Chris Davis Blog

The Year of the Dragon

2012-01-25T12:04:00.000-08:00

I love dragons.

The magic. The mystery. The fantasy. I love it all!

I even found a place for a friendly dragon in my new book, Forever Paws, up there in the stars with the dogs and cats.

So, imagine my delight the other day when I opened a package from my dear friend, Judy Ditfurth, and staring back at me was a fabulous stuffed dragon in all its teal blue glory!

I immediately knew this was a female dragon.

The moment we locked eyes it was clear she had accepted me as one of her own. I was now under her protection. I started calling her Grandma.

Why I had such a strong reaction to her wasn’t clear to me at first. I kept thinking about those dark, penetrating eyes.

And then I got it.

This dragon looked a lot like my Mother’s mother – my Grandmother - a kind and gentle woman.

A coincidence?

I think not.

Note: For many years I’ve had only one book on my coffee table – Dragonology. The only person who ever noticed it was a three year old child.

Hmm...

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Rescue gear for pets - is your fire station equipped?

2012-01-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

Last week I stopped by my local fire station.

I wanted to see if their trucks carry small oxygen masks specifically designed for dogs and cats. I was THRILLED to learn that all the stations in my district are equipped with masks in varying sizes for small animals.

According to Public Information Officer Steve McAdoo, the oxygen masks (also known as “snout masks”) went unused for 3 or 4 years, and then suddenly they were needed at several fires, resulting in the rescue of 5 pets.

Imagine if one of those lucky critters was yours!

I often wondered if the little signs many people (including me) have on their doors warning emergency crews about inside critters are helpful. While the signs can provide important information, Steve said there are other ways pet parents can help keep their critters safe in the event of a fire.

If you call 911 to report a fire be sure to tell them there are animals in the house! That info will be passed along to the fire crew as they’re on the way, and those oxygen masks will be ready to go.

According to Steve, one of the most important things you can do is keep your critters isolated in one room, with a closed door, as opposed to giving them the run of the house. A pet confined to one room can be found more easily, and that closed door could mean the difference between life and death.

This is especially true with cats. Steve said that, sadly, unless a cat gets out of the house on its own it often won’t survive a fire.

In case you’re curious, these pictures were taken in front of my home. You see, in addition to asking about critter safety I had voiced concerns about truck accessibility to my own home in the event of a fire.

Carol Evans put me in contact with Steve McAdoo, who passed along my concerns to Mike Carlsen and asked for a drive-by to check out my home.

I thought someone would pull up in a car…maybe a 4WD. Saturday afternoon I knew something was going on outside when my cats suddenly flew off the couch and scattered to their favorite hiding places.

I looked out the window and there was the fire truck and crew! They assured me they COULD make the 90 degree turn onto my funky little road in case of a fire.

These people are wonderful!

If you have any concerns about fire safety I urge you to contact your local fire station as I did. I know you’ll get all of your questions answered. I can’t guarantee the fire truck will show up!

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Do you celebrate Forever Day?

2012-01-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I received this special email from Shannon Breznai:

It felt important to email you and tell you of my loss as well as the role your book played in my life. My forever cat passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning. I had her for almost 11 years. My heart is broken...absolutely broken.

Each year, on the day I adopted her, we celebrated her "Forever Day." One of the ways we celebrated is by reading her your book. March 31st will be extremely difficult for me next year, as I read your book to myself only.

She is being laid to rest at a pet cemetery. Her grave marker will read, "Tiger Lily, My Forever Cat."

The idea of Forever Day touched my heart, so I contacted Shannon to learn more about it.

When I adopted Tiger Lily the shelter did not know her birthday so I decided we'd celebrate her adoption day instead. I was working with children at the time and one little girl was adopted from China. She saw that I had pictures of Tiger Lily on my desk and we would often talk about her.

This little girl explained to me that she and her mom celebrate the date she was adopted...they called it her "forever day." I told her I was doing the same thing with Tiger Lily. So on Tiger Lily's special day, this little girl brought me a card. It had a picture of a cat on in it and inside she wrote, "Tiger Lily, Happy Forever Day!"

Within weeks I discovered your book! I loved it even though I cried each time I read it. I especially adored your term "forever cat" and felt the book was written for Tiger Lily and me. It was then on that she had the special title "forever cat" and I read her your book each March 31st on her Forever Day (as she ate tuna, her favorite food).

Her love got me through so many trying times. Her passing has broken my heart. I have 3 other cats. I love them of course, but Tiger Lily was the one...she was my "Forever Cat.”

Thank you, Shannon, for sharing your beautiful story. I’ve always celebrated the day each of my critters came into my life, but from now on I’ll consider it their Forever Day…and I’ll think of you and Tiger Lily.

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Dog & Cat Lover Gift Box Giveaway Winners!

2011-12-13T07:49:00.000-08:00

The emails came from all over the country – stories of people suffering this holiday season due to the loss of an animal companion.

If you’ve ever loved, and lost, a treasured critter you know how tough it is to get excited about decorating a tree when the kitty who used to sleep beneath it is gone.

You understand how the joy of delivering holiday baskets disappears when the dog who accompanied you on your rounds has left your side.

Each story touched my deeply. It was hard to choose – I wish I could have sent gift boxes to everyone.

In the end, I chose Ashley Craig’s nomination for the Dog Lover Box, and Marilyn Milano’s nomination for the Cat Lover Box. Due to the personal nature of their submissions, the names of the nominees will be kept confidential.

While nothing can take away the heartbreak of losing a four-legged friend, sometimes just knowing someone cares can help a hurting heart.

The gift boxes are on their way. I hope they will bring a little comfort to the recipients.

With love,
Chris
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

In Memory of Pippen - and all those rubber bands

2011-12-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

There was a time I thought rubber bands were just for sealing bags, keeping wrapping paper on the roll, or for holding up socks.

But that was before Pippen. She came into my life in May 1998, a three week old kitten sitting in my yard. She was found by my dog, Jake, whose prior history with cats would have tempted him to consider her a before dinner appetizer.

Instead, Jake found a lifelong friend. He brought her in, along with her brother and two sisters, and raised them as his own. The first time I saw Jake strutting through the house with Pip in his mouth I was a bit nervous, but I soon learned I had nothing to worry about.

Unlike her siblings, Pippen had only one favorite plaything…rubber bands.

She discovered them on my desk early in her life, and from that moment on they captivated her. She would grab one from the bowl and go running through the house with it, bouncing off walls and chattering with delight.

She even figured out how to launch them. She’d hold one end down with her paw, grab the other end in her mouth, and then let go and race over to pick up the rubber band/rocket. This would go on for hours.

I said goodbye to my beloved forever cat one year ago today. Despite how much I miss her, I find comfort knowing that she, Jake, and her brother, Dickens, are reunited, and they are flying together through the starry skies.

And she’s also very happy…turns out there are rubber bands in heaven!

Love ya, sweetie!
Chris
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

A Very Special Dog and Cat Lover Gift Box Giveaway

2011-12-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

It was a year ago this week that I said goodbye to my dearest forever cat, Pippen, only a few months after I lost her brother, Dickens. Christmas was just a few weeks away, but I was having a hard time finding any holiday in my heart.

Those first holidays after the loss of a loved one can be very difficult. I wondered if I could do something that might bring a little comfort to an animal lover who is missing a much-loved furry friend, just like I was last year.

So…I’m excited to announce the first annual Lighthearted Press Holiday Heart Gift Box Giveaway.

Here’s your chance to nominate someone who might be uplifted by receiving one of our comfort gift boxes.

We’ll choose two winners – one will receive our Dog Lover Comfort Box and the other will receive our Cat lover Comfort Box. In addition to the books and goodies in the box, we’ll also include an angel figurine holding a dog or cat in her arms (see photos.)

There will be a gift card saying the box is from you. You can also send it anonymously, from a friend, from someone who understands…or even from Santa!

Just submit a short paragraph (150 words maximum) telling why the person you’re nominating might enjoy receiving the box.

You can post your entries on our Facebook page, on my blog, or paste them into an email and send them to davis@lightheartedpress.com - no attachments, please.

Also, please don’t include any contact info or anything that might identify the person – if your entry is chosen we’ll be in touch about the mailing address for the winner.

As a special thank you, we’ll send an autographed set of our 5 books to the two people whose nominations are chosen!

A few details:

In the interest of fairness, this opportunity is not open to family or personal friends.

Gift boxes and books will be shipped only within the 50 US states.

In order to help spread the love around, the nominating person and the chosen nominee shouldn’t be at the same address.

All entries must be posted or received by December 10, 2011, so we can send the packages out in time for holiday delivery.

Thanks so much. Hopefully we can bring a little healing to the heart of an animal lover who may need a little holiday magic this year!

Ho Ho Ho!

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Addicted to Hallmark

2011-11-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Addiction – it’s a terrible thing.

You try to get through the day…just ONE day…without succumbing to the pull of the object you’re addicted to. But what if that addiction is to The Hallmark Channel – specifically, all those feel-good movies?

I can usually keep my addiction under control for the first 10 months of the year, but when the holiday season rolls around I fall apart. I long for the end of the day, when I can put my feet up in front of the fire, gather my critters around me, and escape into the land of Hallmark.

In this magical place, kindly nannies always turn out to be angels…or Mrs. Santa Claus. The lost dog finds his way home, and a fluffy bundle of feline fur waits under the Christmas tree for the boy who always wanted a kitten.

In Hallmarkland, lonely people find their perfect match – often the person living next door. It is never…EVER…the new love interest who wants to send the lonely person’s children to boarding school!

One of my favorite Hallmark movies is A Dog Named Christmas, which is currently showing on TV. You will never look at a ball rolling on the ground the same way. A word of advice, though - do NOT watch this movie without a large box of tissues handy.

The Christmas Card is another moving story…very poignant.

Sure, most of these movies are predictable, and a bit on the syrupy side, but who cares? I know by the time the credits roll I’ll be both satisfied AND sobbing.

Addiction - it CAN be a terrible thing - but not always!

So, what’s YOUR favorite Hallmark movie?

(Note – I have no connection to Hallmark and don’t know anyone affiliated with them. I just like their movies.)

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Aged to perfection!

2011-10-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

I’ll never forget the day I adopted my dog, Jake, from the animal shelter. The paperwork said he was eight years-old. Jake was the love of my life! My only regret is that I didn't know him for those first 8 years.

It's often hard for older critters to find a new home, but as you can see from the below email and photos, sometimes a senior pup is a perfect fit!

Dear Christine:

I had written you in the past after the passing of Bailey, one of my two forever dogs. Baxter, my second beloved dog, then passed away four months later. Since that time, I have been very reluctant to open my heart again.

Recently, through a coworker, I learned that a family very reluctantly needed to give up for adoption an eight year-old-mix old, Nova, because their 18-month-old son was incompatible with the dog. This was a very difficult decision for them, and they very much wanted to find Nova an appropriate and loving home.

After a compatible-check weekend together recently, I have now officially adopted Nova. She is the sweetest, most beautiful girl. At age eight, she fits into my lifestyle perfectly: she LOVES the wooded trail on my property and when in the house is happy and calm.

I assured Nova’s mom that Nova will always be well-loved and well-taken-care-of.

Love,
Alan & Nova

I LOVE happy endings!

Chris Davis

Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

The Black Cat Bench

2011-10-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

I love black cats.

It always amazes me when I hear how hard it is for black kitties to find good homes. There is something so magical about them!!

Last year I lost my precious black cat, Dickens. He had such a soaring spirit – it filled our home with love and laughter.

And just a few weeks ago I had to say goodbye to Sammy, the outside black kitty I’ve been feeding for 8 years. One day he didn’t show up, right around the time a very large coyote started prowling through the neighborhood.

The loss of these two precious kitties has left a huge hole in my world – both inside and outside my home. I thought it would be fun to celebrate my dear furry friends with this bench, which I painted in their memory. I've told my black cat, Star, and her sister, Molly, that they are most welcome to sit on the bench - Dickens and Sammy would want that.

Looking at this bench makes me smile...Dickens and Sammy would want that, too.

With love,

Chris

Farewell to my dear Sammy

2011-09-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

I guess I always knew this day might come. That there would be a morning when I would turn on the light in Sammy’s house to give him his breakfast, but he wouldn’t be there.

And he wouldn’t be coming again.

Sammy is the feral cat I’ve been feeding on my deck for eight years.

I've never been able to get near Sammy. I’ve never held him in my arms. I’ve watched him make it through bitterly cold winters, wounds from cat fights, and terrible flea allergies.

Last fall I bought him this log house, which Sammy took to right away. Then I added a heat lamp, and suddenly things were looking up for Sammy.

This past spring Sammy unexpectedly changed his territory. Instead of going through the safer residential area, he changed direction and began heading into the woods. I followed him several times, and saw that he cut through the trees to go to a different residential area. I was still worried, but tried to remain hopeful. What I didn’t know was that neighbors were starting to see the coyotes again.

Sammy continued to come every day for food, but I could tell he was more wary. He showed up for breakfast on September 21st, just as he had been doing for years.

That was the last time I saw Sammy.

I've lost many beloved critters in my life, but I was always there at the end. To think about the likely cause of Sammy’s disappearance is excruciating for me.

I've walked to the door and looked for Sammy hundreds of times in the last week. I’ve thrown my arms around the empty house and cried tears that felt like they would never end.

I guess there is always the chance that Sammy is perfectly fine. Perhaps he sensed the danger and changed territories to one that no longer includes my home. Perhaps one day I’ll look out the door and he’ll be curled up in the house. Oh, how I pray this happens.

This little piece of fur is all I have left of Sammy. I found it last May in his house. It was precious to me then. It is even more precious to me now.

Farewell my dear, sweet boy. The light will always be on in your house...

With love,
Chris

Star's Heart

2011-08-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

It was unexpected.

As I wrapped up the final details on my new book, and began thinking about my website redesign, I hadn’t counted on my cat, Star, feeling a bit under the weather.

After the veterinarian heard a heart murmur, it was determined that Star needed to have an echocardiogram. So she and I took a trip to see the cardiologist the other day.

Dr, Atkinson turned out to be a very compassionate person, with a gift for soothing an anxious kitty - and her parent! I was able to stay with Star during the procedure, which was a great relief to me.

I have only seen one other heart in my lifetime - my own, seen during a stress test. I had been awed by the vision of it, moved to tears by its beauty.

And that’s how I felt when I saw Star’s heart on the monitor. I thought of all the magical moments she and I had shared over the past 13 years.

I smiled as I remembered calling her “Everest” when she was just a kitten, because there was no gate or boundary she couldn’t jump over. Which explains how all the things on the top of the refrigerator still seem to wind up on the kitchen floor!

Thankfully, the news was good. That beautiful heart I saw beating enthusiastically on the screen is doing just fine, and will hopefully keep Star by my side for a long time.

Which is wonderful, because the thought of something being seriously wrong with my little girl would have been very hard on MY heart.

Purrs,
Chris
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers!

Black Cat Appreciation Day

2011-08-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love black cats! Seeing the sun shining on the glossy fur of a black feline is a beautiful thing.

Today, I celebrate all the black kitties who have shared my life. There’s my beautiful Dickens, who left me last year to continue his journey in the stars.

And my exquisite Star, who never met a sun spot she didn’t like.

And then there’s Sammy, shown in the picture here, who showed up 8 years ago and continues to come for food every day.

I can’t get near Sammy, which made treating the terrible flea allergy he developed this year almost impossible. He was covered in awful sores, losing blood, and spending many hours on the deck scratching.

Until…a woman in cat rescue told me about CapStar, a pill that kills all the fleas on a critter in about 30 minutes and continues to work for up to 36 hours.

Sammy has been on this for over a month now. The fleas, the sores, the bald patches are all gone.

Just look at that happy cat. My, how his fur shines!!

Chris
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Great Rescues Calendar gets a 4 paws-up rating!

2011-07-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

When my Great Rescues Calendar arrived I tore open the package like a kid on Christmas morning!

I knew it would be breathtaking – after all, the calendar creator is artist extraordinaire Bernadette Kasmarski! But I don’t know if I was prepared for how engaging this beautiful work of art turned out to be. I sat down and read it from cover to cover - I just couldn't put it down!

The calendar features sixteen exquisite portraits of rescued felines that have been lovingly painted by Bernadette over the last 20 years.

The heartwarming story behind every rescued critter accompanies the portrait. Each calendar page is noted with dates that are important to animal lovers, and also includes a famous quotation that reminds us why cats are oh-so-special!

Bernadette also provides a valuable resources section for her readers. There are several pages that address basic feline health, wellness and spay/neuter info, as well as compassionate support ideas for anyone who has lost a beloved animal companion.

This lovely calendar is a perfect gift for any animal lover. To learn more please visit the Great Rescues Calendar Website.

Purrs,

Chris

www.lightheartedpress.com

Does this dress make me look fat?

2011-06-30T12:38:00.001-07:00

“Doing anything special this weekend?” I asked a hairdresser at the beauty salon this morning.

She told me she was part of a woman’s Civil War re-enactment group, and they were meeting for the first time this year.

Eager to learn more I pressed for details, thinking I’d hear about the battles and hardship of the era.

But it turned out that after a long year of over-eating and minimal exercising, the women in the group had one common concern – could they still fit into those voluminous dresses with the tiny waists?

I had to laugh – with all that was going on back in the 19th century I'll bet none of those ladies would have wondered if their dresses made them look fat. If a woman WAS worried about her mid-section, there was always that trusty corset!

When I left the salon I told the hairdresser to take care and be safe on the battlefield. She told me not to worry – the only weapons the ladies were allowed to wield were brooms and spatulas.

Oh, my…
Chris
Lighthearted Press

Walt Disney, Snow White and Me

2011-06-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Returning home from a wondrous journey can be a little bittersweet.

Being back on familiar ground feels comforting, but the magical places you visited keep beckoning to you, calling out in dreams, asking you to come back.

That’s how I’m feeling, now that I’ve completed the artwork for my new book, Forever Paws.

Never have I been so joyously lost in another world as I was when I painted these illustrations. They are unlike anything I’ve ever done before.

I painted every day, often for 10 - 12 hours a day. People thought I had fallen off the face of the earth. In fact, I had…and had landed in another place and time where I felt welcomed and supported, creative and deeply loved.

To say that last year’s loss of my two beloved cats, Dickens and Pippen, inspired this book would not be quite accurate. I believe the kitties left deliberately so I WOULD write this book.

Dickens was the first to depart, leaving me with no warning in July 2010. The thought of a new book played on the edges of my mind, but I was swimming in grief, unable to think clearly about my writing.

Then, just to be sure I'd received the message, I suspect Dickens asked his sister, Pippen, to join him in those starry skies, and off she went in December. So this book was born entirely because of Dickens and Pippen flapping their angel wings so loudly I couldn’t ignore them…not that I wanted to.

I saw an article by Patricia Zohn in the March 2010 issue of Vanity Fair. It’s about the people who worked around the clock in 1937 to bring Disney’s first animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to the screen by Christmas.

Rae Medby, one of the “inkers” (and the author’s aunt) wrote, “I’ll be so thankful when Snow White is finished and I can live like a human being once again.”

These words came after she had worked 85 hours in one week on the project!

I can understand how she felt. With my artwork complete I now have time to get the oil changed in my car and schedule a long overdue dentist visit.

But OH how that magical land I visited this year continues to call to me...

Note: Forever Paws should be available in November 2011.

Chris

Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Just a little tuft of fur

2011-05-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

There it was...in the critter house on my deck.

Just a little tuft of fur.

It came from Sammy, the outside cat I’ve been feeding for almost 8 years. He has weathered severe winter storms, coyotes, serious wounds and many other health issues. He eats the food I put out, but will not allow me to come close to him. I’ve never been able to touch Sammy. I’ve never been able to hold or comfort him, something I would love to be able to do.

Last September I bought Sammy a proper house, which he took to right away. In November I put a heat lamp inside it, something he loved during the cold winter months. I was concerned about him spending the night in my yard, due to raccoons and other predators in the area. But he regularly sleeps in his house and feels comfortable doing so.

So here we are in spring…and Sammy is shedding. I found a little piece of his fur in the house the other day. I picked it up tenderly, feeling I had just stumbled upon a priceless treasure. Finally, after all these years, I was able to touch my sweet boy.

Getting to this point has been a long journey. The yard…the food…the house on the deck…the heat lamp…sleeping in the house…arriving at shedding season.

All leading to this precious little gift of fur.

Such a treasure!

Chris

Lighthearted Press

Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Memories of Mom

2011-05-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

This was my Mom, back in her heyday.

She loved to get dressed up and go out dancing. She had this dangling charm bracelet that you heard long before you could see her coming down the stairs.

She could spray paint the heck out of anything – although back then it was called “antiquing.” I remember all the ballet slippers she painted for me, which resulted in my feet having gold and silver flecks for many days after the recital.

She was a hoot – my very own I Love Lucy. Her friend, Hilda, was my Mom’s “Ethel.” I have vivid memories of being in the car while these two sang the words to “Afternoon Delight” along with the radio. I kept wondering if they had ANY IDEA what the song was about!

I lost Mom 5 years ago to Alzheimer’s. It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to her, but knowing she was free and back to her old self brought me joy.

I suspect she’s keeping the angels on their toes. I just hope she's learned that throwing cans of Tomato Soup when you’re ticked off is NOT proper heavenly etiquette!

I think most women have a maternal instinct that needs to be expressed one way or another.

Whether your children are two-legged, four-legged, feathered, furred or grow in flowering pots on the deck, Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms!

And to my own Mom...keep watching over me, OK?

Chrissy
Lighthearted Press

Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Earth Day - Books, Ashes and Seeds

2011-04-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day – a day of celebration and awareness for this beautiful planet on which we live.

I looked out the window this morning, and couldn’t help feeling my heart skip a beat as I remembered that the earth now holds the ashes of my beloved cats, Dickens and Pippen.

When I had their remains cremated, I included copies of the books I've written for animals lovers. The magic and energy of these two precious kitties will forever be entwined with my writing, so it felt right to send my books along with them.

I sprinkled some of their ashes into the outdoor cat enclosure, a favorite place for the two sibling cats. However, I didn't understand at the time that the ashes of the books were more than remains – they were seeds.

So here I am, many months later, finishing the illustrations for my new book - Forever Paws - due out this year.

This new title is truly a labor of love, inspired by Dickens and Pippen. In fact, these two heavenly imps watch over this project with great affection. I have heard Pippen’s unique meow many times, which sends me running through the house looking for her.

Today is a day to celebrate Mother Earth, and the many precious gifts she tenderly holds for us in her heart.

May she help all of our seeds to grow.

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Murals for Mutts

2011-04-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

When my good friend, Kathy Hanson, first told me about the Murals for Mutts program I could tell she was very excited.

Now that I’ve seen the website, and read more about the company’s mission, I completely understand Kathy’s enthusiasm.

Murals for Mutts is brilliant!

Anna Hamilton, Creative Director of the non-profit organization, is a Florida artist who raises money for animal shelters by painting portraits of people’s beloved critters on walls in their community. Individuals pay roughly $75 - $150 to have their pets included on the wall.

Businesses donate their walls to the project, which gives them a great way to promote their organization AND support this fabulous group at the same time.

This is one of the best projects I’ve ever heard of…talk about WIN-WIN!

To learn more about Murals for Mutts be sure to visit their website.

Chris

Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

When caring for your critter comes to an end

2011-03-24T09:42:00.000-07:00

When Michelle Afflitto called and told me about the loss of her sweet dog, Cassie, I was deeply touched by the story she shared of their journey together.

Cassie had been faced with many illnesses – way more than any critter should have to endure in one lifetime. Yet the spirit of this wonderful dog refused to give in to the physical challenges. She just kept going…until a few days ago.

Michelle said she wouldn’t have changed a thing.

“I will be forever grateful. It didn’t matter if it was hard or if I was sleep deprived…she gave me so much, she taught me so much, I am the person I am because of Cassie.”

Cassie required a lot of care. Her loss has left Michelle wondering what to do with all the “free” time she has now.

I know that feeling. When you’ve shared your life with a critter who was seriously ill, the loss of that furball means the end of being in the caretaker role. That can be very difficult for the person – it was for me.

As I said in my website article Grieving – How Do You Cope With the Loss of a Pet:

“I not only felt brokenhearted, I felt utterly useless.”

Last year I lost my beloved cats Dickens and Pippen. It would have been very hard to have kept going without the furry love and purrs of their sisters, Molly and Star.

If for no other reason, we need to take care of ourselves so we can continue to live in joy with the other animal companions who share our hearts and homes.

I asked Michelle to take good care of herself so that she and her Beagle, James, can continue on THEIR journey together.

I know Cassie would want that.

Chris

Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Do all your children have fur?

2011-03-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

Mine do!

In fact, hardly a day goes by that I'm not saying that to someone. When you create and offer pet loss books for animal lovers, most of the phone calls you receive are from wonderful people whose hearts have been broken by the loss of a beloved animal companion.

Many of the women who call tell me they never had two-legged children. Their animals are their kids, so a loss among the critters is especially painful.

I completely understand their feelings, being in the same position myself. I never really thought about having children. I guess I always knew I was destined to be surrounded by four-legged kids!

Even though I never felt that yearning to bear a child, I understand how powerful it can be. That’s how I feel about animals! So my heart is overjoyed when loving people bring home a new baby and begin that glorious journey of being a parent.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t have strong maternal feelings – I do!!

Thankfully, the universe stepped in at various points during my lifetime and gave me the chance to experience being a Mom.

First came Jessie, the pregnant doggie I found running on the railroad tracks in 1982. She gave birth to several puppies in my bathroom, one of whom I named Martha – the inspiration for my book For Every Dog An Angel. Martha and Jessie joined Penny and Gypsy, and my family of four dogs brought joy to my life for many years.

Then there was the litter of three week old kittens that my dog, Jake, found under the deck in 1998. As many of you know, Dickens, Pippen, Molly & Star were joyfully brought in and added to our happy home. For Every Cat An Angel was written shortly thereafter.

I even had a nest of robin eggs that hatched one Mother’s Day – another lovely surprise. Is For Every Bird An Angel somewhere in my future?

So to all you folks whose children have paws or hooves, or may crawl or fly, I celebrate you and your families. Just remember, if times get tough, you probably won’t be able to move in with the kids!

Chris
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers!

Cats and Shoes

2011-03-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

What is it about my shoes that my cat, Molly, finds irresistible?

Whenever I kick them off, Molly seems to sense this is happening, no matter where she is in the house. She immediately comes running to the footwear, curls up on them and goes to sleep.

Sometimes she sticks her entire face in there before nodding off!

Her kitty siblings have never done this. To them a shoe is a shoe is a shoe.

But for Molly, it beckons to her with such force she seems unable to do anything except succumb to their siren call.

For the record, the shoes are innocent bystanders in this strange dance. They have done absolutely nothing to encourage Molly's behavior - at least as far as I can tell.

Many years ago, I shared my life with a dog who had a similar interest in my footwear.

During the night, Phoebe would often round up my shoes and pile them in the living room. There they would all be, waiting to greet me every morning when I came downstairs

But for Molly, moving them is not necessary.

The ecstasy of plopping on top of them and taking in their...umm…fragrance is all she needs. Is this true love…or just something about my feet?

Hmmm…

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Paw prints in the snow

2011-02-24T08:46:00.001-08:00

I stood in the warmth of my home early this morning, and watched as Sammy ate his breakfast out on my deck.

Although the great February Portland snowstorm didn’t happen, I could tell Sammy was still happy for a break from the cold in his heated home.

After eating, he stood as close as he could to the lamp, soaking up as much heat as possible before heading up the hill, under the fence, and off to wherever he goes when he leaves my yard.

There is something magical about a paw print left by a dear friend.

I popped outside to take this photo of Sammy's paw prints, a precious gift from this sweet little boy whose been coming to my yard for almost 8 years.

Not being able to hold him is something I have to live with, but on these cold, wet days I feel that loss even more.

Over the years I’ve spoken to many women whose children, like mine, have all been furry. Perhaps the deep desire to hold Sammy is part of my maternal need to comfort, and nurture, this little creature. He seems so alone to me.

Inside my home it’s warm and dry. There are many soft places to curl up and nap. The food bowls are never empty. And someone wants very much to hold him close and tell him he'll never be cold again.

Perhaps one day…

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

The inside cat, the outside cat and the unexpected snowstorm

2011-02-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

I woke up to an unexpected snowstorm this morning.

My first thoughts were of Sammy, the outside kitty I’ve been feeding for years.

He showed up a little late, but he DID show up and ate a hearty breakfast.

Then he stood at the door of his house and watched the snow. Eventually he decided it was time to head out for the day, and he left.

My cat, Star, looked at the white flakes from her favorite spot on the chair. As she gazed out the window I knew she was happy to be an inside kitty, safe and warm.

Two black cats, staring at the same snow….but OH how different their lives are.

Chris
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Will you see your animal companions in the afterlife?

2011-02-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

Whether you call it heaven, the beyond, out in the stars or the rainbow bridge, many people believe they will be reunited with their animal companions in the afterlife.

I'm definitely one of the believers!

I even write about our angel critters coming back to visit us in my books For Every Dog An Angel and For Every Cat An Angel.

The unexpected loss of two of my dear cats has led to the writing of a new book for anyone who is grieving a lost four-legged friend. In preparation for the book, I’m curious to hear how others feel about this topic.

Do you believe you will see your angel critters again one day?

And where will that be – in heaven? At the bridge? Somewhere else? How does the afterlife look to you?

See you in the stars!

Chris
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

The White Box

2011-02-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

The plain, white box has been sitting on my kitchen shelf for 4 years and 8 months.

It contains the ashes of my dog, Jake, who left my life in June of 2006.

I spread some of those ashes in many of the places we had gone to throughout our years together.

On the first anniversary of Jake's passing I put most of his remaining ashes in a beautiful stone box which sits on the mantel. The box cover has a black and white feather – just like the ones in Jake’s heavenly angel wings.

My intention was to spread the rest of the ashes and let the white box on the kitchen shelf go away.

But I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. For some reason, I take great comfort knowing that box is there.

So the white box sits on the shelf, next to the macaroni.

I suspect it’s going to be there for a very long time.

Chris Davis
www.lightheartedpress.com
Publishing magical books for animal lovers

Oh, how I miss those purrs!

2011-02-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

When I lost my dear cats, Dickens and Pippen, I didn’t realize that their loss would mean the end of the purrs in my life.

Yes, I’m still blessed to share my heart and home with their sisters, Molly and Star.

These special girls have their own ways of letting me know when they are happy...but they don't purr.

When Dickens purred you could hear him even if you were in another part of the house.

As for Pip – if I scratched her head while she stood at her bowl you could hear the loud purrs as she ate her food. When I watched TV or read a book she would curl up next to me and purr contentedly.

And when it was time for breakfast, she would stand with her feet on my chest as I slept and purr…loudly.

I’ve read that cats purr at a frequency that can produce healing in the human body. While I have no doubt that is true, I DO know how healing a purring kitty can be for the soul.

I’ve found a YouTube video that shows a tabby cat (just like Pip) purring away. I listen to it regularly...it brings peace to my heart.

But OH how I miss Pippen's purrs...

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers!

The unexpected gift - a portrait of Pippen

2011-01-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

This is how I once described artist Connie Bowen to a friend of mine:

“It’s as if a cluster of stars were up in the sky, sparkling away, and one day they decided to float down to earth and transform into a person…just for the fun of it!”

That's Connie.

She is as kind, generous and bubbly as she is talented. Last year, after I lost my cat, Dickens, Connie gifted me with a magnificent portrait of my wonderful boy.

This week, Connie again surprised me with a photo of the portrait she painted of my forever cat, Pippen, who I lost last month.

I took one look at the portrait and had to catch my breath, for there was my sweet girl staring back at me from the canvas!

Pippen was a creature of the earth…grounded in every sense of the word. She used her body well. It took her to the three places she most loved – the food bowl, my bed and my lap! She felt so…well…permanent. I never would have thought that something with that much substance could ever go away.

She was the exact opposite of her sister, Star. Gravity can barely keep Star earthbound!

Connie has captured Pippen’s true essence in her breathtaking portrait! I can see Pip’s beautiful spirit lighting my precious girl from within. It IS Pippen, watching over me from her heavenly home in the stars! The confusion that filled her eyes in those last few weeks as the cancer took over is gone, and all that’s left is the love.

Note the angel, there to watch over Pippen…and perhaps me, too.

I wish every person who has lost a dear forever critter could experience the joy of having their furball live on in one of Connie’s paintings...for live on they do!

I have felt Pip’s presence very strongly in the weeks since she’s been gone. As I wrote in my book For Every Cat An Angel:

"A cat can never really be separated from its forever person. Neither time nor space can ever come between them."

And that is exactly what Connie painted.

To learn more about Connie Bowen and her extraordinary books and artwork be sure to visit her website.

Chris Davis

Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers!

How to add heat to an outdoor critter house

2011-01-16T12:53:00.000-08:00

For over 7 years I’ve been feeding Sammy, the outdoor cat, on my back deck. No one knows where he lives or how he's survived our recent bad winters, but somehow Sammy keeps going. Even though I can’t get near him, I think of him as one of my own beloved critters.

Last year I bought him a log doggie house, and before the cold weather set in I added a heat lamp for warmth. Sammy doesn’t live in this house, but he likes the heat so much he often sleeps out there all day, and sometimes well into the night.

Many people have asked about what I did and which products I used, so I decided to share that info on this blog.

The above picture shows Sammy in the house. I bought this from Petco online. The house came on short legs with a wooden floor, but Sammy didn’t like the spongy feel of the floor so I cut off the legs and took out the floor.

I bought a 100 watt red heat lamp and housing from Petsmart.

I found it in the reptile area. You can get lower and higher wattages, but I felt comfortable with 100 watt. There were some hen house and barn fires in Portland this winter, and the news said that heat lamps over 100 watts were the cause.

I spoke with a few electricians about how to safely put this in the house.

I hung the lamp on a hook and fixed the wires up in the ceiling. I wrapped a plastic bag around the connection where I plugged the lamp into the outdoor extension cord, and then wrapped duct tape around that. This would minimize condensation.

The electricians said that as long as the lamp and cord were out of the direct rain I should be ok. The peaked roof made this a perfect style for adding the lamp.

Finally, I put the lamp on a remote control converter, which I bought at Home Depot in the holiday lighting department for $10.00. Here’s a link to a similar device on Amazon.com. All I have to do is click the remote from inside and I can turn the lamp on and off.
Very cool!

This has worked well for me, but if you decide to give this a try I recommend you speak with an electrician or other knowledgeable person about any safety questions you might have.

I’ve received emails and pictures of other heating ideas from people who are feeding outside critters. Sammy’s house is on my uncovered deck, and with all the rain here in Oregon I can’t put any bedding in there.

However, just for the fun of it I put some fleecy bedding in the house the other day and Sammy refused to go near it. He's probably never seen, much less slept, on bedding. Maybe we'll try again when it's dry.

Sammy will spend 10 hours under the heat lamp while it rains outside. He seems to be awfully content...and that makes me very, very happy.

Purrs,
Chris

Lighthearted Press
Publishing magical books for animal lovers!

Paw prints in my heart

2011-01-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

If you're the kind of person whose heart and home have always been shared with animals, then chances are you’ve had to say goodbye to a beloved critter a time or two in your lifetime.

I’ve lost many dogs over the years, and unexpectedly lost two very dear cats, Dickens and Pippen, last year. When I took Pippen in to be cremated I decided to have a clay impression made of her paw print that I could keep forever.

Oh, how I love that paw print!

I keep it on a favorite little table in my living room. In addition to the metal stars on the side of the table, there is a beautiful star-shaped stone that says Love Faith Hope sitting next to the paw print. The stone was a Christmas present from a good friend, and was the perfect addition to the tabletop.

The crystal clear impression of Pippen’s nails is particularly special to me, for I was on the receiving end of those nails many a time in our 12 years together. One incident gave me blood poisoning, but hey - I was probably due for a tetanus shot anyway!

I’ve received so much comfort from this clay paw print. My only regret is that I didn’t have them made for all the other critters I’ve said goodbye to.

To learn more about making a paw print impression here is one website you may want to visit http://www.veterinarywisdomforpetparents.com/. You’ll find answers to many questions, and can purchase kits at the site.

You can also check with your veterinarian or local pet crematory– they may have kits for sale directly to the public.

I will always treasure this beautiful keepsake, for the clay paw print matches those that Pippen left in my heart.

Chris
www.lightheartedpress.com

2011 - A time for Farewelcome

2011-01-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Farewelcome - it isn't a word, but it SHOULD be!

Over the past few days, I’ve found myself saying final farewells to dear friends while I opened my heart to all the possibilities of the coming year.

The unexpected loss of two of my beloved cats, Dickens and Pippen, left me gasping for breath as the year came to a close. But their sisters, Molly and Star, are already stepping forward and helping to fill the enormous void left in our home by the absence of their siblings.

Star, here in the birdhouse that stands in the cat enclosure, is the one who taught me one of the most important things there is to know about felines – if it weren’t for gravity cats would simply float away.

And mystical, magical Molly brings mystery and the promise of grand new adventures as I gaze at the black and white parts of her that appear in this space-time continuum. The rest of her is always off in some other dimension.

I feel the presence of both my earthly AND my angel kitties as I step gently into these early January days.

I feared the New Year would leave me uninspired and saddened, but instead I find myself looking forward to each new day with unexpected excitement.

I feel creative and curious.

Just like a cat.

Purrs,

Chris

http://www.lightheartedpress.com/

The Christmas Visitor

2010-12-26T12:18:00.000-08:00

He showed up Christmas morning.

For several weeks I’d been seeing a sickly squirrel in the back yard, eating the sunflower seeds with all the other squirrels. He was missing a lot of fur, and I could tell he was not well.

I worried about how long he could last in our cold, wet Oregon weather.

Last month I installed a heat lamp in the house I keep on the deck for Sammy, the outdoor cat I’ve been feeding for over 7 years. I’ve never been able to get near Sammy, and he doesn’t stay in my yard for very long, but he comes just about every day for food. I suspect he’s enjoying the heat because from time to time I’ve found him snoozing in his warm house.

However, on Christmas morning it was the squirrel, and not Sammy, who found refuge in the heated house.

The little guy spent several hours in there, constantly turning to get his entire body warm before he would step outside for a quick cool down.

Then it was back into the house.

Eventually he jumped off the deck and ran under the fence, perhaps off to a Christmas breakfast or some other important holiday event.

I will be forever grateful to this little squirrel, for watching him find comfort in the heated house brought me peace this Christmas…and that was the best gift I could have received.

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press

Feel What you Feel for the Holidays - from SARK

2010-12-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the holidays? Maybe you are alone this year, struggling with financial challenges or coping with the loss of a loved one.

The following timely newsletter was written by Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, better known as SARK.

You may think you don’t know her, but if you happen to have one of those lovely “Dogs are Miracles with Paws” posters then you know SARK – that’s HER work.

This newsletter is reprinted with permission from the author.

The holidays are full of pressures to be glad even if you don't feel that way. People talk about "holiday cheer," "finding the silver lining," "looking on the bright side," all of which are fine when we feel those things, but can actually add to feelings of loneliness and depression when we don't. There is also a certain kind of "holiday tyranny" where we are encouraged to hide how we're actually feeling, for the "sake of the holidays."

We are meant to feel what we feel when we feel it, then let it go. Most people don't know how they're feeling, or that it's okay to feel it. We are not taught how to have, or hold multiple feelings simultaneously, so many people choose one and cling to it. That one feeling might be described as happy or sad, but it's not a true reflection of our complexities as humans, and results in our feelings not flowing. Instead they get stuck, or other feelings are left untended.

For example, you might feel happy to see your mom at Christmas, sad that she's physically declining, angry that your sister isn't doing more, and worried about the future. If you fixate on just one of those feelings, it will not be as productive or helpful. Instead, it would be much more effective to feel all that you feel, respond lovingly to yourself, your mother and your sister, and create good systems for your family and self-care practices too.

Practical Gladness means living in the "messy middle" of all of your feelings and finding your "glad ground" underneath. From this glad ground place, you can be aware of and hold all of your feelings, notice ways to respond instead of react, and transform what's possible to transform.

When we find our glad ground in the middle, it is possible to enjoy the holidays truly, authentically, and with grace and wisdom. Here are some practical ways you can experience more gladness this holiday season:

1. Create a new self-care plan -- Think of what you need to feel good during the holidays, and provide it for yourself. Some of these things might be:
*Special foods that you know you will enjoy
*Call a friend to share how you're really feeling-- not how you think you should be
*Practice ways to experience less stress, like going for a walk or attending a yoga class
*Write in a journal or book with lists of things that nourish you, and do the things.

2. Adjust and lower your expectations, or better yet -- have none -- Notice how your expectations bring suffering when they aren't met. For example, if you feel ignored or overworked at holiday times, take yourself out for champagne and ignore some things you "should" be doing. Change your expectations about what you or others "should be" doing or acting like, and practice allowing how it actually IS. Focus on what's good and working

3. Educate others in the best ways to support you--Become clear about what actually feels supportive to you, and ask for others to contribute. For example, if you typically care for others and wish others would or could care for you, figure out what they could contribute to you that would be easy and fun. You might ask a friend to meet you for tea and laughter in the midst of a busy shopping or cleaning day, or sit with you while you wrap gifts or write cards

4. Experiment with new traditions and rituals for the holidays -- Do things differently. We all tend to repeat and become habituated. For example, "we always have our meal at _______." Some of my greatest holiday experiences have taken place at the movies, miniature golfing or serving food at a shelter instead of trying to participate in rituals or traditions that no longer represent who I am now.

5. Allow yourself to experience your holidays imperfectly -- Revise your ideas of perfection and increase your capacity for spontaneous joy. For example, if you get tense and pressured about preparing a meal, buying gifts, sending cards, or trying to do it ALL, try:
*Doing less and feeling good about it-refuse to be a prisoner of others expectations
*Doing parts of things -- fix the dessert, ask others to bring the other things
*Doing tiny amounts -- consider attending a holiday party for 5- 15 minutes with no explanation about why
*Asking others to help and then don't control or manage "how they do it"

6. Practice transforming what hurts into what helps -- Find the places that aren't working and speak up about them. For example, you might ask a group of people in your home to talk about different subjects like what they're loving in this moment, instead of sitting there judging how bored or dissatisfied you are feeling.
*If you're cooking and get crabby, let others know and help you!
*If you hate shopping, ask others to create experiences or adventures for each other instead of buying gifts
*If you keep complaining about the holidays, see if you can put your complaints on paper and resolve to have new experiences
*If you feel ungrateful, find someone to listen to who is facing challenges that you're not.

Being glad no matter what is NOT about feeling glad when you don't- how annoying. It's about practicing with all of your feelings and feeling glad as often as you possibly can- especially during the holidays!

Sending you every gorgeous moment,
Susan
aka SARK

SARK's eLetter is published by Planet SARK

Copyright 2010 SARK. All rights reserved.

Be kind to yourself this holiday season!

Chris

http://www.lightheartedpress.com/

Under the Christmas Tree

2010-12-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

It was exactly one year ago today that I wrote a blog called Losing an Animal at the Holidays.

Although I hadn’t suffered a loss at this time of the year, I had come awfully close. I didn’t know that 12 months later I would be experiencing the heartbreak I had written about, having just lost my dear tiger cat, Pippen, last week.

Pippen LOVED to sleep under the Christmas tree, on my treasured angel skirt. Within moments of finishing the tree she would be under there with her sister, Molly. Seeing the two of them curled up beneath the greenery always brought me so much joy.

I thought about not setting up my tree this year. It was very tempting, but I knew Pippen would want me to. So my fully decorated tree now stands in the living room, the angel skirt tucked beneath the branches.

Perhaps…if I am very still…I may see the folds of that skirt ripple ever so gently, a sign that my angel kitty has come back for one more holiday nap.

Oh, I hope so…

Chris
Lighthearted Press

Farewell, my dear Pippen

2010-12-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

And so, with many, many tears, my earthly journey with my beloved forever cat, Pippen, has come to an end.

“I guess I thought you’d be here forever.”

That’s the first line of the old Chicago song, Hard Habit to Break. It was playing in the waiting room yesterday at the emergency vet hospital, where I sat holding Pippen in my arms for the last time.

She fought the good fight, this most wonderful and dearest friend, but in the end she succumbed to the same cancer that claimed her brother’s life last July.

I have suffered many losses in my life, but saying goodbye to Pippen was one of the saddest moments of my life. I sat in the darkened room, looking at all the tiny white doggie faces that were staring at me from the wall. Later I realized I was looking at the electrical outlets, my tired and blurry eyes unable to see clearly.

I knew my angel dog, Jake, and Pip’s angel brother, Dickens, were there in the room with us, ready to welcome their furry friend home and guide her on to the next great adventure.

Every animal lover who has ever said goodbye to a critter knows exactly what I was feeling in those last few moments.

If you’ve never lost an animal companion you can’t understand how impossibly fast your heart can beat, and how desperately you want to wake up from the nightmare, when the veterinarian asks you... are you ready now?

“NO, I'M NOT READY,” you want to scream. “I WILL NEVER BE READY!” But Pippen was in pain, and the only remaining gift I could give her was to help her leave her broken and hurting body behind, and let her spirit fly up into the stars.

In a matter of seconds Pippen’s pain and suffering came to an end. Mine, however, will take much longer to heal.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Pippen, waiting patiently outside a birdhouse.

What she never quite understood was that the birdhouse was inside the screened cat enclosure, and no matter how long she waited there would never be a birdie coming through that hole!

Farewell, Pippen, my special little love. I will watch over your sisters, Molly and Star, just as I watched over you and Dickens for the last 12 years. I know it must be an awful lot of fun out there, no longer hindered by your earthly body, but I would deeply appreciate an occasional visit from you…even if it’s just a fly by!

With all my love and many tears,
Your mama,
Chris

Losing Pippen...one heartbeat at a time

2010-11-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

There are times when you feel like you’re spinning out of control.

It's as if some Wizard of Oz twister has sucked you up into the vortex and you have no choice but to go with it.

That's how I'm feeling now.

Yesterday the emergency vet clinic delivered the devastating news – my cat, Pippen, is filled with cancer, and there is nothing that can be done. This same diagnosis claimed the life of her brother just 4 months ago.

In a daze, I brought my dear girl home last night so she can spend whatever time she has left with me and her two sisters.

Pippen was the first kitten my dog, Jake, found in our yard back in 1998. He immediately adopted her, along with her brother, Dickens, and her other sisters. While Jake watched over his feline brood like a good nanny, it was Pippen who held a special place in his heart. I always wondered if it was because she was the only striped cat, and perhaps she stood out among her mostly black siblings.

With Jake and Dickens gone now, the only comfort I can find is knowing that when Pippen leaves this earthly life she will be welcomed by her four-legged angel siblings with very enthusiastic woofs and purrs, nose nuzzles and head butts.

Our home already feels so empty without Dickens. The thought of losing Pippen, with her salty, “take no prisoners” personality, leaves me shaking. I fear our family "stew" might be awfully bland without her.

Somehow Molly, Star and I will have to continue on without Pippen. I pray that the way to do that will be revealed to me soon, because right now the road ahead looks awfully dark and filled with tears.

Chris

A warm house on a cold day

2010-11-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sammy’s outdoor chalet.

Sammy showed up in my yard over 7 years ago, when he was just a few months old. I fell in love with the little black cat, and although I’ve never been able to get near him he’s just as much a part of my furry family as my indoor critters.

Sammy comes by several times a day for food. Due to the raccoons and coyotes in the area Sammy won’t stay in my yard. I have no idea where he goes at night, or how he’s survived the wet, cold winters here in Oregon, but I'm thinking he has a very devoted guardian angel!

This week I finally figured out how to safely run an infra-red heat lamp out to the house on my deck, so Sammy could have a little heat to go with his meals.

And here I thought these lamps were just for lizards!

When I see Sammy outside waiting I just click the remote and VOILA…Sammy has instant heat! This may seem really simple to all you lucky folks who were born with the “electrician” gene, but to this former New Yorker it feels like I just rewired the Empire State Building!

One day I hope I’ll be able to hold Sammy in my arms, and tell him how much he means to me. But for now, Sammy has a warm place to stay…even if it’s only for a few minutes.

And that makes me happy.

Purrs,
Chris

Losing a beloved critter - all those little reminders

2010-11-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

“You have one saved message,” the telephone blurted out yesterday.

The message was from July 6th. Perhaps I shouldn’t have listened to it, but I couldn’t help myself. It was from the veterinarian, telling me to stop the thyroid medication my cat, Dickens, had just started, in case that was why he was so sick.

I remembered that call. I was still hopeful the day I got that message. I didn’t know the thyroid meds had sent my beloved boy into a downward spiral, revealing the cancer that no one knew he had. Dickens was gone four days later.

Then there was the label on my front door, telling responders to be sure and look for four cats in case of an emergency. I still can’t bring myself to change that number to three.

And finally, my nail kit – what could be more mundane? But it wasn’t to Dickens. All those emery boards and implements were like catnip to my boy. He’d always come over and nose around for the nail buffer, picking it up in his mouth with a look that said I didn’t have to worry about cooking dinner – he’d snagged something special for me and his sisters!

We often don’t know that we’re going to lose someone special to us. I guess that’s a good reminder to enjoy all those sweet, simple little everyday moments with our loved ones, just in case our journeys with them come to an unexpected end.

I hope the last time Dickens grabbed that nail buffer I told him how much I appreciated his hunting prowess. After all, his sisters and I depended on him to keep us fed and happy.

Well done, Dickens.

Chris

Most politicians are sheep…with apologies to our fleecy friends

2010-11-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my life I wasn’t going to vote. The mud-slinging between the politicians had left me discouraged…and disgusted.

But then I remembered it’s a privilege to vote. So I thought it over, and decided I would vote for the candidates who hadn’t used the all-too-popular negative ads.

I wound up voting for only three candidates…not necessarily the biggest races in Oregon…and that felt right to me.

At least on some level I’d be telling politicians that if you use dirty tactics you won’t get my vote. Political candidates, even those who represent my party, are not entitled to my vote. They have to earn it. When they engage in childish “he said/she said” exchanges they are telling me exactly who they are.

They are followers.

Followers are often called sheep. I don’t know enough about sheep to verify if they really are followers, and frankly, comparing politicians to our fleecy friends seems like a terrible insult to the sheep.

What I do know is that our country is facing a lot of challenges. No one seems to have come up with a winning plan to turn things around, but I think that’s because the issues go beyond political parties.

I know it sounds simplistic, but it seems that only by banding together will we have a fighting chance of dealing with all the difficulties facing not only Americans, but people all over the globe.

Look at the united effort that brought those Chilean miners back to the sunlight. Remember the sense of oneness we felt after the horrifying events of 9/11. People weren’t strategizing how to help based on what was in it for them, they just showed up to help because help was needed.

I am looking for politicians who get that.

I’m looking for leaders.

Baaaa...
Chris

National Feral Cat Day

2010-10-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, if you told someone you were feeding a feral cat you probably would have heard “Better not do that – the cat will hang around forever.”

Thankfully, things have changed!

October 16, 2010 is the tenth anniversary of National Feral Cat Day. We are fortunate to have many wonderful organizations dedicated to educating people about the best way to help feral felines.

My four cats started out as feral kitties. It was spring 1998, and I saw a black mama cat carrying kittens in her mouth as she came and went from my yard.

My dog, Jake, found them, and instead of having them for dinner he brought them in and raised them.

The thought that these sweet furballs could have been left to fend for themselves brings me to tears. But that’s what happens to outside cats – they’re on their own, unless we help them.

Whether you want information on TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) or how to help a feral cat in need, here are some online resources that might be of interest to you:

Feral Cat Coalition
Alley Cat Allies
The Humane Society

My four feral kitties became the feline loves of my life. I can't imagine what life would have been like without them. So the next time someone warns me not to feed a feral cat because it might hang around forever, I know exactly what to tell them:

"I certainly hope so."

Purrs,
Chris

http://www.lightheartedpress.com/

The Walking Stick

2010-10-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

It was just a stick.

I found it about 12 years ago at the Oregon coast, waiting for me along one of the paths that ran along the beach.

So I brought it home, never knowing at the time how much I would come to rely on that stick.

I didn’t know it would accompany me on all the walks I took with my dog, Jake, until his loss in 2006.

It's funny, really, because I had broken my previous walking stick on one of my morning treks through the woods with Jake. He had taken off after the deer who were running through the trees, and when he wouldn't come back I jammed my stick into the ground, hit a rock, and that was that!

I leaned heavily on my new stick during our record-breaking snow storm in December 2008, when I was stranded for 10 days over the holidays. I used the stick to get up and down the hill to the nearest neighbors who COULD get out, as they generously assisted the rest of us who were stuck at home.

It was right after our snowy winter that my stick went missing. I figured it would turn up soon, hiding behind a box or standing in a dark corner. But after several months of looking without any success, I knew I had to accept that the walking stick was really gone.

Until...a got the phone call a few days ago, from the person who keeps his boat on my property.

“I’ve found your stick!” he said.”I must have used it to clean the snow off the boat after the blizzard, and it's been under the boat cover for the last year and a half!"

I welcomed it back like a runaway child who had decided to come home. The stick is now in my office, where it will stay unless I am walking with it.

The funny thing is…there is an energy now emanating from the wood that I don’t remember being there before. I suspect my stick may have had some adventures during the past year and a half that have yet to be revealed.

Perhaps, if I listen very carefully, the stick will share them with me.

Chris

Cats do the Darndest Things Photo Contest

2010-09-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

All of us animal lovers do it.

If there’s a cute critter doing something adorable, and our camera happens to be nearby, we make a mad dash for it and start snapping pictures!

So here’s a chance for all you kitty people to enter a photo contest for cat lovers, sponsored by Feralcatbehavior.com.

Here’s what they have to say:

"Feralcatbehavior is launching a Photo Contest for Cat lovers, celebrating the crazy world of cat ownership. The contest starts today and will run through the last part of October. Send us your funniest cat photos.

We have all been there when kitty discovers the roll of toilet paper and starts to play…or curiosity gets the best of him and he creeps into the refrigerator while the door is open and falls asleep next to the fruit. We have all had those special moments with our cats that make us LOL or just giggle uncontrollably.

Submit your photos to webcomposer@comcast.net. The winner will receive, courtesy of Sturdi Products, a soft-sided cat carrier. Blog readers will vote on the best photo once they are published at the end of the month.

So tell your best cat buddies. We want to celebrate the craziness of cat ownership, embrace the embarrassing moments when Kitty gets the best of you, and laugh along with you as we explore the funny side of cats."

Purrs,
Chris

My Dinosaur Tarot Reading

2010-09-19T10:31:00.001-07:00

Here’s what I want to say about my Dinosaur Tarot Reading – those darn dinos are amazingly perceptive.

Small brains??? I don’t think so!!

I was at an event this weekend where I saw a woman sitting on the floor with a suitcase full of plastic dinosaurs. She was offering tarot readings, only this reading had nothing to do with cards – it was all about the dinosaurs.

This was too intriguing to pass up, so I took a seat in front of the suitcase and asked if I could focus the reading on my passion – writing books for animal lovers.

I choose three dinosaurs, each representing different aspects of my life and work. Then Grey Anne, the woman who keeps these plastic figurines employed, went on to offer insights and guidance direct from the dinos.

All I can say is WOW – was this fun…and very helpful!

Although I’m going to keep what I heard to myself, I CAN say that what the dinosaurs shared will remain with me forever.

You can learn more about Grey Anne and her dinosaurs at www.dinotarot.com.

Time to go watch Jurassic Park.

Chris
http://www.lightheartedpress.com/

The cat, the teeth cleaning, and my fear of the dentist

2010-09-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

I knew I had put it off for too long.

My cat, Pippen, needed her teeth cleaned, so last Friday she finally had it done. The tooth fairy claimed a few teeth in the process, but at least it’s done, and Pippen is fine.

As I write those words I’m aware of a slight ache in one of my own teeth.

Yes, I’ve been dragging my feet about going to the dentist, too. There was a time when I marched into the dentist’s office twice a year without a second thought. I had no problems and no fears – they could drill with a little Novocain and I was fine.

And then came the root canal in 1993. I went in with the same fearlessness, but something went wrong. After 12 shots of Novacain I could still feel the pain. The dentist did the best that he could, and sent me on my way with some prescription pain meds, which I promptly took.

It turned out I couldn't tolerate pain killers...or that with me a little goes a long way! I will spare you the details - let’s just say it involved me trying to make my way home on the freeway, going through a fast food drive up for some refried beans (probably the only time in my life I've done that!) and then going through the bank drive up with the teller staring at me in an odd way.

When I got home I crawled up the stairs and looked in the mirror – my very numb face was covered in beans, with little bits of cheese sticking out for good measure.

Since then any dental work has required either total sedation, or a lot of over-the-counter sleeping pills and having a friend drive me.

So I put off Pippen’s dental, and I’m very sorry I did that. I won’t be so fearful with the other cats. Hey, I may even make an appointment to go to the dentist myself.

I’m going to do that…really…

Chris

The cat, the urn and the dream

2010-08-31T13:32:00.000-07:00

When I saw this pottery jar I knew it was the perfect place for his ashes.

Black cats running through misty fields – surely one of them is my angel kitty, Dickens. When he’s not playing in fields of green, I know he’s flying through the starry skies with all his angel friends.

It’s funny – I always thought his closest angel buddy would be Jake, the beloved dog I lost in 2006. After all, it was Jake who found Dickens and his sisters 12 years ago.

But last night I had a dream about Martha, the magical dog who started me on my writing journey. I used to dream about Martha all the time…now she shows up when she has something to tell me.

In the dream, she was running next to my car as I drove near a highway. We came to an on-ramp and suddenly she veered left onto the ramp and headed onto I-84. “I’ve got to merge” she told me. “Dickens.”

Then POOF – she was gone!

And I knew she was on her way to see my beloved sweet boy.

Lovely….

Purrs,
Chris

Caring for your critters...even after they're gone

2010-08-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

She appeared among the other squirrels on my hillside about a month ago, a few weeks after the unexpected loss of my cat, Dickens.

The wrinkled, diseased and mostly hairless skin on her little body told me that something was very wrong. Her head was constantly sweeping to the right, as if she was motioning you to look behind her.

She would grab a peanut and sit back on her rear legs, shaking back and forth and side to side as she nibbled on the shell. She’d fall over constantly, but would pick herself up and get back to her peanut. I began calling her Shaky.

I emailed pictures of her to the wildlife center here in town. The veterinarian said it looked like she had some kind of parasitic condition, probably secondary to whatever else was going on with her.

Shaky showed up every day. She was used to seeing me in the yard and would come over for her peanut treats, hopping like a bunny on my hillside. She could go uphill fairly well, but downhill usually resulted in a lot of tumbling until she was stopped by a tree trunk.

Still she carried on. She was clearly very sick, but she didn’t care. She seemed to be happy…even joyful. And watching her flooded me with that same joyous feeling.

And then Shaky took a turn for the worse. She was mostly blind now, and had become very wary of me.

A few days ago, on a hot 95 degree day, I found Shaky chattering on a high tree in the woods across from my home. I knew she needed water, and when it came to water I was the only game in town.

I grabbed my yard tools and began cutting a path through the thorny blackberries. Blood ran down my arms and legs, but I was determined to do whatever I could to make it easy for her to get across the road to my yard

With the path cut, I put out water, seeds and peanuts…and waited. Eventually she came down from the treetops and stumbled around until she found a peanut. I cheered for her success...and then I sobbed.

The following day I saw a very feeble Shaky for the last time. She found one of the peanuts I threw in her direction and crawled under my fence. I watched her roll down the slope and land near a tall fir tree, still clutching the peanut. By the time I came around to the front she had disappeared.

I would have cared for Shaky under any circumstances, but my need to help her was so strong I felt it all the way down to the depths of my soul. I didn't realize why at first, but now it's crystal clear to me.

I’m a caregiver by nature…that’s just me. I took care of all the angel critters who have left my life over the years - some for weeks, some for much longer. All, that is, except Dickens. I didn’t know until the day I lost him that his body was filled with cancer and our journey had come to an end.

There was no time to brush his glossy black fur. No time for one last catnip–filled frenzy on the cat track. No time to hold him in my arms and breathe in his magic, filling myself to overflowing with his magnificent spirit.

I didn’t have that time with Dickens…but I did with Shaky.

I have to wonder if Dickens sent her to me. Or perhaps Dickens decided to show up on earth as a sickly squirrel so we could have those last precious weeks together that we were denied when he was in feline form.

I know that Shaky is gone now, and is soaring through the stars like Rocky the Flying Squirrel. I didn’t need to be there when she left this life. I’d already done that part with Dickens. It was the time before that I had missed.

I'm sending a great big heartfelt thank you to one very special angel squirrel...and also to Dickens, her co-conspirator!

Peanuts and purrs,
Chris

Portraits of Love

2010-08-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

That’s what my dear friend, author and artist extraordinaire Connie Bowen, calls the pet portraits she creates for animal lovers.

And that’s what Connie gifted me with on Friday the 13th – a breathtaking portrait of my beautiful back cat, Dickens…a recent arrival at the Rainbow Bridge.

Connie had surprised me earlier in the week when she emailed a photo of the painting, inspired by a picture of Dickens I had posted at my blog.

I opened the attachment and there was my boy…my sweet Dickens…looking back at me! Shooting stars were leaping from his body, and the twinkle in his eyes suggested he could barely contain all the starlight within.

There are no words to express the joy I feel every time I look at this portrait of Dickens. I am mesmerized by his peaceful face. I find myself daydreaming about all the adventures my beloved friend is having up in the heavens.

There are no words…except to say thank you with all my heart.

Grateful purrs,
Chris

Ashes

2010-08-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

This morning my heart told me it was time.

I pulled the little paw print container off the kitchen shelf and stepped outside into the cat enclosure. Star followed me, as she has made a habit of doing since we lost her brother, Dickens, four weeks ago today.

She cautiously sniffed the ashes and then, satisfied that they weren’t harmful, interesting or edible, she kept walking.

“Thank you, Dickens,” I whispered, “for twelve years of love, laughter and unimaginable joy. May you always watch over your sisters and me…and any other critters who may someday prowl and play out here as you did.”

A soft wind carried his precious remains into the nooks and crannies of the enclosure he loved so much. The ground carried my tears deep into the earth.

And from somewhere off in the distant lands of forever I heard Dickens purr.

Chris

How losing Dickens changed his feline sisters

2010-08-02T16:42:00.000-07:00

When I brought my cat, Dickens, home from the emergency hospital last month I thought I’d have a few more days with him.

I didn’t know that wouldn’t happen.

But his sisters knew.

They each sniffed him when he walked out of the carrier. Then the three girls ran upstairs. It didn’t matter that we’d all been together for the last 12 years, ever since the kitties were just a few weeks old. They wanted nothing to do with their brother.

I’ve heard animals in the wild don’t want to be around the sick or injured…it attracts predators. Watching this unfold in my own home was fascinating. Here I was, broken into a million tiny pieces over Dickens, and his sisters were nowhere to be found.

Dickens accepted this graciously. He sat on a bed I created for him in front of the fireplace, peacefully saying goodbye to the only home he had ever known.

We lost Dickens that same night. I didn’t have to explain anything to the girls…they understood.

It was only a few days later that things began to change. Dickens had been the office kitty, my constant companion when I was in work mode. He had taken over that post four years earlier after I lost my beloved dog, Jake.

And now Star has quietly taken up the position left vacant by her brother, sprawling out on the carpet next to my chair. She has never…ever...done this before.

Pippen sits at the top of the stairs, watching over me like a great cat on the Serengeti surveying the horizon.

And as for Molly…time will tell.

Purrs,
Chris

Pet Loss Comfort Cards

2010-08-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

“Many times our beloved pets have loved us as we have never been loved before.”

These oh-so-true words can be found in a beautiful new collection of Pet Loss Comfort Cards, created by Kathryn King. Kathryn is a licensed minister and clinical social worker, who has expanded her practice to include support, ceremonies and products for animal lovers.

Kathryn sent me her exquisite Pet Loss Comfort Cards after the recent loss of my beloved cat, Dickens. I was deeply moved by the stunning artwork and inspiring words on each of the 16 cards.

The cards are enclosed in a lovely fabric case, and come with an 18 page booklet that talks about how to work with the cards and offers suggestions on moving through your grief in your own unique way.

Kathryn has thoughtfully included a blank card, so each person can add a photo of their own special critter.

The Pet Loss Comfort Cards are a perfect gift for anyone who is grieving a lost animal companion. To learn more about these cards please visit the New Moon Pet Ministry website.

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press

Visits from my Angel Cat, Dickens

2010-07-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

It started a week ago.

I was sitting at the desk when I felt the familiar brush of a cat walking beneath my chair, rubbing against my legs. As always, I reached down to playfully grab the tail – something I’ve done for years whenever one of the kitties came into my office.

I grabbed onto…nothing. No one was there. My three cats were spending time in the upstairs bathroom as a carpet cleaner made his way through my home.

Definitely Dickens...my beloved cat who had earned his angel wings on 7/10/10.

Yesterday, for the first time since Dickens has been gone, I experienced a perfect moment. Everything shifted, and suddenly I felt completely at peace with the world. I knew all was as it should be. I was even laughing!

The feeling continued until I went to bed. I was nodding off when I slipped into some type of dream state. It happened so fast I’m not sure it was a dream. I was looking out the window at the bird feeders in the backyard, when suddenly Dickens came flying out of nowhere and landed on one large feeder and threw out his paws like an actor who had just run into the spotlight.

“I’m HERE!” he seemed to say. I could describe his beautiful face in one word...JOY.

I immediately woke up and saw that only a minute had passed since I last looked at the clock. Then I went blissfully back to sleep, knowing that Dickens had found a way to let me know he was well and happy.

Just lovely…

Chris
Lighthearted Press

Grief is a Journey

2010-07-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

“You think he’s going to die.”

That’s what my good friend, Judy, said a few weeks ago when Dickens first showed signs of illness.

“Yes, I do,” I replied, not because I had reason to believe my beloved cat was terminally ill, but because I was scared the way all parents get when one of their kids is ailing.

I wanted Dickens to get better quickly, so I would feel better, too.

And then a word EXPLODED in my brain – PATIENCE!!!

I wanted to ignore it, but I couldn't. I knew exactly what I was being told. This was Dickens’ journey, and it wasn’t my place to move things along just so I could find some peace. My part in his journey was to be there by his side, as I had been for the last twelve years, offering love and reassurance, letting him know that whatever unfolded I would be there for him.

And now Dickens is gone.

When you write books for animal lovers who have suffered a loss you know very well that grief, too, is a journey, and it can’t be hurried, either. I’m only just discovering that Dickens’ journey with illness and my journey with grieving are very much the same. They are both about healing…and healing takes time.

I’m flooded with all the memories of my sweet boy. Dickens was a talkative cat. When he wanted anything he would speak VERY loudly, just to be certain I got the message. His three sisters were never as vocal.

So my home is awfully quiet now…very, very quiet.

Except for something odd that happened the other day...

To be continued.

Chris
Lighthearted Press

Please bring these black kitties home

2010-07-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

I don’t believe in coincidences.

So when I learned about four black kitties who were looking for a home, just as I said goodbye to my beloved black cat, Dickens, I knew I wanted to do something.

The kitties- Merlin, Sharky, Frasier and Gallagher - are in the care of Mary Anne Miller, who provides online resources for cat lovers at her fabulous website Feline Express. This site was awarded the 2006 and 2009 Muse Medalion for Online Magazine by The Cat Writers’ Association in their annual Communication Contest.

It’s hard for me to understand why black cats and dogs have a hard time finding a home. The thought that Dickens might NOT have been in my life these past 12 years brings me to tears. He and his three sisters, one of whom is also black, were a constant source of love, mischief and joy. And on those days when things felt a bit shaky, Dickens always knew how to be a guiding light and keep me going…usually toward the whipped cream can!

Mary Anne, who is located in Sweet Home, Oregon, tells me these 8 month old kitties, all spayed or neutered, are absolutely delightful. To learn more about them you can contact her via email at miller478@comcast.net or by calling 541-367-4927.

If you are looking for some feline love please consider making a place in your home and heart for Merlin, Sharky, Frasier or Gallagher.

Or just make it simple and bring them ALL home – it’s what Dickens would want.

Purrs,

Chris

Lighthearted Press

The heartbreaking loss of my beloved cat, Dickens

2010-07-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

No matter how many times I look back at the events of the last few days I still can’t make any sense of it.

All I know is that my dearest cat, Dickens, is gone.

How could I have been in a veterinarian’s office just three days ago, thinking all Dickens needed was a change in his thyroid meds, and by the following evening he would be gone?

How could he have had cancer throughout his body and no one knew?

Dickens had been on a weight loss plan for several years, as I slowly brought him down from 23 pounds to 14 pounds. A visit to the vet 6 weeks ago confirmed he was ok and could even lose another pound.

A month later I was back at the vet's office because Dickens didn’t look well and I knew something was wrong. Blood tests showed he had a high thyroid and two weeks ago he was started on meds for that.

He didn't tolerate the meds well, even after switching to the gel form. Within a few days he was depressed and lethargic.

Still thinking it was the meds, I went to speak with a cat specialist three days ago about the radioactive iodine therapy for high thyroid. Instead, I was sent to an emergency hospital where Dickens was immediately put on IVs and oxygen.

Tests showed he had cancer throughout his abdomen and organs. There was nothing that could be done.

I brought him home for a few hours to say goodbye to his three sisters and the only home he had ever known. Then I brought him back to the hospital and said my own goodbye to this dearest and most wonderful friend.

Dickens had a large presence. He filled our home with his mischievous nature and dedication to living a curious and joyous life. His loss has left a huge hole in my world. I don’t know if I should walk around that hole or jump into it. Perhaps I’ll just sit at the edge and dangle my feet in the void, and pray that I feel some whiskers on my toes.

I am lost without you, my sweet boy. Not seeing your black paws sticking out from under my clothes in the closet last night reduced me to a flood of tears. Not seeing you on the hamper this morning while I dried my hair left me shaking. Not having you join me at the table for breakfast told me this was all really happening.

You truly are gone.

Your impish spirit and magical heart will be with me forever. I promise to watch over your three sisters, although no one could take care of us as well as you did. We are lost without you, sweetie, and the road ahead looks awfully dark and lonely.

I will be forever grateful that Jake found you and your sisters under the deck, and that I had the privilege of sharing my life with you for the last 12 years. I know Jake was waiting for you, and you are now flying through the heavens together.

Never forget how much I loved you, Dickens. And if you're ever in the neighborhood, please stop by...there will always be a can of whipped cream in the fridge, just for you.

With all my love and many, many tears,
Your Earthly Mama,
Chris

Could you use a little hope?

2010-07-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Every so often we all need a little hope.

I needed some myself recently, and within a few days something special arrived in my mailbox.

Meet HOPE, the delightful pink elephant who came into my life exactly when I needed her. Hope is one of three Perfect World Pets from Pet Flys, a company that specializes in pet carriers for people who travel with their critters.

Hope, along with fellow Perfect World Pets Faith and Peace, are adorable squeaky toys in vibrant fabrics that just make you feel good....really, really good.

But here’s the best part – a portion of each sale goes to support Petsofthehomeless.org, an organization that provides food, shelter and veterinary care to pets of the homeless.

The idea that purchasing something so uplifting can benefit the animal companions of those in need just makes me smile all over. And Pet Flys has made these comforting gifts very affordable, whether purchased individually or as a set of three.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a little HOPE…or FAITH…or PEACE…I hope you’ll stop by the Pet Flys website and take a peek at these Perfect World Pets.

They really are…perfect!

Chris

Lighthearted Press

Zero-K Bulldog Fundraising Event

2010-06-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

You’ve probably heard of 5K and 10K running events – but Zero-K?

Welcome to the annual fundraising event for Buddies Thru Bullies, a South Florida organization that specializes in English Bulldog rescue.

According to their flyer, this event is perfect for two- AND four- legged couch potatoes.

"Don't bother to get up," it says. "NOT participating is a requirement!"

That's right - all you need is a sponsor sheet and you're on your way to helping this wonderful organization rescue and find forever homes for the English Bulldogs in their care.

Until I met long-time Bullie lover Judy Ditfurth, who volunteers for BTB, I was unaware of how enchanting these special doggies are. Judy has loved…and lost…many critters in her life, but it was the loss of her Bulldog, Daphne, that started the connection between us. For that, I will be forever grateful to angel Daphne.

For more information on supporting the Zero-K Event visit Buddies Thru Bullies and click on Newsflash.

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press

My morning at the Arizona Humane Society - by Debra J. White

2010-06-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

The words below were written by Debra J. White, a very special person who is a passionate advocate for animals in need. I was so moved by what she wrote I asked if I could share her story.

Here are her words:

I couldn't get the number out of my mind - 1,000 cats turned in during one week in June. To write an editorial for the local paper, I asked the AZ Humane Society if I could sit in the lobby for a bit and observe. The hour poked a hole in my heart. Even before the shelter opened at 9 there were cars in the parking lot. I spoke to one woman who said she wanted to get rid of them, jabbing her finger at two dogs in her car. I asked why. They got too big. A shivering puppy waited his turn. As soon as the doors opened it didn't take long for the lobby to fill up with mostly cat owners or Good Samaritans who found cats. There were cats in boxes, bags and old suitcases. The lobby sang with the sounds of meow.

Nearly every bit of space is occupied by cats. Cats cats cats. There are dogs but the overwhelming number of unwanted animals are cats. One cat recovered from a gunshot wound. A dog brought in by the rescue team obviously outgrew his chain. There were hideous scars around his neck.

Worker after worker made the same comment. It's the same every summer. Nothing changes. Even the sign they post that says if you leave your animal here it will be euthanized is not a deterrent. And the litany of excuses is enough to make you gag. I'm moving and I can't take my pet.

On my way out, I stopped in the thrift shop. A woman barges in looking for her husband. She gripes about the wait in the shelter and says she's not hanging around another minute to turn in a kitten she allegedly found. She says she'll take it back to the neighborhood and let it go. I ask if she'll give me the kitten. I'll wait at the shelter. She dumps her in my lap like a sack of potatoes. I turn in the confused and befuddled kitten covered with debris. She is one of hundreds competing for a loving home.

That is a typical morning at the shelter. By the end of the day I was told they'd have 100 more cats turned in.

I await figures on how many people use their public spay/neuter clinic to finish my editorial. Now I will get numbers on the county shelter which will probably be similar. And on the drive home, that hole in my heart enlarged and I couldn't stop the tears. I don't expect one editorial to change the world but if I convince a few people to spay or neuter their cats then I've done a good thing.

Debra J. White

When I told Debra how moved I was by her story she added these thoughts:

In my 13 years in Phoenix I have seen a slight drop in puppy litters but I have seen absolutely no change in kitten litters. None. Keep in mind we have spay/neuter programs. County fixes cats for free (with private funds). Humane has a clinic and there is another service called Altered Tails. Still, it is not enough but we keep trying.

To learn more about Debra please visit her website.

Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press

A Pit Bull's Final Act of Love

2010-06-17T10:04:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, the unthinkable happened to me.

A dog ran out in front of my car on a very busy street. I slammed on my brakes, but the car continued to skid on the wet road. The truck next to me hit the dog, who was thrown back into my lane and I ran over it.

The dog happened to be a Pit Bull. For any of you who believe all the awful things that are said about this breed PLEASE READ ON.

I pulled over and ran back to the dog. Two police officers were already at the scene and on the phone to animal control. There was blood everywhere, and even though the dog was badly injured it was trying to stand up. I was hysterical – I think perhaps I was in shock. I told the dog I was very sorry about what had happened. The only thing I could see in his beautiful eyes was forgiveness.

I asked the officer if there was any way to keep the dog from moving. He glared at me and actually said the words all animal lovers dread hearing – “It’s just a dog!”

I know the officer was concerned about getting attacked, but his complete lack of compassion for the suffering animal was hard to witness.

Then a car stopped, and a man and woman came over to help. I asked them if they had a blanket to cover the dog, thinking it might help to comfort it. The man, William, brought over a yellow baby’s blanket, borrowed from the child inside the car, and ever so gently knelt down and tenderly covered the dog.

My heart was moved beyond words as I saw the dog look up at William with what I can only describe as love. And then the bloody tail of this broken dog began to wag!

At that moment everything shifted. The police officer, touched by William’s kindness, took out a short leash and attached it to the dog’s collar. He turned to me and said “Look, he’s wagging his tail – he just might make it!”

Animal control took the dog to a local vet, who determined the injuries were so severe there was no choice but to euthanize him. He was brought back to the county to be cremated. I asked the county if they would release him to me so I could take care of his remains, but they refused.

I couldn’t save this dog, but there is one thing I can do…I can give him a name. I have decided to call him Hero, after the dog in my book, The Shelter Dog.

Yesterday, the unthinkable happened. I hit a dog on the road, and my heart broke into a million tiny pieces as I watched a horrifying scene unfold before my eyes. But then a man named William put a yellow baby’s blanket on a dying Pit Bull, and everything changed.

Be at peace, Hero, and know that in your final moments you softened hearts and manifested miracles…all with the wag of your tail.

Chris

What do Mother Teresa, Mariah Carey and The Empire State Building have in common?

2010-06-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

The answer is the Empire State Building went “pink” for the release of a Mariah Carey album, but refuses to go blue and white for Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday this August.

Like so many people around the world I was deeply touched by Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to helping the poor and the sick. When I read about the doubts that had plagued this small Albanian nun I suddenly felt very close to her.

Back in 1996 a friend of mine (Ron, on the left) was travelling through Calcutta. He decided to “stop by” and see if it was possible to meet Mother Teresa. “Absolutely,” he was told, “but she can only give you 15 minutes.”

Ron tried to explain what it was like to be with someone who was 100% present....totally in the moment. We don't experience that very often. For 15 minutes this magnificent being gave him all her attention, and then she was on to other things.

The Empire State Building honors a diverse list of holidays, people and events, including Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Frank Sinatra, Pope John Paul, Martin Luther King, Princess Diana and, yes, last year’s celebration of Communist China.

Honoring Mother Teresa, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, on the celebration of her 100th birthday doesn’t seem like a poor fit with past celebrants.

Either I’m confused…or this is just dumb.

Chris

Lighthearted Press

June is Adopt-a-Cat Month!

2010-06-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Even after sharing the last 12 years with my four sibling kitties it STILL surprises me that my current furry family is all feline!

What surprises me even more is how much I love them. After all, I’m a life-long dog lover!

I didn’t actually go looking for cats.

My dog, Jake, found them outside and invited them in to become part of our family. I always felt that Jake, my dear shelter dog, remembered what it was like to be homeless, so he understood the plight of this little family of feral kittens.

Jake was WAY smarter than I was. Yes, those kittens needed a home, but it turned out I needed those kittens, too. There are no words to describe how much magic they’ve added to my life!

I still remember the first time I was sitting at the kitchen table and the pantry door opened. Out jumped a cat who had been sleeping among the cans of soup. That’s one of the charming things about felines – they love using multiple dimensions! When was the last time you saw a dog sleeping on top of the refrigerator?

People who have never shared their life with a cat may have a lot of misconceptions about these feline wizards. I certainly did. I had always heard they were aloof, not playful, and basically existed to be waited upon…pretty much the opposite of dogs.

Boy, was I wrong! They are compassionate, joyful, playful and LOVE to receive as well as give affection. I remember being very sick last year, collapsed on the bathroom floor with food poisoning. My cat, Molly, curled up next to me for over two hours until I was able to drag myself back to bed.

June is Adopt-A-Cat month. If you have been thinking about adding some furry joy to your heart and home I hope you will think about visiting your local animal shelter and bringing home a feline companion.

Actually, bring home two – they LOVE friends as much as we do!

Purrs,
Chris

Spring Babies

2010-05-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature may have gotten the weather wrong, but she sure knows all about babies!

My rock wall just came alive with the baby ground squirrels. Two came out yesterday. Today there were three…then four…five…and finally six!

These pictures were taken from inside my home and through the screening of the cat enclosure. It’s hard to see that the babies are really small - about the same size as the chipmunks who also run on the rocks.

The babies love to play, batting and tackling each other like football players. It’s very entertaining. I feel like I’m watching the squirrel channel – all squirrel, all the time!

The two parent squirrels have been busy bringing mouthfuls of leaves into the many tunnels they’ve dug in the wall. One baby took a cue from its parent – I saw it dragging a 2 ft. stick into the tunnel!

I can always count on a lot of Oregon rain when spring arrives, but there are many other special little moments that make springtime oh so magical!

Chris
Lighthearted Press

Dogs vs. cats - who's more afraid of stormy weather?

2010-05-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Almost all the dogs I’ve shared my life with showed some degree of stress when it was stormy outside.

The discomfort ranged from mild concern to overwhelming terror – especially when thunder and lightning were involved!

As for my 4 cats – they could care less!

The weather has been miserable here in Oregon, so I’ve blocked the door to their cat enclosure until things dry out a bit. Dickens just sits at the door and cries to go outside, even if it’s raining buckets or hail is pelting the ground. If the enclosure door was open, he’d be outside taking it all in.

Is this normal for cats?

Purrs,
Chris

Do our critters keep us young?

2010-05-19T17:05:00.001-07:00

Whenever I’m asked if I have children, I usually say “My kids have always been furry!”

Animal lovers get that. Non-animal lovers look like they want to recommend a good hair-removal product.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that even though I’m getting older, and the old bones don’t quite work the way they used to, I don’t feel the passage of time the way I suspect people with children do. I don’t see the years racing by as I watch little girls and boys growing up, leaving home, and having children of their own.

No one calls me Mom…or Grandma.

My furry “kids” will never go to school. They will never leave the nest, and go off and create lives of their own. Their lives are…and always will be…entwined with mine.

I wonder if my cats talk among themselves about the fact that “mom” seems to be slowing down, and isn’t getting the food into the bowls as quickly as she used to.

They like to hang around when I do my floor exercises. I thought it was affection – maybe they just want to be sure I get up again!

I am absolutely certain my 4 cats keep me young…AND they double as hot packs! I’ve got one for the neck, one for the low back and one for each knee.

Now, if I could only figure out how to strap them into place!

Chris

Lighthearted Press

Dickens - slimming down a fat cat!

2010-05-13T09:14:00.001-07:00

He was the biggest cat in the litter…yes, the same litter my dog brought in 12 years ago. I named him Dickens, because his behavior seemed to always leave me shaking my head, saying “You little dickens, you!”

The weight started piling on, until one day I realized my boy was no longer big-boned – he was fat! He weighed in at 23 lbs. on my shipping scale. Twenty-three pounds!

About 3 years ago Dickens and I agreed it was time to do something about his weight. Obese cats are susceptible to many serious health problems. We’d been lucky so far – Dickens had never been sick a day in his life. I wanted to keep it that way.

The first thing that had to go was the free-feeding station. It may have been high-quality food, but it was also high-quantity. I cut his dry food down to very small portions, and went almost entirely to wet food.

That was the answer! All those carbs in the dry food had led to Dickens ballooning up to a very unhealthy weight. When we went to mostly wet food, the pounds began to come off.

Three years later, Dickens weighs in at 14 pounds! He’s not just thinner, his activity level has tripled! He runs and jumps and plays like a kitten…and I’m sure all that activity helps to keep the weight in line, too.

I want to spend as many years with Dickens as I possibly can. I’m sure you feel the same way about your critters. If you’ve got a “large” animal, I hope you’ll talk with your vet about the best way to bring that weight down. You just might be adding many more happy years to their life!

Chris
Lighthearted Press

Do you make back ups of your pet photos?

2010-05-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Eric Kwang is a friend – and also an animal lover. If you’re reading this YOU are probably an animal lover, too.

That means that in addition to surrounding yourself with critters, you most likely have an abundance of something else in your life – lots and lots of photos of those furballs!

Eric works in the technology field, but even tech-savvy people have computer glitches. He recently sent me some good advice after having lost photos of Ella, a very special cat, to one of those computer black holes:

One thing I think all pet lovers need to remember and perhaps make into a regular mantra, regardless of what kind of computer they use, is: Back up, Back up and more Back Up.

I’ve been down that road – bet you have, too. So, repeat after me:

Back up…back up…back up.

Om...

Chris

Princesses, self-doubt and a dog named Hero

2010-05-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

It’s not often I get to spend time with royalty, but that’s exactly what I got to do over the weekend.

Meet the 2010 Portland Rose Festival princesses, surrounding my friend Lea McWhorter, of Sophisticated Beads, who created beautiful jewelry for the lucky young ladies.

It’s very rare for me to be around younger people - all my children have been furry!

As I chatted with the princesses I was amazed at how articulate and focused they were. They wanted to work in public relations and medicine, music and business. They were crystal clear about where the next leg of their journey would take them.

After speaking with these fabulous young women I suddenly found myself choking back a few unexpected tears. I was swimming in a sea of rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes. I tried to imagine myself at their age – was it really over 35 years ago? Was there ever a “once upon a time” when I could so easily reach out and touch my hopes and dreams, as these young ladies could?

Then I remembered Hero, the canine star of my book The Shelter Dog. Hero was EXACTLY like these young women – hopeful and happy, sure of his mission and blessed with a loving heart. I wrote Hero…and for the first time I realized that Hero was ME!

I remembered my book Old Dog & the Christmas Wish, and thought about the weary, four-legged boy who longed for a Christmas miracle even though his situation was desperate.

I wrote that dog…and he was me, too!

Yes, my cheeks get some of their rosiness from a jar, and the sparkle in my eyes is probably allergy-related, but I am certain that a child-like innocence still resides somewhere inside me. And every so often…if I’m really, really lucky…it spills out onto the pages of my books.

Here’s to our inner children!

Chris

Happy 12th Birthday to my four cats

2010-05-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

They came to me in the last week of May, 12 years ago.

The veterinarian said they were about 3 – 4 weeks old, so May 1st became their official birthday.

It began when my dog, Jake, found a little striped kitten in the backyard.

Her infected eyes were glued shut, so she couldn't see the big dog drooling over her. He could have made her an afternoon snack. In fact, his past history had indicated that was exactly what he normally would have done.

But something happened when he looked at Pippen. They immediately formed a bond that would last a lifetime. Jake brought Pip into our house, along with her brother, Dickens, and sisters Molly and Star.

To say they changed the life of this dog lover is an understatement. I was more than charmed by them – I was enchanted!

And now 12 years have gone by, and these little furballs are considered senior citizens. They still seem like kittens to me!

They are healthy – perhaps because they have always been inside cats. We did build them a huge outdoor enclosure, and maybe having the ability to go SAFELY outside, and spend time in nature, has helped to keep them young.

I know each of their little feline hearts and souls. I know that if it weren't for gravity they would all simply float away! I’ve watched them evolve over the years, yet their true natures have not changed from when they were little.

One of my favorite illustrations in my book For Every Cat An Angel shows a woman holding a sleeping cat on her lap. They are sharing the same dream – she is flying through the stars on the back of her furry friend, who has transformed into a leopard! And they agree to keep their true natures a secret between them.

As I wrote in the forward of my book:

I am in awe of these cat creatures. They have cast a spell over me that I don’t expect will ever be broken.

So true.

Happy birthday my sweet kitties!

Mom

Burying mementos with our animal companions

2010-04-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

They each got a letter. Every critter I’ve said goodbye to brought a letter with them, saying how much I’d loved them, and how much joy they had brought to my life.

But there were other items, too, that accompanied my animals when they left my side.

Martha took a bag of cookies into the afterlife. Not dog cookies – chocolate chip cookies! And all the birdies who have flown their final flights in my yard have been buried in Martha’s rock garden, so she can guide them to their next great adventure.

Jessie was buried with a picture of my kitchen window, where I told her I’d be standing, watching over her.

I asked her not to be concerned if she peeked into that window and saw me crying…one day those tears would be replaced with smiles.

And Jake, my beloved boy, was cremated with two of my books – For Every Dog An Angel and Old Dog & the Christmas Wish - safely tucked between his front paws. It was his spirit, after all, that had helped bring those books to life.

What about you – have your animals left this life with special mementos that celebrated your timeless connection?

Chris

Acupuncture for the Earth

2010-04-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

Many years ago I watched a holistic veterinarian perform acupuncture on my dog, Martha. We were hopeful the procedure might help with the mysterious brain condition that was rapidly shutting her body down.

It became clear that Martha had a completely different plan for her spirit, and staying by my side was not part of that plan. However, one of the benefits of the acupuncture was the immediate relief of the high fever Martha had been experiencing. You could actually feel the heat leaving her body.

There is much talk about the extreme climate changes and geological events that are happening on our planet.

Which got me thinking – would Mother Earth benefit from the same gift that had helped Martha with her inability to regulate her body temperature?

Today I am going to offer my walking stick to the earth. I will ease it into the ground at the rock garden where Martha is buried, and ask that all the love and respect I feel for the earth flow through my stick into the water, soil, roots and rocks, saturating the planet with healing light and love.

From my heart...through Martha's heart...to the heart of the earth.

Chris

There's no cure for a broken heart

2010-04-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

To everything there is a season….

But sometimes the season just doesn’t seem long enough…and that’s how it was with Cinnamin, the beloved cat of my dear Florida friend, Judy Ditfurth.

Cin was the last surviving member of the happy furry family Judy had shared her life with for many years. When her Bulldog, Jeremy, died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve 2008, the loss was unbearable for Judy…and also for Cin. The two boys had been best buddies.

So last year Judy, who is a long time supporter of Bulldog rescue, brought home two Bullie ladies who needed a forever home. The hope was these sweet girls might be interested in making friends with a beautiful orange and white cat.

Cin did everything possible to forge a friendship with his new canine family members, but the dogs just weren’t interested. So he contented himself by playing with his toys, sleeping in his cat nest, and staying close to Judy.

He held his own through 2009, but when 2010 rolled around Judy started to notice that Cin just wasn't Cin anymore. He was losing weight. He had begun sleeping in Jeremy's old resting spots. The playful cat she had known was disappearing before her eyes.

Then, about a month ago, things started to go very wrong, very fast.

A team of doctors did every possible test they could think of, but no one could come up with any conclusive answers as to what was wrong with Cinnamin. His frail little body was shutting down. On April 13th Judy made the heartbreaking decision to let her boy go.

When she called me, the first thing she said was “Cin's with Jeremy now.”

Medicine has come a long way. There are tests and treatments available that can often save or extend an animal’s life. There are drugs that can relieve pain, help old kidneys, and fight cancer.

But Judy feels Cin died of a broken heart…and there just doesn’t seem to be a medicine for that.

Farewell sweet Cin.

Chris

I DON'T THINK SO...said the cat to the postal worker

2010-04-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Seen in the Sunday paper:

LONDON — Britain's postal service says it has suspended deliveries to a woman following repeated attacks by her 19-year-old cat.

The Royal Mail said Friday that it had halted deliveries because postal workers had already sustained "nasty injuries" at the address in the town of Farsley, near Leeds in northern England.

The woman was identified as a 43-year-old pharmacy worker. Media reports say she found it hard to believe that her cat, named "Tiger," could be behind the attacks.

She told two newspapers the animal spent most of its day sleeping and didn't have the energy to chase postal workers.

-- Associated Press

Note - this is a picture of MY sweet cat, Pippen...on a good day.

Purrs,
Chris Davis
Lighthearted Press

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder – huh?

2010-04-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

My yard was landscaped to attract birds.

However, all critters are welcome – birds, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and pretty much anyone else who happens to wander through.

The squirrels are very aggressive feeders. They ferociously hold their ground, so birdies attempting to stop by for lunch are often scared off.

I decided to make one feeder squirrel proof. The bird store said this metal baffle was a winner, so that’s what I went with. As you can see, it hasn’t been successful.

I’ve tried bending the baffle and coating it with salad oil, but still those little squirrels find their around it.

There are squirrel-friendly feeders all around, but the squirrels seem to like my squirrel-proof one.

Any thoughts on how to make this one feeder truly for birds only?

Chris

http://www.lightheartedpress.com/

How to Train Your Dragon - and lift your spirits, too!

2010-04-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my spirits were sagging a bit. I had a lot of things on my mind - I just wanted to go back to bed and wake up next month.

Determined to pull myself out of my sadness, I drove to the local movie theater and purchased a single ticket to see How to Train Your Dragon in 3D.

WOW – was THAT ever the right thing to do!

The mid-day, mid-week showing was attended by parents with toddlers…and me. I got to hear all the excited sounds of the children, and realized with delight that many of those oohs and ahhs were coming from me!

The fact that this was my first 3D movie made it even better. It was a feast for the eyes, and the perfect healing balm for my heavy heart.

As I drove home my physical hands were on the steering wheel, but in another, equally real world I held onto the sparkling scales of my own dragon, as we soared above the clouds of Portland.

I felt this way when I saw The Iron Giant and Wall-E, two of my favorite all-time movies. Perhaps I’m meant to live in the world of animation…something I plan to give more thought to, when…and if…I ever get back to earth.

Chris

Lighthearted Press

When packing for a trip, never forget your dog

2010-03-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

This was Beezer.

She was not happy when her person had to take an overseas trip, so she decided to make her feelings known by climbing into the suitcase when "mom" returned.

Beezer was the beloved dog of Terri Foley. Terri sent me this picture and told me the following story about Beezer:

A friend gave me your book when my beloved Beezer passed. I was having a very hard time accepting her passing. I miss her so, my heart is so empty. We did everything together.

After she passed I felt guilty that I didn't feel the same type of connection with my other dogs as for Beezie. I love them very much, they are spoiled, they are very well taken care of, but it wasn't the same. Then Robbie gave me your book and it has helped me understand that while I will bring other dogs into my life and love and care for them, Beezie is my forever dog.

When Beezer was 11 she was in a terrible car accident. The emergency veterinarian said there was nothing that could be done for her, but this miracle dog had other plans. She not only survived, she lived to the age of 15 – long enough to complete a personal mission that would impact the lives of some people very close to her.

Beezer will always live on in Terri’s heart. As for me…I don’t think I’ll ever look at a suitcase again without seeing beautiful Beezer curled up inside it.

Happy travels, sweetie.

Chris

Interviewed by The Real Dr. Doolittle!

2010-03-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

There’s just nothing better than spending time chatting with another animal lover. I had the great fortune of being interviewed on The Real Dr. Doolittle Show with Val Heart…and what a wonderful time we had!

It was fun reminiscing about my journey as a writer, and remembering Martha, my special forever dog, who would inspire me to write For Every Dog An Angel.

We shared stories...and a few tears…but that’s what often happens when animal lovers get together!

So pour some tea, relax in a comfy chair and join Val and me as we talk about the joy of sharing our lives with our animal companions.

Be sure to subscribe to The Real Dr. Doolittle Show with Val Heart, which is now available on iTunes.

Chris Davis

www.lightheartedpress.com

A purrfect home for an FIV positive cat

2010-03-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

The stranger cat began showing up last year at the home of my Florida friend, Judy Ditfurth. He was one of the sweetest cats she had ever met…and that’s saying something! Judy, a woman in her mid seventies, has shared her home with cats and dogs all of her life.

When the weather turned cold, Judy brought the visitor into her garage.

“He seemed grateful to be inside,” Judy said. “It was obvious that he had once had a home. Ads in the paper were unsuccessful in finding owners so I thought it best to have my vet check him out. Sadly, the blood work showed we had a cat who was FIV positive. We decided to try and see if a rescue group would take him. The answer was no from every place we called.”

Judy was already sharing her life with her cat Cin, and two English Bulldogs named Toonie and Izzy, who had been brought home last year from the Bulldog Rescue group Judy works with. Each of these critters has ongoing health issues.

And then there’s Bugsy, a cat who is…well, let’s just say she’s a “problem child.”

Bugsy came to Judy in 2008, after making a promise to a terminally ill friend that she would care for the cat. No one could have known how aggressive and unpredictable Bugsy would turn out to be. Both Judy and her veterinarian decided Bugsy could NOT be safely integrated into the rest of the family.

So Bugsy began living – quite contentedly - in a room by herself.

Judy had fallen in love with the stranger kitty, so euthanizing him was out of the question. However, finding a home for an FIV positive cat who would need to be isolated from other cats was going to be very difficult.

And that’s when an idea was suggested – what about expanding Bugsy’s private suite into a room for two?

Which is exactly what happened. It didn’t just happen, it happened effortlessly… as if it was always meant to be. The outside kitty was given the name Thomas, and Bugsy accepted him immediately.

“It's been a couple of months now and so far it has worked,” Judy told me. “They aren't buddies but are very tolerant of each other....and they are both safe and loved.”

What you don’t know is that Judy suffered an unbearable loss on Christmas Eve 2008 – the unexpected passing of her beloved Bulldog, Jeremy. There are no words to express how deeply her heart had been broken. Yet, in the short time since the loss of Jeremy, Judy has provided a haven to three new critters who all needed a forever home.

The world is overflowing with many special people, but I believe that some of them are truly angels…and Judy is one of them.

Chris

Farewell Rex - say hi to Jake!

2010-03-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was a most magnificent dog named Jake.

But if you’ve visited my website, read my books, or have ever spoken with me for more than 5 minutes, you probably already know about Jake, my beloved forever dog…now an angel dog.

However, this story isn’t about Jake. It’s about Rex – the dog down the road who Jake adored.

You need to understand that Jake didn’t socialize with other dogs. He pretty much ignored all the dogs we met at the park or on our treks through the neighborhood…except for Rex. Rex was allowed to roam free, so he often joined us on our walks. And when Rex showed up, Jake happily let Rex take the lead.

Which is EXACTLY what happened when Jake followed Rex on some wild goose chase through the woods many years ago. It was the ONE and ONLY time Jake ever ran off.

You can probably guess what followed – mobilizing the neighbors, quickly putting up “Lost Dog” signs, driving tearfully through the neighborhood asking if anyone had seen my dear Jake. I even stood at the doors of the local church just as Sunday services were ending, begging the parishioners to please keep their eyes open for my lost dog.

The two canine troublemakers made their way back to Rex’s home several hours later. I drove down to pick Jake up...I never knew a dog could possibly hang his head that low. In retrospect, it was sort of funny – but not at the time!

The day after my dear Jake left this life I gave one of his beds, his food and some toys to Rex’s family. I felt Jake would have wanted that.

Rex left this world a few weeks ago. He was almost 17 years old. As much as I’ll miss seeing that old boy shuffling down the road, I am absolutely certain that he and Jake are together again, hanging out and very likely causing some heavenly trouble.

Have fun, guys!

Chris

Stuffed Animals

2010-02-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

Can you count each and every Bichon Frise in this picture?

OK – that’s a trick question. Can you count the ones that bark, run and go for walks?

Meet Sue Geller’s three Bichons – Star, Tess and Mazie. Star is a certified therapy dog at Baylor Hospital in Texas.

Here's what Sue said about a time she and Star were visiting the hospital:

There was a young man (20s) who began speaking to Star - "You're so pretty - you're so fluffy," etc. One of the nurses came over and said the young man had been there 2 weeks and that was the first time he had spoken.

I asked him if he would like Star to sit on the couch with him. He never looked at me - but looking at Star said "Star will you come sit by me, please?"

I lifted her onto the couch and she walked over, climbed onto his lap and curled up. Every nurse in the room had tears in their eyes.

We had only been doing the therapy visits for a month or so when this happened. It was the moment when it really hit me what a profound effect our babies can have.

Sue said she still gets goose bumps telling this story, and is honored to be Star’s partner.

I never cease to be amazed at the capacity animals have for touching the frightened, hurting places in our hearts. They don’t wear white coats, prescribe meds or require insurance, and yet their healing powers are beyond comprehension.

Have you ever experienced healing, hope or inspiration from an animal companion?

Chris

The White Whisker

2010-02-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

Last year I was delighted to discover that my big black cat, Dickens, had grown one beautiful white whisker. It was very noticeable against his glossy black fur.

I was fascinated with that whisker, and spent several weeks pondering its beauty.

Then I never gave it another thought…until this morning.

I woke up having a strange dream. I could hear a very insistent voice talking about the white whisker. I felt there was something I was supposed to do...right away. So I jumped out of bed and went to find my beautiful boy.

I knelt down in front of Dickens and sure enough…the whisker was gone!

For some reason I felt a bit sad. I had gotten so much enjoyment from the whisker, and when the time came for it to move on I hadn’t even noticed. I would have liked to have said farewell.

I gave the kitties their wet food and went to check the dry food bowl. There, perched on top of the remaining kibble, was one perfect, snowy white whisker.

Hmmm......

Chris

And you thought dogs couldn't read!

2010-02-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, indeed, that's Mack - reading my book, The Shelter Dog.

When Julie Nowicki, from The Grey Muzzle Foundation, sent me this picture I knew I had to follow up on the story. So I contacted Tina Valant, Mack’s two-legged companion, and here is their story, in Tina’s own words.

Meet Mack – an e locus (rare color), rescued Australian shepherd.

Living a true rags to riches story; he was abandoned in the woods and hit by a truck (how he got his name and broken back leg). He lived at a vet's for five months, surviving heartworm treatment.

"It was love at first sight when I saw him (online)," stated Tina Valant-Siebelts.

Tina had two dreams: Mack would be in Florida with her, and would become a reading dog.

Everyone said she was crazy.

Following her heart, she flew to Houston and brought Mack home March, 2001. They trained and were certified as an animal assisted therapy team that fall.

Mack and Tina participate in HS of Broward's Wags N Tales program, geared to children ages 5-12. The Shelter Dog is one of their favorites and in Mack's library bag! They were recognized for their outstanding service and promoting rescue/adoption this past fall.

They reside in south Florida with Tina's husband Bob, four other rescued aussies, cats, birds and three iguanas.

To learn more about Tina be sure to visit her website TinyValant.com.

To learn more about improving the lives of older dogs who are waiting for their forever homes please visit The Grey Muzzle Organization.

Chris

Lighthearted Press

Is your dog afraid of thunderstorms?

2010-02-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

I used to LOVE thunder and lightning storms – especially if they came in the middle of the night! My bedroom would light up as if a thousand candles were floating in the air. It was really beautiful.

However, it was NOT beautiful to Martha, the magical dog who was born in my bathroom back in 1982. I learned about her fear one night when I felt her stand up next to my bed and frantically bury her paws into my hair.

Martha was terrified! I carried her 50 lb. shaggy body to another floor in my home, away from all the windows in my bedroom. After each lightning bolt I covered her floppy ears as we waited for the thunder that always followed. In this way we rode out the storm.

I tried de-sensitizing her with recordings of thunder, which helped a little. As the years went by Martha’s hearing began to fail, which turned out to be a blessing.

It's hard to believe that my sweet girl has been gone for 15 years. She left me with many warm memories, and one very special gift -it as Martha who inspired the writing of my first book, For Every Dog An Angel.

I know she is flying through the starry skies, riding the heavenly lightning bolts with grace and joy!

Miss you, girl.
Chris

Do cats manipulate us?

2010-02-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

According to the University of Sussex, cats have learned how to manipulate their people.

Now THERE’S a surprise!

Researchers at the university concluded that cats use a “regular purr” when they are relaxed and happy, and a “soliciting purr” when they want something, such as food or attention. The soliciting purr incorporates a cry that has a frequency similar to that of a human baby.

Dr. Janet McComb, lead author of the study, said the cry occurs at a low level during normal purring.

"But we think (they) learn to dramatically exaggerate it when it proves effective in generating a response from humans.

Cats have tapped into a human bias, producing a sound that humans find very difficult to ignore."

That certainly explains a lot!

Gotta go...Dickens wants to be fed.

Meow!
Chris

http://www.lightheartedpress.com/

No - this is MY heating pad!

2010-02-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

For some critters, being comfy and warm is a top priority!

Just look at what happened when O'Malley, beloved Bulldog companion of my friend, Ruth Phillips, discovered Ruth's heating pad.

But when O'Malley "borrowed" Ruth's chair, that left his donut bed on the floor fair game for his pal, Dixie.

Hmm...what to do?

I guess O'Malley decided that sharing a bed with a friend was the best answer!

Wise choice, O'Malley.

Cheers,
Chris

The Magic Rock

2010-01-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

This beautiful rock was painted for me by talented Portland OR artist Connie Bowen. I'm delighted to say that Connie is also a good friend!

Connie headed to the Oregon coast back in December. She wanted to spend a few days enjoying the surf and sand with her dog, Jesse, and to do some painting while she relaxed to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.

I had no idea one of the pieces she would create would be this stunning rock!

When she presented it to me a few weeks ago, I fell in love with the whimsical design and vivid colors. Connie even painted my four kitties, standing at the window. I’m sure they’re looking at the birds visiting the feeders and squirrels running on the deck!

I love rocks. They nest in bowls inside and outside my home. Many of the stones and boulders that grace my yard were handpicked by me at local quarries. The 150 ft. rock wall that runs behind my cat enclosure is a source of constant delight, as I watch the many critters throughout the year who make their homes within its nooks and crannies.

On the day that I lost my beloved dog, Martha, back in 1995, I held her furry body in my arms as the veterinarian administered the medication that ended her physical suffering. I had been saving a small rock that was special to me. I ran it over her body as she left this life, to capture and forever hold the magical essence that was the heart and soul of my dear four-legged friend.

So, you can see that rocks have a very important place in my life!

Thank you, Connie, for gifting me with such a precious piece. I will treasure it always. To learn more about Connie and see her breathtaking pet portraits be sure to visit her at http://conniebowen.homestead.com/homepage.html.

Whether it be a pebble, stone or boulder, if you hear a rock asking to come home with you I hope you will listen to it, for it may come bearing a magical gift...just for you!

Chris
www.lightheartedpress.com