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