Life with Dogs |

Tribute to my beloved dog daughter, Lumi

My beloved dog daughter, Lumi (Luminaire Oro Suzuki), left to cross the Rainbow Bridge on May 18th, 2025 at 9:45 am.

She was a 15 and a half year-old golden retriever.

– miracle kind heart, an excitable girl who lived her life to the fullest and taught us so much love and courage!

I wrote about her before: two of my blogs were dedicated to her.

Lumi, the Golden Retriever Reincarnation

Miracle 2024

She had a heart episode on December 6th at 3:09 pm.

I thought she had to leave at that time, but she made it.

It took her three hours to start breathing normally and regain her strength, but she was unable to go on her favorite walk outside after this episode. But she did not complain. She was happy everyday what she could do.

We took her to the beach on Christmas day. She enjoyed a slow walk on the beach.

She had her 15th birthday on January 19th and enjoyed visiting our neighbor friends’ house for her birthday with a blueberry pancake as her birthday cake. She knew she lived a longer life this time.

Then, she had lung issues around February 23rd, so she was taking it easy and spent most of the day with Manakani (the one-year-old girl who came after Lumi’s daughter, Happy, passed). She ate well and slept a lot.

Lumi was very neat and tidy, so she wanted to go through her morning routine, and when she couldn’t turn over on her own, she would bark to let us know and turn to the other side or get up and go outside to go outside to pee or poo on her own.

After that, she waited to receive a massage with warm loquat leaves-infused water, and baking soda with sea salt tooth paste I made for teeth cleaning.

Then, I gave her herbal and homeopathic medicine, along with her remedy, which was usually her favorite lotus cream, then a homemade breakfast (from the Healthy Happy Pooch book recipe). I also applied her homemade tofu and loquat poultices to her front elbow, which was swelling due to arthritis.

After the morning routine, she wanted to go to the deck in the back of the house where there was shade. She loved the outdoor bed, which was a cooling, elevated, breathable bed. She stayed there, watching the sky and the movement of the trees, squirrels, possums, and birds. She could smell and hear everything, and she would bark now and then when she got excited. She tried to get up to turn over in her sleep and adjust her position. She was a brave and independent girl until the end.

I have sent 18 animal family members (13 dogs and 5 cats) to Rainbow Bridge in my lifetime in America (I had three more dogs when I was in Japan).

Does it get easier?

NO!

Once again, I am grieving.

It comes like waves of the ocean.

Sometimes, it’s a very soft wave, but sometimes, it’s a tough, intense wave that I can’t swim in, and I feel like drowning.

I feel the waves’ pressure push me down, and I am not able to come up to the surface. I feel like I can’t breathe! Everything is dark before my eyes.

Lumi took her last breath after I left home to teach the Sashiko workshop at 9 am on May 18th.

About five minutes before the workshop started, Eric called and told me that Lumi had left.

Eric said he was holding her and laid down next to her after I left home to teach. He was feeling her heartbeat since he had his hand under her heart. One moment, he felt there was no heartbeat of Lumi, so he looked at her closely.

He said with his tears, “Lumi took two deep breaths, and she left peacefully in my arms.”

I knew this moment would come someday, but I was so sad I couldn’t stand up, and I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to hide somewhere, so I went to the bathroom first to calm myself down, and somehow, I managed to finish teaching the workshop, but I don’t remember much about what happened after that.

Before I left home, I told Lumi that if she had to go, she didn’t have to wait for me. Because I felt like she couldn’t leave while I was with her, I will miss her. However, we spent a lot of time together, and I can live with her memories and her family. I have to live my life to the fullest, just like Lumi.

As I wrote on my blog “Lumi, the Golden Retriever Reincarnation.“

Lumi came back to me four times to be with me in my lifetime.

The previous three times she returned, she died in car accidents at a young age (4 months, 1 year old, and 4 years old), so when she returned this time, she wanted to make sure that she lived a long and fulfilling life.
So, I vowed to help Lumi live a long and healthy life as a dog.
And this time, Lumi lived a long life and fulfilled her wish!

Lumi was a miracle girl who lived her life to the fullest and showed me how to be herself, how to take it easy with her so much love, and how to be amazing every day!

She was born at our house in Santa Monica as the last puppy of Oro, who was my first service dog, Kin’s daughter. I still remember that moment as it was yesterday.

Lumi was not breathing when she was born, so Oro kept licking her. I gave her CPR, and she got her first breath.

She was a miracle girl.

She had a strong mind, and despite having a more petite body – she was only 35 lbs when she grew up (the average golden retriever is 60~70 lbs).

I raised Lumi macrobiotic vegan foods (Healthy Happy Pooch) with her brother, Bubu and their mother Oro. And Lumi daughter, Happy joined.

Lumi was a foodie girl. She ate everything I gave her.

Her favorite vegetables were raw broccoli (especially when she chewed thin slices of the stems), cauliflower, and carrots, which she enjoyed as a crunchy snack. She also loved cooked pinto beans, azuki beans, tempeh, kabocha squash, Japanese sweet potatoes, and pizza crust.

We usually separate our dogs into two different teams to walk. We had to take her with the first team; otherwise, she would have baked so much. She was excitable girl! Once she went to walk, she was satisfied and stayed on the back deck.

Lumi was the best mother to her daugher “Happy”. Lumi was also good sister to Bubu.

She was always there for me, so I was there for her, even though she was originally Eric’s girl, just like her previous life as “Dore.”

We did many things, including bicycle rides, hiking, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Especially since she got older and could not walk well because of her arthritis, I was with her as much as I could. She followed me everywhere I went in the house. When I moved to a different room, for example, from the living room to the work desk room, she got up and came to be with me. If she couldn’t, she barked and asked me to help her get up. Once she got up, she strolled to the room where I was. And she fell asleep with a big snore.
I can see and hear her even now beside my work desk right now as I am writing this.

Oh, Lumi… I miss you so much!!!

After she departed, I had to work the whole week since one of my clients was in the hospital, and I had to teach Sashiko workshops; I could not make time to grieve her loss for one week.
It was such a heartbroken time.
I felt numb and lacked motivation.
I wanted to deny Lumi’s passing, and I wanted d to feel that Lumi was still with me.

I wanted to avoid doing anything in memory of Lumi, but having lived with her for so many years, I was doing it for her for a long time.

I usually write to help release my emotions when I’m having a challenging time.
But I could not write about Luim for two weeks, so I wrote about “Joy of Teaching Sashiko” and posted it on my blog. I wrote it to distract myself from thinking about Lumi.

There was something I felt in my gut. I had to breathe deeply to move it out of my body, but no matter how many times I took deep breaths, it felt like something was stuck.

Sigh, sigh, and more sigh…

The morning has been very challenging for me since I was giving her a massage, applying a loquat compress, preparing a remedy drink, brushing her teeth, cleaning her fur, and feeding her homemade food (from Healthy Happy Pooch book recipes)and remedies.

Now, I wake up and feel like I have lost my purpose.

No ikigai!

I finally got a few days off after 10 days Lumi passed, so I was slowly dipping into down-sad feelings.

I heard Lumi-chan’s voice when I woke up that morning.

Time passes without me getting anything done.

The first day I have a full day to myself.

I wanted to feel Lumi and miss her.

I was just staring at something, but nothing.

I glanced my eyes down to where Lumi was spending her time the whole year during the day.

She had four different beds.

Nobody wants to use them since she left.

Makani, who spent most of her time every day with Lumi, is grieving so much, too.

Additionally, the families of other dogs and even cats are all missing Lumi.

She was a leader of the family, and everyone respected her.

In the last few days of her life, everybody gave her space.

I am very lucky to have had many dog and cat families in my life.

Currently, I have four dogs and two cats as my family.

Is it less grieving because I still have some animal family?

I am not sure, but the remaining animal family nurtures me.

Whenever I cry, they all come over to me, one by one, and lick my cheeks or give me hugs, and some even cry with me in sad voices.
So, thanks to these kids, even when I feel down, I think I can somehow crawl out of the hole of sadness again.

What I know is each animal family member has touched a different part of my heart and helped me become a better person.

They are all so precious to me.

I have no idea how I could live so peacefully and happily without them.

I have written about grieving subjects on my other blog a few times previously.

Here is another one outlining three + levels.

1. Challenge:

This stage involves confronting the reality of loss and the difficult emotions that arise, such as sadness, anger, confusion, and even guilt. It’s a period of emotional and mental struggle as individuals try to accept the loss and its implications.
Acknowledge and Allow Your Emotions:
Don’t suppress your feelings: Grief is a natural response, and it’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused, or numb.

I am not suppressing, but I do not know how to feel even it is not the first time I have grieved. It is always different, like the cloud of sky coming to me. I somehow do not want to get wet in a downpour of rain.

Be patient with yourself: Healing takes time, and there will be good and bad days.

The patient is the key to my life – but my feelings are up and down so much, and I can’t grasp when I am grieving.

It changes like waves of the ocean.

Cry when you need to: Crying is a healthy way to release emotions.

Sometimes, I need to watch sad movies to help release my sad feelings with tears.

2. Change:

Grief brings about significant changes in how individuals experience life, perceive the world, and interact with others. This shift can feel disorienting or isolating as life, as they once knew it, no longer exists in the same way.

Everyone experiences grief in life and learns to move forward to feel happy again with self-love.

Practice Self-Care:

It is most challenging for me to take care of my feelings.

Take care of your physical health: Exercise, eat healthy food, and get enough sleep.

This one is not easy for me when I’m sad, but I do my best to practice self-care: I do a body scrub after brushing my teeth, eat miso soup for breakfast, and sleep as much as I can.

Establish a routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule for waking, sleeping, and meals.

A regular schedule is beneficial because other animal families that remain need to have it.

Limit alcohol and other unhealthy habits: These can worsen your grief.

For me, I need to pay attention to not overeating or not eating enough.

Engage in activities you enjoy: Participate in hobbies, social events, or other activities that bring you joy.

I am grateful to do Sashiko embroidery and hand sewing. I am currently making my first hand-sewn dress.

3. Connection:

This stage emphasizes the importance of maintaining and building relationships with others. It encourages individuals to connect with loved ones, seek support, and remember the shared memories they have with the person they lost.
Seek Social Support:
Talk to trusted friends and family: Sharing your feelings can provide comfort and support.

I telephoned one friend from the beach on the day Lumi passed.

Connect with others who are grieving: Grief support groups can provide a sense of community.

Not this time, but there were times when I attended a grief support group meeting. There is a good online Grief support group for animal companions.

Consider professional help: If you’re struggling to cope, a therapist or counselor can provide guidance.

I am ready to share my feelings with my therapist soon.

Plus:

Remember the person/animal family you lost: Allow yourself to think about happy memories and acknowledge the bond you shared.

After I get up, I light a candle, burn incense, change the water, and offer new food (I also change the flower if it needs to be changed) for the altar.

Forgive yourself: Don’t beat yourself up for not being able to do everything.

I do not need to blame myself more than I did because, in my heart, I did my best.

Don’t compare your grief to others: Everyone grieves on their own terms and in different ways.

In my case, I need to be alone to face my true feelings at first, but some people need to go out and socialize. Some people, like Eric, go to the ocean and surf to heal themselves.

Consider writing down your thoughts and feelings: This can help you process your emotions.

Writing always helps me, like I am doing now.

Stay active: Try to do something outdoors each day and walk wherever you can.

I go for a walk with my dogs every morning. Going to the beach or lakes every weekend.

Visit your doctor: Grief can be stressful, so it’s essential to inform your doctor about your situation.

I had experience that grief can lower the immune system. When I had cancer in 1993 – after my father passed and my divorce from my first husband. I did not even know I was grieving. When I had second cancer in 2017 – My beloved dog, Kula, passed, and Eric and I lost our restaurant. It was another major grieving, but I was putting my chin up and trying not to be drawn.

I am still in #1 and entering #2, but as I write this blog, I may be touching on #3, so I am posting what I have written so far.

I need to keep writing here.

I had written briefly about the Buddhist memorial service tradition before when other animal families passed.

I want to write more details this time about what I do for them.

I am not a mindful Buddhist, and neither was my family in Japan, so I provide these services casually at home for my animal family. Please understand they may differ from traditional services. The information below is for the human memorial services that I adapted to offer for my animal family.

First, what is the purpose of the Buddhist memorial services?

In Japan, when I was a child, I remember being scolded and told that if I lied, “King Enma will pull out your tongue and send you to hell”?

In Buddhism, when a person dies, they say goodbye to this world and travel to a place called “Chuin.”

Chuin is a world where trials are held to determine the destiny of the deceased in the afterlife. This journey lasts 49 days and is known as the “Journey to the Underworld.” Every seven days, the deceased is judged by the kings of the underworld dynasty for the crimes they committed in life.

On the day of the trial in the interment period, people close to the deceased gather in this world to hold a memorial service. They pray to the Buddha, creating a bond that enables the deceased to reach paradise safely and find happiness. The first day of this process is the “first seventh- day”(初七日-Shonanoka) memorial service.

The first 7th day is the start of the journey to the underworld. The journey to the forty-ninth day

The first seventh-day memorial service is customarily held on the seventh day, starting from the day of the deceased’s death. After that, seven memorial services are held until the forty-ninth day (the seventh 7th day), which are called Chuin Kuyo or Otaiya/Otan-ya.

I usually light a candle and burn incense, accompanied by the sound of an iron (Japanese Buddhist bell). Also, offering water, food that he or she liked in life, and flowers.

The first 7th day (Shonano-ka 初七日)

On the first seventh day (Shonanoko-7th day), the deceased walks up a very steep mountain. It is said that they progress by eating incense during this time, so incense is burned in this world for this reason. At the end of the journey is the first judge, King Hata Hiro.

In this world, we pray to Acala, who has a fearsome face and warns us against the worldly desires of humans for good judgment.

We went to the beach to pray and told Lumi how much we thank her for her life here with us.

The second 7th day (Futannoka 14th days)

As soon as they cross the mountain, they come to the Sanzu River, where those whose crimes are light cross on a bridge, while others must cross in shallow water or through muddy water, depending on the severity of their crime. The fare to cross is six-mon yen (about 200~300 yen now), so they place a six-mon money coin in their coffin.

Once they have crossed the river, they are judged by Hatsue-no-O to see if they have committed any acts of murder, but in this world, they seek salvation from Shaka Nyorai, who will grant the prayers of anyone.

I know my animal family is all able to cross over the rainbow bridge without problems.

The third 7th day (Minanoka 21st day)

The third trial is when the Song Emperor uses a cat and a snake to punish those guilty of infidelity. The Buddha to whom people in this world pray is Manjusri Bodhisattva.

Manjusri Bodhisattva, known as the proverb “three heads together make Manjusri’s wisdom,” grants the wisdom to go to the Pure Land.

The fourth 7th day (Yonnanoka 28th day)

Next, you will meet the Gokan-o. Here, there is a scale that weighs the amount of bad words and actions that the deceased committed during their lifetime, and the deceased is placed on it.

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, riding on a white elephant, is full of mercy and will lead you to the world of enlightenment with his many merits.

The fifth 7 days (Itsunanoka 35 days）

On this day, the famous King Enma awaits. He uses a mirror made of crystal to reflect the evil deeds of the deceased and has a demon pull out the tongues of anyone who lies.

King Enma then decides where the deceased will be reborn. In this life, we pray to Jizo Bodhisattva, but the Jizo that is closest to us is a Buddha who saves us from the suffering of hell.

The sixth 7 days (Munanoka 42 days)

In the 6th trial, the judgment is made by the King of Transformation based on the reports of King Gokan, who used the scales, and King Enma, who used the mirror. The conditions and place for rebirth are also decided in detail.

Maitreya Bodhisattva is said to be the successor of Shakyamuni. It is the Buddha who will save us in the distant future. He teaches us how to help others attain enlightenment, not just ourselves.

The seventh 7 days (Shichinanoka 49th day)

This day, which is the 49th day after the death, is an important day for memorial services.

It is the day when King Taishan hands down the final decision based on the results of the trials so far. Depending on that decision, the deceased leaves the intermediate world and sets off to be reborn in one of the following realms: the realm of heaven, the realm of humans, the realm of Ashura, the realm of animals, the realm of hungry ghosts, or the realm of hell. In this life, prayers are offered to Medicine Buddha for the best decision to be made.

We did 49thーDay memorial for Lumi’s aunt, Kula.

Kula, Golden Retriever’s 49th-Day Memorial

What is a 49th-day memorial service?

In Buddhism, the 49th-day memorial service is a significant ceremony to pray for the deceased’s soul to attain enlightenment peacefully. In Buddhism, the 49 days after a person’s death are called “Chuin” or “Shichishichinichi,” and memorial services are held at turning points every 7 days during this period. Starting from the 7th day, followed by the 27th and 37th days, the “49th-day memorial service” is held on the 49th day, which is the seventh 7 days, and prayers are offered for the soul to be led to the Pure Land.

49th-day memorial service for animal companions

Increasingly, families in Japan are holding 49th-day memorial services for their animal companions, following the tradition of funeral rites for humans. For owners who feel that their beloved dog is like a member of the family, carefully sending off the soul of the animal companion is an essential step in processing their grief.

49th-day memorial services are gaining attention as a ceremony that allows owners to express their feelings of “thank you” to their pets and their desire to see them off until the very end.

Kula, who was Lumi’s antie, used to go to our restaurant Seed Kitchen, so I offered a 49th-day memorial service for Kula and invited many friends.

I post about it on my blog.

Spend time mourning with family and friends.

It is also essential to hold the 49th-day memorial service with family and close friends. By sharing time together centered around your deceased animal family, such as talking about memories while looking at photos and videos of your beloved dog and playing your favorite music, you can heal your grief. Rather than carrying it alone, mourning together will ease the burden on your heart and give you the strength to look forward.

I only mentioned the Lumi departure to a few friends so far.

Texting is not my favorite way to communicate, so I called.

Most people were busy when I reached out, which I understand.

When I spoke to some friends, I couldn’t bring myself to share the news about Lumi’s passing.

It was not the right time for me to share my feelings yet.

I felt so physically tied, so I received a Shiatsu massage, which definitely helped.

Going to the beach with Lumi’s dog’s family also helped alleviate their state of grief.

Gardening and planting some plants and herbs to remember Lumi.

It has been very healing to write as usual to process my emotions and post my blog, even though it took me more than two weeks to do so. But looking at Lumi’s photos was very hard, even though they were all good memories. I wanted Lumi to be here physically.

I want to see her smile and touch her again.

I asked Eric to make cherry pancakes since Lumi loved cherries every season.

I want to celebrate Lumi’s life when the time is right. Hopefully for 49th day (the seventh 7 day).

“Lumi-chan, you are a really amazing girl; you did your best and lived the fullest!”

“I am so proud of you!”

“Thank you so much to you from the bottom of all my heart!!”

Love,

Sanae❤️

P.S. After I wrote this blog, Lumi’s ash came home.
I received her clipped fur, whisker, nose, paw prints, and teeth. I feel much calmer, yet with a more profound sense of sadness. I cried so much loudly.
After I cired, I felt that Lumi is with me even more than ever, and she told me, “Thank you, Mommy, for everything you did for me!” “I love you so much! I am here with you no matter what, forever!”

Lumi, the Golden Retriever Reincarnation

As Lumi’s birthday of 13 years came.

Golden retrievers have a life expectancy of 10-12 years. I see Lumi lives her life her best every day, so I decided to write a blog with my gratitude and love for her.

Lumi was born on Jan. 19th, 2010.

Some people may not believe in reincarnation, but she came back to live with me four times in the last 55 years.

She had a short life previously, so I promised to help her to manifest her lifespan and fulfill her life this time.

I learned about animal reincarnation when I studied Animal Communication.

After I learned about animal reincarnation, grieving losing my animal family (either because of their age or sick or accident)got eased. I started communicating with them even after they passed and look forward to seeing them later, and many times I know when they are coming back.

Lumi was one of the dogs that clearly communicated when she was coming back.

I did not have the confidence to understand Animal Communication in the beginning, so I did not notice that she came back to live with me as a reincarnation first time as Lolo.

Lolo died when I had a near-death car crash in 2001.

She came back to me as Dore then, I knew it was Lolo immediately.

Curious Dore looking at something while her mother, Kin and her two sisters Kula and Oro were looking at the camera

Dore was a curious dog and wanted to be a mother, and she got pregnant with the next-door neighbor’s dog in North Fork. She was so happy when she got puppies.

Dore with Kona who became a service dog

We donated one of her puppies to a service dog foundation, graduated from service dog training, and helped Patrick (a 16 years old disabled boy)all his life. We kept Dore’s favorite puppy (we named her “Chibi-Gumu”). Dore was delighted being a mother, but when Chibi-Gumu got poisoned for some reason when she was only five months old.

It was a very shocking and sad time, and even remembering it brings me so much sadness, so I am not going to write about it this time.

Dore, too, almost died from cleaning Chibi-Gumu’s vomit.

She survived but could not accept Chibi-Gumu’s death and endured so much grieving.

Dore started to escape from her secret place to look for her Chibi-Gumu.

She always came back home, but we checked our yard everywhere but could not find her secret escape location.

One day, she escaped again. A pick-up truck driver hit her in the alley and ran away near our house. A neighbor saw it and phoned me, so I went to Dore immediately.

She was waiting for me, but when I touched her, she stretched her legs to the light and said, “I am sorry, Mommy, I did not know the track was going to hit me. I want to come back!”

I told her, ” I understand. I love you so much. You can come anytime. I am here for you!”

I realized Lolo and Dore died after being hit by a car, and I remember my dog, Oliver, who was with me for a short time when I was in junior high school. My mother told me that Oliver died because he ran out of my parent’s house, and a car hit him.

I was too shocked to hear this sad news when I came home from school. I think I kept the shock/trauma feeling deep, deep inside of me, but after Dore died and connected Lolo’s death brought Oliver’s death, I decided to talk to him.

Wow, unbelievable; Oliver was Lolo and Dore, and they all died cause of a car hit.

Dore said she wanted to come back to live with her family and me, so I decided to support her journey, coming back to us once again by talking to her.

Two years later, after Dore passed, she came back as Lumi.

Lumi was so much smaller than any of the other puppies and not breathing when she was born, but her mother Oro kept licking, licking.

It was like Oro was on a mission to save the puppy (Lumi).

I communicated to this little puppy(Lumi), “you gonna make it! Breath! You can do it!!!”

When Oro stopped licking, I helped with CPR, and the puppy (Lumi) started to breathe.

It was a miracle!

Lumi one day old

I knew the puppy was Dore at that moment.

Her journey coming back was not easy, but Oro knew it was Dore, her big sister, who wanted to come back as Lumi.

We named her “Lumi” as
We named her “Lumi” as luminaire – inspiration/light. She was feisty and not scared of expressing herself.

Smallest in the center is Lumi

Lumi lying down to her mother, Oro

Lumi (left) and her brother Bubu

While preparing the food, if anybody called or came and it got interrupted, she showed the intense paw steps and told me, “Mommy, focus on preparing the food. I am hangry!”

Even now, if she needs to go out, she does paw steps constantly until we notice her request.

Lumi is curious like Dore, but her vision has more clarity than Dore’s this time. She is more careful and wants to have another puppy and live with her puppy for the rest of her life and fulfill her life.

Even though each dog reincarnated to return as the same spirit dog, they may look different and think differently, but their purpose is the same.

I promised to help her live her life and no more getting hit by a car!

I also asked her to promise that she make efforts to live a long, healthy life without car accidents. She said, “You bet!”

Lumi with her puppies

She communicates loudly with us (her daughter, step-sister, niece, nephew, Eric-my husband, and me). Sometimes she sounds upset, but she expresses as excited since she is living her life again as her purpose is to be with her daughter/family and us.

Lumi (left) hiking with her dog family & me

Since she stayed pretty small for Golden Retriever (about 30~35lbs, average Golden Retriever weight is 55~71lbs), many people have always come to greet her and ask if she was a puppy, even though she was over ten years old. She likes being different and having fun when people admire her.

She has been an excellent mother to her daughter, Happy. She is very patient with her and never barks her back. They are sleeping together even now.

Lumi and her daughter Happy sleeping together

Lumi (left) with her daughter Happy

Now Lumi is 13.

She has right knee arthritis, so she limps. She takes homeopathic medicine and Bach Flower Remedy to cope.

She still wants to go hiking once every two months and she walks in the neighborhood at her pace every day wit me.

Lumi hiking

When people see Lumi’s limping, but she walks at her steady pace, they come to her to give their respects, and she likes that a lot so she give them her smile☺️.

She sleeps a lot and snores loudly but loves eating Healthy Happy Pooch homemade dog food and treats. She also enjoys animal reiki, massage, moxibustion, brushing, and a belly rub!

Lumi and her sister Portia had their birthday walk together to celebrate their 13th birthday in the park!

Portia, Happy and Lumi (left to right) with Jennifer Portia’s mom and me

Enjoy life with dogs!

Love, Sanae ❤️

Bach Flower Remedy for People and Animal Grieving

It has been two weeks since Bubu, our beloved dog, departed. I wrote Bubu’s last words and how he departed on my previous blog. https://sanaesuzuki.com/2021/06/02/animal-communication-bubus-last-words/

I have had many dogs and cats as my family this lifetime. It is harrowing when they depart and I grieve.

As I wrote about Bubu’s aunt, Kula’s life on my blogs many times (https://sanaesuzuki.com/category/kulas-healing-journey/), I want to write about Bubu as much as I can. I feel that Bubu is giving me this as an opportunity to share.

Today, I feel so so. Probably better than two weeks ago.

I miss Bubu and feel an emptiness in my heart not seeing him or touching him physically.

I feel his existence in my heart when I go deeper in my heart so I need to be dive into my heart.

For the first ten days, I got up in the morning and cared for his dog and cat family. It was mechanical action as I had to do it.

I was feeling too sad. I decided not to attend zoom art classes. I am not in the mood to seeing people and hearing their voices, even online.

All I wanted to do was two things.

One – taking a walk with Bubu’s dog family where I used to walk with Bubu and talked to them every morning, and sometimes I cried while I was walking.

Two- gardening. Stay in my garden, watch the sky, sun, moon, birds, butterflies, ants, and how flowers and leaves swing by the wing.

Smell the flowers and listening bird sounds and wind chime. Dig the soil and desperate to connect earth or something.

A few days ago, I injured my hand carelessly. I shot the front door as I was going out to the front garden as usual, but I forgot my left hand inside the house and closed the door over my left hand. Ouch!!!

What was I thinking? No, I was not thinking anything.

I realized I was not functioning. I was feeling too much pain of losing Bubu so I avoid thinking.

Bubu departed the next day after he was diagnosed with cancer, I was not ready. Well, was I ready if he lived a longer? Was I ready when any of my animal family departed? …

My husband, Eric, cried when Bubu was diagnosed and when he was leaving. He goes foil surfing and dealing with his pain his way.

I am not expecting anybody to understand. I meditate and acknowledge Bub’s love for us and my love for him to move forward.

Then, I noticed his sister, Lumi and his daughter Happy were grieving a lot. Lumi did not want to move much and did not lift her face. Happy was ricking, pulling her fur and chewing her skin.

I felt I need to take care of them more than ever.

Photo: Lumi and Happy are laying down a lot with no energy.

One of the holistic modalities that I have been using for emotional support since 1993 is Bach Flower Remedy.

I first time used Bach Flower Remedy for me when I had ovarian cancer in 1993. An acupuncture doctor recommended it. I did not know that I had stress till I used Bach Flower Remedy. I learned how to release tension and ease my stress using Bach Flower Remedy. I decided to study more Bach Flower Remedy in 1995 and became Register Practitioner.

Animals have feelings and emotions too. I have been helping dog and cat rescue groups using Bach Flower Remedy, Animal Communication and Animal Reiki. Many cases there are great benefits for them.

They are 38 Bach Flower Remedy discovered by Dr. Bach. Each remedy is directed at a particular characteristic or emotional state.

Lumi and Happy have different personality;

Lumi is excitable and Happy is shy.

I chose and mixed different Bach Flower Remedies to help their grieving when Lumi lost her mom, Oro, Happy’s grandmother. It helped them and they got more energy and played together.

Lumi:

Beech, Honeysuckle, and Walnut

Happy:

Aspen, Chicory, Honeysuckle and Walnut

I also decided to mix Bach Flower remedies for me too. These grief remedies have helped me not feel stuck and accept reality to move forward.

Honeysuckle, Pine, Star of Bethlehem, Walnut and Water Violet

Description for Remedies that I choose for grieving for Lumi, Happy and me are:

Aspen – Useful for animals that display signs of anxiety following the death of an animal companion. It also helps humans that may have generalized fears for the safety or health of other pets in the household
Beech – For animlas or people who are grumpy, irritable or ‘snappy’ during the stressful grieving period. Increases tolerance of others and allows for the processing of genuine emotions in stressful situations.
Chicory -For animals that suffer extreme anxiety, hair chewing, etc.

Honeysuckle – For humans and animals that are longing for their lost companions.

Pine – Releases guilt surrounding the death of a pet and those lamentations that you ‘could have helped them’, ‘should have known’ or ‘should have loved them more. Releases self-blame and self-doubts over the situation.
Star of Bethlehem – The remedy for shock and particularly useful when the death of a pet has been sudden or without warning. Comforts and soothes the individual after a shocking incident when there is emotional pain and suffering.
Water Violet – The ‘grief’ flower essence helps you process all the feelings associated with grief (sadness, anger, denial) to prevent you from creating unhealthy blockages. Allows you to experience and process the emotions of grief fully and may bring about teariness to help you release emotions over the death of a pet.
Walnut – Helps in times of transition like the loss of a pet and allows humans and animals to ‘break the links, release the pet who has passed on and be able to move on with life more easily.

Photo: Walnut flowers

Flower Remedy Dosage:

Take each Bach Flower Remedy 2 drops at least 4 times daily. You can mix all together in 1 oz mixing bottle with spring water and 4 drops from the bottle is works too. You can add in water and food and use them as a room spray.

Make 1 oz mixing bottle with water with chosen Bach Flower Remedy will last two weeks, then reassess for suitability and make any alterations to the mix as necessary to take for another two weeks. The length of time it takes for the grieving process is different for every person (and animal).

Internal Use:

Bach Flower Remedies – Take 4 drops under the tongue, at least 4 times daily.

Topical Use: A few drops can be rubbed into the skin (or fur or paws for animals) or can be added to moisturizing creams, lotions or baths.

Room Spray: Add several drops to a small spray/atomizer bottle filled with spring water. Spray throughout the house, over human and animal bedding, and any areas the deceased animal used to frequent.

I hope this helps others who are going through grieving.

Besides Bach Flower Remedy, Animal Communication helps your animal family who is going through grieving. I hope to write about it also soon.

If you have any questions, please post on this blog and I will answer for you.

Love,

Sanae

Animal Communication: Bubu’s Last Words

One week ago today (May 25th, 2021), one of our beloved dog kids, Bubu left to heaven.
He was 11 and a half years old.
He never got sick all his life (except minor his toothache) and he was doing well till one week before. We are shocked and so sad here.

I hope writing this blog helps me grieve smoothly and tribute to Bubu’s life.

First, about ten days ago, what I noticed was Bubu got picky eating his food. We always make homemade food for our animal family. He enjoyed his food every day so I thought that he was going through changes because of his age. Sometimes as our dogs or cats get older, they want to eat different foods. But he puked when he ate some food.
I checked his body and gave him Reiki.
I felt something over his tummy, which he did not have last month when I checked him while cutting his nails. I usually check all my animal family’s bodies once a month when I cut their nails.
When I gave him a massage, Reiki and also moxibustion, he felt better.

Photo: Bubu with his dog family and me on my birthday in April at North Fork. Bubu is third one from left.

I made phone calls to make an appointment for him to get a check-up, but we are still in the Pandemic so none of the veterinarian’s offices had availability for 2~3 weeks. Our holistic veterinarian doctor Lane was able to come to see him a week later so we asked her to come.

Meantime, Bubu was still enjoying his walk and eating most of his food.
I wanted to make him comfortable so I communicated with him:
Bubu said, “I am not sure what is going on with me, but I can’t eat all the food I used to enjoy.” He also said, “I feel lonely since nobody comes to visit for a while.” so I explained him about Pandemic, and told him that I feel lonely too. He told me that he understood and he was happy that Eric and I were with him and his dogs and cats family were with him too.
But I contacted his favorite friends.
Two friends were able to come to see him right away.
He was delighted and enjoyed seeing them so much.

Bubu was born in our house, Santa Monica, California.

Photo: Bubu is the second from right – light blue yarn puppy and next to left to him is his sister Lumi.

Photo: Bubu right and Lumi left.

Photo: Bubu front left with Lumi front right/ Their mother Oro all the way right. Back on the left is Bubu’s step father Leo, Eric and Kula, Bubu’s aunt.

His mother was Oro, my first Golden Retriever Kin’s daughter and his father was a champion dog; Preston from Shadalane Golden Retriever. He never gave us trouble growing up with potty training or manner or anything, but he was sensitive, so he was scared and shy when he was a puppy.
I encouraged him to go to agility class with Eric when he was young. Agility class helped him to build his confidence. I think having agility training grounded his personality also.
He was a very caring and kind dog.

He was quiet and did not express his feelings much usually, but when Eric came home from his work every day and his favorite friends visited us, he showed so much happiness by picking up his favorite toy and with his voice…woooo, woooo, woooo!!!!

Photo: Bubu’s favorite toy and Eric.

He was our original shower and ofuro (bath) boy.
When we took a shower or ofuro (bath), he came to the bathroom and stayed there and sometimes felt asleep against the bathtub. He showed Kai and Lani to be shower and ofuro (bath) boys.

Photo: Bubu with his shower and Ofuro (bath) new assistants, Kai and Lani

Bubu did not like other dogs much so he enjoyed his family here at home a lot. Later in his life, our dog trainer friend, Cecilia, showed him how to trust other dogs and he went mountain hiking every week with ten other dogs until she had to move to Colorado because of the Pandemic last year.

He loved diving from the rock at Manzanita lake, which he learned from his aunt, Kula.

I wanted to make his daily routine a little more enjoyable so I asked him what else he wants to do, he said, “Park!” so I decided to take him to a park early evening to walk without a leash. He really loved it and walked all around the baseball ground at Clover Park until three days before he passed.

Photo: Bubu at Clover Park

When doctor Lane came, she confirmed that Bubu had something over his tummy.

Photo: Bubu was relaxed with Doctor Lane’s examination.

She recommended taking him for an ultrasound examination. Still, there was no veterinarian place available to offer the ultrasound examination for Bubu except for bringing him to an emergency because of Pandemic. Bubu received his acupuncture treatment and relaxed so doctor Lane and we thought taking him to an emergency will stress him out. Doctor Lane decided to contacted her associate doctor Hadar (who I know from Kula – Bubu’s aunt, who was sick in 2016) for the next day appointment.
When we took Bubu to doctor Hadar’s office, he did not want to go inside with an animal technician. He looked at me and said, “Please go inside with me, mommy.”
I had to tell him that “Bubu, I am sorry, but it is Pandemic and we can’t go inside with you, but Daddy and I are here outside waiting for you so please go and take a test. You will be fine. The test results show us what we can help you.”
He looked sad, but he said, “Ok, I understand.” and he went inside.
I was so proud of him and told him that too.
It took about two and a half hours when he came back he was a little weak. I took this photo with him.

Photo: Bubu after doctor Hadar’s ultrasound examination

Doctor Hadar told us by phone that Bubu has cancers and less than one month to live. We were shocked and very sad, but I told him I am ready to help taking care of him as I took care of his aunt, Kula for two months, his mom Oro for three months, and his stepfather Leo for 16 months after they got sick. I was ready to take care of Bubu no matter what.
I even made a point to him that you got the same diagnosis like I got, which is less than one month to live.
He said quietly, “I do not want to be your burden and jeopardize your health.” I replied, “You are not a burden to me, and I am not going to jeopardize my health taking care of you.” He smiled and did not say anything.

That night, Eric was talking to Bubu after dinner.
He was massaging and talking to Bubu about how much they had a good time doing agility together. Eric was asking me to gather photos of their agility training so I had to look for these photos. I could hear Eric was crying and saw Bubu had tears in his eyes.

Photo: Bubu with Eric at agility training

Photo: Bubu learned to wait at agility training

Photo: Bubu was learning to jump by his instructor Annica

I felt that Bubu was not staying with us for too long that night. Bubu was a gentleman, so even he was getting weak he walked his own and went outside and did his toilet matter and went to his bed next to my side.

The following day, he was sleeping with Lumi, his sister. I also noticed he was lying down on Lani’s bed that he never used. I think he just wanted to try it before he left and saying goodbye to everyone already.

Photo: Bubu tired Lani’s bed

I did not have a good feeling so I stayed with him all morning and gave him Reiki, moxibustion and loquat warm water gentle body scrub.
He enjoyed everything, but he did not want to eat much so I gave him liquid food. He ate, but when I gave him apples and broccoli organic baby food that Eric bought, he threw up everything. I felt terrible that I gave him something that I did not make and I think apple was too acidic for his condition so I made Kuzu ume cream which he ate.

I could tell he was tired so I let him sleep and took other dogs for a walk. He was sleeping, but I think he wanted to get up and go outside so he did, but he could not get up anymore. He weight about 40 lbs, but I somehow got strength to pick him up and put him on a dog bed on the deck.
I had to call Eric to come home.
Eric came home and felt the same feeling I had that Bubu would not stay long with us.
Doctor Hadar called around 6:45 pm and gave us the blood test results and said that his liver is failing according to the blood test, so he might just have a few days to live. I told her that I think it will not be a few days. It might be tonight.

Around 7 pm, Eric and I felt that Bubu was starting to get ready to leave. We had no time to take him or any veterinarian doctor to come to euthanize him.
I kept talking to him that “Bubu, it is time to go; I am here to help you no matter what. You don’t have to worry about anything. As I told you always, I will see you here or there wherever you want to see me again. I love you so much. I thank you for everything you did and the time we had. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I kept talking to him.

Eric and I could see Bubu was trying hard to transition to heaven, but he was still resisting.
I told Eric, “Please tell Bubu that you are going to see him again!”
Eric looked at me quickly and told him right away with his tears, “Bubu, I will to see you again….” Eric did not finish his whole sentence…Bubu said, “yes, thank you, daddy and mommy I will see you again!!!!” and he let go and left in a half-second. These were his last words as he was departed.
His eyes were shining, his face was smiling and his arms were reaching toward heaven.
The beautiful light surrounded him and he left peacefully.
It was an incredible experience!

Photo: Bubu’s dog family – Left to right, Happy, Kai, Nalu, Lani and Lumi.

Photo: Cats family – Tin Tin and Mai Mai came to say good bye!

Sadly, we do not have Bubu with us physically anymore.
I know he taught us so much even as he was leaving here.
I thought he got sick, so I will take care of him for a while, but he decided to leave so soon.
Eric and I were not ready to send him off; we are grieving hard.
I took a photo of him with his dog family, but I did not even think to put a candle until a few days after he left. I was not able to accept his departure. As I put a candle and burned the incense, I felt my sadness and miss Bubu deeply, but at the same time, I am all right because I feel Bubu’s love continuously and I am here to take care of his family to respect his wish.

I was writing ‘How to Make Umeboshi Plums’ recipe on my blog, but I could not finish writing. Bubu said to me, “Mommy, you can finish writing Umeboshi plums blog first, then please write about me.” so I finished writing Umeboshi plums blog with my tears last Friday, May 28th.
I am glad that I did it because Bubu was watching me making Umeboshi plums this year too and the last thing he was able to eat was ume kuzu.

Over this weekend, we went to North Fork where Bubu loved running, swimming, and diving into lakes—celebrating Bubu’s life.

The last few times when we went to Manzanita lake in North Fork, there was not enough water for him to jump from his favorite rock so he did not do it. But there was snow and he had a good time. Also, he had fun at creek.

Photo: Bubu on the left, and Happy and Lumi had fun with snow in March

Photo: Having fun in a creek in April.

Photo: Three Golden family with me.

There was not much water again this time, but we took his photo with his sibling Lumi and Happy.

Photo: At Manzanita lake with Bubu’s sister Lumi and his daughter Happy

We also went to Bass lake, where he was swimming. Some people were fishing there so we just took photos with his dog family and his picture.

Photo: By Bass lake

We found a new location by the Bass lake dam and everyone was enjoying running, swimming, chasing a duck and catch the sticks.
I could feel that Bubu’s existence and his daughter Happy were checking his picture as she also felt Bubu was there.

Photo: By the Bass lake dam.

Today, I woke up and said to Bubu I am ready to write about you, what do you think?
He said, “That’s a good idea, mommy. You will help many people who love their animal family to share how to communicate with their animal family and heal when they are going through grieving. I love you so much and thank you for all my life. Till next time I see you, mommy!”

I love you, Bubu, for your birth to your departure to heaven.
Yes, till I see you again!

Tribute to Bubu Oro Suzuki
Beloved Our Original Shower Boy
01-19-2010 ~ 05-25-2021

Love,
Sanae 💖

P.S. If any of you are interest in learning animal communication, here is info from my website:
https://sanaesuzuki.com/animal-communication/

Raising Healthy Happy Puppies Part 2

Nalu (mother) and Kai (father)’s puppies are growing smoothly.

The first week, all they did was just sleep and suck the milk, poo, pee, and they went back to sleep. I think they were sleeping 90% of the time, which means about 22 hours a day!

Very simple life, but I could not help watching them all the time.

They made a sound when they breathe and drinking milk from Nalu.

These puppies have been teaching me about what preciousness is in life.

At about two weeks old, they became more alert and tried to stand on their own.

Also, their eyes are started to open.

They look sleepy all the time and some open one eye and the colors of the eyes are also very foggy, but after a few days their eyes are opened and they look cuter every day.

After three weeks old, some puppies’ teeth started to show up, but some of them had no sign of teeth so I could see their growth difference as much as their dognality (personality).

They were still sleeping a lot and Nalu was taking care of them very well.

I did not have to do much except taking care of Nalu in the beginning so she has enough milk to produce for puppies, and she continues to stay healthy after pregnancy.

Nalu is a tall, slender, active dog so she did not grain too much weight when she got pregnant. After she gave birth, she lost weight. I want to make sure she gains weight.

Nalu ate lots of protein (beans, tofu, natto, etc. ) and sweet rice, which helps produce milk and gain weight. She also ate mochi (sweet rice cake) with nori seaweed every day.

She ate three times a day and morning snack and afternoon snack and after dinner snack.

When Nalu is hungry, she makes a face and telling us, “Please, give me more food; I need to feed six puppies!” She was so intuitive and such a good mother.

She started making this face when she got pregnant.

At the end of three weeks old, I think puppies were able to see more and they came close to Nalu to hang around her face and stay next to her after they had milk.

It was so beautiful to see this unconditional love.

Four weeks old, all the puppies’ teeth are growing and they started to play with each other so much. I knew that weaning time was coming so I started to make their fast weaning food.

I have done this many times, but I was hoping that this litter puppies also like my homemade weaning food for the first time.

These are some recipes I have been using and published in my Healthy Happy Pooch (HHP) book.

Puppies weaning food for breakfast and lunch (ingredients are all organic)

4 tablespoon rolled oat
4 tablespoon soy, almond, oat, or rice milk, soaked
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon raw carob
1 teaspoon apple sauce
1 pinch slippery elm
1 pinch powder kelp
1/2 tsp flax seed meal
1/2 teaspoon Vegedog supplement

Mixed in a blender in the beginning.

They loved my food!

Look at Lani’s face.

As they grow, I add boiled sweet potato, broccoli, and carrot to their breakfast and lunch food.

Also, I add cooked beans and pasta instead of conventional puppy food (kibbles or canned food).

The pasta is very digestible and chewable so they like a lot.

Snack and Treats (ingredients are all organic) for the mid-morning and mid-afternoon

Fruits: Apple sauce and/or mashed banana
Cooked vegetables: carrot, sweet potato, squash, or soft broccoli
Cooked whole-grain pasta
Whole-grain bread with seed butter (pumpkin or sunflower) or dipped in lukewarm vegetable/miso soup or fruits juice
HHP homemade sweet vegetable paste for puppies (Healthy Happy Pooch (HHP) page97)
HHP homemade chia seed pudding and sesame seed paste (Healthy Happy Pooch (HHP) page 102)
Nori (dried sea vegetables)
Natural, organic plant-based dry puppy food

Puppies weaning food for dinner (ingredients are all organic)

1/4 cup beans soft-cooked pureed
1/8 cup brown rice soft-cooked, pureed
1/8 cup raw carrot, grated
1/8 cup raw leafy greens (kale or collard), finely minced
1 pinch powder kelp
1 1/2 teaspoon lukewarm vegetable soup or purified water (moisten food, if necessary)
1/2 teaspoon flax seed meal
1~2 tablespoons Natto (fermented soybeans )

Mixed in a blender a little bit.

Quantity needs to change/add as they have grown, also depending on what kind and size of the puppy.

Also, if the puppy is too excitable and not able to finish, then you take the food bowl away for a few minutes and give it again. Sometimes I have to do for Lani a few times because he is watching her mother, Nalu, her father Kai, aunties Lumi and Happy, and Uncle Bubu eats right next to her and gets exciting.

After everyone else finishes, he goes back to his bowl and finishes, but sometimes takes a much time so I am gently encouraging him to focus on his eating.

It is a perfect practice for me to be a good caretaker with love.

I believe all my animal families come to me to teach me so I am grateful to learn more.

One more thing I cut their nails for the first time. Puppy nail

As you see, I did while they were asleep.

Some puppy has a problem with cutting nails or cleaning toes or ears and anything, but I introduce to them everything that daily life that I can think to them so they will be ready to go new home.

I love the mission to raise healthy, happy puppies who are going to teach me and everyone.

Love,

Sanae ❤️

Raising Healthy Happy Puppies Part 1

When I was younger, I never thought that I was just going to marry and have a child when I grow up. But after I turned 38 years old, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and could not have the baby; then, I realized that I wanted to connect with new birth.
Of course, I did not know how to experience a new birth of life at that, but the universe had a plan.

The first dog lived with me in America was Sakura (meaning my favorite flower in Japan, cherry blossom); she was eight weeks old sheltie mix and came from a shelter.
I have adopted many more dogs and cats from shelters and rescues since then naturally.

After I recovered from ovarian cancer, I read a book by Nakako Yamamoto’s “Henry Heals People.” This book was about how Nakako trained her dog, Henry, to be a service/therapy dog.

Photo: Nakako Yamamoto’s book

I always wanted to train my dog to be a service/therapy dog and go to hospitals and senior centers as a volunteer, so this book gave me a good clue to make it happen.

One year before I read Nakako’s book, I adopted eight weeks old Shepard mix puppy from a shelter, but she died three days after she came to my house. I was so shocked and cried out so much in sadness.
I went to the shelter and told them what happened to the puppy.
They said, “It is less than one month so you can exchange for any other dog.”
What?
The puppy was not something like I want to exchange my sweater.
My stomach got twisted as I was so upset hearing that.
I also found out later that she was sick already before I adopted her.
It was such a painful experience.

After I had this awful experience, I had a chance to raise eight weeks old Golden Retriever puppy. It was a very well-known breed dog, so I should be happy, right?
But I am a kind of odd person who comes to popular things so I was not attracted to what most people like.
My husband, Eric, choose a little puppy girl, but I was not sure about this most popular kind of dog at first. Anyway, I named her “Kin,” meaning gold in Japanese, and raised her with Sakura. Sakura was a grouch older dog, but Kin put up Sakura’s stubbiness and was very patient.
Kin convinced me that why many people love Golden Retriever dogs and also showed me how kind-hearted and sympathetic a dog she was.

By the way, one of my books, Healthy Happy Pooch’s front cover photo is Kin and Sakura on the beach.

Photo: Healthy Happy Pooch book cover: Kin (left) and Sakura (right)

Kin looked different than usual Golden Retriever, slender, athletic, and short fur so most people thought she was Labrador, but not eating enough. She was always friendly to other people and other dogs, but she was a serious dog and supporting my emotions a lot so I felt that I could do anything freely when I was with her.

I did many things with her and went to many different places.
When I deiced to go studying Macrobiotics at Kushi Institute in Beket, Massachusett, Kin came with me and I saw her walking down to the Becket General Store with my teacher Michio Kush sensei.
I crossed America driving twice and one time Eric and I went to Prince Edward Island in Canada with Kin and her two puppies (Dore and Kula).
I trained her to be a service dog and passed a test to be a volunteer for the Los Angeles Children Hospital.

Later, I had an opportunity to have Kin’s puppies with a champion golden retriever male dog then I helped to birth Kin’s puppies in 2000. This was my first dog midwife practice and I did know anything about being a dog midwife.
Kin was 3 years old, but she taught me how to follow my heart.
I kept her daughters (Dorem Kula and Oro) and later I got another opportunity to raise Kin’s ground puppies.
They were dogs, but Kin was my dog daughter and I had dog ground daughters then later even great dog ground kids.
I never dreamed to have my kids this way, but they were really my kids and made me feel so real and happy.
Watching Kin’s happiness with her daughters and after she passed I watched her ground puppies’ birth and raising them as healthy happy puppies and dogs were my happiness.

One of Kin’s ground-son, Kona (he was Dore’s son) became a wonderful service dog and he helped Patric Ivison for about eleven years and he just retired the last year.
I am so proud of Kona.

Photo: Dore with Kona 8 weeks old when he was leaving for Paws’itive Teams to be a service dog.

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Photo: Patric graduation with Kona

Experiencing and helping new birth of dog’s lives is very fortunate in my life.

There are too many dogs at shelters and rescues so some people have judged and criticize me badly for birthing new puppies. I am not expecting everyone to understand or accept me.

I am not a bleeder.
I am also not birthing puppies for money.
I am raising healthy happy puppies.
I am committed to finding guardians who raise my puppies.

I have raised 18 dogs and 7 cats including 5 dogs and 7 cats from shelters/rescues in the last 30 years.
I also contribute to work as a volunteer for one of the rescues “A Purposeful Rescue,” to help animals who have had trauma, injured with Animal Communication, Animal Reiki, Bach Flowers Remedy, and Animal Massage, etc.

Photo: Nalu (left) and Kai (right)

About 2 months ago, our Nalu gave birth to her six healthy puppies.
Our Kai is a father.
Because of this pandemic, the veterinarian hospitals were not open as usual so I was a little concerned if something happened to Nalu’s puppies what I was going to do, but everything went great.

Photo: Nalu just before her water broke

Photo: Helping Nalu to cut her first puppy’s umbilical cord

Photo: Eric encouraged Nalu

After Nalu’s water broke, she gave birth to the first puppy in 15 minutes.

Photo: Nalu’s proud face after her first puppy birthed

It was the most smooth births I ever helped with new puppies.

I communicate with Nalu and also gave her Animal Reiki when she got a little tired after she has four puppies. After Animal Reiki she gave birth to two more puppies. She did a really great job!

Photo: Nalu receiving Animal Reiki

I remember being a midwife to help Kin’s puppies’ birth was the closest I felt that connecting to new birth once again.
I am grateful for the universe’s plan for me.

Photo: Nalu right after she gave birth here six puppies

Photo: All six puppies: from left to right – Lani (who is staying with us), Cheddar, Wylie, Lulu, Vasco, and Umi-Banana.

Many people are going through so much struggle this year because of the Pandemic, but we had no problem finding people who want to raise these puppies right away. I will post later all the puppies’ photos with people who adopt them.

I wanted to post photos and these puppies story,
but I really wanted to focus my time to raise healthy, happy puppies so there was no time till now.

Yesterday, Masayo who adopted one of the puppies sent me a message “Made your homemade treats from the Healthy Happy Pooch book. It took time to make them so I felt your love for these puppies. Thank you very much! These puppies are happiest puppies in the whole world”.

I almost cry when I read the word “Happiest puppies in the whole world”.

It is my life mission to raise the happiest puppies in the whole world!

I appreciate to new lives of puppies so much!

Photo: Look at Nalu’s happy face with her puppies

Love, Sanae❤️