Our blog this week is focused on the preparations for Hurricane Gustav bearing down on the Gulf Coast.
Animal rescue experts urge people to prepare for disaster and evacuate with pets. A Zogby International study found that 44 percent of those who stayed behind when Hurricane Katrina hit did so because they wouldn't abandon their pets. Animal rescue and disaster preparedness for pets has become vital for saving human and animal lives.
On Thursday, we received a frantic call from a woman in Mississippi asking us where she could take her pet because she had to evacuate. The hotel the woman had found wouldn't accept pets. It's unbelievable, three years after Katrina, that there still aren't enough pet-friendly hotels. People died because they wouldn't leave their animal family members behind and had no place to go with them. This kind of tragedy can't be allowed to happen again.
Yet even though Hurricane Katrina precipitated the largest animal rescue operation in history, chronicled in our book, RESCUED, and the PETS Act provided federal incentives for states to include pet evacuation in disaster planning, complacency has returned.
Many people are simply not prepared with a pet disaster kit that contains food, water, photos of their pets, and medications. They haven't compiled a list of pet-friendly hotels along evacuation routes. (See www.rescuedsaving animals.com for items to pack in a pet disaster kit and tips for preparing to be safe in any emergency.) This means they are putting their lives, the lives of their pets, and the lives of animal rescuers at risk.
When we did interviews in New Orleans for RESCUED, we visited Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). The executive director told us a story that we'll never forget. She explained that volunteers in search of abandoned animals after Hurricane Katrina found an entire family that had refused to evacuate because they couldn't bear to leave their pets behind. The family's cat, starving and nearly dead, was lifted off a woman's lap by the ARNO rescuer and brought to their shelter. The entire family had perished. We all had tears in our eyes while listening to this tragic story. People choose to stay in or return to dangerous situations rather than abandon their pets."
Below is a partial list of some of the organizations that are on the ground right now. They all need donations of money, NOT ITEMS, to keep them doing the good work of saving animals. It's a VERY costly process. Please consider making a donation.
United Animal Nations, uan.org
MuttShack Animal Rescue Foundation, muttshack.org
Animal Rescue New Orleans, animalrescuenreworleans.org
Humane Society of South Mississippi, hssm.org
Humane Society of Louisiana, humanela.org
Houston SPCA, houstonspca.org
Pets America, petsamerica.org
Hopeful Haven, hopefulhaven.com
Code 3 Associates, code3associates.org
Louisiana State Animal Rescue Team, lsart.org
International Fund for Animal Welfare, ifaw.org
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Hurricane Gustav Means Save Your Pet, Save Your Life
Angel Animals Network Press Release:
Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 29, 2008 -- With Hurricane Gustav bearing down on the Gulf Coast, animal rescue experts urge people to prepare for disaster and evacuate with pets. A Zogby International study found that 44 percent of those who stayed behind when Hurricane Katrina hit did so because they wouldn't abandon their pets. Animal rescue and disaster preparedness for pets has become vital for saving human and animal lives. Allen and Linda Anderson, pet experts and Minneapolis-based authors of the award-winning book "RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster," (New World Library, September, 2006), provide practical suggestions to pet owners for fast evacuation in the wake of any emergency.
Linda Anderson says, "We just received a frantic call from a woman in Mississippi asking us where she could take her pet because she had to evacuate. The hotel the woman had found wouldn't accept pets. It's unbelievable, three years after Katrina, that there still aren't enough pet-friendly hotels. People died because they wouldn't leave their animal family members behind and had no place to go with them. This kind of tragedy can't be allowed to happen again."
Yet even though Hurricane Katrina precipitated the largest animal rescue operation in history, chronicled in Rescued, and the PETS Act provided federal incentives for states to include pet evacuation in disaster planning, complacency has returned. Most people are simply not prepared with a pet disaster kit that contains food, water, photos of their pets, and medications or a list of pet-friendly hotels along evacuation routes. This means they are putting their lives, the lives of their pets, and the lives of animal rescuers at risk.
Allen Anderson says, "When we did interviews for Rescued in New Orleans, we visited Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). The executive director there told us a story that we'll never forget. She explained that volunteers in search of abandoned animals after Hurricane Katrina found an entire family that had refused to evacuate because they couldn't bear to leave their pets behind. The family's pet, starving and nearly dead, was lifted off a woman's lap by the ARNO rescuer and brought to their shelter. The entire family had perished. We all had tears in our eyes while listening to this tragic story. People choose to stay in or return to dangerous situations rather than abandon their pets."
A husband-and-wife writing team with the popular Angel Animals book series, the Andersons drew upon Allen Anderson's eight years as an Atlanta police officer and his position as director of safety for an international nonprofit organization to focus on how to stay safe through an emergency. The couple interviewed hundreds of animal rescuers and survivors of the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Allen Anderson says, "Tragedy is compounded when people feel guilt and severe depression over loss of a companion or service animal. Laws and policies regarding the value of rescuing animals have not caught up with the reality that pets are family members living in two out of three American households. Disaster escalated after Hurricane Katrina and again in Lebanon when people wouldn't evacuate from a war zone due to the no-pets-allowed policies."
Among other vital pieces of information, the Andersons discuss are:
The five crucial questions everyone with a pet must ask to assess if they are prepared for disaster
--What essential elements are needed in a pet preparedness kit for an owner to evacuate safely and quickly in the event of a house fire, neighborhood chemical spill, terrorism threat, evacuation order, or natural disaster such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes
--How to have a family emergency disaster plan that includes pets
--What should be in a person's car or a safe deposit box that could save lives
--What questions to ask of local, state, and national emergency planning committees, fire and police departments, and legislators to make sure people have support for pet evacuation and sheltering in disasters
--What will get a person into a shelter or rescue vehicle and why they and their pet could be turned away.
Animal Rescue for Gulf Coast 2008
Below is a partial list of organizations expected to be involved in animal rescue for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The Andersons can supply additional contacts that will help reporters who want to cover the Hurricane Gustav story for the media. The couple hopes that the media will get word out about how to keep pets safe and near their families through a disaster situation.
--United Animal Nations
--MuttShack Animal Rescue Foundation
--Louisiana SPCA
--Humane Society of Louisiana
--Animal Rescue New Orleans
--Audubon Zoo
--Houston SPCA
--Humane Society of South Mississippi
--Pets America operates with Texas Veterinary Medical
Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster has been called a must-read for every pet owner and anyone who has considered volunteering for animal rescue.
"The authors stress that owners must take primary responsibility for their pets and that rescue volunteers should be properly trained ... their advice is well taken." -- Publisher's Weekly review, 7-24-06
"Compelling, fascinating, and most important -- highly moral." --Ben Stein, author, actor, commentator
"A finely written, touching, and important book." --Karen Dawn, DawnWatch.com, author of Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals
"It is important to tell their stories so we can learn from both the successes and disappointments of that unforgettable ordeal." -- John Ensign, DVM, United States Senator, Nevada, from his foreword for Rescued.
###
Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 29, 2008 -- With Hurricane Gustav bearing down on the Gulf Coast, animal rescue experts urge people to prepare for disaster and evacuate with pets. A Zogby International study found that 44 percent of those who stayed behind when Hurricane Katrina hit did so because they wouldn't abandon their pets. Animal rescue and disaster preparedness for pets has become vital for saving human and animal lives. Allen and Linda Anderson, pet experts and Minneapolis-based authors of the award-winning book "RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster," (New World Library, September, 2006), provide practical suggestions to pet owners for fast evacuation in the wake of any emergency.
Linda Anderson says, "We just received a frantic call from a woman in Mississippi asking us where she could take her pet because she had to evacuate. The hotel the woman had found wouldn't accept pets. It's unbelievable, three years after Katrina, that there still aren't enough pet-friendly hotels. People died because they wouldn't leave their animal family members behind and had no place to go with them. This kind of tragedy can't be allowed to happen again."
Yet even though Hurricane Katrina precipitated the largest animal rescue operation in history, chronicled in Rescued, and the PETS Act provided federal incentives for states to include pet evacuation in disaster planning, complacency has returned. Most people are simply not prepared with a pet disaster kit that contains food, water, photos of their pets, and medications or a list of pet-friendly hotels along evacuation routes. This means they are putting their lives, the lives of their pets, and the lives of animal rescuers at risk.
Allen Anderson says, "When we did interviews for Rescued in New Orleans, we visited Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). The executive director there told us a story that we'll never forget. She explained that volunteers in search of abandoned animals after Hurricane Katrina found an entire family that had refused to evacuate because they couldn't bear to leave their pets behind. The family's pet, starving and nearly dead, was lifted off a woman's lap by the ARNO rescuer and brought to their shelter. The entire family had perished. We all had tears in our eyes while listening to this tragic story. People choose to stay in or return to dangerous situations rather than abandon their pets."
A husband-and-wife writing team with the popular Angel Animals book series, the Andersons drew upon Allen Anderson's eight years as an Atlanta police officer and his position as director of safety for an international nonprofit organization to focus on how to stay safe through an emergency. The couple interviewed hundreds of animal rescuers and survivors of the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Allen Anderson says, "Tragedy is compounded when people feel guilt and severe depression over loss of a companion or service animal. Laws and policies regarding the value of rescuing animals have not caught up with the reality that pets are family members living in two out of three American households. Disaster escalated after Hurricane Katrina and again in Lebanon when people wouldn't evacuate from a war zone due to the no-pets-allowed policies."
Among other vital pieces of information, the Andersons discuss are:
The five crucial questions everyone with a pet must ask to assess if they are prepared for disaster
--What essential elements are needed in a pet preparedness kit for an owner to evacuate safely and quickly in the event of a house fire, neighborhood chemical spill, terrorism threat, evacuation order, or natural disaster such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes
--How to have a family emergency disaster plan that includes pets
--What should be in a person's car or a safe deposit box that could save lives
--What questions to ask of local, state, and national emergency planning committees, fire and police departments, and legislators to make sure people have support for pet evacuation and sheltering in disasters
--What will get a person into a shelter or rescue vehicle and why they and their pet could be turned away.
Animal Rescue for Gulf Coast 2008
Below is a partial list of organizations expected to be involved in animal rescue for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The Andersons can supply additional contacts that will help reporters who want to cover the Hurricane Gustav story for the media. The couple hopes that the media will get word out about how to keep pets safe and near their families through a disaster situation.
--United Animal Nations
--MuttShack Animal Rescue Foundation
--Louisiana SPCA
--Humane Society of Louisiana
--Animal Rescue New Orleans
--Audubon Zoo
--Houston SPCA
--Humane Society of South Mississippi
--Pets America operates with Texas Veterinary Medical
Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster has been called a must-read for every pet owner and anyone who has considered volunteering for animal rescue.
"The authors stress that owners must take primary responsibility for their pets and that rescue volunteers should be properly trained ... their advice is well taken." -- Publisher's Weekly review, 7-24-06
"Compelling, fascinating, and most important -- highly moral." --Ben Stein, author, actor, commentator
"A finely written, touching, and important book." --Karen Dawn, DawnWatch.com, author of Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals
"It is important to tell their stories so we can learn from both the successes and disappointments of that unforgettable ordeal." -- John Ensign, DVM, United States Senator, Nevada, from his foreword for Rescued.
###
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals: Finding Comfort after Losing a Pet
Angel Animals Story of the Week
August 27, 2008
Visit us at www.angelanimals.net
Dear Friends of Angel Animals,
Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Angel Animals Story of the Week.
We are excited to be officially announcing the release of a new book that we hope will help you cope with the devastating sadness of pet loss. It is SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS: Finding Comfort after Losing a Pet.
Now more than ever, companion animals are considered members of the family, so when they die, the grief is heartbreaking with a deep sense of loss.
As authors of a series of books about human-animal companionship, we understand that special kind of grief, and in our new book we help guide those who are anticipating or coping with the loss of a pet. Through inspiring stories and practical advice, the book
shows readers that the bond of love between humans and their animals never dies.
With a sincere and personal approach, SAYING GOODBYE offers guidance on helping children grieve, honoring your religious beliefs, helping others know what to say or do to offer consolation, and planning a meaningful memorial ceremony or tribute.
The book includes three different types of memorial services that you can select sections from or use, as is, to honor your pet with family and friends. It is a perfect gift to give anyone whose beloved pet has passed away or been lost.
We have also established a NEW website to accompany the book, www.sayinggoodbyetoyourangelanimals.com There, we invite you to post memorials, photos, and videos and discuss pet loss topics.
Because we have received thousands of stories and letters from people who are brokenhearted over the loss of their cherished pets, we know how the heartbreak is compounded when others don't understand the depth and intensity of their grief. Pet loss can be underrated and trivialized by insensitive remarks and lack of awareness.
Marty Tousley, certified hospice bereavement counselor said after reading SAYING GOODBYE, "As a grief counselor who also specializes in pet loss, I've read dozens of books about coping with the loss of our beloved animal companions. This is one of the best, because it covers all the important aspects of this different kind of grief, including why we feel the loss of our pets so deeply, what we can expect in the grief that accompanies pet loss, and how we can memorialize our cherished friends. It carries my highest recommendation."
Here are some of book's sections (excerpted from the Table of Contents) to give you a taste of its scope:
*You Have Friends Who Understand
*Meditation: The Rainbow Bridge Reunion
*Organic Grieving
*What to Do with Regrets and Guilt
*Our Personal Beliefs about Animals, Souls, and Death
*Seeking Professional, Online, and Group Support
*Consoling Surviving Animals in a Multiple-pet Family
*Children and Pet Loss
*How to Handle a Disagreement with Your Religion's Beliefs
*Lasting Tributes to Your Animal Companion
*Together Again Memorial Service
*Communicating with Animals after Death
*Spiritual Plane Animal Advocates
*Dreams of Animals Who Have Died
*How Do You Know When You're Ready to Adopt Another Pet?
*Recommended Websites, Books, and Pet Loss Services
This week's Angel Animals Story of the Week is an excerpt from SAYING GOODBYE that offers a lit path through the sadness and depression phases of grief.
Email this newsletter in its entirety to your animal-loving friends and encourage them to sign up for our weekly publication. They will be joining a terrific community of thousands of like-minded people from people around the world.
We do not sell to or share our newsletter subscriber list with anyone.
Animal blessings,
Allen & Linda Anderson
* * * * *
STORY OF THE WEEK
WHEN ANIMALS TELL YOU THEY ARE READY TO LEAVE
By Allen and Linda Anderson
Reprinted with permission from SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS, pp.16-18 (New World Library 2008, softcover, $13.95 retail, ISBN# 978-1-57731-626-8, 146 pages). All rights reserved.
Robert Frost wrote in a poem about loss, "I have been one acquainted with the night." Pet loss has acquainted many of us with the night. Your nights may be extending as you sleep a lot longer, or they may be torturous as you wrestle with insomnia.
You may be eating too much or too little. A sense of hopelessness and despair could be making you feel listless, anxious, fearful, or despondent. The rainbow's color blue may be washing over your life with overwhelming sadness.
Grieving over pet loss may be complicated by other losses you have endured, whether recently or in the past. Some people go through a series of losses simultaneously as chapters in their lives close in rapid succession.
Often depression deepens if the lost pet was a link to someone who has previously left your life through death, separation, or divorce. Now you are mourning multiple losses, and it's difficult to comprehend that the ocean behind this wave of grief comes from something else.
Losses are also complicated when the death was violent, sudden, or accidental. Images of the dying animal may linger in your mind, causing nightmares or even post-traumatic stress disorder. These kinds of losses will probably require that you seek professional help from a bereavement counselor or therapist.
Sometimes it helps to remember the signs that your animal companion must have sensed death was imminent and even that she welcomed it as a relief from suffering. You may have, without realizing it, asked your pet if this was the right time for her to die. The answer may have come in ways you didn't recognize then but that can comfort and lift you out of despair now.
Often after you ask the animal if he is ready to die, he will do something uncharacteristic as a way of trying to communicate with you. Sometimes an animal who has been very sick will rally enough to make eye contact, reach out a paw to touch you, or show affection to you in a way that undeniably says he is saying goodbye. The animal may appear to you in a dream and give an answer through imagery, such as walking away from you until he disappears.
Don Marx asked his Maine Coon cat, Kit-3, to give him a clear sign that a fatal disease had run its course and it was time for the cat to leave this world.
That night, after requesting an irrefutable sign, Don was surprised to find the cat walking toward him on his bed. For weeks, Kit-3 hadn't had the strength to jump on the bed. Don wrote, "Kit-3 stood staring down at me, lowered himself, and pressed his closed mouth against my lips for several seconds. Then he rested his head on my arm for a moment, and I kissed him again. He rose, made his way to the foot of the bed and onto the floor again. That, I knew, was the signal I had asked for. Kit-3 kissed me good-bye."
Your grief is natural and understandable. It is what it is. But you know in your heart that this delightful soul, who shared your deepest joys and sorrows, would want for you to find happiness again.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
"Meditation: Take a moment to remember signs that your animal companion gave to let you know the time of death was approaching."
* * * * *
ANGEL ANIMALS QUOTES OF THE WEEK
What Experts Are Saying about SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS:
"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. 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. 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. 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
"Allen and Linda Anderson, clergy members and authors of ANGEL DOGS, offer ways to sort out the 'barrage of emotions' after loss. Among the seven chapters are 'Covered Bridges - Shelters from the Storms of Pet Loss,' 'Swinging Bridges - Rituals that Heal and Beliefs that Cause Pain,' and 'Memorial Bridges -Memorial Services for Angel Animals,' which begins with an epigraph from Dostoevsky's THE BROTHERS KARMAMZOV, 'Love all of God's creation. . .'"
--FOREWORD MAGAZINE, August 20, 2008
"SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS is meant to help you through the process of loss. Through various exercises and meditations, readers will come to grips with their sadness, anger, and guilt so that they can hold only the good memories to their heart."
--TCM REVIEWS, August 8, 2008
"The book is really fantastic. Not only is your writing style sincere and thoughtful, but the book also offers tons of practical advice to help people going through such a devastating loss. Your work is really great!
--Maura Halpern, http://humanemewsings.blogspot.com
"A very well-written book and I have already recommended it to several people who've written to me recently on the passing of their beloved cats."
--Pauline, editor, www.thedailymews.com
"I found much comfort in your book. Thanks so much for understanding how I feel!"
--Comment on Saying Goodbye, You Tube video,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcgZWxx2Lug&feature=email
* * * * *
ANNOUNCEMENTS - HOW TO PURCHASE SAYING GOODBYE AND OTHER ANGEL ANIMALS BOOKS
ANGEL ANIMALS ONLINE BOOKSTORE AUTOGRAPHED, discounted-price copies of SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS are available now at www.shop.angelanimals.net/main.sc
***
NEW WORLD LIBRARY OFFERS SAYING GOODBYE AND OTHER ANGEL ANIMALS BOOKS
Go to www.newworldlibrary.com to order this and other books by Allen and Linda Anderson. Our publisher also sells books by outstanding animal book authors such as Amelia Kinkade, Marta Williams, Susan Chernak McElroy, June Cotner, Linda Kohanov, Rev. Gary Kowalski, and many other best-selling authors.
***
SAYING GOODBYE is also available at online bookstores - Amazon.com, BN.com, Borders.com, and at regular bookstores. If it's not in stock, ask the store to order it.
* * * * *
ANGEL ANIMALS BLOGS & FORUMS
Please visit any of the blogs and forums below to comment on past and current articles and stories. We look forward to reading your comments and stories. This is a great way to get to know other people's thoughts, experiences, and concerns about the angel animals who share their lives and to comment on "Angel Animals Story of the Week" items.
Visit the Angel Animals Network Forums at: www.angelanimals.net/forum.html
www.sayinggoodbyetoyourangelanimals.com
Become our friend at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=711934289 and at www.twitter.com/angelanimals
Angel Animals Network (Allen & Linda Anderson Angel Animals Blog) Visit http://blog.angelanimals.net
Beliefnet.com (Allen & Linda Anderson Angel Pets Fan Club) Visit
http://community.beliefnet.com/index.php?page_id=1107&group_id=661";
Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Allen & Linda Anderson Angel Animals Reader Blog Visit http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/angelanimals";
* * * * *
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 video by Angel Animals with Allen and Linda Anderson.
* * * * *
BOOKS by Allen and Linda Anderson:
All of Allen and Linda's books are available at www.shop.angelanimals.net, other online or regular bookstores, some Costco stores, at many gift shops that sell animal books, and through www.newworldlibrary.com, which offers discounts for purchasing multiple books. ANGEL HORSES, ANGEL DOGS, and ANGEL CATS are also available through One Spirit Book Club.
SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet, available now
ANGEL DOGS WITH A MISSION: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life (available for pre-order; released October 1, 2008)
ANGEL ANIMALS: Divine Messengers of Miracles
RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster www.rescuedsavinganimals.net Winner of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) Outstanding Book Award.
ANGEL HORSES: Divine Messengers Hope
ANGEL DOGS: Divine Messengers of Love
RAINBOWS & BRIDGES: An Animal Companion Memorial Kit
ANGEL CATS: Divine Messengers of Comfort
GOD'S MESSENGERS: What Animals Teach Us about the Divine
* * * * *
OTHER INFORMATION
The Angel Animals Network is devoted to collecting and disseminating original, true stories about the spiritual connection between people and animals. You can learn more about the Angel Animals at www.angelanimals.net. Visit our Angel Animals Online Shopping at www.shop.angelanimals.net.
If you send this newsletter to others (and we hope that you will), please don't change it in anyway and include the information above about the Angel Animals Network. Thank you.
This newsletter is sent to you by the Angel Animals Network. Copyright 2008, Allen and Linda Anderson, Angel Animals Network. All rights reserved. Nothing in this newsletter may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual authors and/or copyright owners. Angel Animals(r) is a registered trademark.
August 27, 2008
Visit us at www.angelanimals.net
Dear Friends of Angel Animals,
Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Angel Animals Story of the Week.
We are excited to be officially announcing the release of a new book that we hope will help you cope with the devastating sadness of pet loss. It is SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS: Finding Comfort after Losing a Pet.
Now more than ever, companion animals are considered members of the family, so when they die, the grief is heartbreaking with a deep sense of loss.
As authors of a series of books about human-animal companionship, we understand that special kind of grief, and in our new book we help guide those who are anticipating or coping with the loss of a pet. Through inspiring stories and practical advice, the book
shows readers that the bond of love between humans and their animals never dies.
With a sincere and personal approach, SAYING GOODBYE offers guidance on helping children grieve, honoring your religious beliefs, helping others know what to say or do to offer consolation, and planning a meaningful memorial ceremony or tribute.
The book includes three different types of memorial services that you can select sections from or use, as is, to honor your pet with family and friends. It is a perfect gift to give anyone whose beloved pet has passed away or been lost.
We have also established a NEW website to accompany the book, www.sayinggoodbyetoyourangelanimals.com There, we invite you to post memorials, photos, and videos and discuss pet loss topics.
Because we have received thousands of stories and letters from people who are brokenhearted over the loss of their cherished pets, we know how the heartbreak is compounded when others don't understand the depth and intensity of their grief. Pet loss can be underrated and trivialized by insensitive remarks and lack of awareness.
Marty Tousley, certified hospice bereavement counselor said after reading SAYING GOODBYE, "As a grief counselor who also specializes in pet loss, I've read dozens of books about coping with the loss of our beloved animal companions. This is one of the best, because it covers all the important aspects of this different kind of grief, including why we feel the loss of our pets so deeply, what we can expect in the grief that accompanies pet loss, and how we can memorialize our cherished friends. It carries my highest recommendation."
Here are some of book's sections (excerpted from the Table of Contents) to give you a taste of its scope:
*You Have Friends Who Understand
*Meditation: The Rainbow Bridge Reunion
*Organic Grieving
*What to Do with Regrets and Guilt
*Our Personal Beliefs about Animals, Souls, and Death
*Seeking Professional, Online, and Group Support
*Consoling Surviving Animals in a Multiple-pet Family
*Children and Pet Loss
*How to Handle a Disagreement with Your Religion's Beliefs
*Lasting Tributes to Your Animal Companion
*Together Again Memorial Service
*Communicating with Animals after Death
*Spiritual Plane Animal Advocates
*Dreams of Animals Who Have Died
*How Do You Know When You're Ready to Adopt Another Pet?
*Recommended Websites, Books, and Pet Loss Services
This week's Angel Animals Story of the Week is an excerpt from SAYING GOODBYE that offers a lit path through the sadness and depression phases of grief.
Email this newsletter in its entirety to your animal-loving friends and encourage them to sign up for our weekly publication. They will be joining a terrific community of thousands of like-minded people from people around the world.
We do not sell to or share our newsletter subscriber list with anyone.
Animal blessings,
Allen & Linda Anderson
* * * * *
STORY OF THE WEEK
WHEN ANIMALS TELL YOU THEY ARE READY TO LEAVE
By Allen and Linda Anderson
Reprinted with permission from SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS, pp.16-18 (New World Library 2008, softcover, $13.95 retail, ISBN# 978-1-57731-626-8, 146 pages). All rights reserved.
Robert Frost wrote in a poem about loss, "I have been one acquainted with the night." Pet loss has acquainted many of us with the night. Your nights may be extending as you sleep a lot longer, or they may be torturous as you wrestle with insomnia.
You may be eating too much or too little. A sense of hopelessness and despair could be making you feel listless, anxious, fearful, or despondent. The rainbow's color blue may be washing over your life with overwhelming sadness.
Grieving over pet loss may be complicated by other losses you have endured, whether recently or in the past. Some people go through a series of losses simultaneously as chapters in their lives close in rapid succession.
Often depression deepens if the lost pet was a link to someone who has previously left your life through death, separation, or divorce. Now you are mourning multiple losses, and it's difficult to comprehend that the ocean behind this wave of grief comes from something else.
Losses are also complicated when the death was violent, sudden, or accidental. Images of the dying animal may linger in your mind, causing nightmares or even post-traumatic stress disorder. These kinds of losses will probably require that you seek professional help from a bereavement counselor or therapist.
Sometimes it helps to remember the signs that your animal companion must have sensed death was imminent and even that she welcomed it as a relief from suffering. You may have, without realizing it, asked your pet if this was the right time for her to die. The answer may have come in ways you didn't recognize then but that can comfort and lift you out of despair now.
Often after you ask the animal if he is ready to die, he will do something uncharacteristic as a way of trying to communicate with you. Sometimes an animal who has been very sick will rally enough to make eye contact, reach out a paw to touch you, or show affection to you in a way that undeniably says he is saying goodbye. The animal may appear to you in a dream and give an answer through imagery, such as walking away from you until he disappears.
Don Marx asked his Maine Coon cat, Kit-3, to give him a clear sign that a fatal disease had run its course and it was time for the cat to leave this world.
That night, after requesting an irrefutable sign, Don was surprised to find the cat walking toward him on his bed. For weeks, Kit-3 hadn't had the strength to jump on the bed. Don wrote, "Kit-3 stood staring down at me, lowered himself, and pressed his closed mouth against my lips for several seconds. Then he rested his head on my arm for a moment, and I kissed him again. He rose, made his way to the foot of the bed and onto the floor again. That, I knew, was the signal I had asked for. Kit-3 kissed me good-bye."
Your grief is natural and understandable. It is what it is. But you know in your heart that this delightful soul, who shared your deepest joys and sorrows, would want for you to find happiness again.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
"Meditation: Take a moment to remember signs that your animal companion gave to let you know the time of death was approaching."
* * * * *
ANGEL ANIMALS QUOTES OF THE WEEK
What Experts Are Saying about SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS:
"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. 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. 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. 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
"Allen and Linda Anderson, clergy members and authors of ANGEL DOGS, offer ways to sort out the 'barrage of emotions' after loss. Among the seven chapters are 'Covered Bridges - Shelters from the Storms of Pet Loss,' 'Swinging Bridges - Rituals that Heal and Beliefs that Cause Pain,' and 'Memorial Bridges -Memorial Services for Angel Animals,' which begins with an epigraph from Dostoevsky's THE BROTHERS KARMAMZOV, 'Love all of God's creation. . .'"
--FOREWORD MAGAZINE, August 20, 2008
"SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS is meant to help you through the process of loss. Through various exercises and meditations, readers will come to grips with their sadness, anger, and guilt so that they can hold only the good memories to their heart."
--TCM REVIEWS, August 8, 2008
"The book is really fantastic. Not only is your writing style sincere and thoughtful, but the book also offers tons of practical advice to help people going through such a devastating loss. Your work is really great!
--Maura Halpern, http://humanemewsings.blogspot.com
"A very well-written book and I have already recommended it to several people who've written to me recently on the passing of their beloved cats."
--Pauline, editor, www.thedailymews.com
"I found much comfort in your book. Thanks so much for understanding how I feel!"
--Comment on Saying Goodbye, You Tube video,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcgZWxx2Lug&feature=email
* * * * *
ANNOUNCEMENTS - HOW TO PURCHASE SAYING GOODBYE AND OTHER ANGEL ANIMALS BOOKS
ANGEL ANIMALS ONLINE BOOKSTORE AUTOGRAPHED, discounted-price copies of SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS are available now at www.shop.angelanimals.net/main.sc
***
NEW WORLD LIBRARY OFFERS SAYING GOODBYE AND OTHER ANGEL ANIMALS BOOKS
Go to www.newworldlibrary.com to order this and other books by Allen and Linda Anderson. Our publisher also sells books by outstanding animal book authors such as Amelia Kinkade, Marta Williams, Susan Chernak McElroy, June Cotner, Linda Kohanov, Rev. Gary Kowalski, and many other best-selling authors.
***
SAYING GOODBYE is also available at online bookstores - Amazon.com, BN.com, Borders.com, and at regular bookstores. If it's not in stock, ask the store to order it.
* * * * *
ANGEL ANIMALS BLOGS & FORUMS
Please visit any of the blogs and forums below to comment on past and current articles and stories. We look forward to reading your comments and stories. This is a great way to get to know other people's thoughts, experiences, and concerns about the angel animals who share their lives and to comment on "Angel Animals Story of the Week" items.
Visit the Angel Animals Network Forums at: www.angelanimals.net/forum.html
www.sayinggoodbyetoyourangelanimals.com
Become our friend at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=711934289 and at www.twitter.com/angelanimals
Angel Animals Network (Allen & Linda Anderson Angel Animals Blog) Visit http://blog.angelanimals.net
Beliefnet.com (Allen & Linda Anderson Angel Pets Fan Club) Visit
http://community.beliefnet.com/index.php?page_id=1107&group_id=661";
Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Allen & Linda Anderson Angel Animals Reader Blog Visit http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/angelanimals";
* * * * *
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 video by Angel Animals with Allen and Linda Anderson.
* * * * *
BOOKS by Allen and Linda Anderson:
All of Allen and Linda's books are available at www.shop.angelanimals.net, other online or regular bookstores, some Costco stores, at many gift shops that sell animal books, and through www.newworldlibrary.com, which offers discounts for purchasing multiple books. ANGEL HORSES, ANGEL DOGS, and ANGEL CATS are also available through One Spirit Book Club.
SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS: Finding Comfort after Losing Your Pet, available now
ANGEL DOGS WITH A MISSION: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life (available for pre-order; released October 1, 2008)
ANGEL ANIMALS: Divine Messengers of Miracles
RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster www.rescuedsavinganimals.net Winner of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) Outstanding Book Award.
ANGEL HORSES: Divine Messengers Hope
ANGEL DOGS: Divine Messengers of Love
RAINBOWS & BRIDGES: An Animal Companion Memorial Kit
ANGEL CATS: Divine Messengers of Comfort
GOD'S MESSENGERS: What Animals Teach Us about the Divine
* * * * *
OTHER INFORMATION
The Angel Animals Network is devoted to collecting and disseminating original, true stories about the spiritual connection between people and animals. You can learn more about the Angel Animals at www.angelanimals.net. Visit our Angel Animals Online Shopping at www.shop.angelanimals.net.
If you send this newsletter to others (and we hope that you will), please don't change it in anyway and include the information above about the Angel Animals Network. Thank you.
This newsletter is sent to you by the Angel Animals Network. Copyright 2008, Allen and Linda Anderson, Angel Animals Network. All rights reserved. Nothing in this newsletter may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual authors and/or copyright owners. Angel Animals(r) is a registered trademark.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
What You Should NEVER Say to Someone Whose Pet Has Died
Over the years we have received thousands of letters and phone calls from people who have lost a believed animal companion and are plunged into even deeper sadness by insensitive remarks and actions. We decided to ask readers of our Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter what they thought should never be said to someone who is grieving over a pet's death.
Below are the thoughtless remarks followed by our readers' comments.
"It was only a dog/cat/rabbit/horse. . .Get over it!"
Bianca Rothschild wrote about this kind of remark: "A lifetime of devotion and supreme loyalty brushed aside and rudeness of the individual personified."
Debra Walker-Nipp: "Cleo was not just a dog. She was my true soul mate and gave her life to us. True devotion can't be replaced or found that easily."
"Why don't you just get another one?"
Kathy: "No way can you ever replace a special animal. Each one is unique. I truly believe God made them that way, as he did us humans."
"They are just stupid, dumb animals anyway."
Marla Johnson heard that comment about her deceased rabbit. She wrote, "I couldn't believe how insensitive of a remark that was because in my opinion animals are very evolved spiritual beings who are here on this planet to help humans become kinder, more loving, and compassionate people."
"You really didn't need all the health costs and food expenses of those animals."
A reader named Teresa responded to this remark by saying, "If I choose to spend my ENTIRE check on my babies, it's none of your business."
"At least it wasn't a person. Or, you could have lost a family member instead of an animal."
Jeanne Walker: "My animals are family members. I don't own them. They are part of my family in the truest sense of the word - nonjudgmental, loving, and forgiving.
We have listed resources here that can help you or family and friends as you cope with the highly estimated source of grief and sadness that occurs when a pet dies. We hope these resources help and encourage you to add comments with others you would recommend.
Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals
www.sayinggoodbyetoyourangelanimals.com
Interfaith Association of Animal Chaplains
www.AnimalChaplains.com, E-mail: AnimalClergy@aol.com
Everlife Memorials
www.EverlifeMemorials.com
The Animal Love and Loss Network (ALLN)
www.alln.org
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, Inc. (APLB0)
www.aplb.org
Delta Society, The Pet Loss and Bereavement section
http://archive.deltasociety.org/AnimalsHealthPetLossHotline.htm
International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC)
www.iaopc.com
Grief Healing
www.griefhealing.com
In Memory of Pets: Beyond Life's Gateway
www.in-memory-of-pets.com
Pet Loss Grief Support
www.petloss.com
Pet Loss Support Page
www.pet-loss.net
Rainbows Bridge
www.rainbowsbridge.com
Remember Your Pets
www.rememberourpets.com
There Is Eternal Life for Animals
www.eternalanimals.com
In Memory Of Pets
www.in-memory-of-pets.com
Animals in Heaven
www.ourchurch.com/member/w/w_lasalle
www.creatures.com/LaSalle.html
Pet Loss Support: Healing the Grief of Pet Loss DVD/Video
www.griefandlosshelpsongletter.com/indexpetlossdvd.htm
Classic Memorials, Inc.
Pet Loss & Pet Memorials Resources
http://www.everlifememorials.com/v/pet-loss.htm
Dogbunny Gazette
www.chinupchinook.com
Joyful Spirit
www.joyful-spirit.com
Mississauga Pet Loss Support
www.mississaugapets.com/petloss.html
Grief Healing
www.griefhealing.com
Pet Loss and Grief Support
www.creatures.com/PetLoss.html
If pet loss is something you are going through or continue to cope with, please accept our condolences. We know how much it hurts. We know there are people who understand. Take care of yourself by reaching out to them.
Below are the thoughtless remarks followed by our readers' comments.
"It was only a dog/cat/rabbit/horse. . .Get over it!"
Bianca Rothschild wrote about this kind of remark: "A lifetime of devotion and supreme loyalty brushed aside and rudeness of the individual personified."
Debra Walker-Nipp: "Cleo was not just a dog. She was my true soul mate and gave her life to us. True devotion can't be replaced or found that easily."
"Why don't you just get another one?"
Kathy: "No way can you ever replace a special animal. Each one is unique. I truly believe God made them that way, as he did us humans."
"They are just stupid, dumb animals anyway."
Marla Johnson heard that comment about her deceased rabbit. She wrote, "I couldn't believe how insensitive of a remark that was because in my opinion animals are very evolved spiritual beings who are here on this planet to help humans become kinder, more loving, and compassionate people."
"You really didn't need all the health costs and food expenses of those animals."
A reader named Teresa responded to this remark by saying, "If I choose to spend my ENTIRE check on my babies, it's none of your business."
"At least it wasn't a person. Or, you could have lost a family member instead of an animal."
Jeanne Walker: "My animals are family members. I don't own them. They are part of my family in the truest sense of the word - nonjudgmental, loving, and forgiving.
We have listed resources here that can help you or family and friends as you cope with the highly estimated source of grief and sadness that occurs when a pet dies. We hope these resources help and encourage you to add comments with others you would recommend.
Saying Goodbye to Your Angel Animals
www.sayinggoodbyetoyourangelanimals.com
Interfaith Association of Animal Chaplains
www.AnimalChaplains.com, E-mail: AnimalClergy@aol.com
Everlife Memorials
www.EverlifeMemorials.com
The Animal Love and Loss Network (ALLN)
www.alln.org
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, Inc. (APLB0)
www.aplb.org
Delta Society, The Pet Loss and Bereavement section
http://archive.deltasociety.org/AnimalsHealthPetLossHotline.htm
International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC)
www.iaopc.com
Grief Healing
www.griefhealing.com
In Memory of Pets: Beyond Life's Gateway
www.in-memory-of-pets.com
Pet Loss Grief Support
www.petloss.com
Pet Loss Support Page
www.pet-loss.net
Rainbows Bridge
www.rainbowsbridge.com
Remember Your Pets
www.rememberourpets.com
There Is Eternal Life for Animals
www.eternalanimals.com
In Memory Of Pets
www.in-memory-of-pets.com
Animals in Heaven
www.ourchurch.com/member/w/w_lasalle
www.creatures.com/LaSalle.html
Pet Loss Support: Healing the Grief of Pet Loss DVD/Video
www.griefandlosshelpsongletter.com/indexpetlossdvd.htm
Classic Memorials, Inc.
Pet Loss & Pet Memorials Resources
http://www.everlifememorials.com/v/pet-loss.htm
Dogbunny Gazette
www.chinupchinook.com
Joyful Spirit
www.joyful-spirit.com
Mississauga Pet Loss Support
www.mississaugapets.com/petloss.html
Grief Healing
www.griefhealing.com
Pet Loss and Grief Support
www.creatures.com/PetLoss.html
If pet loss is something you are going through or continue to cope with, please accept our condolences. We know how much it hurts. We know there are people who understand. Take care of yourself by reaching out to them.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
What do the stars do for animals?
We recently had the pleasure of meeting movie star and animal activist Tippi Hedren. She was honored at an event hosted by Minnesota Proud. The organization was created to honor the people from Minnesota who have earned recognition in the film and television industry. Minnesota Proud also created the Minnesota "Walk of Fame" similar Hollywood Walk of Stars and presented Tippi with a star that will be installed on the sidewalk in front of the historic State Theater in Minneapolis.
Tippi's extraordinary sanctuary for big cats, Shambala, was featured in our book, RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster. We spent many hours doing phone interviews, follow-up emails, faxes, and more phone calls in order to include her story in the book. But we had never met Tippi in person.
The agenda for the event was a mix of a retrospective of her films, an interview and chat with Tippi, followed by a short film about her ROAR Foundation and the Shambala Sanctuary. Dinner was held afterwards at a nearby restaurant.
Tippi autographed her section of the book for us and was every bit as warm, gracious, and elegant as we had imagined her to be. We have photos posted for you to see what was a special event for us. Go to www.angelanimals.net/tippi.html. For more information about Shambala, go to www.shambala.org. To read about the Minnesota Proud project, visit www.minnesotaproud.org/.
Who are your favorite celebrities in support of animal welfare?
Tippi's extraordinary sanctuary for big cats, Shambala, was featured in our book, RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster. We spent many hours doing phone interviews, follow-up emails, faxes, and more phone calls in order to include her story in the book. But we had never met Tippi in person.
The agenda for the event was a mix of a retrospective of her films, an interview and chat with Tippi, followed by a short film about her ROAR Foundation and the Shambala Sanctuary. Dinner was held afterwards at a nearby restaurant.
Tippi autographed her section of the book for us and was every bit as warm, gracious, and elegant as we had imagined her to be. We have photos posted for you to see what was a special event for us. Go to www.angelanimals.net/tippi.html. For more information about Shambala, go to www.shambala.org. To read about the Minnesota Proud project, visit www.minnesotaproud.org/.
Who are your favorite celebrities in support of animal welfare?
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Why do you call animals, angels?
Radio and television hosts and newspaper reporters frequently ask this question when we do interviews for our books. Sometimes it is accompanied by a snide comment such as, “My pet isn’t an angel!” Then they go on to report all the behavior that drives them crazy. Usually they end their tirade by saying, “But he’s family, and we love him.”
Over these many years, we have come up with answers to the question about animals as angels. We explain that our definition of an angel animal springs from the Greek derivation for the word angel, or angelos. This word literally means messenger. We believe (and have thousands of stories to back us up) that animals serve as divine messengers who bring assurance to people that yes, indeed, there is love in this world.
Then we get into the thornier aspect of the question: Is every animal an angel? This question is usually asked with a certain animal in mind who has done something humans don't consider to be angelic. How could such an animal be called an angel?
Mother Teresa once compared herself to a pencil God used for writing a love letter to the universe. Love letters, unfortunately, don’t always bring happy news. Love letters might convey a desire to end the relationship. They could strike the wrong note and fill the receiver with discomfort.
Messages can be joyful, sad, protective, or hurtful. Messages might not be deciphered for many years as life goes on and time does its duty of bringing perspective. On the other hand a message of love might make the beloved’s heart sing.
Because both animals and humans are souls, or divine sparks of God, clothed in physical form, they can serve as divine messengers. As with humans, some animal messengers are better than others. Some dilute the message with their own fears or destructive tendencies. As spiritual beings, animals vary in their states of consciousness. Yet they, too, serve as instruments, pencils in the hand of a loving God. More often then not, their messages uplift rather than destroy and turn our faces to the divine sender.
Do you think animals are angels in furry or feathery bodies?
Over these many years, we have come up with answers to the question about animals as angels. We explain that our definition of an angel animal springs from the Greek derivation for the word angel, or angelos. This word literally means messenger. We believe (and have thousands of stories to back us up) that animals serve as divine messengers who bring assurance to people that yes, indeed, there is love in this world.
Then we get into the thornier aspect of the question: Is every animal an angel? This question is usually asked with a certain animal in mind who has done something humans don't consider to be angelic. How could such an animal be called an angel?
Mother Teresa once compared herself to a pencil God used for writing a love letter to the universe. Love letters, unfortunately, don’t always bring happy news. Love letters might convey a desire to end the relationship. They could strike the wrong note and fill the receiver with discomfort.
Messages can be joyful, sad, protective, or hurtful. Messages might not be deciphered for many years as life goes on and time does its duty of bringing perspective. On the other hand a message of love might make the beloved’s heart sing.
Because both animals and humans are souls, or divine sparks of God, clothed in physical form, they can serve as divine messengers. As with humans, some animal messengers are better than others. Some dilute the message with their own fears or destructive tendencies. As spiritual beings, animals vary in their states of consciousness. Yet they, too, serve as instruments, pencils in the hand of a loving God. More often then not, their messages uplift rather than destroy and turn our faces to the divine sender.
Do you think animals are angels in furry or feathery bodies?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Bonds of Divine Love Between People and Animals
As we write, we're being watched (coached?) by our rescued cat, friend, and co-worker Cuddles. She curls up and observes with her loving eyes gently focused upon us. Throughout licking her paws and stretching, Cuddles continues to be steadfast in her presence. We dearly love her.
Is part of her spiritual mission in this life to support ours? We believe it is.
We, as do others, have important messages to bring to a world where there is so much suffering, turmoil, and loneliness. We long for people to understand that the bonds of divine love between people and animals, and among animals for each other, transcend fear, anger, rivalry, and isolation. Repeatedly, it is the animals who teach a better way to all of us. We recently visited New Orleans to give a presentation about Angel Animals and the heroic efforts of animal rescuers on the Gulf Coast after Katrina.
We gave our talk to the veterinarian technicians for whom we have the highest regard and respect. They were attending a reception at the American Veterinary Technician Association's annual conference. Our talk was meant to be a reminder about the necessity of cherishing the spiritual connection with animals.
In our book "RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster," excerpted below, we tell the story of a man who witnessed the heroics of an animal during the worst conditions. This man marveled at a dog who loved his mate more than he valued his own safety and comfort. His story sets the tone for our book. With the retelling of this heart-opening experience, we pause to remember that animals often fulfill the spiritual mission of showing people how to be more compassionate human beings.
"Days after the levees in New Orleans broke, Chris Cutter, communications director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, worked on a boat that maneuvered through toxic water. No one, human or animal, would have wanted to spend a minute more than necessary in it. Chris recalls, 'We saw a dog swimming in the muck.' Chris's boat steered toward the dog. Instead of allowing the rescuers to help him into the vehicle, the dog turned around and swam away from the boat. That is when they heard barking coming from inside a house.
"The rescuers steered to follow the dog. He led them to the back of his house where a female dog, 'his girlfriend,' as Chris calls her, was trapped inside. Only after the rescuers freed the female dog did this big, shaggy husky allow the rescuers to haul him into the boat.
"As the boat moved away one of the rescuers petted him, saying, 'You're such a good boy.' Her hand jerked suddenly off the dog's head, as if she had touched a sizzling stove. 'My hand is burning,' she told Chris.
"'The dog could have saved himself,' Chris says. 'Instead, he swam off so we would find his girlfriend. When you are dealing with things like that, it is hard not to think that there is a validity in what you are doing. That there is something bigger going on.'"
This dog made a conscious decision and was acting with purpose to save a life. Thank goodness for Chris and the animal rescuers. They listened to their intuition and inner guidance and decided to follow this brave dog back to his barely surviving mate.
Is part of her spiritual mission in this life to support ours? We believe it is.
We, as do others, have important messages to bring to a world where there is so much suffering, turmoil, and loneliness. We long for people to understand that the bonds of divine love between people and animals, and among animals for each other, transcend fear, anger, rivalry, and isolation. Repeatedly, it is the animals who teach a better way to all of us. We recently visited New Orleans to give a presentation about Angel Animals and the heroic efforts of animal rescuers on the Gulf Coast after Katrina.
We gave our talk to the veterinarian technicians for whom we have the highest regard and respect. They were attending a reception at the American Veterinary Technician Association's annual conference. Our talk was meant to be a reminder about the necessity of cherishing the spiritual connection with animals.
In our book "RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster," excerpted below, we tell the story of a man who witnessed the heroics of an animal during the worst conditions. This man marveled at a dog who loved his mate more than he valued his own safety and comfort. His story sets the tone for our book. With the retelling of this heart-opening experience, we pause to remember that animals often fulfill the spiritual mission of showing people how to be more compassionate human beings.
"Days after the levees in New Orleans broke, Chris Cutter, communications director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, worked on a boat that maneuvered through toxic water. No one, human or animal, would have wanted to spend a minute more than necessary in it. Chris recalls, 'We saw a dog swimming in the muck.' Chris's boat steered toward the dog. Instead of allowing the rescuers to help him into the vehicle, the dog turned around and swam away from the boat. That is when they heard barking coming from inside a house.
"The rescuers steered to follow the dog. He led them to the back of his house where a female dog, 'his girlfriend,' as Chris calls her, was trapped inside. Only after the rescuers freed the female dog did this big, shaggy husky allow the rescuers to haul him into the boat.
"As the boat moved away one of the rescuers petted him, saying, 'You're such a good boy.' Her hand jerked suddenly off the dog's head, as if she had touched a sizzling stove. 'My hand is burning,' she told Chris.
"'The dog could have saved himself,' Chris says. 'Instead, he swam off so we would find his girlfriend. When you are dealing with things like that, it is hard not to think that there is a validity in what you are doing. That there is something bigger going on.'"
This dog made a conscious decision and was acting with purpose to save a life. Thank goodness for Chris and the animal rescuers. They listened to their intuition and inner guidance and decided to follow this brave dog back to his barely surviving mate.
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