Future voices shelter reading program

"Love is a four legged word" ~Author unknown

There are so very many dogs in shelter. Another sad truth a lot of dogs get returned to shelters because of social issues. These issues are not the dog's fault, but the the result of countless situations such as being abandoned, a tragic event that caused behavior issues, being re-homed into a not ideal situation, or lack of time spent to train the dog in the first place. One of the best things that can be done to help  dogs in shelters is to have someone spend time with them in a loving, innocent non judging manner. This helps a very scared dog or anti-social dog become more adoptable and less likely to be returned.
For children, especially those struggling with reading, one of the biggest challenges of learning to read is the embarrassment and  fear of making mistakes. That being said, I believe one of the most accepting , non-judgmental creatures in the world are dogs. There are numerous programs that allow dogs to go to libraries so the children can read to them. World News with Diane Sawyer reported, "A study this year by researchers at the University of California, confirmed that children who read to Fido really do perform better. Young students who read out loud to dogs improved their reading skills by 12 percent over the course of a 10-week program, while children in the same program who didn't read to dogs showed no improvement."
So partner these two programs together and you get a harmonious WIN WIN. Let the children go to the dogs in the shelters , drop a pillow on the floor and read to the dog in the kennel. While I cannot take credit for this genius program, I sure would like to make it happen in the Muskegon area! The Humane Society of Missouri and others have a very successful program. I have been in contact with some of our local shelters and am working on getting this program going in our area.
I wish they had this program when my dog, Odin was in a shelter maybe children wouldn't scare him so much.  To help other dogs like Odin, he and I would like to request the assistance of our readers in helping this program get going. I have worked with kids in our area in the past, promoting bite prevention and local charities, kids partnering with animals to make a difference , "Future Voices Kids Club." (see us on Facebook for more info and info on me visiting  your school locally for bite prevention too)We would like to name this program "Future voices shelter reading program."  I believe our the children, our 'future leaders', can of course benefit from reading, but also benefit from learning kindness to the voiceless. I would like to see the future leaders of our country continue that kindness into their adulthood.
What we would like to request from our readers:
Volunteers that would be willing to donate an hour a month, week , year.. whatever time you have to give.
Networking of the program to recruit children ages 6-16 in our area, that could benefit from this program.

Tiger by Sarah

In my book "Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone" I was fortunate enough to have others share stories of special memories of their pets and photos of the art made to honor them with love. I am now collecting new stories for a revised addition and for my blog. I do this so that others may help heal their hearts by reading and resonating with these special words.I hope these special lives will  live on forever through these stories. I believe when we lose a special love,  it is comforting  knowing others have loved as much and felt the same

I was for fortunate enough to have Sarah share her beautiful eloquently written  story of Tiger. She also allowed me to honor Tiger by making a sun catcher with his special memories in mind, with her hair lovingly fused inside. One of the memories she  wanted  to empahsize was the color of Tiger's harness in the blaze on his head alittle larger. Thank you Sarah for sharing your story and trusting me to honor Tiger's  life with love. Below is his  story.

The connection we as humans have with animals, is one of the most primal and spiritual that we
will ever hope to know. As we grow, this unique connection changes based on our experiences
and will either flourish or falter. I always embraced my connection, (arachnids and most insects
excluded) with a sense of tranquility and wonder. Horses, with their ultimate grace and
dominating power, quickly became my favorite of creatures. Once I started riding, I immediately
felt a sense of deep trust and attachment.
As I continued to evolve my fascination, the unique personality of each equine began to teach
me new things. It was apparent that my personality mirrored certain horses more than others.
So, when I started helping rehabilitate and retrain off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB), I knew I
would fall in love with some and eagerly rehome the rest. In the two years I’ve been part of the
program, I’ve had two horses with which I really connected.

The first was three year old filly. She was a champion on trails, going over any hurdle I pointed
her towards. Her sweet personality drew me in and for a full summer, she was my special bond.
When she was adopted to a loving family with a young girl to love her unconditionally, I wasn’t
certain I’d find another horse that stole my heart like she had.
Months passed as fall turned to winter and winter to early spring. New horses were coming into
the program and life started sprouting at the farm. One horse, an eleven year old, bay, war horse
with a beautiful star sparked my interest. Call Tiger had a gentle eye and a regal presence about
him that commanded admiration. As a descendent of Secretariat and Storm Cat, he started 114
races, earning over $267,000 and retired without injury.

As we began to evaluate his future career, he proved to be as amicable under saddle as he was
standing in a field. I rode him lazily around the ring for his first time off the track and I was
hooked. Never once did he test the limits of his rider or attempt to pull a dirty stunt. I’d had a
recent fall and my confidence was shaken, but with Tiger, I wasn’t afraid. Immediately, I felt him
wholeheartedly trust me and I reciprocated the feeling.
Still unsettled from losing the three year old filly, I was hesitant to allow another horse so deeply
into my heart. Others at the farm joked that Tiger was my replacement. Clearly, they saw
something spark between the two of us that I tried to deny. I didn’t want to get hurt again. After
all, our goal is to adopt out these wonderful companions, not hoard them to ourselves. I held
strong to my perceived guard, unconsciously unaware that I’d already lost the battle.
As the weather grew nicer, I started taking Tiger on any adventure I could find. His first trail
ride was on the farm with a group of six riders. His only hesitation, was briefly at the edge of the
stream where the muddy footing was deep and unsettling. With a little encouragement from a
more seasoned horse, he walked right into the stream, and even pawed playfully at the water!
While my heart jumped at his vivacious antics, more pieces of my wall floated away with the
trickling hum of the water.

With his impressive disposition, we opted to take Tiger on a paper chase on April 2. He tolerated
being moderately dressed to support Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness. He loaded the
trailer with bored interest and didn’t flinch at the saddle bags I introduced to him. Having
rained earlier in the morning, the woods were sloppy and I was unsure how he would handle the
less-than-desirable footing. After briefly trying to walk along the edge of the pathway, he finally
resigned to easily move through the mud. Pride rose through me as this stoic war horse trudged
over rocks, through three rivers, and jumped any obstacle facing us. We encouraged each other
as our confidence combined into one force of trust and respect. By the end of the seven mile
trek, I was hopelessly in love. One of my favorite moments during the chase was when the owner
of the farm looked at us and said, “We aren’t going to rehome this horse, are we?”
A second paper chase a few weeks later only increased my infatuation for my regal gelding. He
once again faced multiple terrains and obstructions with grace, power, and elegance. The steep
hillsides, larger downed trees, and rocky paths were no challenge. Since the horses handled the
chase with such valor, we decided to let them gallop the home stretch. Competing for first, Tiger
flew up the hill with ease. I tentatively allowed him to set his own pace, unsure if the racehorse
would be released. As the top of the hill rounded into view, I swept away my hesitation and gave
him full permission to race the wind. Tears crept down my cheeks as the wind whipped past us
and I felt the sensation of flying. There are few moments in life when time seems to stop and you
are truly living in that moment; this was one of them. My insecurities faded as ecstasy took hold,
and my connection with Tiger was solidified.

On April 21, Tiger came in from the field scrapped and not himself; presenting strange signs of
colic. I felt a tinge of panic, knowing my sweet war horse was injured. The farm owner reassured
me that he would be taken care of, but something nagged at me when I hung up the phone. I
wanted to be by his side. Although I hadn’t officially adopted him, he was my horse and he
needed me. Before I could even think of telling my boss I was leaving work early, one phone call
shattered my world. Through breathless sobs, I understood only three words: Tiger was gone.
Only an hour and a half after finding him that morning, he collapsed in his stall.
I hadn’t realized how much I truly loved Tiger until I felt my heart shatter. Silent sobs thrust
their way through my body. Denial flooded my mind as I recalled everything I'd done the day
prior. Surely there was a mistake; he was happily grazing when I’d left. But alas, even as I drove
to the farm to say my final goodbye, the truth remained as such - my sweet, majestic steed was
gone.

Call Tiger left an impression with everyone he met. His unexpected death rippled through the
racing community as the devastation hit his previous owners and trainers. Social media flooded
us with condolences and words of intended healing. He had a nobility to his presence and such a
kind eye. He was respectful and honest in everything he did. He truly loved trotting through
woods, galloping across green fields, and playing in cool streams. He mirrored me in so many
ways, and the only time he hesitated doing anything was when I was unsure. Tiger trusted
unconditionally and in return, earned the respect of all. He never once acted unruly. He was a
gentleman. I loved every moment I spent with him, and although I only knew him a short while,
the devastation and ache I feel for him is hollowing. He was full of love and life and there will
never be another like him.

Dearest Tiger, I know you are galloping in greener pastures and though I hurt deeply that you
are no longer here, I know we will meet again. You gave me so much and I just pray that you
know how loved you were by all of us. You will never be forgotten, my magnificent man.
Thank you for everything. I love you, now and always.

Rescued is my favorite Breed , choosing the right pet for you

"Rescued is my favorite breed"-author unknown

     Are you looking for a faithful companion to include as a new family member in your life?  Including a new dog in your life can be the most amazing and rewarding decision of your life. The joy a new pet brings can be priceless.
     That being said, I ask that before you make that decision you take time to ponder what is best for you. Please think about what pet will be the best for you lifestyle.  If you do not have the time to walk a dog at all, or are gone for more than 10 hours a day, maybe a dog is not right for you at this time. Perhaps a cat, bird or other pet would be more appropriate.
If a dog is what you decide on, I suggest you research your breed before you take on a five to twenty year commitment of another life. Just because the cute little black lab puppy is the most adorable bundle of love you have ever seen, doesn't mean it is right for you.
More times than we can ever imagine people do just that. When the little black puppy grows to be 60 lbs, needs an abundance of exercise, and starts chewing everything in the home, because that is one of his traits, the owner may get frustrated.
When the owner becomes SO frustrated, the animal may end up behind bars at a shelter facing death just for being himself. Even if it is a mixed breed you can get a good idea of what the dog is mixed with and research the combination.
A common misconception is you cannot get the breed you are looking for by rescuing. Just an example, I was happily surprised when I went to a Great Pyrenees Facebook rescue page how many there are available. Researching your breed will give you the information you need to make an educated decision on whether or not your lifestyle will be a good fit for what the dog was bred to do.
If you have little time to exercise a dog, you should look more at a low energy breed. If you are runner,or love the outdoors a more energetic breed would be better for you. When dogs are bred certain traits such as herding, endurance, or hunting, they are deeply ingrained into their being. They need ways to do what is instinctual to them.
Odin has Great Pyrenees in his mix and shows many of the traits. Great Pyrenees are meant to protect the farm and be kind to the animals on it. Odin most certainly has those traits. He is so kind to kitty Raven. When I used to help rehab wildlife he was very gentle and loving around baby squirrels. Also when let outside he must check the perimeter.
Another prime example is I have a friend with a Kelpie, Lilo. Kelpies were bred to muster livestock. This friend does not have livestock, but realizes that her dog was bred for a high energy job. She takes that into consideration and Lilo runs about four miles a day on the treadmill. Lilo's mom also takes her to water rescue, biking, sledding trick training and nose-work. She knows that if she does not fulfill the natural instinct in other ways she would develop some of the OCD traits that other busy breeds get such as spinning, chewing, shredding or even self destruction.

Lilo and friend carting 

There are many more examples of characteristics that happen when dogs are bred to do certain jobs.The internet and libraries make it very easy to do your homework and find out what breed is best for your lifestyle. If you have very low energy and work alot, look for a breed that will fit that lifestyle. Finding the breed that is best for your will assure a wonderful rewarding companion that enriches your life more than words can portray.

Miracles with Fur, Pets and Autism

“A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull.
Give him your heart and he will give you his.” -John Grogan

I believe this quote applies to most animals in general, they don't judge.
Their nature seems to allow them to provide instinctual nurturing and unconditional love.
In the past, I have written of personal accounts that can confirm this. I have a vivid memory of  lying on the bathroom floor with food poison. My kitty, Raven never left my side and patted my face with her tiny paw. My dog Odin does not care if I look like death warmed over, he is always there with a big ol' kiss when my tears need wiping away. They are natural healers and provide compassion without uttering a word. When Odin had oral surgery Raven stayed by his side for 48 hours only leaving to eat and use the litter box.

Raven staying by Odin's side after surgery

I have read so many stories of miracles animals have performed in people's lives that just warm my heart.  I would like to look a little deeper and share some information about how our animal friends have helped children with autism.

Statistics show autism is alarmingly on the rise. "New numbers just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that one in 68 children now has a diagnosis of ASD—a 30 percent increase in just two years. In 2002, about one in 150 children was considered autistic and in 1991 the figure was one in 500."
Personally, I would like to know, "Why is this happening?"
In my research some theories include:
The amount of vaccines given now compared to 1991 has increased dramatically since that date. Another theory is the increased amount of toxins in our environment and  ingredients in our food. Regardless of the cause, the fact is, it exists.
Wikipedia defines autism as, "Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior." The movie titled "Temple Grandin" is such an eye opener about autism, but also inspirational about making a difference in this world. She has educated the world on this disorder. She states, “I am different, not less." Temple Grandin went on to get her doctoral degree, is a well renowned speaker, professor, and proponent for the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter.  Autistic people simply have to find ways that make them comfortable to communicate and to be in social situations. That can be very difficult for them.

This is where animals can make a life changing difference for those with autism, especially children. Studies show  children are more likely to relate and communicate without fear in the presence of animal versus a human.

 In the book "Angel Animals Book of Inspiration"  there  is a story about a boy who achieved ways to communicate, and attain enough social skills to fulfill his dream of baseball, all thanks to a ferret named, "Rocky". He found the courage to interact with the other children if Rocky was with him. Eventually he could play ball as long as Rocky was in the stands for reassurance.

I have volunteered and organized fundraisers for "Heal with a Horse", equine therapy. It is amazing how much self esteem and smiles the children get from the horses. The horses can sense the children need them to be patient and parents can testify how much it helps them. Many autistic children do not want to brush their teeth or hair, etc.  Emphasis on caring for the horse can be transferred and help the child to take more interest in their own personal hygiene.

Photo courtesy of Heal with a Horse

I have read not just one but numerous accounts of autistic children uttering there first word to their pet.  A pet does not judge, and has all the patience in the world for the child. Unlike human, animals, are just there waiting with a wagging tail and love for whenever the child is ready.

Autistic children can wander away and do quite frequently. This has got to be so stressful for the parents. There are now many service dogs available to help aid with this along with many other special needs these children may have. Can you imagine how much stress can be reduced for a parent, knowing there is a four legged angel that will alert them if the child is in distress or wanders?

Photo courtesy of  Autism Service Dogs of America

If your child is autistic, I hope this may give you other options that may be helpful to your in particular situation.
If you are looking for a worthy cause to support, Odin Raven and I suggest these charities to help partner angel animals with these children who need them so much.

http://www.healwithahorse.org/
https://www.pawswithacause.org/
http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com/

Fourth of July tips

Eternity by Joan Henkle

Eternity's memory stone in the shape of a peanut

In my book "Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone" I was fortunate enough to have others share stories of special memories of their pets and photos of the art made to honor them with love. I am now collecting new stories for a revised addition and so that others may help heal their hearts by reading and resonating with these special words.I hope these special lives will  live on forever through these stories. I believe when lose a special love,  it is comforting  knowing others have loved as much and felt the same. 

I was for fortunate enough to have Joan share her  story of Eternity. She also allowed me to honor Eternity by making a pendant with her special memories in mind, with her ashes lovingly fused inside.Thank you Joan for sharing your story and trusting me to honor Eternity's  life with love. Below is her story.

Meet Eternity (Eternity May when she was in trouble! lol) She was our baby girl, our peanut, and our resident hussy. Let me tell you her story.

She came to us at the ripe old age of 4 months. What we didn't know until she arrived (she came from CA) was that she came from a puppy mill. We may live on the other side of the country but we got a full blown investigation going on that place real fast! When she arrived she had a triple ear infection, an ulcer on one eye that was so bad the vet wasn't sure he would be able to save that eye, she had never had her paws on grass nor had she been handled much. The medical issues took a while to clear up. The potty training took some time because we also had to get her used to the feel of grass. Getting used to being handled took no time because there was always someone who wanted to cuddle with her.

She was always small. At the most she weighed 20 lbs. She never had puppies. I don't think she would have known what to do with them. Eternity was an airhead. Loveable but her elevator didn't go all the way up. I would open the door and tell her to go out and go potty. She would just look at me and wag her tail. I would tell her again. She would wag her tail again. I would then say "Eternity May! Go outside!" She would then jump up with a look on her face like "ok!!" and run outside!! She would also prop herself up in the corner of the couch or chair, sitting on her bottom with her back against the corner and just sit there. Unless someone walked over to her. She would then roll onto her back and spread all her legs. Yep, she was our hussy lol

Eternity and Churchill 

Shortly before Christmas last year (2015) I noticed she was making a snorting sound every once in a while. A very unladylike sound. The vet couldn't hear it, of course, but said it could be a sinus infection and gave me some antibiotics for her. They didn't help. Neither did the second round. They then thought there might be a mass in her sinus cavity so off to the specialist to have it checked. That was on a Wednesday morning. They found a small knot on her neck, kind of under her jaw and they did a biopsy on it. They called me on Saturday morning to tell me the knot was an aggressive form of cancer. Sunday she stopped eating and drinking. The knot was so big she was having trouble breathing. I spent all of Sunday giving her water with an eye dropper. Monday I wouldn't let her suffer just so I could keep her sweet spirit one more day. I made the hard decision to let her go. She was my Peanut.

Churchill's stone I made for Joan years ago

 Thank you so much for the memory stone you made for my little "peanut". Your work is true art. No two are the same. The first one you made for me for Churchill is so totally different than this one for Eternity (our peanut). Thank you so much for the love and care you put into each of the stones.~Joan

Remembering Catrina with love by Miriam guest blogger

In my book "Furry Philosophy and Memoirs Set in Stone" I was fortunate enough to have others share stories of special memories of their pets and photos of the art made to honor them with love. I am now collecting new stories for a revised addition and so that others may help heal their hearts by reading and resonating with these special words.I hope these special lives will  live on forever through these stories. I believe when lose a special love,  it is comforting  knowing others have loved as much and felt the same. 

I was for fortunate enough to have Miriam share her  story of Catrina. She also allowed me to honor Catrina by a sun catcher designed with her special memories in mind, with her ashes lovingly fused inside.Thank you Miriam for sharing your story and trusting me to honor Catrina's life with love. Below is her story.

  

I’m in the mood for talking about this wonderfully spirited ginger cat: Catrina! She’s not a shy cat at all, so I suppose this is divergent from my topic here but she is also a major cat figure in my little cat household.  In some ways she’s the polar opposite of Sammy.  Where he does not seek to be alpha cat, Catrina will fight for that post.  Where Sammy has a complete entourage of adoring fans, many of the others view Catrina with fear and trepidation.

At 6 lbs she is the smallest cat in the place  but she has confronted and hissed at every other cat in the house. Except for Zeke they  have responded either by skulking away from her or, as in Napoleon’s reaction, stalked her until she’s fed up and engages him in a tooth and nail, rolling, spitting cat fight.  Definitely a sight to see. Actually there are 2 of the munchkins who don’t let her phase them. Penny and Poppy will just give her a glance and then saunter right by her even as she hisses.  Luckily she never pursues them.

Pre-cat rescuing, I lived with just Catrina (currently 18 ½) and Zeke (just about 20 now) since they were young. Gorgeous, sweet-looking Catrina was snatched from the Humane Society while on the list to be gassed any day. The documents said she was 1 year old. They also said she was already spayed but as I learned a month after she moved in, that was not the case. There is nothing like an already emotionally disturbed cat going into heat. Sigh.  I still assume she was 1 year old  then since no vet has countered that.

Zeke was 2 ½ when Catrina joined the family.  I had lost a 16 year old cat name Amelia Earhardt to massive kidney failure a month before. Zeke was very attached to her, so I brought home Catrina to give him a friend.  He immediately fell in love with her, but she hissed, snarled, turned to me and attacked.  Hmmm.  I called the shelter up to ask about this and they said to bring her back. I asked what they would do and they said put her down. Not willing to allow that to happen, I engaged Catrina in a battle, of sorts. Wearing oven mitts and thick slippers, I gave her the tough love treatment (along with a good spaying) and we came out the other side.

She and Zeke turned into cuddling buddies which was always delightful to see. And truthfully I love spunk in a cat and she has plenty of that.

Crazy Catrina has used up her welcome with most every vets office we’ve visited. Getting her into the carrier was like loading an atomic bomb into a suitcase. I can go on and on, and I imagine I will eventually.

I love telling the horror stories about Catrina but she has been my sweet little girly cat ever since, though not too many other people have ever seen that side of her. Not significant others, not family nor cat sitters. In fact one of my closest friends who I have traded cat sitting duties with for years, neglected to tell me that she had visited him with a flying leap attack on his back while helping me out with them. Now that’s a good friend!  

Now in her old age, with a certain amount of kitty senility coming into play, she has become gentler and easier to cuddle with.  I truly love this cat enormously.

Of course 18 years of antics is way too much for one blog post, but I’ll end this one with this tale of when I moved into my current home. Over the years I had taken Catrina and Zeke outside to play in the yard and get fresh air. (I’ve got some good stories from her outdoor adventures!)

I’ve since changed my mind about letting cats out at all after seeing the things that happened to the over-50 cats I’ve had to rescue in the last 10 years, but taking Catrina outside has a calming effect on her inside behavior. So I continue it with her only under supervision.

In my first summer here I had an elderly neighbor, Albert, who would sit on a bench by the front of his house and chat up anyone who walked by. I’d talk to him and gather lots of local juicy gossip, but had mixed feelings about him. He had a foul mouth on him and said some racist things about some of our non-white, non-Euro neighbors.  I practiced ways of politely but firmly reprimanding him on this but he would just do it again the next time we spoke.

So, he wasn’t someone I expected to have been a cat lover. But he was. I found him feeding a few strays and then I realized that my Catrina had fallen in love with him. Upon being let outside she would race over to him, purring and rubbing herself against his legs. I was speechless. I’d never seen her do that with anyone.  In fact after he passed away she has continued it with his widow and 2 adult children (all of whom I have talked into adopting some of the various cats I’ve scooped up off the street, given Catrina’s positive references for them). But my friends are still all quite afraid to be left alone with her.