Green Hills of Home

Our highland mountain home is taking on the quintessential fresh green hue of spring with the leafing out of trees and shrubs, to the new shoots of native grasses and sweeping hay fields. Wildlife and livestock have already begun nibbling on the sweet, succulent grass. By my observation, a few of the Eight Laws of Health can be applied to lowly grass: NUTRITION, WATER, SUN, AIR, and REST.

Nutrition: this is obvious is relation to herbivores and omnivores. Even carnivores periodically imbibe for digestion and self-medication, seeking out certain grasses and plants to fill their needs… instinctively. Water: the fresh morning dew or new fallen raindrops collected on each blade of grass clean a dogs coat while rolling on it as they often do; Sun: chlorophyll provided by photosynthesis thanks to the sun may provide benefits to skin and coat as it does when taken internally; Air: the characteristic scent of cut or crushed grass may stir “life-is-good” feelings;  Rest: oh, how delightful it is on a warm day to snooze in the shade on a soft cushion of cool grass! And what about the grounding influence of simply being outside in direct contact with the earth?

Who would’ve thought humble little blades of grass could offer so many healthful benefits! Low in stature and often overlooked, perhaps, but lowly in importance, never.

On the Breeze

This time we’ll focus on the sixth naturopathic Law of Health… AIR. It’s a given that every living creature needs fresh air daily, even though air pollution is a problem. Even the air quality within our homes, especially during winter, is a health hazard due to the off-gassing of chemical products used daily or just sitting in the cupboard. Now that gives one pause for thought!

Taking your dog to the park is a fine way to get both exercise and fresh air in a mentally stimulating environment. A favorite place of ours is a beach-front park on the Puget Sound – fresh salt air, clean rocky beach, cool waves lapping at the shore, and not too much chemically-treated grass to avoid walking on (we are mindful to avoid such exposure). Hiking trails are another option to enjoy fresh air together.

What does one do about the air inside the home? Go natural, of course! First, opening your windows briefly even on mild winter days is important. Next, kick the chemicals out of your house! Here is my personal list of non-toxic items for cleaning: distilled white vinegar, baking soda, salt, borax, and various organic essential oils like lemon, lavender, and juniper. With these basic inexpensive ingredients one can safely clean just about anything, and very effectively I might add.

Candles add charm and atmosphere yet are serious indoor health hazards. Paraffin is a petroleum by-product that releases carcinogens when burned. Vegetable based waxes like soy would be a better choice if not for the fact that they are most often laden with chemical fragrances and colorants. Instead opt for 100% pure beeswax candles, dye and fragrance-free (except for if scented with essential oils.) I adore the natural sweet honey scent of a beeswax candle! Burning beeswax actually cleans the air through the action of ions binding with dirt, allergens, and pollution, dropping them to the floor to be whisked away, no other natural wax can make that claim.

And for goodness sake, leave those “air fresheners” on the market shelf where they belong! An ultrasonic air diffuser used with therapeutic grade essential oils is a healthy, safe alternative. I also like to put a couple drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball and place in the vacuum cleaner bag while vacuuming. It makes the whole house smell as fresh as a summers’ day! Wave goodbye to caustic dryer sheets by a simple switch to dryer balls made from recycled woolen garments. Or better yet hang your laundry on the line to dry by the sun, for free!

These ideas barely scratch the surface, but show how easy it is to take in and provide fresh air for your pets and family!

Speak Softly, Spring

Every day the zealous approach of spring is apparent. Soon the snow will be just a memory and the melodic song of the mountain bluebird will return to our highland mountains. Spring on our ranch usually means baby animals - adorable calves, cuddly puppies, bouncing bunnies, and fluffy chicks. This spring we will add lambs to that list! It’s truly awe-inspiring to watch the miracle of birth and listen in whilst mother and offspring communicate in their own gentle language. 

Our animals are raised as naturally as possible – fed a biologically appropriate diet for each species, enjoy lots of sunshine and fresh air, clean water, and no medications or chemicals. In keeping with the fifth naturopathic Law of Health, TEMPERANCE, we also choose not to interfere with life processes such as birthing unless absolutely necessary.

Temperance isn’t a word we hear very often these days. It is an old Middle English word meaning moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc. Humans in their well-meaning way tend to involve themselves in animal birth too much. We prefer to temper our actions, standing by attentively as the mother’s natural instincts kick in; helping only if needed. If you worry as I do, at times this takes a great deal of self-restraint!

Most dog breeders cut the umbilical cord, dry the puppy, and even place it in position for its first meal. We never want to deny the Dam of fulfilling her role as mother. In regard to care of a puppy’s umbilical cord, how satisfying it is to see the mother instinctively trim it just right with the perfect instrument, her teeth, and then clean and protect it with the anti-bacterial properties in her saliva. Granted an overzealous, inexperienced Dam can cause damage, so being close at hand is necessary just in case. Keeping the whelping box tidy with non-toxic cleaners is very important too.

When one stops to think about it, no one is on hand to place a wolf pup at its mothers’ teat yet they find the milk source admirably. This seemingly innocent act takes from the dog breeder an important assessment tool called Biotinus (Latin for vigor of life).  Observing how quickly or slowly a puppy finds its first meal begins the selection process and getting to know each puppy individually. This test is valuable in helping to determine which puppies may be breeding/show stock candidates, able to pass on natural health and strength to future generations. The Dam’s reaction too is part of what her offspring will inherit from her.

Then take the simple trimming of fur on the expectant Dam’s belly. Again, their wild cousins need no such grooming. In fact, fur in that area naturally thins out on its own. Watching puppies suckle it is interesting to note that their little paws complete with teeny tiny nails, move around the nipple quite a lot, pushing and kneading. If that fur was clipped short this would quickly become a very uncomfortable time for mother dog! Fur protects her delicate flesh while nurturing and bonding with her offspring. As the wee ones grow so do their sharp nails, so we do step in to trim them regularly.

So you see, there is a lot more to Temperance than first thought allows! Displaying Temperance is something we could all do a bit more of, even within our human relationships.   

For more information about the Biotinus test mentioned, read the article “Selecting for Vigor” by Suzanne Clothier.

Good Day, Sunshine!

Liam as a youngster.

 We know Nature’s laws cannot be ignored. However, the fourth naturopathic Law of Health, SUNLIGHT, has been somewhat confused in past decades. First, the effects of sunlight weren’t given much thought. Then it was thought very detrimental. Now it is known to be healthy for the essential natural vitamin D provided. 

Animals know they need sunlight to stay healthy. In fact, their fur collects and stores vitamin D from the sun, releasing it slowly as needed. Whether it is 10 degrees or 90 degrees outside, my dogs seek out the sun. Even while indoors if there is a swathe of sunshine to be found anywhere on the floor I’m sure to see one soaking it up! My kitty is often curled up on a sun-drenched window sill.

Ranch life makes it easy for my dogs to get all the exercise and sunshine their loving heart’s desire. Granted, the majority of pet owners don’t live in the country, but you still can and should apply all of the eight great Laws in your pets’ lives – it just might mean being a little creative!

Making sure they get the sunlight they need and desire during the winter months takes extra care, especially in certain sun-challenged geographic locations like our former home of western Washington. But it’s still feasible by grabbing an umbrella those rainy days or bundling up and heading outside with your dog on sunny days. That natural dose of vitamin D and exercise are great for you, too, and what a wonderful time for bonding and to do a little training!

In spring and summer it doesn’t require much effort to enjoy the sun’s healthful benefits, save for protecting our skin from too much exposure. Speaking as a person who is painfully hyper-sunsensitive, there are safe chemical-free topical products as well as a certain type of fabric from which a line of clothing is made that offer the needed protection. I still take in those wonderful rays as much as sensibly possible!

I hope you too will take advantage of the lovely sunny days where you are and get outside with your dog to take in the sunshine!

Where Does it Go?

 It’s hard to believe another year is now history. Where does the time go?

2012 was full of exciting new happenings and painful feelings, too. As we reached the one year mark of our beloved Eoin’s death, the grief still felt very fresh. Some months later, we finally feel the painful grip on our hearts lessening. Thinking about him is still almost a daily occurrence, but we can at least look at pictures without ending up in tears, not every time anyway. A dog that special will never be forgotten… so many fond memories are stored in our heart.

We celebrated the arrival of lots of baby animals this spring. The most momentous newcomers were our first litter of Naturally Reared English Shepherd puppies! What an incredible experience!!! We anticipated lots of work, which it was; and lots of fun, which it was; but the degree of sadness saying goodbye to each puppy was a surprise. These precious babies snuggled their way into our hearts immediately. We enjoyed every single solitary moment raising them! Observing their development was fascinating. Seeing the difference Natural Rearing made was educational. Giving them a solid foundation of health and socialization on which to build was rewarding. Realizing a long-held dream… that of sending into the world Puppies from our own line of Naturally Reared English Shepherds was truly humbling.

Knowing each Puppy went to a family who would carry on Natural Rearing and where they would have happy lives filled with love and adventure was incredibly satisfying. Though it was daunting we enjoyed the process of getting to know all the applicants, their hopes and dreams for their own English Shepherd and helping more folks learn about and embrace Natural Rearing. Makes us sort of wish we had had more Puppies to go around!

While most folks who had been waiting for a Naturally Reared English Shepherd Puppy from us finally had the opportunity to welcome a wee one into their home, due to varied circumstances others weren’t as fortunate. We were so happy with the Liam/Greer cross, a repeat breeding is definitely in the future. Exactly when that will be is another story. Raising puppies in a fifth-wheel travel trailer is not something we wish to do over! Thankfully there were only five pups! Most likely 2014 will be the next litter.

Raising the progeny of our own dogs is unlike any other dog experience! Young Fahey is so very special to us! Keeping him was due in part to the loss of Eóin. We so wanted to see his offspring and keep one, but we were cruelly robbed of that chance. Also, we really need two dogs on our ranch. It’s fact. We know all too well that something could happen to one. This breed is very social and pack-oriented. We never want to see one of our precious companions fall into a depression like Greer did when Eóin died, or be as vulnerable in keeping watch over us all. Thusly our decision to keep a Pup from this litter was influenced. Having witnessed Fahey come into this world (and even helping a little with breaking the birth sack open since as firstborn Greer was a bit unsure of what to do with the “thing”!) we know each other extremely well. There is a deeper understanding and level of communication with him; the vocalizations, the expression in his eyes, the body language. Or perhaps it’s just the way he is. In any case, we are so glad we kept him! He is growing up to be quite an all-around farm dog.