Shelter Dogs Looking For A Home

When you are out there trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one, please don't forget the shelter animals that are looking for a home.  I am not suggesting that these dogs and cats should be adopted for a holiday since making the decision to adopt a pet is a life long one and shouldn't be taken lightly.  You can donate money, toys, blankets, beds or treats to your nearest shelter.  In the Long Beach area, you can help donate to Santa Paws fundraiser this Saturday.  The Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary will also take donations to help homeless pets this holiday season.

It was hard to go to the shelter to see all of the animals looking for a home.  At times I had to fight back the tears but I kept on with the hopes that this may get to someone who is looking for a life long companion.  When I returned home, I told Max about it and he offered up one of his beds and some treats so we will be back to deliver these items to help keep them warm during the winter.  All of these dogs are available for adoption at the SPCALA Long Beach animal shelter.

Holiday Travel Observations

'Tis the season to gather together with loved ones and travel by car, train, boat or airplane to get to your desired destination. If you are going to travel in the next few weeks, there is one thing you can expect.

People. Lots of 'em.

Unfortunately, you are not the only one making the journey. You might be surprised at how many people are shocked to see other human beings doing the exact same thing.

I hopped on a plane yesterday and really wasn't surprised to see the line wrapped around the terminal. This was just to get in the building to be faced with 2 other long switch back lines. I was calm. If I didn't make it in time, I was sure that there would be another plane to catch.

I got a kick out of watching people come out of cars or buses with a glazed look on their face and mouthing the words, "oh my god...holy sh**" A lot of, "I've never seen it this bad" coming from their lips. It's interesting to watch the entire emotional spectrum before my eyes. First it's shock, then a nervous laugh, then silence, then anger. People like to make sure you know they are angry with their body posture, facial expressions, and highly trained stress vocabulary.


I stood there and observed. There really wasn't much I could do about it. I watched the "feed the homeless" money collector count each dollar in his bucket (while hiding the larger bills in the back), families unloading their entire home in suitcases, women dressed in very uncomfortable high heels pretending they feel like sneakers, and felt the collected stress energy in the never ending line.

I made my flight.

In the air, a little girl in front of me was on an airplane for the first time so I watched her look out the window several times to gaze at the view. It took me back to when I would hop on a plane as a child to visit my grandmother. I flew PSA and they pinned travel wings on me that I think I still have somewhere in a box. Maybe.

I hope you are able to travel and enjoy the holiday season somewhat stress free. Keep in mind that there will be several other humans planning to do the same thing.

Beware, they are everywhere.