Our Four-Legged Best Friends...Our Teachers

Bonjour from Geneva. Why am I greeting you in French some of you may wonder. Well, since Geneva is extremely close to the Swiss border to France, the Swiss in this region are greatly influenced by the French culture. It's early Wednesday morning and we have some time to kill before heading to the International Red Cross Museum. I came across this interesting article online and thought of sharing it with all you dog lovers out there. Hope you enjoy this profound wisdom as much as I do. Ruby, if you are reading this, I wish you a lovely day. The biting cold here doesn't seem to bother your four-legged swiss friends for sure :). They are frolicking so happily in the snow ;)

Dog Wisdom

From Dogs Don't Bite When a Growl Will Do

By Matt Weinstein and Luke Barber

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Show me a dog, and I’ll show you a picture of happiness. Think about it. Have you ever heard anyone say of a dog, “Well, he’s very successful and lives in a beautiful house, but he’s not very happy”? One reason most dogs are much happier than most people is that dogs aren’t affected by external circumstances the way we are.
---from Lesson 1, Dogs Are Happy

It’s not the circumstances of our lives that make us happy or unhappy--- it’s the story we tell ourselves about those circumstances. Our happiness can be independent of whatever “blessings” or “catastrophes” are going on in our lives because happiness is an inner state, not an outer one.
---from Lesson 1, Dogs Are Happy

Dogs have an endless capacity to play. It is definitely one of their top priorities, and they do their best to remind us that it should be one of ours, too.
---From Lesson 2, Dogs Love To Play

Taking an occasional break is important in any kind of ongoing work activity, but if the break involves play, it is even more nourishing. If we want to take care of ourselves at work every day, taking a spontaneous play break is the best thing we can do for our health and mental wellbeing. As our dogs constantly remind us, anytime is the right time to play.
---From Lesson 3, Dogs Love To Play

I am certain that if the masses of humans begin to practice as much love as our dogs do, then the world will become a much more loving place.
---From Lesson 4, Dogs Know How to Love

For the next week, show your love to those you hold dear as if you were a dog. Run to greet them when they come in the door. Shower them with attention, affection, and kindness. . . . If you manage to practice this for a week, then you will have acted with the deep love that dogs provide to us every single day of our lives. I promise that everyone who comes in contact with you during that time will feel blessed. And so will you.
---From Lesson 5, Dogs Know How to Love

If we could learn to greet the people we meet with the same basic trust, openness, energy, and enthusiasm that is second nature to our dogs, the world would be a much friendlier place.
---from Lesson 6, Dogs Aren't Shy About Saying Hello

Our dogs’ capacity for listening is one of the most appealing things about them. The way our dogs cock their heads to the side and stare at us with deep concentration as they hang on our every word is enough to make them friends for life. One of the reasons that we appreciate the quality of deep listening in our dogs is that we don’t get enough of it from other people. We all know that being listened to is one of the greatest gifts we can receive, but one that doesn’t happen very often.
---from Lesson 7, Dogs Listen Deeply (Even If They Don’t Understand)

My dogs are happy to match their moods to mine. Whenever I get an exciting phone call, the dogs get excited, too. As my voice gets louder and more enthusiastic, the dogs can’t sit still. They run around in circles and start barking their own excitement. They don’t have to understand the subject matter. If I’m happy, then they’re happy. If I’m excited, they’re excited.
Buddhist teachers have a word for this quality--- “Mudita,” which means, “Joy in the joy of others.”
---from Lesson 8, Dogs Are Good Company

I believe the thing that makes dogs such connoisseurs of the simple pleasures in life is that they give them their full attention. When I scratch my dogs behind the ears, they are in paradise. I don’t think they are wondering about world problems or worrying about what they should do next. They are fully present for the joy of having their ears scratched.
The good news is that the small pleasures that life has to offer us are not only abundantly available, but are also usually free. The problem is that we are so caught up in pursuing the Big Pleasures that we let the small pleasures slip by. Giving our attention to the little pleasures in life is a difficult thing when we are always busy doing other things.
---from Lesson 9, Dogs Rejoice in the Small Pleasures

Dogs know that there’s always plenty of love to go around. They are not stingy with their love. In fact, dogs seem to know that the opportunities to experience love are limitless. It’s not that only a few people are worthy of our love. Love is everywhere because we always carry our love inside us. It’s only when we make the mistake of thinking that love is located outside of us, when we assume that love is dependent on being around a certain person or a certain set of circumstances, that love seems hard to find.
---from Lesson 10, Dogs Love The One They're With

Dogs know that love is not a precious jewel that needs to be hoarded and only taken out on special occasions. Love is everywhere. It’s not hard to find. You take it with you wherever you go.
---from Lesson 11, Dogs Love The One They're With

Dogs demonstrate that we don’t have to wait for a special day, the annual company retreat, or the occasional retirement party in order to celebrate. Dogs are ready every moment of their lives – in an instant – to throw a celebration. For a dog, no event in life is too small to celebrate. My dogs, for example, eat the same meal at approximately the same time every night. The way my dogs celebrate this impending meal would make one think that it was the greatest feast day of the year!
---from Lesson 12, Dogs Celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate

There are many ways that we can use laughter and play to break through the artificial barriers that separate us as human beings. When we show other people that we don’t take ourselves too seriously, it is contagious. If we can feel comfortable with being the butt of a joke, we can help other people to lighten up as well. And we get to see once again that acting like a dog can actually make us feel more human with each other.
---from Lesson 13, Dogs Don’t Mind Being the Butt Of A Joke

The upbeat character of a dog is one of her most endearing attributes. Dogs are rarely depressed. In fact, even when things go wrong, dogs stay very positive. When they are confronted with the negative, they don’t get stuck there. If dogs could speak English, then I am certain that they would have been the ones to invent the phrase, “Get over it!”
---from Lesson 14, Dogs Stay Positive

When dogs don’t like someone, they have the good sense to stay away from him or her. On the other hand, when they need people to share their love, they find them. Seek out the good and take care to avoid the bad is the way a dog lives out his day. Not a bad way, I say, to approach life.
---from Lesson 15, Dogs Are A Good Judge Of Character

Whenever I hear someone complaining, “My boss is working me like a dog,” I simply ask the question, “Oh, really? Have you ever taken a moment to notice how your dog actually does spend her day? Today would be your lucky day if you were working like your dog!”
Dogs don’t make a distinction between work and play. Everything is fun to them, and every situation is a new one, full of infinite possibilities for joy and connection. We humans surely would be more successful in our jobs if we approached our work with the enthusiasm, dedication, sensitivity, and – in general – the wonderful attitude towards life of a good working dog.
---from Lesson 16, Dogs Turn Work Into Play

Dogs are virtually always deeply satisfied. I think if my dogs have a mantra then it might be, “This is good enough.” My dogs love long runs in the woods, off the leash. However, when all they get is a short walk through the city, they are satisfied – it’s good enough. . .
---from Lesson 17, Dogs Are Satisfied

I can’t imagine my dogs thinking about their next meal while they’re eating this one. They are too all-consumed in loving the meal they are having right now. The same is true of everything that they do. But this ability to be “in the now” is certainly not limited to our dogs. We can develop this same kind of awareness of being present for our life as it moves from moment to moment.
How wonderful that we have the opportunity to be as satisfied as our dogs. Life is there for the taking, you lucky dog!
---from Lesson 18, Dogs Are Satisfied

It’s always helpful to remember that we have a choice of how we view the world. The next time you catch yourself worrying and obsessing about the minor pests in your own life, it might be useful to conjure up the image of a dog that has just emerged from a dip in the lake. Whatever it is that’s bothering you, it’s time to make a choice: “Okay now, just shake it off!”
---from Lesson 19, Dogs Shake Off Their Pests

One of the reasons we are attracted to dogs is that they are so uninhibited and free. Dogs seem to play by their own set of rules, their own inner logic. They live in a parallel, but different, universe from ours--- a universe that allows them a freedom of spirit and a passion for life that is hugely appealing to us. When dogs bark at the wind or howl in the night, it stirs something inside of us that wants to be expressed, too.
---from Lesson 20, Dogs Run Free

Dogs don’t choose their friends, associates, or lovers on the basis of breed, color, or culture.
---from Lesson 21, Dogs Don't Care About Breed

The loyalty of dogs to humans has been steadfast for thousands of years. Frankly, I don’t see dogs getting into free agency anytime soon. It makes no difference if one is a king or a street person, a dog’s devotion to his or her human companion is going to be . . . well, dogged. I have never been the friend of a dog who has – even once – demonstrated anything but the highest in fidelity.
---from Lesson 22, Dogs Are Loyal

Blue’s message in death was the same message that she had communicated to all that knew her throughout her life: “Celebrate your life every moment that you have. No event in life is too small to celebrate. Live fully. Love and laugh wastefully. Take pleasure in the little things. Play and roll on your back in the park. Forgive even if you cannot forget – grudges only make you an unhappy being. Don’t bite when a growl will do.” And, her final lesson that last day, “make every day of your life a dance, even when death is your final partner.”
---from Lesson 23, Dogs Dance with Life and Death

Missing In Action

I will be missing in action for the next two weeks. Hubby is flying off this Saturday to Geneva with relation to his work matters. I've decided to tag along cus I need a change very desperately. We are planning to head to Rome next weekend. We want to check out the Vatican. I'm not a Catholic but I do want to be immersed in its astounding beauty. By luck, we will be there during the last Sunday of the month.Thats when the Pope gives his discourse..so we heard. Hope to catch a glimpse of him.

Its about time I unwind, heal, recharge and rejuvenate. Desiring to return as my former bubbly self. Wish me luck. Till then, you stay safe and sane ;). Be blessed and be a blessing.

The Power Of Forgiveness

After publishing my last post, I had a heated(one-sided) conversation with mum regarding the dramas. She is the innocent mediator who is caught in between me and my loved ones. Later, when I was much more composed and calm, this is what unraveled.... The Power of Forgiveness. I called up my loved ones, seeking their forgiveness. I apologized for harboring anger against them. I conveyed how much I loved them and how much I cared for them despite all these misunderstandings. As I spoke, I realized I'd forgiven them for misunderstanding me, for hurting me.The effect was potent. My anger and hurt melted away. The tightness in my chest vanished into thin air. I can finally breathe calmly without any heart palpitations. Carrying around a load of bitterness and anger at how unfairly you were treated is very toxic to one's soul, mind and body. Ultimately, this is what I have learnt from the roller coaster rides that I have been on for the past few months.

So mum, if you are reading this, thank you for helping me come to my senses. You have done a remarkable job in raising me I should say. You are and will always be my guiding star, my role model.

Too many dramas...Too little time

Too many dramas have been unfolding in my life recently. I could switch off easily and not give two hoots if it was a stranger or an acquaintance. But what do you do if you are misunderstood by your very loved ones who have watched you grow? Shouldnt they know you well enough by now? Shouldnt they give you the benefit of the doubt when you claim your innocence? I'm exhausted. Exhausted mentally and physically. Tired of being judged. Tired of trying hard to prove myself time and again. Tired of feeling hurt. Tired of crying. Tired of staying livid. Tired of resentments. Tired of being in pain. Tired of being sensitive. Tired of being emotional. Tired of not being myself. Tired of losing my identity. Tired of seeing my beloved mum and hubby down because of me. Tired of trying very hard to be accepted. Tired of playing the victim. Tired of being caught in a web of helplessness and despair.

Among this list of tiredness, one thing is for sure. I am not tired of living. I want to celebrate ME. I want to celebrate LIFE. I want to celebrate my role as a daughter, a sister, a wife and an aunt. I want to fight back for my bliss and peace. I want to prove my worth to myself..not to anybody else. I want to regain my identity. I want to get my innerself back. I dont want to be something I'm not just to please others, even if they are my loved ones. This is me. No mind games. No dramas. No facade. No hypocrisy.This is purely me. Take it or leave it. Its your call!

The Joy Of Caring For Others

"In our world today everyone is looking for personal happiness. So, I always say, if you wish to be happy and aim for self-interest, then care for other people. This brings lasting happiness. This is real self-interest, enlightened self-interest."

~ The Dalai Lama

Happy 3rd Year Wedding Anniversary My Love :)

My husband is a man of character who understands commitment and does more than his share to make his family comfortable, safe, and secure. I adore him.

My partner is a man who is patient, optimistic, caring, and wise. His sense of humor and support holds me up when I can't do it myself. I'm grateful to him.

My friend is the only man with whom I can share my deepest secrets and know they'll be safe. Time with him is always good. I cherish him.

You are all of those things and more to me. I'm so thankful you came into my world, for if you hadnt, I'm sure I never would have known the kind of happiness you've brought into my life.

Happy Anniversary To My Soulmate...My number one Fan!

A Letter To My Beloved Dog In Heaven

Dearest Vicki boy,
It has been almost 13 years since your demise. My life has never been the same ever since. I miss you immensely. I remember seeing you for the first time. I was taking a short nap one afternoon when my dad walked in with a box. He woke me up, asking me to open it. Feeling flustered, I did so reluctantly. To my surprise, there you were, peeking through the box with those soulful eyes of yours that pierced right through my soul. I fell in love with you instantly. You were a small black fury ball, with many bald patches on your head. How badly you were injured then! To think that someone had the heart to abandon a two-week old puppy in a drain! Thanks to dad for bringing you home or else I cant imagine what would have happened to you. Do you remember how our neighbours used to insult you by calling you an ugly stray? You did not give two hoots because you knew in your heart that you were part of a family that was so crazily in love with you. Your tricks and silly antics always left us in stitches. Do you remember how you used to bravely snarl at the kitten and quickly hide for cover behind my legs when her mother appeared? You were such a braveheart...not!

Vicki Boy, you were the best friend a young girl could ever get. You were there to waltz away with me whenever I played 'Hungry Eyes' and 'Time of My Life' in the background. You were there to lick my tears away when I broke up with my boyfriends. You were there to cheer me up when I was having a tough time in school. You were there to see my mum off faithfully every morning when she left for work. You were there to welcome us home every evening. You were there to protect us when dad spiralled out of control in his drunken stupor. You were always there for us and in everybody's hearts. In our eleven years together, not even once did you disappoint us. You were always such a joy to be with. You taught us how to laugh together as a family. You taught us how to express unconditional love. You were truly an embodiment of love and joy.

Your physical transformation over the first year was such a pleasant surprise to all of us. From a black fury ball with bald patches, you transformed into this brownish white handsome mutt. Adults and children alike couldnt take their eyes off you. With your refined mannerisms and cultured poise, you became our neighbourhood heartthrob. Even our dear neighbours couldnt stop singing your praises. You were the ugly duckling who turned into a beautiful swan. Simply, you were our four-legged miracle.

You know how much I love your friends. Ever since you left us, I have been passing my time with your friends at SPCA. I used to take your friends in whenever I found them lost or injured. I would keep them for a night at home and the very next morning I would return them to SPCA. In short, in your remembrance, I turned our home into an animal sanctuary. However, we have not raised another dog in our family since your passing on. At the point in time, we felt that none of your friends could ever take your place. Lately, my hubby and I have been contemplating on adopting one of your friends from the shelter. It's about time I moved on...dont you reckon? I so badly want to give one of your friends a good home with lots of unconditional love, care and tenderness. But I have to debate on a few issues here before making up my mind. Firstly, I'm not sure whether I will start comparing your new friend to you. I know its not fair to your new friend but what if I cant help it? You made every transition amazingly smooth.

Due to our busy work schedules, we will be away for long hours every day. Your friend has to be alone most of the time. Would that be fair to your friend I wonder! Thats my first and foremost worry. Secondly, how am I going to toilet train your friend without any expectations? Toilet training you was such an easy feat to us. Thanks to your ability to learn things fast. You guys are no different from helpless babies and I'm fully aware of that. But what if I lose my patience? It's now a battle between my head and heart. Heart wants to adopt one of your friends badly but head says no. Who shall I listen to??? Show me a sign will you......

I will now end my letter with this touching poem. It came to me in the nick of time as a soothing balm to my sorrow. Come March, it will be your 13th year death anniversary. I have decided not to mourn for you. On the contrary, I want to celebrate you. I want to celebrate life. Till we cross this rainbow bridge together, you stay content in the heaven of bliss. I Love You Vicki Boy!


The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.


All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.


You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....