My Sweet Girl

A tribute to Murren.

April 13, 2009 – August 29th 2018. The Princess Murren, also affectionately known as Sugar Plum, Plum, Plummie, and my baby girl.

It is with great sadness I bring you the news of the passing my sweet girl. Murren. This big beautiful girl never left my side. Her soulful gaze was always upon me.

She lived a life of service, to me of course, and oh so many.

Starting with the boys at Gray Wolf Ranch,  who were away from their homes, and animals for 5 months or more. They lite up with delight when Murren came bounding into meditation each  morning. She would check in with each boy individually. The boys would lay on the floor with her as they played Battleship and other games. She often accompanied them on hikes and other journeys. She taught them patience, calmness and trust.

We also started Read to Rover at the Quilcene School. Children that would not read in the classroom would read to the dogs. They felt very special and loved by all the dogs. But if they had their choice,  would all line up in Murren’s line to read to her.

She also worked on the healing team at Empowerment through Equus. She was a welcome greeter to all and was always nearby holding space; giving lots of love and grounded energy.

To show affection Murren would lean on you, sit on your feet, or present her paw. She did know how to ask for affection too… presenting her hips for a good rub. She was known to be a proper girl crossing her front paws, a true lady. Murren enjoyed coming on trail rides and could keep up with the best of them, whether it be in the mountains of Montana or the logging roads up Snow Creek.

She is a sweet beautiful spirit, loved by all. Everywhere we went she brought a smile to people. She was everybody’s therapy dog.

She also had, what is know in Berners as independent action. (to help them make decisions in the field as a working dog) She liked to make her own decision, in her own time. I learned to respect this. (Her trainer, Georgia Towle,  lovingly said she was giving me the third paw)

And of course on FB, many know “Where’s Murren” She has captured the hearts of many, bringing lightness and love to all.

She has crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving a huge gap, in the physical realm. I miss her huge presence and her sweet loving gaze. But she is still with me and all of us in spirit. Her happy good natured spirit lives on.

Thank you sweet girl for your never ending love and devotion and a true life of service.

Your mom, I’ll love you always.

 

 

 

 

Spring in the Leland Valley

It’s been a slow in coming…not even sure I can say it is here yet? But yesterday was our best day yet! 71 and sunny. We enjoyed every minute of it. The boys are happily munching on fresh green grass and we enjoy every bit of sunshine that we get! It is a good time to come to the farm, for group or treat yourself to an individual session. We look forward to seeing you soon 🙂

so much to appreciate in life. a new grandson named lincoln. almost 3 months and happy and healthy. a new title, grandma lee 🙂 riding itchy twh in the mountains in the seven mile valley in mt. time with friends, swimming, riding, sleeping under the stars! new friends, old friends, 4 legged friends, hiking in the mountains, staying in neat cabins, road trips in truck and riding the harley. 4 legged neighbors, clients from around the world, playing canasta with friends, visiting lincoln, kristen, aaron, lorinda, mom, and others. meeting folks along the way. evening rides, fresh grass hay, beautiful days, beautiful nights, learning and growing, safe travels, and more to come! What’s on your gratitude list for this summer and fall?

it all started with this beautiful girl

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Murren turns seven this week. My friend Carolyn and myself, picked her up on the Friday after Thanksgiving 2009. At the time I was working in residential addiction treatment, and I knew I wanted more, I wanted animals to be a bigger part of helping people. I knew horses would be part of that healing and was researching programs, where I could train. I also knew dogs would be a big part of healing for folks. I researched for 2 years to find the right breed  and dog for me. To be a therapy dog. Her papers read “The Princess Murren” she had held true to this always crossing her paws and looking like a lady, even in a pasture of mud 🙂 She has greeted boys, coming to live in treatment for 5 months, missing there pets at home. Laid on the floor with them, while they loved on her or played battleship. She would interrupt morning meditation bounding to greet the sleepy young men who would perk up at the sight of her. She has taught lessons in patience, kindness  and the importance of a gentle approach. Weekly in the Quilcene School the 2nd graders read to Murren and 4 other dog teams. One week the teacher who directs the children to their dog team was not there and they all lined up to read to Murren. When we are doing coaching sessions at the farm, after a warm welcome to clients, she settles in nearby. She participates holding space in her gentle, kind way. It is not unusual to look up and notice a circle of animals surrounding us. Dogs, horses, and other equines. So this is a tribute to Murren and her 7 years of giving to all. Everywhere she goes smiles erupt on faces. so, thank you M and all you have brought to me and our team at ETE.

P.S. Murren is also well known on Facebook, with her “Where’s Murren” posts. Stay tuned possibly a children’s book in the works 🙂

 

after saturday group

“i feel so great since saturday. you’re working magic lisa, with ben and sweet too. it’s as if shift has happened. you and the boys are doing what you are supposed to be doing.”

amber l port townsend

 

There you are, I don’t have to pray, I don’t need to see, you accept me as I am. You love me merely because I exist. For two hours you have my heart and I feel my soul, through your eyes. You are more than a horse, for you are my SWEET.

From a group member after today’s group. 10/24/15

FAITH

The last few days I was feeling discouraged. I did not have anyone show for group on Saturday 😦 The boys and I were ready. Group had been going along with participants and great work happening with the clients and with the horses! Including Tiggs the mule who is showing up like a rock star. You never know the difference a day will make. Today, Monday morning, I have an email to schedule an individual appointment for this week or next. I also have a date to speak next week at an event called Women helping Women. (Thursday 7/23 at Port Townsend Yacht Club at 6 PM) This Wednesday we are scheduled to do Dream Theater in the pasture with the horses. I feel so blessed to do this work! I KNOW this is my calling, my whole life has lead to this point. I KNOW the power of the horses and the EGCM Method to change lives. It’s all in place, I am here living with my boys, in paradise. Something this good, and Spirit lead, cannot not succeed. It’s all about keeping the FAITH. And doing the footwork, so people know about the good work that is happening here at Leland Valley Farm.

living with the boys

i am so grateful that I am now living at the farm with ben and sweet. i have wanted this for so long, and it has finally come to pass:) i sold my house at beckett point so i could live and work with the boys. i loved every minute at beckett point, the amazing ever changing views, of the mountains, the sky, the strait of juan de fuca, discovery bay and on and on. making a commitment to live with the boys has brought it’s own rewards 🙂 I am getting to know the beautiful leland valley farm and area initmately, seeing so many things from a new perspective. even something as simple as mowing and seeing the house through the orchard, or the evening sun through the hundreds year old cedars and the glowing grass in the field behind the trees.

hearing the boys nicker and seeing them run and play from the window of my place. experiencing them opening up further as a result of sharing this time and place. often the boys like to lay down mid morning. one morning when both were laying down, sweet let me sit on his back, and even through my leg over like i was riding him. in my committing to them, i feel they are more committed to me. what a beautiful feeling. i am also getting to know the surrounding area with trail rides and adventures. appreciating the cool shade, and the amazing northwest flora and fauna. I am finding all the best swimming holes and places for our overnights and women’s adventure retreat. it’s all good and getting better. the boys and i look forward to your visit, whether it be for a group, individual session, an overnight or retreat, or a customized adventure, we have so much to share with you!

a horse named Ben

a horse named Ben

as you stand there

in all your grandure

i am reminded how you can

reach into my heart and

take away all the pain

looking at you with all your

strength and beauty

i am forced to admit

that i have the strength

to continue on this path

and I have a beauty

far deep inside myself

that is beyond physical

who is it i speak of?

why it is my friend

Ben

by Marina Garcia