Monday, March 26, 2012

Shea Butter Balm, a Nose and a Happy Dog

 
Everyone now and then we get an email that goes straight to our hearts and last week, we received this email:

"Singer"
"I have a 17 year old dog.       His nose was so swollen he couldn't breathe through it. Took him to the vet, she said that older dogs can get dry noses and to just put vaseline on it. 

I put your 95% shea butter on his nose instead and after a few days it started to look better. His nose is now back to normal and I now use it as a preventative measure. Thank you.  - Regina S."

I immediately emailed her back, thanking her for sharing this story with us, and asked her what her dog's name was.  His name is Singer - and as you can see from the photo she sent me - he's a beautiful little guy, who doesn't need the aggravation of a sore nose.  

 I love hearing that something so simple and gentle can help not only people, but their animals, too.  Glad your nose feels better Singer!  Thanks again Regina,  for taking the time to let us know about it.  

Thursday, March 15, 2012

What's the Worst Thing You Ever Did To Your Feet?

People sometimes ask me how Gilden Tree started, and I always tell them it's simple - I've always had horrible feet.  So when something works on my feet I know it will work on anyone's feet.  But it got me thinking - how did my feet get so bad?  Partly its genetics, but certainly lifestyle has played a role.

For the first time a couple of days ago, the air smelled of Spring; warm, damp and earth - which made me want to fling off my shoes and reconnect barefoot with my old friends grass and dirt.  So I did and it was glorious!    Hello, Spring!

But going barefoot carries its own risks.  I’ve been a barefoot gardener for many years and I’ve stepped on my fair share of icky things.  Have you ever stepped on or in something awful?  I'd love to hear about it!

To get you started, I’ll tell you about the worst thing that ever happened to my feet.

When I was a child, I roamed barefoot (against the most competent medical and legal advice of my grandmother) all over her farm.  I never actually stepped on a rusty nail, thereby avoiding “lockjaw” which was her main fear, nor did I slip into the pigpen, and so thankfully  was not eaten by the pigs, either.

But she was right, there were unseen risks in going barefoot, and I’m not talking about the germ theory, although I’m dead sure I banged right up against it. 

I am going to assume that you know what a cowpie is.  If not, please google it.  I learned the hard way that a cowpie which looks entirely dry isn't always safe to step on.  I was minding my own business, dreamily crossing the pasture, probably looking up at the clouds, when I stepped on what appeared to be a “dry” cowpie.  Unfortunately, there was  gooey cowpie lurking right below the surface, which oozed up between my toes, and completely surrounded my tough little foot. 

By the time I got back to the house, I was so miserable my  Grandma didn't have to say a word. She just hosed my foot off and sterilized it with blackberry brandy or something like that. From that day on, things were different.  Sort of.  I didn't start wearing shoes, but I did watch for cowpies.

So what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to your feet - either stepped on or in?    Tell us your story and you could win a prize!