Life Challenges
Reflections and poetry inspired by life’s many challenges with some articles about how to navigate through difficulties with hope and grace.
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ALL ABOUT DEKKER, THE SERVICE DOG
Dekker, a NEADS-trained service dog "tells" about his training to become a world class dog who helps someone with a disability.
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HOW TO CARE FOR A CAREGIVER
If there are fifty-three million caregivers in the U.S. (2020 Caregiving in the U.S. report from AARP) there must be at least that many friends or neighbors of caregivers. Are you…
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DEKKER RESPONDS TO HOLIDAY BLUES
Dekker, the service dog who has advice for humans and other creatures, gives guidance to some issues that arise over the holidays.
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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CAN’T SLEEP
Sleeping may not be the problem we think it is if we learn to sleep according to our bodily rhythms instead of by the clock.
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ARE YOU IN DANGER OF CAREGIVER BURNOUT?
Caregiving is a tough and under recognized challenge in many homes and the danger of burning out as a caregiver looms over many familes.
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DEKKER GIVES CATS FREE ADVICE
As a service dog, Dekker has begun to serve as a spiritual guide to anyone (including cats) who have questions about dealing with difficult issues in their lives.
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DEKKER’S ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN PAIN
Dekker, a service dog, takes on new challenges as he draws from his dog-wisdom to give advice to humans in pain.
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WHAT IS THE SECRET OF AGING WELL?
Growing old isn't an option for most people. How we look at it is a choice and the secret to aging well may lie in the language we…
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LEARNING TO WALK…AGAIN
The author draws from her own experience in learning to walk again after a flare-up of multiple sclerosis to inspire anyone who finds themselves sidelined by accident, illness,…
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WHAT MAKES A DOG A SERVICE DOG?
There is a big difference between a service dog, and an assistance dog, an emotional support dog and a pet. This article explains that difference and addresses the…
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KEEPING YOUR BALANCE SPIRITUALLY
There are some ways to keep standing when the world seems upside down that involve finding insight, protecting your inner ears, and making choices aid in balance.
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A SERVICE DOG SPEAKS TO CAREGIVERS
My name is Dekker. I am a service dog and like many other caregivers, I devote my time and energy 24/7 to a person I love so that…
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WHAT IS CAREGIVER GUILT?
Few people who have cared for a loved one over many long months and years of chronic illness get through it without expressing feelings of guilt "I could…
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LEARNING TO LAMENT, A GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS
Why is learning to lament the first task for a new caregiver to master? Because to carry grief is like toting a backpack of heavy stones. The journey becomes…
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HOW TO ACCEPT CHANGE
What is it about change that causes us to resist it so strongly? Impermanence is as guaranteed as death and taxes, but we put on the brakes and…
