Why the oil spill is my fault...

This morning I saw pictures of the birds that are drenched with oil from the gulf spill. My heart aches and I feel sick. While it easy to blame people in this disaster it is less easy to see how I played a part in this whole mess. So as painful as this is, here is my admission.......

I drive....alot. I want cheap gas. I complained when gas was over $4.00. I have been on my share of planes this year and I have a boat (more like a large tub but it still uses gas). I consume much to much and I admit it. I am stuck in a vicious cycle. I need to drive because I need to get places because I need to get things that make me drive! Now that I am locked in this terrible ball of yuck I can't get out. Like the birds, I am drowning in brown slimy shit and I feel a heaviness on my shoulders.

Sure some people may say "Stop driving as much, buy less, and slow down." That is too simple. I am way in here...up to my knees and that seems unlikely. What needs to happen?

First, I need to stop burying my head in the sand. I need to know that people risk their lives, lost their lives so I can have this American life. I need to understand that if companies are drilling too deep to plug up the well in an emergency they are digging too deep. Like am too deep in this oil dependent life, the well is so powerful, so deep, cutting it off seems close to impossible. I need to try to need less.

Second, I will explore other energy options. I need to look for ways to cut down my consumption because the government isn't exactly likely to show me ways. I will teach my children how we can have an impact, as small as it may be.

And finally, I need to pray. I believe in prayer. I believe in G-d. And I believe that we are all connected and BP's mistake is our mistake. So while I am angry and sad, I first have to admit that I contributed to the greed that caused this problem. The good news is that if I did it, I can start to undo it. I hope you will too.

The Vet, My Dogs And Compassion

Recently I took my rescue dog to the vet. Snickers had worms. Lots of white nasty worms. The worms were persistant and Snickers was having loads of poop accidents in the kitchen. I took him back to the Vet unannounced and they were so kind to my pup. Actually, to both of my dogs. The technician gave love, showed concern and spoke softly to my dog. Like she really cared because she did. I felt such a sense of comfort and relief. After all taking in another dog hasn't been an easy adjustment for us. I can see why someone kicked Snickers out.

So far, he has chewed 2 expensive harness collars, eaten the trim in the kitchen, eaten my son's sneakers and my daughter's favorite flip flops. He sheds like crazy and well, you know about the pooping problem. The other day he lifted his leg up on the living room sofa that I inherited from my merticulous deceased grandmother. Oy! She must be having a fit in heaven. She always loved Judge Judy's book "Don't Pee On My Leg And Tell Me It's Raining". Well, how about your sofa? It isn't a mystery why Snickers was homeless.

On the other hand, he is so loving. He actually gives hugs. I have never had a dog that gives you a hug. It feels great. It is easy for me to forgive his past offenses. And whatever future ones I have yet to experience:(

Anyway, I am still a newbie to the dog world. We've had Tootsie for 3 years, which is the longest I have ever had a dog. It's interesting to me how "we", dog owners, talk to one another as if we are talking about a child. These dogs are like my children. That is why when Snickers got the white paw treatment at the vet, I was in awe of the obvious compassion the staff had for him. Which got me thinking....why don't humans treat eachother like that? Why don't I feel the "compassion" at the pediatrician, the dentist, teachers, guidance counselors? People who help us take care of ourselves would best serve us by being kind, loving and compassionate. Sometimes I get that. Sometimes the compassion train has long pulled out of the station. I am not complaining. I am just observing. And noting that I will make sure to surround myself and my family (yes the dogs,too) with loving, kind and compassionate people. It's that or next time anyone in my family needs care I am going to my vet!

Me and Tootsie

 The camera phone freaks out Snickers....he definitely has baggage but I love him!!!! So no picture of him yet.