An Emotional, Serendipitous Day ...

The majority of us know what it feels like to lose a beloved pet. It's a heartbreaking, overwhelmingly sad experience after sharing years of our life with a furry friend - regardless under which circumstances the loss occurs. This is how Lucy Howard and her young family in Middle Tarwin, Victoria, Australia felt not long ago.

"Fancy" their much loved Kelpie had graced the lives of Lucy and her extended family for fourteen long years and was a valued and adored family member. Approximately eight years ago, Fancy came to live with Lucy and her husband and has since grown with the family and bonded with their first child. Living on a farm, she was in dog heaven and eagerly assisted the couple with cattle work amidst enjoying her freedom on the adventurous land.

On the first weekend in March, Fancy went exploring as she often did, but failed to return home. Lucy began to worry and together with her husband, searched the areas she often frequented while loudly calling her name - sadly to no avail. Lucy immediately jumped onto social media to post the alarm on local sites, hoping someone had come across Fancy or at the very least, for readers to keep an eye out for her.

People spasmodically responded to the posts over the next week or so stating a lonely, hungry looking dog had wandered their way. Lucy's anxious heart would skip a beat, but learning more information of the strays, disappointingly, they were never her Fancy. 

Lucy continued to post regularly, desperately attempting to find her companion, however the response was disheartening. She realised farm life can be dangerous, especially in the warmer seasons when snakes are active and quick-moving. Maybe Fancy had succumbed to a lethal snake bite. She was no spring chicken and quite deaf. Any kind of danger could have befallen her.

Each long day passed with no sign of Fancy. Lucy and her family were heartbroken and felt the time had come to accept she was never coming home. Reluctantly they began the process of mourning her and her unconditional love. It hurt - deeply.

However, on Monday morning March 21st, two weeks after Fancy had been missing, locals Kelly Van Den Berg and Lillian Duthie, were driving around the back of Middle Tarwin. It was a beautiful day and they were looking for access points to launch their kayaks into the Tarwin River. Stopping at various tucked away bridges to assess the embankments, none seemed appropriate in light of the steepness and vegetation overgrowth. Determined, they continued their search.

The women came across another remote bridge and stepped onto it in the hope of discovering the perfect kayak entry point, but again, it didn't look promising as the ridge was much too steep. Lillian walked the bridge to view the other side when a vision caught her by surprise.

"There's a dog!" she shrieked. "Oh, it's dead. The poor dog."

"Hang on a minute, it just moved," Kelly voiced, as she neared Lillian.

With that, both woman began calling out to the canine, but there was no reaction. The girls continued to create noise until suddenly, thankfully the dog jumped to its feet looking around to see where the commotion was coming from. 

Kelly shared, "The aged dog seemed disorientated and probably deaf. It was on a tiny, little patch of mud on a near vertical bank. It had obviously been there a long time, as it had really dug itself a hole. What now, we thought!"

A farmhouse not too far in the distance seemed the obvious first contact point. Kelly and Lillian immediately went to find the occupant who could possibly shed some light on where this dog belonged. Unfortunately, no one answered the door. The girls wandered around thinking the farmer may be working in the vicinity, but disappointingly again, there was no one in sight. 

Kelly said, "We returned to the house to knock on the door one more time and that's when a young lady appeared. We asked her if she was missing a dog. Lucy immediately broke down in disbelief. She was an emotional wreck and we knew then we had found the dog's owner."

The three of them raced back to Fancy. Kelly and Lillian, being experienced and prepared kayakers, carried their safety gear with them. In the past they had successfully completed various courses, including white water rescue. They knew exactly what to do.

Ropes were hooked up and Lillian strategically lowered Kelly approximately twenty metres down the steep, dense, muddy riverbank. Once she reached Fancy, she created and fitted her with a harness after which Fancy was safely pulled up and received by Lillian, then Lucy's overjoyed, loving arms. Lillian then proceeded to carefully pull Kelly back up the bank.

Kelly explained, "Fancy possibly fell down there and got stuck. The river was wide and deep, so it was a good decision of hers to stay put. The water was fast-flowing and she could have been washed away had she jumped into the river. Fancy may have attempted to climb up the embankment, but it was rugged and slippery from the mud. She seemed too old and frail. She was well and truly stuck, the poor thing."

Lucy was beside herself and so thankful to the kind, competent women. 

She said, "I'd been looking for Fancy for two weeks! I was in complete shock when Kelly and Lillian turned up. My heart dropped when they mentioned a red collar on a dog they had discovered. I didn't think Fancy would return. I was already mourning her. She may have been down there the whole time, as she has a habit of burying her bones down by the river."

Lucy promptly took Fancy to the vet. Besides fatigued, starving and had lost weight, she was ok. After Fancy initially ate everything in sight, she is now back to a picture of health and once more, carries her normal weight.  

"She's fine and back in the cattle yards with us where she loves to be," Lucy happily assured. "I'm so extremely grateful to Kelly and Lillian. They are lifesavers!"

Kelly remarked, "This was a wonderful serendipity. To think Lillian and I were in the right place at the right time, surely we were meant to find Fancy and return her home."

Does Fancy continue to burry her bones down by the river?

"No, she hasn't gone near the river since she was rescued," Lucy answered.

Smart move, Fancy!

Fancy stuck on a patch on the banks of the Tarwin River.

Fancy's lifesavers, Kelly Van Den Berg and Lillian Duthie.

 The strategic rescue.

Adored Fancy back to a picture of health.

The Fine Line Between Empathy and Rescuing ...

My heart bled for you as I watched you struggle; the constant self loathing and uncontrollable, abusive behaviour powerfully dragging you into a state of no man's land. At this point you said you ceased to feel and preferred it that way. How afraid I was of finding your lifeless body during one of my many visits.

Destructive self sabotage was your ally when I sought employment opportunities, tempting you with a purpose to drag you out of your dark hell. You declined the offers with endless, justified excuses. I knew your fear of failure debilitated your will to try again. Another fated disappointment would surely tip you over the edge.

I threw you many life lines in my denial of how sick you really were.

I desperately wanted you to find your way home and to realise how cherished you were and how amazing your life could be. I wished you could see yourself through my eyes – your talents, your tenderness, your selflessness. The strength and resilience I knew you possessed were now dormant deep within and hidden behind your wall of hopelessness. I prayed for you to embrace your wholeness, not just your demons.

I led you to therapy, hoping it would safely permit you to spew forth your immeasurable, overwhelming angst and pain. You were battling in such solitude and it frightened me terribly. You claimed you didn't feel comfortable and were unable to connect with the practitioner. He failed to understand.

It didn't help you were quietly intoxicated.

I placed your name on various detoxification centres' waiting lists and finally an opening arrived. I remember how elated I was and couldn't wait to share the good news. After you detoxed from your poison you would progress to a residential rehabilitation centre I'd organised. You would be professionally guided and supported to rise from the embers ready to grab life by the horns once more. 

Yes, I had it all planned out. 

We decided on a time I would pick you up to take you to your first step towards healing. Gosh that felt good and brought with it such relief. However, you were nowhere to be found the day I excitedly arrived. I realised then, not 'We' had decided on a time, but 'I'. I remember my heart broke into a million pieces and I sobbed a waterfall of restrained, powerless, despairing tears as I numbly sat in my car outside your home.

I wised up that particular day.

I understood, although I desperately yearned to, I couldn't rescue you from your despondency. I couldn't save you, no matter how fuelled and altruistic my intentions. I couldn't haul you along by the hand believing I knew how best to find you your answers. It wasn't up to me. However determined I felt to make things right, it was your journey, not mine. I realised I had to step back, as difficult and heartbreaking as it was, and continue to walk beside you, following your lead at whatever pace that happened to be.

Yet I could be your sounding board; a trusting, emotional, support to lean on. I would make sure your body ingested much-needed nourishment when you forgot to eat. I would catch you when your pain was too great to bear and silently cradle you in my arms. I would be there when you hopefully, wholeheartedly decided it was time for change. I would assist you to put structures in place to move you forward out of your dark, deadly oblivion.

I loved you endlessly and while it immensely pained me, I just couldn't run your race ...

The Time of Our Lives

Well, spring has arrived!

How incredibly quickly this year is flying by, despite the restraining, unsettling pandemic circumstances overshadowing our lives. Gippsland's fertile soil is waking up and coming alive with all the colours of the rainbow. The sun is finally radiating welcoming warmth, while the grass accelerates its growth. The birds are busily, vocally building their nests intending to expand their families, as are most creatures in this idyllic season. It's definitely a delight to see and feels comforting and uplifting – if we take the time to notice. Sadly,  life's organic, wondrous pleasures are easily overlooked and taken for granted.

We typically seem to get caught up in life's fast pace and wonder how rapidly the days, weeks and months rush by. Time is something we generally perceive as scarce, surprisingly even during the restrictive pandemic periods. It appears to make little difference as we conform, compromise and redirect our energies toward suitable tasks among fluctuating, mandatory coronavirus-induced constraints. Pandemic or not, there are always fundamentals to achieve, complete or rectify noted on mental or solid to-do lists anticipating our attention. The past nineteen months have granted us opportunities to tackle these dormant nudges typically earmarked for rainy days.

However, constantly chasing our tails, moving hastily from one responsibility or chore to another, we tend to focus on the outcome and often forget to enjoy the ride. Our tunnel vision commonly prohibits us from noticing the collective magic continually showering our existence with light and shade as we progress throughout each day.

According to esteemed physicists time is not real. It is simply an illusion made up of human memories. Everything that has ever been and ever will be, is happening right now. If this is indeed accurate, isn't it fruitful for us to slow down and create beautiful memories of each moment we are fortunate to enjoy? After all, each moment of our lives is one we have never lived before and will never live again.

Engaging all our senses, we are gifted to embrace and fully absorb every activity, experience or interaction as it arises. No matter how mundane, insignificant or even fleeting some occurrences may seem, there is always an offering of emotional, fulfilling nourishment. We just need to allow ourselves the time, or learn to be fully present to define the heartfelt purposes and beauty within each instance. Ultimately, the present moment is all we are ever promised.

So as we bid winter farewell, let's declutter our thoughts, spring clean our attitudes and allow mindfulness to blossom. Let's wipe our slates clean and start a new, refreshing chapter by welcoming our stunning, rural spring with eyes wide open and a new-found spring in our step. Slowing to become aware of the abundant blessings we receive throughout our days, no matter how minuscule, will surely achieve a sense of fulfilling gratitude and contentment, regardless of the uncertain, looming COVID-19 cloud.

Who knows, we may even begin to believe time is actually on our side.

Oak & Swan Sourdough

There's something unique and welcoming strolling amidst outdoor, rural farmers market stalls, especially if the sun is shining. The combination of radiating colours, freshly baked treats and the wafts of delicious aromas tease and excite our senses. The greenery, the music, the simultaneous echoes of happy conversations, the diverse, local products and beverages all contribute to the endearing, uplifting and personal ambiance of a community hub. One stall holder, who regularly frequents Foster's monthly Prom Country Farmers Market in South Gippsland is Betsy Evans, typically accompanied by one of her two helpful sons.

Betsy is a delight. Her approachable, friendly manner emanates her enjoyment of market days as she cheerfully engages with fellow stall holders and customers. Betsy along with her husband, Greg, are wholesalers and meeting customers is a rare opportunity, especially loyal, reoccurring ones.

"That's why market days are very special," Betsy claimed.

Betsy and Greg along with their three children are the proud owners of Oak & Swan Sourdough – a small family-owned and operated, organic wood-fired bakery on a beautiful, undulating, one hundred acre property in Mirboo North.

Betsy was born in Leongatha and grew up eating delicious, homemade bread emerging fresh and hot from a combustion stove. Her English grandmother, who sadly passed away two years ago, was Betsy's most significant influencer in life and, along with Betsy's mother, passed down her knowledge and skills. Consequently, Betsy learnt and loved to bake bread at a young age.

Having lived in various parts of Gippsland over the years, Betsy and Greg were continually drawn to return to the familiar rolling, green hills of South Gippsland. It was seven years ago they moved back from East Gippsland to create a permanent paradise for themselves, and for their children to grow up in.

Betsy voiced, "It's hard work striving to be self-sufficient, while managing a business and maintaining a regenerative farm model, but such a privilege to live on a rural property. Our children, Liam 12, Lucas 11 and Stella 9, love spending time outdoors and each are a wonderful help on the farm. That's when they're not tearing down the driveway on a mattress-topped billy cart!"

The lush, picturesque land boasts a substantial fresh-water gully, a large, spring-fed dam (great for swimming in during long summer days) and native trees. Aged pines stand proudly on top of a hill, while young planted trees grow between paddocks. The farm also showcases a large vegetable garden, approximately fifty fruit trees - from citrus to nuts to avocados - and beef cattle. The family laboriously plants over one thousand native trees each year to continue the regrowth cycle of wood burnt in the bakery's wood-fired oven.

The Oak & Swan Sourdough manifested through Betsy's love for bread, while Greg's handy plumbing background proved vital to bring the project into fruition. Sourdough - made from unsifted, freshly-milled flour, which makes the bread much tastier and more nutritious -  became the speciality through a growing awareness and passion for good food. The bakery was named in light of two beautiful, one hundred and twenty year old oak trees growing beside the farm dam, which host the nesting of swans.

The Evans family create their sourdough from scratch using only organic flour, rain water and salt. Each week the flour is freshly stone-ground milled in an Austrian grain mill, ensuring its natural goodness without additives. It is then added to a starter culture, initiated from organic wholegrain flour and rain water, before each bake. Depending on which type of bread it is to be, organic wholegrains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, herbs, fruit, spices, rain water and salt are added. The ingredients are then slowly and gently mixed in a one-arm mixer before the dough is long-rested. It is then divided and shaped by hand before being long-rested again. Once ready, the loaves are loaded into the wood-fired oven for baking.

The oven is a forty loaf Allan Scott oven. Built into the side of the bakery, it is fired with the farm's pine and scrap hardwood before each bake. Once the oven is heated and the fire burnt away, the ashes are raked out and the internal bricks are cleaned with a damp cloth. The dough loaves are then loaded inside with a wooden peel. Several batches of bread are baked by the residual oven heat. In between firings, the oven's retained heat is used for drying fruit, toasting ingredients and other baking requiring a lower temperature.

The Evans family has come a long way establishing their lifestyle, business and their sales of goods through retail stores. Besides sourdough breads, they also offer muesli crackers, pancake mix, an assortment of sweet buns and milk-fresh flour. As a wholesaler, their popular products are requested from areas of Warragul to Kilcunda and back to Meeniyan.

However, Betsy confesses, "Small business owners are challenged in these pandemic times. It hasn't been easy and the unforeseeable future is impossible to read. I feel for all the small operators, but we need to stay positive and hopeful."

Betsy's beloved, ever-encouraging grandmother instilled in her to follow her dreams. Betsy was taught, anything is possible if you have the confidence to believe in yourself and the courage to take risks. With this inspiring guidance the Evans family's aspirations will surely continue to blossom, while we have the opportunity to reap the delectable rewards.

Delicious sourdough 

Stunning Mirboo North property in South Gippsland.

Please Do The Right Thing ...

Visiting my local IGA supermarket last week I was disappointed to see a few customers not wearing masks. I couldn't help but notice their naked faces among a sea of eyes I have involuntarily become accustomed to. I was told this happens periodically infact, only that morning a maskless couple with a young baby visited the store, adamantly unwilling to conform. It just so happened police were in close vicinity and pulled them aside, however the undaunted couple continued to complete their shopping before leaving the premises. Mask or no mask, why would these parents put their infant at risk when it only takes one person to shop? 

Sometimes customers enter the supermarket while talking on their phones or daydreaming and forget to sign in with either the Victorian government check-in app or on paper, both of which are prominently situated just inside the shop's entrance. The astute staff take notice of this and politely remind these people to do the right thing. While most cooperate, some shoppers blatantly lie, stating they registered when they did no such thing. Checking in is imperative to manage Corona virus contact tracing if the need arises.

Furthermore, I was informed customers sporadically scold one another for not obeying safety measures, while staff too, are often abused in the process, yet these issues are not isolated to the Tarwin Lower supermarket. In communication with other local stores, these unpleasant situations occur across the board.

The majority of IGA supermarkets are family-owned businesses. If they needed to close due to shoppers' negligence, it would prove a serious problem to us all. The entire staff would be required to enter isolation, while shops would be forced shut for thorough cleaning and sanitising. The adverse impact on our small communities would be considerably dire on many levels.

Luisa, the Tarwin Lower IGA proprietor along with her husband, claimed "Employers endeavour to create a safe environment for their staff and customers. Thankfully the majority of shoppers comply. It's typically a hand full of challenging people who rebel and just don't seem to take this harmful and unpredictable Corona virus seriously."

I admit, I find it a nuisance to clutch my phone, mask, shopping bag, list, purse and car keys as I make my way across the supermarket carpark, all the while wishing I had more hands. Often I annoyingly forget one or the other and find myself retracing my steps. However, this is a part of our unfavourable, (hopefully) temporary situation. If it keeps us safe and moves us toward normalcy, isn't it worth the effort?

Let's get back to masks. It is stipulated at present face masks must be worn by anyone twelve years and over indoors and outdoors at all times, unless we are at home with the usual occupants, or exercising strenuously enough to exert ourselves. Some people, of course, are excused by lawful exemptions for various health reasons, yet some without masks, conveniently and wrongly voice this justification when confronted.

I have yet to meet anyone who enjoys wearing face masks. I feel they erect walls between ourselves and others, concealing imparting, valid, non-verbal communication through our facial expressions. While our eyes may now be more deeply observed and regarded, conversations can be hindering. Often it's difficult to hear or understand a person, not to mention how uncomfortable masks are to our natural breath. Nevertheless, face masks, which reduce the risk of infection, protect not only ourselves, but those around us.

The Covid-19 virus is transmitted predominantly by inhalation or respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk or breathe. Masks are primarily intended to reduce the emission of virus-laden droplets, which is essentially relevant for asymptomatic or presymptomatic infected carriers, who feel well and may be unaware of their contagion to others.

We have been extremely fortunate in Gippsland with minimal Corona virus diagnoses over the past eighteen months, but we mustn't become complacent. We're all aware of how quickly this virus can spread, especially the dreaded Delta strain. It's in our best interests to remain motivated and on high alert to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

I'm certain most of us are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by this drawn out, inconvenient way of life. The 'peek-a-boo' lockdown games are agitating and draining. Imagine though, just for a moment, lying in an intensive care bed desperately clinging to every breath with the assistance of a ventilator, or praying for a dying loved one in hospital, who you can't even visit to kiss goodbye. THAT would be overwhelming!

Yes, we live in a democratic society, but isn't it our civil duty to do whatever we can to collectively minimise and suppress this malicious Corona virus? The only and quickest way to keep our region safe and regain some lifestyle normality is to abide by the protective protocols imposed. Use common sense, continue to diligently wear masks, practice good hygiene, adhere to social distancing, check or sign in wherever you venture and get Covid tested if you feel unwell.

... and PLEASE have the jab, so our suffering, anguished world can safely, finally come out of hiding!

Celebrating an Initial Milestone

Arriving at the first anniversary of South Gippsland Voices newspaper, I'm surprised how quickly the time has flown. It seems only a few months ago I excitedly answered a Facebook post headlined, "Looking for writers". Being an avid scriber, I immediately jumped at the chance to apply and messaged the author with half an essay in an attempt to win him over. I remember the instant reply red something like, "Well, you can certainly write - a lot!".

Since then this refreshing, diverse newspaper has graciously granted me a platform to express personal experiences and investigated topics we can either all relate to or which concern us. There have been many and varied articles over the last twelve months.

I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. Submitting mindful, weekly articles to South Gippsland Voices has kept me accountable, not only to the newspaper, but to my own writing commitment. Writing has become a passionate (almost) daily habit, which showers me with many, valuable, holistic gifts.

During the last year, besides wrestling with the unpredictable, looming pandemic cloud, life has thrown some spontaneous, thought-provoking curve balls in my direction. These have accentuated my understanding of mastering essential skills to retain a decent level of sanity, such as feeding my soul with passionate, stimulating nourishment. Taking care of within, first and foremost, offers mental tools to conquer, repair or harmonise whatever may arise externally. Writing plays a significant and nurturing role in that for me. It releases pent up emotional friction and elucidates it into comprehensible and insightful perspectives. It's so powerful to see my inner world materialise into black and white.

On the flip side, as a volunteer feature writer for this vibrant and informative paper, I've been able to share topics of interest, which have allowed me to meet many talented and inspiring South Gippslanders. I've gained invaluable knowledge and awareness through interviewing locals and researching information I'd never before entertained. I've also enjoyed writing articles on subjects from left field.

I'm so thankful for this opportunity South Gippsland Voices has given me and I appreciate all those who have taken the time to read my articles. Some of you have kindly responded through emails, which I love to receive. I'm proud to be a part of this newspaper and I look forward to its advancing future.

Happy first anniversary South Gippsland Voices!

The Benefits of Furry Friends in Residential Aged Care

Recently, I was saddened to hear of the passing of a pet, which played a significant role in one of Victoria's regional aged care facilities.

Oscar was a beautiful, dark grey coloured cat, who often showed his unapologetic, even feisty side to care staff. Facetiously, he would suddenly jump out of residents' wardrobes or wait behind corridor corners to surprise unsuspecting nurses and typically succeed in frightening the living daylights out of them. However, with residents he was always on his best behaviour.

Oscar sat still with the elderly and took it all in his stride. Whether he was having his hair lovingly brushed 'against' the direction of his hair growth or patted like a dog, he didn't flinch. His intuition too, was phenomenal. He would suddenly curl up on a resident's bed and continually remain by their side offering quiet companionship. A palliative diagnosis would soon follow his calming vigil. Oscar was undeniably a precious, entertaining and loved asset of the facility. He eventually fell ill and after a long and happy life, passed at seventeen years of age.

The love and friendship pets offer in residential aged care is significant. They can raise morale and improve quality of life, while providing valuable insights about the residents. Research shows pets can boost health by helping to reduce blood pressure and confusion, and offer a general uplifting sense of well-being. Most residents have owned at least one fluff ball in their lives and the joy of past connections is either remembered, or the unconditional love animals extend is embraced and appreciated.

Having a live-in cat (pet), in aged care may elevate the mood and decrease loneliness. Even if there is a language barrier, everyone capable of patting a cat (and likes them), enjoys and understands the meaning of giving and receiving love. Faces typically light up and cuddles are welcomed.

Pets have great power to re-engage residents, who may be unresponsive to other therapies. A furry friend can enable the elderly to feel needed and comforted, while the premises feels more homely with a permanent and affectionate pet.

In view of the calming nature of animals, pets have a positive effect on people suffering dementia. Their soothing nature may help confused residents to communicate and articulate themselves more. Often the expression of non-verbal communication and actions are heightened. There is evidence to suggest pet therapy can help a person with dementia engage with what's happening around them.

Hillside Lodge Nursing Home in Korumburra, affiliated with Gippsland Southern Health Service, cares for thirty residents and one friendly, grey, long-haired feline. Lilly is adored (and at times overfed) by both the Hillside Lodge residents and staff, who take great joy in her company. Lilly is amusingly known as a transgender cat. Having arrived at the facility thought to be female and christened with her chosen name, it was later discovered Lilly was male! By then he and the residents were accustomed to his name, so 'Lilly' it remained.

Being an elderly resident himself at approximately fourteen years of age, Lilly loves to make himself comfortable among the residents or on their laps when they congregate in common areas. He also interchangeably lounges on people's beds to be admired and spoilt. Wherever he chooses to wander, there are opportunities for him to be showered with nurturing gestures. Needless to say, Lilly feels completely at home at Hillside Lodge, while the facility wouldn't be the same without him.

Pets generally offer so many advantages toward our wellbeing. Patting their beautiful, soft fur is an instant stress release and brings us immediately into the present moment. Aged care residents, without the worry of pets' holistic care, are able to enjoy the playful, gentle and loving company of four legged friends, as they subconsciously reap the countless benefits. In turn, fortunate cats like Lilly, are given a safe home and relish in the never-ending attention and adoration bestowed on them by an extended, nurturing family.

Oscar holding a comforting vigil on the late Luciano's bed.

Lilly, the friendly fluff ball at Hillside Lodge, Korumburra, Victoria.