Hi. Time to enter our Wayback Machine and set the dials for December 22, 2003. It’s a Monday night, and the Green Bay Packers are in Oakland to play the Raiders. It’s three days before Christmas, and while the focus is on Packer QB Brett Favre, it’s not for the usual reasons. You see the day before, Brett’s dad – Irvin Favre – had passed away.

Two large senior dogs were in need of new homes, preferably together. They didn’t expect this disruption to their cushy life. A heartbreaking dilemma, I strived to maintain my focus on finding the right home(s). The pool of prospective adopters shrinks to a tiny mud puddle when people hear a dog is 10-plus years old.

I’ve always fondly referred to my closet as my “Room of My Own,” and my copy of Virginia Woolf’s book is front and center on one of the shelves. My closet is full of my creative endeavors. Paintings on the walls, journals upon journals of songs and poetry, and even about a hundred pairs of rose-colored glasses that I bought on a whim on my 40th birthday when I had dreams of starting RoseyShades, the “attitude accessory” company. It’s my Dream Cave.

For more than a year, working from home and keeping social circles small due to COVID-19 has meant people have been able to spend more time with their pets. However, as more Americans are vaccinated and restrictions loosen across the country, it’s likely many are spending less time at home with their pets.

Dear Reader, It’s been a wonderful three and a half years that I have written monthly articles in the Happy Herald. As a Vegan Transition Coach, much of my focus here has been offering you tips on going vegan easily, affordably and joyfully!

Indigenous Climate Action uses its @indigenousclimateaction account to motivate and empower both youth and adults on climate activism by reminding them of the human connections to land, water, community, culture and the sense of responsibility toward future generations exemplified in indigenous communities.