Angel Animals Network

Photos from THE CATS I LEARNED TO LOVE, PART 1

2012-05-12T16:55:59Z

Angel Animals Story of the Week

"The Cats I Learned To Love"

By Catherine Terzian

Part 1

Lucy

Cleo

To read Catherine's story visit http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals/mindex/angelanimals@20380101.000000.00000000.en.html

THE CAT THAT LEFT HIS IMPRINT

2012-04-21T23:35:19Z

THE CAT THAT LEFT HIS IMPRINT

By Terry Loncaric

Jonathan

Visit angelanimals.net and click Newsletter to read Terry Loncaric's story.

What's That TV Crew Doing in My Living Room?

2012-04-01T20:21:00Z

Allen & Linda Anderson

Award-Winning Authors and Speakers

TALK TOPIC

What's That TV Crew Doing in My Living Room?

A married couple who overcame the odds and became successful pet book authors share how being a golden team can make you newsworthy.

Short Description of Talk:

Individually or as a dynamic couple, Allen and Linda Anderson present their unusual, often-hilarious journey to becoming internationally and locally newsworthy. They share entertaining, enlightening, heart opening, and sometimes, harrowing personal experiences and insights from their offbeat road to becoming best-selling and award-winning animal book authors. With true cat, dog, horse, and other animal stories they have collected over the years, from around the world, they inspire audiences to overcome obstacles and value all of life's teachers. Allen and Linda show everyone that if the Andersons can do it, anyone can follow their dreams. Pet enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and people of any age or profession will appreciate what Allen and Linda say about teamwork and partnership and living the unexpected life while juggling love, marriage, financial dips, pets, purpose, courage, fear, and health challenges. They show how to get it together (or look like you did) when you're not cool at all.

ABOUT ALLEN AND LINDA ANDERSON

In 1996, Allen and Linda Anderson founded the Angel Animals Network (www.angelanimals.net) to share the benefits and complexities of human-animal companionship. Since then, they have written a popular series of thirteen books (working on the 14th) about the human-animal bond, published by New World Library. Their work has been featured on national and local television and radio programs and newspapers, in national wire service articles, Canadian and British newspapers, and BBC radio. Several of the Andersons’ books are translated into foreign languages, and their books are also sold internationally.

The Andersons' books have been recommended on NBC’s The Today Show and ABC’s Nightly News with Peter Jennings and listed in Amazon.com’s “Hot 100” and Barnes & Noble’s “Top 10, What America Is Reading.” They have been featured in USA Today and the Washington Post, Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, KARE 11 Extra, Showcase Minnesota, and WCCO, KSTP, and Fox 9 news shows. Stories from their books were reenacted on The Montel Show and Animal Planet. RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster won the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) Outstanding Book Award. They are contributing authors to Beliefnet.com, ivillage.com, and Awareness Magazine with the regular column “Pet Corner”.

Celebrities who have endorsed orcontributed stories and quotes for the Andersons' books include New York Times best-selling author Rory Freedman as well as Betty White, Gretchen Wyler, Carson Kressley, Joe Mantegna, Molly Sims, Rue McLanahan, Willard Scott, Brigitte Bardot, Tiffani Thiessen, Tippi Hedren, Richard Simmons, a US Senator, Dr. Allen Schoen, DVM, Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, and Dee Wallace, among others.

Allen and Linda Anderson were recipients of a Certificate of Commendation from Governor Tim Pawlenty in recognition of their contributions as authors enhancing the economy and welfare of the state of Minnesota.

The Andersons' speaking engagements include the American Veterinary Medical Association's convention in New Orleans, the Minnesota Veterinary Technician's convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and numerous Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, churches, fundraisers for animal shelters, and civic groups. They specialize in consulting with businesses on making products and services pet-friendly to maximize reach into the market of two out of three American homes that have pets as family members.

Visit http://www.angelanimals.net/speakers.html for details.

Allen and Linda Anderson

ANGEL ANIMALS NETWORK - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

Endorsements for Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort After Losing Your Pet by Allen and Linda Anderson (New World Library, 2008).

2012-04-01T20:19:15Z

“Allen and Linda Anderson’s book gives us permission to acknowledge the intense bond we have with our animal companions and the deep loss we can experience after their deaths. It provides helpful stories, exercises, and memorial services respecting a variety of beliefs. Infused with kindness, their work offers us help, hope, and a rainbow during the storm. I have learned from it and will celebrate and share it.”

--The Reverend Mary Piper, Episcopal priest and chaplain, cofounder of the pet loss support program at Heart of the Valley Humane Society in Bozeman, Montana

“This masterful and beautiful book is rich with wisdom, inspiration, and sound advice. With sensitivity and compassion as well as practical information, the Andersons gently and deftly guide us through the complex labyrinth of emotions associated with grief. I highly recommend this thoughtful, illuminating, and comforting book.”

--Diane Pomerance, PhD, creator and director of the Pet Grief Counseling Program, SPCA of Texas, and author of When Your Pet Dies

“As a veterinary medical correspondent and lifetime pet lover, I believe in both the power of pets and the power of stories to heal. This book. . .offers a wide range of healing activities, wise information, compassionate reflection, and practical help for honoring and memorializing the life of your pet.”

--Dr. Marty Becker, resident veterinarian on ABC’s Good Morning America and author of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul

“Let me say this about Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: I love it. I treasure it. The Andersons have left no question unposed, no conflict bypassed, no reflection unacknowledged. If you are facing or have faced the loss of a beloved animal friend, let this book be your companion and your comfort. There exists no better exploration of this landscape of loss.”

--Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Animals as Teachers and Healers and Why Buffalo Dance

“In this latest offering, the Andersons prove themselves to be the very angels and divine messengers of hope they write about in their Angel Animals series. Helping readers understand and successfully navigate the turbulent waters of grief, they remind us that the bond of love between a human soul and an animal soul is never broken and that the spiritual connection that binds us with a beloved animal never dies. Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals is fine reading for those who seek to better understand the agony of pet loss and priceless gift of compassion and love for anyone anticipating or coping with the loss of a cherished animal companion.”

--Marty Tousley, certified hospice bereavement counselor specializing in pet loss and author of Children and Pet Loss and The Final Farewell

“Allen and Linda Anderson care about those who have experienced loss. With warmth and sincerity, they provide many suggestions and resources to help you through the healing process. Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals inspires and brings comfort to anyone who has lost a beloved animal companion."

--Niki Behrikis Shanahan, author of The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven’s Gain and There Is Eternal Life for Animals

"I especially appreciated this book's [Saying Goodbye] consistent message that animals are sentient beings who we can communicate with in meaningful ways both before and after their deaths."

--Species Link Magazine, Winter 2009

"In this wise and comforting guide to pet loss, [Saying Goodbye] the authors, well known for their "Angel Animals" anthologies, have written a simple and heartfelt examination of what to expect when faced with the death of a beloved pet."

--Sally Rosenthal, Best Friends Magazine, January/February 2009

Allen and Linda Anderson

ANGEL ANIMALS NETWORK - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

Advice for Pet Owners -- Featuring Linda Anderson

2012-04-01T20:18:19Z

Advice for Pet Owners -- Network News

Linda Anderson

Author and co-founder of Angel Animals Network

Wednesday, October 8, 2008; 12:00 PM

Linda Anderson helps animal lovers address the emotional turmoil and unhappiness that comes with the loss of a pet in her co-authored book "Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort After Losing a Pet."

Anderson and her husband, Allen, are the founders of Angel Animals Network, an organization dedicated to helping people discover and benefit from the powers of animals. The Andersons are also the authors of "Rescued: Saving Animals From Disaster," "God's Messengers: What Animals Teach Us About the Divine" and several other publications. She was online Wednesday, Oct. 8, at noon ET to answer questions.

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Linda Anderson: Pet loss may be one of the most debilitating experiences you have had. You probably never expected it to hurt as much as it does. The grief is often compounded by people who underestimate depth and length of your need to mourn and who make comments that are hurtful. Dealing with pet loss makes us face death closeup, in our own homes. It opens us to questions about the afterlife and whether we'll see our dear friend again. For children in the family it's often their first exposure to death. You may feel at a loss for how to answer their questions, especially when you're still vulnerable. The other animals in your family are also grieving. How to help them? Let's take this journey together today. We've all been there. We all understand.

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Norfolk, Va.: We just lost our second of two English Cockers, both from chronic and devastating diseases -- diabetes and liver cancer. Are certain breeds susceptible to these horrendous diseases and what is the best source to identify these breeds? The usual books and Web sites seem to gloss over species health issues. And what part should breeder have in improving the health of their breeds?

Linda Anderson: To have two losses like you've experienced is very emotionally draining. It's no wonder that you want to research more about breeds and the diseases they are prone to have. There are three sources you could try. First, ask your veterinarian about the breed. Most of them are knowledgeable because they see the animals who consistently suffer from certain diseases. Second, go online and research the groups that form around various breeds. They often have Q&A and FAQ that allow you to get some hands-on information. English Cocker Spaniel Club of America Inc., www.ecsca.org is an example. Third, check with organizations that rescue the type of breed you are researching. They, too, are very knowledgeable. And yes, responsible breeders are careful about health issues.

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Fort Bragg, Calif.: My lovely Lily, a 15-year-old Siamese, is dying. I try to be certain she has fresh water and just a bit of her favorite tuna...although her appetite has slowed down to almost nothing. I just don't know what else to do. When I fuss too much over her, she haltingly walks away. She still enjoys a morning sniff in the front yard with a small crunch of grass. Even though she's becoming weaker each day, I still find her waiting for me upstairs when I get up in the morning. I have to take a occasional break just to emotionally get through this yet i feel so guilty that I'm not doing more. Lily doesn't seem to be in any pain; she still gives me a weak purr and and yet I can't help wondering if there's anything I'm overlooking.

Linda Anderson: Lily has a dear friend in you. I'm sure she appreciates all the loving care you are giving to her. You are making her comfortable and keeping up with her routines as much as possible. Those things help her not be stressed. You might check out the information on The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets, founded by Kathryn Marocchino (http://pethospice.org) Pet hospice is an area that is growing now that most people view pets as family members. And as you say, give yourself a break from the sadness of saying goodbye to Lily. Know that her love and spirit will always be near.

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Dumfries, Va.: I lost my beloved dog in 2006 after 18 years. I believe he's in Heaven. Do you?

Linda Anderson: I actually do believe this is true. Only the physical body is gone. The spirit lives on and of course, the love you shared will never die. Sometimes people see the animal in a vivid dream and are reassured that the pet is okay. So pay attention to your dreams!

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Ashaway, R.I.: We went on a vacation and had a pet sitter living in our house to care for our two beloved cats. She left one of them outside either to freeze or starve to death. I can't get over how Pumpkin must have suffered, especially seeing all of his scratches on the doors and the places where light shows on the porch. I can hardly stand the pain. Please help me.

Linda Anderson: The guilt and regret you are feeling now is a natural part of the grieving process after pet loss. Yours is increased because of the circumstances with an irresponsible pet sitter. Try to reassure yourself that you did the best you could in this situation. No doubt, with how much you love your cats, you were careful about hiring this person and had no idea something like this would happen. Also, it may sound odd, but it's helped many people, consider writing a letter to Pumpkin. Pour out your feelings of regret and express your love and longing for him. Keep writing these letters for awhile until you start to remember the good times and aren't feeling as sad. You can place these letters with photos in a special memorial box. Know that Pumpkin loves you and wants you to be happy again. Give yourself the time and space to mourn him.

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MOCKSVILLE, N.C.: My true 'best friend,' my 16-year-old long-haired chihuahua passed away three months ago while I was visiting my children in Arizona. My husband said he found him unresponsive in his favorite sleeping place early in the morning, four days before I was due home. I can't get anything done around the house, I'm even unable to unpack my luggage from that trip. All I can think of is my Freddy, who was born in the same litter as his sister, Mary. I still have Mary and two other chihuahuas, Tucker and Duke. Mary is now blind, but I seem to need to hold her constantly in my arms and on my lap. Freddy never ever left my side during his entire life. He followed me everywhere and my new husband seemed jealeous about him. I wonder if Freddy died from lonliness, thinking I wasn't coming back. Is that possible? I was gone only 11 days. How do I go on and stop this continual crying all times of the day and crying myself to sleep at night? I miss him so very, very much and really wonder if my husband might have taken the opportunity that I was absent from the home and did something to him. Freddy was the picture of health and extremely alert. He did have a seizure about six months before passing. Please help me sort out my thoughts! Thank you so very much.

Linda Anderson: Please accept my condelences over your loss of Freddy. An animal who has been such a close companion will be sorely missed. Two things come to mind to help you sort it out. First, we have received many stories of pets who died while their most beloved human was away. It seems that they sense how hurt you will be and try to spare you the pain by leaving when you are not physically present. This happens a lot! Second, this is a good time to sort out what emotional needs Freddy was filling for you and to see if you can meet those needs in other ways. Perhaps it's a conversation you could have with your husband. He probably feels bad about Freddy dying on his watch, too.

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St. Louis, Mo.: Hi. What's the best way to comfort your pet when its best buddy passes away? I have two dogs and am left with one very sad pup.

Linda Anderson: There are several things you can do. It might sound unusual, but sit down with the surviving pet and tell him/her everything that happened as if you were explaining it to a child. Don't change the pet's routines. When he/she is playing or perking up, reward with affection and your attention. If it's possible, consider another animal companion, preferably younger than the survivor. That's worked for us in most cases but not every time. Each animal is individual. You'll know if the pet would relish a new relationship after the initial getting-used-to period.

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Canada: Good morning: I lost my cat who was about 14 years old last week -- she was very healthy for her age -- until last week when she began to show signs of not being well and then deteriorated very quickly, we ended up having to put her down, and I am so sad. I miss her more than I ever thought I would, and I'm beginning to feel guilty and wondering if there is anything I could have or should have done differently... I find myself fighting tears at work... Do you have any advice as to how to get through this difficult period? Thank you.

Linda Anderson: When you've had a pet for a long time, you are losing one of your very best friends at her death. Understand that you are going through the process of grieving. It's messy. It lasts as long as it lasts. The feelings of guilt and regret are actually part of the healing. Try making a list of everything you did to show your pet that you loved her. Then read it over. You'll know that you gave your very best and your pet appreciated it. Try talking with people who understand. Don't talk about this with people who are insensitive. Take care of yourself in all the self-care ways that work for you.

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Washington, D.C.: Our cat just passed away at home a few days back but our family is racked with guilt because he was clearly ill (he had come home from the hospital just a few days) but our doctors said that he was ill but felt it best for him to recover at home. He died in his favorite place and we were with him at the end but we are really ill at the thought that he suffered at the end (we would have preferred he be put to sleep without any pain). Our doctors have told us that he did not suffer from pain (he was suffering from renal failure) but this doesn't ameloriate the pain at all -- we cared for him so much but I feel like I failed him in the end. How can we move forward?

Linda Anderson: Your doctor was wise to tell you to take the cat home. Cats get very stressed out when they are out of their familiar territory. What a blessing that he passed away with his family and comforted by your love! You absolutely did the right thing and have no reason for regret, especially since he wasn't in pain. Take time now to remember the cat and have a memorial service for him. Invite family and friends who knew him. This will help you find the peace your need.

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Southwest Pa.: How do you help the other pets in your house greive? I lost the older of my two cats, Choo Choo, this past Sunday. He died here at home. I'd heard from several sources in recent years that it helps the surviving pet to see the dead pet's body. So I showed Choo Choo's body to my younger cat, Booker, who very gently stroked Choo Choo's paw twice. It's clear to me that he knows his buddy is dead. Booker has been hanging around me -- it's helping me grieve. He seems okay, except that sometimes he sits and looks like he's wondering what to do with himself now that his friend of several years is gone. Is there something I can do for him?

Linda Anderson: Booker seems to be handling Choo Choo's passing well. As long as he's still eating and not doing anything destructive, he's on a good track for healing and recovery. It's wonderful that he's helping you to grieve. Showing him Choo Choo's body is one of the best things you could have done for him. He gets the scent and understands instinctively that Booker is gone. Now, continue to be patient with him and yourself as you both take time to mourn Choo Choo.

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Ashburn, Va. : How do you help children deal with the loss of a pet, when you're hurting and trying to deal with the loss yourself?

Linda Anderson: Children deal with their feelings and with death differently than adults. One of the best things you can do is to ask the child to sit with you and draw pictures of the pet and their life together. This will help your child begin to talk and express emotions. Questions will arise. Don't use euphemisms, e.g. Fluffy went to sleep. It scares children about going to sleep. Answer with age-appropriate answers. "Fluffy is gone. He's not coming back here. He was sick. We miss him very much."

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Washington, D.C.: I love all dogs and have two little ones. The thing about little dogs is that generally they live longer than big dogs. It's like you can postpone the inevitable. Having been through this, I can say that nothing compares to the sadness of losing a dog.

However, large or small, the thought of their death would never keep me from the joy they bring to life every day!

Linda Anderson: You make a great point. Although their lifespans are so much shorter than ours, would we really want to give up all the joy they bring? I know I wouldn't!

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Westfield, N.J.: My 17-year-old cat was diagnosed last week with a probable brain tumor, which has been causing seizures (about 8 seizures in the last 10 days). The vet has put her on an anti-seizure medication -- which isn't working too well so far -- and says that's all he can really do beyond extremely expensive treatment that he doesn't recommend. She doesn't seem to be in pain, but is somewhat disoriented (probably from the medication) and generally doesn't seem very happy. I'm trying to decide what's best for her, but it's so hard... I don't want to keep her alive just so I'll feel better, but also don't want to have her put down prematurely in case the medicine kicks in and she improves. Any advice?

Linda Anderson: My first instinct is that if she is not in pain, follow your vet's advice and be patient. It's always amazed me at how well animals communicate that it's time for them to go. From what you've said, you're not getting indications from her that she wants to leave yet other than the disorientation. If she begins to suffer and it's clearly she who is unhappy, you can consider next steps. Again, talk with your vet if you have a good relationship and trust his/her judgment. You will know what to do.

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Rochester, N.Y.: Thank you for the work you do. In the last year, I had to leave my beloved dog in a place that was very good for him but dangerous for myself. He was treated like gold. But I had to leave for my own safety and couldn't take him with me. I wanted to go back to get him later but it wasn't possible. I know it was the right thing to do, and know he understands but how can I heal this pain of leaving someone I loved dearly. How can I get past the pain of leaving him?

Linda Anderson: Your grief sounds as if it is compounded by the other circumstances that caused you to have to do what was best for the pet and for yourself. This is known as complicated grieving. It's tied in with the other losses you're experiencing. As you sort through the layers of pain, hopefully with professional help, the feelings you have about your dog will also start to heal. As long as you know the dog is safe, you also know you did the best you could. If there is any way for you to volunteer at an animal shelter, it will give you an outlet for the love you want to express and receive. They always need dog-walkers and people to help reassure the dogs that not all humans will hurt them. Rescued dogs, cats, etc. rescue us.

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Nokomis, Fla.: Do you think that the person from CA will have to take Lily, her precious cat, to the vet to be put down or should she just let her die slowly at home?

Linda Anderson: Some vets now do home visits for euthanization. If Lily begins to suffer and takes a turn for the worse, this may be an option for her. I'm in favor of a home visit for this procedure, because it's less stressful for the animals and the humans can spend all the time they need in comfortable surroundings while they process what has happened.

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Sudbury, Ontario Canada: My concern is for my daughter who is about to lose her friend and dear companion of 17 years. Her beautiful Burmese cat "Elmo" He is very ill. In dreams he has told her that he's staying around only for her. He feels compelled to stay in a painful body because he knows it would be very hard for her. How can I help her learn to let him go? ...she is almost there but not quite. Thank you for your help.

Linda Anderson: Your concern is well-taken. Animals will definitely stay for us long after they would have chosen to make the transition from life to afterlife. Dreams are a powerful way that animal souls communicate with humans. In dreams the mental censors are mercifully silenced for awhile and the person is more spiritually open to soul-to-soul communication. Your daughter is fortunate to have such a clear message from Elmo. Encourage her to consult with her vet and see if he/she confirms Elmo's message. She'll heal and recover from this better if she knows she did what was best for him.

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Springfield, Va.: I lost my 15-year-old cat Tiger back in the '70s. I was only a teen at the time. In 2006, as I was waking up, I felt what seemed to be a cat walking past my head. As I looked up, it was Tiger, my wonderful friend and favorite cat. Shortly after that I woke up and could still feel warmth on my shoulder. I don't know what I believe in, but I sure believe in something. I know that was Tiger, years later... and I haven't had a cat since that time. So there's a Heaven for them and they are still with us...

Linda Anderson: As we say here where I am in Minnesota, "You betcha!" We have been writing books in the Angel Animals series for over a decade now. We receive stories all the time about animals who make after-death visitations. Most of the letters to us start with saying, "You're not going to believe this. . ." But we do. What a blessing you had with Tiger returning in spirit to reassure and comfort you. The love never dies.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm sorry this is not about the passing of a pet, but a question about whether to leave our 2-year-old cat Maggie home alone for the upcoming long weekend with someone coming every day to change her food/water and play with her for at least an hour, or bring her with us to New York. I just feel like we upset her more when we bring her with us since she is out of her element, but I don't know if it's worse to leave her alone for several nights with a stranger coming in once a day (the "stranger" is my wife's sister, so she knows her somewhat.) Again I'm sorry that this is off topic but I want to do what is best for Maggie and make her feel comfortable.

Linda Anderson: Of course, you'll have to decide what's best based on Maggie's disposition and her usual pattern when you travel from home. Considering your sister-in-law is someone Maggie has met, perhaps she could spend a bit more time playing with her so Maggie associates her with fun. She could also come over while you're there and be the one to feed her. Cats tend not to like their routines changed. They're creatures of habit and love to keep those home fires burning.

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Washington, D.C.: Thank you for having this discussion. No real question, just needing to vent.

I had four indoor cats and have been taking care of a number of outside strays for a number of years. From mid-March to early July of this year, I lost three of them. My oldest indoor 15 year old to cancer. Three weeks later, one of the outside strays just died on my couch at only six years old (autopsy revealed he had an enlarged heart). The last one, another outside stray, who was old and developed an oral tumor, was put down on July 1.

The hardest thing was that all of them died during one of the busiest and most stressful times at work and entailed two big business trips. Also, NONE of the folks that I work directly with have pets or are animal people. I still feel quite exhausted and drained. Luckily though, I still have a number of cats that require my daily attention and love so my routine has more or less stayed the same.

Linda Anderson: Thanks for all you are doing to help the stray cats. Do you know about Alley Cat Allies? This is an organization that provides support, techniques, equipment, and information for people who want to care for the stray and feral cats. You might find that there are other people near you in the organization that share your love and interest. It's tough to go through all this alone. Maybe some cat-loving allies will help you as you continue your service.

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Help! My girlfriend and I want to get a dog -- we're both 28. I want a big dog I can run with, like a golden or a lab. She wants something cute that won't shed -- a goldendoodle or a cockapoo? Any suggestions how we compromise?

Linda Anderson: I'm not a breed expert but a friend of ours got a standard poodle who doesn't shed and is big enough for a good romp in the park. If you do some Internet research or look at dog breed books, you'll probably find exactly the type of dog that works for both of you. A good exercise in compromise. Something I know about since my husband Allen and I have been married for 25 years AND work together.

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Linda Anderson: I hope this chat has been helpful to all of you who are or have gone through pet loss.

I'm reminded of a story in our new book, Angel Dogs with a Mission, about the first service dog for a person with a physical disability. This was back in the 1970s when it was a brand new idea. The dog, Abdul, served Kerrill Knaus-Hardy and was trained by Bonnie Bergin. He grew from mischievous puppy to incredibly tuned in service dog. He gave Kerry and all the people since then who have service dogs the freedom they so much deserve. When Kerry was in Canada going to school, she had to part with Abdul who was too old and sick to make the journey with her. On the day, the very moment, that Bonnie sent a new dog to take Abdul's place, Abdul passed away. His job was finished.

That's how it is with people and animals. The love bond transcends death. Always remember this and it will console you as you heal and love again.

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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.

Allen and Linda Anderson

ANGEL ANIMALS NETWORK - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

Angel Animals Network Bookstore

2012-04-01T20:17:02Z

Dear Animals Lovers,

Welcome to the Angel Animals Network Bookstore. <http://shop.angelanimals.net/main.sc>We offer books we have written for animal lovers. Browse and shop with confidence on our SSL secured online store. We will not share, sell, or distribute your information to others.

NEW:

Click HERE to purchase WOOF, MEOW, WRITE, PUBLISH. The most unique writing course you’ll ever take. If you love animals and want to write about them, this is for you. WOOF, MEOW, WRITE, PUBLISH: Writing about Pets and Animals for Love and Money by writing instructors and best-selling, award-winning authors of 14 pet books, Allen and Linda Anderson. Guaranteed to give you what you need to start writing for the lucrative pet market. Available for the first time NOW.

BOOKS:

Do you want the books you buy at the store to be autographed?

Go to the "Special Instructions" section on your checkout order form and write the titles of the books you bought, the names to whom you want the books inscribed (be sure to have the correct spelling), and your name and contact information.

BENEFITS:

• While Angel Animals books may be inexpensive gifts, when you give them to friends they appreciate your thoughtful attention.

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• Using our safe online store with fast, next-day shipping, if requested, makes your gift arrive on time.

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People often tell us that an Angel Animals book is the best gift they have ever received.

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--Janet, Steuben, Maine

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Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network -- Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

www.dogsandthewomenwholovethem.com

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The Cat with a "Sixth Sense"

2012-04-01T20:15:42Z

In a radio interview that Allen and Linda Anderson did for their book, Angel Cats, a man named Van from Saskatchewan, Canada, called in to the show. He said that every time a member of his family has a problem or is in any kind of distress, their cat Smokey sits or sleeps on that person's bed. Van noticed that even if he had a bad day at work, when he arrived home, he'd find Smokey on his bed.

Although the cat has been doing this for years, Van never paid much attention to Smokey's behavior until his daughter went away to college. One night, Smokey slept on Van's daughter's bed. The cat looked very morose.

Seeing Smokey on the bed made Van miss his daughter so he called her dormitory to chat. He learned that she'd been admitted to the hospital because she was very sick with the flu. Not wanting to alarm her family, she hadn't called them. Although he lived many miles away from the daughter, Smokey had delivered the message that something was wrong.

Now Van recognizes Smokey's signal. If Smokey sleeps on a family member's bed, Van calls to ask if there is trouble. Smokey has never been wrong about his diagnosis of a condition. When all is well, Smokey peacefully sleeps on the couch in the living room.

Smokey serves as this family's spiritual mirror. When they pay attention to his "sixth sense," they are able to help each other through troubled times.

Allen and Linda Anderson

ANGEL ANIMALS NETWORK - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

ANGEL ANIMALS VIDEO PRESENTATIONS

2012-04-01T20:14:21Z

ANGEL ANIMALS VIDEO PRESENTATIONS

We have produced a series of short videos about the work of Angel Animals. In the videos we share a bit about ourselves. We also present our message of the spiritual connection between animals and humans. Visit www.youtube.com/user/angelanimalsnetwork to view a variety of videos.

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network – Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

BOOKS by Allen and Linda Anderson

2012-04-01T20:13:07Z

BOOKS by Allen and Linda Anderson:

All of Allen and Linda's books are available at New World Library, online or regular bookstores, some Costco stores, and at many gift shops that sell animal books. The books are sold with author autographs at www.shop.angelanimals.net .

Visit our wonderful publisher's website at www.newworldlibrary.com to see the wide array of animal books and outstanding authors published by this company. New World Library always supports animals, the environment, spiritual awareness -- and us -- in innovative ways.

Animals and the Kids Who Love Them

Dogs and the Women Who Love Them

Horses with a Mission

Angel Animals Angel Animals Book of Inspiration

Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals

Angel Dogs with a Mission

Angel Horses: Divine Messengers of Hope

Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster

Rainbows & Bridges: An Animal Companion Memorial Kit

Angel Cats: Divine Messengers of Comfort

Angel Dogs: Divine Messengers of Love

Angel Animals: Divine Messenger of Miracles

You Ought to Be in Pictures by Linda Anderson

Woof, Meow, Write, Publish

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network – Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

Write to Heal. Publish to Inspire

2012-04-01T20:10:34Z

Write to Heal. Publish to Inspire

Instructor: Linda Anderson

In this spiritually hungry world, people long to be comforted and inspired. Self-help, new thought, religious books, daily meditations, memoirs, and personal true story anthologies top the bestseller lists. In this class, you'll learn the forms, elements, and markets for inspirational writing and read samples from masterful writers. You'll get tips for moving from self-expression to service by writing about your life's experiences in ways that help others. We'll also talk about a system for framing chapters in a book-length work or for organizing an article. This class offers nurturing feedback and suggestions for rewriting, polishing, and getting published. It includes individual review of your assignments or a book in progress.

Where: Open Book-Loft Classroom, 1011 Washington Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

When: Tuesdays, July 10 through August 14, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network – Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

What do your pets do to make you laugh?

2012-04-01T20:08:55Z

Enjoying Leaf's Adventures in the Dog Park

We enjoy watching our cocker spaniel Leaf while he runs down the path at the dog park with his short legs and floppy ears blowing in the wind. It is fun to be around animals who have no inhibitions about staying in the moment. Theirs is a world with no chatter, no concerns, only possibilities.

Many studies of human-animal companionship show that people who have pets live longer, have lower blood pressure, are less lonely, and remain emotionally connected to the world around them. Petting an animal turns out to be one of nature's best stress-relievers.

A favorite way for us to de-stress with pets is to laugh about the funny things they do. One of the main benefits we've received by sharing our home with animals is that they bring a smile to our faces every day.

In a world that seems to try and top itself each day with creative ways to add stress to life, animals with their honest playfulness and expressiveness, provide comic relief. When our dog and cat roll over on their backs for tummy rubs or the bird spreads his wings as we compliment his beauty, our pets remind us to stop, notice, and smile.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/dogparkwisdom.html to see videos of Leaf's adventures at the dog park. Maybe they will help you to relax as you observe how he achieves his goals.

What do your pets do to make you laugh?

We'd all love to hear from you. You can share your answers to the question on Angel Animals Facebook page: www.facebook.com/angelanimalsnetwork and "Like" Angel Animals while you're there.

Allen and Linda Anderson, Angel Animals Network – Where Pets Are Family, www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

Linda Anderson Speaks at the Bloomington Writers Festival and Book Fair

2012-03-25T15:09:44Z

Linda Anderson was a featured speaker today at the Bloomington Writers Festival and Book Fair. She and her hubby and co-author Allen had the pleasure of meeting 50 writers who wanted to learn how a married couple living in the Twin Cities managed to get their book in USA Today, the LA Times, and Washington Post. Lots of stories to tell & info. to share. So much fun. More about Linda's book coaching at www.writingontherun.com. More about their animal books at www.angelanimals.net.

TUNA By Amelia Waters

2012-03-04T22:23:52Z

TUNA

Visit http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals/mindex/angelanimals@20380101.000000.00000000.en.html to read Amelia Water's story about Tuna.

Writing about Leaf

2012-02-26T20:15:49Z

We are compiling letters, emails, and comments about Leaf for a special writing project. Since we adopted Leaf from the animal shelter on October 7, 2006, we have consistently written about him in the Angel Animals Story of the Week, on Facebook, and in our blogs.

Many of you have been part of his journey from the beginning. He entered as an abandoned, frightened dog, attempting to live in a home with two cats, a bird, and two humans who grieved over the death of their beloved yellow Lab, Taylor, only months earlier.

We'd love to hear from all of you who have followed Leaf through such things as dog park, doggie daycare, panic attacks, fear of strangers, animal communicators, learning to live with cats, being the first cocker spaniel to run for President, and growing into trust and love.

We'd also appreciate hearing from those of you who are just now tuning in. If you want to catch up, you can go to www.angelanimals.net and click on archived newsletters or go to Leaf's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leafdogbookauthor and post your thoughts there. The name of the page is "Leaf, Spiritual Hero Dog."

What are your impressions of Leaf? What are your thoughts about him and his journey? Please send letters to angelanimals@aol.com or even better, post your comments on Leaf's Facebook page for everyone to read.

We would greatly appreciate hearing from you in regard to Leaf and how he might have helped you remember your own journeys with animals.

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network – Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

ANIMALS SHOWING GRATITUDE

2012-02-12T20:03:40Z

ANIMALS SHOWING GRATITUDE

A woman from Switzerland wrote to us about how an animal showed her that expressing gratitude could teach her the true meaning of love. We could relate.

Our cat Cuddles licks our fingers in the morning, as soon as the alarm clock wakes us up. We always think she's paying it forward and showing gratitude that we're about to feed her breakfast. But maybe she's already grateful for a new day.

Our dog Leaf shows enthusiasm for the little things. He appreciates mealtime, taking a walk, and going to the doggie day care to play with the other dogs. His whole body shakes with anticipation before each visit, and he repeatedly kisses us, as we begin our journey to his favorite place.

He squeals with excitement when he sees the building and then races into the door. Everybody enjoys seeing his love of being there to play.

In fact, Leaf's immense gratitude encourages us to bring him to daycare as often as possible, even when it's a tight pinch financially. This experience got us to thinking about how having gratitude opens a person or animal to receive even more gifts and blessings from life.

How does your pet show gratitude? What does an animal teach you about the power of a grateful heart?

You can post your answers to these questions and comments at our Angel Animals Facebook page: www.facebook.com/angelanimalsnetwork and "Like" Angel Animals while you're there.

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

BOOKS

2012-02-12T19:59:58Z

BOOKS by Allen and Linda Anderson:

Animals and the Kids Who Love Them

Dogs and the Women Who Love Them

Horses with a Mission

Angel Animals Angel Animals Book of Inspiration

Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals

Angel Dogs with a Mission

Angel Horses

Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster

Rainbows & Bridges: An Animal Companion Memorial Kit

Angel Cats

Angel Dogs

You Ought to Be in Pictures by Linda Anderson

Join the Angel Animals Network and become a Member!

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

SADIE, MY UNOFFICIAL HELPER By Christine O'Connor

2012-02-12T19:58:17Z

SADIE, MY UNOFFICIAL HELPER

By Christine O'Connor

In December 1997 I suddenly decided I wanted another golden retriever. Our family's first one had passed away six months prior, and I had just graduated from college. Soon, I met four-month-old Sadie who greeted me with one giant jump for hello. Truthfully, I was a bit naive to the responsibility of being a dog mom, but we learned together and enjoyed our evening walks on the trails around our town.

Sadie was three years old when I began to realize how smart and intuitive she was. I herniated a disk in my back that summer, which left me temporarily partially paralyzed. After three days in the hospital, I was allowed to go home with a walker. Some walking ability had come back, but I could not put pressure on my knee or I would fall over.

Observing my walking patterns, Sadie would automatically adjust to whatever pace I was exhibiting. She never needed to be told to slow down. After surgery and through a long recovery, she was my ever-faithful companion.

Part of my physical therapy was to walk on the local high school track. At first a half-mile was excruciating, as my feet would go numb and hurt. I often walked with Sadie off leash, as it was easier, She would hover close, never letting me leave her sight.

When I started to get tired, she would take the lead and continually turn her head towards me in a swaying motion. She would look at me and then at the stopping point. Her eyes had an encouraging tone to them and I knew she was telling me I could do it.

Sadie always smiled and wagged her tail when my task was completed. She would also lick my legs in a massaging way when they hurt. Sadie just knew they were bothering me and that her licks made my legs feel better.

Slowly life became normal again, as I healed and returned to work. However, one day my back went out. In an effort to stretch and relieve the pain, I laid down on our living room floor where I became stuck. Unable to push off a table or other furniture to stand up and minus my cell phone, I sat, trying to decide what to do.

That's when my unofficial helper dog appeared. She had already determined that she was going to be my "table." In her doggie language she communicated we were going to work through this together. Who knows how long I would have been there had she not volunteered her help?

In my favorite photo of Sadie, there is a red ball hidden under her back leg and a tennis ball next to her front one. I was teaching preschool at the time of this picture and needed a ball for my class. Since Sadie had about 20 tennis balls, I thought I'd borrow one of hers. BIG mistake! She suddenly took out all her balls and started counting them. Then she lay on top of them. I learned my lesson to get my own balls and took a picture of the moment.

I enjoyed our life together. Sadie did many things that made me wonder about her hidden intelligence. Sadly, I lost her over a year ago to a brain tumor. It's our evening walks that I miss the most.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/nlimage87.html to see a photo of Sadie sitting on her toy balls.

BIO:

Christine O'Connor works in education as a teacher and college advisor in Colorado. A big believer in the healing power of animals, she volunteers for Canine Companions for Independence.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

When have animals shown their intelligence and compassion to you?

WHEN YOU WERE A BABY

2012-02-12T19:56:57Z

WHEN YOU WERE A BABY

One day, Linda was talking with Cuddles while the cat watched her typing at the keyboard of her laptop. Linda picked up Cuddles up and placed the cat in her lap. She told Cuddles about how tiny she had been when we first brought her home from the animal shelter. Linda said, "When you were a baby, you used to curl up in my lap and

sleep while I worked at the computer."

After their moment of reminiscing, Cuddles went back over to the table from where she had been observing Linda. She stopped and seemed to be thinking about the fond memory Linda had shared with her. Then Cuddles extended her paw and crawled onto Linda's lap, just as she had as a kitty.

Isn't it grand to let yourself be a treasured baby once again?

What were your pets like as babies?

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

Inspirational Writing & Publishing Today

2012-02-12T19:54:33Z

NEW CLASS

It's time again for Linda to teach "Inspirational Writing & Publishing Today" for the Loft Literary Center from March 14-April 18. This time, the class, which Linda has taught since 1998, is at the Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hopkins, a suburb just west of Minneapolis. Details are in the announcement section below.

Many of Linda's previous students have used information and encouragement from the inspirational writing class to go on and get books, articles, and stories published. At a recent Loft event, Linda met a woman who just had her book published. She said, "I wrote my book and found a publisher because of taking your class. Thank you."

The class always fills up fast, so be sure to register right away. Register online at www.loft.org or by phone at 612-379-8999. Specific information about the class is at

https://www.loft.org/adult-classes (just fill in the form with name of instructor, Linda Anderson).

TITLE: Inspirational Writing & Publishing Today

INSTRUCTOR: Award-winning, best-selling author Linda Anderson

WHEN: Wednesdays, March 14 through April 18

TIME: 6:30 p.m. -- 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hopkins, Minnesota

REGISTRATION: Regular $186; Member $167.40; Low Income $130.20

information about the class is at www.loft.org/adult-classes

(fill in the form with name of instructor, Linda Anderson and

click-through to register online).

DESCRIPTION: In this class, you'll learn the forms, elements, and

markets for inspirational writing and read samples from masterful

writers. Includes individual consulation session with the instructor.

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

Division of Labor - The Way of the Pet

2012-02-12T19:51:39Z

Division of Labor - The Way of the Pet

One of the issues that often irk today's ultra-busy woman is the need for an equitable division of labor. She longs for her husband and children to do their fair share in keeping the household operating efficiently. She wants coworkers to pitch in at the workplace. Complaints abound when the major part of the responsibility falls on female shoulders.

Our animal family members have wrapped their paws around this prickly issue and come up with their own creative solutions.

We have no idea how the animals, who share our home, have decided what chores they should do or how they've figured out which of them should have certain responsibilities. We just know that they do.

The division of labor goes something like this.

Leaf sleeps near the bedroom hallway door if Linda or Allen are out of town, as if he is waiting for them to return. This isn't where he sleeps at night when his two humans are both home. He is normally on his doggy bed. He also has ultimate responsibility for keeping watch if Allen is out of town because he becomes the man of the house.

Cuddles, our black kitten with white-mitten paws, is Linda's guardian angel. Cuddles follows her charge everywhere and won't even take a nap until she knows exactly where her female human is. Whenever Cuddles sleeps on the bed with Linda she takes on the task of waking her a minute before the alarm rings. She licks her human's fingers or bites them, if Linda won't get up right away.

Food preparation comes under the watchful eye of our eager dog, Leaf. What meal would be complete without Leaf being alert for any escaping pieces of food that might hit the floor?

Sunshine is the household's watch-bird. If anyone approaches our home, he screeches at the top of his lungs. No one could ever sneak past his watchful vigilance.

There is some silent communication about who is supposed to handle each task, although no visible signs of a household manager. Just a smooth animal operation at the Andersons' home.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/nlimage90.html to see images of Cuddles, Leaf, and Sunshine.

Are pets demonstrating in your home divisions of labor for vital chores, jobs, and power positions?

You can post your answers to these questions and comments at our Angel Animals Facebook page: www.facebook.com/angelanimalsnetwork and "Like" Angel Animals while you're there.

Allen and Linda Anderson

Angel Animals Network - Where Pets Are Family

www.angelanimals.net

To subscribe to Angel Animals Story of the Week, send a blank message to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com