Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Dear Friend,
In my usual letter, I would be sharing some ways to celebrate April, like Passover and Easter, or fun and interesting days of the month - especially as they relate to our fur babies. For example, April is Dog Appreciation Month and National Pet Month. While there will be some of that, many of us are on some level of lockdown due to the coronavirus and have been for a while. That's why I am approaching this month's letter a little differently.
First, know that I am praying for your safety, health, and the courage to sustain us through this historic time. Second, know that you’re not alone! We are going to be hosting a virtual get-together for humans and pets. Lastly, we all can help each other so I’ll be sharing some ways to bring hope and help to each other.
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu
Let’s Celebrate!
Easter and Passover are both celebrations with a message of hope. Passover is when God saved the Jews from slavery in Egypt. Easter is when Jesus rose from the dead after being sacrificed for our sins. Both are about delivery from a state of despair and bring the promise of redemption. Whichever you celebrate, be filled with hope for tomorrow, love for your neighbor, and peace for yourself and the world.
The Days of Our Lives (April)
April has so many fun days that we couldn’t go without sharing some.
April 6 – National Fun Day
April 8 – Dog Farting Awareness Day (No, I didn’t make that up)
April 9 – Passover Begins
April 10 – Global Work from Home Day, Good Friday, National Hug Your Dog Day
April 11 – National Pet Day
April 12 – Easter
April 16 – National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day
April 22 – Administrative Professionals Day
April 25 – World Healing Day
April 26 – Hug a Friend Day (Virtual hugs only, please), National Kids and Pets Day
April 30 – Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, Pay It Forward Day
Go on a virtual outing
Isolation can have some profound effects on mental health. We miss seeing our friends and family members, too. One way to combat the feeling of solitude is to join us in our first virtual happy hour gathering. Friday, April 10th we will be hosting a Yappy Hour! Grab your favorite drink, your family, and pets for a private Zoom party. Watch your emails for an invitation link. If you have not been receiving emails from The Urban Dog Real Estate Group, let us know. We want you to be up to date for all of our events!
Here are some more great ways to get out in the safety and comfort of your own home. Some even offer learning opportunities.
San Diego Zoo: (https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/) The San Diego Zoo has an entire site for kids with live cams, animal facts, activities and games.
Houston Zoo: Every weekday at 11 a.m. Central time, tune into the Houston Zoo’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/houstonzoo/) for behind-the-scenes live-streams of daily zoo life, including zookeepers bathing elephants, taking a cheetah on a walk or feeding giraffes.
Atlanta Zoo Panda Cam: (https://zooatlanta.org/panda-cam/) There’s nothing more cheerful than a couple of pandas noshing on bamboo or soaking up some sun in real-time. Below the live-stream, guests can learn more about giant pandas and even see what it’s like to be a keeper for a day.
Museums, World Wonders, Space, and MORE! https://www.marketwatch.com/story/20-virtual-and-educational-field-trips-that-might-help-keep-your-kids-occupied-2020-03-30
You’ve Got a Friend In Me
I knew a little boy who loved that song from Toy Story. “You’ve got your troubles, I’ve got ‘em too”. The answer to troubles is, “We stick together and see it through”. We, The Urban Dog Real Estate Group, want you to know that we are here for you. We’re open and ready to help. We are also making donations to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. We want to ensure that no one goes hungry, whether humans or pets. We also want pets to stay in their homes and kept out of shelters. If you are able, please consider donating to these or your local charities.
Supporting your local restaurants and shops is another way to help your community. Ordering take-out from your favorite restaurants, buying gift certificates from shops that are not able to be opened now (such as hair and nail salons), or shopping online for stores that have that option can help your local economy.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” - Nelson Mandela
Sincerely,
Christine
Your Pet-Friendly Realtor
Christine Elias, GRI, ABR, SRS, MRP, ESA
Coldwell Banker of Winter Park
Urbandogrealestate.com