A Service Cat to the Rescue

An article caught our attention this week because it's pretty rare to hear something about a service cat. In a February 4, 2008 article by Theresa Campbell for the DAILY SUN, a newspaper in The Villages, Florida, Campbell writes about Dusty. He is a Persian cat who belongs to Kathy McDonald. She has had seizures ever since being a teen. Although she takes medication, sometimes the seizures still occur. That's where Dusty comes in.

Before McDonald is about to have a grand mal seizure, Dusty alerts her by licking her face. That's how she knows to sit down in a safe place where she won't be hurt.

Dusty is a registered service cat. Trained to walk on a leash, the cat wears a badge and accompanies McDonald everywhere. Dusty sleeps by McDonald's head at night, ever vigilant. In the article she says, "I heard about a lady who has a bird that can tell when she's going to have a seizure. The bird can talk and he says, 'She's doing it again.'"

McDonald calls Dusty her "feline angel." We agree.

Have you heard of or experienced animals, other than dogs, who perform healing services for people?

Leaf and the Enormous Black Crow

Part of being a mother, whether to an animal or human, is to teach our young ones how to protect themselves. Our rescued cocker spaniel Leaf reminded us of that responsibility this week.

Now that it is spring, the crows have returned to our neighborhood. Since this is our first spring with Leaf, we hadn't thought about how these enormous black birds might view our tiny new family member.

One morning we let Leaf out in the backyard to take care of his bodily needs. Linda suddenly had an inner nudge to go out and check on him. Linda stood on the back deck, watching Leaf sniff and enjoy spring dew on green grass. Then she noticed a huge crow, the size of a hawk, perched on a high branch of a tree overlooking the yard. The crow focused silently and ominously on Leaf. He seemed to be thinking, "Breakfast!"

Linda immediately called to Leaf and brought him back in the house. Our little guy remained oblivious to the fact that he might have been tempting a predator with his small body. So as good "pet parents," we had to sit down to have a talk with Leaf about the facts of life in a neighborhood with crows.

Ever since hearing our parental admonitions, Leaf has become more aware of his surroundings. Before venturing to the backyard, he stands at the top of the steps on the deck and surveys the sky and tree branches. After he is certain there are no crows around, he enjoys his outing. We have been pleased to see that our little dog is a quick study in the ways of a world where danger lurks in unexpected places.