We have Saturday rituals. We tell our dog Leaf that Saturday is a day of great adventure and fun.  Our bird, Sunshine gets new millet on Saturday and a complete cleaning of his cage.  The cats, Speedy and Cuddles, also have a Saturday ritual that involves new kitty litter and Allen's purchase of their favorite cat food.

Leaf's alert attention to every turn helps Allen drive Linda to the screenwriting group she attends three Saturdays each month. The meeting is in the city's center, and Leaf is fascinated with all the downtown activities.  He watches with a mixture of concern and excitement when Linda leaves the car to enter the front of a high-rise building.

After dropping Linda off for her workshop Allen drives Leaf to the dog park near a city lake. He repeatedly throws the ball so Leaf has plenty of playtime and running.  After Leaf tires, they sit and relax on a large hollowed-out log and watch the other dogs and their people.  Allen and Leaf often discuss the different dogs -- which ones are nice; which ones are too rough...

After the visit to dog park Allen and Leaf go to a local, small pet supply store to buy the very best dog, cat, and bird food. The boxes of dog treats are at floor level and they turn Leaf into a shoplifter. He also enjoys the row of dog toys and buckets of chew bones.

Because there is so much to smell and experience, Leaf is excited at this store, bouncing from one thing to another. He sniffs, explores, and enjoys every moment.

This morning, when Allen and Leaf were in the aisle that had anti-itch spray products for the cat, Allen was reading ingredients while Leaf poked his nose into each toy to discover which ones squeaked. A ten-year-old boy came up and asked if he could pet Leaf. Allen said yes.  Still hyper from the nearness of so many goodies, Leaf ran over to the boy for a quick pat on the head. Then he rushed back to the toys to continue his investigation.

Allen told the boy that Leaf was excited to be in the store. The young fellow looked sad and tired. He spoke quietly and said, "My dog died yesterday."

Allen gently said, "It must hurt a lot."

The little boy replied, "Yes, it does."  He added that his dog had died of cancer and lost any awareness of where he was at the end.

Leaf stopped poking his nose at the toys. This seemed odd, because nothing distracts this dog from a good toy hunt. But now, he seemed to be listening as the child spoke with such sorrow about his dog.

Abandoning the search for a perfect squeaky toy, Leaf walked back to the boy. This time, he stayed a little longer as the child petted him.  Allen remained quiet while Leaf comforted this grieving child.

When Leaf moved away from the boy this time, he did not rush but walked with more of a deliberate and focused presence. The boy looked up at Allen. The sparkle in his eyes revealed that our healing little cocker spaniel had silently, for a moment, lifted the burden of loss from his heart. He said thank you and went back to his parents.

Leaf keeps his secrets to himself, so we don't know exactly why he does things like this. Our belief is that a loving animal like Leaf is an instrument of the Divine. Someone's heart is broken, and Spirit directs a creature with a wagging tail, soft fur, sweet eyes, and a kind heart in the direction where he's most needed.

What do you think? Has an animal intuitively sensed that you needed comforting and gave it to you?

Making the Transition from Life Journey to Inspiring Others
Linda Anderson, www.writingontherun.com and www.angelanimals.net

Writers have a collective confession to make. If we are to be honest, we must admit that no matter what kind of hell we are going through, a small voice in our mind is saying, “This will make great writing material someday.”

In the class I have taught at The Loft Literary Center since 1998, “Inspirational Writing and Publishing Today,” I’ve had the honor of helping class members move from their painful or joyful life’s experiences to writing that inspires, informs, and uplifts others. Each class has a gem of give and take as we work together to bring out the best in each other.

My philosophy is to create a safe and sacred place where there is no judgment, and the atmosphere is nurturing and supportive. We exchange ideas and read and discuss examples from masters of the inspirational, memoir, and self-help writing genres. Through practical information that a published author learns over the years, I help to encourage a writer’s self-expression and desire for publication.

The people who take my class are individuals. They may not know how special they are, but I see a spark of divinity in each of them. They have as much (or more) to teach me, as I have to teach them. They use the exercises, techniques, and examples I give to share their life experiences from perspectives that are uniquely their own. What a gift of giving and receiving this class becomes. No wonder so many of the members have continued to meet and keep in touch long after our time together has ended.

On the evaluations that class members fill out during the last session, the comment they most often make is that this class far exceeded their expectations. This happens because I don’t view this class as one that ends. I give the members my materials and insights from writing 14 inspirational books plus hundreds of articles, blogs, and essays. I hope they can continue to refer to class materials as their writing goals form or change.

Here are some comments from previous classes:

“I love the handouts. Your choice of materials educate, enlighten, and ring true.”

“This is a safe atmosphere, non judgmental. Otherwise, I don’t think people would share what they do here.”

“I love the short assignments and the in-class writing exercises”

“I like the way we share with our classmates. Your ability to guide us to a useful form of feedback is helpful to me.”

“I appreciate hearing about your experiences and what others share about their experiences.”

“I see the format and rationale of this class a bit more clearly each week. You are very generous with your time. I am learning as well as making new friends.”

“I’m being stretched in good and productive ways through in-class writing and giving feedback.”

“The best instructor I’ve had – informative, prepared, creative, connected, professional, helpful, and caring.”

“You are quite available and responsive to requests. The one-to-one meetings are of great help.”

“I really appreciate your commitment to being of service to other writers. It is a real rarity to find someone so dedicated and professionally humble. I have bragged extensively to my writer’s group about you and your wisdom. Thank you.”

“I love the organization and fun that you gave the material and I would recommend it to others. Keep inspiring writers. It’s the greatest gift of all.”

“You’re very organized and kept right on track. The readings were great. Perhaps your class was about finishing some healing work on me before I attempt to finish the books I’m writing.”

If you’d like to join me and other writers this summer at The Loft Literary Center for a six-week “Inspirational Writing and Publishing Today” class, go to http://www.loft.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=2202

This class tends to fill up fast, so consider registering today. I’ll look forward to meeting you and helping you to fulfill your writing dreams.

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?

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? 

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

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

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

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?"

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

We are excited to be officially announcing the release of a groundbreaking book that we hope will fill you with joy at its simple truths and profound yet entertaining stories. It is ANGEL ANIMALS BOOK OF INSPIRATION: Divine Messengers of Wisdom and Compassion.In these times of uncertainty and swirling negative energy, a book that fully delivers good news is needed more than ever. The first edition of this book was published in 2003 as GOD'S MESSENGERS: What Animals Teach Us about the Divine. New World Library has reissued it with a heart-opening new cover and updates.

It's arrived just in time for Mother's Day gift giving!

We are thrilled that our new book contains an original story from Richard Simmons about the incredible Dalmatians who cared for his mother Shirley. We'd like to give you a little insider-scoop on how Richard's story came to be in our book.

When we wrote to Richard to ask if there was a special animal story he wanted his enormous fan base of millions around the world to read, he called us and asked, "Allen and Linda, how can I help you?" Then he graciously shared an experience that had deeply affected him.

As far as we know, Richard's story is not in any of his other books or on his website. He wanted it to be in THIS book that would honor the spiritual contribution the dogs Brent and Rhett, his gifts to Shirley, had made to his mother's life. These dogs had consistently reassured Richard that his mother was in good paws and eased his pain over her passing.

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

On the NEW website we have designed to accompany the book www.angelanimalsbookofinspiration.com you'll find over 20 of the endorsements and reviews about it's amazing impact. But next, are a few of the comments reviewers and celebrities have made.

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

"Allen and Linda have taken the concepts that I share in my books to a whole new level, asking the most profound questions and finding the most wonderful, joyous answers through our animal friends. I am grateful that they have the courage to explore and share the deepest levels of our kindred connections. I love this book. Read it and open your heart, and transform into the loving beings that we all are!"
--Allen M. Shoen, DVM, MS, author of KINDRED SPIRITS: How the Remarkable Bond between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live and LOVE, MIRACLES, AND ANIMAL HEALING, www.drschoen.com (from his Foreword to ANGEL ANIMALS BOOK OF INSPIRATION)

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

Some of these extraordinary true stories will make you smile. Others will bring tears to you eyes. Each one will open your heart to new revelations of love in its many forms and shapes.

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.