For more information about Laura Cleveland and her compassionate work with animals, visit the Animal Whispers' website at
familiarity, an intense bond that I have with my precious pet that seems to transcend the ordinary day-to-day. There are moments when we are hiking together on a trail in the woods, and it seems as if we are moving, pausing, helping, waiting for, signaling to each other in perfect synchronicity, and I feel like Diana herself out on a hunt. (Not that I am claiming to be a Roman goddess either.) But even the simple moments, curled around each other at night, when it seems that we fit together juuuust right, when both of us heave simultaneous sighs of pure contentment, it seems like I am nestled next to a small slice of heaven here on earth.
My mom was a dog person, too. She started with a mixed breed, whose woeful eyes stole her heart as she was walking by the window of a local pet shop. Next, we inherited a miniature apricot poodle from a dear family friend. After that came the toy poodle pair, Pickles and Rosebud. Darlings, all. Then my mom passed away, way before 'her time', way before I was ready for it, a day before my oldest son's third birthday, six weeks after my second son was born. Through the waves and the wake of grief, my own dog became a lifeline. And a beautiful connection to mother.
My dog's name, Zuva, is a Shona word meaning 'sunshine.' And that is exactly what she
is for me. When I look down at her, my whole universe brightens. Thank you, girl.
I wish you all a gorgeous holiday season and happy new year, filled with warmth and slurpy kisses. May we express gratitude for all that we have, for each other, and not only for one another, but for the animals in our worlds as well.
Brightest blessings to you and yours!