The Grounding Nature of Dogs

I was sitting in a restaurant last night, chatting with several animal lovers about the joy of sharing our lives with cats. I lost my dog, Jake, almost two years ago, and still have not been able to bring a new pup into my life. There are several excellent reasons for this, but perhaps the most important one is that I can now give my four 10-year old kitties all the attention they deserve. Trust me – they are LOVING this!

The feline lovers at the table spoke of the joy cats bring, how affectionate they are, and how few demands they make on their people. I talked about how magical cats are. They live in many dimensions, keep me on my toes, and are constantly surprising me.

“But,” I said, “dogs keep me grounded. They provide a stability to my life that I don’t seem to experience with my cats.”

And there it was – the piece I had been missing that explained the feeling of “floating” I had been living with since Jake left me. It’s not that Jake wasn’t magical – he was. He was also the rock I leaned on, something steady I could hold onto when the waters got rough. On those days when everything seemed awfully topsy- turvy, Jake would patiently stand there and just look at me. I could feel the joy that radiated from this wondrous creature - his pure pleasure at being alive. The love he felt for me flowed out of his heart and into mine…and I would feel safe, still and at peace.

I am wondering if this sense of feeling untethered will soften with time. It’s not that I mind being a balloon, but sometimes you need to tie up at a safe harbor and let your feet sink into the ground. I mean really feel your roots shooting out of the bottom of your feet and going deep into the earth.

I decided to ask my cats for their thoughts on this subject, but they were all asleep in their various resting spots, invisible “Do Not Disturb” signs posted nearby.

Perhaps we can have that talk another day.

Chris

Squirrel Proof - I Think Not!

I don’t mind feeding the squirrels. In fact, I LIKE to feed them! But they just don’t seem to understand that some of the bird seed I put in the feeders is actually intended for the birds!

As you can see in these pictures, many of the “squirrel-proof” feeders I’ve bought over the years have fallen short of their claims. This little guy just hangs upside down and feasts to his heart’s content, reaching over whenever he needs more seeds. Now THAT’S impressive.

It’s taken some time, but I think we’ve finally come to a peaceful arrangement where all the creatures who visit the yard get some food and water. A few of the feeders are “birds-only,” but several are equal opportunity stations. All are welcome. I like that.

Chris

Cat Birthdays and Toilet Paper

So there I was at my computer, blissfully writing this heartfelt blog about my kitties. Dickens and his three sisters – Molly, Pippen & Star - turn 10 years old today. My dog, Jake, found them in the last week of May, and the vet thought they were about 3 -4 weeks old, so May 1st became their official birthday.

As my fingers flew over the keyboard, my mind replayed all the adventures the cats and I have shared over the last 10 years. They are dearer to me than I can put into words. It is impossible to have a bad day in the presence of these furballs. Each has their own magical way of touching my heart. They have unique purrs, different ideas of “fun,” and their own proven method of telling me the food bowl is empty and needs immediate attention.

A few of the kitties are a bit on the chunky side, so I’ve been cutting back on their food…ever so slightly. No more refilling…and refilling…of the bowls. I’ve tried to explain about the Zen of an empty food bowl. The empty food bowl is full of possibility. The girls are pretty philosophical about this forced food reduction, but Dickens is not happy. As a kitten, Dickens attacked his bottle with gusto...and that enthusiasm for food has never diminished.

Which brings me back to my first sentence. As I was writing this blog, I heard a strange sound coming from the bathroom where the empty food bowl was sitting. I peeked around the corner and there was Dickens, shredding the roll of toilet paper with a level of dedication and commitment I had to admire. Then he ate the toilet paper. He was ticked off, and somehow he was going to let me know it.

I admire clear communication skills. I have a hard time letting someone know when I’m upset about something. Dickens has become my teacher. The next time I feel hurt or angry, I’m heading straight for the toilet paper.

In the front of my book, For Every Cat An Angel, I have written some notes to my readers which include these words:

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

How true.

Happy birthday, furballs!

Chris

But Where Will the Dog Sit?

When the dog is this tall, the answer is – anywhere he wants to!

Check out Maxie sitting on the lap of my dear friend, Ruth Phillips, who lives in Marietta, GA. That’s Lisa, Maxie’s Mom, watching from the side.

Based on the pictures I received, it looks like any sturdy lap - or piece of furniture -will do as far is Maxie is concerned.

I've never shared my life with a dog of this size - is this common?

Chris

Best Friends Animal Society

OK – so I’m not a great traveler. For me, getting on a plane is like jumping off a cliff into a rattlesnake pit. Plus, I adore my comfy bed, my lovely home in the woods, and most of all…my critters.

BUT…if I were to pack a suitcase and head out of town I would very likely point myself toward Kanab, Utah, and the home of the nation’s largest animal sanctuary, operated by the Best Friends Animal Society. Over the years many people have told me about the special wonder of this peaceful place, but no one has sung its praises more than Fran Baumgartner.

Fran and I have never actually met (that would require traveling) but we have shared many an email about animals, books and her passion for hitting the open road on a motorcycle…with her husband…and her dog. I’m not sure how that works but Fran promises to explain that to me.

The sanctuary offers monthly blessings for the animals, an event that Fran (who lives in Arizona) attends when she can. She took many pictures during her recent visit to the sanctuary, and then graciously emailed them to me.

What a treat! It was almost like being there. The sanctuary is nestled in the red rock landscape of Angel Canyon. There are simply no words for the natural beauty of this magnificent place – it is breathtaking. The views from the cottages are very inspiring, and the curved gate to Angels Rest is exquisite. It truly lives up to everything I have heard about it.

One day I hope to visit Best Friends. Until then, I feel I am already there…in spirit...thanks to Fran.

Chris

Thank you, Oprah!

As many of you know, Oprah’s April 4th show exposed the hidden – and horrific world – of puppy mills. Many of the dogs who begin their lives in these factories wind up in pet stores or for sale online. It is impossible for any compassionate human being to process what goes on in these places. Like so many of the animal lovers who watched Oprah’s show, I sat there with tears flowing down my cheeks.

I find myself overwhelmed when I come face to face with behavior that causes unspeakable pain for any living creature. Whether it’s puppy mills, or the sickening world of dog-fighting, or the pup down the street who lives its life on the end of a chain, I simply can’t understand how people can deliberately torture other living beings. How do you come home in the evening to a partner or child, after you've spent the day consciously destroying the body, or spirit, of another living creature? How do you sleep at night?

According to the Humane Society of the United States, over 4 million shelter dogs and cats are euthanized each year. That’s 4 million innocent, loving critters who are just waiting to come home and be part of someone’s family. Dogs like Jake…my dear Jake…who I found in 1995 at the local shelter. I have written endlessly about my beloved Jake, who I lost in 2006. No one could ever "manufacture" a more magnificent, magical, joyous or loving dog than Jake. And he was just sitting there in the shelter…waiting for me.

Shelters are overflowing with creatures who are waiting for you to find them. If you are looking for a furry friend, I urge you to visit your local shelter. You just might help put a puppy mill out of business.

Chris

UFOs - Real or Not?

The other day I watched a TV show about UFO encounters – could they be real? I would find it sad to think that we HAVEN’T been visited by beings from other worlds. All those planets in all those solar systems – SOMEONE must have found us interesting enough to stop by and say hi.

On the show they talked about resonant frequencies, saying all matter vibrated at a certain frequency and suggesting that similar frequencies attracted each other. This came up in a story about a possible spacecraft that used this principle to travel at great speed and distance in a tiny bit of time.

OK – as soon as someone mentions time travel, parallel universes and alternate realities I get really excited! I don’t have to understand all the details to know in my heart theses ideas are based on truth. As a child, all my science projects were about space. If I had been able to sit through my science classes without daydreaming perhaps I would have entered a scientific field, instead of becoming a writer.

While I haven’t addressed the possibility of UFOs in my books, I DO write about UFDs – Unidentified Flying Dogs!

What about you - do YOU believe in UFOs - or UFDs?

Chris

Project Pooch

If you haven't heard of Project Pooch, you may want to visit their website www.pooch.org to learn more about the important work being done by this organization.

Located in Woodburn, OR, Project Pooch pairs incarcerated youth at a correctional facility with homeless dogs who are looking for their forever homes. With professional guidance, youths learn to train and groom the dogs until the pups are ready to meet potential adopters.

Several years ago I became involved with Maya, a neighborhood dog who was living her life at the end of a chain. The family relinquished Maya to my care, and with the help of several caring people I was able to get Maya into the Project Pooch program. The exuberant pup received some much-needed behavioral assistance, and shortly thereafter was able to find a loving home.

I am grateful Maya and her family came into my life, for they were the inspiration for my holiday book, Old Dog and the Christmas Wish. As I said in the dedication for that book, may Maya run free for many happy years!

Chris

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Therapy Dogs

For many years my dog, Jake, and I used to visit my Mom in the nursing home that specialized in patients with Alzheimer's Disease. During those visits I'd watch senior citizens - most of whom lived in the private world that the disease inflicts upon them - perk up whenever Jake came over to say hello. Old faces would start to smile as the residents ran their gnarled fingers through Jake's thick black-and-white fur.

Debra J. White, with the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition http://www.pacc911.org, tells this story about her therapy dog, Luke:

"I've boasted about my therapy dog Luke before but I've been so proud of him lately. Our audience has been little kids lately, toddlers 2-5 years old. One little girl who loves dogs and cats but has never had one, hugged and kissed him, played with his ears, toes, and nose and Luke just rested on the floor. Then he kissed her. She laughed.

"Another little one wanted to share her Pepperidge Farm goldfish with him. I said to just give him one. She dumped out her entire cup and of course Luke ate them all. That made all the kids giggle. I read a Cat in the Hat series to them. And they asked about dogs in the hat.

"Luke wasn't my first choice that scorching hot summer day in 1999 but I am so glad I listened to my friend when she said adopt him. For a throw away dog who was in a shelter at least twice, he's healed a lot of hearts. "

I've discussed it with my4 cats, and they unanimously agree that being therapy felines isn't their cup of tea. Guess that will have to wait until a new dog finds me....

Chris

A True Angel

Anyone who has been reading this blog over the past year or so knows about my beloved dog, Jake, who walked by my side for many years before I lost him in 2006. I would have done ANYTHING for him – and I did, right up until the end.

There is a story about another dog named Jake, and the woman who did everything SHE could for him – Tammy Grimes. Back in January I wrote about Tammy, and the organization she founded, Dogs Deserve Better. In 2006 Tammy intervened on behalf of Jake, a very old German Shepherd mix, who lay near death in his backyard for three days, unable to move and without food or water.

The story of the trial that followed Tammy’s intervention is posted at the Best Friends Animal Society Website:

http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&fps=1&mode=entry&entry=84A30FC1-19B9-B9D5-9D2F2891978D9E51

This should bring tears to the eyes of any human being with a heart, whether or not you share your life with an animal. I have to wonder if the Pennsylvania judge who handed down the sentence in this sad case is familiar with the work of humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Here are two relevant quotes from this great man:

“A man is truly ethical only when he obeys the compulsion to help all life which he is able to assist, and shrinks from injuring anything that lives.”

“Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.”

Perhaps the judge needs to post these words on her chambers door, and read them each and every time she steps into the courtroom.

Chris

In Memory of Patton

I just had to post this picture of Patton Nola, shown celebrating his 18th birthday last August. Here’s what his “Mom” Brenda wrote:

“A dear friend sent me a copy of For Every Dog an Angel after we lost our precious angel, Patton Nola, on January 5, 2008. Patton celebrated his 18th birthday on 08/11/07. Although he died peacefully with us as I had prayed, we grieve daily for him. He was a special, special little boy … he will be in our hearts forever.”

My heart goes out to Brenda and her husband, Paul Joseph. Eighteen years was a very long time – just not long enough….

Chris

Special thanks to Phil

I want to send a special thank you to Phil, who posted a comment about his dog, Prudence, and her response to the words "Go away." Here's part of that post:

That reminds me of my faithful pitbull/dingo mix, Prudence, who made me laugh for almost sixteen years. When she was around 4, I accidently discovered a command that she immediately responded to - "Go away."I was sitting on the floor reading a newspaper or magazine, and she came up for her usual dose of affection, and stood on my paper. I kiddingly, and in a playful voice, said, "Go away, Rudy. Go away."

To my somewhat bemused amazement, her ears dropped, she looked directly at me for a second, as if seeking confirmation of my meaning, and then turned and walked a few feet away, turned around and laid down. I had never taught her that command.


I'd love to know if Prudence had been with Phil for her entire life, or if she could have learned this command prior to meeting Phil. I'm wondering because I remember the day I brought home my dear Jake from Multnomah Co. Animal Shelter, back in 1995. All my dogs had always enjoyed the front seat in my car, so on the day we left the shelter I opened the passenger door for Jake and in he jumped...and kept on jumping, over the center console, and into the back seat.

During our many years together, Jake would ONLY ride in the back seat. Clearly he had learned this before he came to me. I figured he would eventually make his way up front, after which he and I could have meaningful conversations without my having to turn my head and speak to the back seat. But this would never be.

The thought just occurred to me - maybe he didn't like my driving skills, and this was a self-preservation tactic. In which case, dear Jake, I completely forgive you.

Chris

An Old Soul

This past weekend my sister-in-law, Sara, and my 11 year-old niece, Emma, came up from Arizona for a short visit. I hadn’t seen either of them in over 10 years.

The last time I saw Emma she was in diapers. My dog, Jake, who wasn’t used to being around children, learned very quickly that kids create a trail of dropped cookies and other treats, just waiting to be cleaned up. Also, they are at snout height – perfect for licking a face covered in crumbs. So Jake glued himself to Emma’s side.

Emma is now a delightful young girl…and she is an animal lover! It is even possible she could become the first veterinarian in our family. But that’s down the road. If I had to describe her as she is today, I would call her an Old Soul. You sense there is a deep, ancient wisdom within her. If you believe in reincarnation, there is the feeling she’s lived many lives before.

Emma reminds me of Molly, one of my cats. I have always had the sense that Molly is only partly in this world – the rest of her is off in an alternate universe, living a completely different life. There is some of that in Emma….and being around someone like that is wonderful!

I hope my angel Jake took a moment to check in on his two-legged cousin. There’s a lot less crumbs than there used to be, but I suspect she and Jake may fly in the same, starry skies.

Chris

Do You Believe in Ghost Cats?

Do you believe in ghosts? How about ghost cats? If you’re not sure, just read the following story, which was sent to me by Christine Merrill of Baltimore, Md:

It was May 6th or 7th, 2005. I was spending the night at my sister's house before her exploratory operation at some hospital in Mclean, Va.

The night before, or early evening, when the sun was still shining light shafts through the windows, I was talking to Eleanor in the kitchen. She was folding her arms in front of her as she stood in the doorway, which lead out to the living room. All of a sudden, I saw a black and white cat jump up the one stair in the sunken living room right past my sister's elbow. I said, "Oh, I see you got a new cat!"

She said no, she had the same four rescues. Then she smiled funny and said for me to follow her. Her husband and a couple of the step children were in the kitchen and I thought maybe she had indeed adopted a new cat and didn't want them to know about it!

"What did this cat look like?"

I said, "He was half black and half white, medium to large sized. Handsome." She looked surprised. I exclaimed, "What, what?"

She then told me when she was packing up in the hotel room in London a few days prior (she was on a book tour) she turned around and all of a sudden this black and white cat was just sitting there at the bathroom door looking up at her!

She thought, "Oh, that is the Hotel cat. No wait, there is no hotel cat! And this is the 15th floor!"

So we concluded it was a 'ghost cat' who had followed her home from England. Nice cat. Must have been someone's pet? Our pet (in the future or past?) Don't know. She told me she just saw a brown cat in their kitchen two weeks ago just walking by and disappearing. Her three cats, now, are not brown!

So....do YOU believe in ghost cats?

Chris

Go Home, Toby

As you can probably tell from my books, I just LOVE old dogs…but I’m not the only one who feels that way. The following story came from Linda Parker, a special animal lover who lives in Florida:

“I, too, love old dogs. When I was a little girl, I adored the old dog who lived next to my grandmother's little farm house in Ashtabula, Ohio. That old Newfoundland dog was a black, tumbled mass of fur, burrs, and snarls but my three sisters and I thought he was beautiful. He would slowly amble over to my grandmother's backyard and we would spend hours fussing with his hair. Four little girls finger-combing thru that dog's wooly coat!

He only knew one command: if anyone said, "Go home Toby", he would SLOWLY get to his feet and SLOWLY walk home. No amount of pleading, ("I was only kidding Toby... pleeeease stay"), would get him to turn around and come back to us. No amount of holding his giant head would get him to stay! If the words were said, he would amble home.

Instantly we would then turn our wrath on the foolish sister who had ruined our fun. I realize, as a grownup, that to a child it was such a temptation to say the magic words, Go Home Toby. It amazed a child to see the massive dog follow the command -- but we had each pledged we would NOT utter the words! Oh my - pity the soul who broke the pledge!

Today, as four grown up sisters, we all treasure our memories of Toby -- and we still burst out in giggles when one of us whispers the magic words, Go Home Toby.”

Pretty sweet, huh?

Chris

Dogs Deserve better

You may not be familiar with the organization Dogs Deserve Better. This group of dedicated individuals is committed to freeing dogs who spend their entire lives on chains, and bringing them inside the home where they can be loved and respected members of the family.

Why did DDB Founder Tammy Grimes feel called to intervene on behalf of dogs who live their lives on chains? As Tammy says:

“Because they are the forgotten cause. Their abuse is much more subtle, no less insidious. They may not be in immediate danger of death. But death of the soul is still death to me. And they are dying out there, piece by piece, hour by hour.”

Most of the dog lovers I know have experienced the heartache of driving by a dog who is ALWAYS chained in the yard. It may be 10 degrees or 100 degrees, raining, snowing or sunny, but the dog is always out. If there is a water bowl you KNOW that water is hardly ever changed. As one man told me, when I spoke to him about the frozen water in his chained dog’s bowl, “He was able to drink UNTIL the water froze!”

How do you respond to this kind of stupidity?

There is a family in my neighborhood who keeps their dog chained in the yard. It is hard to understand why these people continue to bring dogs home, because they appear to have no interest in their dog's well-being. This dog got out of his mud pit the other day, dragging his chain behind him. He became entangled on a bush in someone’s yard, forcing the property owner to call the authorities. He had no choice – the dog could not be approached.

There is a sound you never want to hear. It is the agonizing sound of a dog screaming, because he has just been tased by a stun gun. I heard that sound the other day. It kept me up for several nights. I will NEVER forget that sound. It was not the dog’s fault. I knew it. The officer who shot him knew it. The neighbors knew it. Everyone knew it – except the man who keeps this poor dog chained in his yard.

Learn about the laws in your community pertaining to animal abuse. If you know a dog is being neglected or is in pain, contact the authorities. Our county Shelter Director told me all they can do is enforce the laws…and the laws are weak. She told me if I don’t like the laws then I should contact my legislators and find out what can be done to change them. She's right.

It’s a long process - I know that. But if WE don’t stand up for these suffering animals…if WE don’t speak up on their behalf…then WHO WILL???

To learn more about Dogs Deserve Better please visit them online at www.dogsdeservebetter.org.

Chris

Gratitude

A very sweet person did something special for me. Just a little kindness, but it really touched me. I’ve gotten used to doing everything by myself….I forget there are people out there who like to help when they can.

I was thinking about what this person did as I hauled a bunch of packages out of the back of my car the other day. I had brought them to a shipping center to be mailed. I knew I had this big sappy grin on my face…kindness always makes me happy. I turned around and bumped into a person who was standing there, wanting to help with my packages.

The next stop was a place to buy some steel shelving units. It IS, after all, that organizing time of the year. With a lot of moaning and groaning I was able to get these heavy boxes into my shopping cart. However, getting them OUT of the cart and INTO my car was another story. They were wedged in too tight. I knew I’d have to wheel the whole thing back to the store and ask for help. Before I could start back a man had jumped out of his car and took care of getting those boxes loaded into my car.

I have always believed that doing good things will come back to a person many times over. But I think being grateful also attracts this type of love and support from others.

It’s time to go through all my boxes and bags, so I can decide what should be thrown out and what should be kept and neatly put up on my new shelves. Whiling I’m doing this, I plan to make a lot more space… for gratitude.

Cheers,
Chris

Books for Animal Lovers of All Ages - OR ARE THEY?

I had an interesting experience the other day. A well known columnist and radio host wanted to interview me about my new book, The Shelter Dog. I was looking forward to talking about the challenges shelter animals, especially older ones, face when it comes to finding a forever home.

I was well-prepared for the interview, but sadly it didn’t go very far. The interviewer began by telling me my books were for children – young children - while I know them to be for that child-like part that resides in each of us, regardless of age. After that the energy for the interview just seemed to disappear, and it was soon over.

My first book, For Every Dog An Angel, was written in 1995 – with heavenly intervention! It may have been divinely inspired, but the words still came through me – from that innocent part, deep down inside, that believes dogs DO fly through the stars, and cats DO float by in whipped cream clouds.

Over the past 10 years I have spoken with many animal lovers who see the world like I do. These are the people who have been touched by my words and illustrations, who buy my new books unseen because they believe they’ll be uplifted and inspired… transported to another place and time where miracles REALLY CAN HAPPEN.

I write my books because the words come spilling out of my heart, the illustrations dance in my dreams, and one way or another they MUST be put down onto paper.

To all the people who’ve taken the time to let me know they enjoyed one of my books…a heartfelt thank you! I will look for you in future books, swirling among the words and flying through the star-filled illustrations, grateful for the chance to see the world…if only for a few moments…through the innocent eyes of a child.

Chris

Happy Holidays

From all of us at Lighthearted Press...

Happy holidays to you and your four-legged friends...and may these magical days be overflowing with love, joy, and of course...FUR!

HO HO HO

Chris

Book Signing Event at Local Animal Shelter

For all you animal lovers in the Portland, OR area…

Come join me this Saturday 12/15/07, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm, for a special event at the Multnomah County Animal Shelter in Troutdale, Oregon.

Anyone who adopts an animal will be able to choose a free book from our titles: For Every Dog An Angel, For Every Cat An Angel, Old Dog & the Christmas Wish, and our brand new book, The Shelter Dog.

We are also offering a very special purchase price for anyone who wants to buy books for themselves or to give as gifts.

The best news is all proceeds go to the shelter!

If you are looking for some last minute holiday gifts for the animal lovers on your list, I hope you'll think about coming to the shelter on Saturday. Here's the location:

Multnomah County Animal Shelter
1700 W Columbia River Hwy
Troutdale, OR 97060(503)988-7387

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Cheers,
Chris

But How Will Santa Get Down the Fireplace?

There are many special moments in life. Sometimes, if you're really lucky, you get to witness one of those moments...and your camera is close at hand.

I was able to capture a very special moment when I found Dickens - one of my beloved kitties - staring intently at the fireplace. Dickens is...umm...big boned. So I know exactly what he was thinking in this picture.

"I've been a REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD BOY this year!!! So please oh please oh please oh PLEASE don't let this stupid fire keep Santa from coming down the fireplace and filling my stocking with kibble!"

Special note to Dickens: Santa has informed me the kibble will be there, but it will be for overweight...sorry, big boned...cats.

HO HO HO!!

Chris

Bringing Jake Home

Where has the time gone? Was it really 12 years ago this week that I walked into Multnomah County Animal Shelter, here in Oregon, wondering if there was a dog waiting there to adopt me?

I walked down the corridor, surrounded by a symphony of barking. “Pick ME!” “Choose ME!” “Please take ME home!”

In the middle of all that sound was the most handsome dog I had ever seen. He sat completely still. I walked over and looked into his soulful eyes. I could feel our hearts reach out and touch each other.

“Please pick me,” I whispered to this magnificent creature.

And that is how Jake came into my life. It was amazing that he had been there for 2 days, and no one had adopted him. I filled out all the paperwork, but I would have to wait three more days before I could bring him home…just in case someone was looking for him.

I went back the next day, needing to know he was still there. “It’s ok,” I told him, as he watched me walk away. “Just two more days.” I kept calling the shelter, wanting to verify that he was still available.

Finally the day came, and I drove like a crazy person to pick him up. We put the leash on him, and the door was opened. It was like being strapped to a 747 airplane – he launched himself down the hall and out the front door, dragging me behind him.

There is a picture in my book, For Every Dog An Angel, of a woman leaving the animal shelter with her new dog companion. That is me – the only difference is the woman in the picture is standing firmly on the ground – but I was flying!

It will always be one of the best days of my life.

Cheers,

Chris

Remembering a Beloved Mother

Some of you may know that last year my mother lost her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Even though I knew this journey was coming to an end, it didn't make the loss any easier. There is just something heartbreaking about losing one's mother.

Shortly after mom’s passing, I learned that Darlene Arden, journalist, lecturer and author of several books for dog lovers, had also lost her mom. In honor of her mother, and their shared love for dogs, Darlene worked with the Canine Health Foundation to create the Marcia Polimer Abrams Fund for Canine Behavior Studies.

As a certified animal behavior consultant, Darlene has focused her writing on helping people identify and eliminate unwanted behaviors in their animal companions. She knows her mom would approve of the fund that was created in her name.

“She was the most loving, giving, caring person I’ve ever met,” Darlene said, seen here in this picture with her mother.

I know her mom is smiling, and is sending motherly love and comfort down from the heavens. If there is a beauty salon up there in the starry skies, perhaps our moms have met and are sitting under celestial hair dryers, sharing stories of their daughters. I hope so....

You can learn more about Darlene Arden's work and the special fund she has created for her mother by visiting her website http://www.darlenearden.com/.


Chris

Adopting an Older Dog

There is something very special about older dogs.

They seem to live in a state of perfect love and joy, oblivious to the gray hairs on their muzzle and the cloudiness in their eyes. They are in the game until the very end…at least, some of them are.

Not all older dogs are fortunate enough to be in a loving home, safe and cared for. Many of them sit in animal shelters, waiting for their forever families to find them.

One such dog is Jackson, who spends his time at the TLC Canine Center in Newell, Iowa. Jackson is a wonderful old boy….totally deaf…only a few teeth left…but he has made a heart connection with Pauline Larsen, the center’s director. Pauline writes a newspaper column called Paw Prints. She captured the heartbreak so many older critters experience in the following poem, which appeared in her column “One by One They Passed Him By.”

One by one, they pass me by. “Too old” “Too worn” “Too broken” they sigh.
“Way past his time, we want a puppy who will run and play”
They shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore; it seems I’m not wanted anymore.
I once had a home; I once had a bed, a place that was warm and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail. Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn’t belong; they wanted a pup, was that so wrong?
Whatever excuse they made in their head can’t justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit here day after day, while the young ones get adopted away.
TLC loves me, gives me food and a bed, and a pillow for my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play and they say, someone will come and take me away.
I would promise to return all the love I can give, to someone, as long as I live.
Please don’t pass me by.

Pauline Larsen
TLC Canine Center
Newell, Iowa

If you are looking to invite a new dog into your life, be sure to visit your local animal shelter. If you see an older pup who captures your heart, I hope you’ll think about bringing that critter home!

Chris

Job Wanted - Will Work for Food

Employee Spotlight

We really weren't looking to hire any new employees. But there he was, outside our door, with the saddest pair of eyes I had ever seen. It was clear what they were saying: Job Wanted – Will Work for Food.

So we took him in, and sent him over to Human Resources. He told us his name was Dickens. After filling out the paperwork, it was determined he had an interest in boxes, bubble wrap and packaging peanuts. He was assigned to the packing department.

Turns out he had other ideas for those boxes. And we thought they were only good for books!

Cheers,

Chris

I left my heart...in Colorado!

It’s hard to believe I’ve been in Oregon for 30 years!

What many people don’t know is that when I left New York City in 1977, with all my worldly belongings in two little duffel bags, I didn’t know where I was going to wind up. I spent some time with friends in Tucson, then hopped a bus heading north. I was ticketed to Montana, but somewhere between Tucson and Denver my ticket was stolen.

So my new destination became Colorado. I landed in Boulder, and immediately fell in love with the Rocky Mountains! I would have loved to make my home there, but for one reason or another I wound up at the Denver Airport, holding a map of the United States in my hands.

“Where should I go?” I asked the ticket agent. She said she heard Oregon was nice, so I chose the biggest city – Portland – and bought a ticket. I flew into town on June 1st, and had no idea I would never leave this city. The Rose Festival was going on, and within a few weeks the Blazers would be the NBA champs. This was a very happy city!

But a large part of my heart has always remained in those Rocky Mountains. With the writing of my books, I would meet many Rocky Mountain animal lovers, too, and would have the privilege of getting to know some of the dedicated people working on behalf of animals in need.

Good Samaritan Pet Center is one such organization. These people help to provide “shelter alternatives” for homeless animals, working with a network of foster parents until permanent forever homes can be found. I had the pleasure of meeting Beth Springer and Carol Vogel several years ago. They are wonderful, committed people, and the animals who find their way to Beth and Carol are fortunate indeed.

If you live in the Denver area and are looking to bring a new animal companion into your life, you might want to contact Good Samaritan www.goodsamaritanpetcenter.org/main.asp. And while you’re there, be sure to look up at the top of those magnificent Rocky Mountains and make a wish….just for me!

Chris

Two Special Angels

Over the years, visitors to my website have told me how much they enjoy reading the “story behind the story” for each of my books. I can understand that. When I’m moved by a book, or movie, or piece of music, I like to dig a little deeper and see if the artist or creator will share what it was that inspired them.

A large part of the pleasure I’ve had in creating the Lighthearted Press website has been working with my fabulous website designer, Ken Klages http://www.klageswebdesign.com. That he is skilled and supportive goes without saying. What you probably don’t know is that Ken and his wife, Kathy, run an animal rescue organization in California called Small Dog Rescue http://www.smalldogrescue.org.

Kathy and Ken visit shelters in California and Mexico, bringing home dogs that have not been claimed or adopted. Their small group of dedicated volunteers works to find good homes for each of the loving little critters who have found their way to these wonderful people.

My new book, The Shelter Dog, is dedicated to all the wonderful animals waiting in shelters for their forever families to find them. It is also dedicated to the special people who are devoted to helping animals in need. They are truly angels…just like Ken and Kathy.



Chris

What Happened to Summer?

Anyone who knows me well knows I do not like summer! I was born in New York City in January, during a blizzard, and I think that’s where my lifelong attachment to cooler weather began. Every year, I have to keep from crying during the 4th of July holiday, for I know that blistering heat is just around the corner and it will probably last into early September.

So you can understand my joy over the recent weather changes here in Oregon - summer just went away. High temperatures have been in the 60s and low 70s. I even used the heat in my car the other day!

Needless to say, I’ve been a happy camper. No hot, sunny days, with Mother Nature daring me to come out and do something involving a barbecue or a volleyball. In fact, I found the weather so inspiring, I was able to complete my new book, The Shelter Dog, which is now in the hands of the printer.

When I look around at the temperatures in many parts of the country, I feel terribly fortunate to be here in Oregon. I realize I may be in the minority here, but that’s ok. In fact, I think I’ll go put on some socks, pour some tea and watch a Christmas movie – just to keep this good mood going!

Stay cool,
Chris

25 Years Ago Today

Twenty five years ago today, six puppies were born in the bathroom of the old home I used to live in. They were all precious, but there was something special about one of them. She was covered in dark, fluffy fur, and she seemed to be oblivious to the rest of the world….and I mean that in a good way!

I named her Martha, and she and her mom became doggies three and four in our home. It would be impossible to capture Martha’s spirit in words. There was an ethereal quality to this wondrous creature. She seemed to belong to another world, always listening to voices I would never be able to hear.

I still remember a magical dream I had about Martha. I was looking out the bedroom window, and there she was, standing straight up on her hind legs, dancing in the moonlight with a flock of flamingos!

Martha would spend the next 13 ½ years with me, until the moment she took her last breath, cradled in my arms. It was the overwhelming devastation I felt from her loss that would lead to the creation of my first book, For Every Dog An Angel. There is a page in that book that shows a dancing dog, high on a hill with its guardian angel. That was my Martha.

Happiest of birthdays, my dear girl….

Chris

Has it really been a year?

The photos are all around me…on my desk, on the piano, on the wall in my home, on my computer…everyone I look I still see Jake’s beautiful, smiling face.

Has it really been a year since I had to say goodbye to this magnificent creature? That’s what the calendar says, but in my heart it feels like we just parted ways yesterday, so he could continue his journey through the stars.

This past week I’ve had several dreams about a pack of dogs who have carved out a stone cave – like wolves in a den – only it is attached to the back of my home. I see them through the window. There are dogs of all shapes and sizes. When I go out there, a black dog detaches himself from the pack and comes over to say hello. He (I know it is a HE) is very friendly and happy to see me.

Perhaps this is some heavenly place, and the black dog is Jake. Or maybe that dog represents all the wonderful dogs I have shared my life with.

Or maybe…just maybe….this is some alternate reality where another “Chris” lives with her dogs, and they are showing themselves to me so I will know that my connection to DOG is still as strong as ever.

All I know is I was deeply comforted by those dreams.

Keep flying through those stars, dear Jake…but never forget you are welcome to visit anytime.

Chris

O'Malley & the Elf

Poor O'Malley. Apparently that pesky elf just gets under his skin, so he spends part of each day barking at it!

O'Malley is the beloved animal companion of Ruth Phillips, a wonderful woman who lives in Georgia. She tells me O'Malley has been learning to walk up and down the stairs, a feat that is often followed by a nap. Hey, it's hard work!

Cheers,
Chris

New book coming soon - "The Shelter Dog"

Hi all,

It's done! Well, almost done.....

The Shelter Dog, my new book for animal lovers, is written and illustrated, going along on the journey all books take before they wind up in a reader’s hands.

I have to confess, I was a little nervous when I began the artwork for this project. This would be the first book I would illustrate without my dog, Jake, under my feet as I painted. The thought of dabbling with the paints without him nearby felt a little lonely.

Dear Jake – he surely was watching over me as I put pencil to paper and begin to draw the rough sketches. I always send a prayer to the heavens, asking the spirits to touch the bristles of my brush with love…..and magic! That magic presented itself in many ways, often coming in the form of one of my four kitties, who danced around the artwork and walked through the paint trays, sending psychic messages when an illustration needed more work or a brighter color.

The Shelter Dog will be available later in 2007….I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

Cheers,
Chris

Pictures from Animal Lovers

Dear friends,

I’ve said it before – animal lovers are the best people! Over the years, many of them have sent pictures of their special furry companions. While some of these critters are still with their people, many of them are now flying through the heavenly skies.

It’s easy to see how much Carol Vogel is enjoying this moment with her two beloved rescue dogs, Cookie and Sunny. Carol works with the Good Samaritan Pet Center in Denver, CO. Working with a network of foster parents, this organization provides “shelter alternatives” for homeless animals until permanent homes can be found. If you are in the Denver area be sure to get in touch with them - http://www.goodsamaritanpetcenter.org/.

There are so many shelter animals who are waiting for their forever families to find them. If you are looking to bring some love….and fur…into your life, please visit your nearest animal shelter.

Cheers,
Chris

And the winner is....

No, I’m not referring to The Oscars. Now that I’ve created all this space, I was curious to see what wondrous idea would step up and present itself to me, eager to become part of my life.

Would it be a dog? A person - preferably a landscaper with deck repair connections? A new product to offer to the animal lovers who enjoy our books?

I’m excited to say that the winner is…a new book! Over the years, many people have suggested I write something about the wonderful animals who wait in shelters for someone to rescue them. All of my critters have been rescued – many from shelters, one from a shipyard and another from running on the train tracks.

Then there are my four magical kitties. Jake found them in the yard 9 years ago, when they were 3 weeks old. Sometimes it’s hard to believe the furballs have been with me that long. Other times I can’t imagine there was EVER a time the kitties weren’t in my life, keeping me inspired and entertained.

So there it is - a new book about shelter animals is going through the birthing process.

Will keep you updated…

Chris

Making Space

And so the New Year begins. It was only a few months ago I stood with my arms open, gazing into the starry skies, hoping the universe would send a new dog companion to heal my hurting heart.

The thought that I might be “Dogless in Portland” seemed inconceivable to me. Yet, here I am, welcoming 2007 with my four fabulous cats, lots of book ideas, a commitment to learn some sophisticated software.....but no dog.

I am hearing a voice telling me I need space.

“OK,” I ask, “for what?”

“Ah, that’s for you to discover,” I’m told.

There are times I wish the voice would be a bit more specific. I usually get a book story (with no title) or a book title (and only a partial story outline.)

But in my heart I know the voice is right...I do need space. I have spent most of my time on this planet cramming my life with people, experiences, thoughts, things......packing it in so tight that with every step I took I’d crash into something....or someone.

Now there are a lot more holes in my world. In the past that would have felt very out of balance to me, but I find myself redefining what “balance” really means. I sense these spaces are brimming with possibilities.

It’s a little scary, but the truth is.....I LIKE it!

Chris

The Christmas Miracle

“Something awakens in the heart of a dog when he knows that he is needed.”

It was the week before Christmas in 2004. The cold rain beat down on my car as I drove up the hill to my home in the woods. I almost didn’t see the dog tied to the tree stump. She sat stick straight, and never took her eyes off me as I got out of my car. After speaking with her family I learned that Maya, an exuberant 80 lb. puppy, had been left with them by a relative no longer able to care for her.

After bringing Maya treats, toys, and even a large dog house, it became clear what she really needed was a home. It took several weeks, but I was finally able to convince the family to release her to me. With the help of a local veterinarian, Maya was admitted into Project Pooch (http://www.pooch.org/) an organization in Oregon that pairs incarcerated youths at a correctional facility with dogs who need a little “behavioral assistance.” Maya eventually found her forever family, and is living the good life with two canine companions and a woman who adores her.

When I first met Maya, the young children of the family brought me into their home and showed me a treasured Nativity set that sat on the bookshelf. I didn’t know it at the time, but that simple moment would become very meaningful in the days that followed the Christmas holiday.

It was in the shower, on New Years Day 2005, that I heard a story being told to me about an old, chained dog, who wanted to leave the sadness of his earthly life and go to heaven.

“Ok,” I said, as I washed my hair, “but how does the dog get to heaven?”

The answer came immediately. “The Nativity.”

Thus began the story of Old Dog and the Christmas Wish, my newest book about a forgotten dog who sees the neighbor’s Nativity display on Christmas Eve and knows he has one more task to complete in the short time he has left on earth.

It was Maya who inspired the story, but it is the spirit of my beloved dog, Jake, who I lost in June, that runs through the pages of this book. To Jake, who is flying through the starry skies.... may you never stop watching over me. And to Maya, who is finally running free....I offer a most heartfelt thank you!

May your holidays be overflowing with peace, joy and of course...FUR!

Chris

Happy Halloween!

October has always been one of my favorite months. The colorful leaves and chill in the air are very inspiring.

Although Jake won't be with me this Halloween, he was often the first in line when it came to trying on Halloween costumes. I know he'd understand my sharing this picture - he certainly wore that wizard hat well!

To all you ghosts and goblins...Happy Halloween!

Chris

Letter to the Universe: This isn't funny anymore!

Six weeks have passed, and I’ve come to the conclusion that the universe has a fabulous sense of humor!

A week after my last entry – you remember, when I was feeling GOOD – I had an unexpected visit from that nasty food poisoning that went around the country. I missed an important theater event that I’d been looking forward to, but I made it through the nasty stuff – or so I thought.

A week later, ongoing problems led me to a 4:00 a.m. emergency room visit, where complications from the food poisoning caused a long night of some serious pain. Three days later I was back in the same hospital, having hand surgery – at least THAT had been scheduled. The surgery was to correct a minor problem in my right hand – my LEASH hand, as I told everyone.

So, things seem to be healing and I’m back in business. However, I’d like to respectfully let the universe know that while I appreciate a good joke as much as the next person, the only thing I hope that remains on the “Universal Chris Davis To Do List" is to light the way as I continue on my journey toward a new canine companion....because I'm ready.

Still smiling,

Chris

An Unexpected Smile

It came without warning....I was driving home the other day and found myself smiling! It had been a long time since I’d had a smile on my face. During the last year, I’d watched Jake’s health decline and knew our journey would soon be coming to an end. Shortly before Jake’s passing I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s disease. A few weeks later Jake was gone. Needless to say, all this reflected on my face – I looked tired and pale, with eyes that hoped for a reprieve from all the pain and a spirit that searched for a reason to keep going.

So on that morning...the morning of “the smile”.... I asked myself what I was feeling, and the truth was I just felt GOOD! It was one of those lovely little moments when everything feels right in your world. The disconnection I’d felt during the previous months seemed far way, and I was floating on a nurturing cloud of love and support from people all over the world who knew the loneliness and grief I’d been struggling with.

And....I got a clear message from Jake, who told me to knock off the sad stuff and get out there and start living again! This was said kindly, but insistently, with eyes shining brightly and tail wagging.

So the journey continues.....


Chris

The Sounds of Silence - Life Without a Dog

I was watching a movie the other day and found myself caught up in the score – the music that pulls all the pieces of the film into a cohesive package for me. Having a musical background I guess it is understandable that I would engage with the universe through my auditory senses....I HEAR the world.

I always said I would have made the worst private detective – I could step over the evidence and never see it! But I seem to be able to hear sounds even if they are very soft or far away - the bird singing off in the distance, the clock ticking two floors down....and those magical voices that come at any hour of the day or night, giving me tidbits of stories that must be written down.

It is no wonder that one of the first things I told people after I lost my dog, Jake, was how quiet my home had become. I didn’t realize how many sounds a dog makes. The sound of his collar rattling when he would shake his head, the sound of him barreling through the dog door, the excited squeals when I said those magic words “Go for a ride?” – they are all gone now. The absence of the night time sounds is particularly hard on the heart – no more quiet breathing, no more loud snoring, and no more barks and dancing paws as he runs with his friends in the world of dreams.

But.....I am now able to hear the precious sounds my four cats make! Instead of a loud bark I hear soft whispers, meows, purrs and trills. From some far off place in the house I hear the squeaking of a cat toy being wrestled with....or a CAT being wrestled with! There’s the scraping in the litter boxes, the clawing on the scratching posts, and the silent but telepathically LOUD sound of a cat sitting in front of an empty food bowl, willing me from three rooms away to come fill it.

It is becoming clear that for me to have peace with the audible part of my life I must have both cat sounds AND dog sounds....for I am out of balance.

Chris

Saying Goodbye

So how do we know when it’s time to say goodbye?

Over the years I’ve spoken to many people about this...people who were agonizing over a decision yet to be made, and others who were in anguish over a decision that might have been made too soon, or one that should have been made earlier.

What I think is this – it is an excruciating decision, whenever it is made. We shouldn’t have to be in the position of ending a life...it just feels wrong. But our animal companions depend on us to make the “right” decisions on their behalf, and for many people that means deciding when the journey together is over. We look into their trusting eyes and say “It’s ok...if it’s time for you to go I understand.” But we really don’t understand, and we don’t feel ok. We feel terrified, lost and alone, hoping we’ll wake up from this nightmare and see that our furry friend is well and young....the journey just beginning.

I was talking with someone about the end of Jake’s life, and how he was better one day and worse the next. I said the reality is that often at the end it’s not a straight downhill slope – there are peaks and valleys, and it’s the peaks that make it so hard to know what to do. We become desperate. Do we hang on? Do we wait one more day? We want as many more “todays” as we can have with our critters.

In looking back, I realized that whether I lost Jake on a Wednesday, or Friday, or we put it off until the following week really didn’t matter. It was going to be as heartbreaking next week as it would be tomorrow. What DID matter is the relationship we shared. Did we do everything we were meant to do together? At the end did we really know....I mean deep down in the core of our being know....that this journey was complete and it was time to let go?

That’s what I knew about Jake. I knew our time together was not measured in days or weeks or years, but in....forever. We had known each other always and would be together for all time. In remembering that I found peace.

Chris

Letting Go

From the movie “Casper”:

“I know you’ve been searching for me. But you have to understand, you (and Kat) loved me so well when I was on earth that I have no unfinished business.”

It had been a long time since I saw “Casper” but I never forgot those words. They come at the end of the movie, when the spirit of Bill Pullman’s deceased wife appears to him and he is overcome with emotion.

Those words have been very close to me these past weeks as I mourn the loss of my dog, Jake. I keep expecting to sense his presence – under my feet at the desk, coming through the dog door, looking for me at the window. But I haven’t felt that he’s been around much, and at first it surprised me.

When I lost Martha, back in 1995, I was emotionally devastated and I did everything possible to hang onto her – both before she died and after. In the weeks and months following her loss she came to me all the time. She’d appear frequently in my dreams. I’d see visions of her everywhere. In fact, it was a very strong vision of her (floating peacefully in the arms of an angel) that would ultimately become the cover of my first book, For Every Dog An Angel.

When I looked back on how I tried so desperately to hold onto Martha I knew I had done the best I could, but I also knew in the future I would try to handle the end of my journey with my animal companions differently. It wasn’t my place to try to hold them back. What I needed to do was live my life with them so fully....so present...so well...that at the end I could let them go with love and grace. This does not mean without tears.

And that is how I think it is with Jake. He and I could not have done it any better. When the time came for him to leave me, I let him go....with no unfinished business between us.

But oh, how I miss him....


Chris

Losing Jake

“And there will be times when your world will fall apart, when a beloved animal becomes lost, ill or has simply come to the end of their journey with you.”

I wrote those words on June 5, 2006, not knowing a week later they would describe my own world. On June 14th I lost my most beloved dog companion, Jake. Since then I have been walking that lonely path, expecting to see his face in the window when I come home and yet knowing he has left me to fly among the stars.

It is almost impossible to put into words how broken-hearted I am. I wonder if the sharp edges of my grief will ever soften into warm smiles as I remember all the magical times Jake and I shared. Many people who have loved...and lost...a furry friend will know exactly what I am talking about. I’ve always believed if you love someone very deeply, you will grieve them just as deeply when they are gone. The love Jake and I shared was pure and deep and strong.

Hardly a day goes by that I am not on the phone speaking with someone who has lost an animal companion. Losing Jake has brought back all the sadness and hopelessness one feels at this painful time. It occurred to me that sharing some of this journey in future posts might be both healing to me and, perhaps, comforting to others.

One thing I must do now is thank the many, many people who have offered comforting words during these past few weeks. Without their support the difficult days would have been even darker.

More soon.....
Chris