Dog Mom – Page 3 – PlottingTheWay

Telepathic Connection

Last night I started thinking about Mason and how my actions/decision have affected him… Like what does he really think about everything? Does he think us leaving Florida and his home there was the right decision?

This really stumped me and started to bother me as I looked deep into Mason’s eyes questioning his thoughts. He truly means the world to me and I just really wish I could know what he thinks about everything that has happened over the past few months. I wish he could tell me, but he can’t.

Mason does wear his emotions on his sleeve though. That sounds so weird typing it, but it’s true! You can tell by the look on his face and in his eye if he is happy, sad or mad.

I know he loved Florida and his home there, but I hope he also could see/feel how unhappy I truly was there. I hope he understands I wasn’t trying to be selfish or hurt him intentionally, I just had to make myself happy and make the best decision for us.

Does that make me a bad dog mom? I can only hope my decisions have made him as happy as they have me.

Dog Mom Hack #5: Knowing how your dog feels isn’t easy… so take the time to connect with them emotionally and to learn how they express their feelings.

Finding the warmth

A lot of things have happened since the last time I wrote… I actually made decisions!! Can you believe it?! Mason and I have moved, I started a new job and basically started a new chapter. I had been so “stuck” for the past three years that I forgot what is was like to do things for myself. To make decisions on my own and to ultimately have my own life again.

I hate to admit it, but it was really hard to get unstuck. There were days where I just wanted to give up and run back to Florida and continue to go through the motions. But I refused to let myself and choose to be stronger than fear itself.

I think the days that it has been the hardest, is when the cold succumbs us. Those are the days I miss mine and Mason’s walks to the park or on the beach. I miss laying in the grass and feeling the warmth of the sunshine on my skin. I haven’t found something to replace this missing desire that I have had to feel the warmth again.

Maybe I need to find a hobby for Mason and me? Something to satisfy us the same way our walks in Florida did. Maybe somewhere to hike to or somewhere we can find peace and tranquility.

Even though we are still missing this feeling of warmth, being in Kentucky closer to home, is worth every decision/sacrifice/heartache I have went through to be here. And the only way I have made it through this process is by following my heart.

If anyone lives in Louisville, KY, I would love for you to share some ideas for activities for Mason and I 🙂

Dog Mom Hack #4: Your mood and attitude affects your dogs (even when you don’t think it does). So always smile, even on the bad days. If not for yourself, for your dog 🙂

My Holiday Cinema

The holidays bring so many wonderful things! From the yummy food, to the family traditions, to the presents and getting dressed up in your favorite outfits. All those things are great, but no one ever talks about the pressures the holidays can bring for you to make everyone happy around you including yourself.

I’m not completely blaming the stress I feel on this holiday season, however, I think it is definitely a factor. I have suddenly felt myself being pulled a million different directions and it’s hard to know which way is the right one. I mean is there even a “right” one?

What if I make a decision and it doesn’t make me or anyone involved happy? Then we are all screwed and the holidays are ruined for everyone (I’m being a little over dramatic here :)), but seriously! I am really struggling with making decisions lately, no matter if it’s as simple as where to eat dinner, it has been really hard for me. I am feeling like any decision I have been faced with lately could change my life in some dramatic way. I am putting so much stress on myself to do the “right” thing for me and everyone around me.

After putting all of this stress and pressure on myself, today I find myself asking why. Why are the holidays causing me to feel this way, they are suppose to bring people together and create happy memories. It’s because I am doing it to myself. I am not taking the time to just enjoy and live my life. I am overthinking every move I make and to be happy you can’t do that. You have to go with the flow and let life, good or bad, just happen.

So this holiday season, I am going to take the time to “stop and smell the roses” as they say. I am going to enjoy every moment of this short cinema we call life.

Wrong Turn.

Yesterday was a long, hard day. Every time I do the 13 hour drive, it gets more difficult and tiring it seems like. Especially when it’s just Mason, my 2-year-old plott hound, and I.

Don’t get me wrong Mason is the best travel buddy in the world.

"Mom, are we there yet?!" — “Mom, are we there yet?!”

But we both get more restless as the hours drag on. When we are making the drive between KY and FL, we usually stop about 4-6 times. Stopping with a dog is tricky when traveling, especially when it is just you and your pup.

Usually when we stop, it is because I have to use the bathroom (I have a smaller bladder than Mason does 🙂 haha). So I always crack the windows and run, literally, inside to use the bathroom first. When I am running back to the car, I can always see Mason wagging his tail waiting for his turn to get to stretch his legs.

Walking a dog around a rest area or gas station is never fun. Most of the time it isn’t the cleanest and, especially at gas stations, there is minimal green space for the pups to sniff around. After getting frustrated with the lack of grass area for Mason at gas stations on our last trip from KY to FL in August, I decided this time we were going to stop at more rest areas.

I found this to be a strategy to be a success! Mason much more enjoyed stopping at the rest areas, which we tested out in each state we drove through (FL, GA, TN and KY). They each had plenty of territory for Mason to explore and I wasn’t constantly pulling him away from trash or food that he shouldn’t be getting into. Another one of my favorite advantages of rest areas over gas stations is that they have designated doggie areas with poop bags included! Trust me, these few key factors during our stops helped make our long journey much more enjoyable for both Mason and I!

After the long day of traveling, we finally arrived safely in KY yesterday evening. Both VERY happy to be out of the car and home with the family for Thanksgiving.

travelbuddy2

Dog Mom Hack #3: The first turn might not always be the right one. Take time to explore the best/most comfortable options for both you and your pup when traveling together!

Leave a comment sharing any tips you have for travel with your dog! 🙂

My Favorite Kind of Kisses

The day I adopted Mason, my plott hound, my life changed forever. I know it may sound crazy to some people, but we developed a bond stronger than I have ever had with anyone. It is one we did not form with words, and maybe that is why it is so pure. I know when I look into his eyes he knows exactly how I am feeling.

Lately, I haven’t been the happiest person. I haven’t smiled or laughed or wanted to play with him like normal. That doesn’t matter to him though. He still wags his tail and jumps up smiling every single time I walk in the room. He is here for me no matter what I do without judgement.

In today’s world, it is hard not to be judged for everything you do. It’s hard to find even find one person who doesn’t judge you and I am lucky enough to have found that in Mason. He listen’s to me complain about the dumbest things, let’s me talk out my feelings when I don’t know what to do and licks away my tears when I cry (now who else would do that ha!).

Mason is truly the one who keeps me going when I don’t think I can anymore. His wagging tail and wet kisses gives me reason smile even on my darkest days.

"The best therapist has fur and four legs." - unknown — “The best therapist has fur and four legs.” – unknown

We all deserve someone as wonderful as Mason to lick away our tears and I hope you all are lucky enough to find that person like I have.

Dog Mom Hack #2: ALWAYS embrace a kiss. Even when it is a slobbery, wet one.

Leave a comment telling your story about how your dog has been there for you.

Two is better than one

Walking with Mason, my two year old Plott Hound, is part of my daily routine. It is probably my favorite part of most days. I listen to the leaves blowing or the water roaring against the seawall. My favorite thing to listen to, when the world is quite enough, is Mason’s feet scuffling along the side walk. I love being able to hear him walking right beside me. I don’t know what it is about this pup, but he can not pick up his feet. Ha!

Today, Mason and I went on one of our usual walks to a near by park (it’s about 8 blocks away). I always carry a small purse with my essentials which include my taser, phone, keys, chapstick and, most importantly, a poop bag. I should have learned this lesson before, to always bring two poop bags, but shit happens (literally).

So along our walk, Mason went potty in his normal spot and I picked it up. We crossed the road to the park and are both taking in the beauty as we stroll along with not a care in the world. All of a sudden, he stops to sniff and begins to squat. I immediately begin to panic as my heart beats faster. I franticly search through my small purse for another poop bag. Checking every small crevice and pocket to find nothing.

I quickly look around to see if anyone is watching (luckily they aren’t). Then Mason and I make a break for it leaving the “evidence” behind. So embarrassing, but we made it home without anyone scolding us.

I seriously hate doing that. I hate not being a responsible pet owner and picking up after my pet, but sometimes even the best of us forget an extra bag.

shit happens.. literally. — shit happens… literally.

Dog Mom Hack #1: ALWAYS carry more than one poop bag.

Leave a comment telling your story about that one time you didn’t have a poop bag.