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How did this site start? Who's involved? Where are we??? What's it all about?
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Whether you're a pet owner and animal lover or not, I hope you find our pages helpful and help you discover more ways in which you - or loved ones, or those in your care - can benefit from that very special ingredient that animals have a corner on in the market, and which no company will ever be able to copy or bottle, no matter how much they spend on it - pure animal magic.
As pet owners and lovers of the great outdoors, I know how good I feel when I've spent an afternoon outside in the real natural world, and when I've got a friend from the animal kingdom besides me, it's even better. And I know that the number of ways you can have more exercise and get more active with animals are increasing. Plus I'm well aware that animals can motivate us in ways people just can't.
Many anmals are playing an increasingly vital role in the lives of families, the elderly, people with disabilities - yes, even businesses are actually benefitting from dogs at work, and training their staff by using horse sense.
So I wanted to put this web site together to raise awareness of the various ways in which you can get more active with animals, be it at home or away from home. Put more animal magic into your life. Enjoy that very special animal magic that only a waggy tail, a merry cheep and a chirp, a resounding buck, or those kneeding claws in your knee from your feline friend can bring.
Animals know about the really important things in life: love, friendship, companionship and fun. (Oh yes, Chico says, don't forget Food.) What is life without them?
And as for the animals themselves...
Animals have no agenda, political or religious persuasions. They don't care about company politics. They are straightforward, honest and tell it like it is. If they don't like something, we know about it. If they do like something, they tell us.
Animals are never judgemental, and the right one is a great stress buster and friend for life. They provide tons of magical moments and laughter and can teach us much about life and living too. They won't laugh as you huff and puff up hills, or at your hair as you get up in the morning after a late night out on the town. They'll be there by your side, merry as always, welcoming you to another day.
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Now of course, not every animal is friendly. Nature can be very cruel, and so can the human race. There are plenty of things happening in the world which make us cringe, put our hands over our eyes, recoil in horror, and wish we could take suffering away, off the planet.
Animals thesmelves are unpredictable and consequently great for teaching us - and our young - how to respect others and deal with challenges, unhelpful behaviour (e.g. trying to get a horse into a horse box who won't go), difficult times and fears. They also excel at teaching us responsiblity, caring, routine, about the simple things and small things in life which add up. |
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Let us introduce you to The Team!
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Sally Longson, Writer and Editor for Get Active with Animals.
Sally enjoys exercising most when animals are involved. Riding horses, walking through forests, mucking out cats, walking dogs, walking with llamas, brushing anything with fur - well, that's all well and good, because animals are involved, and it's fun.
Sally has cared for a range of animals during her life, including cats, dogs, guinea pics, hamsters, rabbits and horses. She is an avid animal lover, and also adores chocolate and champagne. She's also been a volunteer in one way or another for the whole of her life.
A trained life coach, careers counsellor and author, Sally has written books and articles, such as Choosing Your Career, Changing Your Career andGoing Back to Work; she also writer for the Society for Companion Animal Studies' quarterly journal. |
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Chico
Chico is an amazing dog, with a "get on with it" and "do it" approach. He adores a good run on the beach, trotting down to see next door's goats, and running to welcome visitors. He also enjoys annoying his friend, Chata, a yellow labrador. He's not so keen on swimming, though.
He adores walkies in the mountain and loves to head off exploring in the various nooks and crannies in the woods, mountains and corners of the earth! He excels at networking and is one of the most curious dogs we've ever met! And - unusually for many animals - he loves going to the vet, so he has a special interest in all veterinary matters. |
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Trouble
Trouble died on the 30 December 2007 at the grand age of 22. He deserves a mention because he was the inspiration behind this site. He gave us so much pure, unconditional love and so very many moments of laughter and amazement. He knew when we were going through difficult times - or someone else was - and he gave comfort in his own special way. And I can't write any more.
Rest in peace, my loyal loving, beautiful feline friend. Thank you for being the special cat you were and are. We'll meet again. |
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Sally Longson trained with...
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and subsequent coaching courses with
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We've put this site together using Create, originally known as Do Your Own Site, and although we're not technically minded at all, it's proven to be very easy - no worries about jargon, very helpful help points, and lots of invaluable tools such as Tell a Friend, Events and Contact Us. And the online community is amazing - if you do get stuck, there's always someone to lend a hand. Have a look for yourself and see what you think! |
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