What do dogs think about?

We've been pondering that question lately. Of course, the obvious answer is that they think about food, play, and their responsibility to sniff everything in sight. But lately we've been noticing a certain fascination, might we call it - obsession - that our dog Leaf has with ducks.

When we go on our daily early-morning walk around the lake near our home in Minneapolis, Leaf shows great interest in the spring ducks. Being a cocker spaniel, he has a strong chase instinct. Oddly enough, he doesn't always strain at the leash and try to run after the ducks. Instead, he sits by the side of the lake and stares at
them with wonderment.

The other day he registered shock on his face when the ducks he was observing "ducked" down under the water and became invisible for an entire minute. He kept looking over his shoulder at us as if to ask, "Where did they go?"

We get the impression that he has many questions, like the two-year-old boy that he is, about these amazing creatures. "How can they do it all?" he seems to be asking. "They walk, swim, fly, and even disappear."

Don't bother to tell us, because we know it's silly, but Leaf's new interest in ducks has inspired us to educate him. Linda has taken to finding interesting tidbits about ducks that she can share with him. After Leaf watched the ducks digging in the moist ground following an April rainstorm the night before, she told him, "Ducks eat bugs and worms."

With an astonished look Leaf sent Linda a distinct inner communication: "No way!" (This is an expression that he must have picked up from listening to conversations on television. If he gets in trouble for sticking his nose on the living room coffee table, he also likes to say, "Busted!")

Okay, so we're nuts. We tell our dog little known facts to make his and our walks more enjoyable. No harm in it. And we are learning more about ducks than we ever wanted to know.

What fascinates your pets?

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ANGEL ANIMALS STORY OF THE WEEK

This week's Angel Animals Story of the Week is about finding comfort with a cat who showed up at exactly the right time and place.

AN ANGEL CAT AT THE GRAVESITE
By Shawna Marzett

In 1999 I was pregnant with my son, and he was due in April 2000. A couple of weeks before I was going to have him, he passed away. This was very tragic for my family and me.

I was not doing well after my loss. We decided to have a funeral and to have my son Dorian buried at a cemetery in Santa Rosa, California. That way, I could go and visit him every day.

Then one day while I was crying on the hill at the cemetery, I looked over my shoulder and saw a gray tabby looking at me from the bushes. For three weeks the gray cat returned to watch me everyday.

One day, I drove up the hill at the cemetery and found the cat sitting by my son's grave, waiting for me. I walked over and sat down next to him. This is how our relationship started.

Each time I went to the gravesite, the gray cat would be waiting there. So I started feeding him twice a day. I made him a shelter in the trees by my son's grave, and we would meet there, rain or shine. I named him Sir Boy. He is my dear angel. He saved me from so much sadness.

Last year Sir Boy got sick. I paid a thousands dollars for his surgery and finally decided it was time to bring him home. I think he might be eleven years old. He has adjusted well to the home life.

I still visit my son. Because I have Sir Boy with me in my bed every night, safe and healthy, I only go once a week now.

BIO:
Shawna Marzett lives in Santa Rosa, California.  She is 36-years-old and works as a nursing assistant at a local convalescent hospital.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
Have you ever met a stray animal who found a way into your heart?

Everyone who lives with an animal knows that they communicate with their actions, vocalizing, and body language. Most animals express their feelings, wants, and needs in ways that are unmistakable, even to us dense humans.

But there is a group of people who believe that it's possible to hear animals speak and communicate with them. By listening and responding to animals' thoughts and reading telepathic images from their minds, humans are able to ask questions and actually get answers.

We happen to fall into the camp of believing that these things are possible. Animal communicators have helped us through tough spots with our pets. "What can we do to help you trust us?" we asked of our rescued dog Leaf. "Why aren't you eating your cat food?" we wanted to know from our cat Speedy.

When our beautiful yellow Lab, Taylor couldn't walk around the lake with us anymore and appeared to be in great distress, an animal communicator helped to prepare us for the fact that Taylor wanted to leave a body that no longer served and was riddled with pain.

Two dear author friends have books that we think clarify and bring into perspective this mysterious world of animal communication. Marta Williams has a new book, ASK YOUR ANIMAL: Resolving Behavioral Issues through Intuitive Communication. It contains a great foreword by actress Vanessa Williams whose kidnapped dog Marta helped her to find. For more about Marta go to www.martawilliams.com.

Another author friend who writes in a delightful and entertaining style is Amelia Kinkade. Her book THE LANGUAGE OF MIRACLES: A Celebrated Psychic Teaches You to Talk to the Animals takes readers on a well-lit journey with its practical tips. Her website is www.ameliakinkade.com.

As for our skill level, we seem to be able to pick up some images and thoughts from our own animal family members, but we don't have confidence yet in an ability to catch communication from other people's pets.

What about your experiences with animal communication and animal communicators? Has anyone proven to you that this form of interspecies connection is possible?

This week's Angel Animals Story of the Week is about a positive little calico cat who entered a child's life when he most needed a friend and protector.


                 * * * * *

ANGEL ANIMALS STORY OF THE WEEK

POLLYANNA, THE ANGEL CAT
By Debbie Boote

In early September 1998 I asked my youngest son Chris what he would like for his tenth birthday. Without hesitation he replied that he would like a pet but most of all a young, female calico cat.

I contacted an acquaintance who worked at a local cat re-homing center to see if they had a suitable cat who needed a home.

A few days later I had a phone call to say that a stray four-month-old female calico cat had been handed in at a center on the other side of town. She had not been claimed and would be ready to be adopted in a few days.

The day of my son's birthday came and went, and he did not show any disappointment in not getting a cat. The weekend after his birthday I told my son I was going shopping into town and went to the re-homing center to collect his cat.

I instantly fell in love with this sweet little cat named Pollyanna the moment she was put into my arms. She never stopped purring even when having her vaccinations and a microchip implanted in her neck.

When I arrived home I put the unopened box on the floor and called Chris. Even before he opened the box, the noise gave away its content. Chris and Polly bonded instantly and soon became inseparable best friends.

Nearly two years later, just before his twelfth birthday, Chris became seriously ill. He contracted flu followed quickly by glandular fever and shingles. The result of all this battering left Chris with a weakened immune system. Soon afterwards he was diagnosed with M. E., or chronic fatigue syndrome.

For many months Chris was too weak to get out of bed and Polly became a permanent fixture, curled as close as possible to him. He frequently suffered with cold, aching limbs. One day Chris told me that Polly seemed to know where he was hurting most, because she would try to get as close as possible to that spot.

During this time Chris would often feel very low and become rather weepy. Polly always seemed to sense his mood. She would gently touch his face or hand and purr loudly to try to cheer him up.

Early one morning I was in my bedroom getting dressed when Polly head-butted open the door. She started meowing very persistently and rubbing against my legs. Thinking she was just hungry I got up to follow her to the kitchen to feed her. Instead of heading downstairs she led me straight to Chris's room.

As a further complication Chris had also developed mild asthma. A recent cold had turned into a chest infection, which had seriously worsened overnight. Now, Chris was having great difficulty in breathing. Polly was obviously concerned enough about his condition to fetch me to help him.

Chris is now nineteen and has made a ninety percent recovery from the M. E. He still gets tired very easily and is prone to infection. He is now full-time at college studying art and making new friends. Polly is still his best friend. Although she spends less time in his room these days, she still watches over him.

I am certain that someone heard my son's request for a little calico cat and sent Pollyanna as an angel cat to watch over Chris in his time of greatest need.

To view a photograph of Debbie's Pollyanna visit
www.angelanimals.net/nlimage04.html/

BIO:
Debbie Boote is a fifty-year-old mom.  She works for the British Geological Survey dealing with public enquiries.  Debbie is also a portrait and animal artist. She is married to Sam and has two sons, Matthew, 25, and Christopher, 19, and their little angel cat Pollyanna.


SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

Has an animal come into your life at exactly the right time to assist with healing?

Once a week we take our cocker spaniel, Leaf, to doggy day care. This allows him to socialize and get some exercise.  This past Wednesday, we picked up Leaf and enjoyed hearing observations of him from the staff.

They noted that Leaf played in the large big-dog room with around twelve other dogs, all of whom were at least twice his size. (This is because he wears out the littler dogs since he's such a consummate player.) In the play room the wide-screen television stays on Animal Planet programs.  None of the dogs were watching the TV that day, though.  They all seemed focused on Leaf.

Two new employees watched the dogs from the window outside the main room.  As Leaf pounded at the door to be let out into our arms, one of the men said that he had had a lot of fun seeing Leaf in action. While ours is always the smallest dog in the room, in many ways he has the biggest presence.

The man said that before Leaf entered the room the dogs were lying around, not really interested in playing or exploring. He said Leaf appeared to have an agenda and a method for achieving his goals. Although cockers aren't supposed to have the herding instinct, one at a time, Leaf herded the other dogs.  He'd stand behind them and push with his nose and feet until they started running. Soon other dogs joined in until they all were running around the room, playing, and enjoying themselves.

The employee said that they were so amused by all this herding and watched to see what else our little guy would. They called him "the life of the party" and "the instigator," since he was the catalyst for getting the other dogs to fully participate.

At one point Leaf grabbed a tennis ball and dropped it in front of a large German shepherd who had stopped to rest.  Leaf stared at the shepherd as the tennis ball sat on the floor in front of the tired dog.  He was daring the dog to snatch the ball. Finally the dog took Leaf's bait, grabbed the ball, and rejoined the party.

We told the man that Leaf herds us, too.  Laughing, the new doggy day care employee said that after watching Leaf that day, he believed it.

Have you seen dogs doing things that supposedly they aren't bred or don't have the instinct to do?

You can comment about today's Story of the Week or the "Something to Think About" section at blog.angelanimals.net (Angel Animals
Network Blog), community.beliefnet.com (Angel Pets Fan Club), or seattlepi.com (Reader Blog: Angel Animals). See the Announcement
below for URLs to click and comment on discussion topics and stories. That way, everyone can gain from your insights.

This week's Angel Animals Story of the Week is about a stray dog who returns the gift of being rescued by caring for rescued kittens on a Greek island.
 
 
 
                                                Roberta's Opi and a Cat


ANGEL ANIMALS STORY OF THE WEEK

THE SEA DOG OF KARPATHOS
By Roberta Beach Jacobson, c. 2006

When the volunteer vet spotted the longhaired, one-eyed mutt sitting all alone at the harbor on the small Greek island, she figured he was waiting for his fisherman-owner to return with the day's catch. But then the next day the vet watched the same gray pooch trotting store-to-store, getting handouts from employees' lunches, mostly bits of sandwiches.

"That dog could do with a good haircut," she thought. It took her only a single dog biscuit to persuade the friendly mutt into her all-terrain vehicle. She took him to her makeshift clinic set up in a coastal garage and there, she bathed and brushed him and gave his still-matted fur a thorough clipping. Then she treated him to a flea and tick treatment.
 
Hours later, she returned the cleaned-up version of the harbor hound back to his old haunts on the remote Greek island of Karpathos. She observed him as he visited the fish tavernas lining the harbor area. At each stop, tourists fed the dog bits of octopus, swordfish, shrimp, or squid from their plates.

Although her days were kept busy neutering stray dogs and cats brought in by volunteers from the island's villages, the vet told me her thoughts often returned to the seafood-loving harbor mutt. She asked in shops and restaurants all along the vicinity of the harbor, but nobody claimed to own such a one-eyed dog.

The vet brought the pooch back to her clinic and got him settled down on a blanket with his very own water dish and a dog chew. He appeared to be up in years, so she named him Opi (meaning Gramps in the Bavarian dialect of German).

Opi responded favorably to his name and relaxed in his new home, maybe not understanding it could only be a temporary arrangement. In two weeks, the volunteer vet was due to return to Germany. During that time, Opi's bad eye got sewn up, and she applied salve to it regularly. A week later, the dog went under the knife so he wouldn't father any pups.

As the vet was about to leave the island, she asked me if I could adopt Opi, because what he needed most was a real home. She had a look of utter desperation on her face when she asked. I was aware she'd already adopted thirteen blind, injured, or three-legged critters from our island. Her house and yard in Germany must be full! I understood her predicament well.

It would be quite a challenge, I knew, bringing Opi home with us, where a dozen-plus rescue cats required so much of our attention. Both my husband and I had grown up with dogs in the family, so we decided maybe we could deal with a canine addition to our gang. As freelance writers, my husband and I work from home, so this allows us plenty of time with our animals. We understood the newcomer wasn't just any dog, but a proud sea dog.

Much to our amazement, Opi accepted the collection of ragtag felines as his friends. He didn't object even when kittens batted at his ears or tried to nurse on his legs. Right away it was clear the abandoned kittens viewed Opi as their hairy pillow. Every night, a few crawled into Opi's wicker basket to settle down for some shut-eye. One delicate orphan kitten named Roo found comfort as she slept atop Opi's back!

Opi soon acquired the nickname Nanny, because problem cats took to him right away and felt comfortable in his presence. Even when his dog basket was literally crawling with kittens, Opi didn't let out a single woofy complaint.

Word got around about our island's unusual kitten-minder. In summers, tourists stop by to take pictures of big-hearted Opi with some of his feline charges. Opi's photo has even made it into a calendar for his fifteen minutes of canine fame.

Opi has learned a great deal about being part of a large family. He didn't mind his first collar and quickly learned to walk on a leash. His adjustments went smoother than we'd ever imagined. Some dogs love car rides; others don't. Opi is one who can't wait to go somewhere with us in the car.

The beach is his favorite destination. That's understandable, because, before meeting us, his life was spent within earshot of the waves crashing against the rocks. All year 'round, my husband and I frequent a rocky beach to collect sacks of driftwood and pinecones to burn in our winter fires. Opi makes the most of each opportunity to run along the coastline and he's an expert at skirting the waves. When he's by the sea, he's in his element.

During the five years Opi has been in our family, we've rescued two younger dogs. We didn't plan it that way, but their youthful presence forces Opi to get out of his basket more often and romp around. He'd acquired a bit too much bulk around the midsection the first year with us, but now he plays with his dog pals and stays trim.

The three of them fit side-by-side in the back seat when we drive to the beach. No question about it, Opi is top dog; the guy in charge. He understands the ways of the sea better than any of us. The seaside is in his blood.

Our first beach outing together, Opi watched in disgust as the pair of junior canines raced straight for the sea and started drinking the salty water. They learned their lesson by having sore bellies afterwards and only tried that stunt once. Opi probably could have warned them not to drink the water, but chose to let them find out for themselves.

Lots of dogs are cute, but being cute and smart equals one lucky dog! If Opi is wiser than I am I won't venture to guess, but most of humankind could learn a lot from a pooch who gets along with everybody, large or small.

For a photo of Opi and a cat he cares for go to www.angelanimals.net/nlimage05.html

BIO:
Fellow Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reader blogger, Roberta Beach Jacobson, is "The Cat Lady." Her blog is located at http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/catlady/  Roberta is an American author and humorist who has contributed to 40+ books including the story, "Dog Day" in our book ANGEL DOGS: Divine Messengers of Love (2005). Her websites are www.RobertaBeachJacobson.com and
www.AnimalWelfareKarpathos.org.
 
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
 
What unlikely combinations of animal species and animal caregivers have you known?

 

This wonderful Angel Animals story is about a woman's first cat who gave her a reason to live and saved
the life of her mother.

PUDDIE GAVE ME A REASON TO LIVE
By Marguerite Vlielander, Brasschaat, Belgium

I always had a close and special contact with animals. They were not just playmates; they were my most
important teachers. They taught me the real meaning of friendship, unconditional love, and loyalty. They
paid attention to me and worried about me. They taught me the real value of life. Their love was and is
Love with a capital L.

My parents loved animals, dogs, and horses, but my mother did not want a cat in the house. My dearest
wish was to have a cat. That dream only materialized twelve years ago when my mother gave in and let me
bring Puddie into my life -- my beautiful, gray, half-Siamese, forever-cat with emerald-green eyes.

A friend of mine had a lovely Siamese princess. Her lover was a beautiful, big tomcat who was black and
proud. I could imagine why she fell in love with him. Four beautiful kittens were the result.

I went to see the kittens when they were four weeks old. One adorable tabby kitten looked at me. I heard a
soft meow. I knew he was my special boy. We were meant for each other. Two weeks later Puddie came
home with me. It would have been too soon to separate him from his mother, but the kittens lived in a
garage full of dirt and oil, and I did not dare to leave him there any longer than necessary.

At that time, I had anorexia, a life-threatening illness that takes so many victims. I was looking after my
parents whom I loved. It seems an easy job, but I promise you, it wasn't. I wanted to be a veterinarian but I
couldn't let them down by going away to study. I loved my parents and am still thankful the Lord gave me
the strength to look after them till the end, so they could stay home, surrounded by their beloved angel
animals.

When Daddy died, I was very weak. A few weeks after the funeral I heard a voice. It was Daddy who told
me: "My child, now you have to start fighting or you will be with me much too soon." Suddenly I realized
how ill I was. I promised that I would fight and win. And so I did. I am free of the anorexia devil now. It
was a very hard fight. But I had Puddie and my shorthair collie Karma to help me.

The only reason I survived was because of them, especially my wonderful angel boy, Puddie, who was (and
is) wonderful. He taught me the importance of eating well and how to love myself. He taught me to relax
and take time off to play.

How glad he was when I started gaining weight. He would say to me, "You worry, mummy, but don't you
see how much more you can do already? You feel stronger and happier. What will happen to us if you
aren't there anymore? Please, please eat. I love your lap much more now because it's softer. I have more to
love. And my love is unconditional. Even if you will get fat, I will love you. So stop worrying and lets take
a snack."

I listened to him. I knew he was right. Weight is so unimportant.

Puddie not only saved me but he also saved the life of my mama when she was more than eighty years old.
She was an invalid, and her bed stayed in the living room, so she could always be with us. One night she
fell out of her bed. It should never have happened. At night, we always put a screen around the bed just to
prevent that.

Every night I checked up on mama at five in the morning. That particular night I was woken up at three by
Puddie growling loudly while pulling my covers. I thought he had heard some fox or stray cat prowling in
the surroundings and I wanted to turn back to sleep, but he didn't stop.

Then I got the point and rushed to mama's room. She was lying unconscious on the cold floor. I phoned for
the ambulance at once, and one hour later mama was safe in the hospital. She had many bruises and was in
shock but was not seriously hurt. Only thanks to Puddie it all turned out well. If not for him, mama would
have died on that cold floor.

Indeed, cats are small wonders. Bob, a friend of mine, has diabetes. When he gets into a fit of hypo -- and
often you don't feel that coming when you are asleep -- Pio, his wonderful Siamese, wakes him up. She
won't calm down before her papa has gone downstairs and takes some sugar. It's a fact that dogs can be
especially trained for that purpose to anticipate an epileptic attack. I am sure cats would even do better.

BIO:
I had a lovely youth on a manor of 1800 hectares, where my father was the steward. I loved working on the
land, took long walks with the dogs along the river, went horseback riding and swimming. I was a very
happy child, surrounded by my animal friends. I have always been in close and special contact with them.
They were my most important teachers. They paid attention and worried about me. They taught me the real
value of life.

My cats now are Puddie, my beautiful king-cat, the first of my eight cats, followed by Luckje, Donsje,
Mickje, Chummeke, Daimke, Catje, and Tommeke. I have had thirty years of anorexia and was saved by
the unconditional love of my angel animals. Not all angels have wings.

Now I dedicate my life to helping cats in distress. I write and give information about them, advise people
how to keep their kitties happy, and promote spaying and neutering, one of the most important things to
prevent unhappy cats. It is my profound wish that my new book PURRING ANGELS may help cats by
informing people. Part of the proceeds of will go to kittens in distress.

On our site www.rietkat.be you can read all about us, and if you want to order PURRING ANGELS, you
can do that at www.trafford.com/4dcgi/view-item?item=19980

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

Have cats or other animals taught you what is most important in life? 
 

 

Sometimes a book comes along that we feel we must bring to your attention. Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals by Karen Dawn (Harper, April 29, 2008) is one of those books. It is a successful attempt at bringing information about the animal rights movement into the mainstream world.

The book is colorful, illustrated with cartoons and photos, easy to read, and insightful. If you have ever wondered what exactly are the animal rights issues that get people so emotionally involved, this book gives an overview and lets you decide for yourself what to think and believe.

Dawn writes in the book that her intention is "not to fight with my readers and win the battle for animals rights, and not to force my values on others. The idea, rather, is to tell you everything you wanted to know about animal rights but were afraid to get into a fight about, and to let you weigh that information against your own values. You can decide what practices you find acceptable or not, and how you might avoid supporting what you cannot condone."

Publisher's Weekly gave Dawn's book a starred review and called it a "cogent and thoroughly researched overview of all the major issues in animal rights, past and present." Library Journal called it, "sensitive and informative" and a "highly recommended riveting text." Gloria Steinam writes, "With wisdom and insight. . . [a] bridge between worlds for both the committed and the curious." Actor David Duchovny says, "Give this book to somebody you know who doesn't know." Matthew Scully, author of Dominion, says, "This book is a fast read that can change your life forever."

The author, Karen Dawn, writes the daily e-newsletter DawnWatch that alerts 20,000 readers to coverage of animal issues with information on how to praise or pan the media for its accuracy and attention. She writes opinion pieces for the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post, has hosted her own radio series about animals on Pacifica stations in Houston and Los Angeles, and been a guest on MTV.

What we especially like about this book is that with Karen Dawn's positive track record with the media, she actually has a chance of getting these important messages out into the public. The more we all support her, the larger audiences she can reach. She chose to write in an authentic style and user-friendly presentation that is not preachy or holier-than-thou.

Karen and her publisher are to be commended for presenting hard-to-take information about animal cruelty in medical and cosmetic testing, the abuse of animals for entertainment, and the practical reasons for vegetarian and vegan food choices in ways that will be easier for most people to consider without becoming defensive.

If you have read Karen's book or after you do so, please comment on it, or make comments about today's Story of the Week or the "Something to Think About" section at blog.angelanimals.net (Angel Animals Network Blog), community.beliefnet.com (Angel Pets Fan Club), or seattlepi.com (Reader Blog: Angel Animals). See the
Announcement below for URLs to click and comment on discussion topics and stories. That way, everyone can gain from your insights.

For more information about Karen Dawn's new book and one of the greatest promotional videos you'll ever see, go to www.ThankingtheMonkey.com.

Our Angel Animals Story of the Week published this amazing story about a determined dog name Jessie doing what it takes to save a little girl's life.  Hope you enjoy it.

OUR DOG HERO, JESSIE
by Anna Samarenko

Recently I went on a trip to the states and saw your book ANGEL ANIMALS in the airport. Being an animal lover, I decided to buy it. What a fantastic read. You had me crying and smiling at the same time.

I thought I would also share with you my story of an angel animal who saved a little girl's life.

During the Easter holidays four or five years ago, some family friends came to stay with us for a couple of days. It was a family with two children, the youngest being four years old.

At this time we had a wonderful German shepherd called Jessie. She had started life abandoned.  I had rescued her as a puppy from a shelter when she was four months old.

Jessie not only adored children but was also a very good guard dog. Her favorite activity was pretending to be a lifeguard at our outside pool and barking loudly if anyone stayed underwater for longer than a minute. She had done this for several years, and as soon as someone decided to go swimming, Jessie would be by his or her side. Occasionally and accidentally on purpose she would fall in the pool as she loved to swim herself.

One day the four-year-old girl decided that she was going swimming and didn't tell anyone. She was not able to swim without floatation armbands but she had not put them on. Luckily Jessie was with her. Our dog realized something was wrong when the girl didn't come out of the water for a long time.

Jessie ran into the house. She could open any door with her weight on the door handle. She started barking at the girl's father. He wasn't a great dog lover so told her to be quiet and ignored her.

Jessie realized that this tactic was not going to work, so she bit his trouser leg and pulled him towards her. As she did this, she ripped the bottom of his trousers and ran to the pool with the
cloth in her mouth. The father then chased her outside where he realized his little girl was in trouble.

He dived in and saved her. Only then did he apologize to me about all the names he had called Jessie while chasing her. By then he knew that Jessie had saved his daughter that day.

Jessie truly was God's gift to humans. She was such an amazing animal.

BIO:
Anna Samarenko is twenty-three years old. She is studying equine business management in London and regularly competes in dressage. She has five horses and one rescue dog.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

Has an animal done something unusual that alerted you to a dangerous situation?

We've noticed that our dog Leaf carefully watches the bird, Sunshine, our two cats, Speedy and Cuddles, and both of us to see what is okay and what areas are out of bounds.

The one thing Leaf is not supposed to do is to have his nose, feet, or any part of his body on the coffee table in our living room. Linda repeatedly says NO in a firm voice if he manages to get his nose on the table.  Often either of us is having a snack or hot tea. This motivates Leaf to attempt a close-up sniff.

One evening Leaf was watching as our large, older cat Speedy slowly walked up to the table, sat in front of it, then placed one paw on the edge of the table.  Leaf immediately woofed, ran over to Speedy and moved the cat's paw from the table.  Speedy was startled but did not like being told he was not allowed on the table. He jumped on up and walked across the table, glancing at the dog, while giving a low meow as if to say, "I do what I want."

Leaf's expression looked perplexed. He did not like the double standard. How could he be banned from having his paw or nose on the table but the cat could walk across it?  He looked at Linda and back at Speedy. Then he placed his head down on Allen's lap to apparently think about the unfairness of life.

Do any of the animals in your home have a strong sense of fairness? Do any of them enforce the house rules for other pets?

This week, we had the pleasure of visiting a middle school to speak with the fifth graders about our books and to share animal stories. It was so much fun to watch their faces light up as they told about special pets. They also asked good writing questions such as, "What is your favorite genre?"

One little girl told about how the family had made a mistake by putting a predatory fish in their fish tank. The big one had eaten all but a few of the smaller fish by the time they discovered the tragedy. They watched in awe as one of the medium sized fish nudged the tiniest fish to the bottom of the tank and hid him behind a clump of algae. Then he used his body as a shield to keep the big fish from seeing the little one.

Don't you just love it?

Any fish stories out there? When have you observed fish in an aquarium or in the wild doing some act of kindness or other action you never expected?

We read an article that blew us away with how improbable (impossible) what it described seemed to be. "Here, Kitty, Kitty, Jump Through the Hoop" by Sharon L. Peters, special for USA Today, January 29, 2008 tells about the newest rage in agility contests for cats.

According to Peters there is now an International Cat Agility Tournament that held twenty-five shows at The International Cat Association clubs in the United States and one hundred shows around the world. The cats, just as with dogs, are trained with clicker training which couples a clicking sound followed by a reward when the cat does what a mere human requests.

Even with all the training and treats, some cats who make it into these shows decide to display their independent streaks. Carol Osborne, a certified ringmaster for the shows, recalls a feline who got the nickname Perimeter Cat. When he walked into the ring at the shows, he'd avoid every obstacle. The cat lovers cheered. Here was an independent kitty just like all the ones they know and love.

In these agility events, there have been purebreds, house cats, shelter cats, a blind cat, and a three-legged cat competing.

Have you ever tried to train a cat? How do you coax cats into doing what you want them to do?

There is a lot of controversy that stirs up when animals attempt to reclaim territory that humans have overtaken. All kinds of plans come up for ridding the area of the wild animals who once roamed freely where houses and buildings now occupy. We imagine the animals form a few committees of their own and discuss how to rid the area of human interlopers.

Having "wild" animals live nearby would seem to be something urban dwellers seldom experience. But in the Twin Cities, where we live, is populated by an abundance of rabbits, ducks, geese, deer, squirrels, and birds of all types. It's as if there is a silent agreement between human city folk and the animals to live together in harmony.

Well, somewhat in harmony. City officials spend taxpayers' money figuring out how to get rid of goose poop. Safety officials post signs to warn that deer cross these roads and could cause accidents if cars hit them.

Now that spring is on the horizon, nature's critters are having even more critters. Recently we watched a busy urban highway that had traffic at a standstill. A mother duck and her eight baby ducklings waddled across the street behind her.

It was refreshing to notice that no horns blew, and there were no apparent looks of annoyance from drivers. In fact, mothers pointed to the sight so their children could take a closer look. The traffic delay was treated like a stop at any red light. After the mother and her babies made it across the highway, travel resumed as usual.

A moment in time when humans stopped to give respect to the journey of animals in our midst.

Have you witnessed humans and animals in nature living together harmoniously?
 

This week we read a story in Chuck Shepherd's "News of the Weird" column (March 11, 2008) about a man in Wales who went to jail and trial because the police had placed hidden microphones in his home. The man had been talking out loud to his cats and supposedly made confessions to them about committing the crime. A later
follow-up story reported that the man had not been convicted. The jury believed that his confessions were merely his laments over the fact that the crime had occurred, not admissions of guilt.

The story got us thinking about talking out loud to animals in your home. Of this, we are both guilty. It's not like we constantly jabber about the day's events or problems, but we do converse as if we think they understand or words. It's our understanding that animals, especially dogs, do have quite a large vocabulary of human words that they understand.

That's not why we talk to our pets, though. We do it because it feels natural to speak to family members who share our home. To outsiders it might seem bizarre, but it fits for us.

What about you? Do you talk with your pets? Do they answer?

First published in the Angel Animals Day Brightener Newsletter, March 27, 2004.

DO DOGS UNDERSTAND YOUR FEARS?
By Connie Chang, Singapore

By nature, I am absolutely scared of dogs.  This situation improved after I had a vision appear before me to indicate that during one lifetime, I had been a trapper who was trapped by a wolf.  As the trapper in that lifetime, I had accidentally kicked off the wolf's cage hook, and he attacked and devoured me. Dogs are in the family line of wolves, so this memory explained my fear of dogs.

Once, when I visited London, I was invited to stay at a friend's home in Richmond, which was accessible by the underground train from the city.  My friend lived with her youngest daughter and a pet dog, Angus Scott, in the three-story building.  My friend knew about my fear of dogs and warned that I would have to learn to cope with it if I were to stay with her.

Since staying with my friend would save me a lot of money on hotels, which are pretty expensive in London because of the difference in currencies between there and my home in Singapore, I knew I would have to try to overcome my fears.

My friend's daughter, Vivian, picked up my husband, Cher Min, and me from the airport.  We arrived at their home, and Angus started jumping and barking like crazy.  I spoke to the dog mentally and said, "I am scared of dogs.  Just do not climb all over me." During the entire week of my stay, Angus did not once climb all over me but he did climb on Cher Min all the time.

Angus was so smart.  He understood my fear and tried hard to make friends with me.  And he succeeded!  He always looked at me lovingly, but I dared not respond for fear he might interpret my acceptance as an invitation for him to climb all over me.

One evening Cher Min and I returned home after a day out.  Angus ran to get my bedroom slippers, which I always wear at home.  He held the pair of slippers in his mouth and looked at Cher Min and me for a few seconds.  He was confused.  There was only one pair but two of us.  He then dropped one slipper in front of Cher Min and the other in front of me.

From that point on, Angus took his toys (bones, balls, etc.), and placed them in front of me.  This was his signal that he wanted me to play with him.  So I threw his bones for him to pick up. Then he'd put them in front of me again, and I would repeat the play.

I bought something for him to munch on one day and he looked at me with loving eyes.  Yet he still kept to his promise not to crawl all over me.  But finally I became brave enough to stroke him, and he loved it.  He still took great care not to snuggle against me, though.  He really could read my mind.

Angus has shown me that dogs are really smart creatures.  Though I do not have experiences yet with cats and other animals, I am sure they all have the same ability to understand and love human beings. It is good to be able to communicate with animals.  You can tell them all your problems, share joys and sorrows, and they will not
betray you but only give you plenty of divine love.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
When has an animal helped you to overcome a fear?

We would like your thoughts on the topic of pets, dating, and gaining friendships based on how the pet views the person.

Blog Questions:

--Have you ever had to choose between a dog, cat, or other pet, and a potential mate? Why did you have to make this choice? Were you able to make compromises?

--Has a dog, cat, or other pet let you know that someone you thought you wanted to date, get serious about, or marry really wasn't right for you? Or wasn't a person to trust with your heart? What happened? Was the animal right about this person?

We're hoping this discussion will help more people understand the benefits of sharing their homes and their lives with an animal companion.

We read with interest an article, "What Is the Cognitive Rift Between Humans and Other Animals?" in Science Daily (Feb. 17, 2008). It is about a Harvard University scientist who found four key differences between how humans and animals think. Marc Hauser, professor in several disciplines at Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences presented his theory of "humaniqueness" at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Several of Dr. Hauser's differences caught our attention and made us wonder if he had lived with pets or only studied them under research conditions. Maybe he's done both. We don't know.

Dr. Hauser contrasted humans to other animals by saying that animals have "laser beam" intelligence. They use a specific solution for a specific problem but don't apply the solution to new situations or different types of problems.

He hasn't met our cocker spaniel Leaf. This little guy is a master at problem solving and strategizing. We have bought a variety of kongs (those solid, rubber toys in which you can insert goodies such as bananas or other great-smelling food). We fill the kongs, close them up tightly, and freeze them.

After we give each kong to Leaf, he must figure out how to solve the puzzle of opening it and retrieving the treats. This takes a blessedly long time and diverts his attention from whatever else he might be craving, such as the food we are eating for dinner.

The kongs are constructed differently. Some only have a top opening. Some have both a top and bottom opening. Others split in half and screw open. They also vary in shape.

We have seen Leaf apply any number of strategies to opening the kongs. He has relationships with them. He'll growl as if to say, "You'd better open up or I'll make you miserable." Then he'll switch to sweet-talk and kissing it in his version of good cop-bad cop.

He'll bounce them down the steps to loosen whatever is inside. He'll roll them and make the twisted-together parts break open. He'll wait until the food inside starts to thaw and then tackle the kong with vigor. He'll push the kong around with his nose, bat it with his paws, lick it with his tongue. He applies each of these strategies to the different kongs until he finds the right combinations.

So, Dr. Hauser, we beg to differ with your conclusions about at least one of your four distinguishing features of human vs. animal cognition. Our dog applies a variety of strategies to a variety of situations.

What do you think? Have you seen an animal use strategy to solve one problem and then apply it to a new and different situation?

The Shambala Preserve made the national news a month ago. A resident lion had attacked one of the professional animal caretakers there. We were glad to read that the man had recovered and continued his work at the preserve. This incident was unusual. We know how careful Tippi Hedren, Shambala's founder, is about being sure her staff is trained to handle, feed, and care for the big cats. Evidently, after the incident they put some new procedures into place that would prevent future accidents.
 
We have long admired the humanitarian work and animal activism Tippi Hedren does by rescuing animals that are cast-offs from private owners, zoos, and circuses. Some of Shambala's residents include lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, mountain lions.
 
The Shambala Preserve and the Roar Foundation, a charitable organization that Tippi established in 1983, has done tremendous work in increasing the public's knowledge about wildlife. Tippi works tirelessly by promoting legislation that would prevent the sale and trading of wild animals who were never meant by Nature to be domesticated. 
 
We had the opportunity to interview Tippi Hedren for our book Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster. While we were star-stuck to be talking with movie legend and effective animal activist, after an hour into the interview she had not mentioned her movie career, her many awards, and the she honors she has received for her lifetime of humanitarian work. Instead she focused on the animals who had inspired her to devote thirty years to saving as many of their lives as possible.

Tippi repeatedly stressed that wild animals are not pets. In fact, she refuses to be photographed with the animals at the preserve so as not to convey the message that they are anything other than dangerous predators.
 
One of our favorite portions of the interview with Tippi came about when we asked her what Shambala means. She said that a woman who helped her with the tedious job of putting the nonprofit foundation together gave her a gift by telling her the name of the preserve could be a Sanskrit word, Shambala, which means "a meeting place of peace and harmony for all beings, animal and human." Tippi said, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if our world were like that?"

Wouldn't it, indeed?

If you are interested in learning more about the wonderful work of Shambala Preserve and Tippi Hedren, visit www.shambala.org.
 
What are your thoughts on people attempting to make pets out of those cute little lion and tiger cubs only to discard them when the animals grow up?

A friend of ours sent us the video below. From the report that accompanied it, Santa Barbara, California's mayor filmed this the clip.

The story behind it (and this could be an urban legend, but it looked real to us), a homeless man in Santa Barbara had a cat and dog for his family. He would walk one of the streets everyday, looking for donations.

To prevent his cat from having to walk too much, the man made a harness that enabled the cat to ride on top of the dog. Then a white rat decided to get into the act. The rat started riding on top of the cat. As the dog, cat, rat, and homeless man go for a stroll, it is a sight to behold.

The video is hilarious but also has a serious point. If only the human kingdom could get along as well as these different species in the animal kingdom that aren't supposed to be able to tolerate each other.

What do you think? Are there animals you have seen who demonstrate what it means to live together peacefully in spite of differences?

Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuuesBhOR9g to view these amazing angel animals.

 

In what has to be described as a massive day-brightener of a news story by Gwen Knapp, the San Francisco Chronicle reported on an NFL Raider's special teams football player, Jarrod Cooper, and how he got hooked on animal rescue.

The article wasn't a horror story like the Michael Vick case or a saga of drug abuse, although Cooper did get suspended for a while because he had a positive steroid test. Instead the article gleefully reported on Cooper's newly found dedication to the Oakland Animal Shelter (www.oaklandanimalservices.org/indexp.php).

While on suspension from his team, Cooper decided to volunteer at the shelter. Although he arrived in a nice car and sported bulging biceps and tattoos, he seemed to be like any other volunteer. No one recognized him as an NFL professional athlete.

By the time he returned to the team after suspension, Cooper had not only become hooked on giving, he had taken on the mission of rehabilitating the most abused and meanest animals at the shelter. He is quoted as saying,  "When I first came here, I'd see a mean dog, I'd say what's wrong with that dog? And now if I would see a mean dog, I think, 'Who did that to this animal? The dogs only do what you train them to do.'"

The article explains other projects that have grown out of or were given a boost by Cooper's devotion to animal welfare, including his work with BADRAP, a charity that promotes good treatment for pit bulls. (www.badrap.org/rescue/).

One of the most touching effects of Cooper's conversion is what volunteerism has done for him. Animal shelter work became therapy. He had been heading in a destructive direction. He says, "You know when the Grinch had a small heart, and then his heart grew big? You do lose your way once you're in the NFL for a while. Your sense of reality starts to get a little skewed. . . .Helping people, it just kind of opened me up, made me have a little more feelings."

The photos accompanying the article are priceless. Cooper cleans stalls, walks and feeds dogs, and does the grunt work. In addition he donates money to construct outdoor kennels to enable the dogs can get more fresh air and sunshine. He also underwrites a workshop for training shelter dogs that won't make good pets so they can become search-and-rescue or cattle-herding dogs.

To read the article and see the photos, go to http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2008/02/05/SPG6URQ3V.DTL.

Here's video of Jarrod Cooper from MySpaceTV: (http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=25528232)

Jarrod Cooper - Oakland Animal Shelter

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Does this give you any ideas for taking a rudderless individual (or yourself) to a shelter for some animal healing therapy?

We were talking to someone this week about a terrific but little-known relief for migraine headaches -- a cat's purr.

In our book ANGEL CATS, we wrote about a study by Elizabeth von Muggenthaler. She's a bioacoustics specialist at Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina. This researcher found that a cat's purr is within the frequency range of 25 to 40 cycles per second (Hz). Exposure to 20 to 50 Hz frequencies increases bone density, relieves pain, and heals muscles.

There are people who claim that if they have a migraine, and a purring cat lies next to their head, it relieves the headache.

Go to this great video clip to listen to a cat's purr -- one of nature's most beautiful sounds: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeD6RlRSr8M

Have you ever found healing through a cat's purr?

      Brewster the Sleepy Cat with the Big Purr!

As we watch the television coverage of the presidential elections and read the newspapers articles and editorials, we often wonder which candidates care about animals.
 
The January 17, 2008 issue of Kinship Circle Newsletter (www.kinshipcircle.org) presented valuable information about who would potentially be an animal friendly administration.  This blog gives you an overview of the candidates, their history in the area of animal protection, and their statements on the topic of pets.
 
 
Senator Hillary Clinton
 
In the current session of Congress, Senator Hillary Clinton was a co-sponsor of legislation dealing with horse slaughter and animal fighting, and she previously co-sponsored legislation to stop the processing of “downer” livestock and to crack down on abusive puppy mills where dogs are treated like production machines  She led efforts in the 108th and 109th Congresses to stop the overuse of antibiotics in farm animals, which allow them to be crammed in overcrowded, stressful, unsanitary conditions on factory farms.  She had a perfect 100 percent score on the Humane Scorecard in the 108th and 109th Congresses.
 
Source:
The Presidential Files: Discussing the Donkeys by Michael Markarian http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/01/donkeys.html

Visit Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) Scorecard at www.fund.org/humanescorecard/

Note: Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. Michael Markarian is the president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that lobbies for animal welfare legislation and works to elect humane-minded candidates to public office.
 
 
Senator Barack Obama
 
In the current session of Congress, Senator Barack Obama was a co-sponsor of measures to stop horse slaughter, upgrade the penalties for animal fighting, and crack down on dogfighting.  Senator Obama has had a strong record for animals in both the Illinois State Senate and the U.S. Senate. Read more about his responses to the Humane Society Legislative Fund’s questionnaire in Michael Markarian’s longer entry, “Barack Obama and the Dog-acity of Hope
 
In his Humane Society of the United States questionnaire response, Senator Obama pledges support for nearly every animal protection bill currently pending in Congress, and says he will work with executive agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make their policies more humane.

Senator Obama on links between animal cruelty and violence in society:
"I've repeatedly voted to increase penalties for animal cruelty and violence and, importantly, to require psychological counseling for those who engage in this behavior... In addition to being unacceptable in its own stead, violence towards animals is linked with violent behavior in general, especially domestic violence... As president, I'd continue to make sure that we treat animal cruelty like the serious crime it is and address its connection to broader patterns of violence."

As Illinois State Senator:
Voted for at least a dozen animal protection laws that came up during that time. Supported measures: To allow creation of pet trusts for long-term care of companion animals; to upgrade penalties for cruelty to animals; to require psychological counseling for people who abuse animals; to require veterinarians report suspected acts of cruelty and animal fighting; to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption...

As U.S. Senator:
Voted to end federal funding of horse slaughter in 2005. Currently a co-sponsor of new legislation to stop horse slaughter and export of horses for human consumption. Co-sponsored legislation to upgrade federal penalties for dogfighting and cockfighting. Co-sponsor of new legislation to ban possession of fighting dogs and being a spectator at a dogfight. Signed  letter requesting increased funds for enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, and federal animal fighting law. Sent  letter to National Zoo expressing concern for the care of Toni the elephant.

SOURCE:
The Presidential Files: Barack Obama and the Dog-acity of Hope
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2007/12/the-president-3.html

INFORMATION:
READ MORE: http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2007/12/the-president-3.html

Animal Rights Advocates for Obama
http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/AnimalRightsAdvocatesforObama

Governor Mike Huckabee
 
During Huckabee’s administration:
Arkansas lawmakers tried to pass legislation upgrading the state’s anti-cruelty law from misdemeanor to felony... They received no help from the governor, and were unsuccessful every time. Stymied by the legislative process, animal advocates collected signatures to place an anti-cruelty and anti-cockfighting measure on the statewide ballot in 2002.
 
All that came from Huckabee during the ballot campaign was a deafening silence. The measure went down in flames, largely because of a campaign run by the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Ducks Unlimited -- groups with which Huckabee associates himself -- falsely claiming this modest proposal to upgrade penalties for animal cruelty would have adversely impacted hunting, fishing, farming, and other Arkansas traditions...

Huckabee’s pandering to the sport hunting lobby:
November television ad in Iowa featured action star Chuck Norris, who stated, “Mike Huckabee is a lifelong hunter…” During a speech to the NRA in September, Huckabee...talked about shooting a bullet that was guided by angels to pierce an antelope, and exclaimed, “I’m pretty sure there will be duck hunting in heaven, and I can’t wait.” [Huckabee spent Christmas Day killing tame pheasants].

SOURCE:
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2007/12/the-presidentia.html

INFORMATION:
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2007/12/the-presidentia.html
 

Senator John McCain
 
In the U.S. Senate:
Senator McCain has been a strong supporter of numerous animal welfare issues, earning scores of up to 75 percent on the Humane Scorecard. Voted for and co-sponsored legislation to stop horse slaughter. Voted to eliminate a $2 million subsidy for the mink industry. Co-sponsored bills to stop interstate shipment of birds for cockfighting and to stop poaching of bears by ending trade in their gall bladders and other viscera.

He took an anti-animal position by supporting an amendment to the California Desert Protection Act which would have allowed sport hunting in the Mojave National Park. A leader in effort to stop global warming. Opposes drilling for oil in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge...

SOURCE:
The Presidential Files: Evaluating the Elephants
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/01/elephants.html

INFORMATION:
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/01/elephants.html

Governor Mitt Romney
 
Romney’s infamous 1983 vacation:
Romney attracted the ire of animal advocates when they learned that during a 1983 vacation, he put the family’s Irish setter, Seamus, in a carrier and strapped him to the roof rack of the station wagon. When the terrified dog urinated and defecated during the 12-hour drive, Romney pulled over, hosed down the dog, and continued the voyage from Boston to Ontario.

As chief executive of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City:
Romney also came under fire from animal protection groups for allowing a rodeo exhibition that included calf roping.

His term as governor:
Appointed a raft of animal-unfriendly people to the state Fisheries and Wildlife Board. He did, however, sign a bill passed in 2006 to strengthen the Massachusetts animal fighting law and prevent a convicted animal abuser from getting the animal back.

SOURCE:
The Presidential Files: Evaluating the Elephants
 http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/01/elephants.html

INFORMATION:
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/01/elephants.html

Congressman Ron Paul

His Record in Congress:

Driven by attitude that the federal government should not play a role in protecting animals from cruelty. Rep. Paul one of only 31 members of U.S.  House of Representatives who voted against every single animal protection measure that came up for a vote in 2007.

Voted in March to keep federal penalties weak for dogfighting and cockfighting... Voted in April against restoring decades-old protections for wild horses and burros, instead opting to let them be sold for commercial slaughter. Voted in June to allow wealthy American trophy hunters to shoot polar bears in the Arctic and bring their heads and hides back home...

It hasn't always been this way for Ron Paul:
Voted, several years ago, to cut funding for lethal predator control, trapping on national wildlife refuges, and trophy hunting programs in foreign countries. But...libertarians like Paul don't want to see laws enacted that restrict personal behavior, even if that behavior may involve dogfighting or eating mustangs.

SOURCE:
The Presidential Files: Ron Paul and Michael Vick
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2007/12/ron-paul.html

INFORMATION:
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2007/12/ron-paul.html

 

People we’ve met often come up to us in social settings and tell us stories about their special pets.  The great majority of time, the stories are uplifting and filled with love and respect for beloved animal companion. 
 
Sometimes, though, what someone thinks is funny or acceptable falls short, in our opinion. For example, an acquaintance started talking about the cat who was his “best friend” and helped him through a very difficult time in his life.
 
He explained how one day, out of the blue, while he was walking down a city street, this stray cat jumped into his arms.  The cat would not let go of him.  He took the cat home, fed him, and found the cat to be very loving and affectionate.  The cat's warm companionship became very important to him during a time of emotional turmoil in his life.  He claimed that the cat was his "best friend" while he spent a year working though all the difficult problems. 
 
We were listening attentively, nodding our heads, understanding how deep and abiding the connection is between a pet and a person, especially during tough time. Then without blinking an eye, the man said, "I decided to move to another city so I took the cat to the shelter because I couldn’t take him with me." 
 
We wanted to ask why.  We wanted to say something about the options of finding a family, a safe home for your “best friend,” or take a chance and bringing your pet with you on your move.  We wanted to say this cat helped you so much.  Why did you dump him at the shelter?
 
The deed had already been done. We did not know all the circumstances of the man's situation or his ability to take care of the cat. We suspected he had little or no understanding of what might happen to an older cat at a typical (not no-kill) shelter if he wasn't adopted.

With these thoughts in mind, we exchanged glances and decided not to condemn or berate him. It was tough and tempting, but we held our tongues. It's an uncomfortable situation that we haven't figured out how to handle gracefully. Maybe we're too "Minnesota Nice."
 
People also sometimes send us images and photographs of what they think are funny photos or video clips of animals. Often the images are nothing less than cruel.  In the name of "art," cats are painted blue. Animals are made to do tricks or put into situations where they're obviously frightened or miserable. So what some people consider to be funny has also turned into a situation that we either have to ignore or comment on.
 
What do you do when someone, especially a friend or relative who would take offense at being judged, tells you a story or sends you an animal image that you find offensive? How do you handle it?