Christmas

Today is Christmas eve and tomorrow is Christmas Day. Many celebrate religious believes, some celebrate presents (they tend to be the young ones) and some celebrate family. No matter why you choose to smile in your heart the fact is you do smile in your heart. My human celebrates Holiday feelings! Seams like she has been celebrating a long time! And I guess that is the key. To smile, everyday, on the inside and to show others that is to each our own.

I have heard it said promote self peace and world peace will follow. Or as a dog would say, "Clean up your own backyard and the whole neighborhood will look better!"

Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, Good Wishes... And smiles to you all!

Emma

It doesn't matter who you are, or where you live, or what your age. Christmas brings out the best in us.

Recieving

Do you know what I admire about my dog? We have a treat jar and it is near the living room so whenever we give her a large milk bone she holds it in her mouth and she trots off proudly to the other room to eat her gift with pride. Funny thing is you can give her one of those little round peanut butter circle that she loves so much and she holds it, trots off and eats in with the same pride! It is the size of a dime! This is one of the things I love about my dog.

It's not the treat that dictates her pleasure. It's her desire to be pleased with each and every treat she receives, regardless of what is being received. She is happy in times of plenty and it times of biscuit recession. She wears the same smile and trots with equal enthusiasm. She feels delight, regardless.

This is one of things I love about my dog. One can learn so much from nature, one can learn so much from "her" nature.

It is Christmas. A time of year where ungratefulness is easier to spot. Many haven known someone unhappy with a gift they have received. Or spotted those that can only see a gift if it is of physical presents. I myself even knew a family member who made a strong statement as to what should ? be given to them for a gift and even why....

So I pick today. This time of year to remind us all that the joy is in the giving and the joy is in receiving. Though only you can choose to prideful for the act of receiving, irregardless to the package.

Merry Christmas and May you find this gift, a blessing.

Emma's Human

How to keep smiling

Don't be against the human would probably didn't want their dog back. Be for the dog who gets to be with the human that is theirs again.


It was our pleasure having you here with us, our little yellow visitor. You made us smile in ways we had not yet experienced. You offered us more love the a one dog family had knowledge of. And you brightened many moments. We send you home with kisses.

Emma and her family.

Looking Ahead

So today is the day before Thanksgiving and I see many humans looking forward to something. Being dog I only saw today..! Today was grand...

At the end of a perfect day I see the same thing I saw when I woke up. May not seam like much to you but it was the face of my human... We all have a human. Look at yours often with a loving heart. It is those moments that will create a feeling that will never dissipate or vanish.

My Story

She is one of those dogs whose life has touched so many, that would couldn't even count if we tried. Her name is Emma Zen and like many fortunate dogs she was adopted from our local animal shelter to keep a human busy. See my name is Debra Jo and my husband had been working out of town and the house was so cold and lonely without him, enter Emma. I was so happy! So happy! I took her to puppy class, dog class, trail school, canine hiking club, bird school, Frisbee games, agility course, draft dog games, therapy training and finally school for stage and film. (Yes I said that.) I purchased collars and leashes, t-shirts and hiking shoes, blankets and personalized sweat shirts and finally a Harley Davidson sidecar. (Yes, I actually said that too.) I was living! Yes, I was finally living! Living that is... with one spoiled dog. My life is about her life and it is about her. I have the luxury and the time to literally spend every single day with my dog. It is the best time I have ever spent in my life.
We celebrated her arrival and had for the first two years have had fantastic birthday dog parties as grand as anything you would throw for your own child. (She is only 2 1/2) and her third Birthday party is already planned. We take her to all family gatherings. She has her own stationary for correspondence. She opens her own gifts at Christmas time. She is an equal family member. Yes, we have a notable individual living in our home and it is our dog!
We have a lot of fun and along the way of trying everything we found three aspect of life that she excelled in. That is the trick to becoming yourself you know, just throwing out everything you are not. Emma is a therapy dog, a canine model and a biker dog extraordinare. She leaves you with the same feelings, that she brings when she comes. I wish more humans were as she is...
Emma Zen belongs to Bright and Beautiful Therapy Inc. and P.A.W.S. Pets Are Wonderful Support a program sponsored by the SPCA. She works with Alzheimer Patience, Convalescent Programs and Special Needs Children. She also participates in promotional events which have included cancer awareness, animal support programs and the Special Olympics. She comes alive at these events. She turns it on! She is not as good at sitting on the sidelines letting someone rub her head as she is standing right next to them and helping them participate. Our little motivator... It's just who she is and it pulls at your heart strings.
And then there is: Emma the Canine Model (or ham whichever you'd like to call her) Her incredible list of training aside she is nothing more than a diva. During Stage training it was said that modeling was the most difficult part of the industry. For a model needs to listen better than an actor. They need to be able to sit or stay for long periods of time (I mean really long periods) and you have to be able to approach them move a nose or a paw and have them stay there looking to the left while the chicken and kids or something you don't expect moves around on the right. Everyone was amazed at her ability and her human never let the cat out of the bag. (Emma was just extremely lazy!) But her photographs have shown up on the internet, advertisement flyers, a calendar, baseball cards, books, a coffee label and a few other places we would have never expected.
In comes the third and final stage, the real and most comfortable of selves, Emma Zen the Canine Ambassador for Biker Dogs! Okay so this story, in and of itself, is a book but the short of it is: leaving her at home was not an option, a side car, lots of traveling and over 10,000 miles under the tail in two years. Plus a wake of smiles and laughter that continue to roll over the human spirit far after she has passed you by. You can't get three blocks from home and fourteen cars have already pulled up to take her picture. She is famous in the hearts of so many people and every now and then these story's catch up with us and we are, as always, forever grateful to be part of this great dogs life.
She has a website and a facebook, a youtube and an a email. She hands out postcards to those that she meets every day. We never leave the house without our dog and we never go anywhere we can't bring her. We do a lot a traveling and she gets to go and sometimes we pick the destinations just for her. I have started talking in "the dog" (sort of like talking in the third person) when replying to all her portals and I have become a member of my dogs life instead of the other way around.
I am most proud of Emma Zen. I am most proud because I see the smiles, I see the tears. I get the emails and the posted comments. I open the snail mail and retrieve the texts. They love her, so many people, they love her. She has done what God wanted us to do here on earth. She has lived with constant devotion to others and always with abundance of compassionate. She is one of those dogs would have touched so many.
My old soul, Emma Zen Chiapuzio.

www.emmazen.com
www.facebook.com/emmazen
www.youtube.com/thebikerdog

Passing

This summer I had the best time of my entire life! I had been pen pals with a dog named George for almost a year and we spent two months together. Riding, Swimming, Hiking, Photo shoots, Parades, Restaurants and more. It was the best Summer a dog could ever have.
Today my friend passed away. He had the life. He had the life. John, is human, lifted him higher then most dogs can get. To the point that a whole town even accepted him! He has books and a website and his presents will continue to shine for years. We were asked to celebrate his life. And we will, tomorrow I will ride... I will ride for George!
I will be looking for a mate as grand, a position that may never be filled. Talk about having big paws to fill....
George we love you. We love your spirit. We love your presences. We love your human.

People, remember they leave us. Your friend who can't hush up. Your father that pushes your buttons. Your Mother that won't go away. Your spouse you'd like to punk. Next time you see them, smile because when they are gone you will remember the good, you will remember the love, you remember them as pain in the butts. But you will remember. That means enjoy them now!

That is the only part of this that makes it easier to do as was asked of us, celebrate life. Because I had the very best moment of my entire life with Sheriff George of Edgemont!!! The best Biker Buddy a dog could ever have... I hope they are ready in Heaven, because theirs a new sheriff in town...

Ears in the Wind, George. Ears in the Wind!

Your friend, Emma

What the ----?

What the duck is wrong with you humans? Sometimes things are funny and sometimes they are not. My company is loving life here, so much we have heard her owners say, "she love to stay with you" and yes, that is funny and that is true. But when you have said it 15 times it's a hint or a wish or a desire and that is not funny. Heck, that's not right. What the duck is wrong with you humans? You don't though people or animals out, aside or anything else because they are old. How would you like it if we just didn't care about you...

Venting...
Emma and Mom

Sleep Overs

It has been at least a week since I have written and how much we have to share. A family member came over to visit at least a week ago and she is still here. Now I am pretty sure that it is no different for us canines as it is for you human.

There is the greeting period.

The "how fun to have someone to share everything with" period.

The "okay I have stuff to do get your own life" period.

The "showing off by demanding all of Mom's attention" period.

The "good Lord, your still here?" period.

Why is it that when they are not with us, we get all excited to see them come? And after awhile we get all excited to see them leave? And when they are gone we will be all excited to see them return?

What is the trick to being happy with the now. Heck, I thought us dogs were suppose to be good at that? All I can see now, is yellow. We even sleep together.

I shall do as you humans must have to do, I will give recognition only to the good.

THIS IS SHAINA AND WE ARE ENJOYING AN EARLY EVENING NAP IN THE OFFICE. LIFE IS GOOD!

Emma Zen

A new view

***This posting is from my humans point of view.***

We have a visitor in our home, her name is Shania and she belongs to my husbands son. She is a 12 year old, old, Labrador with very shaking movements, overweight and stiff little legs. (okay the legs aren't so little)Emma is so sensitive and I thought it was going to be hard for her to have another dog in the house even if only for a few days. 2 years against 12, youth against age, energy against exhausted. Who knew this would happen: in the past 48 hours I have watched Emma step aside for her. Emma watched as the old dog looked and looked for a place to lay down. And then she got up out of her bed and went over by the door and laid down. Shania took the bed and looked as comfortable as anything you can imagine. It was almost like Emma knew she was old and not well... So many many moments like this and I am getting ready to rush out the door I wish I could list them all. But at least I saw, and can pass off enough her to say. We as humans, we could so learn from our dogs!

In the eyes of a human...
Debra Jo

Which way to I go?

Having a direction is a good plan. Knowing which direction not to go is also a good plan. Moving down the road is good planning. Knowing when to stop is good planning too. Going off in a new direction is brave and can be either a bridge to better things or a bad choice. Recognizing that, is a by-product of having been giving good directions!

Funny, Confusing, Simple.

Took my own advice!

30, 31 and Nov 1st
Boy, took my own advice!
Emma

Get off the computer!

My human noticed a something in others lives today. The both spent too much time on the Internet and all they could see was what was right in front of them. They couldn't steep back and see a big picture.

So I, being the wise learning dog that I am, got up off the carpet and went on jog around the block! No more counting carpet fuzz's for me. I am a participate!

Move on!

I know it's early

To talk about Christmas but if felt so Chrismas-ish today. I received in the mail a December time goodies that I won on line. I got to have play time with my family and then later with my neighbors. My humans love each other. Life is just such a good fun feeling today and Christmas always feels like that. So maybe I am not early but I just carried the feeling with me since last year! That is the purpose isn't it?!.

Emma Zen

Interesting

Today I was fierce. I sleep late. I did important things. I went to therapy. I practiced my commands. I eat hardy. I begged for cheese! I gave more then I recieved and I gained so much!

On the up swing

Oh yes, a new day has dawn and life seams once again on the upswing! Appreciate your movements and learn to feel it as a combined motion, instead of ups and downs! Life is always in progress....

Emma

In high Gear!

Ever been busy ALL day from sun up to WAY past sun down? Never stopping.. Go Go Go.. Sometimes full, sometimes hungry, sometimes tired, sometimes energetic, sometimes cranky, sometime happy and you just can't stop?

That has been me today. I am a whirlwind!

Emma (not Zen!) But in a good mood and going strong!

22nd, 23rd, 24th

Boy how the days can get away from you. There were are obstacles, a few unhealthy bodies, and challenges that faced me and my family and the next thing you knew three days had gone by.

Notice: I am not complaining or listing or going on about the negatives. That just promotes more of it. And you don't need to write my human and ask if everything is okay. It is. But everyone has these days, everyone, it is nothing overwhelming, nothing life shattering, nothing critical. That's probably the trouble, it's always the little things that get you.

Anyhow what I am hear to say is that is in these times that you have to remember to think a crucial thought, then somehow manage to execute it.. One process under stress we all so often forget to do, or forget about. But in life, no matter are topic, or moods, or are path one thing can help even if for a moment.

Remember to S M I L E

Simplicity Works

Today I didn't worry about the past or the future and I didn't "try" to arrange my day. It wasn't boring and it was over grand, it was just right. I met a new friend and we hung out we did many things and didn't really go to many places. Her name is Addy and she was just simply enough.

Know when to fold 'em

I spent a LOT of time preparing for something that would be a great honor to do. I love the sound of it and I am proud to have qualified. When the time came however I knew going wasn't right. :-(

It's not because of fear or any emotion that would make you run from something, those are unhealthy actions. The hardest thing to do is to make it to your hill top and then say I am leaving because I don't think this is the best place for me.

The hardest decisions can be so beneficial.

Emma

Perspective

Someone said they were broken hearted and that they were so sad with out me in their life, but they didn't call. I saw a billboard with a negative drawing and the protesters were saying negative things, but they didn't say what the topic was about. I went to a place unfamiliar to me and asked them what they had and they said, "I don't know", I didn't work their and I wasn't required to know.

Just seams like somethings I have run across today have just been one off.

I know I am a dog but if you don't like the bones, just don't eat. Don't spit it out all over the floor and hank and make a huge deal about it. And if I want to kiss you, I will.

I guess that is all I have to say, you humans will have to read between the lines or figure it out for yourselves. But from my point of view today you all aren't doing very good.

You can catch more flies with honey then you can vinegar. You can be for something instead of against something. You can be poignant instead of beating around the bush. Wives tails, Old sayings or truths. Just do better, even if you already are. Loose the drama use perspective and stop living your life as an optical illusion.


Emma Zen

Keep it Simple

Today I went to the park and we had a picnic with blankets and chairs, BBQ hot dogs and baseball and checkers. When we got home we stopped the Ice Cream truck! The best things in life: are simple.

Be happy

I am a balanced dog. I live in the now. I am not stress, bummed, overwhelmed. I am not thinking about anything that happened yesterday or may happen tomorrow. I am in the now. I am a balanced dog. I am not tilter from one option to another. I am not unsure. I am what a I am. A dog, now.

If you are balanced you are not confused. If you don't understand meditate and be a dog!

Confused

Confused, What does it all mean? Another question for which somethimes you never get an acceptable answer.
Fall, I live in Southern California that is more of a term of time then an actual season. Fall, in colored leaves or leaves that are dying from heat and look like that belong in a seasonal category. Fall, as in to fall down at which point you should either just lay there and go with the flow or get up and do something. Fall, as in fallen, those we know that pass before us. Fall and in falling, the tears that flow for those who fell. I have the feeling this may not make sense but my for today my senses, fell.

In memory of a friend.
Emma Zen

A little of this & A little of that

Ever have one of those days where if someone asked you, "what did you do today?" you would answer with the word, nothing or not much. But in reality you did a whole bunch of nothing or not much.

Does that make sense?

Well you humans are selling yourselves short when you answer that way. To me, a canine, that is a very well balanced day chalk full of to dos. Today I did some nothing and a lot of not much. I got so much accomplished, from chores to rest. It was a day of a little of the and a little of that and it mounted up to a bunch of somethings!!! Mom called it, lifes recipes.

Does that make sense?

Being Helpful

Today I went to the storage unit to help my dad work. I was active and walked with him from one unit to the next and help him move things around. I also was lazy and stayed in out of the way and in one place when he needed to work without me but still keep his eyes on me. So sometimes being helpful is doing and sometimes being helpful is doing nothing!

Know when which is applicable.

Be Still

My human remember Granny (in picture) telling her that if she ever needed more hours in her day: to slow down.

Now I know that may sound like funny advice if your runnin around like a chicken with no head but today I learned the truth in that.

My human also as a friend, Mary who told a story one time of her son who ran in yelling and screaming about everything he had going on in his head and how he had to "hurry up" and get some of it done so he could give his brain a rest. Mary told him to stop, sit and breath.

Be still.

This seams to be the advice of both. Today I sat for hours at the Senior Center where Granny lives. And everyone came and sat with me one person at a time. I had so much fun, so many laughs, heard so much advice, had moments of silences. Today was long, beautiful and fun. I was only there 2 in a half hours.

May you fill your busy life with moments of stillness... May you be happier, healthier and optain more beauty!

A change in weather

Ever done this?

It's towards the end of summer and you are Just SO tired of being hot. Then the weather changes to what you have been waiting for and you go and hide under a warm fuzzy blanket.

I have heard humans sau this is called: the grass is always greener on the other side. I call this a good reason not to complain about whatever storm is in your day...

Emma Zen
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

A Life Question is Answered....

Did you know that we are not afraid of anything. We just have no knowledge or experience of whatever it is we think we are afraid of.

So I listened to the noise it made first. Then I listen to my humans who said I would be okay. I sat on it with out it moving or being turned on. Then when I got comfortable I even eat some cheese on it before we went up...

After I knew the in's and out's, I wasn't afraid of the up's and down's!

WOW.. Now that is a statement, there it is out of the mouth's of canines: Life's Answer to How to overcome your fears?

That is my Mom and I 26 feet in the air

Like today blog said, be

Like today blog said, be persistent... I did it and now dog park will feel SO good.

IMG00269-20091009-1438.jpg

So tired of trying
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Last sMS test from cell

IMG00270-20091009-1451.jpg

Emailing pictures and extra text characters to blogger from cell. Test. LOL as if you couldn't tell.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Sms test from cell

Title

Okay this is another test (see daily blog below) and this is will work! I just know it!        www.debrajo.com & www.emmazen.com

Be persistant

Notice the few attempts to learn to learn blogger from a mobile direction? Well for everyone one you see there are 4 that didn't make it this far.

This is a lesson in try and try again, persistence pays..

I wanted a biscuit the other day so I sat by the cookie jar. When that didn't work I went a push my Dad with my nose and then went over and sat by the cookie jar. And when that didn't work I laid down by the cookie jar and the right when he looked at me I would give him eyebrows and throw him my poor poor pitiful me look. That failed too and then I just gave up. (thinking maybe this would get me a biscuit!) An hour later, still no biscuit I looked at him and said "bark". Something I have only ever said a couple of times. I GOT A BISCUIT!!!!

See it doesn't matter how often you fail or even feel like you do. What matters is that you keep trying. It turned out to be a fun day of "what makes dad tick!" and now I know how to get a biscuit!

Test from Email

Testing my ability to post from me email! If it makes it, I deserve a "hi paw!"   Twenty Four / Seven  Cosmetic & Para-Medical Tattooing   www.debrajo.com & www.emmazen.com

Sms test

Missed a day

So I know this doesn't sound that important to you exceptially considering I only have 2 friends on this account. But it is important to me. However we must all choose in life when to go back and correct a mistake and when to just start over from where you at and move forward. It's the same thing you human's have to deal with. Interesting, isn't it...

Overload

I watched my human today, the good, the bad and the ugly. I am talking about life. It is a good thing she is healthy and balanced so she can go with the flow. It reminded me to tell you humans that is why you should create a dog who is healthy and balanced. That way we can go with the flow too. Your not the only one life gets to. So if I don't handle my day the way you like, give me more direction so next time I will have more at my disposal to rely on!

The Dog.

Dog Park Fast

Today I was a lightening bolt at dog park, I was Dog park fast like I have never been before! Sometimes it's healthy to do something out of character!!!

Crazy Em!

The Laws of Attraction

Yes, I know it is a whole line of spiritual belief and I am not hear to discuss religion or politics. But I have a funny story.

In the car I overheard my humans speaking. Dad said something and Mom told him not to think so negatively. His response was, "yeah, well every time I do something bad does happen."

She said nothing, do you see why she titled this post the way she did?!.

I attract great things in my life, but then again I feel I am a great dog! That is one of the whole and simple trick to life. Being proud and going out into the world with self confidences and a positive feeling and bring home only that which you have choosen. I only choose peace, love and possitive thoughts.

Emma Zen

No excuses

Today Mom forgot to show up somewhere. Doesn't matter what she says, even if it is legate. She wasn't where she was suppose to be and that is that. No excuses.

If your dog pees on the carpet, he peed on the carpet. Doesn't matter why or your roll in it. A "p" is a "p"!

So I too didn't show up somewhere today, no excuse, I wasn't there.

You have to take the good with the "oh my gosh I feel like a monkey".

So says I.

Emma the embarrassed

Blessing of the Animals

Today I attended Douglas Cook's Blessing of the Animals. He is a Catholic Monsignor. A short note on blessings, be you human or from the animal kingdom.

Don't spend your time or avoidance because you are not Catholic, or dismiss someone because you are not Buddisht, nor roll your eyes because you are not another religion or belief. Look at what they all have in common. They at least all believe that their is someone higher then themselves.

And in not quibbling I got an extra blessing! See I am not Catholic. Though that doesn't matter. You can never have too many blessings. And it came to me from the heart of another. And that is the most important thing.

Maybe we are all trying to get to the peak of the same mountain. And we are all just taking a different path up...

Emma Zen

Leaving without me?!.

When I was young my Humans Mother told her to leave me at home once in awhile so I knew what it was like to be alone. Neither one of us understood that then but now we do. It is a good suggestion if you take your dog EVERYWHERE with you. You don't want to create separation anxiety on purpose. You NEVER know what life brings.

I am lucky my human truly CAN take me everywhere. I am a service dog so I have special permissions. But I have to say when she leaves me on purpose I am the saddest looking dog you have ever seen. I know she does that so I don't become neurotic but truly I ask, is it necessary. Please don't leave me alone.

A year ago my human got sick. Not sick take me to the hospital and make her better. Sick, OMG I hope she doesn't die sick, no one though about taking me. I spent hours alone at home so worried, so worried. Had I already had these separate experience I probably would have just though I was in for some good nap time. So if you won't do it for yourself, do it for me, or for your dog. Just in case something happens you leave me, with a healthy state of mind.

As for me, it's too late. Today I trotted down the sidewalk as she drove away. And she stopped and opened the car door and let me in. I went to the place that does your nails, not petco the nail salon. I could have stayed home but... I want to, I have to be with her. This store may sound cute, precious and adorable but if you are creating a me at home you may want to take another look at what your doing. I am asking you to be aware. For our sake, not yours. And after all that is what you humans say that matter.

Just something to think about.

Midnight Ramble

Take into consideration my behavioral patterns and then work around them to suit your human needs.

See I have a friend whose dog gets up in the middle of the night and eats things, like the couch! But she doesn't think about him when she goes to sleep. She keeps him on a short leash all day and then when she sees me nodded out, she goes to bed herself. Three hours later he's up and having sofa snack. People, you can watch me in the day time but your proverbial short leash on me at night, if these are your issues, consider the behavioral patterns.

Considered the nature, cats are nocturnal. My sister Sam, a Siamese, is up all hours of the night cruising the house, batting her stuff mouse around, eating cat food and being mouthy. Now you wouldn't expect this furry bundle of joy to sleep all night would you?

I am a good dog. I do not eat anything that isn't mine. I do not play with my humans things. I take myself outside to potty. I am a good dog. But I am also a Lucky Dog! You see my human Dad has worked a lot a night during his life, so his nature is to be up at all hours. So in my house, me, Dad and Sam do this little thing we like to call, The Midnight Ramble! We all sneak out of the bedroom and go into the living room together and we play indoor games and we all get belly rubs and we have cheese snacks and watch TV together. DON"T TELL MOM, but one time we were all on the same couch! We all get it out of our system and we all go back to bed where we will find Mom sound asleep.

So if it is your animals nature or behavior to be a night owl, wake up with, or provide for or set boundaries during those hours. Don't wake up and yell at him just because he eat the couch. You sort of let him, by doing nothing. I guess I am feeling sorry for my friend who eat the couch. He was just being himself. We are not perfect or human and you must be guiding us every minute if you want a perfect dog, even the minutes you are asleep.

Not everyone is lucky enough to Ramble!

One foot in front of the other

Keep on trucking. One day at a time. Baby Steps. Just try.

Things you hear over and over whenever you run into a rock and a hard spot. Excuse, good excuse and poor ones, all used a reasoning to validate why you did or didn't do something.

It's priorities, that will say what you pay more attention to. It's the one with the priority status that you care the most about.

I said I was going to write something everyday for a year and tonight I almost forgot. TV and kicking it in the hall were more important.

Doesn't mean that you can't skip. But admit to it. Know "why" you skipped something, failed something, didn't do something. You may feel the urge to hide in the face of others but why lie to yourself?

Persistence's, Little Steps, One moment a time, I just do it.

Inner Linus (A plea from a dog)

This weekend I heard about an organization who collects unwanted blankets from humans and gives them out for free to the doggies and other animal who have found themselves in shelter.

I have already done my due to advocate for this charity, which included posting it all over facebook, twitter and myspace. I think my human is even going to add it to my website. A good deeds, needs recognition.

This post however is meant to say "Thank You" to those that support such services and is let those humans who may not understand how important such simple things in life are even to me, a dog.

A Blanket, my kingdom for a blanket. I have my own blanket now or shall I say, I have my own blanket(s)! I know them to be my place verse mine. I know them to be comfort verse comfortable. I know them to be safe verse safety. A blanket is so much more then warmth. The minute you get your own blanket you get your own stability! You get your own balance! You get your own dogness!

I know I am blessed and fortunate but so many are not. I remember that despair, that sorrow, that loneliness. Please support causes that help others or take a blanket to your nearest animal shelter. The difference is life with compassion or life with none. A life worse then death.

Human efforts make ALL differences, your the only one who can.

The Dirt on Dogs

In the following of yesterdays post, enough is enough, I still lay here... still. Unattended to and left alone. Sleeping away in the dirt because to me, a dog, I find it cool, refreshing, quite, and of my nature. No one made me go anywhere. No one woke me up. No one bothered me at all. It has been a sleepy, boring, perfect beautiful day!

Enough is Enough

Sky diving, Dog events, Dog Movies, Dog Walks, Visits, Play Time, Bath Time, Get in the car, get out of the car, get dressed, eat now, eat later, say hello to..., say goodbye to..., Sit, Stay, Stop, Down, Okay.

Left, Right, Up, Down... Enough is Enough!

I do not know if you are one of these dogs. But does your human take you EVERYWHERE? Are you going to the store, going to Grandmas, going to the dog park, going to the beach, going down the street? Are you just... Always going?

I do not know how many of you are out there but I can't be the only one. But if your human is reading this for you I have something to say, "Leave me alone!" :-) I mean, goodness I am a dog, a dog sleeps a lot. In fact according to Sleep and Dreams in Dogs and Cats: Under controlled laboratory conditions both cats and dogs sleep about 13 hours per day but they wake up more frequently than people do.
According to Planet Dog: • Adult dogs spend approximately half their life sleeping, typically 12 hours a day.• Some breeds need more sleep than others – as much as 18 hours per day! (typically larger breeds).

In other words, even though this may only apply to the 1 percenters of this world, if you are doing or over doing PLEASE give me a rest. A day to myself to sleep. To you it may seam like I am doing nothing but believe me... Sleeping all day can be heaven!

Reel Dog

What a weekend! Skydiving, Pet Trek's, Wiggle Waggles and the movies! Yes, tonight I get to participate in one of life's lost greatest moments. The car is filled with ice chest and blankets, jackets and snacks, chairs and toys. We will be meeting my Dad, GrandMEM, Granny and Friend at a park. One person is bring soda's the other is bringing chicken dinner! My favorite! And we are going to have a picnic in the park while a dog movie plays on an outdoor big screen!!!

When was the last time you had a picnic? When was the last time you layed on the ground and looked up at the stars? When did you just sit and watch the ocean, the garden, the world. When did you last stop? Being a dog, I do stuff like that pretty frequently and I will let you in on a secret. You humans always seam to NOT have enought time busy running around like crazy. I think it is you, who chases your own tail. But anyhow, my secret, "If you want more hours in your day, S L O W D O W N. I know it sounds funny but try it. See how fast you can waste 5 minutes doing something, doing anything, and the see how long five minutes is when you do nothing.

It's a lesson best taught by a dog. Try it. Sit. Stay. Be a real dog!

Emma Zen

Falling from the Sky

Tonight we are going to watch skydivers do a world record attempt. Even in the mist of their fun and their triumphs I notice they are still bound to one of the laws of nature, gravity! Notice: Even when you think you are having fun and being totally out of control, you are still following rules.

Change your perception if you need to, see a rule or a law as natural, part of being. Accept that which is our nature and work within those elements to be and do anything you want or need.

I have watched humans' who fight their every move. Learn to swim with the current and it will be easier to point in a new direction and you'll have the power of the wave pushing behind you! Learn and minimize your fears. Tell someone what to do, not how to do it, and then be amazed by their determination and resourcefulness to accomplish the goals. Don't pull on my leash and cause me to pull back. Correct my behavior, tell me my boundaries and the watch me learn how to behave inside them.

And lets all face it, without limitations including the basic laws of nature, we are just: falling from the sky...

A very insightful feeling dog.
Emma Zen

Dog Star

It's not what you think. Actually it's a constellation and the comment name for Sirius, also a star. My humans have a telescope and we all belong to the Orange County Astronomers Association. It is amazing. There is so much we don't know. So much we can see. So much we can't imagine. Sort of puts into prospective our lives.

If ever you feel overwhelmed. If ever you feel angry. If ever you feel attacked. If ever you feel a victim of unfair game. If ever you feel sorry for yourself. Look up. It's all so insignificant. We are all so little, so minute. We are all here for such a short time, live healthy!

Life and Death

I am a biker dog and following in the footsteps of many bikers before me, I offer a paw in hopes that I can be of some assistance.

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Life and Death, how much ying verses yang can you ask for? How can one thing have opposite sides of the coin be true and poignant at the same time? How can such pain be associated with such happiness?

Happiness? I though this blog was titled, "Life and Death." Where is the happiness in that? Well my friend you are not looking at it from my point of view.

If you are a human who has lost a dog, or any other close pet, you know the pain, you understand the pain, the pain you can relate too. I do not need to fill you in on that. But you don't understand the happiness, you don't feel the gratitude, you can not connect to it in any way. I am here to share from the canine point of view.

I am still alive but I know what my life is like. Since the day my human came into my life, my life has been grand. I am loved. I am healthy. I get blankets, pillows and beds. I have had toys, treats and special dinners. I get taken to the park, vacation and grandmas. I am SO accepted and I am not human. I am SO appreciated. I am SO loved. My human, just like you, treats me with love and respect every single day. And we it is my time to go, I will not have known hunger at her hands. I will not have known abuse. I will not have known loneliness. I will not have known abandonment. We, the dogs and pets of people who love and treat us with respect, we are the fortunate ones. We have the ability to live a charmed life, a healthy life, a desired life, a happy life.

And even thought it may be one of your most difficult moments in your life. I want you to know that all I associate my life with, is happiness!

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A friend of my Mom's has a dog who passed away this week. It made my Mom and I cry. Our lives are so much shorter than that of the human existence and it is almost certain that you will probably see us go before you. As hard emotionally as it is, know that it is okay to feel the pain. As long as hear me when I say, "We all thank you, all of us animals of humans who care, we all thank you. We were happy and were want you to know that.."

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With Compassion, Emma Zen & her Human.

Much like a human

Well it happened again. Today I set off to do something for myself and it turned out to be for everyone else. From therapy work this morning at the senior center, to the acceptance of an invitation. (Something someone needs to do with a dog.) To asking people over but because they need a friend more and I could be one at that time.

See I had a great day, a full day, a happy day and a healthy day.

Recognize what in your day you may have done for someone else and then make sure you do it again tomorrow. If we all give help, we all recieve help.

It works for humans too.

Nothing to Say

Ever have one of those moments (days) when you just don't have anything to say? Well on those days, say nothing!

Thank You

When is that last time you said thank you to someone? I mean just said "thank you." Not, thank for .... (naming whatever it was you received), just "thank you."

When is the last time you meant thank you, as in, an actually sign of appreciation. Appreciation for the actions of another? When is the last time your thank you was about another, not yourself?

Whenever you say thank you for this or thank you for that, aren't you sort of stroking your own back? If you just tell the person you are address thank you, and you haven't included your own excitement, enjoyment or gain. Then it is truly a thank you and the focus is about them. Isn't that what "thank you" is suppose to be about anyways?

Funny thing, as this was being written with the idea in mind of saying to Dave from I like Vinyl, "Thank you." We received a text message from someone who is on her way here and when she arrives my human will keep her mouth shut and just say to her also, simple "thank you".

We all want to talk about ourselves. But sometimes the message is clearer when we don't say much at all.

So when I am passing down the hall or come into the room you are in and I rub against you and then walk away. Don't say: funny dog, or strange dog, or unsociable. Maybe it is my way of just passing by for a few seconds to say nothing more then "thank you!"

Balance

I was going to be cleaver and write about balance. And then I decided to just remind us all to have some in our lives.

Emma Zen

502

Tonight it is late but a daily post needs a daily post. And that is exactly what today's blog is about. Knowing what is what. My humans still deals with maintaining her fences and staying on her side of them. While I have 502 hits on my new you tube video.
Now I know to you it sounds like I jumped from one subject to another. But I did not. 502, It is a memory for my human, 502 represents something else to her. It has meaning to my human that originated from something in her past.
And that is why people jump fences. Because they seam to have 502 excuses for their actions.
So, stick your convection's, and don't let what others say change your opinion of yourself or your actions. And retrain your thinking, even if you have to fake it until you make it... Say "502 are video hits, 502 are video hits, 502 are video hits" (or whatever your trouble is, rename it.) Someday someone will ask you for 502 something and you'll say, "what? videos...)
I guess I am sensitive to that which my humans needs so that is why I write of a human emotion today.
If you need a lesson from a dog, well sorry, in this case we are much like you. I was at dog park today and I chased two dogs trying to play with them. I thought each of them looked like (so they must have been) old friends of mine. Then I got up their and took a sniff and found out I was wrong. I spent the rest of the night playing with them saying "new friend, new friend"
So you are not weird or alone or different. We are all the same. We can all learn. We can all change.

Fences and Borders

I do not wish to post a purpose for today as much as I would like to point out an interesting fact.

My human was dealing with boundaries the last couple of days. I have witnessed that for humans, sometimes sticking to your boundries is not easy to do, especially if and when it hurts others. That is the hard part for you humans and especially hard when you are one of those people who would never do that kind of thing naturally. It is one of those things humans aren't good at. Humans let emotions make many choices for them and in that process I have seen them having to jump over their own boundaries.

That does not make sense.

My human is healthy and at least recognizes that this can be the case. Sets her boundaries and doesn't allow herself to fall victim of an emotional game. She is very healthy.

But I am a dog and I can tell if 1% of you is torn. So I pointed out a funny that made her laugh and today I am sharing it with you as my interesting fact of the day.

Stick to your guns humans, because when their are no boarders the only thing on other side of the proverbial fences are turkeys!

Simple is Best

Today I went with my human and followed along and was a dog. I played with a new friend and behaved at lunch, the shopping mall and Starbucks.
Then I came home and my purpose was clear. See my human got up and feel to her knees! She said a little nerve took her down. She is not a sit still person and she hasn't moved all afternoon. My purpose was grand, but mostly disguised as a foot warmer!

Diversification

My GrandMEM said a funny thing tonight. She was telling me about my Grandpa Willie and how he had gone to the high sierra's to get a fish. She said, "I prefer to go to Whole Foods. It's more convenient and there aren't any fricken mosquitoes there!"

Now I don't know why but it made me laugh.....

You I think she has something here. Sometimes you need to be a dog and do dog things. You need to fight, you need to bark, you need to play in the mud. And sometimes you just want someone to cut your nails for you!
So be patient and let us go all "dog" on you sometimes and still give us the good life. You want just the same. Funny sometimes there is no difference in us!

Canine Human

I am not sure if it is because I am a therapy dog or just because my human can't seem to go anywhere without me, but I do a lot of things you humans do. It has served to make me well adjusted and behave with integrity through numerous situations that might throw a less seasoned dog into turmoil. However today someone called me human.

I know they meant well but I have never been so insulted. Don't take that the wrong way, if I was human I would love to called human. But I am dog and there for prefer the term canine.

This is were so many pet vs. person relationships go bad. It is more then okay that you love me with all of your heart. It is perfect that you hug and play with me. I even like it when you introduce me as your "furry child." Baby talk as much as you want just understand, I am not you.

I am dog. I need direction. I need discipline. I need exercise. I need food. I need love. All the stuff you give are extra and icing on my cake. But if you want me to be a canine human, treat me like a well seasoned dog!

Purpose

Today, I learned how to balance myself on the edge of the pool so I wouldn't fall in. I practiced my manners at lunch and didn't even notice the big beautiful yellow Labrador who was at the table next to me. I tore up a towel just so my GrandMEM would think she was playing with me, even though it is not in my character. So today's purpose?

Well today, I was me!

Some times that is all you need to do.

Stand in your own shoes

I wrote this ---l---o---n---g--- old blog and then hit the delete button on purpose. Maybe it was just for the sake of writting and getting it out of my fur, I just don't know.

But now I don't know what to write about now.

My purpose was to look at myself and not others. I wrote about standing in someone else's shoes. But sometimes you have to check your words and the direction from which you approach a story. My blogs shouldn't result from someone else's negativities. Or from me taking anyone else's inventory. You need to be responsible for your own actions, even if your a dog. It's just sometimes it's hard not to judge someone else's tail!

So I deleted it and started over. Let's see something about, me...?....

Last night, I eat the cat food. (Yep me, I did that. I don't even know why? I never even go in there.) But, I did!.... It's so hard to say "I did it! I had a weak moment, it was me, I did it" when it is so much easier to say, "It was your fault for leaving it where I could get it." Today this is my purpose to stay inside me, to stay centered, to stay... a dog!

So later I will say what small thing I did today that was important for me. It would be nice to hear your comments on your accomplishment too. Never to small. We learn from each other. We learn from experience.

Remember it's is the simple things that are important not the beauty queens desire of world peace. Look for inner peace, the rest.... will follow.

Emma Zen

Nine - Eleven

****DISCLAIMER**** Any commentary made here is not meant to hurt or insult anyone, in any way, shape or form. I understand that I am choosing to make a comment on a very emotional subject. My views are that of a canine, which at all cost tries to be happy. Please understand that this blog is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be any direct statement of personal opinion of that of my human or anyone else, they are just dog thoughts. We that I leave you and begin my blog for today with a blessing: if you or anyone you know and love has been effective by 9-11 may you find a way through to your inner peace.****



My human was watching the news this morning. They were interviewing a man who said he felt it was his duty to "Remember" the fallen. That he didn't like holidays filled with BBQ's and parades. That memorials and memorial day was to give recognition to those that gave their lives. I understood him, simply he was correct.

The news media keep asking him somber questions almost like they were "trying" to find the horror in it all again. Saying things like "this is such a sad day, such an emotional day, such a sober day awful day" That I didn't get. Not that I don't understand (read above disclaimer) however just because someone chooses to remember a late person on memorial day, 9-11 or any other day of the year isn't necessarily a reason to still feel a victim.

Let me give you an example. Okay so say you know a dog and then you don't see him for a long time but someone brings your clothes in for the dog to sniff and they get all excited just by the smell. (That's memory) Or how about the number of times they took me over to Granny's house and then Granny moves but I visit their 6 months later and I get all goofy and over wag my tail looking for her. (That to is my memory.)

See dogs remember and typically speaking we are happy, excited. I know there are those exceptions where 2 dogs have been together for a long period of time and then one passes away and the other is miserable the rest of his life. But those are the few in the ground and we refer to them as sad and lonely or neurotic or some other not so pleasant word.

I just want people to heal with pride, to remember the brave and remember the more then few who did so needlessly lose their lives.

So in order to help us all heal and get our own tails wagging. Remember. Remember the smiles, the spirit or how you were touched by an individual while they were hear on this earth. Remember how people who didn't know people all pulled for each other. Remember the patriotism and how infectious it was. Remember the glory that came out of tragedy. Remember the good.

Each of us are still blessed to be under the protection of the United States of America.

Emma Zen

Therapy What?

I am sure you humans have had these kinds of days before, I know my human is having one today. Ever feel like your chasing your tail? Yesterday was suppose to be all about me, turned out to be all about my friends. Today was suppose to be all about them, as I went to a local convalescent hospital to do some therapy and it turned out to be all about me. In a selfish sort of way, you see it was so hot today all I could do was lay on the nice cold tiled floor. It's a good thing humans enjoy being in the presence of an animal, even a lazy one. So what the heck will tomorrow bring?

Oh I see.... I just noticed the problem. Why the heck to I want to know about tomorrow, when right now it is today?!. I have been hanging around you humans so much I am starting to think like one. (Goodness save me) My dog head in one moment different from the one it is. Doesn't matter if it is in the past or the future anything "not now" is not going to work. I have been chasing my tail.

Well enough of that. Lets all say it together, enough of that. Take some advice given to me today by one of my fellow therapy pets Mother: Just Be!

Made them smile.

Were to start? Today was "It's all about me day" so let me tell
you what I did. This morning my friends Denise & Haiku came
over to visit. And I did 2 things. First I gave Denise the chance
to be away from work for a while, she got "a break". She seamed
so happy to just be with us dogs. Then my friend Haiku, well even
though I refer to him as the second thing I did today. I think we
did more for him then anyone.

He learned to behave in a car with another dog. (That was me.)
He learned how to jump the fence! (That is so much fun.)
He learned how to confront his fears. (The statue is sort of weird)
And he learned how to eat off a tortoise! (That's Daisy)

He had a day he need too. I love that I could
be there for my friends. It makes me happy!

Then we went to Anaheim Feed & Pet Supply, the worlds greatest pet store. Mom can get everything she wants or needs and I get to wonder around and sniff everything. And all the employees know your name! They say "Hi Emma" My favorite person was there Harrison and I gave him a huge kiss. (He said he needed that.) and then his baby "DUFFY" was their too. He is so so cute and tiny and he doesn't shake at all. He is very comfortable but he is a little shy about big dogs. So I laid on my side and let him crawl all over me! His dad said he needed that lesson.

Then my "boyfriend" Jake came

over. (He is SO handsome.) and

Jake needed to cool off so we

played around in my pool. We got

really dirty and had to take baths.

Jake's dad had errands to do so he

was so happy that he could stay

over at my house with me.

So, that is what I did today. I helped Denise. I helped Haiku. I helped Harrison. I helped Duffy. I helped Jake. I helped Jake's dad.

Isn't that funny. Today was suppose to be all about me and spend it helping others. No wonder I turned into a therapy dog, seams to be in my nature. But it is also a lesson. When it truly is all about you, it is generally about someone else. Try it and see how good you feel.

Emma Zen

It's all about me!

I bet I mean something different then what you all think. But tomorrow it is all about ME!

You see today Mom was busy ALL day. She cleaned the house, she water the yard, she uncovered the furniture on the patio, she pulled weeds, she did laundry, she washed the car, she washed me, she went to the market. She was so so busy.

And I was patient. I guess that is what my purpose was today. To be patient. And Good things come to those that wait. For tomorrow it is all about me day!

She said we can go out to breakfast and I can take a dog friend! We can go on a hike? Or a swim? Or the dog park? Or anything I want to do tomorrow.

So it may be all about me (tomorrow) Today it was all about her (or her chores) but either way the lesson is, it is all about Balance!

Feeling Good!