Attending to Animals and Animal Attention (Ward)

I have been a pet owner my whole life. I come from a tradition where our pets are family members. Being around animals you begin to perceive their wants and needs. It’s a great reward as they have a way of letting you know they feel seen by you. The way my cats choose my lap over my husband’s. The way my dogs come to me instead of him. They know I am a keen observer and can usually tell what they are thinking, feeling or needing. I know our grey cat Gracie hates being held but loves being petted. I largely resist my overwhelming urge to pick her up during a good scritch session, because I know when I honor her wishes she trusts me more which deepens our connection. I learned this skill from my mother, who is always looking after nature. At her house the multiple bird feeders and bird baths are always full. The plants are always sitting next to the right window and even brought outside during the warmer months. She stewards nature and it shows in the way it shows up for her.

Walking to my car after parting ways with my evening company, a car drove by loudly playing Simple Minds, Alive & Kicking. Matching my happy & inspired mood, this random reminder inspired my music selection for my evening drive home.