Tag Archives: poetry

Neglecting The Signs

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Hello all. I did not write a Sunday Pawzing post today. Sundays are the day I set aside for writing posts and I try to keep them on the “lighter” side. But since I am not currently writing posts during the week, and this is what is on my mind, I wrote about domestic abuse and animal abuse and how they are intertwined. Therefore, I am not calling it “Sunday Pawzing.”

This is on my mind because someone I know, who we suspect is in an abusive relationship, just had a huge fight with this guy she is living with. Unfortunately her mom was going out of town for the week and bringing her dog to stay with them. This, of course, has me very concerned for her and the dog’s safety.

There is ample research that shows the link between animal violence and human violence. The signs are there in children but people often ignore them. This is a very dangerous thing to do. Continue reading →

Sunday Pause (Paws): So Much More

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Over this past week my friend’s dog, Dakota, celebrated his 15th birthday while someone at work had to say goodbye to their dog, Niko. This got me thinking about how important it is that we see how all life matters. Dakota is not just a dog, but a part of my friend’s family and worthy to be celebrated! Niko was not just a dog, but a part of my co-worker’s family and worthy of a time of mourning and remembrance.

I wrote the following poem thinking about these two precious lives. Photos are included of each of them. (Dakota’s mom is a professional photographer).

A pet is not just a pet
But one of the best friends you’ll ever get
Your comforter, therapist, friend, & baby
A pet is so many things including family

They are worthy to be celebrated in a big way
To throw a huge party for on their birthday
Decorations, friends, photos, and cake
These are special memories that we make

Dakota celebrating his 15th birthday!

Continue reading →

Sunday Pause (Paws): In The Cold

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It’s Sunday! Time to kick back & relax.

This weekend here is a perfect time to stay in and cozy up with a book, movie, or take a nap. It’s freezing!

These adorable pets below are having fun playing in the snow.

They will be brought in when they are done. Continue reading →

Sunday Pause (Paws): Come Together

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It’s Sunday! Time to kick back & relax and seriously you all we need to pray. Turning on each other is not the answer.

There is just too much going on in the world (in our country) to even try to fully write about right now.

There is hate, there is violence, there is illness, there is financial worry, and so much more. Aside of these recent global and local battles there has always been abuse. Abuse of animals and abuse of people. I’m afraid with all of the stresses these days this has most likely heightened. So many different challenges people are going through. Just this past week I have heard of two people committing suicide (too close to home). This is one thing that deeply breaks my heart. Thinking that someone felt that much despair that they saw no way out and chose to end their life is such an absolute heartbreaking thing.

A world with no more hate
For that day we can hardly wait
Until then love is what we’ll portray
And on our knees we’ll continue to pray

©LeeAnn Johnston/Animals Are Feeling Beings Too

Not sure what you’re going through but my prayer is you can have a Happy Sunday!

Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021

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Well Jack certainly is expressing exactly how we all feel! I just LOVE this picture and it is so appropriate. Everyone is so excited and anxious to say goodbye to 2020.

I am not one who makes resolutions but if I were it would be more of a wish this year. A wish that we start letting go of the hatred. With that in mind, I wrote the following poem to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021.

LET ALL OF THE HATRED BE DONE

There has been so much happening
It has all been so very maddening
I blame you, you blame me, we blame them
Rather than love, it’s been easier to condemn
Yes, this year has been a tough one
Everyone is surely glad to see it done
But when the mask comes off what will we see? Continue reading →

Sunday Pause (Paws): Kicking Back, Chillin’

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It’s Sunday! Time to kick back and relax.

Cozying up by a fire and taking a nap in a hammock is not just for humans. 🙂

Relaxing by a cozy fire
With a buddy by your side
Is a great way to enjoy
The colder weather outside

Kicking back, chillin’ on a hammock Continue reading →

Sunday Pause (Paws): Staying In The Moment

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It’s Sunday! Time to kick back, relax, and stay in the moment.

Restaurants and stores are opening back up, people are going back to work, and people are starting to gather. This trying time is far from over but we’re getting back to our lives (somewhat).

Normally many of us find ourselves on a never ending merry-go-round finding it hard to rest and just be. Some are afraid to because if they allow themselves to rest or sit in quiet, instead of chaos, they may have to think about or face something they don’t want to but maybe should. I have been given the challenge before to just sit in complete silence, to just be, and to set aside all of my worries, focus on just one thing, or just clear my mind. Have you ever tried that? It is not as easy as you may think. Before you know it your mind is wandering back to the to do list or worrying about something. It’s amazing how hard it is to truly just be in the moment.

We can certainly take lessons from our pets on this as this image below wonderfully portrays.
This is why dogs are happier. #aww #cute #animals #cats #dogs Continue reading →

Sunday Pause (Paws): The Message

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It’s Sunday! Time to kick back, relax, and look for messages.

This Tuesday it will be three years since my sister, Lisa, passed away. I was looking at some pictures of her and reading some of the poems I wrote after she passed. I was reminded of the messages she sent me during my time of grieving her so I wrote another poem about that.

THE MESSAGE
A hot day and the wind very still
Hoping to cool off in the shade
Sitting on a bench under a tree
Heads bowed while the pastor prayed

A combination of sweat and tears
Rolling down the cheeks on my face
I look over and you’re sitting next to me
We’re preparing your resting place

I was dazed and full of grief
When it came out of nowhere
The strongest and longest breeze
Blowing right through my hair

I lifted up my chin and closed my eyes
I smiled because it was then I knew
I soaked it all in and just received
The message that was coming from you

©LeeAnn Johnston/Animals Are Feeling Beings

20200711_184817 Continue reading →

Do Something

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It’s Sunday! Time to kick back and relax. But not for too long because the world needs you, me, WE.

I heard a song recently called “DO SOMETHING” and thought it was perfect not only because that is what I am doing for animals and encouraging others to, but also it seems perfect for the times.

I wrote a poem a while back in this image below and it has the same message the song does. We wonder why God isn’t doing anything. His reply is that he is. He’s waiting for us.

stay strong poem-aafbt Continue reading →