LITTLE LEAF VS. BIG CHIEF

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

A Brave and Loyal Fish

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

How do your pets respond to cleaning frenzies?

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.

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

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

The Illusion of Natural Differences

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allen and Linda Anderson
www.angelanimals.net

Furry, Flying, Flowing, and Feathered Friends

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

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

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

"CRAZY" DOG LOVERS' HABITS

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

"CRAZY" DOG LOVERS' HABITS
By Connie Bowen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why do millions of people tune in to puppies?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Male Cat Baldness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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