Two for Tuesday: I'm asking you to do these two things on Giving Tuesday to support local wildlife 

Giving won't be easy for some people this year. Many Ontario citizens have suffered financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-profits, charities, and organizations that support nature and wildlife have also been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Today is Giving Tuesday, a day when people make donations to support charities that mean a lot to them. I want to go two for Tuesday. I present to you two ways you can support nature and wildlife right here in Ontario that I've donated to for Giving Tuesday. I'm asking my readers who are considering which initiative to support today to consider one (or both) of these Ontario campaigns that need your help.

Thank you to Patty McLaughlin of the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre for illuminating the Raven for the Paws For Reaction readers!

Halloween's haunted animals: The truth about the ominous and dark trickster; the Raven

When I think about Halloween symbolism, things that come to mind are spirits, monsters, witches, and vampires. But what about the animals? Black cats with their backs arched, howling werewolves, slick Ravens crowing warnings, and swooping bats are all signature Halloween animals. Folklore and mythology weave their way into the spooky stories we tell and animals are the stars of these terrifying tales. 

Canadian's give thanks: Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, especially those who are isolated this year

I hope you all had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! The pandemic has made it difficult for families to get together this weekend. I know how isolating it can be living alone and not being able to visit family. Virtual visits and phone calls just aren't the same. I missed the hugs, the homecooked meal, and the playtime with my nephew. To all of you who are alone this holiday season, I want to send you my love. It's tough but we will get through this. Hold your pets and cherish the moments that you have with the people you love. Find ways to visit from afar. But most of all, stay safe. 

Guest blog: My Reiki journey; a discovery of healing energies and the power within 

Guest blog by Robyn Thomas. So excited to welcome her to the Paws For Reaction extended family!

Many are unaware of Reiki healing and its vast healing possibilities. The Usui Holy Fire Reiki system incorporates Reiki symbols, attunement placements, distance healing methods, and hand positions for working with oneself and others. As a practitioner, I connect with and direct universal life-force energy that surrounds every living thing, to balance the life-force energy within. This involves channeling source energy, setting intentions, connecting with Reiki symbols, Mother Earth, and myself to balance and ground mind, body, spirit. 

Piqued my curiosity: I had my dog blessed by a Catholic priest 

I was walking my dog by a Catholic church in my neighbourhood when a nice lady commented on how beautiful Hazel is. I know I'm a little biased, but I have to agree- she's a looker. We were making small talk about my dog when she mentioned that the church is offering blessings to pets. She encouraged me to bring Hazel back the following weekend to have her blessed.