10 Reasons My Animals are My Heroes

In a recent newsletter from Joan, she included a challenge. List 10 reasons why your animal is a hero.
Here's the excerpt she included with the newsletter, which comes from her book, Communication With All Life:

Top Ten List (excerpt from Communication with all Life)

                The Top Ten List can move energy faster than anything else. It can remind us of who the animals were at one time to us. It can remind them of who they could be. If the list is hung on a stall door or a refrigerator door or next to the computer at work, it can act like a subliminal messaging service for your mind.

                Grey Man was an Arabian in a dressage barn up in Woodinville, Washington. He was gorgeous but not known for his work his work ethic. I had already talked to about 10 horses at this one barn and this was the last one. It was already nightfall, and it was cold and wet. The woman did not really seem interested in what her horse was saying and was agitated about the whole relationship. I could see that they were clearly locked into a pattern. She finally asked me why he spooked so much. I got quiet and he really poured forth, first with a feeling of sadness and then one of failure. I told her, "Deep down he really meant to be your hero and he has completely failed you. He helped you through a lot in your life and yet you're always frustrated with him." Enough said.

                Normally, with something as potentially dangerous as spooking, there are a number of measures you would take. Instead I said, "I want you to e-mail me a list. It's a Top Ten List of all the reasons why Grey Man is a hero."

                She looked at me like I was high on crack. "Grey Man a hero? Ha. He's anything but a hero; I can't even walk outside with him without him spooking over his own shadow."

                "Here's my e-mail address. I look forward to hearing how Grey Man is a hero."

                Six months later I finally got the e-mail from her. She had completed the task. The first few items were rather pedestrian and verged on her just making fun of me for even coming up with this kooky idea. But from about item number six on, we were cooking with gas. One of the last four items on the list was along the lines of, "He was my best friend during my divorce." The list was fantastic.

                Grey Man also had a lameness that was limiting his dressage work and he needed a time out. The woman also informed me in the e-mail that she realized how much she loved him and that she would be putting him out to pasture temporarily until the lameness healed. She would be seeing him less, but she thought he would be happier.

                Then about six months after that I got another e-mail. She couldn't resist hanging out with Grey Man once she had a clearer view of their relationship. She started trail-riding him, which is something she would never have had the courage to do before because of his spooking. Not only was he excellent out on the trails, but if people approached, he'd sidestep toward the bushes and wait until they passed. She said she would hear people saying things like, "What a perfect gentleman." For a few years after this I continued to hear nothing but heroic tales of Grey Man.

Well. If that isn't a challenge, I don't know what is. This arrived in my inbox over a week ago, and I've been mulling it over hoping to get to a post about it ever since. It isn't easy when you are stuck in the "He's anything but a hero; I can't even walk outside without him spooking over his own shadow." land. And I tend to be stuck there sometimes with my animals, all of them. 

Sunday I got up and started the normal chores, feed the dogs, feed the chinchillas, feed myself, feed the horses. Except I got stuck at feed the chinchillas when I found Frazier had chewed his tail overnight. The poor fellow had half of his normal length of tail just plain gone. I shudder to think of an animal committing that kind of pain on themselves, but they often get stuck obsessing about some sort of discomfort. Being Sunday and Mother's Day it took some time to find a vet that could deal with exotic animals that was even open. A 45 minute ride later and we were waiting to see what the verdict would be. Long story short (3 1/2 hours in the waiting room, and a return visit of 45 minutes each way after they forgot to give me the meds for him when I checked out the first time), we opted to have his tail bandaged and hope for the best. He'll return to the vet on Thursday for his first follow up to see how he's progressing, change the bandage, and decide what to do next.

The next challenge came on Monday  morning, bright and early when I got up to take care of horse chores and be ready for the farrier. The roofers arrived at just the same time that I got into the barn. They were putting new shingles on the run in shed roof and fixing a few leaks. Just in time for me to need to bring horses into the barn with sawing, banging, and chaos on the roof. We managed ok with the first two horses, and then it came time for Storm to have his feet trimmed. He had not even come to the gate to greet us despite the fact that we'd been working in the barn yard, rather than in the noisy barn. I went out to get him, and he skeptically began to walk to the barn. I attempted to breathe through things, give him time and space and we made it with only a few stops to the gate. I got him into the barn yard and we stood for a second, when suddenly the horse still in the pasture at the gate spooked, and so Storm spooked, and dashed backwards. In that moment I was so frustrated and disappointed that he and I both couldn't handle the situation. My farrier is an amazing and kind woman that saw the situation for what it was, he and I both being at the end of our rope, pardon the pun. So she helped me calm him down, and calmed me down, too, and then suggested that she come back the following Monday when the barn was a little bit quieter, and hopefully I'll be in a better place. I was grateful for her generosity, and her favoring doing the right thing for the horse rather than risking having him struggle and putting both of us in jeopardy of getting hurt. Most farriers I know would have wanted to push through the appointment anyway, and wouldn't have been so kind as to not charge me for the lost time and showing up.

So in light of all of these struggles, it seems even more relevant to take the time to make these lists about all of my animals. (It probably wouldn't hurt to make these lists about our loved ones, too!) So, without further ado:

Top 10 Reasons Storm is my Hero

Storm is my 13 year old 1/2 Percheron 1/4 Shire 1/4 Thoroughbred gelding. He's been my partner now for 7 years, and we've come a long way together. Weighing in at about one ton, he's a lot of fun, and continually challenges me to adapt and grow.

1. Storm is very funny. Whenever I introduce people to him, he usually does something comical and amusing, which makes them laugh. He frequently picks things up and carries them around, or plays with the ropes. He always finds a way to get a smile out of the people around him.

2. Storm is a gentle leader in the field. Despite his size, he is not mean or a bully. He never goes out of his way to be nasty to other horses, and simply claims his own space. He enjoys playing when others will play with him, but doesn't get too rough.

3. Storm pushes me to be the best me that I can be. This is often painful and a bitter pill to swallow, but he will drag me, kicking and screaming, to be a better person. I've already changed a lot due to our relationship and our development together, and I know that he'll continue to authentically push me forward, whether I like it or not! That is a blessing, most people can not provide that kind of caring growth support.

4. Storm is handsome. His features are so unusual, with the dark mark on the right side of his face, it makes him really striking. I never have to worry about anyone getting him mixed up or mistaken for another horse. He is so unique, and his personality reflects that. His body has come so far, that it has only made him more attractive as he has developed beautiful muscling.

5. He always appreciates being scratched. I always know I can make him feel good by giving him a good scratch in any number of itchy places. Humans must seem fairly useless to horses all things considered (let's face it - given their way, they would probably not care one way or the other if you showed up to feed them dinner. So long as they have grass or hay for their belly they are fine, thank you very much), and so to be able to offer anything to him that makes him feel good is a really wonderful thing to me. He always shows his appreciation by making all manner of comical faces.

6.  Storm does energy work. I have seen it happen a few times, and feel blessed and lucky to have a horse that is that connected to the energetic world that he can facilitate that kind of healing for people. Many friends and acquaintances that have encountered Storm during a challenging time in their life have said they feel so much better after having spent some time just being close to him. He often touches them gently with his nose, and keeps his head close to their body with a kind of stillness that tells you something is going on within the nothing.

7. Storm helps to mirror the struggles for people in a way that they can cope with and heal through. See point number 3. Storm does this for others, though I get the feeling that sometimes I am held to a higher standard (the standard is called "Daily Life with Storm" I suppose), but he often helps to mirror someone's struggle in such a way that they can sort through it and find the solution.

8. Storm's size has helped me gain confidence. Even though I struggle with my own confidence with him frequently, it is rare now that I encounter another horse that is intimidating to me. Large or small, I can more easily cope with them because I've dealt with having heated debates with a one ton animal that isn't too keen on agreeing with my idea at the moment.

9. Storm is hearty and easy to care for. Other than needing to keep an extra eye on him in summer during the hottest days, he is easy to care for. He rarely needs much, and would prefer to be dirty than clean anyway. He rarely gets cuts or scrapes, and when he does, they often don't need any real care. Storm also eats very little food, and since he's on a grain free diet, he eats a very small amount, which is really nothing more than supplements to make sure he's receiving all the nutrition that he needs.

10. Storm is friendly and loves kids. Storm really hasn't met anyone he doesn't like, given the chance. He has had little kids hug his face, and he doesn't mind people petting his face in that really awkward way. Given the opportunity he'll explore anything so long as he's not afraid of it, including people's trucks and equipment. He is often one of the first horses to come over and say hello if there is someone around.

Top 10 Reasons Toby is my Hero 

Toby is my 13 year old Sheppard/Spaniel mix. He was chosen out of the litter of puppies because he was chewing on my shoe laces. Not exactly the smartest way to choose a pet, but for my first dog he's turned out pretty good.

1. Toby is my mirror. It has taken me a long time to really understand that, and learn to see his behavior as feedback for me on my state of being. Its usually humbling and sometimes embarrassing, but it is helpful to me to have an external barometer. When Toby is calm and relaxed, then I'm doing pretty good at managing things.

2. Toby is SUPER CUTE. There isn't a person that hasn't said "Aww, he's so cute!" when they meet him. He knows this, and uses it to his advantage as often as possible, including winning over people who aren't "dog people." Toby doesn't care, he will win them over anyway.

3. Toby has the best of the features of the two breeds. He's Spaniel sized, but Shepard shaped, with Shepard color and longer hair, but so soft like the Spaniel. He has the floppy ears, with long hair, but not too curly. He's got the best fluffy pantaloons on his legs, and he has the cutest slipper feet.

4. Toby taught me to be a dog owner. I had never had a dog before (randomly, I miss-typed that the first time as "I had never had a god." Amusing Freudian slip!), and Toby really taught me to be a dog owner. I had no idea how to teach him anything, and so I had to learn. I made some mistakes along the way, but amazingly, he's been very forgiving.

5. Toby is very forgiving. That is a reason all on its own! I've made a lot of mistakes with him. Things I won't do the same way with any future dog. I just didn't understand dogs in general, and he's put up with my foibles and still loves me all over again. And when I get it right, he responds and dogs what is asked of him.

6. Toby is a snuggle bug. He would sleep on the bed if I let him, but I can't stand the hair! He's snuck up on the couch during sick naps, and will take any opportunity to be as close as he can to me and those he loves. He's even been caught numerous times sleeping on shoes or clothes left for too long within his reach.

7. Toby loves unconditionally. Even when someone doesn't always love him back quite as much, he still is right there giving his heart at every moment. He just loves his people.

8. Toby makes the funniest noises. He's a very talkative dog (often whining excessively, thanks to the Spaniel half). He howls full out with his little mouth in an O. He whines when he wants something. Sometimes he whines for no reason at all, but to stand there and remind me that he's RIGHT THERE. He grunts and moans and snuffles when his ears itch and he rolls around on the carpet. 

9. Toby LOVES to chase the red dot. Almost any small light or reflection will captivate his attention, but the laser dot trumps all else. He'll skid across tile, he'll jump up on walls or doors, he'll even attempt to bite Bear's foot once in a while if it means the possibility of getting that dot.

10. Toby can adapt easily when I make a change. Despite being 13 years old, Toby can still learn and adapt. When he and Bear came to live with me a year ago, I was afraid that it would be chaos because we have no fenced yard connected to the house here. They did not walk well on leashes, generally attempting to separate your arm from your body. However, very quickly they have learned to be mostly polite on a leash, and walk easily to and from the "dog yard" as well as go on walks around the farm. They simply had to, so there was an expectation that was set, and they met it. This just proves you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Top 10 Reasons why Bear is my Hero
Bear is my 13 year old Black Lab mix. Handed to my ex and I in a PetSmart parking lot, he was an unplanned addition that I wouldn't trade for the world.

1. Bear is the quintessential lab. He's laid back, and loving, and nothing much bothers him. He gets excited, and then runs out of energy to continue worrying about it.

2. Bear keeps the house steady. He's a calming force, and helps to balance the household. He's the yin to Toby's excessive yang.

3.  Bear is a watcher. He observes everything that is going on. He always knows what's happening around him and in the house. He prefers to be somewhere that he can see what's happening without being in the way (though sometimes lying in the middle of the floor is his preferred location).

4. Bear is often the nurse dog. He looks after anyone that doesn't feel well in the house, and will often sit as close as possible to them just to make sure they are ok.

5. Bear has the most awesome tail. Bear isn't full lab. His coat is thicker, and he has purple spots on his gums. And his tail isn't a lab tail at all. It curls up, but not quite as much as a husky or chow. Somewhere in between. As a result, when he's happy (and he's happy a lot, he's mostly lab after all) it flails instead of wags. It gets so happy that it just goes all over the place.

6. Bear has an impressive bark. When he gets upset about something or thinks he hears someone outside, he will bark very loudly. It is nice to know that he sounds ferocious, even if all he would ever do is lick you to death. 
7. Bear will lick you to death if you allow him. Bear loves to lick. He's affectionate and will lick you at any and every given chance, whether its your hand, your elbow, or your toes. No matter what, it always makes me giggle.
8. Bear does the Lab Head Tilt. You know the one, where he looks quizzically to the side with his head tilted just so in that exactly lab kind of way. Yeah, that one that is so adorable.
9. Bear eats first and asks questions later. Because, sometimes in life you should just eat, and not worry about anything else. Even when your mom is mean and tosses a pickle covered in mustard to you when you're expecting a french fry. But then you should attempt to spit it out. True story.
10. Bear knows how to be happy. All people, including myself, should take a lesson from this one. Even when I'm really mad at him for doing something, something that he probably knew better than to do in the first place, two seconds later he's happy again. There is no worry about the past, or stressing about the future. He's just happy. It really is that simple. 

Top 10 Reasons why Frazier & Lilith are my Heroes 
Frazier and Lilith the chinchillas were rescued about 4 years ago, and have been with me ever since. Frazier is gray, and Lilith is Ebony, and they are quite a couple. Since they live together, they're almost like one animal, though they have distinct personalities.

1. Frazier is an Engineer. There are not many animals that noticeably deconstruct things as you are watching them. Frazier is one of them. You can SEE the wheels turning in his head. If he looks at anything for too long, he'll attempt to either get out of it, dismantle it, or reconstruct it into something useful, like an airplane, to escape.
2. Frazier is Super Fast and Agile. It is really awesome to watch an animal that is so limber and moves with such ease. When he has the space to run around, he will do so very quickly (good luck catching him. See point #1.) and will sometimes ricochet off the walls to turn a corner faster and more efficiently.
3. Lilith is so beautiful. Her coat is so black, with gray points on it, and she is really striking. She is large for a chinchilla, which I think is more attractive.
4. Lilith is a Princess. I don't know where she came from, but she was definitely royalty. She makes sure you know that she is the top girl and that you'd better respect her! This makes her rather opinionated, and she will tell you in no uncertain terms how she feels about something when its not her idea.
5.  Even Lilith and Frazier squabble. This just goes to show you that even happily married couples are going to bicker now and then. Somebody gets upset, and inevitably, Frazier will be sleeping outside their little house. I find that endearing and comforting. We're all human... err... animal.
6.  Dust baths are Awesome. You have to admit that an animal that can keep clean by wallowing in fine dirt is awesome. They are adorable when they roll around in their bath, and it is amusing to watch the poofs of dust fly after they jump out again.
7. Lilith needs her primping time. See reference to Princess. Lilith takes forever in the dust bath, often hogging it up so that Frazier either jumps in with her, or has to wait. This just goes to show you that you should always take time to care for yourself.
8.  They make the sweetest noises to each other. When its really really quiet, you can hear them murmuring to each other in these tiny soft squeaks. It is so adorable.
9.  They are both observers. Both of them have the habit of sitting and watching people in the room. They may not want to interact much, but they are often found sitting in the corner of the cage just watching and observing. I am sure they both are aware of more than we ever realize! Their name sakes come from the Cheers show because of this trait.
10.  They both know how to cope. Cage life isn't always the greatest, and no matter how much they are allowed to get out and play, they still have to return to their cage. Both of them tend to chew the bars of their cage, which isn't a bad thing all in all. It is a mechanism that allows them to tolerate being in a cage and still remain happy. Sometimes we all just have to deal with what we have, and make the best of it as much as possible.

This hasn't been an easy task, and has been rather humbling to really sit down and think about all the ways in which I am honored to have my animals. I am glad that they continue to teach me, as humbling as that often is, and help me to be a better human. If only we could all be more like the animals, the world would be a better place. So I choose to be as much like my animals as I can, and maybe I can make a small difference along the way.