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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

2 Legged Dog

Hey all,

I love the people and things out there that inspire me to have more courage & conviction, to try harder, and to challange the envelope of my physical and emotional strength. One of the reasons that I wanted to go into entertainment is so I could share that inspiration with others. A friend emailed this photo essay to me that I have paraphrased below. It touched and inspired me in a powerful way. I hope you enjoy it:


The dog below seems like he's imitating a man & entertaining college kids.


But if you take a closer look...


You will see that he has overcome a huge adversity to adapt to his world.

And he gets respect and warm welcomes wherever he goes.


Next time CAN'T creeps into your thoughts, remember him,...and know that

All Things are Possible.

posted by Christopher Showerman @ 8/19/2008 10:52:00 AM  

32 Comments:

  • At 3:23 PM, August 19, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Thanks Chris

    Seems whenever I'm most in need of encouragement I come on here and find you (or anyone of the forum family has posted something truly inspirational that reminds us all things are possible.

    With love and Bright Blessings to all over the bank holiday weekend. (Do you have a bank holiday over there or is it just here in Britain?

    Angi

     

  • At 4:45 PM, August 19, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi All
    This summer has been "fifth gear, full throttle" for me. If I am not working 7 days a week, I am competing in dog agility trials with my rookie partner (record so far this summer: 12-firsts, 2 seconds, 3-thirds). Hard to think that summer is almost over but the corn is starting to turn brown at the bottom, a sure sign that September and my favorite time of the year is coming soon. Sue/Dave, my side of the drink has been having some great weather, how about your side?

    Angi, I have heard from some of my UK friends that the weather over there has been a bit....wet. Have you seen the sun lately?

    Chris, great piece. I am glad to see that there is a person who is willing to take on something that is less than perfect. As I have spent many years working with dogs, I have found that they have an amazing ability to cope and they do so with out feeling sorry for themselves, surely one characteristic that helps them get over whatever their disability. It is interesting that the dog receives all sorts of attention and as you say, respect, where ever it goes yet, I have seen so many times, people with like handicaps, ignored and almost shunned. Maybe I am just a little sensitive to the subject as I go out of my way to assist people that may need a little extra help with a door, curb or what ever. It never takes me more than a few minutes (more often just seconds) to do so and the majority of the time, the people are extremely appreciative. Maybe if we treat each other like we treat handicapped dogs, the world would be a better place?

    Tim

     

  • At 8:18 AM, August 21, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    What an inspiring story. It truly is a great reminder of what I think you could say is the power of love.
    Someone loved that dog enough to assist in helping it cope within its limited physical circumstances. I think that doing so would have lifted up the spirit of that person, as well, to be continually reminded of what our human spirit is capable of. I received a forward on the very day this topic was posted. Perhaps others have seen it. It's the story of a mother duck and ducklings which hatched in the nest she built high up on a building in the heart of a busy city...and how local office workers watched over the nest...and when the time came for the ducklings to leave the nest, these loving human spirits, with compassionate creativity, were able to catch all the fledglings off their high perch in the nick of time...and transport them safely to a nearby body of water. What a day to be touched by both stories of - "can do" ATP thinking. Thanks Chris.

    Probably you'll get lots of these stories now sent to you! I've been meaning to send the duck story to a few of my friends who enjoy getting those.

    Angi...not sure about a bank holiday here...anyone else know? Sounds great, though! It hasn't been wet here in Michigan. And Tim, on our side of the drink...we need some of that moisture...and soon! This spring we were complaining about too much water..and now it seems very much like early fall. In our little corner things are very parched...and could use a BIG drink.

    Enjoyed your post very much and good to "hear" your virtual voice again! Great to hear about your dog show adventures...I'm sure we all figured you were very, very busy...since we hadn't heard in awhile! And I agree, totally, with your thoughts on the subject of how we treat others on a daily basis. The world truly is a better place because of sensitive people as yourself. I think you are inspiring people by your example when you may not even realize it.

    I just got an email this morning from National Wildlife Federation. They have a petition you can sign to encourage us all to spend time outside and be making a conscious effort to immerse ourselves in nature more -- something we've kind of lost in this modern society...and it's playing havoc with all of us...especially the children of today.

    I know all of us on the forum feel that way, too, so here's the link to "The Green Hour" petition and community at
    https://online.nwf.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=605 I personally feel that being out in nature daily, or whenever possible, helps us cope with all manner of things.

    Here's another quote I discovered recently -- you might enjoy as summer winds down into the fall season that Tim and my husband, and I think Chris once said, is the best!

    "There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." -- Celia Thaxter

    "All Things Beautiful" to all the forum family...summer, fall and always...Sue

     

  • At 9:36 AM, August 21, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    I'm back. No sooner had I sent my post than I received another item about the same theme of the healing power of nature and green spaces so I'm adding it here... Apparently a book to be published in Sept. ....ATB/P/Sue
    http://www.tkffdn.org/happenings/book.php

     

  • At 12:16 PM, August 27, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hello forum friends!

    Chris- thanks for sharing that amazing story. Having a dog with a somewhat odd way of walking myself *grin* I know exactly what looks you get from other people who do not know the situation. They usually think Luna is in pain or really has a handicap- but if you consider that we even do agility with her you'd know she is happy as a..well..border collie! Funny enough- the more pathetic people seem to think she is the more she'll behave like it. She deserves an Oscar for 'best doggy actress'! Seriously- we've been through a lot with her and it is amazing to see the willpower in an animal in situations like that. We could learn a lot from it.

    I understood some people *hint* are back from vacation and of course we are waiting for holiday pics here! Hope you are all enjoying the end of August. Take care and Luna cuddles to all!!
    Be Inspired!

     

  • At 2:22 PM, August 27, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi Jaschenka! It's fun to hear about your dog, Luna. Hope all is well over there and I'll put in my hint for holiday pics, as well from that certain person...

    I'm once again helping our friend Clayton Klein to promote his Sept. walk for Hospice and I'll try to post some updates now and then.

    I'll borrow one of Jaschenka's signature words and wish everyone the good feelings you get with those cuddly doggy "greetz" amd cuddles! Sue

     

  • At 4:36 PM, August 27, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi everyone!

    Hope you all had a good summer, vacations and that all is well!

    Thanks Chris for sharing with us these beautiful touching photos of
    such an amazing dog; he is an inspiration for all of us and certainly is another great encouraging example that All Things Are Really Possible!

    Tim, i liked so much every word you wrote in your comments. I
    didn't work with dogs like you did but taking care of dogs, cats
    other animals through the years years i often noticed their ability to overcome difficulties and their disabilities. I appreciated so much your thoughts against disrespectful unfair treatments that sadly, often people with disabilities get.I'm sensitive to this subject as well because i took care of people and usually assist them when they need little helps; so i totally agree with you about that! It's always a joy for me to see people who made the difference like you do on this; thank you very much for that!

    I appreciated what you said Jaschenka; your dog Luna is amazing! I also enjoyed seeing the photos of the walk you did with your friends last month, in such beautiful places.

    Thanks Sue for mentioning the healing power of nature, those links and another inspiring story about animals and loving human spirits. Congrats to Clayton Klein for his annual Walk for Hospice and to you for helping him to promote it as always!

    Take care everyone!
    Alex

     

  • At 5:45 AM, August 28, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Have a great weekend forum family!

    So great to see your post Alex and thanks for sending your comments about the healing power of nature, and animals.
    They say laughter fits in that category, too, so here's something I think forum fans will find fun to read. Especially as we look forward to the "scary movies" on the docket coming up. I found this site the other day. Lots of fun and interesting articles. But this one made me laugh and I had to share! The title? "How to Act in a Scary Movie"...enjoy...Sue

    http://www.ehow.com/how_4492540_act-scary-movie.html?utm_source=eHOD&utm_medium=email&utm_content=4492540&utm_campaign=28_08_2008

     

  • At 6:21 PM, August 29, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    This sort of fits in with the original subject matter with a slight variation. Very inspiring. All things possible

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j9agEegLcs

    Tim

     

  • At 9:26 PM, August 29, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Tim, I managed to download the clip (took awhile) and was able to view...yes, very inspirational. -- Hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful holiday weekend..Sue

     

  • At 9:47 PM, August 29, 2008 , Blogger Christopher Showerman said...

    Hey All!

    Thanks for the great comments. Please check out the amazing video Tim provided a link it. WOW! That is stunning! Fits very much with the theme. Thanks!!

    Love to Luna.

    All Things Possible,
    Chris

     

  • At 2:10 PM, August 30, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Staynig with the dog theme,here is another video that has a great message buried within it. I hope you enjoy it as I see it a reflection of life

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfXGD4hP1Ro

    Tim

     

  • At 6:56 PM, August 30, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Tim, this is absolutely touching...strikes a deep chord. It's beautiful. I sent it to all my family...thanks....Sue

    PS do you have any video clips of your dogs on You Tube?

     

  • At 3:26 PM, August 31, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi everyone!

    Great to hear from you again Chris!I agree with you all! These two videos are amazing! The second one with its great very important messages and beautiful pictures is really touching and wonderful! Thank you so much Tim for providing those links!
    Last week i was touched by a very nice story of a dog that saved an abandoned baby: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7577275.stm
    Once again i notice that animals are better than some people!

    Wishing you all lot of loyal true friendship and true love! ATP!
    Take care everyone!
    Alex

     

  • At 7:16 PM, September 03, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Wish me "Happy Trails" everyone! We're off to Paradise (MI) to help Clayton Klein kick off his 4th Walk Between Paradise and Hell this weekend to benefit hospice programs. At 89, he's truly an inspiration and a personal hero (along with our forum host:), as an example of ATP and being a life long creative spirit. I'll check in next week with an update. A video link would be awesome, but maybe next year. Thinking ATP! Sue

     

  • At 5:49 PM, September 09, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keGv4iTquI0&feature=user

    Hi everyone, just thought I'd post this link about Faith, the wonderful story of the dog that Chris shared. This link came in my email today. And there are several other stories you might enjoy.

    Hope all is well...ATB/P/Sue

     

  • At 8:05 PM, September 09, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Sue, thanks for the link - how did your trip to Paradise go? I've been away for a while, not anywhere per se just very busy at work and I am now in another play ("Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley. I play Father Flynn, the role that Philip Seymour Hoffman has in the upcoming movie - powerful play).

    But, back on topic, after seeing the story of Faith it does certainly make you realize what everyone is capable of when there is no other choice. I guess the secret though is to be able to do amazing things when you do have a choice!

    DaveW

     

  • At 8:43 PM, September 09, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi Dave! I was checking back just now. Yes, working on more ways to highlight Clayton's walk. Thinking of an e-news, updating my blog, and fiddling with my website. A lot to learn about PR!

    It was great. I feel rather wimpy only walking five miles back to Taquamenon S.P. where we were with my father-in-law. Glad I was there, though, to help kick it off. Quiet in Paradise! Had always wanted to see Whitefish Point Shipwreck Museum of Edmund Fitzgerald, so were able to do that. Hope to go back next year. By his 5th walk at age 90, maybe I'll have this publicity stuff down. Fun to be involved and he is such an inspiration. I've a blog earlier and hope to do another about him. www.michigancountry.com and keep updating www.susanparcheta.com and he's on Hospice site www.mihospice.org. I'll be walking with him again down here. So I'll post more again.

    Thanks for asking. I almost posted to ask you if you were in a play...it would be fun to see that one. Local theatre here launches new season soon. Gotta check on that too.
    Yes, that Faith the dog story has captured the hearts of millions it seems. I agree with what you said. And enjoy discovering amazing things by the amazing people on the forum...keep us updated on your acting this year! All the best, Sue

     

  • At 2:51 AM, September 12, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi everyone!
    How wonderful to see all those inspiring stories. It's truly amazing to see how animals touch our hearts and seem to be able to remember us of our own possibilities and bring out the best in us (hopefully).

    I am hoping to spend a wonderful couple of days on holiday in beautiful Germany together with my doggy Luna next week. Keep those tails wagging out here and see you all when I get back!
    Be Inspired!

     

  • At 12:02 PM, September 13, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Happy weekend everyone!
    I agree with Jaschenka. Animals and pets inspire our own humanity, and I know all of us are grateful for the animals in our lives.

    Just found this quote on the cover of a magazine. kind of goes with that sentiment as we wind down summer. -- "There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." -- Celia Thaxter
    Have a wonderful trip with Luna, Jaschenka! Look forward to a report!

    To all the forum family -
    May your summer wind into beautiful autumn days...Sue

     

  • At 2:13 PM, September 14, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi forum family,
    I'm supposing you're waiting for the topic to change, but wanted to take this moment to express my thoughts and prayers to anyone who might be experiencing Ike and its remnants. Tim, Dave hope you are keeping high and dry. What a monsoon we've had. On the radar Michigan is one big green blob for a bit longer. So hope you aren't flooded out. Not what I had in mind for winding down summer!
    All Things Beautiful...even in the rain! Sue

     

  • At 2:40 PM, September 15, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi Sue and gang
    We had six plus inches of rain on Saturday BEFORE Ike came through on Sunday and dumped a bunch more. Fortutunately for me, some last minute gutter cleaning and some creative trenching for the most part, kept the water out of the basement. I have been very lucky this past summer in the fact that all the bad storms, while hitting all around have left me alone as far as real damage.

    Hope everything dries out for you in Michigan

    Tim

     

  • At 8:25 PM, September 15, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Tim...glad to know all is well. We're fortunate to live on sandy ground and still we were water logged. Despite the rain up north on Saturday, my friend Clayton Klein is still on schedule. The walk is gaining attention more...one man walked two days 20 miles each, and plans to walk again next year farther, maybe even be in shape to do the whole trek. And Saturday four women walked Waters to Grayling in the rain 20 miles with Clayton. Do I feel like a wimp now! He has fans galore. Everyone adopts him, he's sucn an inspiration. More on that later...Sunny ATP days ahead! Sue

     

  • At 7:37 AM, September 17, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi all....rumor has it that our host has been so busy with projects this month he's hardly had time to sleep. So while we're waiting for the good news,
    I thought I'd invite you to join Lynne McTaggart's Peace Intention Experiment. It began the 14th but goes to 21st and they're encouraging people to jump in and participate any time.

    www.thepeaceintentionexperiment.com

    It's been an interesting experiment so far, and is one of many that will be following in the months to come. McTaggart is the author of the "The Field" -- a leading edge book about our interconnected universe. Maybe our intentions really can make a difference. What an ATP concept! Sue

     

  • At 8:52 PM, September 17, 2008 , Blogger Christopher Showerman said...

    Hi Guys!!

    My apologies for being an absentee host. Sue is right, I've been pretty crazy busy lately. It's been typical to be up for 30 hours or more straight lately. I've been working behind the scenes on a friend's movie and just started shooting on a new comedy today here in San Diego. I'll take some pictures for you guys and post them on the site by the end of the week.

    Hope your autumn is bursting with literal and figurative color. I'm glad to see you've all survived the many natural mini-disasters that mother nature has dished out lately!

    Take care of each other!

    All Things Possible,
    Chris

     

  • At 10:57 AM, September 18, 2008 , Blogger Ufuk said...

    Hi dear all..

    I hope you all have been well...

    Sorry about all those naturals disasters you had to deal with..

    I, too, am busy and can't be round really but i had to share this excellent video with you..

    it is fabulous by all means..

    http://www.adnstream.tv/video/nilSqaMboM/HISTORIA-DE-UN-LETRERO-THE-STORY-OF-A-SIGN

    Chris, so little sleep.. take care of you :)

    Love to you all

    Ufuk

     

  • At 5:20 PM, September 24, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi everyone
    Sounds like Chris is sooooo busy still, that I thought, instead of waiting for the topic to change, I'd post a little about our friend Clayton Klein and his 4th Annual Walk from Paradise to Hell for Hospice. I'd walked with him five miles when he started out in Paradise Sept. 6. That was fun. And then again today, now that he is down home, I walked six miles between towns. It was very warm today. Two guys walked with him the full 18 miles from Lansing. And one of them is a young relative of Clayton's. He'd always wanted to meet Clayton and enjoys walking. He's a computer programmer and so was glad to be out of the office. Walkers are thinking about next year now....how to make it even bigger and better...when Clayton turns 90. The amazing thing is, twice he told me in the past week, that he's been feeling better every day. And that's after walking 20 miles a day (average) for the past two weeks. Down here the treks are shorter. Tomorrow 12 miles and Friday 13 miles to Hell. Where I plan to be waiting for him. The walk has gone well, and the contributions for Hospice. If you'd like to check him on their page, it's www.mihospice.org. So that's my Clayton update for the moment. And Chris, we know that your busy days mean good projects coming for us to enjoy! To the forum family: All Things Beautiful, Possible, Dreamable for your autumn days! Sue

     

  • At 10:03 AM, September 25, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi All

    Tim, Sue glad to hear you've escaped all the recent bad weather. Over here it's been pretty wet for most of the summer but nothing on the scale you seem to get in America, although now my science course has started with a module on Global warming for which i have to monitor rainfall over the next few weeks as part of a regional experiment - you can guarantee we're probably going to have the warmest Indian summer on record.

    I've passed the foundation degree so can now go ahead and convert it to a full degree in education studies, and i'd like to thank my dear forum family for the moral support and inspiring posts on here that kept me going over the past two years - especially after the laptop disaster.

    Sue thanks for the updates on Claytons walks he really is a true inspiration and the fact he's getting attention is fantastic.

    Chris you're projects sound exciting and i'm sure were all looking forward to haring about and seeing the pics. Only please as Ufuk says - take care of yourself, and try find time to relax as well.

    Love and Bright Blessings to everyone

    Angi

     

  • At 8:20 PM, September 26, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Angi, thanks for the uplifting words! Always enjoy your bright blessings and positive thoughts, as well. So glad that all is well with your degree process. I agree with you, that there've been many moments when a comment someone made on the forum has helped keep me going. And today Clayton reached trail's end in Hell. There was a small contingent of walkers to greet him (you can see a little video clip on www.whmi.com -- the local radio station that has been following his 355-mile trek for Hospice. Yes, I'm in there somewhere. New walkers, too, who were so impressed when they met him that they plan to walk next year, including Todd Brooks, who walked Wednesday and, knowing he was related to Clayton, wanted to meet him. He's planning on walking farther next year. My other young friend Chris Young, an aspiring comedian, walked with me today and plans to walk next year, too. So it's catching on! More attention in the northern part of the state, so we hope for a huge celebratory turnout down here for 2009 as Clayton will be 90 years old. Even a little four-year-old who met him today told the WHMI interviewer, "Mr. Clayton is cool!" We were all thinking how neat it would be for school kids to meet him next year.

    Well, this is a little long, so thanks for everyone's interest in my enthusiasm for Clayton's adventure!

    It was warm, sunny, and an All Things Beautiful day in Hell today! Sue

     

  • At 9:36 AM, September 27, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Post Script from Sue: This morning I heard the news about Paul Newman. Had no idea he was ill. What a tremendous loss. A good friend commented when I relayed the news, what I think most of us feel. "'Paul Newman! Dang. I sure did like knowing he was still around.'" Hard to lose such an icon. Still not believing it somehow. Enjoy the weekend everyone...Sue

     

  • At 8:48 AM, September 28, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi you all!

    I just wanted to say that I am back from Alaska and had a wonderful trip. Alaska is an awesome country, and I really want to go back one day. I have been back for a little while actually, but I stepped right back into quite some chaos at work and doing a lot of overtime.

    I am still working on a comprehensible vacation report, both long and short, so bare with me. I also have a difficult time choosing only a few photos to show, as I took about 1200!

    Also, for those fans of you in Japan and Germany, SEA OF FEAR was released on DVD in Japan under the title Depth Down in April and will be released in Germany November 27.

    I hope this finds you all well and I will try to post more often again.

    All the best to you all!
    Stay positive!
    Ute

     

  • At 9:36 AM, September 28, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Ute,
    Glad to have you back! I've never been to Alaska, but I know it must be magnificent. Look forward to photos. Interesting Sea of Fear is called Depth Down. Best wishes for your chaos to settle down. ATB/P/SP! Sue

     

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