Widow's Voice

Every Dog has Their Week

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The Dog Squad Striking a Pose for National Dog Week

Life has been extremely busy lately. Lots of big decisions have been made with more to come. So much has transpired just in the past six months. With my beloved Georgia property that Rich and I purchased in 2020 officially listed for sale, there are other transactions absorbing my time and energy. It’s all good, and I’ve been making well-informed choices on all fronts in the Moving Forward process.

My Villa Haven is On the Market

Over a decade ago I launched a Writer’s Platform on an Awareness Observance known as National Dog Week, founded in 1928 by Captain Wm. Lewis Judy. This Monday, September 23rd, NDW will enjoy its 96th celebration and dog-lovers across America should take a moment not only to shower their own dogs with extra-love, but consider helping those that are not as fortunate. Here is my Widow’s Voice Post from last year that talks about my relationship with that week and how it has shaped my present.

https://widowsvoice.com/post/a-weekness-for-dogs/

It’s been a tough two year climb back for me in the writing world. As I’ve posted before, widowhood just seems to take the wind out of your sails and crushes ambition. Sometimes we just cruise on half-mast, or half-fast. I’m happy to report, however, that I’m approaching the 54,000 word count in my current memoir project. The slow climb of the word count keeps me centered and sometimes during the writing process, I uncover new perspectives on events so the process is a bit slower. My goal was to complete the first draft of that book by September 28th, which would’ve been the celebration of our 28th wedding anniversary, but alas, I will fall short. That’s okay, for our story together, and my life beyond, keeps moving forward at its own pace.

I’ve dedicated the last 14 years trying to make a difference through my blogging and writing inspired by the mission of National Dog Week; to not bring more dogs in to the world, but to take better care of the ones already here. In my new locale in Putnam County, I continue to donate some time and energy helping the people and their pets in the largest and least affluent county in the state of Florida and remain on the Board of Directors for the Dog Writers Association of America, also co-founded in 1935 by Capt. Judy. 

I’m proud to have helped to place National Dog Week back on the forefront of dog celebrations, or at the very least provide some insight and researched historical background on America’s Love Affair with all things canine. The other day, Babette Haggerty, the daughter of the late great Dog Obedience Trainer Captain Arthur J. Haggerty, contacted me to ask if I had a good free-use photo of Captain Will Judy for his induction to the IACP, International Association of Canine Professionals Hall of Fame.

I offered to reach out to his Great Nephew, Al Judy, who’d been so helpful to me when I was writing my biography of Captain Judy. I was surprised when Al did not answer as quickly as he had in the past, and was saddened when his wife messaged me that Al had passed not too long ago after a brief illness. He always took great pride in his Great Uncle’s dedication to dogs and National Dog Week.

Rest in Peace Al Judy. I dedicate and will observe this year’s National Dog Week in your memory. My condolences are extended to his widow, as well.

Come over and give us a LIKE if you’re so inclined. https://www.facebook.com/NatDogWeek/

Have a good and restful weekend and keep the spirit of the upcoming week alive in your deeds and actions and try to live life like our dogs…finding joy in each “small” moment.

 

About Lisa Begin-Kruysman

Originally from New Jersey, artist/writer/blogger Lisa Begin-Kruysman now calls Southeast Georgia and Florida home. It was during a road trip in October 2021, when she and her husband Rich, who served militarily as a Navy Corpsman, were returning south after celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary, that he became ill, passing just three weeks later. The author of several books, including Dog's Best Friend (McFarland & Co. 2014) mostly inspired by the special human-canine bond, Lisa serves on the Board of Directors for the Dog Writers Association of America and now returns to blogging posting for Widow's Voice with the intention of sharing her personal experience of widowhood with those who know the struggles first-hand and to perhaps help those who struggle to understand the daily challenges facing those who've lost a spouse or significant other. She is currently writing a memoir about her Widowed Experience and the comfort she has derived from her relationship with dogs.