Introducing Lullaby

13 Jul 2026 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Years ago I created this blog to accompany kindness quotes I shared on cards I distributed with my two previous dogs’ images on them: Puzo and Bella. After Bella’s death last year, my process of giving away the cards has minimized and I admit I am running out of the hundreds of cards I had purchased. It’s been awhile I have written, with an additional move, new job, and now new dog.

Meet Lullaby.

Lullaby is a five year old Frug (french bulldog /pug mix), who I got as a rescue from Legacy of Love in Ventura. She is believed to be 5, but exerts puppy energy. Her story is like many other french bulldog mamas. What we know is she was used for breeding, and was brought to the shelter for an emergency c-section. All puppies died, and her owners abandoned her due to the high vet bill. Although they made money off of her breeding, they couldn’t pay for her necessary surgery. After one week of healing in the shelter, she was brought to the rescue, and the following week I adopted her.

Lullaby was the name the rescue gave her, but I opted to keep it. There was a preciousness to this word, a gentle song sung to children as they sleep. And she is living into the essence of the word.

Despite the tragedies and trauma she experienced, she seems to be the most joyful soul. She greets everyone with exuberance, love, and curiosity. It doesn’t matter if they are a fellow dog or human, she wants to say hello with a booty shake and excited energy. She still doesn’t understand that not everyone wants to say hello. My friend Isabella nicknamed her Kimmy Schmidt, from the the Netflix show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This lead character also went through tragedy, but had a persistent smile , curiosity to the world, and an extraordinary amount of resilience.

Our two months together have been a journey, and I learn more about her on a daily basis. The first several days, she would lay her head on my hip or nuzzle her nose by my neck. It was as if she held me in place, not wanting me to leave. With time, she slowly gained independence. My friend Lisa encouraged me to do a ritual of healing from the traumas for Lullaby shortly after I got her, which intentionally coincided with Mother’s Day. Lullaby has had several seizures in these two months, and is now on medication. I look at her, unaware of what she has gone through but in awe of the happiness she exudes with every walk she takes. For those that are dog people, I notice they smile on the street as she walks by, ask to pet her, and give her blessings for this next part of her life.

She reminds me we always have a choice in how we want to engage with the world. We don’t have to be victims of our circumstances. In the midst of suffering, we can find glimmers of joy, and capacity to share kindness.

I hope one day you have the opportunity to meet Lullaby. Or perhaps you have your own furry friend who reminds you to be present and kind.

Shift in Values

21 Mar 2025 3 Comments

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , ,

            For the past several years, my number one value was my dog Bella.  Ever since my other dog Puzo died at 15 years, she was my priority.  We spent two years living the retired life together in France and Spain.  Bella accompanied me on my lap in cafes, bars, and the parks.  When her legs and paws became tired, I carried her like a baby, to ensure she had prime sunshine on her face.  In the past year, when I had to return to work, I purchased a condo five minutes from work in order to maximize time with her.  My lunch breaks I rushed home to take her out, eat with her, and return home to go on leisurely walks on the beach, ports, or her the local pet shop.  When I had dates or visited with friends, I often asked if Bella could accompany us.  I included Bella wherever possible in numerous facets of my life. 

            And now she’s gone.  Nearly 16 years to the day we found each other in a California park near sunset, she left this earth.  I’ve been a pet mom for 18 years, placing their lives as my number one value as I navigated relationships, jobs, and moves.  We moved back and forth to California several times, including extended time in Hawaii, the United Kingdom, Paris, and Spain.  As I accepted work positions, there was no question if they would be with me.  Their presence was a solid yes. 

            The question that arises now that her and Puzo are gone, is what are my values at this point? How will I make the choices in my life now that my fur companions are gone? What will be number one at this time in my life?

            Oftentimes there’s a dramatic shift in our life that occurs: a death, relationship ending, graduation, health crisis, monumental birthday, or job loss.  We are left with the question, now that this identity is no longer in my life, who am I? How do I want to be? And now the transformative journey begins… I have so much more to share about her impact in my life, but for now with this hole I am curious how to navigate the world without her?

            It’s scary, exciting, and nerve wracking. The unknown.  It’s life.

Kindness of Neighbors

22 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Yesterday, as I was walking my dog, I saw a stray petit black dog. Automatically I was worried.  He had no collar and looked familiar, he looked like another neighbor’s dog.  The dog was located next to the house of a family who recently vacated the building.  I had heard horror stories about the family, who took the week to move out, and carelessly left belongings in the front and back of the home.  Did they leave their dog?  These were both black small dogs, would they have dared to leave him?  I have heard stories of people leaving their dogs leashed or unleashed when they move from homes, so the dogs would not find them, and the family could have a fresh start sans animal.  I was hoping it wasn’t the case. 

            Outside of a hello, I rarely talk to my neighbors, but I found myself purposefully asking neighbors closeby “was this the previous neighbors’ dog?” Both individuals I asked said no, stating this dog belonged to someone several blocks away.  One of these neighbors said she would walk the little black dog back home.  She had once found this same dog, and he escorted her to where he lived.  What an intelligent little thing, but why would owners let them loose on streets that could get busy at times?  She tried to nudge the little young black dog home, but he was playing with my older dog.  He was following us to my home, and to help the neighbor out, we all walked several blocks, and escorted this dog to his rightful home.  We found out he was a three year old boy named Scotty, whose owner was searching for him that afternoon. 

I had only met this elderly neighbor once.  She introduced herself (Rosie) and her dog (Phoebe), when we moved into the neighborhood.  She has had her dog, which is a terrier mix, for three years.  She had found her in the recycling bin years ago, right behind the condo complex.  Phoebe was difficult to get out of the bin, because she kept biting hands that were trying to save her out of fear. With multiple attempts and the assistance of her adult children, they got Phoebe out of the recycling bin.  They cleaned her up and created signs for those who may be missing a dog, nobody claimed her. Rosie realized that Phoebe may have been the pet of a homeless person, as the dog had a strong digestive issue, which appeared to be from drinking contaminated water.  Despite this, they fell in love with her and Phoebe has been in Rosie’s home for years.

Morale beauty is an aspect of awe which occurs when we witness or observe acts of kindness, courage, or strength in other humans that bring a sense of amazement and wonder to us.  I couldn’t help but feel this way for Rosie, who in small moments offers her kindness to these pets who enter her life. I’ve only interacted with her twice, and both times have amazed me.  As we walked little Scotty home, I couldn’t help but think this is what true neighbors did back in the day.  This is what community is, we offer support and watch to each other, and our pets.  

Who in your life brings a sense of awe for the morale beauty they exhibit? How can you offer kindness to a neighbor? Morale beauty isn’t always recognized on the news or talk shows, but it exists all around us if we have the space to look.

Thanks Rosie for the kindness you offer to our neighborhood, and the pets that enter our lives.