}

Protecting Your Household and Others

These are things you should know already, but let this serve as a reminder. Again, we sometimes forget these basic requirements of pet ownership. In order to protect your pets, yourself and others, you must keep your pets' vaccines current, renew licenses and keep your pet in its cage, inside a fence, on a leash or whatever enclosure is appropriate for your pet.

If you don't have an umbrella insurance policy, you might look into getting one that would cover the defense and damages of an incident involving your pet and another outside of your household {Check with policy/insurance agent for details regarding coverage.}

It's also important to be familiar with the local, state and federal laws that apply to you and your pet, depending on the type of pet you have. Laws regulating pets are centered on three basic principles: public safety, public health and animal welfare. That is to say, it's the intent of the authorities to protect the public against brutal and often fatal attacks of the owner, members of the household or a member of the public; prevent the spread of diseases, often diseases that are not native to the U.S. or animals here; and put a stop to animal neglect and animal cruelty, which so very often occurs with exotic pet reserves, horse farms or puppy mills.

Local Laws

For the most part, if you have only domestic pets, rather than exotic pets, local ordinances basically provide for licensure and leash requirements and may limit numbers and size of animals, etc. Licensing will ensure that pets are being regularly vaccinated for rabies and any other required vaccines. Licensing also aids in tracking and identifying missing or found pets.

If you are new to a city or a new pet owner or both, be sure to check your local ordinances regarding pets.

Exotic Pets and Laws

If you have exotic pets, there are many other laws and regulations that will apply to you on local, state and federal levels. The definition of exotic pets varies from state to state. So, if you have any question whatsoever as to whether your pet is "exotic" and whether there are laws that apply to your pet, check your area's ordinances, statutes and regulations on all levels.

State Laws

Due to the level of concern over attacks by animals and animal neglect by the owners, more states have passed laws banning certain types of animals in the last decade or so. If you are considering getting an exotic pet, which this term can include some reptiles, fish and birds that may not seem exotic to you, be sure to check the law prior to getting your new pet. For a comprehensive guide to state laws regulating animals, check Born Free USA.

Federal Laws

There are a few federal laws that apply to pets, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act. For more information on these laws and current legislation regarding federal law and animals, check Born Free USA for their list of federal bills they are tracking, etc.

The Scoop

Overall, the message is this, know the law and follow the law for your sake, your pet's sake and for other's sake too in regards to pet licensing, vaccines and leashes, cages, fences, etc. Tomorrow I'll be discussing tips for keeping your kids safe around animals. Over and out...

Anna

 

The List: My Excuses & My Motivators

The Excuses:

1. I'm too tired;
2. I'm too busy;
3. I've got work to do;
4. I'll do it tomorrow;
5. It's too late;
6. The boys are with me;
7. I'd rather make cookies.

While all of these excuses are true, they are still excuses. I have been under tremendous stress the better part of 2011, and I really NEED to be exercising for a number of reasons.

I have no real excuse. I live very near beautiful walking paths around several lakes. I have a huge double stroller with which to transport the boys along with me {which is part of the trouble because it's now quite difficult to maneuver with my giant boys riding in it}. And I have a treadmill in my basement {which usually gets used more in the winter months}.

The thing is I don't love to exercise. It doesn't come naturally to me. Exercise is something I must force myself to do. I wish I could be a perky, aerobics, pilates, yoga and spinning loving goddess, but I AM NOT. I do like to walk though for the exercise, for the alone time, for the quiet reflecting time and for the iPod time. I also like the results from walking on a regular basis.

The Motivators:

1. I'll like photos of me better;
2. I'll like my wardrobe better;
3. I'll be ready for winter hibernation, of sorts;
4. I'll have more energy;
5. I won't have the guilt of knowing I should be exercising;
6. I'll be happier with me, in general.

I will feel better mentally and physically if I walk regularly. I know this is true. I am letting my prime outdoor walking time slip by. Soon it will be too cold to walk outside for long periods of time. I must commit to it now when I have 3 months left of almost guaranteed outside walking weather!

It's just a matter of putting it on the schedule and sticking to it. The problem is I'm not very good at sticking to schedules, especially when I have deadlines, which I do. I tend to just sit and work for hours and hours when it's my turn to work. And when it's my turn to watch the boys, then I do things with them, run errands with them and do chores around the house.

Here's my plan: I will walk outside at a lake with the family on the weekends; I will walk on the treadmill on Tuesdays and Thursdays {when it's not my turn to work} while the boys amuse themselves or watch a DVD, whichever one will keep them occupied for 45 minutes. And I will walk outside one or two days out of Monday, Wednesday and Friday {when it is my turn to work}.

Who's with me? What are your excuses? Or what are your motivators? Over and out...

Anna

The List: Sources of Inspiration

For me, inspiration is something that causes great excitement and joy to the core of my being; inspiration can make me dizzy with thoughts and plans. To be inspired is truly a gift. I feel as though I have won a great prize; I feel as though I can conquer all the obstacles in my way; I feel as giddy as a child on a sugar high.

It's important to be inspired in every stage of life. There are always dry patches, inspiration droughts, if you will, along the way, but then when the inspiration arrives, it's like a much needed rain shower pouring down on the parched earth.

Every person is inspired by something different. The sources of inspiration are as unique as a person's character traits. Here are some things that inspire me:

1. Creating new recipes while cooking and baking in my kitchen {this is also a great diversionary tool, while waiting to be inspired};
2. A good idea;
3. Beautiful landscapes, both natural and man-made;
4. Music {anything with a great beat, but no R & B or Heavy Metal, please}
5. Jane Eyre;
6. Bible Verses;
7. Cool, crisp fall air;
8. IKEA;
9. Art;
10. Going on an adventure with my family;
11. Meeting new people;
12. Following my dreams; and
13. Watching my kids grow into individual beings with their own ideas and inspirations.

What inspires you? Are you allowing your creative channels to be open to receiving the rain of inspiration? Did something inspire you this weekend? Talk to me, friends. Over and out...

Anna