My name is Liz. I live on The Big Island of Hawaii, where I sustain a healthy, elevated lifestyle with help from my dog friends! Continually reaching for "primal enlightenment", I learn a great deal about myself, as both a human and animal being, through my relationships with dogs. My blog is for sharing the beautiful things dogs show me every day.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Home Again
I am so happy to be in Port Townsend, WA this week, visiting my Second Parents - Mark and Marci; their two four year-old "golden girls", Betsy and Belle; and two kitties, Shadow and Aly. My spiritual connection with animals - especially dogs - was truly awakened when I lived with M and M in Gig Harbor just after high school. I love being with others whose love for animals sets the fundamental tone for the connection between us. Spending time with Mark and Marci always means lots of forest hiking with the dogs, throwing sticks in rivers, lakes and inlets of Puget Sound...and cozy evenings in the yurt.
Sadly, Belle's ACL is torn, so she is out of commission for hiking and running around. But today, Marci and I took Betsy into Olympic National Forest and hiked to a beautiful waterfall. I see the next book already, in what I hope will become a series: "A Dog's Life...in the Pacific Northwest." Eventually I would love to make a "Dog's Life" book to showcase the dogs, and the unique natural environment, of every state in this country, and regions in different countries, all over the world! 
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
What I Want to BE (When the Universe sees me as grown up enough for the task)
Job title: FRiSKY FiTNESS Consultant/Program Director
Description: This person will be a (freelance) consultant who specializes in implementing fitness programs in animal shelters.
[DISCLAIMER: The following graphic is in no way associated with, or endorsed by, Cesar Millan or The Millan Foundation. It is an artistic rendering of what I HOPE will be, not a representation of what is.]
Purpose/Mission:
- To turn the dark reality of shelters around, creating places of healing, community integration, learning and forward movement. Thusly, to transform the long-standing collective perception of shelters as dark, hopeless places.
- To communicate that community involvement in shelter programs is the key to their long-term success. Thusly, to support a strong, positive community surrounding animal rescue and welfare.
- To spread the message that fitness of body and mind, for humans and animals alike, is the key to inner-strength, happiness and personal success.
- To emphasize the healing properties that exist inherently in the bond between people and animals. And to educate people on how to bring out the energy within both themselves and their pets, to best benefit from that healing potential. (I would put special focus on GRIEF support; because running with dogs helped me survive, grieve and heal after the death of my mother).
Responsibilities:
* To work with architects and builders to design shelters that emphasize health and fitness for all resident animals (and people, too).
* To find ways to equip shelters with treadmills, infinite swimming pools and other toys/ materials that will help facilitate the goal of providing shelter animals with exercise.
*To reach out for financial support through partnerships with - and sponsorships by - big, health-conscious corporations like Beneful and Purina.
* To develop cost-effective fitness programs for shelter animals, with a focus on implementing community involvement.
For example:
- Frisky Fitness Youth Camp, where kids fighting childhood obesity become responsible for exercising shelter animals, while getting fit, and building health-oriented lifestyles for themselves. Young participants would learn self-responsibility and empowerment through responsibility for others; connection with animals and nature; unconditional love to combat feelings of guilt and self-punishment; healthy habits, and the healing properties of exercise; (This way, shelters would get paid to have resident animals exercised, rather than hoping, with no guarantee, for enough volunteers to come forward.)
*To travel, write and speak with the intention to share Frisky Fitness' mission on as widespread a scale as possible.
* * * * * *
In a perfect scenario:
Because I see the mission of FRiSKY FiTNESS as essentially "interchangeable" with Cesar Millan's SHAPE (SHelter Animal Physical Enrichment) Program...in this position, I would act as a liaison between the Cesar Millan Foundation, and the shelter community.
Because the physical exercise aspect of the programs is fundamental, but is only the beginning of a much larger picture, I would spend six months to a year training under Cesar at The Dog Psychology Center. This time of learning would be used for developing programs, and practicing their implementation, using "Cesar's Rules" as a guideline for both form and function of new, health-oriented shelters.
* * * * * *
Universe: Please consider my application for the position of Frisky Fitness Consultant (in association with CMI). After all, this position was created by me, specifically for me. And undoubtedly, I was born to do EXACTLY THIS WORK.
Thank you.
Description: This person will be a (freelance) consultant who specializes in implementing fitness programs in animal shelters.
[DISCLAIMER: The following graphic is in no way associated with, or endorsed by, Cesar Millan or The Millan Foundation. It is an artistic rendering of what I HOPE will be, not a representation of what is.]
Purpose/Mission:
- To turn the dark reality of shelters around, creating places of healing, community integration, learning and forward movement. Thusly, to transform the long-standing collective perception of shelters as dark, hopeless places.
- To communicate that community involvement in shelter programs is the key to their long-term success. Thusly, to support a strong, positive community surrounding animal rescue and welfare.
- To spread the message that fitness of body and mind, for humans and animals alike, is the key to inner-strength, happiness and personal success.
- To emphasize the healing properties that exist inherently in the bond between people and animals. And to educate people on how to bring out the energy within both themselves and their pets, to best benefit from that healing potential. (I would put special focus on GRIEF support; because running with dogs helped me survive, grieve and heal after the death of my mother).
Responsibilities:
* To work with architects and builders to design shelters that emphasize health and fitness for all resident animals (and people, too).
* To find ways to equip shelters with treadmills, infinite swimming pools and other toys/ materials that will help facilitate the goal of providing shelter animals with exercise.
*To reach out for financial support through partnerships with - and sponsorships by - big, health-conscious corporations like Beneful and Purina.
* To develop cost-effective fitness programs for shelter animals, with a focus on implementing community involvement.
For example:
- Frisky Fitness Youth Camp, where kids fighting childhood obesity become responsible for exercising shelter animals, while getting fit, and building health-oriented lifestyles for themselves. Young participants would learn self-responsibility and empowerment through responsibility for others; connection with animals and nature; unconditional love to combat feelings of guilt and self-punishment; healthy habits, and the healing properties of exercise; (This way, shelters would get paid to have resident animals exercised, rather than hoping, with no guarantee, for enough volunteers to come forward.)
*To travel, write and speak with the intention to share Frisky Fitness' mission on as widespread a scale as possible.
* * * * * *
In a perfect scenario:
Because I see the mission of FRiSKY FiTNESS as essentially "interchangeable" with Cesar Millan's SHAPE (SHelter Animal Physical Enrichment) Program...in this position, I would act as a liaison between the Cesar Millan Foundation, and the shelter community.
Because the physical exercise aspect of the programs is fundamental, but is only the beginning of a much larger picture, I would spend six months to a year training under Cesar at The Dog Psychology Center. This time of learning would be used for developing programs, and practicing their implementation, using "Cesar's Rules" as a guideline for both form and function of new, health-oriented shelters.
* * * * * *
Universe: Please consider my application for the position of Frisky Fitness Consultant (in association with CMI). After all, this position was created by me, specifically for me. And undoubtedly, I was born to do EXACTLY THIS WORK.
Thank you.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
ANOTHER HUGE STEP FORWARD!
Humane society $4M shelter gets planners' nod
August 18, 2011 - 11:12pm
CLEARS WAY FOR FUNDRAISING
BY BRENDAN SHRIANE | WEST HAWAII TODAY
Hawaii Island pets are closer to having a new home of their own.
The Leeward Planning Commission voted 4-0 Thursday to approve the Hawaii Island Humane Society's plan to convert a former quarry and bonsai nursery along Mamalahoa Highway in Keauhou into an animal community center.
"We can move forward now," Humane Society Executive Director Donna Whitaker said of the vote to approve a special permit to allow the center on land zoned for agriculture. "But there's lots to do with fundraising."
The $4 million, 12-acre facility when complete will have a veterinary clinic; kennels for 60 dogs; a cattery; an education center; a dog park; a horse park and a stable; a small animal park and a walking trail and other amenities. The humane society plans to build in three phases.
"It's going to be beautiful," Debbie Fulton, the manager of the humane society's current 1-acre location near the Kealakehe Police Station, said about the Keauhou site. "It's going to be amazing.
"It's going to be like going from a two-star to a five-star."
County Planning Director Bobbie Jean Leithead Todd, whose office offered a favorable recommendation for the plan, said after the meeting she looked forward to seeing the facility completed.
"This will be a huge asset for the Kona community," she said.
She cited the 60-plus letters that were written to the Planning Department in support of the project as proof of community support.
Another sign of that support was the more than 40 animal lovers -- and even a few dogs -- who crammed into a meeting room at the West Hawaii Civic Center. The crowd erupted in applause after the vote to approve the permit.
"It means a lot because we don't have any dog parks," said Ernie Knapp of Kailua-Kona, who was there with his golden retriever, Mordy. "It's a place for us to bring our dogs that's nice and clean."
The commission approved the plan with a few conditions. The nonprofit will need to provide a buffer to the north and south; install landscaping to offset odors, visual impacts and noise; develop a plan to take care of its animal waste and it may need to change its driveway design.
Commissioners Thomas Hickcox, Richard Nelson III, Thomas Whittemore and acting chairman Wayne Iokepa all voted to approve the special permit.
Chairwoman Geraldine Giffin, Vice Chairwoman Lani Bowman and Commissioner Brandi Beaudet were not at the meeting.
The commission also revoked, by a 4-0 vote, a 1985 special permit to operate the former Fuku Bonsai nursery previously at the location.
The board also voted 4-0 to approve A Hui Hou Crematory and Funeral Home's application to add cremation services to its new facility just off Queen Kaahumanu Highway and by the same vote to revoke a permit to do the same at its former location.
Friday, August 19, 2011
PiTCHiNG a New REALiTY (TV show)
EXTREME MAKEOVER: Animal Shelter Edition
In today's world, the following are of paramount popularity and relevance: (1) Humans’
relationships with animals, specifically dogs; (2) the health and fitness revolution; (3) the "home makeover"/ interior design craze; and (4) the rise of Reality TV as a platform
for personal transformation and social change. As such, Extreme Makeover: Animal Shelter Edition would be a "hit" on every level. TV shows in this genre are proven ratings giants. And so much more importantly, the physical design of shelters should mirror humans’ evolving consciousness toward animals, which is pointed in a
positive, progressive and healing-centered direction.
Using people's relationship with their dogs as a platform for (essentially spiritual) guidance, Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan inspires people to develop the "Pack Leader Within". On Extreme Makeover: Weight loss Edition, people experience extraordinary physical and emotional healing through fitness. On Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, deserving families are gifted with brand new, state-of-the-art living spaces, designed to bring out the strengths in each family member; as well as support the humanitarian efforts in which the family members are involved. This allows good people to continue doing good work in the world. The ripple effect is far-reaching, and strikes deep; no one watches Extreme Makeover without bursting into tears when they hear the crowd chant in unison, "Move that bus! Extreme Makeover: Animal Shelter Edition, would combine elements of all of the above. Both people and animals would benefit from the healthy transformations this series could make possible.
Extreme Makeover: Animal Shelter
Edition would follow
the same format and execution as “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”, or “Monster
House”. Massive groups of builders – with help from volunteers in the community
and donated building materials - would create stunning new architectural structures
to serve as rescue/rehab/re-homing facilities, AND human-animal community and
fitness centers. While separate kennels would still exist, the definitive
elements of the facility would include big, fenced in yards for the purpose of
pack-socialization among shelter dogs; and many unique and innovative design
features to support an active, fun environment – such as swimming pools, waterfalls
and other water features, agility courses, doggy treadmills, climbing rocks,
hiking and running trails. Maybe each kennel's floor could double as a
“moving sidewalk”, to be turned on and off during supervised exercise sessions
with staff and volunteers.
The creative minds of the Extreme Makeover team, combined with the nearly limitless materials and financial resources that come with them, can - and do - create miracles. We HERE IN KONA, ON HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND, NEED THIS KIND OF MIRACLE. And we have an actual, PHYSICAL PLACE to start! Kona's soon-to-be ANIMAL COMMUNITY CENTER could be the show's pilot project!
Historically, Hawaii has ranked among the worst states in the country with regard to animal welfare. Because of the dedicated board members, staff and volunteers of HIHS, we are now reaching a time of significant change in the right direction. And - ironically - because of our poor reputation as a state, we who are involved with the Animal Community Center have the opportunity to set an "extreme" precedent! Our history will make the impact of our revolution all the more powerful. Most importantly, Hawaii’s reputation as Paradise will rightfully be reflected in the
lives of its animals, and the culture surrounding their care.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Pure Genius.
I've always said, Cesar is to dogs and their owners, what Super Nanny is to kids and their parents. Apparently Trey Parker and Matt Stone agree...
http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s10e07-tsst
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
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