Who is in charge of keeping you in balance when your life fills up with too many to-do list items?

When are you working too much?

The truth of the matter is -- we are working too hard and putting in too many hours on the next books and on all of our other tasks and jobs. But we have barometers in our home who tell us that we've lost our way. They are named Leaf, Cuddles, Speedy, and Sunshine.

Cuddles, the little black-and-white cat, vocalizes with a scolding tone of voice, telling us to knock it off. Speedy, the big cat, plants himself on our laps the moment we sit down on the couch. Sunshine, the bird, screeches more than usual.

Leaf taps with his curly black paw on our knees and pleads with big, dark-brown eyes for someone, anyone, to throw a ball for him to retrieve.

Everybody joins in the chorus to let us know that it is time to rest, time to take a break, or to play.

Who is in charge of keeping you in balance when your life fills up with too many to-do list items?


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

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MEET US AT THE EDINA GALLERIA ON TUESDAY

Mark your calendars! Thursday May 13, 5-8 PM, Talk2theAnimals is hosting Paws4Pets, a benefit for Red Lake Rosie's Rescue. This will be held at the Galleria, Edina, Minnesota, by Big Bowl. Enjoy an evening with Talk2theAnimals for animal communication, view the art work of Stray Dog Arts, and meet Angel Animal authors Linda and Allen Anderson.

There's a raffle, including exciting prizes from: The Galleria, Stray Dog Arts, Chuck and Don's, The Westin Galleria, and more! Bring a donation for Red Lake Rosie's Rescue and take away an evening of doggone fun!

Visit the Stray Dog Arts' blog for more information about Red Lake Rosie's Rescue and this event at www.straydogarts.blogspot.com/2010/04/talk2theanimals-paws4pets-fundraiser.html.

Learn more about Red Lake Rosie's Rescue at www.redlakerosie.blogspot.com.

Visit Talk2theAnimals at www.talk2theanimals.net


JOIN US FOR AN INTERNET RADIO INTERVIEW

Mohanshee's Lair will interview Linda Anderson about Angel Animals books and Angel Animals Network on Visionary Radio. Tuesday, May 11. Times are: 10:00 pm ET, 9:00 pm CT, 8:00 pm MT, 7:00 pm PT, and on Wednesday, May 12 at 3:00 am, UK. Go to www.gameconradio.com.


NYT BLOG ABOUT BEYOND THE HOMESTRETCH

Read Lynn Reardon's guest blog on her book, Beyond the Homestretch about her ranch that rescues racehorses at www.therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/the-rail-bookshelf-beyond-the-homestretch/


NEW CONTEST

Inspiring Stories of Animals Who Comfort and Heal Children -- Angel Animals Network 2010 True Story Contest

The Angel Animals Network 2010 True Story Contest is now accepting submissions of true stories of animals helping children, parents, and families deal with difficult situations and circumstances. Animals featured in contest stories can be dogs, cats, horses, gerbils, rabbits, ferrets, or any house pet or animal in nature. They can be family pets or therapy, assistance, or service animals.

The stories can be written by parents or guardians of children or by the children or teens themselves. Stories can also be written by adults who recall a special animal from childhood or teen years who helped them through a tough period.

This contest hopes to find real-life stories that demonstrate animals comforting and helping to heal children during everyday ups and downs or traumatic events such as divorce or other losses. The stories can depict how children and teens de-stress with animals while learning valuable life lessons.

The contest hopes to find heartwarming and positive stories that deal with children who endure long-term or catastrophic illnesses. The animals in the stories might also be ones who help children who have learning disorders, blindness, deafness, physical/motor, mental, and emotional problems. They might be children with autism that an animal is aiding through their journey.

Any contest entries, but especially those of the winners, will be considered for possible publication in a new book about animals who comfort and heal children by Allen and Linda Anderson to be published by New World Library in Fall 2011.

Contest deadline is September 15, 2010. But get your stories in early so we can read them to see if they are possibilities for the new book.

For more information go to www.angelanimals.net/contests.html


NEW ANGEL ANIMALS NETWORK CLUB MEMBERS

We look forward to partnering with you in using the power of story to change attitudes toward animals and inspire people worldwide to treat them as precious gifts.

Depending on the level you choose, benefits of membership in the Angel Animals Network Club include:

* acknowledgement in this newsletter and on the Angel Animals
website that you are in the Club
* a frameable certificate of membership
* an autographed book by Allen and Linda Anderson
* a consultation with a professional animal communicator
* a consultation with a professional dog trainer
* a consultation with a professional writing/book coach
* the opportunity to give back to what has given joy and comfort
to you.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/membership.html to read about the wonders of becoming an Angel Animals Network Club Member. Share the Vision!

Visit www.angelanimals.net/membershiplist.html to view the updated list of new members.


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

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.

The Book Betty White Says You Should Read with Your Pets

The Book Betty White Says You Should Read with Your Pets

"As a lifelong animal lover, I am delighted to see them celebrated in such a positive way. You and your pet will enjoy reading this together."
--Betty White, actress and author

What is Betty White doing these days besides hosting Saturday Night Live? She's helping the animals in every way she can. This is why she gave her endorsement to a groundbreaking book, ANGEL ANIMALS BOOK OF INSPIRATION: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion by Allen and Linda Anderson (New World Library, 2009). In these times of uncertainty and negative energy, a book that fully delivers good news is needed more than ever. Still in time for Mother's Day and a great gift book for every animal lover, it is available at online bookstores, regular bookstores, and at angelanimalsbookofinspiration.com.

Angel Animals Book of Inspiration contains an original story from Richard Simmons about the incredible Dalmatians who cared for his mother Shirley. The Andersons offer a little insider-scoop on how Richard's story came to be in our book. "When we wrote to Richard to ask if there was a special animal story he wanted his enormous fan base of millions around the world to read, he called us and asked, 'Allen and Linda, how can I help you?' Then he graciously shared an experience that had deeply affected him."

Richard's story is an exclusive for Angel Animals Book of Inspiration. He wanted it to be in this book that would honor the spiritual contribution to his mother's life that the dogs Brent and Rhett had made. These dogs had consistently reassured Richard that his mother was in good paws and eased his pain over her passing.

After the Andersons sent the published book to Richard, he wrote to them, saying, "Congratulations on the beautiful success of your new book. Of course, I flipped to Shirley's story. Yes, of course, I cried. Each night before I go to bed, I read two other stories. I do love your new book."

In addition to Betty White's words of praise for the book, there are over twenty other endorsements and
comments reviewers and celebrities have made about its impact:

"Allen and Linda have taken the concepts that I share in my books to a whole new level, asking the most profound questions and finding the most wonderful, joyous answers through our animal friends. I am grateful that they have the courage to explore and share the deepest levels of our kindred connections. I love this book. Read it and open your heart, and transform into the loving beings that we all are!" --Allen M. Shoen, DVM, MS, author of Kindred Spirit: How the Remarkable Bond between Humans, from his Foreword to Angel Animals Book of Inspiration

"In this collection of true stories the Andersons show how animals serve as conduits for messages of spiritual love and help in times of despair, loss, and confusion. Meditations following each story guide those in need of some soul work, making the book even better. . .Pick up several copies as gifts for all the animal lovers on your list. Yes, it really is that good!" --Sally Rosenthal, Best Friends Magazine

"Any story in Angel Animals Book of Inspiration will lift your spirit. These truly heartwarming stories prove the power of unconditional love we receive from our beloved animal friends." --Tippi Hedren, actress and animal advocate, winner of the Genesis Lifetime Achievement Award

"Animals truly are angels upon the earth, as Allen and Linda Anderson so beautifully remind us in their wonderful book. Their heart-opening stories are inspirational, and remind us to take wonderful care of our animals friends." --Doreen Virtue, Ph.D., author, Messages from Your Angels and Angel Therapy

Some of these extraordinary true stories will make you smile. Others will bring tears to you eyes. Each one will open your heart to new revelations of love in its many forms and shapes.
Angel Animals Book of Inspiration: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion, By Allen & Linda Anderson (New World Library, 2009), trade paperback.

How do your pets show their independence?

Animals, as Independent Thinkers

Ours is a human and animal family of independent thinkers. For example, the cockatiel, Sunshine, decides when he is ready to go to the mantel each morning. His flight from the cage to the mantel, where he struts back and forth and looks out the windows on either side, is always on his terms and timetable.

Sunshine regards our act of opening the door to his cage as simply an invitation, not a command performance. When he is ready, he ventures out. Or not; depending on his mood.

We say, "Sunshine, you've been cooped up all night. It is time to fly around." He ignores human reasoning, though. If we try to assist by offering to give him a finger-ride to the mantel, Sunshine opens his beak threateningly and squawks. He's quick to let us know that he's in charge of the decision about if and when to fly.

To us humans, Sunshine's refusal of instant freedom is illogical. So we've settled for labeling our curmudgeonly bird's behavior as "independent thinking."

Our cats, Speedy and Cuddles, and our dog, Leaf all operate on their clocks, showing affection when they want to and shrinking from human touch when they're not feeling receptive to it.

Each animal carefully watches the outside world through the living room window to see all that passes by. Our animal family members love the routine of each day and the quiet normal lives they live. Woe be it to us humans when we have to disrupt their daily lives with a change in plans.

As an aside, Sunshine likes to fly over to Linda, sit on her shoulders, and groom her hair. He coos as he seems very content to be with Linda before the day becomes one of humans scurrying busily with their work. Linda says Sunshine is the best hair stylist she's ever had.



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

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.

Inspiring Stories of Animals Who Comfort and Heal Children

Inspiring Stories of Animals Who Comfort and Heal Children
Angel Animals Network 2010 True Story Contest

The Angel Animals Network 2010 True Story Contest is now accepting submissions of stories about animals helping children, parents, and families deal with chronically difficult situations and circumstances or temporary tough periods in a child’s life.

By reading Allen and Linda Anderson’s previous anthology books published by New World Library, contestants can get a better of idea of the types of stories that have the best chance of success in this contest. The Andersons’ books are available at shop.angelanimals.net, www.newworldlibrary.com, in bookstores nationwide, online bookstores, libraries, gift shops, and catalogs.

Animals featured in this contest’s stories can be dogs, cats, horses, gerbils, rabbits, ferrets, birds, or any family pet or animal in nature. They can be therapy, assistance, or service animals.

Anyone can submit a contest story but the Andersons are especially interested in stories by:
* parents, grandparents, or legal guardians of children or teens
* children or teens with consent of parents or legal guardians
* adults recalling their child or teenage experiences
* health care professionals, social workers, teachers, animal-assisted therapy volunteers or staff of organizations with stories about a child or teen

The following questions can serve as aids for selecting which experiences to write about for the contest:
* Has an animal helped you or a child/teen deal with difficult situations and circumstances?
* Has an animal helped with traumatic events such as divorce or other losses?
* Have there been times when a special animal from childhood or teen years helped you or a child/teen through a tough period?
* Has an animal helped you or a child/teen endure long-term or catastrophic illnesses?
* Have animals helped you or a child/teen with everyday ups and downs?
* Has an animal helped a child/teen who has learning disorders?
* Has an animal helped a child/teen who is blind or deaf or has physical/motor, mental, or emotional problems?
* Has there been an animal aiding a child/teen with autism?
* Has an animal helped you or a child/teen de-stress while learning valuable life lessons?
* Has an animal brought you or a child/teen a message of love, acceptance, gratitude, or inner direction?
* Has a relationship with an animal been a catalyst for physical, emotional, or spiritual healing for you or a child/teen?
* Have you or a child/teen felt a connection showing that animals are sentient, caring souls?
* Have animals helped you or a child/teen through suffering or offered protection from danger?
* Has the example of an animal caused you or a child/teen to become a better son, daughter, parent, or family member?
* Are there examples animals have shown you or a child/teen of how to handle life's challenges, deal with change, heal, trust, or creatively solve problems?
* Has an animal been a mirror for you or a child/teen to reflect your life, health, or attitudes?

Any contest entries, but especially those of the winners, will be considered for possible publication in a new book about animals who comfort and heal children by Allen and Linda Anderson to be published by New World Library in Fall 2011.

However, the contest and the new book are separate projects. Entering or winning the contest doesn’t mean a story will be published in the book. Allen and Linda Anderson will contact entrants if they are considering a contest story for possible publication in the book. Previous books in the Angel Animals series have included many stories that were contest entries.

Contest stories should be no more than 2,000 words and be original and true, written by the person entering the contest or about someone else with that person’s written permission.

There is no entry fee and there are cash prizes.

Deadline for entry is September 15, 2010.

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

* * * * *

WAR DOG MEMORIAL

What, you may be wondering, is a blog like Angel Animals doing by writing about a memorial to honor war dogs? The answer is that war dogs and angels have a lot in common. If you think of the words describing angels -- messengers, protectors, loyal friends -- you would also be describing dogs who are trained to aid military personnel in the most dangerous areas and situations in the world.

Many years ago Linda got a call from retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant John C. Burnam of Bethseda, Maryland. He was a dog handler during the Vietnam War. He had written a book about the dogs who had served with him, especially an amazing German shepherd named Clipper. John wanted Linda to edit his book. She agreed to help him.

John's story gripped Linda from start to finish. She said that it felt as if she were slugging through the jungles of Vietnam with Clipper and John, as the dog led an infantry platoon through land that was laced with explosives. Relying on Clipper's sense of smell, his survival instinct, and intense loyalty, John made it through dangers that took Linda's breath away as she worked on his book.

Now John has founded the John Burnam Monument Foundation (www.jbmf.us). He has joined forces with the United States War Dog Association to convince Congress and the nation that military working dogs and dog handlers deserve to be honored for their service to the country.

Dogs have saved lives and often lost their own in the line of duty through World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Today, they are essential in the war on terror as they detect roadside bombs and weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan for US and NATO troops.

In 2006, Representative Walter Jones of North Carolina introduced a bill calling for a national dog monument, and it was approved in 2008. On October 28, 2009, President Obama signed a law authorizing JBMF, Inc. to build and maintain the National Monument for Military Working Dog Teams.

Next week (week of April 19, 2010), John will meet with Congressional leaders and Pentagon officials in Washington D.C. to present a miniature clay model of the monument's design, created by artist and sculptor Paula Slater. The monument model presents four breeds of military dogs -- Doberman, German shepherd, Labrador retriever, and Malinois -- that have saved thousands of lives.

John continues to travel across the country, telling the military working dog story and raising funds through donations to build this national monument. John's personal story can be found in the first printing of the original book Linda edited, DOG TAGS OF COURAGE (2006), and in a more recent book, A SOLDIER'S BEST FRIEND (2008). That book became the inspiration for a feature film, MOE, which is expected to be in production in early 2011.

We invite you to go to the John Burnam Monument Foundation's website (www.jbmf.us) and support this exciting project whose time has come. An excerpt from DOG TAGS OF COURAGE/A SOLDIER'S BEST FRIEND is the featured story this week.

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

Great story in Angel Animals Story of the Week (4-17-10) about a brave dog who served in the military at www.tinyurl.com/yl6g3jf

Allen and Linda on BLOG TALK RADIO

Linda and Allen will be interviewed by Janet Roper on her Blog Talk Radio show, "Talk2theAnimals Wisdom Behind the Whiskers" on Thursday, April 15, 1:00 p.m. Central time. You can call in at 347-838-9858. It's going to be a fascinating show where we talk about our own experiences with the spiritual aspects of animals and animal communication.

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

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.

WE WANT YOU TO BE A MEMBER OF OUR CLUB!

To learn more about how to become a member of the Angel Animals Network Club, go to www.angelanimals.net/membership.html.

Your donations support this newsletter, and we appreciate them.

As a benefit of membership for the Gold, Platinum, and Angel memberships, we have added a thirty-minute writing or book coaching consultation with best-selling and award-winning author, Linda Anderson.

Thanks to those of you who have become members. See the list of members after the Story of the Week.

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


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.

The Minnesota Valley Humane Society

New Animal Shelter Chosen to Receive Angel Animal Network Donations for Second Quarter of 2010

The Minnesota Valley Humane Society, www.mvhspets.org

The Minnesota Valley Humane Society serves the Greater South Metro Area. It was founded in 1981 by volunteers who fostered animals in their homes. Since 1991, when they opened a shelter, they have found homes for over 45,000 animals. The shelter has no time limits for animals awaiting adoption. It shelters and places as many animals as possible and has one of the highest adoption rates in Hennepin County.

MVHS promotes healthy relationships between people and animals by offering classes for new and struggling pet parents as well as Canine U Dog Training.

Visit http://www.firstgiving.com/angelanimals to donate to MVHS.

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

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.

Announcement -- Request for Stories by Dr. Bernie Siegel

Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of LOVE, MEDICINE, AND MIRACLES has put out a call for stories for his new book about miracles. From our readers, he is especially hoping to find animal miracle stories.

He writes: "I believe miracles are the nature of life, and that life itself is an unexplainable miracle. When we exceed expectations, cure the incurable, experience the unexpected, we realize there are no coincidences -- only the gift of miracles.

"Have you been inspired by my books, appearances, or consultations and subsequently experienced what you might call a miracle in your life?

"I would love for you to send me miracle stories about what you have experienced or been witness to in any area of your life. I want this to go beyond my personal experience, to share your stories of miracles and how they enriched your spirit, gave you hope, increased your sense of gratitude, and connected you to the divine.

"You can remain anonymous or not. By sharing and recognizing miracles we may be able to increase the number we recognize and help ourselves and the inhabitants of our planet to heal."

Length: 100 to 1000 words
Submit by: June 15, 2010
Send to: info@andreahurst.com, send story pasted into the email letter


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

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.

Exciting New Contest Begins TODAY

Inspiring Stories of Animals Who Comfort and Heal Children -- Angel Animals Network 2010 True Story Contest

The Angel Animals Network 2010 True Story Contest is now accepting submissions of true stories of animals helping children, parents, and families deal with difficult situations and circumstances. Animals featured in contest stories can be dogs, cats, horses, gerbils, rabbits, ferrets, or any house pet or animal in nature. They can be family pets or therapy, assistance, or service animals.

The stories can be written by parents or guardians of children or by the children or teens themselves. Stories can also be written by adults who recall a special animal from childhood or teen years who helped them through a tough period.

This contest hopes to find real-life stories that demonstrate animals comforting and helping to heal children during everyday ups and downs or traumatic events such as divorce or other losses. The stories can depict how children and teens de-stress with animals while learning valuable life lessons.

The contest hopes to find heartwarming and positive stories that deal with children who endure long-term or catastrophic illnesses. The animals in the stories might also be ones who help children who have learning disorders, blindness, deafness, physical/motor, mental, and emotional problems. They might be children with autism that an animal is aiding through their journey.

Any contest entries, but especially those of the winners, will be considered for possible publication in a new book about animals who comfort and heal children by Allen and Linda Anderson to be published by New World Library in Fall 2011.

Contest deadline is September 15, 2010. But get your stories in early so we can read them to see if they are possibilities for the new book.

For more information go to www.angelanimals.net/contests.html

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

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.

Animal Arrests

Does your dog, bird, cat, ferret, hamster, or reptile companion tell you when it is time to stop working so much and get some rest? Our pets do.

For example, Cuddles has become our timekeeper for breaks, sleep, and food. She keeps a steady eye on Linda and her working schedule as she edits, writes, and creates book about our love of animals.

Cuddles is okay with the regular work hours but as day turns to evening, she begins her distraction activities. Before bedtime, she supports us by finding lost or misplaced files, keeping her tail off the monitor when sitting on top of it, or quietly getting into a Buddha-like pose next to the computer.

When it gets late and we're overdoing, Cuddles begins her important task of ending the workday. She looks at us as if to say, "Stop already!" Then she plops down on and covers the one paper Linda needs to continue her immediate writing task. Cuddles won't move and with a rock-solid determination, she keeps her eyes steady on Linda until she says, "You're right."

Do animals in your home let you know when it's time to stop or take a break?

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

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.

Animals as Spiritual Heros

The lighter touch of an animal's heroism is something people might not so easily appreciate. Dramatic stories of pets saving lives, detecting cancer, doing math, using tools are wonderful and make great newspaper headlines, but we like to point out that animals are also heroes of a different kind.

Who is more of a hero than an animal who has become your best friend, your companion, your reason to come home?

The animals, who live with humans day after day, help people to become more loving and compassionate. These animals are angelic instruments and messengers who stimulate spiritual growth.

When you share your home with animals, their spiritual natures can enlighten you in ways that you may not recognize. Although it's said jokingly, after living with animals, you may, in fact, become the terrific person your dog thinks you are.

Letting go, being non-judgmental, and serving as a pure vehicle of divine love and light are noble goals. But how often do people tangle themselves in daily office gossip, in feuding, or creating family messes? Unlike animals who are guided by instincts of the heart, people allow their minds to run the show.

There is a simple, often overlooked solution to the human tendency to slide into spiritual mud holes. An easy way to restore your spiritual viewpoint is to listen to your cat and act like your dog!

Repeatedly we have found in our own human-animal family, our beloved pets teach us the spiritual qualities we forget when daily life becomes too hectic and overscheduled.

How blessed we are to have animals in our home who remind us to slow down and remember that life isn't all about to-do lists.

Who are the spiritual heroes in your animal family?

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

BUTTERFLY SOUL

"Butterfly Soul" by Mary Hendricks was first published in the Angel Animals Story of the Week on 11/29/08. Reprinted with permission.

BUTTERFLY SOUL
By Mary Hendricks

As I sat for hours by our new dog Hula to keep her from taking out her stitches, I enjoyed an amazing gift of love.

Our Sweetie Dog had gone on to the heavenly worlds a month before. Hula, a one-year-old, beautiful chocolate Lab, seemed to be afraid of the doghouse and slept on the floor of the garage.

As I watched Hula, a large butterfly began circling around us. It looked familiar somehow. Then I realized its lower two wings were the same black and white markings as Sweetie had had on her feet. The upper two wings were orange. Sweetie had come back to visit as a butterfly!

I watched the butterfly in awe as it lit on nearly every inch of the doghouse that Sweetie had loved so much, infusing it with her love. Then the butterfly sat on the driveway by us.

From that time on, Hula has loved to be in the doghouse. She felt safe there from storms and loud noises. She could feel Sweetie's love.

BIO:
Mary Hendricks and Neil, her husband, live in the country, south of St. Louis, Missouri. Over a year ago, when she was outside, a beautiful black cat of around two years old came up and jumped on Mary's lap, putting her little paws around Mary's neck. Mary named the cat Lovey. She happily follows Mary around the house all day. Now Hula and Lovey are learning not to be afraid of each other. Mary leads classes and meetings for her church, Eckankar.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

Have you had an after-death visitation that helped you understand that with pets, as with people, the love and spirit never dies?


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

Note: To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter send a blank e-mail message to angelanimals-on@mail-list.com. Visit http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals to read past Angel Animals newsletters.

What do you think? Is it possible to become too attached to an animal?

Can a person become too attached to an animal?

Several years ago, we posed an interesting question to our online newsletter readers. Although most of us animal lovers view our pets as members of the family, we asked if it is possible to become too attached to an animal companion. If so, what are the warning signs?

One reader thought that a warning sign of becoming obsessively attached or having a deeper emotional problem was when people cut themselves off from any human companionship.

She wrote, "People who have more of an interest in animals should at least try to help out at their local animal shelter, join a breed-rescue group, or try to socialize animals to visit nursing homes/hospitals so that others benefit from their love of animals."

Some readers thought that there are other examples of becoming overly attached to animals or confusing love with neediness. They gave examples of someone who takes on more animals than he or she can handle.

For example, maybe a person can't give enough individual attention to dozens of cats who all need vet visits, food, litter, and a clean environment. Or someone loves horses but doesn't have the pastureland, food, or time to groom and exercise them.

Readers also thought that excessive grieving could be an indication of a person's greater feelings of isolation. One reader wrote that she took a year off work when her animal companion died. During that time, though, she channeled her grief into rescuing over forty dogs and finding new homes for them.

A reader named Robin wrote the following letter to express her opinion that being too attached to animals is a difficult thing to judge.

"People have many different reasons for turning to their animal companions for love and validation. There may have been a time when I myself might have fallen into this category.

"As I struggled through years of infertility and pregnancy loss, my pet rabbits became the children that I couldn't give birth to. I took the loss of my pets very hard, and it affected me deeply in ways I felt not many people understood.

"It is easy to displace our feelings onto our pets, and they are more than willing to receive our attention and devotion. I'm one who can completely understand a deeper connection with an animal companion. I think we all have a need to feel needed and necessary.

"Sometimes we hit rough areas in our lives that aren't being filled by the humans in our world and often turn to animal companions to fill our emotional needs. I have found that instead of becoming isolated, my animal companions kept me connected to the world.

"I am not able to make a spiritual distinction between a human companion and an animal companion. In my heart the love, given and received, feels the same.

"So I suppose my answer to the question would be that I don't feel it's possible to become 'too' attached to an animal companion.

A reader named Patti Ann wrote, "How many people do you know who will still greet you with great enthusiasm, if you woke up in the morning with your hair sticking out all over the place, bags under your eyes (or wrinkle cream still white on your face like a ghost), looking like a beast from under the sea, bad breath, grumpy as all the dickens?

"Or what if you were dirt-poor homeless? Animals would still honor and love you as if you were a king or queen and stay with you till the dying end."

To answer to question about excessive attachment to animals it helps to ask further questions.

Does your relationship with an animal keep you away from friends, family, work, play, hobbies, or responsibilities such as taking care of kids, jobs, foods, or health? Is your life in balance?

Do you have a spiritual understanding of the animal as an individual who must develop his or her own personality and may have needs that are different from yours?

Rather than offering solace and comfort, has your relationship with an animal companion become a way of permanently avoiding the problems in your life?

How well adjusted and content are the animals in your care? Are you able to give them the time and attention they need?

One thing we've concluded is that if you are not hurting yourself or any other animal or person, then it's really no one's business that a cat or dog or rabbit or iguana means the world to you.

On the other hand, if you hear from EVERYBODY that you've gone overboard, you might want to at least consider finding other outlets for your love and devotion, including taking excellent care of yourself and the human relationships in your life.

What do you think? Is it possible to become too attached to an animal?

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

Heavenly Animal Matchmakers

Many people have written to tell us of animals who seemed to guide the next animal into their lives. This happened to us when our dog Prana presented our next puppy Taylor to Allen in a dream. Prana carried the little one out of a vast ocean and dropped her at Allen's feet.

When we met Taylor the next day, Allen immediately recognized this soul that Prana had found to be the perfect one to join our family.

The experiences of animals in dreams introducing the next soul to a family leads to the concept that the spirit goes to an inner world between lives and awaits its next assignment. What does a soul that was in an animal body do while it is away?

Monica Ramsten from Helsingborg, Sweden, sent us a description of a series of inner experiences in which she witnessed the journeys of animals in the afterlife. We included her story in our book, ANGEL ANIMALS BOOK OF INSPIRATION (New World Library, 2009). Monica had been wondering what souls do in the afterlife. She especially wanted to know what had happened to her cat Knarren after he died.

Monica wrote, "I saw a school where each animal attended classes at his or her own level of consciousness. There were twelve levels of classes. ... I learned that the animals move gradually through these levels as they pick up other animal bodies and return again and again to earth.

"Within each class they attend, the animals go deeper into the subjects they are studying. They spend many lifetimes in the animal kingdom before they are given the chance to move to the ninth level."

What do the animals learn in the heavenly classes and bring back to earth when they rejoin a person or family for another lifetime? What have they come here to teach humans? Who among us will be wise enough to listen to the Angel Animals?

Have you had the impression that an animal who passed away guided or handpicked another pet for you?

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

Blind Animal Lovers Need You

We received a letter this week from Tom Rash, the Executive Director of Audio Vision Radio Reading Service for the Blind, Inc. This is a nonprofit charity that operates a radio reading service for the blind. They have a little over 900 blind listeners.

The organization provides radio receivers to their blind subscribers. They do not broadcast on the open radio band but use a special frequency that broadcasts specifically to their listeners only.

Tom said in his letter that one of the organization's volunteer readers, Betty Vargas, had just finished recording our book GOD'S MESSENGERS. (That book was re-issued as ANGEL ANIMALS BOOK OF INSPIRATION and published by New World Library in 2009). Betty wanted Tom to tell us that in her 82 years of reading, this book was one of the best she has ever read. She bought five copies for family and friends.

The reason Tom told us all of this and that we are telling readers of the Angel Animals Story of the Week is that Audio Vision, every week, reads this newsletter to its 900 blind listeners.

While you have the enjoyment of reading the newsletter online, your blind animal loving cohorts are dependent upon Audio Vision to hear the inspiring stories and participate in the Angel Animals Network community. Think of how much this weekly newsletter means to you and imagine what it must mean to blind people, many of whom have dogs that literally save their lives every day and other pets that bring them joy and comfort.

Now, Audio Vision faces the possibility of closing in the next several weeks. Many of its repeat contributors over the years have declined to donate this year because of the economy.

The charity and we would very much appreciate a contribution from you, if at all possible. We hope that you might be able to help.

Audio Vision is the only radio reading service supplying the blind population it serves with daily newspaper readings and more. Most of its listeners are seniors who once enjoyed reading daily newspapers. Other people with print handicaps -- quadriplegic, dyslexic, and learning disabled also qualify for the Audio Vision service.

The organization believes it is the right of all people to have access to their local newspapers for local and community news and events, to be informed on a weekly basis what foods and other items are on sale in their area, and to have access to entertainment and national and world news events from newspapers and weekly and monthly magazines.

Currently, Audio Vision is on the air 24-hours-a-day. From 8:00 A.M. to Noon, it provides a local broadcast of readings of three California newspapers. At noon it presents a one-hour reading of a book. Throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening it provides one-hour segments of numerous magazines and other monthly and weekly printed publications.

On Thursday afternoons the grocery ads are read. The organization also rebroadcasts the morning newspapers two more times throughout the 24-hour period.

Audio Vision produces an interview program, which has subjects pertinent to the blind population. It runs public service announcements from other organizations for the blind such as the Braille Institute, the Social Security Administration, Agencies For The Blind, and The Foundation Fighting blindness. This is all done via volunteers within the community.

Audio Vision is one of 140 radio reading services for the blind and print-handicapped in the United States and is a member of the National Association of Radio Reading Services.

Because AUDIO VISION is completely free of charge to its listeners, the need for contributions and volunteers is critical. To obtain a receiver, volunteer your time, make a tax deductible contribution, or receive information, simply call AUDIO VISION at (909) 797-4336, or write or send a check to AUDIO VISION, 35242 Yucaipa Blvd., Ste. C, Yucaipa, CA 92399.

Read more at www.freewebz.com/audiovisionavtom/about.html

Thank you!


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

Angel Animals Audio Stories Available Online

Angel Animals Audio Stories Available Online

You can now listen to many Angel Animals stories with reader Daneile Romer and engineer Darian Sixx.

Visit http://www.airsla.org/dailyairs.asp to view a listing of audios. The following are direct links to stories you can read in the Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter.

--Visit http://www.airsla.org/broadcasts/DailyAIRS100220.mp3 to listen to the Angel Animals Story of the Week "Angel, Our Hero Horse" by Judy Moratis.
You can also read the full newsletter by visiting:
http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals/message/20100131.140347.3170e3bc.en.html

--Visit http://www.airsla.org/broadcasts/DailyAIRS100213.mp3 to listen to the Angel Animals Story of the Week "The dog who helps me hear." by Jennifer Warsing.
You can also read the full newsletter by visiting:
http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals/message/20100117.003005.a24975f7.en.html

--Visit http://www.airsla.org/broadcasts/DailyAIRS091211_1.mp3 to listen to the Angel Animals Story of the Week "Thumper Learns to Trust" by Barbara Barreto.
You can also read the full newsletter by visiting:
http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals/message/20091129.011640.4ffc573d.en.html

--Visit http://www.airsla.org/broadcasts/DailyAIRS091128.mp3 to listen to the Angel Animals Story of the Week "Corky, One of the Boys" by Kathe Campbell.
You can also read the full newsletter by visiting:
http://archive.mail-list.com/angelanimals/message/20091115.031301.bfccd7a0.en.html

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

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

Who are the spiritual heroes in your animal family?

Animals as Spiritual Heroes

The lighter touch of an animal's heroism is something people might not so easily appreciate. Dramatic stories of pets saving lives, detecting cancer, doing math, using tools are wonderful and make great newspaper headlines, but we like to point out that animals are also heroes of a different kind.

Who is more of a hero than an animal who has become your best friend, your companion, your reason to come home?

The animals, who live with humans day after day, help people to become more loving and compassionate. These animals are angelic instruments and messengers who stimulate spiritual growth.

When you share your home with animals, their spiritual natures can enlighten you in ways that you may not recognize. Although it's said jokingly, after living with animals, you may, in fact, become the terrific person your dog thinks you are.

Letting go, being non-judgmental, and serving as a pure vehicle of divine love and light are noble goals. But how often do people tangle themselves in daily office gossip, in feuding, or creating family messes? Unlike animals who are guided by instincts of the heart, people allow their minds to run the show.

There is a simple, often overlooked solution to the human tendency to slide into spiritual mud holes. An easy way to restore your spiritual viewpoint is to listen to your cat and act like your dog!

Repeatedly we have found in our own human-animal family, our beloved pets teach us the spiritual qualities we forget when daily life becomes too hectic and overscheduled.

How blessed we are to have animals in our home who remind us to slow down and remember that life isn't all about to-do lists.

Who are the spiritual heroes in your animal family?

* * *

Thank you so much for helping us get the NEW Angel Animals Network Club off to a start. The list of people who became members is below and also on our website.

Every time someone became a member this week, we literally rang a bell. We wanted to honor and express appreciation to those of you who took the time and interest to lend your support to the Angel Animals Network.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/membership.html to read about the wonders of becoming an Angel Animals Network Club Member. Share the Vision!

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

Looking for Everyday Dr. Dolittles

Looking for Everyday Dr. Dolittles

We are looking for stories from people who are not professional animal communicators to publish in a new e-book. This experience can be a communication between you and a pet or an animal in nature. It can happen while the animal is here or in the afterlife.

We'd especially like to find stories that answer the following questions by telling about a true, personal experience:

* When have you felt like you heard or received a clear message from an animal?
* When have you felt like you were able to get an animal to understand or receive a message from you?
* How and why do you think this experience happened?
* What techniques or methods did you use to create an open channel of communication between you and the animal?
* Is the method(s) you used something other nonprofessional communicators could be successful with?

Tell your story in no more than 2,000 words with the following process:
* Describe the animal and your relationship with him or her
* Explain the circumstances that led up to the animal communication experience you had
* Close with what you believe you learned or had a deeper understanding of because of this experience
* Send us the story by February 27, 2010.
* Email your stories to angelanimals@aol.com. In the subject line write, (Your Name), animal communication story.

If we can consider your story for the new e-book, we'll be back in touch with you and explain how the writing, editing, and publishing process will work.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks for participating.

Allen and Linda Anderson
E-mail: angelanimals@aol.com
Angel Animals Network
Website: www.angelanimals.net

When have you taken a roller coaster ride of emotions with a sick pet?

Leaf's Close Call

As with many people reading this newsletter, when your beloved pet becomes ill, everything that took up time and space and seemed to be so very important is pushed to the background. All your focus goes to how to help your pet heal.

Last week was like that with Leaf. He was sick dog. He barely ate and when he did, he couldn't keep the food down. Among other symptoms he showed signs of lethargy, depression, and physical pain. He would look at us with his wide-open, innocent, childlike black eyes as if to ask, "What is happening?"

After phone calls to the veterinarian, we thought he might have eaten something that didn't agree with him. He likes to sample the rich cat food and this time, we thought he might have managed to do that without our knowledge. Something had caused his bodily functions to close down, and he was bleeding. We took him to the vet for tests.

Normally, Leaf is not a dog who likes visiting the vet. In the past, with his annual checkups, he let it be known he can't tolerate being touched all over his body. Vet visits are always stressful with Leaf not cooperating, especially after the exam begins. Trying to get a blood sample has proven to be an impossibility. Normally Linda tries to keep eye contact with him, and Allen stands nearby so Leaf will be reassured.

This visit to the vet was different from EVERY other time. Clearly, Leaf knew he was in trouble. He had so much pain around his middle section. Without hesitation he walked into the lobby, sat quietly, and waited for his appointment without any attempts to head for the front door.

A vet tech escorted us to the examining room. With no prompting but with painful effort, Leaf jumped up on the examining table. He appeared to be exhausted after the exertion. He spread out on the table with all four legs going in different directions and waited for the vet.

The vet examined Leaf and took blood and other samples for tests. Leaf handled this level of invasion like a trooper. This time, he didn't object to being probed even as we worried about his pain level, since we knew how much he was hurting.

Soon, the vet returned to the examining room with the test results. She told us that Leaf has pancreatitis. We're still trying to understand what this means and have read the literature the vet provided about it. It's clear that this is a serious, life-threatening condition. He could have died from this attack.

With a restricted diet, he'll stay with us for what we hope will be a very long life. For now, we're not leaving him alone for any extended periods of time and making sure he gets plenty of rest and liquids.

Those of you, who have been through this type of experience, know the feeling of dreading that you'll get the worst news. Sometimes, you (and we) have heard the test results for our beloved pets and felt as if the world was collapsing. This time, for us, thank God, Leaf is still with us.

When have you taken a roller coaster ride of emotions with a sick pet?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
angelanimals@aol.com

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

How have animals been generous with one another in remarkable ways?

ANGEL, OUR HERO HORSE
By Judy Moratis

In 2003, my husband and I started looking into raising miniature horses on our hobby farm. I remembered when I was in my 20s, I saw a tiny miniature horse at the Minnesota State Fair. I began reading about them. The more I read, the more interested I became. I looked on the internet, hoping to purchase a miniature horse but without any success.

It wasn't until the summer of 2004, while I was at work, that I found an ad for miniature horses. When I called, the man on the other end said, "Come take a look."

When the weekend arrived, my husband and I took a drive to look at the horses. To my husband's surprise the address belonged to his old friend, Wayne. Before I knew it the three of us were trudging through Wayne's swampy field to get to his herd of miniature horses.

There were so many of all sizes and colors. As we visited with Wayne and talked about the horses I told him that I didn't know how to pick from so many. Just after saying this, I felt a nudge on my back. I turned around to see a brown pinto mare. I told Wayne and my husband, "Well, guess she's saying 'pick me'." This horse broke the ice, and I was able to pick a few more minis. Yah know, you can't have just one.

We finished visiting and made arrangements for delivery. On the way home I told my husband, "The horse who nudged me on the back, her name is Angel." I don't know why, but the name just came to me.

When the horse registration papers came in the mail, I couldn't help noticing that Angel's birth date was the same as my youngest sister, Jackie. My sister had passed away unexpectedly. My mother passed away a year and half later. Life wasn't the same without them. In my grief of losing them, I had only memories. My sister loved all animals. After my she passed away, my mother began collecting angels.

I think back to that afternoon of being out in that pasture with all those horses, and Angel nudging me on the back. I believe the Lord was telling me my mother and sister's spirits were with me. And this horse has proven to me that she truly is an angel.

Angel saved a newborn foal in Spring 2009. One of my mares was a first-time mom who was having her foal early. She didn't have enough mother's milk, and her foal was getting weak. With only minutes to spare she needed more mother's milk. I was afraid we'd lose this filly.

I remembered that our veterinarian said, "A mare may let another foal nurse, but it rarely happens." I thought I'd see if Angel would let this newborn filly nurse on her. With Angel's own colt on one side and the filly on the other, it made for an awesome sight. The filly soon was standing strong and able to reunite with her mother.

Angel has given us beautiful foals. She has become our herd angel master over our other eleven horses. When we are outside Angel stands modestly in our pasture. She gives a soft, subtle whinny, telling us she is near, and everything is alright.

BIO:
Judy Moratis lives with her husband and their two Labrador retrievers on their hobby farm near Ottertail Lake, Minnesota. She has two grown children and five beautiful grandchildren. Judy enjoys writing in her quiet time. She and her husband have raised numerous pheasants as well as other birds and elk. They have twelve miniature horses who give her much joy, and Angel is Judy's special horse. Judy looks forward to having new foals born each spring. She loves to share their animals with family, friends, and others and enjoys the great outdoors.

SOMETHING TO THING ABOUT:

How have animals been generous with one another in remarkable ways?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
angelanimals@aol.com

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

Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter

How about helping to spread the joy and insights of this newsletter. If you are on Twitter, Facebook, or other social networking sites, post the following announcement:

Great story about a miniature horse who saved a filly's life. Angel Animals Story of the Week at www.tinyurl.com/yl6g3jf

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
angelanimals@aol.com

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

What do your pets do to let you or others know that they miss you?

This week, Linda traveled for a week to visit our children and her mother, sister, and nieces and nephews. Allen stayed home due to day-job responsibilities and to hold down the Anderson fort.

Our two cats, Speedy and Cuddles, while being somewhat used to Allen traveling for his job, were not prepared to have Linda gone for so long. Leaf, our cocker spaniel, was also acting oddly and anxiously.

No matter how much Allen played, walked, and talked to Leaf, it was very hard for this adopted dog to emotionally know that his "mommy" would return. Leaf missed his key anchor, his rock in life. Who would he share his daily burdens with? What lap would he rest his head on? Who would toss popcorn kernels for him to catch in mid-air?

Normally, Leaf and the cats do not get along so well, even though there has been an uneasy truce in which they now manage to tolerate each other. Not too much hissing, chasing, or sniffing. But with Linda gone, the three of them started acting differently.

Leaf, Cuddles, and Speedy began giving each other comfort. They even expressed affection with occasional nose-to-nose kisses. Their newfound closeness became more apparent the night before Linda was scheduled to return. Allen went to bed and after hearing a thump, he looked over at Linda's side of the bed. All three animals lay side by said, fur touching, and falling asleep together.

Allen thought this was impossible with Leaf's trust issues, but the dog lay on his back in a totally vulnerable position. Cuddles sprawled out next to him, lying on her stomach. Speedy lay next to Cuddles. They made it clear that they needed Linda to return and would seek out each other for comfort until life went back to normal.

What do your pets do to let you or others know that they miss you?

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
angelanimals@aol.com

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

Helping Animal Welfare Organizations

We continue to look for ways of doing more to help animal rescue and animal welfare organizations. While we already donate a portion of all our proceeds to nonprofit charities, send baskets of books for silent auctions, and speak at fundraising events, we want to expand our outreach and support.

We're looking for corporate sponsors that want to reach the animal lovers who follow our work and read our books. Our goal is to find like-minded people in the corporate world who would get involved with us in helping nonprofit animal charities. If you have contacts in major corporations who might want to support Angel Animals in its charitable outreach goals, be sure to email us with your suggestions and ideas.

Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network
www.angelanimals.net
angelanimals@aol.com

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