Conscious Animal Radio

Soul Agreements

2009-06-13T21:55:00.002-04:00

In our books we often write about the sacred agreements animals and people make to find each other and be together. Those of you who have been chosen by an animal know what we're talking about. You've experienced the certainty an animal has about being with you.

But it's also true when we, as humans, do most of the choosing. A connection is made, sometimes love at first sight, that cannot be denied. We look into the eyes of this animal and just know the relationship was meant to be.

The animals who have blessed our lives brought confirmation of our spiritual agreements to give and receive love, to learn and teach each other. But one of our many pets over the years keeps drifting back to mind as a most gentle companion and soothing family member. Her name was Sparkle. She was a gray cockatiel with bright orange spots on her cheeks.

Unlike her mate Sunshine who thankfully is still with us long past what is supposed to be the lifespan for these birds, Sparkle had a patient, humble nature. Sunshine likes to strut his stuff, screech at the top of his lungs if there's any disturbance in The Force, and let us know that he's the boss of the living room. Sunshine speaks. Sparkle never uttered a word.

When she was out of her cage, she'd perch on our shoulders and venture down our arms to peck at buttons on our clothes. It was lovely to watch her bend her head so that we could massage her feathery neck. While she walked along the living room mantel with Sunshine, she would thoroughly take care of her man, slipping his feathers through her beak until he was shiny and clean.

Only a slip of a bird, Sunshine had tremendous will and determination to live. Struck down at a much too early age, she had to endure our giving her hormone shots, as we tried to save her. It was amazing to watch her level of trust. Somehow, she knew we only wanted to help, even though it must have hurt.

How is it that so many years later, we still miss this elfin creature? She taught us that enormous love pours from the tiniest hearts. She made the soul agreement to love Sunshine and us, grooming his feathers and our hair, blessing us with her compassion. We made the soul agreement to care for and love her till her little body could no longer be with us. What a win-win situation.

Who have you made soul agreements with?

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

Leaf Gives a Gift of Love

2009-06-07T08:59:00.000-04:00

Allen or Linda takes Leaf to the dog park once a day after work or during a lunch break. Often it is only for 20 minutes, but with the throwing of the ball, running, and playing Leaf gets plenty of exercise. He has a blast!

It was Allen's turn the other day, and the 20 minutes had lapsed, so he was heading for the gate. Only one lady and her small dog were left in the park. The dog had medium length white hair and looked like a terrier mix. They would be alone after Allen and Leaf's departure.

Normally Leaf runs to the gate when it's time to leave. He carries his ball in his mouth and looks ready to go home and enjoy a nap. That day, though, he stood about twenty feet from the gate near the other dog. Up to that point he had mostly ignored the dog.

Leaf looked at Allen and at the dog and then looked at Allen once again. Allen held the gate open and wondered why Leaf was not running over to leave.

Feeling an inner nudge Allen decided to close the gate and see what would happen. He walked over to the lady, and she started talking about this dog named Murphy whom she described as newly rescued only 24 hours ago. Murphy looked traumatized, scared, and alone even with the woman's constant reassurance that he now had a forever mommy. Since the time when she had adopted him, Murphy had been so distraught that he had not yet gone to the bathroom.

Murphy looked at Leaf running after his ball once more. His expression conveyed that he wanted to join in the play. Allen bent down and said, "Murphy, you look very handsome."

Murphy came over and gently touched his noise on Allen's hand. Allen then rolled Leaf's orange ball, and Murphy ran after it. Then he stopped after running five or six feet and hurried back to where his mommy sat. The lady was so happy to see Murphy play and praised him for chasing the ball.

Leaf sat, watching this scene. His tail wagged with energy. He came up to Murphy, and the two dogs stood nose to nose for at least thirty seconds with both of their tails wagging. Leaf seemed to sense that it was still too early for him to play with Murphy. Any sudden movements from him would scare the timid dog even more. But they had made a dog-to-dog connection.

Like Murphy, Leaf had begun his young life in a puppy mill. Also, like Murphy, Leaf had been abandoned and left to fend for himself. Both dogs had wound up at the same animal shelter from which the lady had rescued Murphy and we had adopted Leaf.

After Allen talked about Leaf's past some with Murphy's new mommy, she seemed reassured that healing would take place. She watched Leaf's healthy and strong personality as he chased the balls Allen threw and strutted around the dog park.

The lady said, "Murphy has a bright future in front of him. He will be spoiled, loved, and safe in his new home." Allen told the woman about a great doggy daycare in the neighborhood that has helped Leaf be more socialized and also to heal.

Allen and the woman watched as a more relaxed Murphy walked a few feet away to a grassy area that Leaf had used earlier for his restroom needs. Murphy sniffed, circled the area, sniffed again, and at last, was relaxed enough to eliminate.

At that point Leaf seemed to know that his gift of love had been received. He had played with the scared dog, refusing to leave the little fellow alone in the dog park. The concern the dog's human had expressed over Murphy's physical needs had now been answered by the call of nature.

Allen and Leaf walked to the gate once more. Leaf carried his orange ball in his mouth. They both knew that now it was time to go.

When have you seen a dog or other animal give service to an animal in need?

THE CAT WHO TAUGHT ME TO LOVE AGAIN

2009-06-03T19:18:00.002-04:00

THE CAT WHO TAUGHT ME TO LOVE AGAIN
By Betty Seligman

I was in the bookstore with my son and grandchildren when I saw your book ANGEL CATS. Seeing the book reminded me of the first time I saw my cat Diva and how we made an immediate connection of love.

Diva is my miracle cat. Not only did she want to come home with me, love me, and enjoy my company, she encourages me daily to get up and continue living. Diva became part of my life as a direct result of an accumulation of life events, which I found myself trying to process.

My life had always been a series of wonderful experiences, but when my husband died in 1998, I found myself a newly independent person trying to understand how to live in a world without my companion. I quickly discovered that my roles of stay-at-home wife and mother as well as volunteer did not bring in a great deal of income.

Both my children were grown with families of their own. I had only to be concerned with providing for the family cat Kiki and myself. This was definitely something I had never experienced -- I was in charge of making all the decisions.

At the age of 55, I went to work for a start-up company. After seven years I discovered life had once again changed. At the time of my departure from the company, I was a very sad, confused, and angry person. I knew my emotions needed to change, for they were not only affecting me but Kiki, as well.

The environment in our home was so sad; it could not have been healthy for either of us. I cried daily and had a good case of "poor me". My true wake up call came when Kiki died at home in December 2006. Seattle was experiencing a very severe ice storm at that time, and most businesses were closed on the day Kiki died. I was unable to get to a vet so I spent the day with Kiki, watching as her spirit left her physical body.

The next few months my family tried to encourage me to get another pet. Those seeds were definitely planted, but I felt an overwhelming void and did not know if I had enough love to share with another being. Once I felt my sadness and anger subside, I discovered there was room for love to enter. Nine months after Kiki died, I went to our local pet store and thought I would just look at the cats.

I walked over to where a local cat rescue group had a variety of cats available for new families. There was Diva. She was six years old, a long hair cat, possibly a Maine Coon. We made eye contact. At that moment the adoption was complete, and my healing process began.

Everyday Diva is here is a blessing, and my ability to love becomes stronger. When she first came to live with me, I was very hesitant to love again for I felt in doing so I would somehow not be loyal to my previous cat Kiki or to my husband. I didn't want anyone to take their places and reminded Diva of this daily for about 3 months. She would just look up at me.

Whenever I sat down, she would jump up on my lap and wait to be petted. Kiki had never been a cat who desired long periods of affection. I was amazed the first time Diva sat on my lap for about 3 hours. She would have stayed longer, but I felt the need to get up and move about.

Diva definitely has won me over. Now I have become in touch with a part of my spirit that has long been neglected. I am able to love again. The sadness that was so much a part of me has given way to joy and peace. She makes getting up each day an adventure that I thought was gone forever.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/nlimage12.html to view a picture of Diva.

BIO:
Betty Seligman lives in Seattle, Washington. She has been a stay-at-home wife, mother of two children, and volunteer.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
When has an animal taught you to love again or to love more deeply?

First published in the Angel Animals Story of the Week on May 30, 2009. All rights reserved.

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

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

Raising Rabbits

2009-05-30T23:06:00.000-04:00

We don't know anything about raising rabbits so we are always happy when something comes along to enlighten us. Two of our books, ANGEL ANIMALS and ANGEL ANIMALS BOOK OF INSPIRATION, contain some great rabbit stories. Over the years, we've talked with people who are devoted to their pet rabbits. A lovely site for rabbit lovers and the curious, like us, is www.bunspace.com.

Recently we received a book about rabbits. In the letter accompanying the book, one of the authors, Kathy Smith, wrote, "I am passionate about rabbits! Every rabbit who has shared my home has had a profound impact on my life. Your Angel Animals books helped inspire me to team up with Lucile Moore to create the enclosed volume. We hope you will enjoy our book as much as we have enjoyed yours.

"Our goal in publishing this book is to help reduce the number of discarded Easter bunnies by sharing stories about both the joys and challenges of living with rabbits in an entertaining format. Our vision is to reach out to non-bunny people so that next Easter they will think of rabbits as wise and gentle teachers rather than as disposable pets.

"Lucile and I are committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from every copy sold to animal organizations. We are actively seeking a national multi-species nonprofit partner to help us gain exposure beyond the "rabbit world" in exchange for a portion of the profits. If you have any contacts in this area -- or other suggestion on how to promote our book to the general public -- we would be most grateful for your advice."

TOUCHED BY A RABBIT: A Treasury of Stories about Rabbits and Their People by Lucile Moore and Kathy Smith (Infinity Publishing, 2009, ISBN: 0-7417-5275-8, info@buybooksontheweb.com, www.buybooksontheweblcom, (877) BUY BOOK or (610) 941-9999)

The back cover describes the book like this: "TOUCHED BY A RABBIT acquaints readers with the third most popular mammalian pet, the rabbit. The anthology includes a selection to suit every taste, from light-hearted vignettes featuring a single aspect of rabbit personality to longer stories that explore the depth and impact of the human/rabbit bond. Readers will delight in this rare glimpse into the true nature of the widely recognized but little-understood 'bunny' as presented in this volume of heartwarming and thought-provoking stories."

Sounds good to us! What about you? Any rabbit stories you'd like to share with our readers and us?

FedEx or FedCat - Animals as Messengers

2009-05-25T09:58:00.003-04:00

As we work on this article, our cats, Speedy and Cuddles, are sprawled out in the office chair, patiently watching us work. Leaf, our intelligent black cocker spaniel, bats a bouncy ball around and looks over to see if we have it in us to play with him. Our cockatiel Sunshine perches in his large cage probably wondering how he's survived one more year, living in a home with so many natural predators. It seems that each of the Andersons approach life in our own way.

If you live with an animal or animals, you've probably noticed what we have: Sometimes, when we're too thickheaded to listen or learn any other way, God sends an animal messenger-an angel animal, as we call them-to help us figure out our next steps. So, as the typing on this article continues, Allen writes the following sentence: "When a human tells you that he or she loves you unconditionally, the very fact that it had to be said means the person knows nothing about unconditional love."

Cuddles jumps up near the keyboard, presses the backstop, and erases this line. Allen realizes that what he's wrote would have taken the piece in a whole different direction - maybe a little too harsh; maybe a little off the point.

Was Cuddles simply playing a role or is she a spiritual being, guided by Spirit to help us write a better article? One which doesn't pass judgment on people or animals? Or is Cuddles's erasure mere mischief and coincidence?

You decide.

We've had enough of these experiences to conclude that, if we're open to receive, animals definitely deliver messages. We have no idea what they know or how they think. We just appreciate how the Divine uses them as vehicles for helping us in more ways than we can count.

Animals are spiritual messengers for people but they also assist each other. Amy Berk from Minnesota writes, "When Belle & Ruby were kittens, they'd snuggle up to me in bed on winter nights. I still kept several doors closed to keep them in a more confined area while they were getting used to the house. One night, as I lay in bed, Belle kept jumping off the bed and walking down the hall. Suddenly I heard this unearthly scream coming from the usually silent Belle. I jumped up to find her sitting in front of my closed office door. I swung the door open, and there sat Ruby, her golden eyes flashing in the light. I had unknowingly shut her in this room. I praised Belle for coming to her sister's aid.

Why do you to 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 springing from their lack of "real" human contact and companionship. They must be severely bored to need animals as their source of amusement.

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

Speedy seems to know exactly what to do when we need encouragement. His special way to offer comfort is to touch his paw ever so gently on the shoulder of the one who needs a little extra T.L.C. His eyes peer straight into that person's heart and without one word spoken say, "You are loved."

Do you notice when an animal gives you a gentle touch and wide-eyed, innocent look of unconditional love? If you ignore these signals that love is all around, may we suggest you become more observant and grateful? You'll be glad you did.

Andrea Vivian wrote to us about an animal whose gentle touch and compassion helped her cope with pain and loss. She writes, "My husband and I adopted Inky from the Humane Society in 1990. When our last dog, Cocoa, passed away, we went back to SPCA to look for another dog. On that Sunday morning, the workers opened Inky's cage, and he immediately jumped into my husband's lap and started kissing and licking him.

"All that I now have left of their wonderful relationship is memories. You see, my husband, Joe, passed away. Since then, Inky and I are inseparable. He has been my shadow, as if he's protecting me from the outside world.

"Inky is over twelve years old. He has a cataract and is going deaf. But he still seems happy and alert. He adores me, and I adore him. This little guy is so special. I can't even put into words what he means to me. When I'd be up crying all night, missing my husband, Inky would climb in my lap and kiss away the tears. His unconditional love is unbelievable."

Can you make a decision to develop a keener sense of spiritual communication with people and animals? Could you resolve to accept more love into your life when you hear the song of a bird, the bark of a dog, or the sweet meow of a cat?

LITTLE LEAF VS. BIG CHIEF

2009-05-19T21:46:00.000-04:00

Soon after we adopted our black cocker spaniel Leaf from the animal shelter we started taking him to a nearby dog park, so he could get some exercise. He was young, maybe a year old, somewhat uncoordinated, and getting used to his new home and us.

One day, when we arrived at the dog park, many dogs ran around the fenced-in outdoor area with its woodchip and grass floor and picnic benches for human observers. After settling in for the dog park show, we noticed that there seemed to be a pecking order with one alpha dog, Chief, ruler-in-charge.

It was fun watching the dogs play and take turns at tug-a-rope using an old, dirty, four-foot rope that had several knots tied at different locations through its length. Chief always ended up winning the tug-a-rope game and would often run around the park on what appeared to be a victory lap with the rope in his mouth.

Other dog park patrons told us that Chief was the undisputed king of tug-a-rope. The dogs viewed the alpha Chief with the highest regard as the game's champion. At 85 pounds with a brown shiny coat covering a muscular canine body, he outran and out-played the other dogs. He was magnificent. People mentioned that they had seen Chief catch two tennis balls in his mouth at the same time.

Leaf glanced at Chief standing on the other side of the rope. Our dog wanted to play too. His face reflected determination and focus for getting what he wanted. At this time, we knew little of his background and were often surprised to discover different aspects to his personality.

His recent visit to the groomer had given him a gentlemanly appearance but today, Leaf seemed intent on showing the world he was more than a cute face. Even with his red neck scarf, roly-poly physique, and coordination lapses, the only thing that mattered to him at this moment was gaining control of that rope.

We did not want our new family member to get hurt with the Chief being so large and in charge so we watched carefully as Leaf sniffed the rope. We were kind of proud of his ability to show no fear and wondered how he might work this game to his advantage.

With no rules, no starting bell, and no umpire to oversee the battle, it was two tails wagging and two hairy contestants determined to win the grandest prize of the dog park -- the cherished tug-a-rope. The thick, dirty rope lay lifeless, seeming to beg for action. Without a gesture or sound, both Leaf and Chief each knew it was time for the battle to begin.

As Leaf approached, Chief pounced on the rope. He grabbed the knot nearest to him and pulled with amazing power and control. Leaf's leap was a little slower as he fell over his front feet onto his chin. He had failed at this first attempt to bite the other end of the rope.

Displaying a brilliant comeback move, Leaf's second attempt allowed him to place a big chunk of the rope firmly in his mouth.

Leaf's opponent feigned that he didn't even notice that this pint-sized opponent had invaded his territory. Chief started to run his traditional victory lap around the dog park, holding the prized tug-a-rope in his mouth for all to see. With Chief dragging him, Leaf held the other end of the rope in his teeth, using all his strength.

Chief stopped running and yanked hard on the rope to force the interloper to let go. Leaf clung to the rope even tighter with his powerful jaws. Chief noticed the other dogs had stopped running and playing and were watching what was shaping up to be a battle of the century at dog park. Now, with his pride and alpha-maleness at stake Chief had to get things under control.

But Leaf would not give up. No matter how many yanks, pulls, and growls Chief employed, Leaf refused to surrender his end of the rope. Finally Chief stopped for a moment to collect his thoughts.

Leaf immediately saw this pause for reflection as an opportunity. He moved closer to Chief. With war strategy worthy of a military hero, Leaf stepped on the giant dog's front foot. Chief was so surprised at this maneuver that he dropped his end of the rope.

Leaf ran off with the entire prize firmly in his mouth. Chief chased after him. Leaf managed to keep the rope to himself for only a few moments, but it was good to see him prevail.

In the two years since that experience Leaf has shown us that he's a winner in spite of the hard start he's had as a rescued dog, or maybe because of the survival skills he had to develop. His intelligence, ability to strategize, and determination give him the upper paw in life among dogs of all sizes and over people who aren't nearly as smart as he is.

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

Leaf's First Picnic

2009-05-16T22:15:00.001-04:00

Our dog Leaf often goes to a wonderful doggy daycare center that offers many services including webcams so people can watch their dogs in action. Sometimes Leaf stays an hour and other times he is there for an afternoon.

He loves it and shows his enthusiasm as he enters the front door. For him doggy daycare means visiting his friends, playing, taking a dip in the pool, and just hanging out with the attentive staff.

Today we went to the doggy daycare's one-year anniversary picnic with cake, food, doggy "beer" and doggy games. This was Leaf's first picnic, and he loved it.

He celebrated with the other dogs by bobbing for dog treat "hotdogs." It offered a great opportunity for friendship, family, bonding, and love.

See the fun by visiting www.angelanimals.net/recpicnicpp.html

Have you ever sent your dog to doggy daycare or arranged dog play dates? Want to share your experiences and observations?

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

Animals and Your Spiritual Blind Spots

2009-05-13T23:26:00.001-04:00

In our workshops and classes after someone has shared a story about his or her spiritual connection with a special animal, we often ask what was going on in the person's life at the time. This is when the awareness dawns that a memorable experience with a pet or animal in nature has reflected the person's spiritual lessons, challenges, or attitudes.

We call these "spiritual blind spots." They are aspects of yourself that you can't see, but an animal reveals them to you.

Animals reflect what you're all about -- your values, interests, and personality. What you may not realize is that animals can also be spiritual barometers for whatever you're hiding from the world and yourself. They manifest your state of consciousness -- fleas and all.

Animals, as souls, are spiritually engineered to give service. So are humans, but people tend to carry a lot of mental and emotional baggage, making it more complex for them to be pure and loving vehicles for God's love. As a service, animals reflect aspects of your personality and spiritual makeup that may be keeping you from becoming your most evolved, loving, enlightened self.

Spiritual blind spots are the needs and desires you don't, can't, or won't admit you harbor. Recognizing and accepting them fosters spiritual growth, because the first step toward loving God and others is to love yourself --completely.

Animals often depict scenes of your secrets brought to the big screen in living Technicolor by an animal actor. The spiritual blind spots animals bring to your attention enable you to discover whatever hinders you from being all you were meant to be.

Has an animal ever shown you a spiritual blind spot?

2009-05-09T20:18:00.002-04:00

SEND IN THE COWS
By Monica O'Kane

Reprinted with permission from ANGEL ANIMALS BOOK OF INSPIRATION, pp.39-41 (New World Library 2009, softcover, $14.95 retail, ISBN# 978-1-57731-666-4, 235 pages). All rights reserved. www.angelanimalsbookofinspiration.com

One afternoon, while visiting a farm and standing in its pasture, I was bursting with anguish over a personal relationship. My head drooped. My shoulders were crushed with a ten-ton block of grief. Tears flooded my face and soaked my shirt. I pleaded silently, "Somebody please be with me!"

Then, though my watery veil, I saw a herd of about fifteen cows and calves coming out of the woods. Feeling cut off from all human support, I welcomed their presence. Slowly but steadily, the whole herd advanced. At first I feared they were going to chase me out of their pasture, but then I realized that they didn't seem menacing. Some cows walked a wide berth around me and came up from behind. Others ambled straight toward me.

I've been in a pasture with cows before, but none had ever approached me. They'd usually wander timidly away unless a farmer with feed was nearby. But these cows completely encircled me. They each stopped when they came within five feet, seeming to sense what would be comfortable for me. I felt no panic. Instead, I found myself being strangely consoled.

To my surprise, a white-faced cow halted directly in front of me. I watched, transfixed, as a tear formed in one of her eyes and spilled down the side of her nose. At first, I wondered if the cow might have an infection, but when I looked into her eyes I saw that they were perfectly healthy. I concluded that this cow could be empathetic - sympathizing with me as I shed my own tears in her pasture.

Gradually my heaving sobs subsided into noisy gulps. Eventually I cried silently. Meanwhile, the cows seemed to form a barrier between the cause of my turmoil and me. I'd fruitlessly hoped that humans would comfort me this way. In answer to my plea, I'd been visited by a herd of cows. After they moved away, I felt a peaceful calm wash over me.

A year later, in the midst of praying, I suddenly remembered the farm animals who had so unexpectedly visited me in the pasture. I realized that God had been answering my prayer. God was saying, "Don't you remember that collective cow hug I sent you a year ago? I directed my creatures to you, but you didn't recognize my touch, my love. Today you do. But then I ministered to you in your isolated agony through the cows."

I felt gratitude for the bovine hug that had relieved my sadness and reassured me that I'm never alone.

BIO:
"Monica O'Kane lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is a wife, mother of eight, grandmother of sixteen, and great-grandmother of one. She is the author of HEY, MOM, I'M HOME AGAIN! Strategies for Parents & Grown Children Who Live Together (Marlor Press, 1992). She is a child-rearing activist who focuses on childbirth and breastfeeding. In 2001 Monica traveled to Romania to work in a soup kitchen for two weeks because the homeless children there had caught her interest."

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
"Has an animal used an unusual way to help you feel less alone or abandoned?"

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

***To subscribe to the Angel Animals Story of the Week Newsletter send a blank email to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

A Brave and Loyal Fish

2009-05-03T20:50:00.002-04:00

Year after year, we receive hundreds of stories in which people say they have experienced richer, fuller, more compassionate, and loving relationships due to the bond they feel with a beloved pet. We've concluded that experiencing the unconditional love of a pet helps people become better human beings.

A fifth grader in a middle school where we spoke about our Angel Animals books demonstrated an important aspect of deepening relationships by coming to the aid of a friend in trouble.

At the school presentation we had invited the children to share animal stories. It was so much fun to watch their faces light up as they told about special pets. They also asked good writing questions such as, "What is your favorite genre?"

One little girl came up to the front of the room to tell a story that illustrated what she had learned about relationships by observing the family's pet fishes. The fishes' caretaker had made a mistake by placing a predatory fish in the tank. The big fish had eaten all but a few of the smaller fish by the time the humans had discovered the tragedy.

This fifth grader had watched in awe as one of the medium-sized fish nudged the tiniest fish to the bottom of the tank where he hid him behind a clump of algae. Then the protector fish used his body as a shield to keep the big fish from finding the littler one.

We noticed that in the theatre-style hall where we were speaking, the one hundred middle-grade students had become very quiet. The girl's experience with her fish had struck a chord. Many of them liked the idea of being protected or serving as the protector for those who are smaller or weaker. The relationships of the girl's fishes swimming in a tank and looking out for one another had helped bring a message to the children about bravery and loyalty.

When have you seen one animal protect another animal?

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

The Spirit and Love Live On

2009-04-12T08:54:00.000-04:00

At this time of year when thoughts go to renewal, rebirth, and life after death, we want to share a passage from our book on pet loss. Everyone who has a pet goes through this devastating experience at some time. But not everyone realizes that animals, like people, are so much more than physical bodies. They, too, are spiritual beings.

***

Excerpted from SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR ANGEL ANIMALS by Allen and Linda Anderson (New World Library 2007). Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

Following are many of the most frequently reported ways in which animals remind people that only the physical body leaves at death, and that the spirit and love live on. People report animals who, after death:

* Scratch or knock at the door
* Pad or make the sound of clicking claws along floors
* Press against the person's body with a definite feeling of weight
* Shake the bed as if jumping on or off it
* Purr, meow, bark, or snore audibly enough for more than one person
to hear
* Leave paw prints or food around food bowls
* Make a depression in the bed linens where they used to sleep
* Emit a burst of familiar scent in places that were previously
free of pet odor
* Drop a favorite toy, which has been put away or lost, in a spot
where it will be easily found
* Set off some kind of electrical charge that causes a clock alarm
to go off, lights to flicker, or the telephone to ring at the same
time that the death or burial occurred
* Appear as a glow of golden light or in a light-body so real that
the person tries unsuccessfully to touch it
* Lick or kiss the person's skin or tickle with whiskers
* Seem to appear in spirit as a sign or symbol of life after death,
such as a butterfly or rainbow, on a significant day or time.

***

While we did the research for this book, we went through our files and found stories and letters about people's after-death experiences with animals. All of the above examples actually happened to people. Some of them happened to us.

If you are or have been dealing with pet loss, we hope this gives you hope to know that as difficult as it is, life does literally go on.

Have you had an afterlife sense of a pet's presence?

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 email to angelanimals-on@mail-list.com.

How do your pets respond to cleaning frenzies?

2009-04-04T21:28:00.001-04:00

Spring Housecleaning with Pets

This has been spring housecleaning week in the Anderson home. Each of our pets reacts to the changes in their environment.

Our cocker spaniel Leaf has the most difficult time with anything that isn't normal -- a word and state of being that he absolutely requires. He spread out with a mournful look on his face while we cleaned the bedroom carpet, which meant moving his dog bed into the living room temporarily. "Not normal," he seemed to be saying.

The cats take things in stride, as cats tend to do. They hide in their favorite cubbyholes while the vacuum and carpet-cleaning machine roar across the floors. No trembling for these two. Just a wait until this is all over and these people come back to their senses sort of attitude.

The bird has to be moved behind the closed bedroom door while we take apart the living room where he usually views the world from atop his high perch. We don't like him to have to be near where we use cleaning supplies. We always worry about those tiny lungs taking in fumes. So deep cleaning the living room is accompanied by the sound of Sunshine's insistent screeches of protest.

Soon things will be normal. We'll ask the cats not to track kitty litter onto the carpet. We'll ask the dog to put his toys back in the basket where we've placed them so nicely. We'll ask the bird not to shoot birdseeds out of his cage onto the floor. We'll ask ourselves to put away what we take out and clean as we go.

All of us will remember, for awhile. Till next spring when somehow, the winter's accumulation of stuff will find its way to garbage bags and charity pickups.

Ah, spring!

How do your pets respond to cleaning frenzies?

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 email to angelanimals-on@mail-list.com.

Birds and Baths

2009-03-29T15:45:00.004-04:00

We recently wrote to our friends on various blogs and our subscribers to the Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter: "Whistle short tune to our bird. He listens. Processes. 24 hours later repeats whistle with variations. The composer. Any bird stories?" The following are responses to that question.

Georgia: "When I played in a woodwind quintet at a house with a bird, the bird would whistle the flute part whenever we stopped for a break. Beautiful! (And smart.)"

Edward: "My cockatiel loves to listen to the HU cd. She cocks her head sideways and just gazes. She also whistles back to me when I play my flute."

Another time we asked the following: "Gave dog a bath. Not his fave thing to do. Any ideas for how to make it easier?"

Cynthia: "I bathe my 3 dogs often and even though they don't like it, I try to make it tolerable since I doubt they'll ever find it fun. I talk to them the whole time -- telling them how gorgeous they are, play music they like, snuggle during drying off time, play fetch after. They get treats after their baths."

Bob: "Get someone else to do it!"

Joy: "I sing to Buster but he still doesn't really like it.

Jessica: "I take my dogs to the Marriott Resort on Coronado Island and bathe them in the shower. While they don't love the bath, they put up with it because they know that they're on vacation and get to hang out by the pool all day."

Persis: "I put on some music and tell to my dog all the things we will do after her bath like go out to the park and meet her doggie friends and eating nice, tasty food!"

Do you have any ideas to share about bathing dogs and the interesting things birds do?

What is it about women and dogs?

2009-03-21T18:20:00.000-04:00

Awhile back, there was a poll that found women preferred the company of their dogs to their spouses or significant others. Guess the human males growled more than their canine competitors for female affection.

To be serious, though, over the years since we have been collecting and writing stories for Angel Animals books, etc. we've observed how deeply women and dogs bond. They seem to bring out the best in each other.

Now, we're giving all of you the chance to enter our Dogs and the Women Who Love Them True Story Contest. We're looking for stories about canine-female teams that formed deep bonds of companionship and led to compassionate and courageous acts of kindness or service.

Think about some of the following scenarios that you may have been part of and see if you want to write a story about any of them:

* Has a dog(s) been there for a woman during challenging times or major events in her life?
* Have there been times when a dog has protected people from danger or warned them of possible danger?
* Have a woman and a dog teamed up to fulfill a life purpose and/or perform extraordinary acts of service?

This contest hopes to find life stories of remarkable women with dogs who are fulfilling their callings to the benefit of themselves and others. It will also focus on finding the best stories about dogs' unconditional love and acceptance. From dogs as protectors to partners in the dance of life, the contest will honor a relationship that is like no other.

Any contest entries, but especially those of the winners, will be considered for possible publication in the new book Dogs and the Women Who Love Them by Allen and Linda Anderson to be published by New World Library in Fall 2010. Previous books in the Angel Animals series have included many stories that were contest entries.

We're looking forward to reading your stories, so go to the website, www.angelanimals.net/contests.html and fill out the contest entry form. Send in your stories.

What have dogs taught you about love, life, and yourself?

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

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

What would your pet say if he or she could Twitter?

2009-03-14T16:16:00.000-04:00

For those of you who might not know what Twitter is, it's a social networking site on the internet where people have 140 characters to reply to the question: What are you doing? It's the latest rage among folks with time on their hands and a wicked sense of humor. You can become our friend at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=711934289 and follow us at www.twitter.com/angelanimals

We asked the question of our Twitter followers and Facebook friends, "If pets could Twitter, what would they say?" We thought you would enjoy reading their answers.

Sarah: Mine would say, "Loving this sunny patch."

Greg: A dog could say "arf" 46 1/2 times.

Sara:
"Going outside."
"Going inside."
"Waiting for breakfast."
"Eating breakfast."
"Going outside."
"Going inside."
"Searching trash cans"
"Nap time."
"Going outside."
"Going inside."
"Waiting for dinner."
"Eating dinner."
"Going outside."
Going inside."

TreZa: Ever read the children's book "Martha Speaks"? It's about a dog that starts talking after eating alphabet soup : ) One of my favorites!

Tona: Pet me, pet me, pet me!

Stephanie: "Please be patient with me."

Madeleine:
Why isn't anyone scratching my tummy?
I just taught my owner a new trick.
I'm in the market for a new water dish. Any suggestions?

Greta: Why did she put the treat jar up so high?

Pat: Sam would say, "Stop wasting time with Twitter and get me a treat."

Rita: Emily would say, "Thank God, Mom finally stopped petting me and left for work. I need my beauty sleep."

Susan: Dinner, oh boy out, woof, woof, shake that blankie.

What would your pet say if he or she could Twitter? Remember, in 140 characters or less.

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

Note: To subscribe to the free Angel Animals Story of the Week newsletter send a blank email to AngelAnimals-on@mail-list.com

How Big Is a Pet's Vocabulary?

2009-03-08T17:58:00.001-04:00

The animals in our home seem to catch on to quite a bit of our verbal communication. We know that they read our body language, behavior, and emotions. They pick up mental and visual images. But lately, we've been noticing the human language they recognize.

Seems like we've heard that dogs have up to about a 300 word vocabulary. Of course, parrots' vocabulary can be incredible. So we've been experimenting with our cocker spaniel Leaf to find out which words have been imprinted on his young brain.

It's more difficult to figure out with cats. Do they really not know words such as "Don't scratch that," and choose, cat-like, to ignore the plea/command? It's easier to tell what words our bird knows. He says, "Hello," and "I love you, sweet baby."

Below are a few of Leaf's vocabulary achievements.

Popcorn: mentioned at any volume from any part of the house, brings him running

Carrots: see above for popcorn

Banana: see above for popcorn and carrots

Greenie: see above for popcorn, carrots, and banana

Pampered Pooch: his favorite doggy day care center and no problem getting the leash on him for a sprint to the car

Dog park: brings him and his orange ball to the back door, fired up and ready to go

Up, up, up: entices him to jump onto the bed for a squeeze, kisses, and a tummy rub.

Tummy, tummy, tummy: elicits a rollover that's faster than money moving from a 401K to an IRA account

Squeaky toy: causes him to root through his collection for favorite toy of the moment

To be fair he still remembers, sort of, his dog school training commands:

Sit (more like, squat for a second),

Stay (more like, pause),

Shake (more like, wave your paw around),

Down (more like, I'll think about it and decide if I want to)

What human words do your pets respond to?

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

Why Share Your Animal Stories?

2009-02-28T21:11:00.001-05:00

Last week, we got a call from a man who had been to the Angel Animals website and read stories there. Some of the stories might have come from you. We wanted to let you know one example of how sharing your uplifting animal stories helps people.

The man had recently endured a terrible loss. He'd found his son dead in the young man's home. The son's dog had remained by his side for three days. He wouldn't even leave for food or water. The dog howled when the son's body was taken away, grieving over his dear friend.

The dog's display of emotions and loyalty had moved the father so much that he went on the Internet to search for information about dogs. When he found our website, he read through stories. He said, "I never knew what dogs are capable of till now."

He had called us because the stories inspired him to donate to organizations that train service dogs. Linda gave him a couple of suggestions and told him what keywords to use for finding such charities.

So there you have it -- one more reason for sharing your stories in the Angel Animals Story of the Week and for our books. One more reason for telling your stories about the incredible benefits of human-animal companionship to family, friends, and anyone else who will listen.

When you make your stories public, you affect people and animals in ways you will probably never know about. But someday, when you have the opportunity to look back on your life, a Divine hand may show you all the connecting threads that came about through an animal who gave love and a human who shared that love with others.

What stories would you like to share?

--Allen and Linda
www.angelanimals.net

The Illusion of Natural Differences

2009-02-14T20:46:00.001-05:00

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

What Makes a Great Dog Park?

2009-02-07T21:44:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-04T06:37:00.001-05:00

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.

Loves Dogs

2009-01-31T22:17:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-30T14:14:00.001-05:00

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?

2009-01-24T19:21:00.006-05:00

By Allen and Linda Anderson

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

2009-01-18T21:36:00.001-05:00

By Allen Anderson

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?

Monday, January 19: Manifest Destiny - Co-creating with your animals!

2009-01-18T11:28:00.007-05:00

Manifest Destiny with your animals on this Monday's show

About a year ago I was doing a reading with a woman and her horse. The woman had come to recognize that the stable her horse was boarded at was desperately inadequate. The horse was not being feed enough, nor was there adequate water. She was feeling guilty and carrying tremendous responsibility about finding a new stable, immediately.

I checked in with her horse and I commented that "he had just as much ability to manifest his new home as she did". The 'aha' light went off for all of us. In our conscious relationship with our animals, we have the ability to co-create the things we want and THAT is the topic of Monday's show - Manifesting with our animals.

My guest are Karen Biehl and her animal friend Eli. They have a mission statement and are co-creating an amazing life.

Tune in Monday, January 19 at 12 Noon EST

Mercury Retrograde and Pets

2009-01-11T21:25:00.004-05:00

by Kathy Biehl

The planet Mercury began its first retrograde of the year today. If you're aware of the concept of Mercury retrograde, you probably associate it with snafus in communication and transportation. Technology misfires; messages get garbled or blocked; travel is delayed. That's not all, though. Anything ruled by Mercury can come up for revisiting or benefit from closer attention under a retrograde. And one of the things that Mercury rules is pets.

The general advice about not making a major purchase during a Mercury retrograde applies to pets. This is not an optimal time to adopt, buy or take in a pet. If you do, something about the pet will probably not be what you think. There's a high risk of a critical piece of information being left out, forgotten, withheld or misunderstood.

On the plus side, this is an ideal time to learn more about and reconnect with an animal that's already with you. Pay close attention to its behavior; if something changes, the cause may not be what it first seems. Make a point to spend more time together, too. The interaction will make you both feel better -- and will counterbalance some of the frustrations that Mercury heaps upon you. When you get home late because traffic was snarled, the loving touch of a pet can help wipe your slate clean.

Mercury will be retrograde from January 11 through February 2. It will happen again from May 6-May 30, September 6-September 29, and December 26 till January 15 of next year.

Our Dog Has Trained Us Well

2009-01-10T15:45:00.003-05:00

By Allen and Linda Anderson

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?

Author Stacey O'Brien talks about Wesley The Owl: January 12 at 12 Noon EST

2009-01-09T21:35:00.004-05:00

You know how much I love stories about the interaction of animals and people, well you are in for a real treat. This coming Monday my first guest will be Stacey O’Brien, author of “Wesley The Owl: A Love Story Between and Owl and his Girl. O’Brien who is a biologist and a barn owl specialist rescues a baby owl who will not make it in the wild. The owl, Wesley, spends nineteen years with Stacey. Tune in to find out what this relationship was like and what Stacey gained through this amazing friendship.

Join in Monday January 12th 2009 at 12 Noon EST.

Stacey O'Brien with Wesley

Trish Nixon from the Peregrine Fund - January 12th 12 Noon EST

2009-01-09T21:02:00.003-05:00

Monday January 12th 2009 – following author and biologist Stacey O’Brien, I’ll be speaking with Raptor Specialist, Trish Nixon from the Peregrine Fund. The Peregrine Fund, a not-for-profit that directs 100% of all donations to their programs – is dedicated to conserving nature by restoring species in jeopardy, conserving habitat, educating students, and training conservationists. Trish will be speaking about Owls and providing insights into what they contribute to and how we can support their continued presence on the planet.

Join in Monday January 12th 2009 at 12 Noon EST.

Do you have the Spirit of a Dog?

2009-01-03T18:19:00.008-05:00

I was at a baby shower today and found myself telling someone that although I love all animals and have a connection to them, I find that energetically I resonate with dogs. They stop on the street to say hello to me, oftentimes pulling their people just to reach me. They hear me when I talk to them, often to the surprise of the people in their lives and they are easy and comfortable with me.

I was then telling the story of coming to the neighborhood I know live in. My husband had been here for 10 years before I arrived and knew no one. Now he complains that he can't walk down the street without having to say hello to someone and he jokingly refers to me as the Mayor of Cobble Hill because I know everyone from the dry cleaner to the pharmacist to the woman walking with her baby, by name. One of the women that I was telling this story too said "well that's because you are just like a dog." And I thought it was a wonderful insight. It's true, some people are like dogs, some people are like cats, some are like birds and some are like horses.

Here are some indications that you are a dog person.

You walk down the street and greet everyone and you know their names.

You're a little impulsive but once the rules are explained your right on board.

You don't like arguing, so when it happens you try to distract everyone.

You're just as happy sitting at home in front of the fire as you are walking to the park.

You find yourself jumping in the car and just driving to see what you can find.

You look forward to your loved ones coming home and greet them at the door.

If you resonate more with cats, horses, birds, fish you name it, let me know what energies connect you to your animal friends.

What If?

2009-01-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

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

2008-12-29T21:04:00.001-05:00

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?

Christine Agro offers 40 Days to Manifest Course

2008-12-28T21:02:00.003-05:00

40 Days To Manifesting The Life You Want

Conscious Animal Radio host Christine Agro is a clairvoyant natural healer who works with both people and animals.

Work with Christine Agro to help shift the energy that stops you from manifesting your life's dreams.

Using psychic energy tools and age old mantras, you will set about breaking through the energies that get in your way.

We'll be working on clearing blocks (those things that keep you hiding, those things that make you accept less, those things that have you believing this is all there is) and opening the way to bring in more.

Are you ready to create more?

Are you ready to live your passion and purpose?

Are you ready?

This course runs 40 days - and will meet 7 times via teleconference* during the 40 days.
Teleconference are Wednesdays at 9 - 10 PM EST
First class January 7th
Jan 7, Jan 14, Jan 21, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11 and Feb 18.

We will work together, but most importantly you will work each day for a minimum 30 minutes to help manifest all that you want. 40 continual days is necessary.

Are you ready? Sign up now!
$40

*your normal long distance charges apply to the teleconference.

December 29th Show - What does 2009 Hold for your Pet?

2008-12-28T20:57:00.005-05:00

Want to know what 2009 holds for the animals in your life? Call-in on Monday December 29th and ask your questions to me and my guest astrologer/tarot reader Kathy Biehl.

Call-in to 646-716-7281.

The show airs live at 12 Noon EST and ends at 1 PM EST.

We look forward to hearing from you!

ASPCA Reminds Public of Laws Designed to Protect Carriage Horses

2008-12-23T19:47:00.002-05:00

Edited Press Release

NEW YORK, December 18, 2008—During the busy—and very often cold—holiday season, carriage horse rides seem to be a staple of tourist activity in New York City. The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® would like the public to be aware of some of the laws designed to protect the carriage horses and which agencies are responsible for enforcing those laws.

“Since our founding in 1866, the ASPCA has worked to protect and aid horses, as well as other animals, and continues that work today by enforcing carriage horse and animal cruelty laws in New York City,” said Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement division.

While ASPCA humane law enforcement agents and an equine veterinarian currently monitor horses and their drivers while out in the field and investigate complaints concerning the care and treatment of the horses, , the ASPCA reminds the public that several other agencies are also authorized to enforce the New York City carriage horse regulations, including the New York City Department of Health, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, and the New York City Police Department.

“For many years, the ASPCA has stepped up to the plate and volunteered to oversee and ensure humane treatment of these horses at our expense,” Ms. Wolf added. “Because of limited resources, we can’t oversee them 24/7 and depend on the other agencies to work with us.”

New York city and state laws protecting carriage horses include:

•Carriage horses cannot be worked when the temperature reaches 18 degrees and below.
•During the winter, horses must be blanketed while awaiting passengers.
•Carriage horses cannot be driven faster than a trot.
•Carriage horses can only be worked nine hours during any 24-hour period.
•Horses must be given a rest period of at least 15 minutes for every two hours they work.
•Fresh water must be made available to them during their rest periods.
•Horses must be provided with enough food and water and allowed to eat and drink at reasonable intervals while they are working. (Carriage horse drivers may carry water on the carriage or make use of troughs in the park. The law does not specify how to provide water--only that it be provided.)
•Horses cannot be worked when they are lame or suffer from a physical condition, illness or condition that makes them unsuitable for work.
•The law prohibits “abuse “of carriage horses which means physical maltreatment or failure to provide the care required by the regulations.
•Horses are prohibited from working during “adverse weather conditions,” which means any condition that is hazardous to the health and safety of the horse, driver or the public. This includes, but is not limited to, ice, snow, heavy rain and other slippery conditions.
•Carriage horses are not allowed on bridges or in tunnels.
•Carriage horse operators must obey traffic laws. This includes traffic lights, signs, prohibitions on U turns, etc.

In addition to the New York City code and rules, state law makes cruelty to horses a crime. Cruelty means knowingly causing injury or death to a horse, or allowing someone else to do so.

Reports of suspected animal cruelty should be made to the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450, or humanel@aspca.org

No Bowls for Goldfish

2008-12-23T18:12:00.001-05:00

Did you know that in NY State Goldfish are protected under the Animal Cruelty Law and that "A person is guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals when, with no justifiable purpose, he or she intentionally kills or intentionally causes serious physical injury to a companion animal with aggravated cruelty."

So I've been asking the question and will continue to ask the question.."why do pet stores sell goldfish together with a bowl?" If your not up on your fish keeping, goldfish cannot survive in a goldfish bowl. There isn't enough surface area to provide the amount of oxygen they need to live a healthy, happy life. Water quality is an issue and stress on their systems can easily allow the "Ich" parasites to take hold and feast off the goldfish.

I found all of this out the hard way. I am an educated person and tend to research things before jumping in. But my son wanted a goldfish and all I could remember of goldfish was having one as a child. I opted for the biggest bowl they had, already intuitively feeling that the bowl was an issue. And even asked 'will the fish be OK in this bowl?" "Icy" as my son quickly named the fish, arrived with Ich. Ich is a parsite that latches on to the fish and feeds off the fluids of the fish. As I placed Icy in his new home, I noticed two white spots on his tail. I went back to the pet store the next day looking for help. The owner said 'yes, I saw that a few of the fish had Ich. Bring him back and we'll exchange him." Exchange him? My son took this fish out of his bag and said "Hi Icy, I'm Caidin. Welcome to our home." I wasn't about to 'exchange' him. So I bought the Ich treatment and set about my mission to save Icy.

During this process, Icy struggled for enough oxygen (as I found out by jumping on line...wishing I'd done this first...and now writing in the hopes of sparing another goldfish the same cruel fate). He seemed to be getting better and then the bowl sprung a leak. And why is it that when this happens it's always after hours. So I put him in the biggest bowl I could find and did frequent water changes using Poland Springs water (I went through 33 liters of Poland Springs). Icy didn't make it though. He was found lifeless on the bottom of his bowl and thus began a running conversation about life and death with my 4 year old.

Icy was buried in a Metropolitan Museum of Art Jewelry Box in front of our apartment.

So not only do I feel really awful about Icy's life, I am really questioning why pet stores, especially in a State where goldfish are protected under the animal cruelty law, are allowed to sell a goldfish and bowl together.

We now have a 10 gallon take with a filter going through a cycling process awaiting the arrival of our next goldfish. It's been two months and is currently home to one snail. I'm not sure where it came from but it's growing by the day. And I am not sure about getting another goldfish, so for now, it's just speedy the snail.

NYC's Best Dog Psychic...is...ME!

2008-12-23T16:52:00.006-05:00

I'm excited to share with you that Pocket Change.com chose me as the Best Dog Psychic in NYC. The greatest thing is that they understood my work was more than just 'talking' to animals. They understood that through my work people gain a deeper understanding of the animals in their lives, what we can be done to better support their animal friends and how to better provide for their animal's needs.

Here's a link to the article "10 Ways To Spoil Your Dog" http://pocketchangenyc.com/

The long road to Vicktory...A story that begins in dark and ends in the light.

2008-12-21T12:26:00.006-05:00

In early 2001 the newly drafted Atlanta Falcon’s Quarterback Michael Vick along with two others, Quanis Phillips and Tony Taylor began a venture to sponsor pit bull terriers in dog fighting. A fourth, Purnell Peace joins the group. Vick then buys a piece of property for $34,000 in Smithfield Virginia to set up their Bad Newz Kennels.

Throughout 2001/2003 the group acquires and tests pit bulls for fighting suitability. Numerous dogs deemed unsuitable were killed by Peace, Phillips and Taylor during this time. By Spring 2003 the group is entering dogs in fights, winning and subsequently hosting fights at Bad Newz Kennels. Dogs both travel to and from Bad Newz Kennels to participate in fights.

In April 2007 according to Vick’s summary of events, Peace, Phillips and Vick test several dogs from the Bad Newz Kennels and agree to the killing of 6-8 dogs who perform poorly. The dogs were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning.

On April 24, 2007 Vick’s cousin David Boodie is arrested on drug charges. He gives the address of Bad Newz Kennel as his place of residence and a warrant to search the property is issued. Animal control officers find 66 dogs – 55 of them pit bulls and a training complex on the property. they found dogs, some injured and scarred, chained to buried car axles. Forensic experts on a subsequent search discovered remains of dogs that had been shot with a .22-caliber pistol, electrocuted, drowned, hanged or slammed to the ground for lacking a desire to fight.

Initial reports indicated that most if not all of the dogs will be euthanized, but after much outcry, debate and behind the scenes maneuvering many of the dogs are given a reprieve. 47 dogs in total are sent to sanctuaries around the country, 22 in need of the most support, including Lucas – Vicks prize fighter and Jane (now named Georgia) his first fighting dog find homes at the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

Lucas now at Best Friends

In Nov 2007 Vick agrees to pay almost $1 million into an escrow fund to cover the cost of care for the dogs found on his property.

To give you an idea of what these dogs experienced here is a segment from a February 2, 2008 New York Times article written by Juliet Macur.

“A quick survey of Georgia, a caramel-colored pit bull mix with cropped ears and soulful brown eyes, offers a road map to a difficult life. Her tongue juts from the left side of her mouth because her jaw, once broken, healed at an awkward angle. Her tail zigzags.

“Scars from puncture wounds on her face, legs and torso reveal that she was a fighter. Her misshapen, dangling teats show that she might have been such a successful, vicious competitor that she was forcibly bred, her new handlers suspect, again and again.

“But there is one haunting sign that Georgia might have endured the most abuse of any of the 47 surviving pit bulls seized last April from the property of the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in connection with an illegal dog fighting ring.

“Georgia has no teeth. All 42 of them were pried from her mouth, most likely to make certain she could not harm male dogs during forced breeding.”

A quick visit to Best Friends website and you will learn the names of these 22 dogs and learn about their unique personalities – warm, funny, shy, sneaky eyes and more.

On Monday December 22nd Dr. Frank McMillian, DVM, auhtor of "Unlocking The Animal Mind" and Director of Well-Being Studies at Best Friends has been working with the Victory dogs. He will be joining me to talk about their inspiring road and what it has been like to be at the center of such a high profile case.

Join me live on Monday, December 22nd 12 Noon EST...

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousanimal

Your Pets and the Current Astrological Weather

2008-12-20T10:25:00.005-05:00

When you read about the astrological weather in the paper or online, remember that your animal companions are feeling the effects, too. Everyone and everything has a birth chart, and everyone and everything down here responds in some way to what's going on above. Right now the skies are beaming down some intense and powerful energies, and it's helpful to keep in mind that they are influencing pets as well.

The primary stress is coming from Pluto, which strips down and transforms everything it touches. When Pluto is at work, it's like a gardener preparing his crops for winter. Diseased, withering and dead leaves and branches are cut away; plants are pruned back to increase their ability to flourish come spring. Because he is the ruler of the underworld, Pluto also stirs deep and intense emotions, heavy on the fears, as well as an awareness of mortality. He can make you want to crawl back under the covers and hide, but there's no escaping. When he is at work in a chart, his influence is relentless and unavoidable. And ultimately extremely beneficial.

Pluto has moved into the sign of Capricorn, the first time he has done this in our lifetimes. (He was there briefly from the end of January to the beginning of June, and he moved back in the day before Thanksgiving, for a 15-year stay.) He has been sitting at the first degree of the sign and will be moving from it to the next few degrees and back over the next year. This means that Pluto's influence is at its rawest, most unrefined and, in some ways, most brutal.

One of the things that Capricorn rules is physical structures, such as the skeletons that support our bodies. (Also financial institutions -- big surprise?) Everyone is feeling the stress from this, even -- especially -- animals. Bodies that are already weakened are having a very hard time lately. People have been bringing a lot of sad news from the vet to me lately -- sudden and unexpected deaths of beloved longtime companions, a few-month-old kitten being diagnosed with feline AIDS and given less than two months to live.

Even those of us in relatively decent shape are being worn down by this influence, too. Do not underestimate the psychic and emotional stress everyone in your household is under. It has the power to lower everyone's resistance. It's more important than usual to take care of ourselves and the animals around us. As we all adjust to the stripped-down regime of Pluto in Capricorn, wellness and preventative health measures are imperative: rest, proper nutrition, exercise and relaxation for you and your animals. Pay particular attention to bones, joints and ligaments. They are easy targets now and may experience an upsurged in aches, pains and problems.

There's an emotional component as well. The past year has rewired our experience of reality and it has shifted, forever. Our world is different; we are different. Our animals have changed, too, in two ways. The first is their response to us. They respond to us instinctively. They are often a reliable emotional barometer of what's going on with us. Since we're different, animals are reacting to us differently. The second is that animals are undergoing their own transformation now, too.

Breaks in behavior patterns are common now. Your animal may be disoriented, because you aren't sending out the same type of vibe that you always have before. Your animal may also be changing in personality and body as well. In the past few weeks Sasha, the cat who lives with me, has abandoned years of quiet and self-sufficiency for unprecedented assertiveness. She has been following me around the house, positioning herself in ways that demand attention (jumping on the computer keyboard, sitting on the cards during a Tarot reading) and vocalizing, frequently, to signal needs. My schedule has been different and made my times of accessibility to her erratic. i have responded to Sasha's new behaviors by explaining that my changes benefit her (I have to go away sometimes to earn the money for us to have shelter and food), telling her when I will be available to her that day and reminding her that she has important jobs in the home and can live with me for as long as she wants.

Look at your pets with this in mind now. Take better care than ever of their physical needs. Watch for behavior changes. Be aware that they may be undergoing emotional and psychic stress and experiencing primal emotions themselves. (Flower essences may be helpful; I have been putting Rescue Remedy in Sasha's water bowl.) They are adjusting to the new astrological era, too, as well as to the new you.

Closing thoughts for December 15th

2008-12-15T19:46:00.006-05:00

Somehow I think I skipped my closing thoughts for today, so here they are.

Photo of Christine and Milo by John Scott

Final thoughts: When I look at dogs their unconditional love is so great that it resonates out through their entire being. They hold such great lessons for us – to live in the moment, to be grateful for all we have, to enjoy life fully, to love fully and no matter what has happened, they always have faith in our ability to do better.

Breaking News...BBC pulls out of Crufts Dog Show

2008-12-13T21:53:00.003-05:00

After 40 years the BBC cuts it's coverage of the Crufts Dog Show. The Kennel Club which runs the show would not meet the demands of the BBC to exclude a number of breeds. The breeds in question are identified as having genetic conditions as a result of inbreeding.

In August the BBC aired the documentary "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" The documentary exposed a number of breeds including King Charles Spaniels, Boxers, Pugs and Bull Dogs, whose breeding has lead to serious genetic conditions that range from inhibited breathing to skulls to small for their brains.

The RSPCA has pulled out of this year's Crufts also stating that it would not have it's usual presence at the event.

It will be interesting to see what impact this has on the Westminster Dog Show.

Here is just one article http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1094182/BBC-drops-Crufts-40-years-Kennel-Club-refuses-cruel-dog-breeding.html?ITO=1490

And here is the documentary

Documentary - BBC - Pedigree Dogs Exposed

Why do millions of people tune in to puppies?

2008-12-13T20:50:00.002-05:00

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

Coming Up: For Monday December 15th 2009

2008-12-12T18:31:00.006-05:00

Conscious Animal Radio: Monday, December 15th 2009, 12 Noon

I look forward to speaking with Linda Anderson, co-author of Angel Dogs With A Mission: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life and co-founder of Angel Animal Network. Linda and her husband Allen founded the Angel Animals Network (http://www.angelanimals.net/) in 1996to share the healing, emotional, instructional, and spiritual benefits and complexities of human-animal companionship. We'll be talking about their most recent book Angel Dogs With A Mission - which I keep wanting to call "Angel Dogs on a Mission" so we'll see what's behind that too. Nothings ever a mistake...

My second guest is Steve McGarva, an amazing man with a wonderful gift and generous heart. Steve has been kindly and patiently rescuing, tending to and providing dignity to the stray dogs of Puerto Rico's Dead Dog Beach since 2003. I'll be talking to Steve about the situation in Puerto Rico, if anything has changed and what he's doing today after being feature this year in People Magazine as "The Dog Rescuer".

NEW: Listeners can call in with questions for me during the last 10 minutes of the show. If you want to call in with questions about your animal friends the number is:646-716-7281.

See you Monday!

Christine Agro

'Hero dog' pulls another dog from oncoming traffic

2008-12-09T20:05:00.002-05:00

A homeless dog in Chile pulled an injured dog from traffic and it was all caught on video.

Clair Abreu at L.A. Unleashed reports:

UPDATE: After hundreds of thousands of people viewed the video of the hero dog last week, authorities understandably received a few calls about him, some from people wanting to adopt. And along with those in the comment section, we at Unleashed wondered about the fate of his injured friend.

Bad news, dear readers, if you haven't heard:

Highway crews removed both the dead and live dogs from the median strip of the Vespucio Norte Highway shortly after the Dec. 4 incident, and the rescuer dog ran away.

Authorities say images of the rescue prompted some people to call and offer to adopt the dog, but neither highway workers nor a television crew could find they animal when they went to hunt for it.

Dogs Can Feel Envy...but we already know that!

2008-12-09T19:17:00.007-05:00

Coming on the tail of my interview with Marc Bekoff (The Emotional Lives of Animals December 8th 2008), News Feeds are reporting that scientists have 'proven' that dogs can experience envy. They had to do a study to prove that? It's one of the things Marc and I were talking about during the show, scientists need to prove things that intuitivly or through experience we just know.

It's a good article though, so be sure to follow the link and have a read.
Dogs Can Feel Envy - National Geographics Article

The study was led by Friederike Range of the University of Vienna, Austria.

And even she acknowledges that dog lovers already know this...but now it's official.

From A Wild Bird's Heart - A Gift Package

2008-12-08T20:35:00.003-05:00

Dear Christine,

Thank you for the amazing work you're doing in airing the stories of so many species of animals. You are giving us all the opportunity to learn more about how rich their emotional and spiritual relationships really are and what we can do to stop wronging them.

We would like to offer some free gifts for your readers and the listeners of your radio show Consciousanimalradio.com

Gift 1. From A Wild Bird's Heart Gift Package

Consists of:
a) 23 Amazing Facts About Wild Bird Culture - A Wild Magpie Taught Me (with true observations)
b) Five Keys to Friendship with Wild Birds (A Quick Start Guide)
c) Free subscription to Wild Bird Talking ezine (bi-monthly)
d) How to Help Injured or Stunned birds (audio and transcript)

Instructions for receiving the above are at: http://wingedhearts.org/fromabirdsheart

Gift 2. Australian Wild Birds Calendar 2009

This is a 13 page photographic quality calendar which can be previewed and downloaded from:

http://wingedhearts.org/calendar2009

You can print it on photo paper for a distinctive and unusual Christmas gift.

We hope you all enjoy these as much as we did did putting them together.

We would also like to wish everyone the very best of the season and a wonderful 2009.

Best Regards

Ron and Gitie

Closing Thoughts For December 8th Show

2008-12-08T13:57:00.008-05:00

I cannot understand why humanity feels that we are some how superior to all other creatures. We may have attributes that allow us to excel and exceed, but these attributes can also be our downfall and in my mind make us at times less than the animals we exploit. Until we recognize the value, the importance and the life experience in each living being we do not deserve to consider ourselves more evolved.

It is my hope that through the work of people like Marc Bekoff and through the inspiring lives of people like Ron and Gitie House and through the efforts of organizations like Farm Sanctuary that one day we will all come to recognize there is nothing exceptional about the human race. We are one part of whole and because of our ability to speak, reason and discover, we should be the greatest protectors of all beings.

Emotional Lives of Animals: Miranda

2008-12-07T11:49:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share one of my own experiences of witnessing the emotional lives of animals. My dog Miranda who passed on April 15, 2003 was a nervous dog, but she was also a very loving dog.

On December 26, 2002 my other dog Pebbles passed unexpectedly. She developed bloat, a condition where the stomach lifts and twists causing the body to fill with air. It happened at 11:30 at night. We rushed Pebbles to the Veterinary ER and while they were trying to stabilize her, she went into cardiac arrest and died.

We returned home without her, my husband, Miranda and I all in shock.

As we processed Pebbles' passing I noticed that Miranda's eyes were squinting. No tears flowed but it was the same expression a human's eyes have when they cry and I realized that Miranda was crying, but without the tears.

I'd love to hear your stories of recognizing emotions in animals.

Remember to tune in tomorrow, December 8th for my interview Marc Bekoff, author of Emotional Lives of Animals.

Blessings,

Christine Agro

The Emotional Lives of Animals

2008-12-07T11:26:00.000-05:00

There are many images and videos that demonstrate the emotional lives of animals. This YouTube video of two moose playing in a sprinkler with Mom watching on is one of my favorites. The moose frolic and play while Mom stands by slightly on guard, a little nervous, but allowing her kids to take a risk.

Marc Bekoff joins me tomorrow December 8th live on Conscious Animal Radio. I am so excited and am really looking forward to speaking with him.

His work in documenting and promoting from a scientific perspective the fact that animals do indeed have emotions is changing the way humanity understands their relationships to all animals.

For those who love animals, there has never been doubt that animals have emotional experiences from joy to grieving; but as is true to form, science required evidence, which is one question I have for Marc; "Why is that science needs proof?" and "Why does society place so much weight in scientific documentation when we in our hearts and intuition have our own truth."

I encourage you to call in with your own questions or your own stories of the emotional lives of animals that you know at 646-716-7281 or leave your questions here as comments and I'll ask them for you.

See you Monday at 12 Noon Est.

Blessings,

Christine Agro

Male Cat Baldness

2008-12-06T20:44:00.001-05:00

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?

2008-11-29T12:07:00.001-05:00

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?

2008-11-26T22:28:00.001-05:00

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?

Honoring A Great Man.

2008-11-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry to write that my Dad passed away this morning. Tomorrow's show for November 24 will be canceled. I will air my interview with Ron House of wingedheart.org at a later date and hopefully we will reschedule Tricia Barry from Farm Sanctuary to speak about their Adopt-A-Turkey program in December.

I want to take a minute to honor my Dad. For 40 some years he was a dentist with a private practice and had a great role at the Erie County Medical Center where he saw patients and mentored the dental students.

He touched so many people, right down to the nurses who cared for him the last three days while he was in hospital.

Dad was a teacher. In the very obvious way he shared his passion and years of experience mentoring countless dental students, But in a very quiet way he was a teacher to all he met sharing his wisdom and knowledge of living life fully.

I was thinking about the lessons I learned from my dad and I wanted to share some of these with you today.

He taught me that no matter how I feel inside never take it out on others. If I’m in a bad mood it's a reason to be even nicer.

He taught me to greet people when you see them, whether you know them or not.He taught me to take interest in the lives of others.

He taught me to love what I do, and do what I love.

He taught me to take pride in my own actions because others won’t always acknowledge you, but if you feel good about what you’ve done or created, that’s all that matters.

He taught me to be grateful for all I have while still believing in the promise of something more.

He taught me to laugh and if things are going bad, laugh even more.

He taught me that everything can be eased by telling a really bad joke.

He taught me that the underdog is often a diamond in the rough.

He taught me to love learning.

He taught me to love freely.

He taught me to love deeply.

And he taught me to live honestly and to never have anything to regret.

These are lessons he taught me and I know they are lessons he taught many others.

Dad was not only a great dad but he was a great man.

The road didn't always rise to meet him and the wind wasn't always at his back, but he was a man of quiet courage, faith, love and joy and I am certain God will always hold Dad in the hollow of his hand.

It was Albert Einstein who said, "Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation." With that I know Dad will live on for years to come with the gifts of his teaching rippling through lives of all he touched.

Talkin' Turkey

2008-11-22T21:16:00.000-05:00

I'm sure by now you've seen or at least heard about Sarah Palin pardoning a turkey and then going on to give an interview in front the Turkey beheading machine while turkeys were being killed.

It got me thinking "where did the 'pardon a turkey'" idea come from and why is it considered news. There's nothing cute or charming about it. It's actually very sad. This one turkey gets a stay of execution, all the rest "off with your heads".

Well, Farm Sanctuary has a better option for you. No pardons, just adoptions. Tricia Barry will be joining me on this Monday's show (Nov 24) to talk about their Adopt-A-Turkey holiday program.

And in the meantime, I'm going to try to get to the bottom of the 'pardon a turkey' idea.If you have any info, call in on Monday, this is one I'd like to unravel.

See you Monday!

Christine

Ron House - wingedheart.org - on Conscious Animal Radio Monday Nov 24, 2008

2008-11-22T21:12:00.000-05:00

I just finished pre-recording this coming Monday's interview with Ron House of wingedheart.org. I've never done a pre-recorded interview for the show but Ron and Gitie live in Australia.

Last time Gitie was on the show it was two in the morning for her, so I thought I would give them a break and pre-record it.As always I am fascinated by Ron and Gitie's heart-warmingly intertwined life with the birds of the Australian Outback. Please listen in this Monday, November 24 at 12 Noon EST to hear the full interview.

Following my chat with Ron I'll be speaking with Tricia Barry from Farm Sanctuary to find out how each of us can save a Turkey this holiday season.

See you Monday!Christine

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