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Hi all,
Here we are, on the last day of January, which felt more like three months than one.
I have continued to try to limit my news consumption this month while working to maintain my empathy for others. Some days, I have failed and have been sidelined by the devastation happening across the globe. I also received some upsetting news about a friend’s health, which has kept me up at night. And in the midst of all of this, this month marked the year anniversary of my dog, Maddie’s, death. And I spent much time thinking about and remembering her while holding everything else. While I understand that Maddie’s short life was small and is distinctly different from the other items I’ve been processing, she was a giant to me. Instead of trying to minimize the impact that she had and that her death had on me, I decided to share her with you in our latest blog article. I know that many of us are animal people, and if you’re someone who has been preparing for a pet’s death or if you’re currently grieving the loss of a pet, I hope it can offer solace and validation.
If you know that you need support with this or with anything else, I hope you reach out. Our email address is info@takeroottherapy.com, and you can reach us by phone or text at (323) 388-5578.
Warmly,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)
On The Blog
How Can I Say Goodbye?: Grieving the Loss of a Pet or Companion Animal
The first half of this lengthy article is an ode to my dog Maddie (short for Madeline). It’s the story of her life and death, and my grief. The second half will hopefully help you conceptualize pet loss and offer suggestions to help with grief if that’s what you need. But it felt important to write the first part first. If you’re looking for research about pet grief and suggestions on coping with it, please feel free to forego the personal account and fast-forward to the end….
How to Help
January is National Blood Donor Awareness Month
The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage as it experiences the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay. According to Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross, a person needs a lifesaving blood donation every 20 seconds in this country. However, blood is only available thanks to the generosity of those who roll up a sleeve to donate. Find out how you can make a difference and save lives here.
Community Events
Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festival
Join in one of L.A.’s oldest traditions at the 125th annual Chinese New Year parade and festival in Chinatown. As is fitting for the Year of the Dragon, the main attraction here is the yearly Golden Dragon Parade, which follows its route (kicking off at Hill and Ord Streets, and concluding at Broadway and Cesar Chavez). The parade coincides with a free festival in the Central Plaza, as well.
WHEN:
Saturday, February 17th
1:00PM – 4:00PM
WHERE:
Chinatown Central Plaza
943 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Eat Move Meditate Wellness Event & Best Day Ever with Fabletics
In celebration of Black History Month, join Eat Move Meditate, Fabletics, and The Shops at USC Village during the annual wellness event and Best Day Ever at USC Village on February 3, 2024!
They’ll kick off the day with a pre-event fun run followed by the afternoon wellness panel, guided meditation, invigorating yoga and fitness classes, live performances, and more.
Open to all ages and levels of practice.
WHEN:
Saturday, February 3rd
3:00PM – 8:00PM
WHERE:
USC Village — West Jefferson Boulevard
3301 S Hoover Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
CicLAvia
The event (inspired by the first Ciclovías in Bogotá, Colombia) welcomes bikes, tricycles, skateboards, strollers and basically anything else without an engine to ride a rotating cast of car-free routes. You’ll inevitably always find a route each year around Downtown, but past events have taken it anywhere from the harbor to the San Gabriel Valley.
Expect music, street performances and food trucks, as well as general whimsy and shenanigans along the way. Shop owners and restaurants along the CicLAvia route also tend to host specials. It goes without saying that you should bike or take the Metro to your desired spot along the route.
WHEN:
Sunday, February 25th
Starting at 9:00AM
WHERE:
Various locations throughout L.A.
Featured Publications
6 Ways to Practice Body Neutrality
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
99 Depression Quotes That Can Make You Feel Less Alone
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
