There are no tips. Building an engaged, empowered group requires vision; owner and management buy-in; financial, technical, educational, and well-being support; and ancillary support services that enable rather than frustrate.
The fact that these are so rare may give an idea of how difficult they are to sustain. (Caveat: based on my US-only experience.)
Our Lyra is a vocal girl, too. Every little thing engenders a "mrrp." Drives us crazy sometimes. She's a very smart cat and I think she's frustrated she can't talk like the Big Cats.
We like all cats, but big cats are just big, solid creatures. As the song goes, "I like big cats and I cannot lie."
We have a Maine Coon named Lyra. She insists on being heavily involved in everything we do. We should get our girls together, maybe they'll teach each other to chill. 😄
Is it wrong to want the cage fight to take place in a Triton sub at 12,000 feet deep?
Quite the adventure! Doing things or making things, it's all good. I'm a fan of big life changes; I'd rather talk to someone with a varied life than someone who sits and stares at the TV.
Good on you and your wife for living an interesting life!
"He was going to live forever, or die in the attempt."