AnimalTalk Blog: Animal Communication Tips, Animal Care, Val Heart & Friends

Top Dog Names

Jan 132012

By Steve Benedict

Picking out the right name for your dog is important. You need to put some thought into a name that means something to you. The name you give your puppy is the one he carries the rest of his life. You’ll kick yourself if you hang a name on your dog that you don’t care for later.

I like dog names with two syllables, as it’s easier to get your dogs attention. Your voice inflection on a two syllable word can convey many emotions, from praise to command. Dog names really change over the years and run the gamut from images of bravery to silly names that connect you to places in your heart.

Over the years Spot, Fido and Checkers have been replaced with catchy names like Rocky, Bubba, Bailey, Molly and Sasha. I’ve compiled what seem to be the top 99 dog names over the last few years. I’ve found that veterinarians and insurance companies are the best place to find this kind of information.

Where does your dog’s name rank?

1. Buddy

2. Max

3. Molly

4. Maggie

5. Jake

6. Lucy

7. Daisy

8. Rocky

9. Bailey

10. Sadie

11. Chloe

12. Ginger

13. Charlie

14. Sophie

15. Buster

16. Zoe

17. Cody

18. Brandy

19.Bella

20. Jack

21. Princess

22. Bear

23. Angel

24. Toby

25. Lady

26. Sasha

27. Roxy

28. Katie

29. Abby

30. Sam

31.Duke

32. Missy

33. Harley

34. Marley

35. Coco

36. Shadow

37. Annie

38. Lucky

39. Rusty

40. Samantha

41. Casey

42. Murphy

43. Gracie

44. Sammy

45. Bruno

46. Boomer

47. Maximus

48. Luke

49. Mickey

50. Romeo

51. Henry

52. Cosmo

53. Leo

54. Rex

55. Spike

56. Diesel

57. Chester

58. Otis

59. Tyson

60. Coco

61. Jasper

62. Pepper

63. Spencer

64. Scooter

65. Simba

66. Jocko

67. Simon

68. Peanut

69. Brutus

70. Prince

71. Chance

72. George

73. Sampson

74. Bubba

75. Marley

76. Scout

77. Maxwell

78. Rufus

79. Elvis

80. Barney

81. Taz

82. Smokey

83. Chico

84. Bo

85. Kobe

86. Bosco

87. Ben

88. Blue

89. Brady

90. Oreo

91. Chase

92. Guinness

93. Snoopy

94. Roscoe

95. Dexter

96.Snoops

97.Rascal

98. Harry

99. Moose

Do your homework and think about a name the whole family will be happy with the rest of your dog’s life. Although picking a pet name is not quite as important as picking out your childs name, your canine pal is still a member of the family and his name is going to be used around your house, every day, for years and years. Pick one that has the right feel and involve the rest of the family in the decision. That way, peace and harmony are achieved by all (especially Mom).

My name is Steve Benedict and I love working with dogs. If you’re interested in finding answers to many canine questions, visit my web site, Dog Food Naturally http://www.dogfoodnaturally.com. It’s evolving as great place to find answers to everything from all natural dog food to stores for hard to find dog products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Benedict

NOTE FROM VAL: Read my article “Do You Know Your Animals True Name” before deciding on your dog’s new name!

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Safe Hoof Soaking Techniques for Chronic Hoof Infections

Horse Talk No Responses »

Jan 132012

By Ray Tricca, SBS Equine Products

Soaking the hoof can be an effective way of treating against chronic infections, but there can be serious consequences if done carelessly. Experts have recommended some simple rules that can help you avoid a hoof soaking disaster.

Reasons Why Soaking Can Be Dangerous
Soaking the hoof in any liquid for an extended period of time can wash away the natural protective coating provided through transpiration. In time soaking can weaken the entire hoof structure and damage healthy hoof tissue. Since many commercial preparations and harsh household products may work well on hard surfaces by burning pathogens to death, they can also seriously harm to new hoof tissue. Keep in mind that a healthy hoof will grow out an astonishing rate of 3/8” a month. Damaged cells will no grow out like healthy tissue. Damage can be long term or chronic.

A Conservative Approach to Soaking
Most infections in the hoof are difficult to treat because they are hard to reach. There are many nooks and crannies for pathogens to hide, and you cannot easily detect their presence behind the hoof wall. Another issue is that the infection may be a particularly aggressive form of fungus or anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, or any combination of them. How do you kill the broad spectrum of pathogens by soaking them without harming sensitive hoof tissue? How often and how long a time period is it safe to soak? How much soak is required to be effective? How do you prevent waste or spilling of the soak? To find out answers to these questions we asked the researchers who have worked on these issues.

In the last decade there was a world wide epidemic called white-line disease. Two companies collaborated to develop a new delivery system for treating the disease and other hoof infections. They recognized that soaking the hoof could be a simple and effective way of treating the hoof against infections, if done correctly. They recognized too, that there may be serious consequences if the soaking was done incorrectly. Several months later both companies developed products that would work in harmony with the other’s . Even after ten years, both products are still being used together as a successful treatment option.

Another breakthrough component was the development by SBS and Davis of a fiber matrix pad which is included inside the boot. The pad is washable and reusable. It’s purpose is to hold the Soak in place. The pad reduces evaporation and helps to prevent the liquid from sloshing around and spilling out. The fibers also wick the key ingredients to the affected areas of the feet. This reduces the danger of over soaking because only the pad needs to be saturated with the Soak, not the entire hoof.

A few years ago SBS came up with a non-liquid soaking material called Sav-A-Hoof Med-i-sole. It is a gel. When the pad is saturated with the gel, it makes the chances of over soaking almost impossible. (The product is not to be confused with Sav-A-Hoof Gel, which is a concentrated gel product made for voids and cracks.)

Simple Rules that Prevent Problems
Hoof Soaking is a simple concept for treating deeply rooted infections, yet a risky one. This method is recommended only when other less invasive methods have been tried first. We must never forget that soaking has the potential to cause irreversible cell damage to the hoof if done incorrectly.

Hoof soaking is not an exact science because every situation is different. We asked the experts to share their best recommendations on hoof soaking with us. The rules selected are designed primarily to keep us from getting into trouble and give us the best chance of success.

It is amazing the hear so may horror stories about horse owners who have inadvertently damaged the feet by over soaking, not realizing that safer options may exist. It appears that controlled soaking may the answer. There are several companies that make soaking products. We are just focusing our attention on the two with over ten years of experience with soaking.

Researchers at SBS Equine Products have developed a unique product called Sav-A-Hoof Soak. The product contains a powerful fungicide as well as broad spectrum bactericide that is very effective and long lasting. This longer contact time allows for a more conservative method of treatment. Another company, Davis Manufacturing, were successful at molding the Davis Horse Boot. The product is a one piece, high top, medical boot that was engineered specifically for soaking the hoof, not as a riding boot.

Rule 1. Clear Debris From Voids

Use a hoof pick and brush before washing the hoof to clear trapped debris from voids. This helps to open up blocked passageways for the Soak to work better.

Rule 2. Wash Hoof Before Soaking

Thoroughly wash off hard surface dirt with soapy water before each soaking session. This will help prevent contamination of the soaking material.

Rule 3. Use Boots Made for Soaking
Soaking boots are injection molded in one piece construction, and produced in many sizes. They are made of a flexible plastic to make it easier to slip on or off the hoof. The resin used to make the boots should be compatible with the chemicals used to treat the hoof. Form fitting soaking boots require much less volume of Soak than would a bucket. This is a good thing. Look for boots with a closure top that is well above the hairline. This helps prevent the liquid contents from spilling out.

Rule 4. Use Commercial Soaking Preparation
Use only commercially products that are specifically recommended for hoof soaking. Read the labels to make sure the ingredients are not harmful to hoof tissue. They should also be effective against both fungus and bacteria. Never use household products for soaking. They can cause irreversible damage the hoof. Products that bind to hoof protein work best.

Rule 5. Limit Soaking Time
Limit soaking contact time to 30 minutes, and no more than twice a day. Stop soaking if the hoof becomes soft and punchy. A longer contact time may be permitted when doing a controlled soak; that is, if the boot has a soaking pad inside with just a few ounces of Soak in it.

For more information concerning this article contact:
Ray Tricca, SBS Equine Products, info@sbsequine.com, sbsequine.com

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Love Yourself Twice as Much

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Jan 132012

By Scott and Shannon Peck

Most of us are in a routine of beating ourselves down, so the idea of loving yourself twice as much comes as a real shift. Why, you might ask, do you deserve that much love?

First of all, you wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t a loving person. Since you’re attracted to love, we know that you carry a lot of love in your heart. The love you outpour to others deserves to also come home to yourself. You deserve to be richly loved!

Here’s a short video by Shannon:

Since the goal to love yourself twice as much is a choice, let’s consider for a moment, how you could give yourself this quantum self-nurturing in some easy ways. Pick a few from the list below and offer yourself a generous amount of love each day:

Receive love from others as generously as they give it to you. In other words, don’t reject or shy away from their gifts. Don’t try to stop their love. Let it in.
Learn to set boundaries. Can you say, “No,” and make it stick?
Give yourself permission to lovingly speak up in areas you may need to – where you normally stay mute.
Give yourself a break from chores and take time just for you! No kidding. Just sit by yourself somewhere private and just contemplate. Listen to love.
Take a look at your inner thoughts, the things you say to yourself about everything that happens to you. What percent of your thoughts are negative? Lift yourself higher by remembering what a wonderful person you are and how hard you try to be good. Give yourself the gift of inner love talk.
Be more visible with those who don’t judge you.
See yourself as a masterpiece unfolding. Do you dare? Why not! Michelangelo carved his masterpieces by removing hard marble to reveal his vision. You can too.
Forgive yourself for every mistake you ever made, no matter how bad it was.

Her’s a short video by Scott:

We hope you’ll begin a new habit of loving yourself twice as much. This is the love you deserve!

“Would you like to learn more simple ways to find and nourish your soulmate? Check out http://scottandshannonpeck.com, for free articles, resources! The Love and Relationship Experts, Scott & Shannon Peck.

Scott & Shannon Peck are love & relationship experts who are passionate about helping you find your soulmate & lasting love.

The Pecks are Love Master teachers, speakers, & co-authors of many books on love and healing, including their best-seller, “The Love You Deserve” as well as “Love Skills for Personal & Global Transformation” & “Liberating Your Magnificence.” Shannon is also the author of “Love Heals: How to Heal Everything with Love” & the “Love Heals Study Guide.”

The Pecks are co-founders of The Love Center, a non-profit educational organization where they have developed & taught many ground-breaking programs to create a world with more love.

The Pecks live in San Diego, California.

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Is It Possible To Have Too Much “Togetherness?”

Uncategorized No Responses »

Jan 122012

As record heat fries the eastern half of the USA (including where we live) over the past few days, experts warn of the dangers of over-exposure to our bodies. It’s just plain hot.

Even if you aren’t struggling with this heat wave where you live, chances are you’ve taken some kind of vacation with your family or maybe gotten together with family or friends for an extended time together.

If you have ever spent some extended time with more intense interaction than you normally do, there’s also a pretty good chance that with all of this social interaction and “togetherness,” you might feel a bit “over-exposed” to the ones you love.

You might have felt like there was a little too much togetherness and your love (and patience) may have been tested

After a brief vacation together, one family we know found themselves picking arguments with each other that was out of the ordinary for them.

The dad made the comment to us that “We’ve been together a little bit too too long right now.”

What we know is that “over-exposure to the ones we love” feeling, along with the stresses that vacations can bring– heat, dealing with crowds of people, trying to get around in unfamiliar places, erratic eating schedules or rich and unfamiliar food –can certainly play havoc in the best relationships, even if you think you’re doing pretty well.
If you can relate…

Here are some specific ways you might react when you’ve been together a little too long or have “vacation-itis” and some suggestions to “cool” down your and others’ emotions
and reactions…

1. Communication misfires that come up now and then seem to be exaggerated and over-blown.
Carla and her husband Jay rented a kayak when they were vacationing together in the Great Lakes region. Being relatively new to kayaking, they found that they became very irritated with one another as they tried to paddle (sometimes in opposite directions) to their destination.

They couldn’t establish a rhythm that worked for both of them–Carla wanted to paddle slower than Jay and he became anxious when they were out of sync.

On top of that, they each seemed to have their own “plans” for getting where they were going but “forgot” to share them with each other.

Normally, they get along pretty well but it became clear that their usual way of communicating (or not communicating) didn’t work as well when they were in one boat, trying to go in one direction.
And it was a metaphor for what happens in their life together.
Afterwards their kayak experience, Carla discovered that she pushes Jay to be the leader but then does
her own thing when she feels afraid or triggered.

Jay discovered that when he gets irritated with Carla, he becomes superior and sarcastic which only makes the situation and communication worse.
We talk a lot about “magic words” that can make a big difference in your communication and if Carla
or Jay had asked one of our “Magic Words” questions like this…

“How can we make this situation work better?”
…with a completely open heart, their kayak trip might have been more enjoyable.

They could even have some fun with it and imagineall kinds of ways to make their situation better–like sawing the kayak in half or skipping the paddling part and going for a swim from the boat–along with clearly talking about a plan that might help them work together.

As you can clearly see, “Magic Words” and questions like these can truly make a big difference
in the quality of your communication and your love when you use them….

You can tap into our whole list of magic words, phrases and sentence-starters by going here…

http://www.MagicRelationshipWords.com

Another way that too much time together can create a feeling of “overexposure”…
2. Trust and jealousy issues come to the forefront.
If there are any jealousy and trust issues in a relationship, they get triggered big time in the summer when other men and women wear practically nothing.

Pam felt very uncomfortable thinking about going on a vacation with her husband Paul to the Bahamas becauseof all the women in bikinis they would see on the beaches. Normally, they didn’t go many places where she would have to endure having him look at these other women wearing practically nothing–so it wasn’t too much of a problem–except now and then.

But when Pam’s jealousy did erupt, it put a damper on everything–and she certainly didn’t want that to happen on her vacation.

In this situation, we’d recommend that Pam practice noticing her self-talk and the stories she makes up when she gets jealous.

When she identifies her “stories”–like the story that Paul wants to be with the woman in the bikini more than her, she can question whether she knows that’s true or not.

If she’s honest with herself, she’ll admit that she doesn’t know that’s true–and then she can learn to switch her thinking to examples of when he’s shown her that he loves her.

As she changes her focus, she learns to calm her suspicious thoughts and jealousy.
For more practical ways to deal with jealousy, visit http://www.NoMoreJealousy.com/Program

3. If you’re feeling like there’s too much togetherness, you might even begin to wonder why you’re with your partner because the two of you just can’t seem to get along.

Okay, so this is extreme but it might cross your mind in the throes of conflict and when you’ve really had enough of each other. If this happens, take a breath, take a walk by yourself or do something that will break the stale-mate that you can’t seem to get out of.

When you both are in a calmer, more centered place, talk about what you both want and need. And listen to each other.

If your disagreements are deeply-rooted and you need some help getting some resolution, don’t give up on the relationship until you’ve gotten the help of a therapist or coach.

If you want help sorting out your situation in complete privacy, we have a program “Should you stay or should you go?” at http://www.stayorgo.com that can help you.

Over-exposure to each other can be a good thing. It can lead you to discovering some valuable things about each other that will open the door to deepening your love and connection if you’re open to working through the challenges of the moment when you get irritated or overexposed.
So have fun this summer and remember your sun screen.

Passionate Heart Quote of the Week
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant:
if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would
not be so welcome.”
Anne Bradstreet
1612-1672, Poet
Information from http://www.collinspartners.com

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Urine Spraying

Cat Talk 1 Response »

Jan 122012

By Smoochie the Cat (and assistant, Dr Signe A Dayhoff)

Before talking about spraying, I want to take just a moment to be “political.” Okay, I know cats aren’t political but when I heard on TV how many hundreds of millions of dollars candidates of both parties running for the Presidency are spending on election ads, I really got my fur in a twist. When I think of how much good could be done with those millions of millions for starving cats, dogs, and humans who all need shelter and food, it made me want to dump on the TV screen. I don’t understand how humans can waste such a humongous resource when so many need help now. At moments like this, I’m especially glad I’m a cat and not a human.

URINE SPRAYING is used to mark territory. The reason cats spray rather than leave a puddle of urine behind is that spraying gets the urine’s pheromone scent at nose level where cat are most likely to detect it. However, the pheromones produced by facial glands also mark territory but have a calming effect. That’s why Feliway, a product designed to calm cats And dissuade them from spraying, is made of a synthetic facial gland pheromone. The idea behind it is that cats won’t spray where they detect the facial pheromone. It can take a month of twice-daily spraying of Feliway to convince a cat not to spray in a particular location. But if the cat has been spraying that spot already, you need to thoroughly clean it before applying Feliway.

Cats have very sensitive noses. Pam Johnson-Bennett has a list of the reasons cats may spray even after you’ve gone the Feliway route: sexual maturity, temperament of the cat, appearance of a strange cat in the yard, addition of new member to the family (human, dog, or cat), unfamiliar cat scent on human’s clothing, tension or aggression between companion animals, too many cats in the home, renovation or remodeling of home, new carpet or furniture, moving to a new home, unfamiliar visitors, and changes in their human’s schedule. Eliminating spraying is difficult. You have to understand your cat’s psychology behind its behavior. You have to understand the environment and how your cat responds to it. Always remember: You cat is not being an evil little demon taunting and harrassing you with spraying … unless, of course, you have been insensitive (or worse) to it and its needs. Then it’s letting you know in one way it knows it can get your attention that something is wrong. Most often your cat is simply responding to how it sees its world and responding to it as best as Nature allows. You are the one who has to figure out the problem and find the best, non-punishing way to deal with it. Your cat will be happier as a result.

Dr. Dayhoff is a Social Psychologist, human cognitive-behaviorist, and applied feline behaviorist, specializing in increasing cat-human communication and respectful and loving relationships. http://www.LoveYourCatsInnerTiger.com/

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Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs with Wyndi Warren, Real Dr Doolittle Show™

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Jan 122012

Join Us On iTunes Podcast!

After a forty-year career that led her from counseling and consulting with police departments to landscape design, author Wyndi Warren embarked on an incredible new career in writing. From humble beginnings establishing her roots with showing and training German Shepherds, she offers her voice in the fight against Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).

Wyndi’s first work, Angel With a Tail, has touched many with an inspiring story of love and determination triumphing through adversity. Angel With A Tail is a book of funny antics, unlikely friends, and finding hope and joy. This is the first non-fiction narrative detailing daily life with DM (degenerative myelopathy), the story offers hope and courage for owners of dogs with mobility issues.

Listen and learn:

* What Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is

* What the symptoms of DM are and how you can tell if your dog may have it

* What you should do if your dog is exhibiting symptoms of DM

* What inspired Wyndi to write a book about her dog’s life with DM

* What the single most memorable thing WYn’s dog Sabre taught her, a lesson that we can all use for inspiration to live our best life

Get your autographed copy today of Angel with a Tail and learn more about author, Wyndi Warren at http://www.angelwithatail.com/index.html.

Click here to download…

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Angel With A Tail by Wyndi Warren

Dog Talk No Responses »

Jan 122012

The greatest beauty is found in the hearts of those who love, but how do you cope with the losing the one you love?

In the memorable Angel With A Tail, Wyndi Warren retraces her wonderful journey with Sabre, an amazing German Shepherd, the dog she dreamed of from childhood. He became her cherished “angel with a tail.” He taught her to be a better person and drew many people and other animals to him with his engaging personality. No one suspected their blissful happiness would ever fade away.

Sabre developed Degenerative Myelopathy, a fatal disease that affects many other breeds today. His struggle left a lasting legacy that guides others from a shocking first awareness to a final celebration of life now and forever after. Enjoy his inspiring story—and share the extraordinary tale with someone you love.

After a forty-year career that led her from counseling and consulting with police departments to landscape design, author Wendy Warren embarked on an incredible new career in writing. From showing and training German Shepherds, she offers her voice in the fight against Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a fatal disease that affects not only dogs but the people who love them. Wyndi’s first book, Angel With a Tail, has touched many with an inspiring story of love and determination triumphing through adversity. Wyndi Warren lives in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Write Wyndi at: AngelWithATail2011@live.com, visit www.angelwithatail.com

Order Direct, or Available at www.amazoncom, or order from a book store anywhere.

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Holistic Vet Shares Vital Pet Care Advice, Dr. Mark Newkirk on the Real Dr Doolittle Show™

The Real Dr. Doolittle Show No Responses »

Jan 052012

Join Us On iTunes Podcast!

Dr. Mark Newkirk is the owner of NEWKIRK FAMILY VETERINARIANS, with offices in Egg Harbor Township and has been taking care of pets in Southern New Jersey since 1981.

Dr. Mark treats dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and exotic pets, and has special interest in alternative medicine. His practice now includes chiropractic, homeopathy, herbal therapies, aqua-puncture, alternative cancer treatments, therapeutic lasers and alternative allergy therapy.

Now Dr Newkirk is known nationally for his work in alternative medicine. He writes for National Publications, such as Animal Wellness Magazine, has his own radio show and an ever growing list of patients who have been able to stop the steroid and antibiotic merry-go-round and have actually gotten significantly better.

Listen and learn:

* What you should be feeding your pets

* Why vets feel the need to over vaccinate and the dangers in vaccinations

* The difference between holistic medicine for pets and complementary medicine for pets

*Whether steroids for pain in older animals is the only solution

* Why is there such an epidemic in allergies in pets, and what is NAET (see www.vetnaet.com for more info)

* The cause of the significant and chronic teeth and gum disease problems, and what can you can do about it

* Are pain medications and/or steroids “all there is” for your old pet?

* What about obesity and crash diets for overweight animals?

* Alternative cancer therapy offers hope for a longer, healthier, better ‘end of life’ by adding holistic therapy

*What cutting-edge stem cell therapy is for animals

* What can be done to deal with chronic injury or spinal problems, like hip dysplasia, for animals that need special care or have severe arthritis or for whom the adage “old age is not a disease” applies

To learn more about Dr. Mark Newkirk and the Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association visit http://www.ahvma.org and http://www.newkirkfamilyveterinarians.com/

Click here to download…

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Activated Oxygen Therapy By Dr. Mark Newkirk

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Jan 042012

By Dr. Mark Newkirk Family of Veterinarians

Oxygen as you know, is the molecule that makes all life possible. What you may not know is that oxygen, when “activated” turns from the molecule 0-2 (oxygen) to 0-3 (ozone). This 3rd oxygen atom is very special and it does 2 things.

One, it puts “extra” oxygen in diseased, cancerous, inflammed or infected tissue. This increased oxygen greatly boosts the body’s healing power! Oxygen is the molecule from which all cellular energy and thus function and healing is derived. (remember your biology and chemistry classes, the mitochondria and ATP??!! Bet you never thought that would have some meaning for you!!!)

Second, the 3rd oxygen atom negatively affects abnormal cells, (such as cancer) and pathogens such as bacteria, yeast fungus and viruses. It does this by breaking through the outer “wall” that surrounds the abnormal cell or pathogen. NORMAL cells have a way of protecting themselves against this effect, thus normal cells get a boost of oxygen to help them heal, while abnormal cells and pathogens have their “wall” broken and die! Wow, what a therapy! Using oxygen!!

A special machine (which we now have) is required to take medical grade oxygen and activate it. The O – 3 molecule is stable for only short periods of time, which is why it does not occur in nature except in the upper atmosphere. Activated oxygen (ozone) is used in many cities nationwide to purify their water supply instead of chemicals such as chlorine, so its effectiveness is well documented.

So where can we use this? In most any resistant, or degenerative disease process. Cancer, non-antibiotic responsive infections, severe yeast infections of the skin and ears. Arthritis, colitis, or any other inflammatory condition. There are a variety of ways to administer activated oxygen and the number of treatments vary, depending on the condition we’re treating. Ironically, since activated oxygen is not a “recognized” therapy by the “legal powers” of veterinary medicine (neither is chiropractic in animals either by the way!!), a waiver of consent must be signed before we or other veterinarians can do this therapy.

We are very excited about adding this therapy in our quest to help pets who are severely ill or have been given no other chance. I recommend finding a vet in your immediate area that can offer this treatment option if you feel your animal would benefit.

To learn more about Dr. Mark Newkirk, his team and holistic veterinarian care visit http://www.newkirkfamilyveterinarians.com/.

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Once upon a time, there was a very clever donkey…

Horse Talk 2 Responses »

Dec 312011

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into the old dry well at the back of his farm.

While the farmer tried to figure out what to do, the donkey began crying. The crying turned into non-stop braying.

It became so overwhelming, you could feel the animal’s fear and desperation as it begged for help.

After several hours, the farmer felt he had no choice but to put the animal down. He simply didn’t know what to do. The donkey was old, and the well needed to be covered anyway.

And so with a heavy heart, the farmer called all his neighbors over and asked them to help him put his beloved donkey out of its misery.

Each one of his neighbors grabbed a shovel and began scooping up dirt, and then tossing it down into the well.

The donkey, who was a little old, but FAR from stupid. Immediately he realized what was happening and his crying got even LOUDER. But then… after a few minutes, the donkey suddenly regained his composure and quieted down.

The farmer looked down into the well, and he was astonished at what he saw: Every time someone shoveled dirt down into the well… instead of letting the dirt pile up on him… the donkey shook the dirt off his back and stepped up onto it.

And as each new scoop of dirt was tossed into the well, the donkey continued stepping up — higher and higher, over time.

Pretty soon, the farmer and all his neighbors stood there in amazement, as the donkey stepped up and out, over the edge of the well… shook the final clumps of dirt off his back… and walked over to the farmer who greeted him with tears, love and smiles.

The moral of the story: From time to time… life is going to shovel some dirt on you.

All kinds of dirt, in fact. And sometimes, that dirt is going to feel like it’s piling up so deep and so high… it feels like you’re going to collapse underneath the weight of it all.

The trick to getting out of the well isn’t to fight the dirt, or stop the dirt, or to turn the dirt into gold. You have no control over these things, and all that’s going to do is take away your energy and frustrate you even more, leading you into more desperation.

The thing to do is what the old donkey did. Shake it off… and take a step up.

Got Dirt? The New Year is bound to toss some dirt your way – it’s your choice as to what to do with it. I hope you take the step up too.

* No animals were harmed in the telling of this story.

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