websites, shelters, adopt-a-thons and rescue groups,” she says. “As a single person with a full-time job, I wanted a dog that would fit with my work, volunteer and exercise schedules.” Riley, a bloodhound/Lab mix, fit the bill. Shelter workers can project how large a


When a dog or


cat won’t do, try something in a


dog will get when fully grown, as well as their temperament and other breed traits. Carver was cautioned that Riley was an active ani- mal, needed long walks and would ultimately top 100 pounds. Now age 11, he’s a companionable 135 pounds. “I was surprised at how easy it was to change my routine to accommodate playtime, mile-long walks and train- ing. He’s laid back and gentle for his size,” comments Carver, a blog talk radio show host in Parma, Ohio. Danielle Nay, an expat from the UK, researched for two


years before choosing Freeway, her neighbor-friendly löw- chen. He’s a mid-size dog, big enough to be a manly com- panion, but the right size for a high-rise apartment. “When his humans are busy, Freeway flings his own ball down the hall and then runs after it,” she says.


Not Quite Perfect The perfect pet doesn’t have to be perfect in looks or health. Dorie Herman, of Jersey City, New Jersey, a graphic designer for Martha Stewart Living, in New York City, is the human behind Chloe Kardoggian, a Chihuahua and puppy mill rescue, age 11, which she describes as “three pounds, two teeth, one giant tongue and an Insta- gram sensation.” Due to poor nutrition, mill dogs often lose their teeth as young adults, causing their tongues to hang out. She advocates for older dogs and an adopt/don’t buy policy. “With senior animals, you know what you’re getting. They have personality,” says Herman. “With my work schedule, I wanted an older pet, small and pid- dle-pad trained.”


North Shore


tank—freshwater fish, lizards or hamsters.


Take Two Herbert Palmer, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, now with Green the Grid Group, worked for a moving company when three kittens showed up near the loading dock. A co-worker took one. Not in the market for a cat, much less two, Palmer tried to find them good, safe homes. Af- ter five days, he realized, Lucky and Day had a home—with him. “Sometimes we adopt them. Many times they adopt us,” he confides.


Falling in love doesn’t depend solely on what looks


good on paper. Everyone deserves to find their “heart” pet— when that first exchanged look proclaims, “He’s mine.”


Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.


More Factors to Consider


n A yard isn’t a must, but dogs need regular exercise and socialization.


n Adult children boomerang home after college or a divorce, often with pets. A new baby also alters a home’s equilibrium. Many hours away due to work, school activ- ities, elder care and/or volunteering can lead to a bored pet that will produce its own entertainment, often to the family’s dismay.


n Some pets are easily washable, while others need pro- fessional grooming. Daily brushing minimizes shedding.


n Family members’ tolerance for pet drool and snoring counts.


n A yearly wellness exam, required inoculations, a micro- chip and pet insurance add to the tab.


NOV. 5-8, 2015 Grief Healing Retreat


Give yourself the gift of dedicated grief-healing time. The 20 spaces are filling fast! Reserve yours now!


Check SacredWheelCenter.com and click “North Shore Retreat” for more information!


Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay, MN | CovePointLodge.com


Are you stuck in grief’s waiting room? Can’t go back and can’t move ahead? Does your healing feel blocked? Has beauty in your life disappeared?


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Thursday 7pm- Sunday Noon


*Cost includes 3 nights lodging, meals, activities, a 1/2-hour individual healing session, customized grief-healing herbs for teas and essential oils.


Cheryl Downey


M.Div., Minister of Sacred Arts & Shamanic Approach to Grief


612-272-3977 $100 deposit


by October 15, 2015


Full cost of $650* due by November 1, 2015


natural awakenings November 2015 23


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