When prompted in the Day 26 notes to think of something my dog has given me that I can pass on to others I immediately thought of what the dogs, collectively, in my life have given me. For many years I had four dogs of my own with client dogs and foster dogs (and kittens) also coming and going in my household (my clan also included two horses, three sheep, two cats, and a couple of busted-wing galahs who could no longer live a free, wild life). There is such a wealth of learning to be had when managing a multi-dog (and multi-species) home; knowledge and skills that can't be gleaned from 'book learning' (which I also love and which informs and educates the lived experience learnings). The array of personalities interacting with other personalities gave me opportunities to observe, understand and influence behaviour in ways that I am so deeply grateful for, and what I've learned through living with so many dogs and other animals is what has enabled me to offer my 'Foundations for Foster Care' workshops (one for dogs in general and one specifically targeted for those fostering off-the-track greyhounds). Through my involvement with rescue organisations I'd seen how many foster carers enter the experience of fostering with good intentions but often with insufficient knowledge or skill to make the experience go smoothly. Lots of foster carers only do it once because they feel overwhelmed by the experience and don't come back for more. I wanted to do something practical to help and so I developed my one day workshop, which I LOVE teaching. My own crew of dogs - my Fantastic Four - and all the other dogs whom we lived with gave me So Much, and I am eternally grateful for their presence in my life, and so pleased that together we have been able to Pass It On. Pics of The Four and some of the various sojourners we had over the years.

I think my Wonder Week almost stretched into two weeks, but somehow that felt just right. ✨ After such a busy week last week, I had one incredible day filled with wonder, awe, family and connection… and then I got the flu! 😅 I found myself battling with my to-do list, feeling frustrated about being stuck at home, wanting to rest but also wanting to care for my loved ones as they got sick too. But the common theme throughout it all was that every single day, I found a little magic. ✨ I was really upset to miss two community calls because they truly are the highlight of my week. They ground me and make me feel so connected and seen. Today was my first day back at work, and I loved that I could listen to the community call recording and feel as though I was right there with you all, like I hadn’t missed out at all. So much of what was shared resonated with me, from social media making us feel like we’re not good enough to learning how to be open to receiving magic. I listened to all your beautiful voices and stories and felt such a sense of peace before stepping into a place that often makes me feel the complete opposite! 🤣 For that, thank you. I really do love this community. ❤️ One of my biggest glimmers was an incredible walk Betty and I shared down the South Coast, where I spotted the most beautiful rainbow in the virga over the ocean. I stopped and really soaked it all in before taking a photo to remember its beauty. Then, as we were leaving the beach we were surrounded by white butterflies. It was truly magical. 🌈 🦋 I also shared a beautiful yoga class with my sister-in-law, centred around connecting with our higher selves, and spent the rest of that day surrounded by family. I wasn’t able to get outside nearly as much as I would have liked this week, but somehow Betty and I still managed to find a little magic every day. We caught up with our best friends and simply enjoyed being together in the sunshine. This morning, at the start of our walk, I actually had to remind myself to get out of my head and open my eyes to what was around me. And when I did, I enjoyed it sooo much. 🥰

The dogs and I have been busy in the garden today, weeding, mowing and whipper snipping. So when Zeb curled up by my thigh and asked for an ear rub I couldn't possibly deny him 🥹

I have been a bit under the weather but was just so excited to say hi to you all. This is a real authentic space aka this video is a bit unpolished, but very heartfelt. Much love to you all 💛 Birdy