Tag Archives: #elrefugiocostaballena

advocacy, Animal Organizations, animal rescue, health benefits, love

Our True Nature is Love

I recently started volunteering again at a local animal rescue and shelter El Refugio Costa Ballena in Uvita de Osa, Costa Rica. This organization helps abandoned, homeless, and injured dogs and cats in the Costa Ballena region of southern Costa Rica. My specific volunteer duties are at the animal shelter for a 3 hour shift helping with the care of the cats and dogs. 

After my first volunteer shift, I had wobbly, tired legs (from walking and running dogs), dirty, sweaty clothes (and probably smelly too) from cleaning the dog kennels and playing with the animals, and a heart so full and an energy level so happy I thought I was going to burst! But, I thought to myself, “let’s see how the next shift goes,” as I attributed this happy state to my return to animal shelter work. After my next volunteer shift at the shelter, I again left with wobbly, tired legs, and probably even dirtier, sweatier, and smellier clothes (puppy dogs poop a lot! lol), but my heart felt even happier.

As a reflective and curious person, it gave me pause as to why I was having this enormous feeling of happy. Was it being around the animals again? Being part of a team that focuses on animal care? Or was it getting my 10,000 steps in before lunchtime (lol). Volunteering can make you healthier!

For some, being around cats and dogs that have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or never had a home to call their own, can be depressing and almost unbearable to think about. But, on the other hand, having the opportunity to help animals that are now rescued, safe, and no longer abused or neglected, is a reflection of hope and human goodness in a world where there is so much suffering. 

Stepping into the animal shelter, I could feel the oneness, the forgiveness, and the unconditional love from the animals – their true nature. It reminds me of my own, and all human beings’, true nature and our ability to BE this oneness and unconditional love. Just seeing the change in an animal from one week to another proves love’s effects. Where a dog had been abandoned by it’s family and ill from lack of medical care and wouldn’t even allow being touched by the shelter staff because of fear and pain, to one week later the same dog falls gently asleep by your side as you pet her. A true testament of an animal’s true nature of unconditional love from the gift of human kindness.

Of course, it’s not all sloppy puppy kisses and kitty cat cuddles in animal rescue . It doesn’t take much social media scrolling these days to see the latest headline where animals are on the receiving end of a human’s pain, of a human’s ignorance and suffering. You can tell alot about a human’s heart and a community by how they treat their animals. But there are many MORE good humans out there dedicating their lives to making the world better for animals and humans alike. And yes, there are many instances (more often than not) when animals come to an animal shelter or rescue group where they need time, medical care, and patience to heal from their injuries. But, amazingly, with the right care and attention, it doesn’t take long for the animals to heal (inside and out). 

Getting puppy dog kisses at El Refugio

Now this isn’t a plea for you to volunteer at an animal shelter or other volunteer organization, just a sharing of my recent personal experience. It’s not even a plea for you to choose to adopt a shelter or rescued animal rather than purchase one from a breeder, although I hope you do consider the former. But, if you do consider volunteering your time and talents to a local cause that touches your heart or choose to adopt rather than buy your next four-legged family member, you will have given the world a lot more happy to share. And when we as a society start focusing more on our oneness with each other, rather than our separateness (what makes us different) we will lessen the suffering in the world for all beings.  Using our voices, our actions – together, we are stronger!

Blessings❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

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advocacy, Animal Organizations, animal rescue, education

Break the chains!

Recently on a morning walk with my two dogs, I heard a dog crying. Both of my dogs pulled me to the direction of the sound. Sadly, what we saw was a beautiful german shepherd dog tied up on a short lead, tied to a dog house, far away from his home. We used to see this dog when it was a puppy, doing what puppies do, curious and adorable. But, today, all we saw was a dog, with defeat in his eyes, staring at his human’s home, and crying. His chain was so tight that you could see him trying to pull free towards his home. Did he have fresh water, food recently, enough room to relieve himself? I just don’t know. And, I don’t know the circumstances of this specific situation, so I pass no judgment on it, but I do know what I saw and what I heard. It literally shattered my heart that morning. Maybe it was because my dog is also a german shepherd. And he is one of the most sensitive, loyal, protective, and loving dogs. I couldn’t bare to even imagine him tied to a short chain away from my home. His is part of my family.

Tethering dogs is bad! “Dogs are naturally social beings who need interaction with humans and/or other animals.”  This article by the Humane Society gives some invaluable information on this topic. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

I remember when I started volunteering at a local animal rescue. A few volunteers told me I would lose faith in humans when I saw how awful humans treat cats and dogs. I didn’t believe it then. And, I do still have faith in humans, but some days are harder than others. When I see dog rescue cases where dogs are left chained on a short leash, away from humans, solely for the purpose of protection of “material things.” Or I hear the cries of a dog left alone, tied up, away from humans, away from love, I ask myself, what “material possessions” are more important than the kindness towards another living being? What material things give a human the right to treat another living being with cruelty, with disrespect? Does this person know that a dog tied up is actually defenseless towards predators? Does this person know that a dog tied up on a chain cannot protect “material things” or “family” from another human being? Does this person know that a dog tied up can become distrustful towards humans, and lose its spirit.

The Dangers of Dog Chaining. “Dog chaining inherently creates a life of misery for dogs who remain solitary and tethered for much of their lives. The practice also creates secondary hazards that have killed or injured many dogs.” This article is an important read on the dangers of dog chaining not only for the dog, but for others too. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

What is the reason for inhumane treatment of dogs and cats? Is it lack of education, lack of kindness in one’s heart, or is it a person’s desire for power over a helpless animal? I’ve heard some excuse this awful behavior by saying “it is part of the culture”. But cultures change and evolve when facts and information teach us better, smarter, safer ways of doing things, to improve society, to improve ourselves. When someone gives the reason of abuse and neglect as “it is part of the culture”, I encourage you to question, to push back, and have the courage to speak up when you know this action or behavior is wrong – morally, legally, or ethically. 

Alternatives to tethering dogs. “There are plenty of alternatives to dog chains.” There are so many inexpensive and creative alternatives to tethering dogs. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

There are also laws that protect companion animals in most countries, but sometimes they are hard to enforce. Let’s encourage our leaders in our schools, in our churches, in our communities, to fight for the helpless, to fight for the defenseless. Because when we stop fighting for those that truly need our voice, need our help, I do think this is when the human race has lost its spiritual purpose and lost its way. This will be the time I truly do lose faith in humanity. I pray that time never comes. Break the chains of abuse and neglect today!

Blessings❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis Cress

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advocacy, animal rescue, love, Mindful Activities, Mindful Eating, Mindful Living, poetry

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Sanctuary Song

Let me be a sanctuary 
for all beings
with voice, with action, with song

For those who can’t speak
a voice that moves mountains
 - Earthquake Strong

For those who are imprisoned
break their chains
of suffering and pain

For those whose cries
are unheard 
lift them up in flight
lovingly in the wings of a heavenly bird

And for those whose bodies are too weak from fighting 
strength in numbers
 - Community Strong

Using our voices, our actions
 - Together
becoming a sanctuary song.

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?
-Alexis Cress

Are we looking? Have you ever had one of those weeks where humanity and its actions (or inactions) really get you down? Whether it’s reading about the never-ending violence in the world, witnessing the continued inhumane treatment of animals, or watching the many migrants crossing through the country with the look of desperation and fear in their eyes. This world definitely shows its sadness for all to see. That is, if we are looking.

But love is here. Yet, I also read about and witness everyday the MANY amazing people and organizations who continue to fight for and give refuge to those who need it most – they are sanctuaries.

No act of kindness is too small. To be a sanctuary, your actions don’t have to be huge, just big enough to make a difference for one person, one animal, one being. Maybe today, this action is just a simple smile given to someone who other’s walk by and ignore. Or it could be an action of present awareness to your family and friends, by truly listening to them with love and support. Maybe you say no to a burger or another form of animal meat, maybe just for today. Or, you finally sign up to volunteer at the local animal shelter. There are so many small (which turn into HUGE) ways to make a difference everyday.

Will you join me in this sanctuary song?

Blessings to you❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍

Alexis

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Before you adopt, cat facts, funny, health benefits, love, shelter information, Uncategorized

Life is better with a Cat – an ADULT CAT that is!

UNLESS, you want claws on your legs, claw marks on your arms, and four kitten legs crawling up your very expensive curtains! And, don’t forget about the dancing sessions kittens like to do at 3:00am in the morning on your bed! WOW-MEOW If you would prefer a feline with lots more manners and definitely more calm (and less paw prints on your ummm curtains), then an Adult Cat is what you crave.

There are so many PURRfect reasons to adopt an adult cat.

They’re not needy. Cats love their independence and privacy. You can leave them home for hours and not feel guilty about it. Kittens, on the other hand, do need a certain amount of socialization and human interaction. But, don’t confuse kitty neediness with cat kneading. Some cats will perform this quirky but common behavior. It is also called “making biscuits” where the kneading is a motion made by pushing in and out with their paws, alternating between right and left, with their claws retracted or extended. This is often accompanied with a contented purring sound, and if the paws have claws extended on your leg, maybe a human yowl will also accompany cat kneading (lol meow).

At the shelter, you will often see cats kneading each other. Here are cats Rolo and Gody.

What you see is what you get. Their personalities are pretty much set as an adult cat. When you visit them at the shelter at El Refugio Hogar Animal Costa Ballena (or your local animal shelter), you will see some cats who want to cuddle with humans right away. Other felines might actually prefer felines MORE than humans. You will also surely see felines that are very playful, while others will observe humans from a distance being more timid and reserved. But kittens are pretty much all the same. They are adorable, crazy, and funny toddlers at their kitten ages. Not until they are adults, will kittens show their true PURRsonalities.

Adult Cats are better with kids. Adult cats often have more patience and tolerance with kids (not all kids though!). Kittens, on the other paw, have less patience and tend to scratch and bite until they have learned good manners. But remember, even with adult cats it is always best to have an adult human supervising young kids with cats.

Magica will always play nice with your kids. She is available for adoption at El Refugio Costa Ballena.

Good cat karma will come to you! While every shelter cat and kitten deserve a loving home, often kittens are adopted first, leaving more and more adult cats left in the shelter. Knowing that you helped give a shelter cat a loving home and a second chance at life will definitely bring good karma into your life.

Life is definitely better with a Cat – an Adult Cat that is!

Cheers,

Norman

Why do cats always get their way? They are very purr-suasive!

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

Mickey

Mickey at El Refugio Costa Ballena is the sweetest cat ever. He is a Tuxedo Cat, which are known for their gorgeous coats. He is friendly and happy. He is often seen near the water bowls at the shelter with one paw in the dish! He is going to make a family very happy with his unconditional love and purrsonality.

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Before you adopt, cat facts, funny, shelter information

There can be too much of a GOOD thing…

I know, that is a hard one for me to stomach too. You may have already guessed it, but I like to eat. Everything just tastes soo good. And, if I haven’t tried it, I want to try it. And, what better way to try something than with my mouth!

I don’t know why my human got so worked up the other day, but really, if you are going to put some huge, yummy, smelly treats in the dogs’ bowls and then leave for a few seconds, what do you expect to happen? Seriously human! Did I not train you properly? (How to Cat-Proof your home.)

Okay, all kitten aside, yes, the Heartgard Plus chews were for my huge canine brothers, and yes, they weigh a tad bit more than me (I weigh a svelte 4kg – okay, maybe a teeny tiny more), and my canine brothers weigh 25kg and 40kg. But, whose counting? Although, I guess it does matter when determining treat size. By the reaction from my human, you would have thought I ate the last bit of catnip in the entire world. Now, that would have been a true Cat-astrophe. I tried to calm her down and tell her I was feline fine by wrapping my tail around her leg. I even gave her a few head bunts to remind her that it was almost dinnertime. Instead, she went CATcrazy, she was hiss-terical! She screamed! She started looking under every piece of furniture to see if she could find the treats. I was purr-ty surprised, and maybe a little hopeful she might find some more for me! She knows me better than that though. I do Not waste food.

She started talking into the small black square that she is always snapping at me with while saying “Smile”. (First thing, call your Veterinarian if you think your cat’s been poisoned.) Whatever that black thing is, it must have started talking back to her, and she finally calmed down. She kept asking “Is this an emergency?” “Is this an overdose?” “What do I need to watch out for?” These are all good questions in a true emergency, but I was purr-fectly fine. (Top Cat Poisons.) I just ate a tad bit more than I should have (by oh, I don’t know – 3XXXXX). I did give her about 10x more the usual surprises in my litter box the following day. So purr-haps I ate something that I shouldn’t have, purr-haps.

There you have it, there can be too much of a good thing – when it comes to tasty medicine treats that is! Don’t forget to Cat-Proof your house, know the Cat Poisons, and have your Veterinarian and the Animal Poison Control Number in your black square.

Cheers,

Norman the Cat

JOKE: What do cat’s wear to bed?
Pawjamas

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

FELNE FAVORITE OF THE DAY

TRASH BIN BABIES. Four of these babies were left in a box underneath El Refugio Costa Ballena’s trash bin. What if it would have been trash day – oh my!! Thankfully, a shelter volunteer found the kittens still alive. Now, they are safe, well, and absolutely beautiful and available for adoption.

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cat facts, shelter information

Tortitude? Definitely!

What is Tortitude, you ask? Have a seat with your favorite feline to find out.

A Tortoiseshell cat is a feline with a little bit more Catitude. Us cats all have Catitude. Some of us just have a paw bit more (or at least that is what the feline experts say).

My opinion, although, I’m just a cat, is that Tortoiseshell cats are indeed a little more feisty, a little more independent, but alot of pretty. They are often referred to as “Torties” for short.

I secretly always had a feline crush on Snickers at the El Refugio Costa Ballena Shelter with her beautiful shiny black and red coat. Look at how regal she is (WOW MEOW)!

Another fascinating fact about Torties, is that Torties are almost always female. Just 1 in 3000 are male. At the El Refugio Costa Ballena shelter, they currently only have 3 Torties, and yes, you guessed it – they are all female! Torties are pretty rare indeed!

I also read in my research, that Torties can bring money, have psychic abilities and see into the future. I’m not usually a superstitious feline, but these days, any extra cash for catnip is a vote for me.

So, if you are in the Costa Ballena area of Costa Rica, adopt yourself your very own Tortie cat from El Refugio. Or, if you are in another area of the world, go to your local animal shelter and adopt yourself some Tortie love. You will be widely entertained, gifted with riches, and of course, madly loved by your new Tortie Cat. Let yourself be loved by a feline. Life is always better with a feline in it.

Cheers,

Norman the Cat

Joke of the Day: Why aren’t dogs good dancers? Answer. Because they have two left feet!

Don’t forget to spay & neuter your cats & dogs.  There can be too much of a good thing!  There’s only so much catnip to go around. 

Cats and wildlife live longer when cats stay indoors. 

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