Honda Fit — Barely!

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Laurie Buchanan

Dog lovers that we are, when we’re out running errands, we typically notice when other drivers are transporting their four-legged friends around with them.

Recently we were behind a small Honda Fit when all of a sudden a big beige bottom belonging to a Mastiff filled the back window. Quick research on my iPhone told me:

“Massive is the word that comes to mind when you first see this dog. Other breeds might match or come close to his height, but the Mastiff outweighs them all. He’s considered the largest breed in the world and can weigh 220 pounds or more.”

Click on the photo to enlarge. Look closely at each side window.

While discussing that astounding fact, we turned the corner behind them. The change in direction must have jostled an as-yet-unseen slumbering giant. Before we knew it, TWO mastiffs—each with their head out a side window—filled the back.

Len and I laughed and almost in unison said: “Honda Fit—Barely!”

What was your most recent barely fit, tight squeeze situation?

Sidekicks and Sidecars

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Laurie Buchanan

After the Writers’ Institute last week, Len and I rented a car and drove to Crown Point, Indiana to visit with dear friends. Along the way we saw the following sight: a man with his companion animal in the sidecar of his motorcycle. It’s hard to see in the photograph, but that’s not a muzzle on his dog; it’s straps to hold on his goggles. I love it!

We smiled, waved, and laughed, as did other people in the cars around us. Clearly this traveling duo enjoy each other’s company—immensely. It was a real “feed good” moment to witness.

Len and I travel together well. Sometimes—especially when he flies—I’m in his “sidecar.” Other times, he’s in mine. Regardless, we always have a wonderful time.

Who frequents your sidecar?

Ahem, you’ve got something…

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Laurie Buchanan

…stuck in your teeth, (or whiskers, as the case may be).

This is my dear friend Willa. Not only do I tell her when she’s got something stuck in her whiskers, I help her get it out. In turn, she cleans my face by getting in as many licks as she possibly can.

True friendship between humans has many components:

We tell the truth, even if the message is uncomfortable to deliver.
We say pleasant things behind each others backs.
We actively listen to each other.
We hold each others secrets in confidence.
We extend mutual respect and value each other’s individuality.
We inspire each other and support each other’s dreams.

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” —Anais Nin

What defining quality do you look for in a friend?

Finnegan’s Fancy

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Laurie Buchanan

Before the ink dried on the contract for the home we currently lease (while we look for one to purchase), we were adopted by a cat. Not just any cat. A tortoiseshell cat. Different from calico cats, “torties” have no white in their coat. And though she’s a female, we call her Finnegan.

Drawn to traditional Japanese Haiku since elementary school where it was introduced to me by my fifth grade teacher — Mrs. Kline — I love the simplicity and direct expression found in three stark lines for a total of 17 syllables:

5 syllables in the first line
7 syllables in the second line
5 syllables in the third line

With that in mind, here’s my nod to Finnegan:

Eyes closed satisfied
back arching on tiptoed paws
into affection.

Do you Haiku?

The Hurl Principle

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Laurie Buchanan

The scientific community has countless laws, theories, and principles:

The law of gravity, The big bang theory, the law of thermodynamics, Hubble’s law of cosmic expansion, Kepler’s three laws of planetary expansion, Archimedes’ buoyancy principle, and Einstein’s theory of general relativity, to name but a few.

Clearly, one of the most common principles has never been recognized, let alone named. Yet it’s evidenced in thousands of households across the globe — daily. And I’m here to lay claim to fame by pointing it out and naming it — The Hurl Principle.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury (readers), based on evidence I submit below, and with substantiation from your very own households, you can attest to whether or not this principle does, indeed, exist:

Exhibit A
With the exception of two small rugs, our home — like many of yours — has smooth, hard surface floors throughout.

Exhibit B
Be it K9 or feline, a book can not be judged by it’s cover (don’t be sucked in by her regal, yet innocent expression)…

When said K9‘s and/or felines feel like they’re going to toss their cookies, vomit their vittles, or hork their hash — they immediately evacuate all smooth surfaces and without fail, lose their lunch on the closest rug or carpeted surface they can find.

With hundreds of easy-to-clean square feet at their beck and call, they rush to a rug — evan a postage-stamp sized rug will suffice — and belch in braille, chortle their chunks, hork their hooey!

Do you have a companion animal who supports this scientific principle?

— Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.” — Laurie Buchanan

The Book — Discovering the Seven Selves
The Experience — Life Harmony

© Laurie Buchanan 2014

Find me on Twitter @HolEssence
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The Cat that Ate the Canary

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Laurie Buchanan

I did a little reminiscing while packing photo albums for our up-and-coming move and came across my favorite picture of Paddy, our tuxedo cat who lived to be 18 years old.

Don’t let his expression fool you…it’s feigned nonchalance in an attempt to cover his bone-deep pleasure at being on the bird feeder!

Click on the photo to enlarge

Recently I’ve caught myself wearing a smug mask of triumph for packing out our home in a timely and efficient manner. If you look close, you just might see a feather or two peaking from my self-satisfied smile. Meow!

When was the last time you wore “the cat that ate the canary” expression?

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

The Book—Discovering the Seven Selves
The Experience—Life Harmony

Find me on Twitter @HolEssence

Holding Vigil

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Laurie Buchanan

In late September we found ourselves holding vigil for Claire—our Westie. An integral part of our family for almost 15 years, she was affectionately known as “The House Elf.” Trust me when I say she put the “perk” in perky!

And while the death of a companion animal might be a non-event to some, her absence took the stuffing not only out of Len and I, but Lexi and Willa as well. Slowly but surely we’ve gotten back onto an even keel, but we sure do miss our little gal.

Rabindranath Tagore was Asia’s first Nobel laureate by winning the 1913 Nobel Prize in Literature. One of the writings that he’s best known for is, “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come.”

When was the last time you held vigil for a loved one?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

The Paws that Refreshes

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Laurie Buchanan

The Paws that Refreshes by Laurie Buchanan

Even if we don’t drink it, we all remember Coca-Cola’s slogan: “The Pause that Refreshes.”

Time and time again scientific studies have shown that companion animals have a positive affect on human health:

Physically challenged individuals indicate that their service dogs provide companionship and support, reduce stress, increase their “freedom to be capable,” and provide a sense of purpose.

Quality of life improves in families of epileptic individuals when a dog that responds to seizures is present in the home.

Animal-assisted therapy effectively reduces the loneliness of residents in long-term care facilities.

One general study found that cat owners scored better on psychological health ratings than did non-owners. Other studies have been more specific, focusing on groups facing stressful life events such as bereavement, illness, and homelessness. Findings from these studies often indicate that pets—dogs, cats, and birds—play a significant supportive role, reducing depression and loneliness and providing companionship and a need for responsibility.

Even passive interaction with animals can provide benefit. For example, people who watch fish in an aquarium experience decreased pulse rate, increased skin temperature, and decreased muscle tension. Amazingly, the nutritional intake and weight of Alzheimer’s Disease patients increased significantly when fish aquariums were introduced into their dining areas.

Companion animals—truly the paws that refreshes.

Do you have a companion animal? If not now, perhaps one in the past?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
— Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

It’s a Dog’s Life

Posted on October 30, 2010 by Laurie Buchanan

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The other day while visiting Creative Potager, Terrill said that she hadn’t seen my dogs in a while and wondered how they are. So I grabbed my camera for a quick show-and-tell:

Claire—our West Highland white terrier—will be 13 in December. She rules the roost with an iron paw. When we’re all in the backyard, her favorite pastime is to stay between us and Willa. Great at keep-away, she’d make an excellent goalie.

Lexi—our Standard Poodle—turned 7 in June. Often referred to as Her Highness, she’s a princess through-and-through. Her favorite thing to do—indoors or out—is to garner praise by prancing around and posing for attention.

Willa—our Irish Wolfhound—will be 3 next April. Very much the rough-and-tumble tomboy, she loves to chew (hence the femur bone). Her favorite thing in the world is to ride in the car—if she can stick her head out the window, all the better.

Let me qualify the word “our” as used above. They are no more ours than the man in the moon. We are, however, theirs.

Please leave a comment and tell us about the companion animal(s) that have left indelible prints all over your heart.

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Tag Archives: companion animals

Honda Fit — Barely!

Sidekicks and Sidecars

Ahem, you’ve got something…

Finnegan’s Fancy

The Hurl Principle

The Cat that Ate the Canary

Holding Vigil

The Paws that Refreshes

It’s a Dog’s Life