Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, June 24, 2017

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

6

Mountain Views-News Saturday, June 24, 2017 


HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

WHY DOES FIDO 

WIPE HIS FEET?

Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

THE JOY OF YOGA


HAPPY SUMMER! 

I’ve seen dogs do some pretty funny things. They 
are excellent at keeping me entertained while I am 
walking them to keep them in shape. It is my belief 
that, much like humans, dogs are individuals. 
They each have their own unique personality, 
quirky behavioral patterns, hilarious hang-ups 
and mysterious habits.

 I also believe that, much like we humans, not 
everything a dog does has a particular deep or 
meaningful purpose behind it, other than just to 
have fun. In fact, I am convinced that many of the 
things dogs do are done simply to get our attention 
and, perhaps get us to laugh.

 For example, one of my canine clients, a 
wonderful white female shepherd named Charlee 
loves to jump up on top of the stone walls that line 
some the streets we frequent during our walks. She 
follows along slightly behind me and looks down 
from atop the wall while I lead her along from the 
sidewalk. It’s the funniest thing, and she does it 
nearly every time we go out.

 I sometimes wonder if Charlee does that because 
she likes the feeling of being taller than the human 
who is walking her. Or maybe she likes having the 
vantage point where she can see more squirrels or 
birds up in the trees. It is a mystery to me, but I 
love it when she does it because it‘s part of who she 
is.

 Another one of my sweet beastie buddies has 
a habit of leaning on my legs with his behind, 
obviously to get me to pet him. I can always tell 
when he’s ready for a rubbing; he stands in front 
of me facing the same direction and waits till I 
sit down; he then backs up and pushes himself 
into my bent knees and looks over his shoulder 
as if to say, “OK, time for my massage!”. I laugh 
hysterically every time.

 My canine companions crack me up so much 
when they do the funny things they do and I 
get a real kick out of observing the oddities and 
idiosyncrasies they display. Honestly, I consider 
it to be comic therapy for me. They each have a 
special and unique way of brightening up my day.

 One particular behavioral trait 
that many of my canine clients 
tend to demonstrate is that of 
wiping their feet after relieving 
themselves. Now and again I 
even catch clumps of grass kicked 
in my face while bending down 
to retrieve their droppings. I used 
to think a dog scooted it‘s paws 
after doing it’s business, to cover 
up the mess. But I have since 
found out that is not necessarily 
so.

 The general consensus among 
most animal behavioral researchers who’ve 
studied the scientific aspect of this trait in dogs, 
is they wipe their feet after doing their business 
because they have glands in the pads of their feet 
which secrete a fluid that other dogs are able to 
smell.

 Therefore, the purpose for this cute canine trick 
is to add a secondary signature to the spot they’ve 
just finished marking with their droppings. I’m 
sure the researchers are probably right, but as a 
layperson who loves mutts so much and likes to 
think she knows the mind of a dog, I still can’t help 
thinking they’re just trying to cover something up.

 There are so many curious canine quirks 
manifested by the average (although I don’t think 
there is any such thing) domestic dog, some of 
which are sure to put a person in stitches when or 
if they get to be the fortunate by-stander. I think 
the funniest favorite of all animal antics I’ve had 
the opportunity to observe is when a dog acts out 
in it’s sleep.

 With rapid eye movements, air-galloping legs 
and muted bays and barks, the sleeping dog 
gyrates like some wild & crazy wooly break-
dancer…clearly the meaningless manifestation of 
a deep-sleeping doggie dream. I never get used to 
it, it always makes me laugh till I‘m rolling on the 
floor too. No stand-up comedy act can compare to 
the show a dreaming pup can put on.

 Whether the comical things canines do that 
make us laugh are scientifically significant or not, 
I think we can all agree that they matter very much 
to us because of the joy they bring to our lives. In 
this fact we can be abundantly confident, with or 
without the full consensus of a research scientist 
team.

 It has been said that laughter is the best 
medicine, and I must say that I agree 100%. And 
so I wish to thank all of the darling doggies I have 
the privilege of spending time with, for making me 
smile with their adorable animal antics. Keep up 
the good work my dear canine companions. Let 
the show go on. Love, laugh and let live!

Welcome to the 
first week of 
Summer! Enjoy 
the sunshine but 
don’t overheat. 
Summer is a 
wonderful time for relaxation and a chance to 
spread your wings and explore a bit. 

 Yoga and Ayurveda have great ancient advice 
when it comes to beating the heat. It’s always best 
to adjust diet, routines, and exercise around the 
seasons. 

 Favor cooling foods such as cilantro, avocado, 
mango, and coconut. Spices such as coriander and 
fennel are wonderful! And don’t forget to refresh 
with cucumber and watermelon as they contain 
water. I’d love to share a great Summer recipe 
from one of my favorite cookbooks, The Everyday 
Ayurveda Cookbook. 

Refreshing Cardamom Limeade: 

24 oz. of water

Add the juice of 2-3 limes 

1 Tbsp. coconut sugar dissolved in hot water

1/2 tsp. cardamom powder

Serve over 2-3 cubes of ice

Remember to exercise early and avoid the heat and 
overexertion. In your yoga practice, adjust the rigor 
of your asana practice. It’s best to stay calm and 
clear to prevent heated emotions. Forward folds, 
twists, and back-bending on the belly are excellent 
choices during the heat. A pace that’s steady, slow 
and focused with even breath works well. 

 Come see us at Yoga Madre. Visit the website 
at www.yogamadre.com to inquire about classes, 
teacher training, and private sessions. The studio 
is kept comfortable and cool. Please email me with 
any questions at keelytotten@icloud.com. 

Namaste, 

Keely Totten, E-RYT 500


THE MISSING PAGE

Real Life Tips from LIfe's Instruction Manual

Joy does not simply happen to us. 
We have to choose joy and keep 
choosing it every day.

 

– Henri J.M. Nouwen

My family members were my first 
teachers; they taught me what it means to live in JOY. They 
also taught me:

 1. We are not a victim of our circumstances.

 2. There is always something to appreciate.

 3. Every pity party has an expiration date.

 4. Resilience is doing what is necessary, regardless of 
how one feels, even when things are not going well.

 5. We are not survivors; we’re thrivers!

 6. Our family creed: If you want a good life, help someone 
else. 

 First, a little history, my paternal grandparents had 
children late in life. They were the first generation out of 
state sanctioned slavery; however, they were sharecroppers. 
Sharecropping was a difficult life and one that people did 
not escape. Some would call it slavery with a different 
label. My father was born a sharecropper as were all of his 
seven siblings. They left the farm and South Carolina when 
forced because the farm burned to the ground. 

 First lesson- When it’s time to change you can be pulled 
by a vision or pushed by pain. They didn’t want to move; 
they were forced.

 They moved to Ohio, and my grandfather got hit by a city 
bus and left blind, and never compensated. Aggravating 
his youngest daughter, later, she became a lawyer.

 Then my grandmother died, at age 54, leaving behind 
four young adults and four very young children between 
10 and 17 years of age. Then the eldest daughter died 
unexpectedly. My father and his siblings knew trauma, but 
eventually, they all decided to pick up and start again.

 My dad, C.H., as an educational counselor, helped 
thousands of people all over the United States realize their 
professional and academic goals. He taught in universities, 
prisons, and hospitals everywhere. He also mentored and 
counseled hundreds of youth as a minister.

 K. H. became a business person and philanthropist. 
Through his companies, he helps foster children, feeds 
thousands of homeless and hungry people, and helps 
aspiring entrepreneurs get started. He adopted and raised 
three of his nephews when their parents died.

 E.H. became a well-respected death penalty defense 
attorney. She adopted and raised three young boys when 
their families were in crisis. She still helps people every day 
as a judge. Her approach to being a bench officer is unique, 
and the parties that appear before her love coming to her 
court.

 We measure a life, not by what we own or how much 
money we have accumulated. 

 In the end, we measure our lives by how many people we 
helped and how much good did we do. It is natural to want 
to leave a positive legacy. We all have a unique gift waiting 
to express. It is our only life assignment, to be our best self 
and to live our very best life. When we answer that call, we 
experience JOY and more creativity.

 I have a new group class starting next month. 

 If you want to learn if the class is right for you, click here 
for a quick consultation to see if you would be a good fit for 
our group.

 

All love and ever grateful,

Lori


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LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND

Meg is a serene 3 1/2 year old girl 
with a striking tortoiseshell fur coat 
of dramatic black with orange and 
gold markings. She is a little on the 
shy side with new visitors, but with a 
little time and a calm approach, she 
welcomes the gentle stroking of her 
silky coat. Once she knows you, she 
loves to sit on a lap and be petted 
and brushed. She will even roll over 
and ask for belly rubs. Her beautiful 
pale green eyes invite attention and 
love. Meg chases the laser dot and 
particularly likes feathery things to 
fly around to bat at. In the folklore of 
many cultures, cats with tortoiseshell 
coloring are believed to bring good 
luck. Please come to Mini Manor to 
meet Meg, and consider if she can be a lucky charm 
to your home. Her adoption fee 
is $99 and includes spay surgery, 
vaccinations, microchip and a free 
wellness exam at a participating 
veterinarian. Feel free to call 
us at (626) 286-1159 for more 
information. She currently 
resides at the San Gabriel Valley 
Humane Society located at 851 
E. Grand Avenue in San Gabriel 
which is located off San Gabriel 
Blvd, north of Mission and south 
of Las Tunas Drive. To arrange a 
‘Meet and Greet’ with Meg, please 
stop by any time from 10:30am to 
4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Website:www.sgvhumane.org. 
ID#5250.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com