Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter

Dear Friends of Angel Animals,

Are you tired of bad news?

Have you ever wished for something that would consistently bring a smile to your face and make you forget your problems or anxieties?

How about accepting our gift to you of an absolutely FREE, QUICK-TO-READ newsletter? One that is chock full of love, joy, and comfort. A day-brightener that will become a special present you’ll look forward to opening every Saturday.

We are Allen and Linda Anderson, authors and founders of the Angel Animals Network. We are working to help people discover and benefit from the miraculous powers of animals. We're inviting you to subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter and join a worldwide community of animal lovers.

The powerful stories in this unique publication warm the heart and offer a timely vision of spiritual wonders for a world sorely in need of them. Each week, thousands of people from over 40 countries look forward to reading the fascinating stories contributed by our readers about the human/animal spiritual bond. They join together in celebration of the gifts animals, as spiritual partners, bring to all our lives.

Click here to be on our mailing list or send a blank e-mail to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com to automatically receive your free Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter. Visit http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals to read past editions of the Angel Animals newsletter.

And please pass this invitation along to your animal-loving friends. They’ll thank you for it.

Animal blessings,
Allen & Linda Anderson

ANGEL ANIMALS NETWORK
www.angelanimals.net


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The Illusion of Natural Differences

Dogs and cats are supposed to be natural enemies. Certain groups of people are expected to be at odds with each other, too. Race, politics, religion, or any number of differences seem to be insurmountable barriers that separate us from one another.

Prana, our gentle golden retriever, whose name means "breath of life," is no longer with us. But in her short life, she taught our family about how to transcend differences in ways that constantly amazed us.

Prana befriended the kitten Feisty we adopted from a local animal shelter. Their relationship demonstrated the power of love to crumble illusory walls that keep us from experiencing our deeper connections with each other. Prana and Feisty shared our home and inspired us with their selfless love and unstinting devotion. We'd look at each other and say, "Why can't everyone be more like them?"

Gently playing with and mothering Feisty, Prana raised him with unwavering patience, kindness, and consideration. Prana cherished the chew bones we'd give her in the evening. She'd sit by the television set chewing them in a state of pure ecstasy. When Feisty came over, without hesitation, Prana would readily share her precious bone by holding it between her front paws for the kitten to lick.

As the kitten grew into a cat, these two friends became inseparable, even sleeping next to each other. Prana often slept on her back with her mouth open. Feisty would stick his head into her mouth, waking up his playmate.

When have you observed animals transcending the illusion of difference? What has it taught you about unconditional love?

Allen and Linda Anderson
www.angelanimals.net

The Llama Animal Rescuer

From time to time we want to share a story that we’ve published in the Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter. “The Llama Animal Rescuer” is a special story written by Lisa Brown we hope you enjoy.


THE LLAMA ANIMAL RESCUER
By Lisa "Taz" Brown

All of the animals at Dakota Ridge Farm (DRF) are wonderful and amazing. They bring such fun and laughter to our lives and warm our hearts, even when we are having a bad day. It is such an honor to be part of their lives in helping Gary and Katrina Capasso with daily chores on the farm.

On one particular evening, when pulling into the DRF driveway, I noticed the animals looking in a particular direction. I looked to see if Katrina was there. They would all watch her if she was out walking around. No one was there except for me.

As I got closer, Tabby, one of Katrina's female llamas, ran to the fence toward me. She normally does this and then starts dancing her happy "I am going to get fed" dance. But instead of dancing, she looked at me with a serious expression, did a 180-degree turn, and ran to the other corner of her pasture toward the horse pasture.. There she stood in an alarm stance, looking back once to make sure I was coming.

I knew at that moment that something wrong, and Tabby wanted me to come back there right away. On arriving at the back pasture I found one of the horses down. I was able to get in touch with Gary and Katrina immediately, and luckily help was right around the corner. The horse got the attention she needed. All turned out well.

I was so amazed at how Tabby knew she needed to get one of her humans quickly and how she used her body language to communicate the need. Even though her pasture was next door, she was very concerned about her neighbor. I believe Tabby to be a hero, for when help was needed immediately, no time was wasted due to Tabby's help.

I just wanted to share with you this story. Animals are truly a blessing!

Thank you, Tabby!

NOTE: To view a picture of Tabby at Dakota Ridge Farm go
to www.angelanimals.net/nlimage10.html

To view Katrina & Gary Capasso's Dakota Ridge Farm website visit www.dakotaridgefarm.com

BIO:
Lisa Brown lives in Malta, New York with her husband and son. There share their home with loveable cats, dogs, a rabbit, and lizard. Their extended family also includes eight wonderful llamas they board at Dakota Ridge Farm. Lisa says, "Share your life with animals, for when they share theirs with you, that is when you truly start to live."

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

Have you seen one animal rescue another?

Allen and Linda Anderson
ANGEL ANIMALS NETWORK
www.angelanimals.net

What Makes a Great Dog Park?

While watching our cocker spaniel Leaf run around the dog park, we started discussing how dogs would rate them? This one had a hollow log that the little dogs could run through. It had woodchips underneath the snow. Plenty of open spaces for a human to throw a ball and make it bounce.

We've heard of all kinds of dog park amenities. Benches for people to sit on and chat while their dogs play are crowd-pleasers. Another park we visit has an old mailbox where people can pick up bags for cleaning up after their dogs. This one also has aluminum pans to keep the animals supplied with plenty of water.

What features do you like or would wish to see in a dog park? If dogs could rate the parks, how would they judge them?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

Furry, Flying, Flowing, and Feathered Friends

Then the host asked him if he thought he'd learned anything by sharing his home with this animal. The man said he was looking at the dog, resting comfortably on his couch, as she patiently waited for him to take her for a walk. He said as much as this dog loved her walks, no matter how busy he became doing graphics out of his home office, the dog never pestered him. He said he often wished he could be as patient as she is.

We smiled, listening to this man describe a spiritual quality--patience--while denying that an animal had anything of spiritual value to teach him. He was demonstrating something that we've seen in the hundreds of stories we've collected from around the world and which we share in our newsletter, book, presentations, and workshops. Repeatedly, people who are willing to put the human ego aside, tell us how animals show from their hearts--not through animal instinct, behavior or training--unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, and joy.

If we want to understand how to appreciate Mother Earth, respecting all life and treasuring gifts from the Creator to creation, we have to look no further than our furry, flying, flowing, and feathered friends. Animals offer us some of the most enduring and endearing examples of gratitude. And if we're grateful, we'll do everything possible to preserve the beauty and abundance that nature offers us every day.

Announcement

We are pleased to announced the winners of the 2008 Angel Horses with a Mission True Story Contest. There were many entries of amazing stories. The judges had a tough job selecting the winners out of so many very good stories. See names of winners in this post. Visit Angel Animals at www.angelanimals.net/contests.html for details.

2008 ANGEL HORSES WITH A MISSION TRUE STORY CONTEST WINNERS

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

"Peanut"
By Cooky McClung


SECOND PLACE WINNERS

"In Disguise"
By Jodi Buchan

"Took"
By Kimberly Bloss

"One Horse That Inspired an International Quest"
By Angela Kirby

"Birthing Frostbite, the Christmas Eve Foal"
By Steve Schwertfeger

"Marble Statue"
By Meaghan Martin

"Under The Wings of Pegasus"
By Vanessa Wright


HONORABLE MENTIONS

"Blondie"
By Karen Kukla Spies

"Asleep with Saki"
By Samuel Younghans

"The Place"
By Pauline Peterson

"Riding Wisdom"
By Kim McElroy

"My Story with Spring Thaw"
By Christianna Capra

"Saved by My Lil' Man"
By Mary Hill


ANGEL HORSES WITH A MISSION CONTEST JUDGES

Franklin Levinson
www.WayoftheHorse.org
www.FranklinLevinson.com

David and Crissy Tucker
www.opengait.org

Robin Cain
www.sixteenhandshorsesanctuary.org

Marcia Pruett Wilson
www.marciaintuitivearts.com

Shari Click
www.rmrhorsesanctuary.com

* * * * *

Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

Loves Dogs

A letter sent to us by one of our readers amused us and we think you may also enjoy it. In her letter, Jan told us that a relative of hers had made "loves dogs" a prerequisite for having a serious relationship with the next man in her life.

Jan's relative met a suitor through an online dating service. He seemed to fit the bill, and their match was made in dog heaven. For those of you who don't know, dog heaven is otherwise known as dog park. This is where city dogs run and play like crazy with other dogs while their adoring humans observe and visit with each other.

The man whom Jan's relative fell in love with decided to prove his devotion to dogs by surprising her with a unique setting for declaring his intentions. He got down on his knees (in the woodchips?) at the dog park the couple frequented with the woman's pooch. There, he proposed marriage and presented her with an engagement ring. This was done in front of all the dog-loving witnesses at the dog park. As you can imagine, the woman and her dog immediately accepted his proposal.

Is "loves dogs" or "loves cats" or "loves horses" a prerequisite for your significant relationships?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

"CRAZY" DOG LOVERS' HABITS

We wanted to share a story from Connie Bowen that was published in our Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter. It is delightful.

"CRAZY" DOG LOVERS' HABITS
By Connie Bowen

Do you find yourself among that rare breed of dog lover who your friends think have gone just too far in your love for your dogs? Read on and see if any of these dog lover traits sound all too familiar.

Do you fluff up their bed just one more time, to make sure your dogs are comfy cozy during the nighttime hours? And of course, if they should deem our bed more to their liking at 4:00 a.m., we're happy to oblige with a scoot to the edge, braving cold toes or worse yet, a dangerous fall-off to the floor below.

If they ask to be in the bathroom with us during our morning shower, we'll leave the door ajar should our dogs feel an urgent need to leave, even if it means less privacy and a strikingly cold draft.

We plan our dinner outings around their eating habits, begging them to chow down early so that we can sit in comfort at a restaurant, awaiting our entree, awash in the peaceful fog of knowing they're safe at home with full tummies.

We wouldn't dream of keeping the TV too loud, the house too warm, or running low on dog cookies, treats, and toys.

We announce our comings and goings explaining when we'll be back, how long we'll be gone and what we'll bring them when we return.

All in all, we know what life would be like without our dogs, and we shudder to think of the possibility.

Are you a member of this rare breed of dog lover? If you are, then join the ranks with the best of the best. We can't *all* be crazy, can we?

BIO:
Visit www.conniebowen.com to view Connie's animal portraits. Connie is also the illustrator for Susan Chernak McElroy's book, HEART IN THE WILD (Random House, 2002).

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
What would life be like if we weren't owned by our pets?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

Why do you have a pet?

We sometimes hear or read the argument that living with a pet isn't a reasonable or logical lifestyle choice. The financial cost of vet bills and food, the additional cleaning that is necessary, and other responsibilities seem prohibitive to some.

And why would people willingly put themselves through emotional loss, when they know that someday, a beloved animal will leave or die? Many who have never lived with animals question the motivation (and sanity) of those who share their homes and lives with pets.

For those who haven't experienced the human-animal spiritual connection, sincere animal lovers seem to lack common sense. Pet lovers are accused of having emotional weakness and immaturity, which spring from their lack of "real" human contact and companionship. They must be severely bored to need animals as their source of amusement.

When Linda types this line, Speedy looks at the screen as if to ask, "Do you think that's true? Do I amuse you?" Linda strokes her hand down the cat's back and replies, "Yes, you do, but that's not the only reason we love you."

Our cat Cuddles seems to know exactly what to do when we need encouragement. Her special way to offer comfort is to touch her paw ever so gently on the shoulder of the one who needs a little extra TLC. Her eyes peer straight into that person's heart and without one word spoken say, "You are loved."

Our dog Leaf wiggles, licks with his soft pink tongue, and wags his tail in circles to let us know that his offer of friendship is unequivocal.

Our cockatiel Sunshine whistles and says, "I love you, sweet baby." Who could mistake that sign of affection?

Do you notice when an animal gives you a gentle touch and wide-eyed, innocent look of unconditional love? In today's busy lifestyle it's easy to ignore these signals that love is all around.

Stop, look, listen, observe, be grateful. The pets in your life are there for you in ways you may not be noticing. What are your pet blessings?

Allen & Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net

The Case of the Missing Glasses

The other day Linda couldn't find her glasses. Unfortunately this isn't an unusual occurrence, as she often absentmindedly takes them off and forgets where she put them. On this occasion, she searched all the regular spots.

Running out of time, without Allen at home to aid in the reconnaissance mission, Linda looked at Leaf, our black cocker spaniel with a nose for adventure. He had been following her from room to room and stood watching her meltdown. In exasperation she asked, "Leaf, where are my glasses?"

Linda took one more sweep of the dining room area rug. Sometimes, if she leaves her glasses on the dining table, our cat Cuddles will decide they make a great toy and sweep them onto the floor with her little white paw. But this time, there were no glasses on the rug.

Then Linda went into the kitchen to finish making breakfast without the glasses she needed to enjoy reading the morning paper. When she returned to the dining room, in exactly the spot she had just looked, Leaf stood over a slightly mangled pair of glasses. He appeared to be mighty proud of himself.

Sure enough, those were the missing glasses. Linda still doesn't know where they were, but Leaf did. We're thinking of opening a doggie detective agency.

Have you ever had a pet find something you lost?

Inspirational Writing and Publishing Today with Linda Anderson

Linda invites any of you who live in or near the Twin Cities to join her in taking a writing course from the Loft Literary Center. She only teaches the class once a year. It starts January 29th, and registration for it is filling up right now. The six-week class will meet at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. See full announcement below.

Inspirational Writing and Publishing Today with Linda Anderson

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

Thursdays, January 29 - March 5, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Hopkins Center for the Arts, Class #A-20-1, Sliding fee scale, Register by phone at 612-379-8999 or online at www.loft.org

Our Dog Has Trained Us Well

Okay, we have a question for you folks who love to train dogs -- Who does the training, the dog or the person or both?

We ask, because our cocker spaniel Leaf, smart little adolescent boy that he is, seems to be training us and everyone else as much or more than we're training him.

Example: At doggie day care this week, we hear that Leaf scratches with his mighty paw on the gates to let the staff know whether he wants to play with the big or the little dogs. They come running to fulfill his request.

Example: We use our trainer's suggestion for how to get Leaf to stop trying to lick dirty dishes in the dishwasher when the door is opened. We say, "Leave it." When he stops, we're to give him a treat and say, "Take it." Get the picture? He's trained us to give him treats by licking the plate or threatening to do so in hopes that we'll say, "Leave it" followed by "Take it."

Example: Leaf loves to beg at the table when we eat. Rather than hassle with him at every meal, we put the gate up between the hallway and dining room. He's trained us to give him a kong that occupies his little mind and focus while we eat in peace.

Example: Leaf has trained us to give him a treat so that he doesn't go into overprotective mode when an invited guest comes into the house. The guest gets trained, too, to offer him a treat.

So you tell us, who is training whom?

Dog Park Relationships

It is a delight to take your dog to the dog park where all sorts of people mix with a variety of dogs. This often causes the most interesting moments, collaborations, alliances, and spiritual growth experiences. It’s been our experience that closer relationships between humans and dogs develop at the dog park.

One recent afternoon we were rushed and had little time to spare. Yet we knew our black cocker spaniel, Leaf, needed at least a short time to get some exercise. We raced over to his favorite play place — the dog park.

This time, we forgot Leaf’s favorite red and white rubber ball. He loves to chase, catch, and bring it back to us. Assuming a ball is just a ball, we thought it would be okay to throw old tennis balls that were lying around in the park. This one change would turn out to bring about an enlightening experience for us all.

Over the past few months, as we’ve gotten into our routine visits to the dog park, we would always bring Leaf’s favorite ball to throw for him. He had picked out these balls at pet supply stores. It was amusing to watch his focus on the checkout process, keeping an eye on his new possession as it went into the shopping bag.

In the car on the way home, he would tear into the bag to retrieve the new ball. He knew it belonged to him. At the dog park, acting more characteristically like a retriever than a cocker spaniel, Leaf would chase the toy and drop it at our feet for another throw.

Even after letting it go long enough to have a good run, Leaf remained very protective of HIS ball. He’d tightly grip it in his mouth and run around to the dogs, making sure they all saw that this was his own special bouncy toy. It seemed to us that some of the other dogs were jealous and wanted to take Leaf’s new red and black ball away from him.

Sometimes he would tempt the dogs by quickly dropping his ball in front of them. But he was always too fast and grabbed it away before the dogs could take it. He’d run off, looking over his shoulders at the less fortunate dogs who were too slow to keep up with him.

When Leaf played with his personal ball, he seemed to have less fun. There was always the underlying concern that he’d lose his property. He took pride in owning something that the other dogs could not have.

Dog Park Without Leaf’s Ball

This day, when as we arrived at the dog park without Leaf’s ball, the entire experience took on a different tone that brimmed with spiritual significance. Leaf was about to learn one of the toughest lessons on the path to enlightenment — detachment.

At first, he looked impatiently, staring and waiting for us to throw his ball. We showed him our empty hands and pockets. We said, “No ball today! Go play with the other dogs.” So Leaf, deprived of his normal routine, resigned himself to finding something else to do.

He started looking for the other tennis balls to pick up from the ground and bring back to us. But for him, there was a big difference in playing with balls that didn’t belong to him or any of the other dogs. He no longer had the responsibility of ownership. We noticed that he was starting to relax. He stopped looking over his shoulder to see if another dog was about to steal his property.

Our cocker picked up the communal tennis balls one at a time. He brought them to us, dropped the balls at our feet, and waited for Allen to play. (He chooses Allen for this task, since Linda’s throwing is just too wimpy for our macho little guy.)

Detachment Is More Fun

We observed that Leaf started watching other people throw tennis balls for their dogs. Occasionally their balls bounced off with no dogs in pursuit. Leaf would find one of the balls that got away and carry it over to a person with a dog. He’d drop the ball at the person’s feet as if to say, “Throw this one for your dog. It’s fun!”

It was interesting to see how much more entertained Leaf became when he managed to get the people and their dogs playing with each other. No longer concerned about his property rights, he could enjoy the dog park and orchestrate its games.

He knew that none of the dog park balls were his and he didn’t try to keep them for himself. Like a little party-planner, he attempted to get everyone to participate and play together. Soon, people were throwing tennis balls every which way. Their dogs loved it and were running with great energy and focus to catch them. Leaf’s gift of service and his lesson in detachment had manifested in a much more joyful bonding and relationship between humans and dogs than we had ever witnessed on our regular outings.

Often people at the dog park get involved in conversations with each other. Except for an occasional pat on the head for their dogs, they pretty much ignore the animals. Leaf caused the people to engage with their dogs and deepen the human-canine relationships on this one special afternoon.

Leaf demonstrated and reminded us life is much more rewarding when a person, or dog, places attention on service without the burden of attachment. He showed that giving without expecting a return creates harmony for all.

What If?

The hundreds of stories we've collected from all over the world show animals as conscious, sentient, spiritual beings who reason, create, and choose. These are concepts most people find difficult, even unnerving to believe.

One day, Linda was watching "Good Morning, America," a daily national television program. That morning the guest was Jack Hanna, accompanied by a man who trains rare and exotic birds. As the man did his routine of having parrots interact with him by carrying on conversations and finishing his song lyrics, host Elizabeth Vargas kept asking, "But these birds can't really think, can they? They're only mimicking humans, right?" Linda found it amusing to hear the note of panic in Elizabeth's voice at the thought that these birds could be something more than intelligent robots.

So the question for January 1, 2009 is: What if?

What if animals are much more than we've ever realized? What if they don't need for us to attribute human characteristics to them but have their own special qualities? What if, since they've lived on this earth for much longer than we have, they know a few things we haven't figured out yet? How will this change the way you view and interact with the animals on this earth?

What if?

Lots of Barkin' & Bitin' Going on Over Marley & Me

Although the movie, Marley & Me, promises to be a big hit, especially with fans of John Grogan's mega-bestseller book, not everyone loves the story and the human characters.

In Gina Spadafori's Pet Connection Column, "'Marley and Me'-Don't Try This at Home" (December 26, 2008, http://is.gd/e18L), Gina expresses the distaste that is shared by other animal lovers.

Gina writes, "But the book? I found it too irritating for words, and gave up on the reading halfway through. I found myself wanting to grab the man by the lapels and beg him to get competent help from a good trainer or behaviorist. There was nothing wrong with Marley that some consistent, well-informed environmental changes, training and exercise couldn't have fixed. "Bad" dogs just aren't funny to me. And now, of course, Marley's a movie. Thanks, but I'll pass."

The column elicited a flurry of responses from readers.

Kathleen Weaver wrote, "I'm glad you confessed. I feel the same way. I spent an almost an 8 year period of my life, finding out of control labs and retrievers, placing them with potential K9 officers and training dog and officer to find dope. Made a lot of people happy, especially the frustrated owners. The last thing I want to do, is waste almost 2 hours of my life watching clueless dog owners. I can do that anytime I want, just go to a local park or worse yet, dog park."

We posted a link to Gina's column on http://twitter.com/angelanimals and on our Angel Animals Facebook page, (Facebook-Linda-Allen Anderson). We also received comments from people who had not wanted to go against the grain and admit that they felt squeamish about labeling Marley as "the world's worst dog.

Megan, a reader of Gina's column, offered the point of view that we've heard expressed most often about why millions of people appreciated the drama in Marley & Me. Megan writes, "I think people loved the book because it makes them feel less guilty about their own shortcomings with their pets (if someone makes unruly pets or storm phobias seem funny, it becomes a character trait rather than a problem to be dealt with). Sad sad sad."

Marley & Me has become an empire with children's books and now a movie that tugs at the heartstrings. To their credit, although the Grogans almost got rid of Marley early on, they didn't join the ranks of the "dumpsters." Instead, they wound up keeping and loving Marley throughout his life.

So what do you think about Marley & Me?

Why do millions of people tune in to puppies?

NBC Nightly News included a story on its December 12th broadcast about the phenomenon of the Shiba Inu Puppy Cam. Over 18 million people, spending the equivalent of 790 years worth of time, have tuned in to watch a bin filled with the puppies. The pooches are mostly sleeping. Sometimes, though, they play together.

Newscaster Brian Williams closed the segment by saying that he has no idea what this says about our society.

Of course, we got a good laugh out of that statement because after writing over ten books about animals, including two dog books, we have our own theories regarding what the bliss and joy of watching puppies says about society.

In our opinion it says that when you're troubled, bored, stressed, or in need of companionship, there is absolutely nothing as satisfying as taking on the puppy consciousness, even if it's only vicariously.

Studies show the health benefits of having pets in your life -- lower blood pressure, less anxiety, decrease in depression and loneliness -- to name a few. Probably watching the puppies frolic or snooze does all those things for people.

This is an overwrought world where we often forget to take care of our emotional and spiritual needs while we run from one item on our to-do list to another. A carefree, playful puppy is just what the doctor/health practitioner ordered.

What do you think? How would you answer Brian's question about what the popular puppy cam says about our society?

NBC Nightly News report on Shiba Inu Puppy Cam: http://is.gd/bvl8

Shiba Inu Puppy Cam: http://is.gd/4FnB

Male Cat Baldness

We receive many letters and emails from people who have learned other important lessons by observing animals in their homes or in nature. Here are a couple stories that might cause you to wonder who is teaching whom in human-animal relationships.

Lynn Hewitt says that her cat Poog has the kind of expressive green eyes that convey his intelligence and gentle heart. She writes about an experience with her brother-in-law, Ron, Poog's favorite houseguest.

"Ron has a calm and determined manner. What Ron says and does, reflects his inner feelings with a consistency and integrity that Poog obviously understands and respects. Whenever Ron visits, Poog behaves as if a royal prince has entered his realm."

Ron customarily wears a baseball cap. It covers his shaved, bald scalp. On one occasion, Ron took off his cap when he came into the house. This was the first time Poog had ever seen him without it. Since the cat always paid the most worshipful attention to Ron, it was with great dismay that Poog observed the change in his friend's demeanor.

The sight of hairless Ron caused Poog to begin moaning. He circled Ron slowly and jumped up on the chair to look more closely at the disaster that had been visited upon his hero. Poog's sad eyes told the story of his empathy for a fallen prince who had obviously endured a great disaster.

Lynn writes, "Poog clearly communicated horror and sympathy for Ron's 'furless' head. It brought tears to the eyes of several humans in the room as Poog slowly crept respectfully up the arm of this honored guest and gently licked and kissed his scalp in obvious sorrow and sympathy. There are greater tragedies in a cat's world, but the shaving away of fur was certainly a calamity Poog recognized. His sincere and gently offered condolence remains a lesson in the innate character and virtues of our animal friends, especially when their unique gifts of individuality are consistently honored and nurtured with love and respect."

Has an animal expressed his or her sympathy toward your physical or emotional situation?

What does your choice of animal family members say about you?

How often have you seen people with pets who resemble them? Some pretty funny photographs show this phenomenon in books and on the Internet. If you've lived with an animal for a while, you may have noticed that animals also reflect your qualities, characteristics, and personality traits. A depressed person has a sad-eyed dog. A chatty guy has a talkative parrot. The animal companion of a gentle woman is a kind and affectionate cat.

We are finding out how much of this is true with our animal family members.

When we take our dog for walks around a nearby lake, we often pass a mild-mannered man with a timid gait who always averts his eyes. A little dog runs alongside him, growling and showing her teeth to everyone. This dog could be a mirror for the man's excessive fears.

As people tell us about significant animals in their lives, we've observed how the animals often serve as spiritual report cards. More often than not, memorable spiritual experiences with animals chart a person's progress toward or away from having more love, peace, and fulfillment.

What does your choice of animal family members say about you?

Leaf in Love at the Dog Park

LEAF IN LOVE
By Allen Anderson

Our black cocker spaniel Leaf had only been with us a short time when we started taking him to the dog park near our home. This is a large, rolling, fenced-in field on a chilly hillside. It is covered with woodchips that the city provides. It's dotted with old picnic benches where people sit, chat, and watch their dogs. Near the benches are aluminum bowls that people fill with water as they arrive in the park. Balls, toys, tug-a-ropes, and long sticks are scattered throughout the area and lay where dogs have dropped them after a game of retrieval or tag.

On previous visits, I had noticed that Leaf showed an interest in everything around him. With daylight lasting longer, I had been picking him up from home after leaving work and taking him for social time and exercise. He loved playing, especially with the big dogs. He needed a lot of running to even slightly dampen his exuberant, youthful energy.

Leaf had always seemed content to play with whatever dogs were there at the same time as he. But this day's visit to the dog park would be different from others. We had been in the park for about fifteen minutes. Leaf was playing with several large dogs - Labs, golden retrievers, and Australian sheepdogs among them. All were three times his size.

From the corner of my eye I noticed a dignified woman wearing a long, pale-pink overcoat. She walked her bulldog who wore a shocking-pink collar. Due to her fancy outfit and apparently superior attitude, I would not have thought of this woman as one who might be at a lowly dog park run by the city.

Both human and dog arrived at the gate when Pink Lady looked down at her dog and asked, "Ethel, do you want to play here or go for a nice, peaceful walk?" Ethel immediately pulled away from the gate, making sure her human knew she preferred the walk. So they began their slow stroll down the sidewalk on a pathway that was adjacent to the dog park fence.

Leaf seemed to study the interaction at the gate. Because he watched it with such focus, I assumed that he had anticipated the thrill of a new playmate in the dog park. When Ethel pulled away with her human meekly following, he had to do something to change Ethel's mind.

Running like a bullet to the fence, he kept pace with the retreating Ethel and her human. He wiggled, wagged, squealed, and barked, trying in doggie language to convince Ethel to come into the park. He spotted a nearby tennis ball, picked it up in his mouth, ran back to the fence, and dropped it in front of his paws. This must have been his way of trying to tempt her.

I could see that Leaf was determined to persuade Ethel that playing with him would be preferable to taking a boring walk with her person. Also, he had deduced that Ethel was calling the shots with her human in tow. Leaf knew it would be the dog's decision.

Leaf finally got Ethel's attention. She seemed to enjoy all the hoopla over her by this upstart boy dog. She glanced over and slowed her pace, which caused the woman to also slow down. Leaf gave his last squealing appeal, wiggled his whole backside, and then quietly sat. How could she resist a playmate who looked so appealing and vulnerable?

There was a moment of quiet as both Ethel and her human looked at this teenage boy dog being so good, sitting well, looking cute, obviously having a crush on Ethel. To seal the deal, Leaf spread full out on the ground as he furiously wagged his tail.

His strategy worked.

Ethel made a U-turn and ran back to the dog park gate so quickly that she pulled the red leash away from the woman's hand. Ethel decided she was going on a play date. Leaf ran to greet Ethel with his joyful enthusiasm as both human and bulldog entered the dog park.

Once inside, the woman unhooked Ethel from her leash. In appreciation Leaf immediately covered Ethel with multiple doggy kisses. Then he aggressively sniffed her with unrestrained joy, no doubt discovering many of her secrets. His expectations were fulfilled, as Ethel, at first, played hard to get, a game Leaf dearly loves.

Ethel's attempts at a bark were more of a bulldog grunt, but the two started running side by side. Their fur touched. Leaf's ears flopped in the wind. All was right in dog park world.

Ethel's human asked, "Is that your dog?"

"Yes, his name is Leaf. He's our little teenager."

"Ethel normally prefers walking. She is not that into other dogs."

Ethel and Leaf continued running together, circling back toward where we were standing. Many dog park people stand near the large oak tree near the entrance. This allows for plenty of room to throw Frisbees and tennis balls.

I watched Ethyl and Leaf run and play, Leaf picked up a stick in his mouth and took it back to Ethel. "Leaf loves it here," I said.

"He certainly captured Ethel's heart," Pink Lady responded. She looked confused as she placed her white-gloved hands in the pockets of her pink overcoat. Then she mumbled, still in disbelief, "But Ethel doesn't like other dogs."

Ethel and Leaf played nose-to-nose. Ethel's larger bulldog nose caused Leaf to lean off center. Ethel didn't seem to mind.

Suddenly, Ethel snapped at Leaf's nose. Leaf backed his snout away a couple of inches. Our cat's training at home was making him into a master in the art of dodging scratches and bites. Leaf looked at Ethel with even more adoration. He seemed to be pleased at the thought that she wanted to play rough.

He grabbed a nearby stick, trying to tempt her to get it from him. He laid it down at his feet, inches away from Ethel. Then he began working, teasing, wanting her to try for it so he could show her how strong and fast he is. She made a slight move toward the stick. In an instant Leaf grabbed it up.

Ethel turned her head toward her human as if to say, "Enough of him. Let's go."

Foiled, Leaf dropped the stick and backed away so Ethel would have a better chance to possess it. Already Ethyl was trotting toward the gate with her human meekly following.

Pink Lady hooked the leash to the dog's pink collar and began to open the gate. Sitting down and watching the events unfold, Leaf appeared to be thwarted. He did not want Ethel to leave so soon. He had worked too hard to get her into the park.

Leaf ran toward the gate. As he drew closer, he slowed to a quick trot. Ethel glanced over at him, still enjoying his attention. Pink Lady fiddled with the latch on the gate.

Thinking quickly, Leaf gently grabbed the pink leash with his mouth and pulled it out of the human's hand. He then walked, leash in mouth, with Ethel following him, back toward the center in the park.

At first, the woman appeared surprised, then amused. She watched Leaf taking her bulldog away. "Oh, no, no, we have to go," she called. "Ethel, come back. Ethel!"

Pink Lady walked to the two dogs and picked up Ethel's leash. Leaf, having made his final argument, let go without any resistance.

Leaf sat and watched both dog and human again start walking back to the gate. Pink Lady turned around and said, "Leaf, the next time we see you in the park, and Ethel wants to play, we'll be back."

If a bulldog can smile, Ethel appeared to be grinning at the promise of more fun to come. Leaf took it all in stride. He always surprises me with his ingenuity and determination.

BIO:
Leaf Anderson has a starring role in the new book by Allen and Linda Anderson, ANGEL DOGS WITH A MISSION: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

When have you observed animals in love? Did it remind you of human romance?

Dr. Marty Becker, D.V.M., America's Favorite Vet

We want to bring to your attention three new books by an author who has been a dear friend to us and Angel Animals ever since our first book, ANGEL ANIMALS: Divine Messengers of Miracles, for which he wrote the foreword.

Dr. Marty Becker, D.V.M., America's Favorite Vet, resident veterinarian for Good Morning America, bestselling author, and pet care columnist, has teamed up with Gina Spadafori, Carol Kline, and other authors for The ULTIMATE Series. These books are filled with advice and inspiring stories from the country's best experts and photographers. The stories and articles address behavior, sports and leisure activity, and preventative health care issues for dogs, cats, and horses.

This series is published by Health Communications, Inc. (HCI)
It includes:

THE ULTIMATE DOG LOVER; The Best Experts' Advice for a Happy, Healthy Dog with Stories and Photos of Incredible Canines

THE ULTIMATE CAT LOVER, The Best Experts' Advice for a Happy, Healthy Cat with Stories and Photos of Fabulous Felines

THE ULTIMATE HORSE LOVER, The Best Experts' Advice for Happy, Healthy Horses with Stories and Photos of Awe-Inspiring Equines.

To support the release of these books, HCI is offering an article by acclaimed animal photographer Troy Snow on "How to Photograph Your Pet." You'll find the article at www.authorviews.com/authors/becker/excerpt.htm

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LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL

Buy any TWO books from the Angel Animals Online Shopping and get ONE Angel Dogs with a Mission book at no cost. This offer will end on December 15th. After purchasing any two books at the reduced sale price you will automatically have a third, autographed Angel Dogs with a Mission placed with your order at no additional cost. Note: Do not add the third (no cost) book to your order form or you will be charged for it. The free book is automatically added to your package. Visit the Angel Animals bookstore at www.shop.angelanimals.net/main.sc

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

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We have posted a NEW video for your viewing pleasure. It shows two of the stories from our book, ANGEL DOGS, that were presented on Animal Planet's DOGS 101 and the MONTEL SHOW.

www.angelanimals.net/ytjohnson.html
www.angelanimals.net/ytdugan.html

Don't you just love when a dog shows how smart he is?

One of our cocker spaniel Leaf's favorite games is to catch a kernel of popcorn midair when Linda throws it to him from the couch.

Picture this scene. Linda is sitting on the couch, relaxing, with her favorite snack, a bowl of popcorn on her lap. During the popping process in the kitchen, Leaf has kept vigil to scoop up any kernels that the electric popcorn popper might have flung into the air and onto the floor. But now, he waits for this fun combination of a treat and a game.

In the past it would always be a struggle for him to wait patiently for the popcorn toss. He'd put his nose on the coffee table, trying to inch toward the bowl. He'd jump up on the couch and attempt to bury his face in the bowl. If Linda left the room to answer the phone with the popcorn bowl tempting him on the coffee table, Leaf couldn't resist. He'd plunge his face into the bowl.

Last night, though, Linda forgot something upstairs and ran up to get it. Halfway to her destination she remembered the bowl of yummy popcorn on the table with Leaf waiting for his share. She thought, "I'm going to find him in the living room with his snout in the bowl."

When Leaf had done this misdeed in the past, Linda had told him in no uncertain terms that this was not acceptable behavior. She would put him in his crate for a few minutes to let him think about it. This would mean no more popcorn other than the kernels he had filched.

But this time was different. When Linda returned to the living room, Leaf lay sprawled out on the carpet with his legs straight out in the front and back of him. He looked at her expectantly. The bowl remained untouched.

Linda praised and congratulated him. She made a point of telling Allen what a good dog he had been. Then she sat down on the couch, bowl on her lap, and began their regular game.

Later, we talked about this incredible act of discipline on Leaf's part. He had actually weighed the consequences and decided that patience was wiser than instant gratification. By waiting and not touching the bowl, he would be able to stay in the living room and have both the treat and the game of catch.

He excels at snatching the kernels mid-air without letting them hit the floor. If he had plunged his face into the bowl while Linda was out of the room, he would have gotten some kernels but been deprived of the game and any more popcorn.

This seemed to be a high level of reasoning and strategy. We enjoyed observing him making choices based on past experience and choosing to do the right thing.

When have you seen an animal weigh the consequences of his or her actions?

Angel Animals Story of the Week -- Invitation

Are you tired of bad news?

Have you ever wished for something that would consistently bring a smile to your face and make you forget your problems or anxieties?

How about accepting our gift to you of an absolutely FREE, QUICK-TO-READ newsletter? One that is chock full of love, joy, and comfort. A day brightener that will become a special present you’ll look forward to opening every Saturday.

We are Allen and Linda Anderson, authors and founders of the Angel Animals Network. We are working to help people discover and benefit from the miraculous powers of animals. We're inviting you to subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter and join a worldwide community of animal lovers.

The powerful stories in this unique publication warm the heart and offer a timely vision of spiritual wonders for a world sorely in need of them. Each week, thousands of people from over 40 countries look forward to reading the fascinating stories contributed by our readers about the human/animal spiritual bond. They join together in celebration of the gifts animals, as spiritual partners, bring to all our lives.

Click here to be on our mailing list or send a blank e-mail to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com to automatically receive your free Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter. Visit http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals to read past editions of the Angel Animals newsletter.

And please pass this invitation along to your animal-loving friends. They’ll thank you for it.

Animal blessings,
Allen & Linda Anderson
www.angelanimals.net
www.shop.angelanimals.net
http://blog.angelanimals.net

Have You Thought about Spiritually Connecting with an Animal?

Animals play such a key role in the lives of those who value them as family members. They offer companionship and affection. They keep us interested and engaged in life. They nudge us to play and exercise. But did you know they can also be a catalyst for your spiritual growth?

We're excited to announce that the spiritual community of Beliefnet, composed of millions of visitors each week, asked us to write about ways that people and animals assist each other spiritually. The website has posted a beautiful and uplifting photo-journal on its site. We wrote the text and the Beliefnet editor selected outstanding photos to accompany it.

We encourage you to visit the site and try out the various techniques presented there. It is called "10 Spiritual Ways to Connect with Your Pet." Go to http://tinyurl.com/5v57jx

NOTE: If you visit this site and don't see the photo journal, come back the next day. They are alternating our journal with another one.

What do you think about the journal and these techniques? How have you spiritually connected with animals?

Stupendous Cool Cats

From time to time there is a special story we want to share with our blog readers. This is one of those special stories!

STUPENDOUS COOL CATS
By Kathe Campbell

While I fold laundry he leans in hard, flicking his ringed tail, encircling and caressing my ankles. He curls up close, watching me nap until I wake with tears blanketing my eyes.

"Poor kitty, my poor sweet old guy," I sigh.

One of my kitty's nine lives had begun months before after which some heartless person tossed him out into our forest. I've seen dozens of the frightened things, mostly kitten litters, standing bewildered at the edge of the dusty road; defenseless dump-offs. They rush into the woods, innocent victims of someone who most likely has no use for cats.

My neighbors and I spotted this big, yellow feline who now offers his companionship to me. We watched him throughout his harrowing journey, his fear and doubt ruling. No amount of enticing could corral him.

The kitty may well have been a sweet guy, good with kids, probably used his kitty box faithfully, and purred sweet love songs on every lap. But now the wilderness echoed unfamiliar sounds, thrusting him at tree trunks, sending him clambering high until there was only the sound of the babbling creek.

Sprawling over a large limb or hunkered in the crotch of a fir, he waited for dawn's pink glow and safe flight. But safe flights were rare. Coyotes, badgers, foxes, weasels, even owls and raptors had him on their short list.

Winter came blustery and white, and the cat looked to be eternally, deep-down frozen and shivery, but he held his ground, refusing tossed kibbles until the coast was clear. Gimping along on cracked and sore paws, he made his way through thick underbrush where the ground laid barer. Sometimes gigantic fir boughs loosed their great snow loads in the wind, plunging heavily atop his hiding places, nearly burying him alive.

His coat was losing its luster and thick mantle; his only belongings were tangled masses of rangy clothing protruding down his back. Tree saps fused his carcass together into stiff, hairy spurs, seemingly pulling and stretching him with every move. Listening to his own purr must have been his only comfort, but the freeze cruelly shattered anything more than a small, raspy yawp as he fled our mercy.

After months of wandering and rustling up his own pitiful grub, dwellings suddenly appeared in our mountain valley. The cat had made it through winter on his own -- scrawny, but intact, with new zest in his gait. His wilderness plight said much about never losing heart.

Dump-offs usually pose an edgy, woeful presence at places they encounter, and this kitty was no exception. Still guarded, the sorry old guy moved from one barn to another. Despite unwanted intrusions into the local feline establishment, his grit became the subject of rural gossip.

A kitty should be fit for productive hunting, so folks began tossing scraps from behind small cracks in their doorways. Competing with dogs and raccoons, he gobbled up anything, for his mousing days had become few.

Like clockwork, I retreated from my log dwelling to feed my donkey herd every morning. The cat watched, clearly in need of a kind word but leery of the dog who romped at my side. I bent low for him to eat from my hand, but he was terrified to venture close.

Quieting his fears, I left an old, woolen army blanket and daily bowl of chow and milk atop the tallest bale in my hay-room. He seemed almost content in the place if his matted coat hadn't finally overwhelmed his tongue, even in the warmth of spring.

If Mother Nature were an actress, autumn would be her finest performance. Orangey leaves and cooler nights warned cat he wouldn't survive another winter as he dared peek over the hay bales with his hackles up -- just in case.

Murmuring soft kitty sounds while at my daily chores, I reached up to touch his head just once before he panicked and fled. Then one afternoon, with all the courage he could muster, he thrust out his claws and climbed down into my lap to let me stroke his chin. Pent-up emotions finally gave way, releasing his burden and my tears.

"It's okay fella, it's okay. I've got you now. I won't rush you. Take your time dear old thing," I said, as my crippled fingers nuzzled the cat's neck.

He was home.

I called him General Sterling Price after the big yellow cat in the movie, "True Grit." The Keeshond he had feared quickly welcomed him. My dog followed the General around for days watching him roll in delicious green grass, obviously fascinated by his gamy and bizarre self. I wondered how old the General was. He was surely in his teens, looking grizzled after losing an eye, various teeth, and another of his nine lives.

He curls up in front of the fireplace lest an occasional stroll into the barn where the mice have his number. After rugged exploits on our Montana mountain, he's old, thin, and tired. Often I carry him to his bowl of milk and special supper that puts a dent in my monthly check. I dare not complain, for I, too, have been in the fight.

His dauntless spirit teaches me courage daily -- not to whine over my own big stuff, but to have the patience to endure it. So we joyfully pursue our antiquity together, while the General longingly eyes the cedar chest at the foot of our bed. After awhile he works his way up where, at long last, a wee purr thrums its sweet love song in my ear.

There, I remind him: "We're not so bedraggled, my sweet General. You have one eye and only a few teeth. I have one arm and only a few teeth as well. We're survivors, and that makes us a pair of stupendous cool cats."

BIO:
Kathe Campbell lives on a Montana mountain with her mammoth donkeys, Keeshond, and a few kitties. She is a prolific writer on Alzheimer's, and her stories are found on many ezines. Kathe is a contributing author to the Chicken Soup For The Soul series, numerous anthologies, RX for Writers, Daily Devotionals, and medical journals. Email her at kathe@wildblue.net

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
Who are the animals who parallel your life's journey?

We are having a lot of fun with our dog, Leaf's, race to the White House. Below is one of the many comments we've received about using humor as a comic relief from politics as usual. http://is.gd/3wKn

"I have decided Leaf has my vote. With his powerful history, he's a dog you can believe in. Yet while Leaf does have a remarkable story that could probably only happen in America, I have to confess I was on the fence. That is, until he introduced his running mate.

I am passionate about Cuddles Anderson's candidacy. It is long past time for a female in the White House.

Leaf and Cuddles have such moving stories. True American narratives, the likes of which the other campaigns can only dream. Now, that's the change we need. Leaf Anderson. Yes. He. Can. --Margo

Why do you think your pet would make a good President?

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We welcome you to answer this question and the "Something to Think About" question at our blogs and forums, so everyone can see your comments. Visit angelanimals.net/forum.html to share your thoughts.

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

You have been part of his journey from the beginning. He entered as an abandoned, frightened dog attempting to live in a home with two cats, a bird, and two humans who grieved over the death of their beloved yellow Lab, Taylor, only months earlier. We'd love to hear from all of you who have followed Leaf through such things as dog park, doggie daycare, panic attacks, fear of strangers, animal communicators, learning to live with cats, running for President, and growing into trust and love.

We'd also appreciate hearing from those of you who are just now tuning in. If you want to catch up, you can go to www.angelanimals.net and click on archived newsletters.

What are your impressions of Leaf? What are your thoughts about him and his journey? Please send letters within the next two weeks, if possible to angelanimals@angelanimals.net.

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

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UNIQUE HORSE RESCUE

Earlier this week we spoke with Cynthia Royal. She and her husband Tony Royal have appeared in horse shows and expos around the country. They demonstrate their intuitive ways of training horses for millions of people with the help of Blanco, the horse who played Shadowfax in the Lord of the Rings movie. www.IMAGINE-DiscoverTheMagic.com

Now Cynthia and Tony have rescued an historically significant herd of Polish Arabian horses whose ancestors were brought via a letter of intercession by President Ronald Reagan to the United States. The result has been that a herd of thirty white Polish Arabians fell into squalor and horrendous conditions.

Read about the Polish Arabian's journey and what Cynthia and Tony Royal are trying to do for them at www.pegasusrising.org. Consider making a tax-deductible donation for the horses' transport, veterinary care, and upkeep. They Royals' monthly cost for hay and feed alone is $4000!