Page 14 - JAN 2020 proof 1 The Castle Pines Connection

14 CastlePinesConnection.com
Passport for
e power of
saying no
By Stacie Chadwick
From a very early age, my parents taught me to be kind. To everyone. And I am, sometimes to a fault and so much so that with the best of intentions I get myself into trouble.
I love connecting and creating in an e ort to help others. It’s how I chose my career and why I like to volunteer. Giving back simply makes me happy. I’m pretty sure the rst word that trickled out of my mouth wasn’t “mama” or “dada.” It was “yes.” Yes, I’ll run the school charter committee, yes I’ll run a marathon, yes I’ll run you to the airport. Yes, yes and yes again.
Have you ever been in a situation where, already overcommitted, you say yes to the evite that pops up on your screen, only to nd that on the day of the party you can’t t in what you already knew you couldn’t do
in the rst place? That time isn’t as elastic as those $100 yoga pants that are supposed to t for life (and don’t), and you can’t magically gain the hours you need to honor your commitment?
In saying yes when your heart says you shouldn’t, you end up hurting a relationship you’re trying to nurture, because a last-minute change of plans stings a lot more than an honest and front-loaded no.
Following my parents’ advice well into adulthood, I thought the word “no” was mean and inconsiderate, until the moment I realized it actually protects my relationships. Saying no is all about balance, because if we don’t safeguard our time, everything else becomes compromised. So now, when my desire to give to others comes into con ict with my need to take care of myself, I’ve learned to pull back. I
try my best not to overcommit. I wish that time were endless, but the reality is there are a nite number of hours
in any day and a limited amount of energy to give away.
With the right perspective and a sincere delivery, saying no isn’t impolite. It’s actually a kind-hearted gesture, so that on the occasions that you choose to say yes, your heart, mind and intentions are all completely aligned.
To read more from Stacie, check out her blog at https://readingbetweenthepines.com
your pooch?
By Kathy Fallert
In Europe, you can get an actual pet passport that remains valid for the life of your pet, as long as you keep their rabies vaccinations up to date. But in the U.S.,
the term “pet passport” refers to the extra documents you will need to bring along when you travel to other countries with your pet. This usually means a health certi cate along with certain forms that vary depending on the country to which you are traveling.
Every country has slightly di erent requirements for incoming pets, but they
all require proof that your pet is in good health and has been vaccinated for rabies. At a bare minimum, no matter where you’re going, if you’re traveling with a dog or cat you will need a health certi cate issued by your veterinarian. If your pet is not a cat or dog, there may be di erent requirements. Your veterinarian can help make sure you have the right paperwork for your particular pet and destination.
If you’re taking your pet to a European country, you'll need to provide an Annex IV form which varies from country to country plus a USDA-endorsed APHIS health certi cate for your pet, a “Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport” form as proof that your pet isn’t being sold or given away, and your pet’s vaccination record. Some
European countries also require proof of tapeworm testing or treatment.
Countries in other regions may require that your pet receive additional immunizations before visiting, and some also require
an import permit. These forms and requirements change frequently, so
your veterinarian is your best source of information or you can also do your own research through reference sites such as the department of customs for your destination country.
In addition to researching the requirements for the country you’re visiting, remember to check with your airline to see its regulations for transporting pets. Typically, they require that your pet’s health certi cate be issued
no more than ten days before your travel date. Your airline may also have restrictions during times of extreme heat, which makes travel in the cargo department unsafe for pets. They may also have breed restrictions, especially for short-nosed dogs or cats that are at increased risk for respiratory distress.
Always be sure to consider whether or not your pet is healthy enough to travel by
air. Pets sometimes get sick or even die on airplanes. If you have any doubts, consider leaving your pet home with a pet sitter or at a kennel.