KSLF – Kitten Seeks Loving Family

Meet Sinclair, a 3-month old long-hair kitten who is looking for a home. This beautiful little furball just loves to cuddle and be held. Hard to imagine someone would have dropped him down a dry well when he was 4 weeks old!

At least Sinclair was lucky enough to find his way to Mary Anne Miller, who lives in Sweet Home, OR. Mary Anne provides online resources for cat lovers at her fabulous website http://www.felinexpress.com. This site was awarded the 2006 and 2007 Muse Medallion for Online Magazine by The Cat Writers’ Association http://www.catwriters.org in their annual Communications Contest.

You can also check out her other website, http://www.kitten-rescue.com, for all things kitty-related.

Cats have a true friend in Mary Anne Miller. When she hears of felines in need of a home…and some TLC…she takes them in, makes sure they get the medical care they need and helps with their socialization skills so they will be adoption-ready. The adoption fee is $40.00. She currently has cats of all ages and colors in her care.

If you have a lap in need of a cat I hope you’ll contact Mary Anne at love@felinexpress.com. If you live in or near the Portland, OR area Mary Anne can even help with transporting the kitty to its new home.

When asked how he feels about being adopted, Sinclair stretched, purred and said he’s ready to find his forever family.

All I can say is MEOW!

Chris

A Perfect Moment

Last week I wrote about my intention to become aware of the joyous moments in my life. They don’t have to be huge events. In fact, sometimes they are very small…and quiet. Perhaps that’s why we miss them.

I experienced one of these moments yesterday. It was close to sunset, and I was snuggled in the pillows on my couch, reading a lovely book. The last rays of light were streaming in through the French doors. A few Stellar’s Jays were picking at the bird seed up on the hill.

It was cool, and I had the fireplace going. Three of my 4 cats were in the room with me – one on the couch, one on the chair and one on my lap. I looked up from my book and suddenly realized how still everything was – like a beautiful scene from a movie.

“This is a perfect moment” I said out loud.

And it was.

Chris

In Memory of Scooby Doo

Over the years I’ve shared many tearful conversations with people who’ve had to say goodbye to a beloved animal companion. My own heart holds all the memories of the many critters I have loved and lost.

But when I heard about Scooby Doo, a special dog whose life ended all too soon, I asked the family if I could share his story so that other dog lovers might be spared the pain they are living with now. The family graciously agreed.

This is Pearl and Muffet Arroll, relaxing with their dogs Scooby Doo (on the upper right) and Charlie Bear (next to him on the left.) The girls, Sadie Belle and Chopper Do, are hanging out below.

About 5 years ago Scooby Doo and Charlie Bear were found wandering around the Georgia mountains by the Arroll family. The pups were only a few months old, and, it turned out, belonged to someone who wasn't able to take care of them. So a deal was struck - money for a go-cart in trade for the dogs. As I read Muffet Arroll’s words about these sweet dogs it was clear the Arroll family traded very well that day!

Fast forward 5 years to this past Labor Day weekend. The Arrolls were spending the holiday at a lake that had been a family favorite for over 30 years. As Muffet wrote, “Anyone who is a dog lover knows how much they like the water and particularly love to have their ears flying in the wind on the boat.”

That was Scooby Doo – a powerful swimmer who LOVED the water. But his strength failed him over the weekend. An unexpected wave hit and Scooby fell off the front of the ski boat. He must have been struck by the boat, and he went down into the lake before anyone could help him.

Charlie Bear cried as the family road around in their boat, trying to find their lost friend. Divers were hired, but Scooby could not be located in the deep, cold water. Muffet said that maybe Scooby’s body was meant to remain in the lake that he loved so much.

When I learned about the circumstances that took Scooby Doo's life I felt that dog lovers everywhere needed to hear this story. My own city - Portland, Oregon - was voted Dog Town USA in 2006 by Dog Fancy Magazine. Oregon is a tapestry of rivers and lakes, often overflowing with boats full of happy people…and their dogs! I wonder how many people know the risk of bringing their dogs with them on the water?

Here’s what Muffet Arrroll said about this tragedy:

“We have had to learn a horrible lesson that there is danger in the lake for our pets no matter how great they are around the water. We pray that no one else has to experience the pain associated with this type of accident. If another pet can be saved by the story, it makes Scooby’s life and tragic death that much more meaningful.”

Farewell, Scooby Doo. You were deeply loved, and will be greatly missed.

Chris

Finding Joy

It’s the beginning of the school year, and even though my school days are far behind me it’s never too late to learn something new.

So I gave myself an assignment: become aware of what brings me joy.

I thought it would be simple. Turns out…not so simple.

As a former New Yorker who tends to move quickly through life, I realized I was going to have to do something very important to complete my assignment. I was going to have to slow down, and consciously...deliberately...become aware of all the magical, mystical, miraculous and perfectly wonderful things that are happening all around me.

So what makes me smile? You can’t write the kind of heartfelt books I write about animals and NOT find overwhelming happiness in the presence of critters. That’s a given. But I wondered if there were other precious moments, when I felt completely content and happy, that were simply passing me by. So I began my journey of joy, curious to see what I might discover.

The other day I was racing through a large fabric store, on a mission to look for a certain type of material. I go to this store all the time. I can navigate easily through the many aisles, I recognize the sales people and I know when the best sales occur.

On this particular day something made me stop in my tracks. For the first time I realized how much I LOVED being in this store, surrounded by employees and other “craft-minded” people who are passionate about sewing. The smell of the fabric, the sound of scissors cutting material off bolts, the voices of customers wondering if this particular print would work for living room drapes…I was in heaven!

And all I had to do was slow down and become aware of this lovely little moment.

And then I remembered something. Our community just organized a Neighborhood Watch program, and I’ve had the pleasure of helping to get this new program off the ground. After several meetings and lots of emails, the neighborhood agreed that given the cars that race around our loop there was one thing we needed to do right away. We collected some money, and just last week I placed the order for our first investment in the welfare of our community.

I ordered four SLOW DOWN signs.

Chris

Oops - She Did it Again!

Last week I wrote about how fabulous kitties are at playing hide and seek. My little girl, Star, is especially talented at this game. Usually it's at night when I have trouble finding her, for her tiny, black figure disappears into the dark.

Today it was broad daylight and once again - I COULD NOT FIND HER! I looked all over the house, and checked the outside kitty enclosure several times. Nothing.

And then I saw her - can you find the black cat in this picture?

How about now?

Yes, that black shadow inside the barrel planter is her. This is the first time in 7 years I have ever seen her do this.

I really need to talk to that girl!

Chris

A Visitor from Colorado

It's always fun when animal lovers I've met through my books come to visit Oregon.

Carol Vogel, from Good Samaritan Pet Center in Denver, was in Portland over the Labor Day weekend to visit with her family. Here we are, along with her furry "niece" Moppy - aren't we a happy group?

Carol was here in December 2007. Her visit coincided with a book-signing event I was doing at a local animal shelter, and I was delighted when she stopped by.


Carol is such an upbeat, joyous person - and a true critter lover. My only regret is that she isn't a full-time Portland resident.

Come back soon, Carol!

Chris

Where cats...and dogs...sleep

I can still remember the form I filled out when I adopted my dear doggie, Jake, back in 1995. “Where will he sleep?” the paperwork asked. “Anywhere he wants to!” I wrote down.

So Jake came home and immediately decided sleeping on my bed was heaven...until he discovered the floor-to-ceiling window across from the bed! A large framework sat on the deck that was below that window. Squirrels, chipmunks and birds ran along the beams, often coming nose to nose with Jake as he looked out of his window on the world.

It was his sacred space – safe, cool and wildly entertaining. In the last months of his life, when his legs were wobbly and his eyesight was failing, Jake’s bed was his favorite place – his security blanket.

It is completely different with my four cats! Dickens and his sisters - Molly, Pippen and Star - are constantly changing their favorite little nesting spots. While this shouldn’t be a problem, it does impact my nightly ritual of checking on the cats before I go to bed. The chair Dickens may have slept on for the last month is cat-less, and my big boy is nowhere to be found. The kitchen drawer that holds the aluminum foil - one of Star’s regular sleeping spots - is empty, and a top-to-bottom search of the house leaves me with no clue as to where she might be.

One night last week I had finished the regular cat round-up and, once again, Star was missing. I searched three times behind, under and in-between every appliance or piece of furniture in the house – no luck. I went back to the top of the house to begin search #4, and noticed one of the drawers in the closet was open about 2”. Could it possibly be?

Somehow she had squeezed her way into that incredibly small opening, and was fast asleep in my sock drawer.

So, here’s my question – WHY DO CATS DO THIS?

Chris

Cats at the Olympics

I was walking with a friend the other day, and we were talking about the Olympics...and our cats. Had our beloved felines been invited to participate in the games, what parts would they have chosen to play?

Star – my small, graceful beauty would definitely have been a gymnast. She knows no fear, and leaps like a gazelle.


Dickens – my only boy – can you say weightlifter? Yes, even though he’s lost 4 ½ lbs., he’s still a big boy. He would have loved those weights - especially if he
thought they were Twinkies!

Molly – my mystical, cosmic cat, loves to hide in strange places. She would have been a natural in those breathtaking opening ceremonies, where all the performers hid under the boxes and worked in unison to create a ripple effect.

And then there is Pippen. I think it’s pretty clear she would have been the person at the gate, telling you the ticket you bought online was bogus and you needed to leave immediately…before security was called. She would have been good at that.

So, what about your critters?

Chris

Napoleon the Bulldog Rescues Kitties!

Have you heard the wonderful story about Napoleon the Bulldog? My good friend, Judy Ditfurth, who works with English Bulldog rescue in Florida, brought it to my attention.

Napoleon is a well-behaved two-year old white Bulldog, who lives with his family in Michigan. Apparently he raced out across the road the other day and into a nearby lake, then came out of the water dragging something in his mouth.

It appeared to be a burlap bag, which he brought back to his person. The meowing sounds coming from the bag alerted Napoleon’s mom to the kittens that were inside – six in all. Sadly, two of the kittens didn’t make it, but the other four were cared for until they could be put up for adoption.

Over the years I have learned many things from Judy about Bulldogs, including the fact that their large head and chest, compared to their light back ends, gives them the tendency to go bottoms up in water! That fact makes this story even more special.

It is heartbreaking to think there are people who could throw living creatures into burlap bags, and then pitch them into water to drown. One can only hope the person who did this is aware of how the fate of these throwaway kittens was changed by a loving dog, and a simple act of kindness. One can only hope that person has been humbled by this gesture...a creature reaching beyond perceived limitations to do something wonderful...maybe even miraculous.

Thank goodness for Napoleon...he is a true hero.

Chris

Share your life with a cat - lower your heart attack risk!

It certainly wasn’t a surprise to me! As someone who shares her life with 4 fabulous felines, reading the report about the health benefits of living with a cat simply verified what I already knew.

The report by Dr. Adnan Qureshi, executive director of the Minnesota Stroke Institute at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, said that the stress-relieving benefits of having a cat in your home could cut your risk of heart attack by one-third…one third!! According to Dr. Qureshi, that statistic was quite surprising.

The report came from a 10-year study of over 4300 Americans. Data from people who shared or had shared their lives with a cat was compared to those who had never done so. It was interesting to read that cat lovers continued to reap the heart benefits even if they were not currently living with a feline.

Previous reports suggest that sharing your life with a dog, cat or other animal companion can have a very positive effect on your health.

Like I said – no surprise there!

Chris

Smudge

He was the beloved companion of my dear friend, Judy. A terribly handsome black and white cat, Smudge spent many years in Judy’s happy furry family. He always wanted to be nearby, but not held or cuddled. About 18 months ago he was diagnosed with a very serious heart problem, but he continued to live as if nothing had changed.

It is one of the wonderful lessons our animal companions teach us – live for today, and we’ll worry about tomorrow…well, tomorrow!

He continued to be a light in Judy’s life, enjoying the new kitty furniture she had bought and being the first one to show up for Catnip Friday – the day everything gets a sprinkle of fresh catnip!

Things began to change a few weeks ago, and it quickly became clear that Smudge’s extraordinary heart would not beat forever. Judy and her veterinarian tried everything they could think of to help him. Smudge tried, too…until he let Judy know his soaring spirit wanted to be free of his old, worn-out body.

Judy said goodbye to her dear Smudger on July 23rd. Catnip Friday is forever changed, as that special ritual has little meaning for Judy’s other kitty, Cinnamin, and absolutely NO meaning for Jeremy…her English Bulldog.

Smudge is happy and healthy again, flying through the stars with furry friends from days gone by. He is watching over Judy and the boys… but he is missed more than any of us will ever know.

Chris

Rescue Remedy

It was really very innocent…

Several months ago Mary Wilkinson, a wonderful woman who lives in Arizona , got in touch with me regarding my books for animal lovers. Turned out we had a mutual friend in Denver, so we had a lot to talk about.

She mentioned she had a dog who was very excitable, and I asked if she was familiar with a flower essence called Rescue Remedy. Many of you may have heard of the calming effect of this product – it is used for both two-leggeds and four-leggeds.

I had a bottle I wasn’t using, so I sent it to Mary with the idea she might let her dog try it when the 4th of July rolled around.

The other day I received a card from Mary, and with her permission would like to share the highlights of her Rescue Remedy experience.

"Hi Chris,

Just a quick note to let you know how the July 4th fireworks affected Kirby. An unscientific result shows a calmer dog with heightened senses. Nose and eyes detected an interesting rock we came upon during our 9:00 p.m. walk. That is, I thought it was a rock. Turns out to be a very thin (dedydrated/emaciated) cat. We are trying to share our abode, but I’m allergic and Kirby is sure “In-D” (that’s what she named the cat – for Independence Day) is his earned “atta-boy” prize.

Soooo, it must be a great product because he never paid any attention to the noise of the fireworks.

You’ve got to see the humor in this, as I close with the truth of the product. It did as advertised: Rescue Remedy!"

Now THAT’S funny!

Chris

Fireworks

When I was growing up in New York City, I remember going to a place in Rye, NY for the 4th of July fireworks. A quick online search tells me that Rye Playland is still going strong, and has been providing family fun for 80 years!

I think the pre-Playland festivities included me and my siblings waving some sparklers around, and we may have even set off a few fireworks. It all seemed very magical. I loved the fireworks back then, and still do.

But things have changed. While many families leave fireworks to the professionals and attend organized events, there are others who feel the holiday isn’t complete without setting off tons of explosions in their own front yard.

If people did this responsibly…if it was safe...perhaps I wouldn’t feel so tired of it all. But year after year it seems the safety factor has gone out the window, and just like with movie special effects, when it comes to home fireworks displays - bigger is DEFINITELY better!

In Oregon, anything that goes over 12 inches high, travels 6 feet along the ground, or makes a “bang” is illegal. Of course, this is essentially a meaningless law, because people go out of state and buy whatever they want. Well-intentioned efforts to “crack down” on illegal fireworks are ineffective – there just isn’t any way to control this.

Here’s the problem. I live in the woods. If you look at an aerial view of the property it looks like someone dropped a few homes into the middle of a national forest. Granted, the mall is two miles down the road, but outside my front door it looks like a little slice of heaven. The deer still stroll down the street, rabbits run through the grass, and birdsong fills the forest.

It’s hard to imagine someone would want to jeopardize this, but that’s just what happened this year when new residents to the neighborhood set off an arsenal of illegal fireworks in their front yard and projected them into the woods…INTO THE WOODS! It was like sitting in the front row of a horrifying war movie. This went on for many, many hours, over two nights.

I swear – this show was as good as something you’d get at a local event. However, at such an event there would be a fire truck handy, and the fireworks would be set off in a safe area, far away from trees, homes or anything combustible.

My cats were terrified. I closed windows and shades, turned on televisions, and did everything I could to soothe the poor critters. It was one of the few times I was glad my dog, Jake, was happily flying through the starry skies, for he would have been out of his mind with fear.

This little scenario was repeated over and over, in neighborhoods throughout the area. And now companion animals are missing, and animal shelters are overflowing with critters who, by no fault of their own, are waiting…hoping…that their families will come to bring them home.

I’m still struggling with the grief over losing my beautiful neighborhood. I have lived here in peace for over 17 years with all the other people who gravitated to this special location. Attending the organized 4th of July celebrations is a thing of the past – someone needs to stay back and watch over our homes and the woodlands.

It is a far cry from my younger, innocent days.

Chris

Absolutely Perfect

Back in April I wrote about Fran Baumgartner, a very dear friend who lives in Arizona with her two-and-four-legged family. One of the special four-leggeds in Fran’s life is Ginger. As you can see by her picture, Ginger is a little lady of great wisdom and beauty. She came to Fran after enduring terrible abuse, although how she lost one of her eyes isn’t clear. According to Ginger (yes…Ginger!) someone may have hit her with a baseball bat. She was trained to be Fran’s service dog. They communicate with their eyes, Fran says, even if they are one eye short.

Recently Ginger’s picture was entered in an online contest. What a lovely idea, I thought…until I heard the rest of the story. Apparently someone contacted the owner of the store that was holding the contest and asked them to remove Ginger's picture – too creepy looking, the person said.

The owner took immediate action. She used her software to “color in” Ginger’s missing eye, so she would look “normal.”

There are times when I find myself speechless – this was one of those times. Just look at this picture! Everything that is good and pure and lovely in the world is reflected in Ginger’s beautiful face. You can see the suffering, too - maybe that's what really bothered the person who complained about her. The world we live in encourages us to do everything we can to hide our pain...but Ginger's wounds show. And that's what makes her so special. One can only imagine the horrors that she has endured, and yet she still shows up eagerly for life with passion, a sense of purpose...and an open heart.

Perhaps Ginger is a "heavenly" being who took doggie shape and came to Fran because she knew she was needed...I don't know. What I do know is that Fran sees Ginger as the perfect little creature she is...and I am absolutely certain that Ginger sees Fran the same way.

And that’s really all that matters.

Chris

Making Space for a New Four-legged Friend

”How can I bring a new critter home without betraying the beloved dog or cat that I lost?”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question over the years! Knowing when to invite a new four-legged friend into your life is a personal decision that only you can make. But it breaks my heart when a person chooses a "fur free" existence out of a sense of loyalty to an animal that has passed on.

I like to share this story…

In 1995, after I lost my dearest dog, Martha, I was so heartbroken I couldn't think about bringing home another dog. I still had 15 year-old Gypsy in my life – my shy little shadow dog. She was quite deaf and couldn’t see well, either. She had always lived in the background, letting the other three dogs take center stage. After losing Penny, Jessie and then Martha, I thought I would let Gypsy live out her final days in peace and quiet.

That’s when I found myself at the animal shelter, adopting Jake. It had only been 7 weeks since Martha had left me, and although I worried about Gypsy I simply knew I was meant to bring Jake home with me. It was the best decision I ever made – for me AND for Gypsy!

Jake was very respectful of Gypsy. It’s not that he thought of her as dominant, he just realized she had a sacred space in the home. And for the first time, Gypsy came out of her shell and positively BLOOMED! Suddenly she was interested in car rides, and she and Jake travelled with me often during that time. She lived another 1 ½ years – and they were the best years of her life!

Susan Nelson shared her thoughts with me on this subject, after she read my book For Every Dog An Angel:

“When I received the book today, I went in my backyard and sat in my swing and read your beautiful book. I cried and cried some more, but finally my cry became a good cry for the first time. My family got another Yorkie for me, but I have had a hard time letting myself get close to him. I felt like I would be betraying my little angel, but your book let me realize it's okay to have a new little puppy. My family has tried very hard in helping me but somehow it clicked today. ” Susan Nelson

Along with her email came this picture of Reggie – her new puppy – asleep in her shoes.

I really do believe that animals are giving, joyous creatures. They want us to be happy – and are delighted to know another critter will get to share all the love we have to offer. It’s harder for human beings to understand this. I think we tend to be less generous with our love.

Once again, I am learning an important life lesson from my four-legged friends. May they never stop teaching me...

Chris

A Special Visit

Writing books for animal lovers brings many joys. Perhaps the greatest joy is meeting and sharing stories with other people who love critters as much as I do.

Most of these “meetings” occur via telephone, email or letters….but every so often I get to meet one of these wonderful critter people in person. Yesterday I had the opportunity to have lunch with Kathleen Otto, a woman I’ve spoken with several times over the years but have never met. Kathleen and her friend, Jeanne, drove up from California to attend a horse event in Oregon. Along with Kathleen’s horse they brought several doggies on the trip, including her little rescue dog, Taco, and Jeanne’s wise old doggie, Rascal.

Spend a few minutes with Kathleen and you will know immediately that she is a giving, compassionate person who loves all the creatures with whom we share this planet. When she told me the story of the friendship between the coyote and kitty who live on her land, I suspected the inspiration for that connection may come from Kathleen’s own gentle, guiding spirit.

Understanding my grief over the loss of my dear dog, Jake, Kathleen sent a very thoughtful gift to help me remember that Jake will always watch over me.

Some angels fly through the starry skies, while others tread softly on the earth. Kathleen is one of those earth angels…but when I look closely, I can see the faintest hint of wings glowing behind her.

Chris

Three Dreams

June 14th marked two years since my dog, Jake, left me to go flying through the heavens with the other angel dogs. There was a time when an anniversary like that would have left me in tears for several days. This year, however, was different.

It was because of the three dreams. The first came last year, two days before Christmas. I was outside, calling Jake’s name, and he came running to me through a grassy field. Even though it was daylight, I could tell there was a golden glow around him. He stood proud and tall, with a soccer ball in his mouth! This was a surprise, as I have no connection to soccer, and neither did Jake. He was happy beyond words, a twinkle in his eye, his heart telling my heart that all was well. Then he ran off, and it was crystal clear I could not follow him.

A few weeks ago he came to me in another dream, happy and content as he had been in the earlier dream.

Last week he visited one more time while I was sleeping. In this dream he had come back to life, and as we walked along people who knew us nodded and smiled, as if it was perfectly normal that Jake was alive again. I remember thinking I should write a book about it, but no one would believe me!

It feels so clear - Jake is truly doing well, and when he can he checks in to let me know that although I may miss him, there is nothing to grieve.

So, last Saturday, on June 14th, every time I thought of Jake I saw him wrapped in a golden glow, standing in the tall grass….and I smiled.

Chris

Brotherly Love

I like to think that when we do good things, sometimes the universe smiles down upon us and miracles happen!

If you want to read just such a story, be sure to visit the Good Samaritan Pet Center website and check out their newsletter page http://www.goodsamaritanpetcenter.org/newsletter.htm.

Click on the Summer 2008 newsletter and read the article called Brotherly Love that begins on page one. This is the story of Shane & Liam, two 8-yr old Shepherd mix brothers who had been at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah for 5 years.

What happens after Beth Springer, Executive Director of Good Samaritan, visits the brothers is sure to bring smiles and joyful tears.

I LOVE happy endings!

Chris

Animal Communication

Anyone who shares their life with an animal knows they are always talking to us. Whether through hopeful eyes, the flick of a tail, or a picture that comes into the mind loud and clear, our critters are always trying to communicate with us….although we may not always understand what they are saying!

Sometimes finding a peaceful space, quieting your mind and opening your heart may help you better receive the thoughts your critters are trying to convey. If that doesn’t work, you may want to contact someone who specializes in animal communication.

I have had the pleasure of participating in workshops with two animal communicators -- Val Heart www.valheart.com and Lauren McCall www.integratedanimal.com.

To learn more about how the process works, I suggest you visit their websites or get in touch with them directly. Be sure to explore the Free Animal Talk Teleclasses that Val offers on her homepage.

Here’s to better communication!

Chris

A Favorite Book - The Tao of Meow

The other day I was re-reading one of my favorite books – The Tao of Meow, by Deborah Wood. I came across the following lines, which I had highlighted the last time I read the book:

“In fact, because cats are such creatures of the air, the energy flow from their feet to the ground is especially important – it provides an anchor. Mostly, cats almost float on their feet.”

I had to smile, because several weeks ago I blogged about the incredible lightness of cats – how they keep me feeling airy, as if I could lift off the ground at the drop of a hat and take a casual day trip through the universe. Deborah’s words touched my heart. The term “kindred spirit” comes to mind – a person who shares beliefs, attitudes or feelings with another. And few things bring people together like a shared love and appreciation for animals.

Deborah is the author of The Tao of Bow Wow and The Tao of Meow, as well as The Little Dogs' Beauty Book and several other titles for those who have a special connection with smaller dogs. As she shares her life with three Papillons, this should come as no surprise. She also writes a weekly pet column for The Oregonian newspaper.

Beyond that, she is an uplifting and inspirational person - you can't help smiling in her presence! Be sure to check out her blog http://blog.oregonlive.com/pets/.

Chris

Jack the Raccoon

I have been adopted by a raccoon. I tried not to name him, but somehow I found myself calling him Jack. Jack the Raccoon. Jaccoon.

I live in a wooded area, so raccoons have visited me from time to time over the years. Somehow this one seems different. Jack knows I leave food on the deck for an outside kitty I’ve been feeding for 5 years. We named him Sammy…I know, I know….

Jack sits at the door, waiting for me to come out with food. If I step outside he stands up on his hind legs and gives me a hopeful look. I expect him to start chatting with me - “So, Chris, how are you today? Got any yummy treats for me?”

Sometimes he sprawls out on the mat, his head resting on his paws, looking up at the window. I've seen this look on each of the dogs who've shared my life, but never on a raccoon.

Jack comes throughout the day, and if there is no cat food he scoops up some bird seed and has a quick snack. When he is done, he washes his paws in one of the bird baths. Who knew raccoons were so clean – maybe I should leave him some herbal soap and a fluffy towel.

I have been worried about Sammy. I think of him as my fifth cat - knowing he is safe and well-fed is very important to me. So I was heartened to come downstairs the other morning and find both Sammy AND Jack waiting for me on the deck, eager for breakfast.

If only we all got along this well.

Chris

Best wishes to Senator Kennedy - a dog lover!

Like so many others, I have been following the story of Senator Ted Kennedy’s health problems. I was stunned to learn his seizure was caused by a malignant brain tumor – he just seems like a man who would laugh off any illness that dared to enter his body!

My dear friend, Judy Ditfurth, was a flight attendant back when the Senator first went to Washington. She often worked the DC/NY/Boston run, which was frequented by many politicians, including Senator Kennedy. Judy said she always liked him – he was very friendly, never demanding…a nice person.

But here is what touched me about the Senator’s story -he was walking his dogs, Sunny & Splash, when the seizure occurred. The family members who visited him at the hospital included his four-legged buddies. And when he left the hospital this morning, his dogs were there to accompany the Senator home.

I didn’t realize Senator Kennedy had written a book about life in Washington DC from a dog’s perspective. It’s called My Senator and Me: A Dog’s Eye View of Washington D.C.

Senator Kennedy, I know that between your family and your medical team you are in the best of hands. But I think you may also be in the best of PAWS! I hope you, Sunny & Splash will be walking together for many years to come.

Chris

The Incredible Lightness of Cats

So if dogs keep me grounded, what do cats bring to my world?

They keep me feeling light…very light.

In the first printing of my book For Every Cat An Angel I included these words:

If it weren’t for gravity cats would simply float away.

I don’t know why I perceive kitties this way. Perhaps some of it comes from the way cats are so often up off the ground. I’ll open the linen closet to put away the clean towels and there’s my kitty, Star, asleep in the sheets on the top shelf. Or in the middle of eating dinner the pantry door will open and out will come one of the cats who was napping with the canned soup.

Viewing kitties this way helps me understand my deep connection with them, for I often feel the same way myself. If it weren’t for gravity I would simply…OK, so I wouldn’t actually FLOAT AWAY, but I would definitely go on a lot more day trips through the universe.

So here’s to cats..and dogs…who come together in perfect harmony and keep me in balance.

Chris

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

Lighthearted Press
www.lightheartedpress.com

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