Sunday, December 9, 2007

Tips on Vacationing with Your Dog

So, you have been sitting at your computer researching for your next family vacation and you hear some panting. You look over and there are two big brown eyes staring wistfully. You mull the dilemma. Should you bring Scotia, the long time loyal family pup along, or does he again get left behind?

There are some alternatives. While you and the rest of the family are having a good time frolicking in the surf, you could board or have a pet sitter look after him. If you do then do not be surprised upon your return if he holds a grudge. Being the diplomat you let the family decide. It is a resounding, He goes.

Before departing, there are some considerations, especially if this is his first extended holiday. The resort selection is a major consideration. Although, resort areas like hilton Head Island with its dog parks and relaxed beach regulations are extremely pet friendly, there is not an abundance of pet friendly accommodations. To get the best options, you will need to plan early.

Just as you plan your trip, there are steps to prepare for Scotias journey.

Preparation

1. Get Scotia acclimated to car travel.

2. Get copies of medical records with an up to date rabies vaccine certificate. Check with your vet regarding heart worm, flea/tick, and Bortadella preventative. If your pup does not travel well, ask your vet about using Scullcap and Valerian tablets (a herbal combination to combat anxiety, excitability, jitters, and travel sickness) a much better choice than using tranquilizers.

3. Consider micro-chipping. This is a pet monitoring system. It is painless procedure where a readable chip containing the pups necessary information is inserted under the skin.

4. Get your vets contact information. You should also ask if he or she knows of any vets at your destination.

5. Create a pet identification tag. This should have your pets name, address, and phone number. A simple method we employ is to use a film canister attached to the collar. This way we can use the local resort address. We fold a dollar bill into it, to cover phone calls.

6. Build a pet first aid kit. This kit should have gauze rolls and pads, scissors, tweezers, cotton balls, adhesive tape, silver nitrate, and pet sunscreen.

7. Design a Missing Dog Poster. All you need for this is an 8x11 sheet with your pups photo. Leave room to write the facts. It is precautionary should anything happen.

8. Get an extra collar and lead. This can come in handy should you need to tether your pet.

9. Find an old sheet incase you need to cover furniture. If you use a crate, this can also be used to cover the crate incase your pup exhibits some travel anxiety

10. beach towel for drying pup after his swims.

11. Gather the necessities

Steve Sardell is operations officer of http://www.hhidirect.com, a vacation rental service, located on hilton Head Island. Since 1999, Hhidirect has been matching guests with hilton Head vacation rental homes and villas in all the Islands resort areas.

My First Teacher Mrs Michaels Private Yoga

Brahmacharya

Brahmacharya is the fourth of the yamas and the word, literally translated means dedicated to the Divinity of Life. The word is often used in yogic practice to refer to celibacy or denying pleasure, but this is only a small part of what Brahmacharya represents. The purpose of practicing Brahmacharya is to keep you focused on your purpose in life, the things that instill a feeling of peace and contentment

Historically, Brahamacharya as celibacy was likely a product of teaching yoga to young men, whose desires can be difficult to harness. Unless you are living the ascetic life of a sadhu, chances are you will indulge in sexual pleasure, food pleasure or any number of possible treats. To bring brahmacharya into your life and yoga practice is to practice moderation in all things, including those things that are pleasurable distractions.

When we become hooked on pleasure, it becomes an addiction and the absence of pleasure feels like loss or dissatisfaction; we become unable to enjoy the simple happiness of life, to observe the quiet broad beauty of our minds - slowing down becomes difficult because the focus becomes the object of addiction. Practicing moderation allows us to enjoy pleasure and remain focused on our greater purpose. . How does this relate to asana practice? Sometimes yoga students push themselves in yoga practice, creating a sense of urgency, correctness (am I doing this pose well?) and anxiety. This can leave a student feeling exhausted at the end of their practice rather than feeling relaxed or refreshed and ready for purposeful action off the mat.

It is important to apply moderation to moderation also, so it is not a burden. It is a beautiful practice. It is about moderating the extremes, not wanting too much and being happy with what you have. The practice of Wanting Wanting Wanting will always leave you feeling unsatisfied.

Brahmacharya can bring out many issues and energies as you begin to observe moderation - our addictions and ego rebel strenuously when they are not in control. When they arise, notice what the issues are, go deeper into your practice and discover your true motivations.

Ask yourself what is your purpose in your yoga practice? What are your goals in yoga and do you allow space in your practice to reach those goals?

In yoga,

Jenn

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