Discussions with Eli and Aubry

I recently may or may not have had an animal communicator talk with my two dogs…ok, yes I had an animal communicator talk with my two dogs. Was it a psychic reading? Nope, more like a telepathic conversation. Hmm…psychic reading maybe sounds cooler. Technically, telepathy is sensing the thoughts, feelings and pictures that are formulated in the mind before the words are spoken. The prefix “tele” means over a distance (ex. telephone, television) and the suffix “pathy” means feelings (ex. empathy, sympathy). So literally, “telepathy” refers to feelings over a distance.

Since animals don’t verbalize, but they do have thoughts and feelings, telepathy is a great way to communicate with them directly. Why do I think my dogs are telepathic? I believe, like many others, that animals rely on their sixth sense. They can often sense disaster before it strikes. Most people who live with animals have observed their ability to sense what is going on around them. Animals can read our thoughts and feelings, and with practice we can also read their thoughts and feelings. This is what animal communicators do when they “talk” to your pets.

Anyway, I may or may not have gotten the recommendation from my psychic (go ahead, judge me…I’m officially an Angeleno now) for Marty Meyer, the animal communicator. She has a book I’d like to read called “Same Dog Twice” for animal lovers who feel a spiritual connection to their animal friends.

Written in a narrative nonfiction style, it will appeal to those who want to deepen their understanding of their canine companion, or those who suspect that the communication that takes place between them and their animal is indeed real. The idea that an animal's spirit can transcend death and return in new form is discussed at length. Yes, Marty claims to have the ability to communicate with animals, telepathically. After she had a session with my two boys, I believe she has this ability. Why? Well, she only knew little about my dogs (age, color, location, size) and was able to give me a clear description of their personality. She had engaging conversations with both of them…and here’s how it went:

Eli, the Old Soul…

Eli’s not demanding and loves the connection he has with you. He’s smart and sensitive (much more emotional than Aubry). He loves you very much and is much more easy going than Aubry. He does want more quiet time with you.

Before he came to live with you, he was adopted by a family with two small kids and they didn’t have time for him. He was left alone in a yard, not physically abused but not given much attention. The man in the house yelled a lot and was angry. He is much happier with me. He feels strongly that he should be with me, we are meant to be together.

He has a strong memory that you lived together in a past life, he was your sheep dog. You were a sheep herder and he helped you care for all the sheep…he said he helped you a lot and enjoyed it very much. He wanted to let me know that he is happy now just being a pet instead of a working dog.

Here is how their conversation went…

What do you think of your little brother Aubry? Are you jealous? Do you like him as a playmate?

I feel Aubry is a good dog and gives me respect, but I am jealous of him, but we’re friends. We get along, I just feel he can be pushy and annoying, but I do enjoy playing more now that he’s around. I could go either way with Aubry, I think things were just fine before he came and I never asked for or needed a companion, although now that I have one, I like a companion to play with sometimes (just not as much as Aubry wants to play). I have a positive feeling about Aubry, I don’t seriously dislike him in any way. I do feel Aubry is the “dog” and I’m like a human buddy. Aubry is the pet, not me. I want to be equal to Chad, not Aubry. The house was more human before Aubry came along – now it’s more dog – I’m more human than Aubry

Are you happy where you go to boarding when Chad has to travel?

I get apprehensive about going because I miss him a lot – but I know he’ll come back and the people there are nice to me.

What do you dislike the most?

I hate cats, I just don't like them. When I was a puppy, cats would walk along a fence in the yard I was in and tease me. I hate cats and I always will.

Why do you pull on the leash so much?

Sorry I pull on the leash so much, I just can’t wait to get to the next place and look for new animals – going on walks to new places is my favorite thing to do.

Do you like the doggy daycare?

I am just OK with doggy daycare, but would rather be home where it’s calm.

Do you ever mind being left alone?

I get a little bummed at first, but then I don’t mind being left alone (knows it won’t last).


How does your back feel?

I have some dull pain in my lower back, right side, would like it gently massaged. Its not too bad.

Do you think you're in charge?

I know I’m really loved and I feel I am #1, since I’ve been here longer and have a deep connection to Chad.

Do you like your name?

Yes, I like my name and feel it’s the right one for me.

Any final thoughts?

I wanted to tell Chad I love him very much and I know he's busy and has to work a lot but I know he will always be back. I’m very happy and I know how important I am to him.



Aubry…the FREE Spirit!

Aubry is extremely happy go lucky, a bit of an opportunist and very perceptive. Before he found you, he lived with a family (they spoke a foreign language he didn't understand) who had no time for him and he wanted to be “more important” so he escaped from the yard.

Someone left a gate open – it was a crappy yard and a crappy house – he knew something better was out there for him. He’s very happy he found a nice dad with a nice yard. He has a short attention span (puppy) – needs to be entertained a lot. He knows he has a good life – he loves to play tug – he loves getting lots of attention. Aubry is a new soul, at least new to you – he has no recollection of a past life like Eli does. He feels I spend a lot of time with him and Eli when I can – lots to entertain us – he feels very loved. He feels strongly that I’m supposed to be his dad and that this is the right place for him – the bond will continue to grow. He feels we are connected and I need to depend on him more. He loves that I give him freedom and that I let him in the house. He said that I fostered him and wasn’t sure about keeping him – but he tried to talk me into keeping him and he’s glad it worked!

Here is how their conversation went…

Do you like your big brother Eli?

I like Eli and I’m happy I have a dog friend with me all the time. I wish he would play more. I know I pester him, I just feel strongly that I must be where he is at all times! I’m not jealous of Eli and I accept the bond they (Eli and Chad) have. I really like Eli and we get lots of attention when we go out together.

What do you like the most?

I love freedom and I have lots here – I’m so excited I’m allowed in the house! I love to chew on stuff. Sorry I chew on wood, it’s a bad habit…all I had to chew on when I was a puppy teething was a wood gate and fence. It’s just a bad habit. I like boarding and doggy daycare much more than Eli –it’s so exciting and I love the chaos! Playing with other dogs is my favorite thing. I love walks and LOVE playing with other dogs – I love to RUN free!

What’s your favorite toy?

Eli.

What do you dislike the most?

I don’t like being brushed because my hair is fine and it hurts when it gets brushed. I haven’t had a traumatic grooming experience or anything, I just hate it because it hurts (no phobia). I also don’t like all dogs, most dogs, but not all. Some dogs are bad and I know they can beat me up and I don’t like them, I steer clear of them.

Do you mind being left alone?

Yes, I mind. I don’t like it but I put up with it. I’m rarely alone anyway but I’m learning to put up with it and be more patient.

Do you think you’re in charge?

Nope, I’m not in charge yet. I’m thinking about it – still figuring things out.

Do you have any memories of a past life…maybe one with Chad, like Eli does?

Huh? No. What’s that? What are you talking about?

Do you want to sleep in the bed?

Yes, and I do when he’s not home!

Do you like your name?

Yes, now that I know what it is. I’m proud of my name and I know it’s the right one for me.

Anything you want Chad to know?

I really love him – he lets me have fun and be a dog! I would like more attention – I get bored – Eli only plays a little then he just waits around for you to get home – it’s boring sometimes. I want him to know that I would never run away from him, he can trust me and depend on me. I feel good in my body and I’ve grown a lot since I came to live with you – I love the food, it’s really good!

My final thoughts and next steps…

I enjoyed the information and feel I have even more insight into my dogs minds. Much of what I learned was really a confirmation of what I suspected. The fact that Marty only new the age, color of coat and location of the dogs but could nail their personalities amazes me. Think what you want skeptics! I admit, I was surprised Eli didn’t mention tennis balls, as he seems to be obsessed. Although it was just one conversation.

I also thought Aubry’s thoughts were that of a puppy and a reading in a year or so may be much different. Eli and Aubry, about three years apart, are like putting an elementary school kid with a middle aged person and expecting them to play and have a good time all the time. They have fun together, but it’s clear Eli is on a higher plane, at this time. Although I feel I know what’s going on in their minds a bit better now, I can’t forget they are still dogs and will always enjoy dog things. Does it smell rotten? Yum! I do think their bond will continue to grow as time goes on, they will begin to depend more on each other. I plan to get them out to do things together and work as a team. Both dogs are smart and eager to learn, I need to check out Zoom Room up the street, it’s a dog agility training place…we’ll keep you posted!

More about Marty Meyer, Telepathic Animal Communicator

Marty lives in Independence, California with her animal family: JJ, Oats and Barley the Dogs, Melody the Cat, and Tuna the Horse. She has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Miami, and has 14 years of experience working as a marine biologist.

An animal lover all of her life, Marty Meyer became fascinated with animal communication in 1991. To further develop her natural ability, she attended classes and seminars by several animal communicators, as well as studying other mind enhancement techniques, including meditation, hypnotherapy and thetahealing. After years of study and practice, she began consulting professionally, and offers both private consultations and workshops. Her work has been recognized, and she has been interviewed on the television programs “Out of the Blue” and “Animal Planet”.

Marty does most of her animal communication long distance, and clients call her from all over the US. She works with all species of animals, receiving information to assist them and their human friends. Marty also offers workshops in telepathic animal communication, and greatly enjoys helping others discover how to relate to their pets on a deeper level.

Check it Out: Road to Rescue Best Practices Manual - First Draft

After more than five months of painstaking research, the first draft of the Road to Rescue Best Practices Manual is nearing completion.

The hope for this manual is that it will not only guide new and developing rescues to save the most lives possible but that it will eventually serve as the basis for an Up For Pups rescue financial assistance program.

The nation’s largest pet adoption database, Petfinder.com, showcases well over 10,000 “adoption groups” listing hundreds of thousands of adoptable animals at any given time. Many of these groups are private animal rescue organizations operated out of someone’s home with a network of transport and foster volunteers to support the immense number of animals taken in each year. Despite the fact that this industry is obviously sizable and growing, it is virtually unregulated without even a best practices handbook for rescues to reference.

Up For Pups, a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization, has set out to develop an indispensible manual that will serve as a guide for established and developing private rescue organizations, helping them to work most effectively. The goal is that this manual will help rescues save the most lives, spend the least money, and ensure a good experience for all volunteers involved.

*Manuals and standards are available for shelters, but “rescues” generally run very differently from shelters and cannot necessarily follow similar practices.

The final version of this manual will be available within a month. If you work with a rescue and would like to offer some links to your pertinent documents for others to check out or would like to discuss areas where you different from what we have printed or feel we should augment the information, please write a post below. We need your feedback before July 28th.


Get a sneak peak of the preliminary version of the best practices manual here.

Because Up For Pups’ main mission is to support the important work performed by animal rescue organizations, we will be offering the final version of this manual online for free...donations welcome!!

Google Plus vs. Facebook: 6 Things Google+ Has That Facebook Doesn't

Ohhhhh as I try to navigate the new waters of this Google+ business...trying to share any helpful readings I can...I feel Google+ is not for the social media faint of heart...


Google is gunning for Facebook.

The search giant recently launched Google+, a social networking site that aims to rectify the company's failed social media efforts, such as Google Buzz and Wave, and put a dent in Facebook's business.

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Vacation Cities

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Vacation Cities

Ohhh how I need this sign...

Not a bad problem to have...

Captain America?

I wanna see this...haven't heard much about it...usually not a great sign. Anyone else seen it?

Venice Beach...Who Knew?

What can I say about Venice Beach? It's always been known as a hangout for the creative...lost souls...homeless...skaters...surfers...tourists...artistic types of all kind. In the 1950s and 60s, Venice became a center for the Beat generation. There was an explosion of poetry and art. Major participants included Stuart Perkoff, John Thomas, Frank T. Rios, Tony Scibella, Lawrence Lipton, John Haag, Saul White, Robert Farrington and Philomene Long.

I first visited in 1999...I'm still working on a box of incense I bought there too...here are some pics I took recently. I wish I had a photo of the scary psychic I got a reading from.

Wanna know more about Venice? OK...Venice is today a vibrant area of Southern California and it continues a tradition of progressive social change involving prominent Westsiders. The Venice Family Clinic is the largest free clinic in the country.

The Venice Community Housing Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the economic, racial and social diversity of Venice and the surrounding area, provides affordable housing, economic and community development opportunities and needed social services to low income residents.

Women in Recovery, Inc., a non-profit organization offering a live-in, 12-step program of rehabilitation for women in need, was founded by a longtime resident of Venice, Sister Ada Geraghty. Geraghty and her organization on Coeur D' Alene Avenue annually honor those who've made a difference in helping women overcome substance abuse problems. The 2006 honoree for Women in Recovery was Christopher Lawford; past honorees have included Jamie Lee Curtis, Angela Lansbury, and Anthony Hopkins.

Venice Beach is understood to include the beach, the promenade that runs parallel to the beach ("Ocean Front Walk" or just "the boardwalk"), Muscle Beach, the handball courts, the paddle tennis courts, Skate Dancing plaza, the numerous beach volleyball courts, the bike trail and the businesses and residences that have their addresses on Ocean Front Walk.

The basketball courts in Venice are renowned across the country for their high level of street ball and numerous NBA players were developed or recruited from these courts.

The Venice Breakwater is an acclaimed local surf spot in Venice, located north of the Venice Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters, and south of the Santa Monica Pier. This spot is sheltered on the north by an artificial barrier, the breakwater, consisting of an extending sand bar, piping, and large rocks at its end. This spot has differing breaks depending on swell intensity, swell direction, tide and time of the day.

Prominent residents of Venice include actresses Julia Roberts, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Beckinsale, and Anjelica Huston, actors Tom Conway (brother of actor George Sanders), lived here in the 1960s, Nicolas Cage, Chaney Kley, Tim Meadows, Robert Hegyes, Mark Valley, Michael T. Weiss, Fairuza Balk, Taylor Negron and musicians Perry Farrell, Evidence of Dilated Peoples, Saint John of Saint John and the Revelations, Joshua Kadison, John Lydon (who owns a sizeable amount of rental property in Venice), Ozzy from Survivor, John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fiona Apple and Mike Muir and most of his Suicidal Tendencies bandmates. Photographer Lauren Greenfield has lived in Venice since 1972.

Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr. kept an apartment on the boardwalk during the 1990s. Harding Avenue is also where the Lennon Sisters of Lawrence Welk fame grew up. Jim Morrison lived in Venice for two years where he met Ray Manzarek to form the nucleus of The Doors. Arnold Schwarzenegger's acting career began after becoming a regular bodybuilder at Venice's famous Gold's Gym, whose present facility claims to be "The Mecca of Bodybuilding."

Restaurateur Wolfgang Puck has owned and operated noted eateries in the area since the 1990s. Other notables include actors Viggo Mortensen, Rutger Hauer, Bryan Callen, and Elijah Wood, and film directors Henry Jaglom and Paul Mazursky.

For many years, pro wrestlers Hulk Hogan and Sting were announced as residing in Venice Beach as well. Standup comedians, such as Nick Swardson, Eddie Ifft, Paul Provenza, George Carlin and Zach Galifinakis and street performers have proliferated in Venice, Wavy Gravy and Swami X being two of the more recent hippie busker alumni. Political contributions have been sent from homes in Venice from the actor Dennis Hopper and Simpsons creator Matt Groening.

South Park co-creator Matt Stone lives in Venice as well.[10] Harry Perry, the famous street entertainer, is one of the boardwalk's key performers. Photographer Helen K. Garber maintains a studio on Ocean Front Walk. Graffiti/Street Artist and painter Jean-Michel Basquiat lived in Venice in the 80's.

Immature, an R&B group from the 1990s, used to perform on the boardwalk prior to becoming famous. Other notable residents included comedian George Carlin.

Last but certainly not least...if you're into bread pudding...you gotta hit up this gem...

We Shall Call Him...Simon

Many of you in my vast audience have been following my saga with AT&T and the dreaded Blackberry over the years. I was fooling myself to think Blackberry was the right device for me...notice I say device and not smartphone. Lets face it, Blackberry isn't a smartphone. Its simply a mobile bower email device.

The Blackberry Torch I had was...abysmal. I thing the name did him in.

Torch? As in up in flames Torch? Ugh...my Blackberry Torch (aka Scaredy Torch) would freeze up if the wind changes. How many times I had to "shock" him by taking his batter out is beyond me.



And don't get me started on AT&T and the terrible service the provide (you can of course read all about it HERE in my previous post).

So what has changes this past week? Well...I finally left AT&T. Yes, I am free. I won't get into what finally did it, but lets just say it entailed a 45 minute conversation with an AT&T operator who could only try to simultaneously try and sell me U-verse and walk me step-by-stem on how to remove my batter from my Blackberry to "shock" it. Ugh.


Verizon is my new love...and of course...mt new iPhone...I have lovingly named him Simon. He's handsome, oh so smart, loves naps and long walks on the beach (as long as he's far far from water)...the dogs love him too...it just feels "right", ya know?

Without further ado...meet Simon....

Dollywood…a Concert Experience

I went to the Dolly Parton concert at the Hollywood Bowl last night with my friends Stoney, Virginia and Eva. I’m I a huge Dolly Parton fan? Nope. I really had no idea what to expect. I admitted the only real song I knew of hers was 9 to 5. Shows at the Bowl are usually enjoyable, as was thins one. Something about being outside and bringing your own food to nosh on makes it special.

The show kicked off with Dolly coming out singing, lights flashing. Although we were pretty high up, we could see Dolly’s hair and sparkly dress down on stage. They also had some large screens showing her so we could see more.



I usually have more respect for a musical artist after attending a live concert (given they have talent). I can now say with confidence (as if you’re waiting on me to confirm this) that Dolly has talent. She is quite a performer. She talked a lot to the audience throughout the show and she just seems as sweet as can be. She sang a few cover songs and originals, which I caught here on my fancy iPhone.



She talked (and sang) about her childhood in Tennessee. Her family was, in her own words, "dirt poor". They lived in a rustic, dilapidated one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, a predominantly Pentecostal area.

She mentioned her grandfather was a Pentecostal "holy-roller" preacher who (if alive today) would tell people to get off Facebook and into the GOOD book! She ended up singing several spiritual songs and lovingly joked that we all must feel like were in church.



Dolly began performing as a child, singing on local radio and television programs in Tennessee and by age nine she was appearing on The Cas Walker Show on both WIVK Radio and WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee.

At thirteen when was on a small label in Louisiana called Goldband Records and appeared at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Apparently while at the Opry, she first met Johnny Cash who encouraged her to go where her heart took her, and not to care what others thought. Pretty cool. The day after she graduated from high school in 1964, she moved to Nashville taking many traditional elements of folklore and popular music from East Tennessee with her.

So, am I heading out to buy Dolly’s new album? Maybe not, but I sure do have more respect for her as an artist. My recommendation to you? Go see more live music! It may sound silly, but I feel like I know Dolly, just a little bit. Don't get me wrong, going to some Bieber Fever concert sounds like a nightmare and I don't suggest you will like every artist you go see (although the Bieber movie did make many cray, I hope to never learn why).

To see how much joy Dolly brought so many people at the concert was just a sample at how much joy she must bring millions of other people. The true gift of being an artist.

Cedar Key...How I Miss Thee

Yes people, its time for one of my cheesy travel posts. Yes, I take lots of photos and pull text from sites describing the locations...its just how I roll. I took a day trip to Cedar Key with teh family the last time I was in my home state of Florida. Its so I can educate you ...how else would you hear about the wonderful world of Cedar Key, Florida??

Ahhh...as you leave the Florida mainland, rich Gulf waters reflecting blue skies beckon you as birds float like petals over the marsh vista. Welcome to an island where time stands still and allows you to enjoy the unique qualities of our coastal environment. Cedar Key is a quiet island community nestled among many tiny keys on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Long admired for its natural beauty and abundant supply of seafood, it is a tranquil village, rich with the almost forgotten history of old Florida. Step inside our website and stay awhile...

Visit us in the Heart of Florida's Nature Coast, a recreational paradise. We are a small, relaxed, island community located three miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. Rich in small town flavor, it is said Cedar Key is the Island community where time stands still. Cedar Key is located on Way Key, the largest island in the "Cedar Keys".

The Cedar Keys make up one of the oldest bird and wildlife refuges in the United States. With its rich history and natural beauty, you may not want to leave!

Cedar Key is one of the oldest ports in the state, and when Florida's first railroad connected it to the east coast, it became a major supplier of seafood and timber products to the northeast. Today it has become a haven for artists and writers who find the unspoiled environment inspirational to their work.

Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets browse the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous and enjoy the world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local waters. Annually, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in April, the Fourth of July Celebration and the October Seafood Festival.

In addition to excellent fishing, birdwatching and nearby nature trails, guides are available to take parties for off-shore trips to the outer islands. A public marina with boat docking is available.

Federally protected sanctuaries, the Cedar Keys form a chain of barrier islands ideally suited to a vast range of migratory and shore birds, including the elusive white pelican, roseate spoonbill and bald eagle.

The variety of natural habitats, from salt marshes to Indian shell mounds, makes this truly a nature lover's paradise.

OK...enough is enough...that is all...for now....I shall leave you with one last image...to capture the true 'nature' of Cedar Key...