Little Stuffed Zuma Goes Sledging

Winter is over and we had such a blast. Best season ever! 

The one thing we were allowed to do during lockdown was ski, snowboard and sledge. Mummy Zuma the Dog spent at least one day a week on the mountain. She told me it was good for her mentawelf.........or.......something like that anyway. Dunno what an elf would have to do with sking? I'm sure most elves are ramping up for the new season of toy making in Lap Land by now. 

So, one day she decided to take me (little stuffed version of me) along for a ride. I've been feeling a little caged in at our teeny cabin in the woods, so I wanted to see at first paw what the fuss was about. 

Switzerland has what we (my family) call "Big Sky". It always looks big, wide, clean and clear, even on cloudy days. We took the gondola up the mountain. Luckily it was a clear day, just a few fluffy white candy floss clouds in the sky. I could see snow as far as the eye could see. Lots of people milling around, crying out with joy as they clip on their skis or strap on their snow boards and speed off down the piste.

It's so high up. I couldn't help be in awe of the view as the swinging box danging from the small wire swayed in the breeze as it ascended to the top. People looked ant like from that height. formed in great black lines as they swoosh swoosh through the powder. I'm sure I would look even smaller, but it was fun to imagine myself this size against ickle biddy teeny hoomans. Like Godzilla.........Ha! No! Dogzilla........ No, Zumazilla, gobbling them up one by one and roaring as I stomp through the snow drifts. 

Anyway, just at the top of the gondola is a short tail wiggle to the magic carpet. A hop up onto the magic carpet took me on another ride where I took in more views of children laughing and playing in the snow. Thankfully I was protected by the clear plastic tunnel, but it didn't stop my naughty brother Zuma the Dog throwing little ice balls at his friends narrowly missing me as we made our way further up to the tippy top.  

We grabbed hold of the sledge we took with us with both paws, then. WHOOSH! The wind blew through my fur, flapping my ears and folding them into all sorts of strange shapes as we slip-slided down the piste on the moulded piece of polished plastic. I held on for dear life and took in a large gulp of clean air as my jowls were pinned back, forcing an expression somewhere between a smile and fear as we sped off  gaining speed as we soared down the slope narrowly missing other thrill seekers on the way.

And just like that, we were at the bottom. The excitement was exhilarating and as I bounced around in circles I indicated to Mummy Zuma the Dog I wanted to go again, again. AGAIN!

So......If this is what we do to help with our mentawelf, bring it on.  

What are your techniques for maintaining a good mentawelf? Seems to me it's not difficult to maintain if you continue to have fun, right? Comment below and share with us how you stay in good health. 

Much Love

Zuma 

XX

If you want to take Little Stuffed Zuma on an adventure find him on my website link below. 

When Enough is Enough?

 

 

Life has its ways of twisting and winding taking us on a road we never expect. It is an exciting world, life is full of love and joy, ups and downs. Weird things happen and 2020 has been something out of a science fiction novel. We bob along on our merry way quite nicely for the most part, muddling along, minding our own business. Then BAM! Life decides you need another lesson to learn and it certainly a revelation when too much adventure having can really take its toll.

Luckily during lockdown Mummy was quite busy with work, it kept her occupied with some none related Zuma the Dog projects (I must state that she’s really very naughty for not working on me) and some money dripping in why others struggle to pay their rent. We felt fortunate to be able to spend longer together as a family pack, working, playing, growing free food in the garden, and generally having a nice time. As lockdown eased, we all crawled out of hibernation and that’s when reality slapped Mummy across the face with a wet fish. Now, my Mummy has been through some stuff in her time. She is a tough old bird. She has survived domestic violence, she manages autoimmune disease, which can sometimes leave her chronically fatigued for weeks, just to mention a couple of things, but grief is a new one for her.

We lost the matriarch of our family pack last month. Nanny Zuma the Dog.

While she had been ill for some time. The last couple of months she was doing well. Covid had kept us apart since March. None of the usual visits could take place. The monthly flights were put on hold and all reduced to regular phone calls and a video call once a week. It was difficult, but Mummy knew Nanny was in the right place, being cared for properly and judging by their last video call Nanny looked happy and as lucid as she had been in months. Making jokes, laughing, and gossiping as any normal mother daughter relationship. The new meds were working, Yay! And everything was great. Her departure from this world just a few days later was completely unexpected. I had never seen Mummy so upset. The loss of a parent is something we all go through and no matter how much we think we prepare; the grief hits you like a truck. Crawling and crying with dangling snot. It’s not a good look for Mummy, but I understand the emotions overtook her every being and for a while she was just not herself. Emotional relief at times like this is essential. I get very emosh when I lose my ball. Oh the grief,………….that I put the famalam through. So, I can relate.

 

I guess grief has several stages?

 Mummy pulled herself together for the practical things. With Auntie Zuma the Dog living in the US. Us in Switzerland and Nanny in the UK a clear head was needed to organise and make decisions via three different time zones and the Covid pandemic. Another layer that life threw our way to overcome. We must remain thankful that Mummy and Auntie Zuma the Dog are very close. While some families break down at times like this my family pack pulled together, leant on each other, loved on each other, consoled each other, which goes to show that distance should never be a factor in family breakdowns. Both Mummy and Auntie worked together in their grief. Dealing with decisions, working on solutions, with practical minds they coped. It only seemed like the little things would set Mummy off. Making the big decisions for the coffin, the flowers, music, the eulogy, didn’t seem to faze her. It was the video call from an old friend, the quiet moment at dinner in a restaurant. Little moments like that which turned her back into a dribbling wreck.

 

Is that normal for grief?

 

It’s been six weeks since Nanny crossed the rainbow bridge. In that time Mummy had to drive across Europe twice and take two flights, all to ensure her Mummy had a good send off, while in a Pandemic and socially distancing during a time when all that’s needed is a hug. Since her return the twists have not stopped and believe life hasn’t yet given her the opportunity to grieve properly. I can see in her eyes, the past couple of months have weighed down on her and I can’t help thinking its time for her to think about her mental health and slow down. Something must give and I am not going to allow anxiety not caused by me creep in. (Note to self: Be nicer and more helpful to Mummy).

 

Can the lack of time to grieve play on ones mental health? Can emotional upset from many different incidences over a period of years be a factor of poor metal health? I guess, for now time will tell and I will most definitely be keeping an eye on my human Mummy.

 

With this last note, I remember Nanny Zuma the Dog with love in my doggy heart. She took care of me when Mummy was away and despite destroying many of her shoes, she loved me unconditionally. I will hold on to her forever in my heart. RIP Nanny Zuma the Dog.

 

Much Love 

Zuma XX

 

P.S. Many exciting things going on. So next time we will return to a post that’s more about me, myself and I