Tomorrow, Friday, October 23, 2015, I leave on my 4.5 month UK adventure.  As a VERY nervous flyer, I'm anxious about that but I have medication!! 

This journey is a tribute to my golden fluffy paws, Lauer.  

When I first got Lauer as a 7 week old puppy, I had no confidence in myself at all.  I didn't even think I could have a dog and was convinced I'd mess it up badly.   Lauer was a challenge as a puppy - as all puppies are - and I survived, as did she! 

And Lauer forced me to go out for walks and connected me with people again.  I'd hidden away for several years and was afraid to go out but Lauer's needs called to me and I listened and started to walk the trails in the Endowment Lands, as I call them (Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver).  I met other people with dogs and developed relationships with these people - we knew each other through our dogs, we'd walk together, talk about our dogs and other topics and I've been lucky enough to develop friendships with several of the people I've walked with and met over the years.

Lauer saved my life in so many ways.  She gave me confidence and courage to go and follow my dreams - she was my dream 16 yrs ago and I was a really good mum to her and I know that.  She taught me to persevere, to push forward one step at a time.  She showed me how to enjoy life - roll in the dead salmon and smell to high heaven!!  Run, run, run on the beach with joy, bliss and happiness.  Chase balls.  Eat whatever you want before someone says "NO!"  Lauer taught me to trust my intuition, to trust my energy and where it leads me. 

Lauer believed in me 100% and I feel her golden heart encouraging me on this journey.  So, as I am about to embark on this once in a life time experience:  to Lauer!!  This journey is my tribute to you and the remarkable, everlasting bond we share across time and space.