They call this “slopping the hogs.” We called it fattening the pigs for slaughter. In either case, it pains me to know why I’m feeding them. I like them! Even though they were born as pigs.
In case you’re new to me, I’ve been known to turn men into swine, but these aren’t those.
Animals and I get along quite well. They understand their place and do what’s expected of them, for the most part, with the exception of the puppies I have at my little farm. Oh my God!
Can I say that? I guess I can. Anyway, I have never been around puppies, that was until I got to this century. On my island, I lived with big cats, bears and wolves; I even had an owl. But here, I have goats and puppies. To think of the difference in vibes causes me shake my head in disbelief.
Those I turned into bears were ferocious and had so much potential, yet, were unwilling to “lay down” their ego. So, they were “forced” to live as bears until willing to do so. The same can be said for the tigers, lions and owls: they had to put aside their weaknesses in order to live as the powerful humans they were meant to be.
To think that these times breed people that lack confidence, balance, and curiosity – the unwillingness to question the information coming at them – is appalling! However, because disorder and confusion are the state many humans choose to live in, I have a small herd of goats.
Besides this situation, I’m also witnessing, albeit through confession or observation, a tremendous lack of adventure and fun. Apathy seems to be a way of life for several mortals, with many being loyal to none, not even themselves. As they watch life pass them by, they complain, feeling powerless. Hence, the litter of puppies now in need of a home.
When David called asking me to be his coach, I had no idea what he was looking for…that was until he opened his mouth and started whining about himself. That whine reminded me of a dog. I may not have a history with these domestic creatures, but I have been around wolves. Then again, wolves don’t cry to such an extreme. My ears hurt. The only thing I knew to do was uplift him with a shift. But then I asked him to spread the word about my coaching business. Who knew his friends would be vibing just like him? Oh well…I do have the remedy!
Five referrals, and now I have six dogs…what am I going to do with them? Maybe my boss wants one or two or…
“No, Circe. I don’t want any. I don’t have the time or energy to invest into training a dog. Did I hear you right? Six? How did you end up with six dogs?”
“Um, they’re rescues. I found them running around in the hills last week when I was out cutting and gathering wood. There they were, just like magic. The weird thing is they’re all so different, which makes me wonder where the heck they came from?”
“Well, you could waste your time thinking about that, or just focus on getting rid of them, if that’s what you want to do.”
“It definitely is. I do not have the time or patience for them! But how do I get rid of them?”
“You could put them back out on the road. Animal control will be by soon enough, especially if you call and say you spotted them on the road. For that matter, you can just call and say you rescued them but don’t have the ability to take care of them. That should be all they need to hear before agreeing to come pick those mutts up.”
“I could. But is that in their best interest?”
“Say what?”
“I don’t think surrendering them to animal control is in the best interest of the dogs.”
“They’re just dogs.”
“Well…”
“Seriously, Circe! I didn’t know you were such a big softy! In that case, just run some ads on Craigslist.”
“Who’s Craig?”
“Craigslist. It’s a free resource for advertising giveaways or sales online.”
“I don’t think so. That doesn’t hit me as the best idea. These dogs need families…young people they can bond, have fun and play with. They need to be in an environment that cultivates curiosity and helps them rediscover their sense of adventure.”
“Excuse me?”
“I think the best way to do this is to give these puppies away as gifts.”
“Now there’s an idea! Especially now that Christmas is only a couple weeks away! Kids are always asking Santa for a puppy. You can even make a few extra dollars for the holiday.”
“Wrong! I didn’t say I wanted to sell them. My exact words were give them as gifts.”
“If you don’t mind me saying so, Circe, that’s weird. How many parents do you know that will openly accept gifts for their child? You’re new here. Today’s world, as I’m sure you know, is pretty nervous about overly generous adults when it comes to their kids.”
“I get that. Isn’t there some way of fulfilling a child’s Christmas wish without causing concern or insulting the parents? Aren’t there children out there without families? Where I come from, orphans were a collective matter. Is this a problem in your culture? I can’t tell because there seem to be quite a few secrets and clandestine places. All I want to do is help a few children smile with the gift of a puppy. Staying with me is not an option. I cannot provide them with what they need to heal.”
“Heal from what? Are these dogs dying?”
“No, they deserve the opportunity to heal from the trauma of being abandoned. Can you please help me find these children? Do you know of anyone that might be able to help us?”
“Are you really new to this part of the world?”
“Uh…yes. Why?”
“I don’t know. You just seem to fit in really well for a number of reasons and at the same time, you act like you’re from another world.”
“I am. And because you are so observant, how about being a friend, and giving me a hand?”
“Why not? It’s the season to be generous.”
“There’s a season for generosity?”
“Huh? Uh, yeah…I guess. The holiday season. Anyway, my friend Scott works for Children, Youth and Families. I’ll check with him to see if he knows of any children wishing for a Christmas puppy.”
“Oooohhhh…I really appreciate you! I couldn’t bear the idea of letting these puppies down! I made them a promise: that they would have every chance to redeem themselves. The only way such a thing can happen is to match each one with a child.”
“I don’t get it.”
“You don’t have to, and after we find homes for these puppies, you won’t remember any of this. My intention and purpose is to give every mortal the chance to generate themselves and be what they’re meant to be, even when they falter as this litter of puppies did. Speaking of which, I need to run back and take care of my farm before Mia, my newest client, gets there.”
“Oh yeah! I know Mia!”
“You do?”
“Of course! This is a small town and there’s only one Mia.”
“Another reason why I need to bring you my newest batch of ‘sleepy tea’.”
“How did you know I have trouble sleeping?”
“I’m pretty sure you told me. Are we done for the day? I don’t mean to rush out of here, time is of the essence.”
“Sure, sure, get out of here! Hey, wait a minute! Before you go, I just remembered something. The local cultural program hosts a ‘Santa’s Wish List’ for the kids. That’s where each child submits their Christmas wish. I bet you’ll see one or two hoping for a puppy.”
“That’s another awesome idea. My guess, between the two, we can find homes for each one!”
“I think you’re right. Circe, I appreciate you. Thank you for everything. I honestly cannot believe how much work you get done in such a short amount of time. Replacing you is not going to be easy.”
“Well, I don’t think you have to worry about that just yet. And thank you for the compliment!”
“Absolutely! I guess I’ll see you on Wednesday?”
“I’ll be here! Thank you for ALL your help!”
Wow, I didn’t think I’d ever get out of there! And I know that sounds bad. I realize he is just trying to “help a girl out”. But the questions! He asks way too many questions.
Here’s the deal. I am not committing a crime. I haven’t killed anyone…this time. I simply adjusted the physical appearances of some of my clients to better match their emotional bodies. Of course this isn’t permanent; everything is temporary, including this coaching exercise. I just have no tolerance for the spiritually weak and whiny. So, with a little sip of my special elixir, they became puppies. I really hope this doesn’t have to be the case with this new one. It’s not that I harbor ill feelings about any of them; it’s just that Christmas and the Yule only come once a year. I don’t need a barn full of dogs…
Enough of that! How is everyone doing out here? Panacea, how was your day? Did the puppies behave? Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to spend with you guys right now. I just wanted to make sure there was plenty of food and water before I start a session with my next client. I also thought I’d let you
all know, every puppy is being given away as Christmas gifts to children in the area that have written to Santa asking for one! Aren’t you excited? Plus, I am really feeling the Spirit of Christmas…you know it is my first…so, I’ve decided we could all dress for the occasion, especially since the goats will be assisting me with the festivities!
Being generous feels pretty darn good…
Tammy Davis is a technical writer, inspirational essayist, beginning novelist and scribe for Circe. Her intention as a mortal is to explore, grow, uplift, and inspire. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook as well as on her website. Supporting the #writingcommunity is always appreciated as is a cup of coffee.
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