Xena

Xena Day 1

Xena found us in October of last year. We decided to adopt a puppy from a shelter, and as if the universe recognized this our paths crossed. I was doing some work for a woman who rescues and rehabilitates Huskies, and we volunteered a few times on their 5km walks. One day we had to discuss the website and as we drove up the driveway, this beautiful little white miracle was sitting in front of her gate. At first I thought she was a stray or a neighbor’s dog that got out, but she was taken in by this woman with two of her friends, a Pit bull and a Jack Russel. Her owners lost their jobs and had to move to a complex where they could not keep the dogs, and they could not afford them any longer. I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her. But we decided that she was too old already at 7 months, as we have another bigger and older dog. We felt that it would be easier with a puppy as there would be no threat.

Xena Day 1

A month or two later, this woman sent me an email, asking if we would be interested in taking Xena, as she and one of the other dogs (there were nine others) could not get along. Xena was now staying at boarding kennels indefinitely. We discussed it and decided we would take her on a trial basis, as our landlord has a young son, and to see if Spliffy would accept her. So she arrived one afternoon, my excitement was through the roof! She was all I talked about for a week! I was really nervous as well, butterflies and the works…We kept Spliffy inside, in order for Xena to smell the property first, and then the lady said to let Spliffy out without a leash! I was scared shitless! I stayed on the stoep, as he ran past looking for the intruder…Long story short, their meeting was brilliant! They played a little and then Spliffy ignored her for about a week or two.

Xena Today

Now three months later, they play everyday and I couldn’t be happier!The first three weeks were a struggle to say the least, they’ve had two fights, and with the last one I was alone, however I made them both too excited, when I know better!We tried to discipline her right from the beginning, and it’s been trial and error, but we are getting there slowly. She is impossible on a walk, she lunges and chokes herself, and she is extremely strong for a pup. She is Bull terrier after all, did I mention that? Although not pure bred. She still has some issues around food but we are figuring out now how to avoid certain situations. She is so sweet and unfortunately for us, she loves hair! Sneaking up behind you, she grabs some and pulls! Not so great when you are half asleep!

Xena Today

Anyway, when I look back now, I realize most of the fears and doubts I had were my issues…She has taught me patience, perseverance, and most of all to live in the moment. And of course to push through when I think I can’t do it…I am stronger than I think!

Mindfulness challenge #1: Daily Meditation

"The fruit of silence is tranquility"

I have decided to start my own set of challenges in order to create more mindfulness in my everyday life. I will start small. This week’s challenge is to meditate everyday for at least ten minutes. Doesn’t matter when, as long as I just become silent and focus on my breathing.

The last couple of weeks has been very chaotic, and this will be a good way to balance my energy and emotions. The idea is to set a new goal each week, adding to the previous week’s challenge.

You can even join in and let me know how it goes for you.

Mindful meditation

– Concentrate on your breathing

– Breathing must be natural and gentle

– Become aware of your body movements and sensations as you breath

– Become aware of any sounds, smells, sensations around you without thinking about it, just experience it

– When your mind starts to wander, simply bring it back to your breathing

– Simply observe what unfolds in this present moment

– Let all thoughts, sounds, ideas, feelings etc. run their natural course.

– Be aware, experience and let go