Allen and Linda Anderson -- Writing on the Run

What charities that help people and animals have touched your heart?

Allen and Linda Anderson — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:24:00 GMT

THE PET PROJECT
http://www.thepetprojectmn.org/

Last week, we heard a presentation by Kimberly Carrier, founder of a nonprofit organization called The Pet Project. As all of the people present for Kim's talk, we were deeply moved by her cause and impressed with what she has accomplished.

The mission of The Pet Project is to help people keep their pets by providing pet food and basic supplies to those who are struggling. The Pet Project also provides connections to basic veterinary care and information on finding pet-friendly housing.

In today's economy people are being forced to choose between trying to keep their homes and pay their bills and caring for themselves and their pets. Kim told about animal shelters having people crying in their lobbies as they make the painful decision to surrender their beloved animal companions because they can no longer care for them properly.

A hairdresser by trade, Kim decided she had to do something about the situation of people losing their pets due to having fallen on hard times. She discovered that most food shelves don't provide pet food because it isn't part of their stated mission. Yet they accept donated pet food and distribute it to people who need it.

The Pet Project helps to keep pets with families by providing pet food to food shelves and working with veterinarians to provide basic, non-emergency services. It also has housing resources listed on its website for those facing foreclosure.

Kim says that she needs monetary donations to buy the thousands of pounds of pet food she donates each month. We were touched by her examples of children raising money for the organization by asking friends not to give them birthday or bat mitzvah presents but to bring a donation for The Pet Project instead.

If you haven't heard of this organization, we thought you'd like to have it brought to your attention. Visit the website and see if there's something you feel called to do to help.

We all listened to Kim's stories and her mission with gratitude for people like her who see a need and gather all the resources they can find to fill it. In addition to her full time job, she volunteers as much as 35 hours a week helping people take care of and keep their pets. She has plans to expand the program nationwide.

What charities that help people and animals have touched your heart?

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

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

Mohanshee's Lair will interview Linda Anderson about ANGEL ANIMALS

Allen and Linda Anderson — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:32:00 GMT

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

WAR DOG MEMORIAL

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:14:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Were/are you a Peter Rabbit/Beatrix Potter fan?

Allen and Linda Anderson — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:49:00 GMT

Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit

Millions of children around the world, including us, thrilled to the adventures of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. We began wondering if those wonderful creatures, who held their escapades in Mr. McGregor's garden, were based on real-life animals. If so, these truly were "angel animals" of historical significance who still delight the hearts of children a century later. We visited the Internet and found a website (www.peterrabbit.com) devoted to Beatrix Potter's writings. Below are some things we learned.

* Since her childhood, Beatrix Potter kept rabbits as pets. Her first rabbit, Benjamin H. Bouncer, or Bounce, was inspiration for the fictional character, Benjamin Bunny. She wrote about Benjamin as a "noisy, cheerful, determined animal, inclined to attack strangers, and also a rascal." The little girl bought her rabbit friend from a London bird shop and secretly carried him in a paper bag into her nursery.

* When Beatrix Potter was 19 years old, between 1885 to 1907, she spent summer holidays in the English countryside of Lingholm and Fawe Park on the northwestern side of Derwentwater. She began sketching local scenes, especially the gardens and woods that were filled with red squirrels and woodland creatures. Mrs. Potter's pet hedgehog was named Mrs. Tiggy Winkle and became the hero of her book, THE TALE OF MRS. TIGGY WINKLE.

* Beatrix Potter bought a farm in the Lake District where visitors today look for Tom Kitten or Jemima Puddleduck. On this farm she bred prize pigs. One became the model for Pigling Bland, another of the characters in her stories.

Beatrix Potter sent a picture letter of illustrated animal stories to a sick child. This letter became the source of her first book, THE TALES OF PETER RABBIT, published for the public by Frederick Warne & Company.

Mrs. Potter died in 1943. She donated 4,000 acres of Lake District land to the National Trust. This special place in "angel animal" history will always be preserved.

Were/are you a Peter Rabbit/Beatrix Potter fan?

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

Inspirational Writing and Publishing Today

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:37:00 GMT

You are invited to have a memorable experience in bringing your writing to a new level and meeting others who want to share insights from their lives. Linda is teaching the following class in Minneapolis. Register soon as these classes tend to fill up fast!

Inspirational Writing and Publishing Today
Instructor: Linda Anderson
Class: A668, 6 Week Class, Winter/Spring 2010
Location: Open Book (The Loft Literary Center,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date(s): Tuesdays, March 9 - April 13
Time(s): 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Enrollment: Open
In this spiritually hungry world, people long to be comforted and inspired. Self-help, New Thought, religious books, daily meditations, memoirs, and personal true story anthologies top the bestseller lists. In this class, you'll learn the forms, elements, and markets for inspirational writing and read samples from masterful writers. You'll get tips for moving from self-expression to service by writing about your life's experiences in ways that help others. We'll also talk about a system for framing chapters in a book-length work, or for organizing an article. This class offers nurturing feedback and suggestions for rewriting, polishing, and getting published. It includes individual review of your assignments or book in progress. For intermediate and advanced writers. 30% presentation/lecture 25% writing exercises 25% discussion and sharing of writing 20% review of master writers Instructor Information:

Linda Anderson
www.loft.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=2496

Linda Anderson

Writing about Creating Cat-astrophe

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:52:00 GMT

Creating Cat-astrophe

On New Years Day morning, we were relaxing in our living room when Allen noticed that Speedy was not at the top of the cat tree. Our carpeted cat tree is situated so that both Cuddles and Speedy can look out the window at the front yard to see all the birds, squirrels, and people.

Allen did not realize that the cats have a routine in regard to their cat tree. So he went to find Speedy, carried him to the living room, and placed him on the top seat. Speedy settled in, looking a little confused.

Cuddles and Linda watched as Allen did what he thought was a nice thing for Speedy. After Speedy was in place, Cuddles immediately jumped up and tried to get onto the top perch. Speedy wouldn't let her.

Cuddles sat, alert and in problem-solving mode, on the second perch. Allen began to understand that he must have interfered with the natural order of things: Cuddles has the top perch in the morning, and Speedy occupies it later in the day. Linda said, "They have their routines and agreements between themselves."

After about five minutes, Cuddles was still thinking about this situation as she sat on the second highest perch. Meanwhile, Speedy tried to jump down from the top by using the second perch as a stepladder to the floor. Cuddles would not budge, making it impossible for Speedy to get off the cat tree.

Allen decided to fix the cat chaos that he had inadvertently created. He placed Speedy carefully on the floor and then returned Cuddles to her usual morning place on the top perch. The natural order had once again been changed, not by request, but by an outside busy body.

As if to make their point that Allen's human interference had not been welcomed, Speedy quickly left the room. Cuddles jumped down from the cat tree and followed him out, leaving both perches unoccupied.

There is a spiritual principle known as the Law of Noninterference. Essentially it means that sometimes, things need to happen the way they are set into motion and with silent agreements in place between the people or animals who are directly involved.

When have you upset the natural order established by the pets in your home?

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

Overcome Overwhelm

Allen and Linda Anderson — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:49:00 GMT

Try breaking big projects into smaller, manageable goals. Set up files for the topics of your writing project, so you can start to accumulate ideas, quotes, and reference material. Keep yourself focused and on-task by sharing your small goals with a writing friend via e-mail or telephone. After you have achieved a smaller goal by the deadline you set, reward yourself! If you created files for topics by the end of the week, for example, take time out to visit with a friend at your favorite coffee shop and celebrate. You'll keep yourself motivated by rewarding yourself throughout phases of a big project rather than waiting until you've completed it.

Communicating with Animals

Allen and Linda Anderson — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:48:00 GMT

How many times have you wished you could communicate with your pet or an animal in nature? It's a universal wish of animal lovers to exchange thoughts with a creature who means so much to you.

Trained and skillful animal communicators often say that they're only doing what we all have the capacity to do. Ours is just undeveloped. The average person doesn't trust or recognize what she or he sees and hears from animals.

Animal communication has always intrigued us. But living with our especially talented communicators -- our cocker spaniel Leaf and our wise black-and-white tabby Cuddles -- has provided us with a deeper level of understanding this process.

This morning, Leaf made his customary trip to the acres of off-leash dog park near the river where he loves to explore. Allen has many experiences with him there, because Leaf seems to be more of who he truly is in that expansive freedom.

Today, a little boy was teetering like a tightrope walker across a fallen log that hovered above the forested ground below. Leaf typically enjoys performing a balancing act on this type of log -- the higher off the ground the better.

Allen said to our daredevil dog, "Why don't you go and show that little boy how it's done?"

With his amber eyes Leaf looked up at Allen as if to say, Great idea! He trotted off to the log, leapt on it, and soon was strutting his expertise for the little boy. The child's parents clapped for Leaf, and the boy giggled.

No one had taught Leaf to obey a command: Show the little boy how it's done. We don't think you'd find it in any dog training manuals. But Leaf understands this everyday kind of communication and proved it with his actions, much to everyone's amazement.

What experiences have you had with pets or animals in nature in which they showed you irrefutably that you and the animal had communicated?

Early New Year's Resolutions

Allen and Linda Anderson — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:46:00 GMT

Early New Year's Resolutions

Today, we had an invigorating breakfast meeting where we talk and about new goals for the new year. In this tough economy 2009 was hard on just about everybody. But the animal shelters and animal welfare organizations experienced undue hardships.

So many people's houses went into foreclosure that animal shelters were deluged with frightened, confused pets who suddenly became homeless overnight. The shelters have become overcrowded. Not as many people felt they could afford to adopt a shelter pet.

We're exploring ways that we can help animal shelters and organizations. We're looking at possibilities for doing fundraising and speaking engagements to increase awareness and funds for homeless animals.

Just a reminder that in this season of giving, please be sure to remember how much your local animal shelters (and even the national organizations) need your donations of time, materials, and money. Shelters with websites often list the types of donations they need. Things like blankets, food, toys, and crates go a long way toward helping them to survive.

The animals will thank you. They always do.

What ways have you found to help animal rescue organizations?

What are your best tips for getting good animal photos?

Allen and Linda Anderson — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:45:00 GMT

This 2009 Holiday season is one of the best times for taking photographs of pets and sending them to friends and family. We have tried to get a good photo of Allen and our dog Leaf. With Linda as the photographer, we didn't always have the best results.

We have great admiration for good animal photographers. How do they ever get the animal and the person to CALMY and simultaneously look into the camera with pleasant expressions on both of their faces? It's a mystery to us.

When Leaf looks directly into the camera, the glint of light turns red in his eyes. If he looks at Allen, his cute profile is fun to see. His eyes with their unique expressions, though, aren't clear in a side view.

One time, after putting up with us trying to get a good photo for about fifteen minutes of hassle, Leaf found a solution. He licked Allen's nose, then turned, and stuck out his big, pink tongue at the camera. So there!

On the other hand, our cat Cuddles poses like a runway model. She's the ultimate beauty, posturing for the camera, arching her back, and gazing contentedly toward the lens.

What are your best tips for getting good animal photos?

We wish each of you a happy holiday and a Merry Christmas. Please give the special pets in your life an extra hug and tell them it's from us. We'd do it in person if we could.

When have you noticed and written about animals in nature or your pets displaying a sixth sense?

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:48:00 GMT

Animal Sniffers and Sixth Senses

We live in a houseful of sniffers. Anything new, in a different place, or that could possibly be food gets sniffed by our two cats and dog. The bird checks out the new and unusual with his calls and screeches.

As we observe how the animals who share our home carefully inspect and analyze objects with their noses, it's a reminder that we're living with a different life form -- one that doesn't approach the world as humans do.

Animals have their own ways of viewing the planet. No matter how hard we might try, we'll never experience the world as they do. We can't imagine what we'd understand if we explored life with the noses and licking tongues of dogs and cats, the ultrasound of dolphins, or the pecking of birds.

And then there is the animals' sixth sense. The mystical, spiritual, extrasensory sense that many of them seem to have in abundance. Anyone who lives with an animal and has an open mind and heart has to admit that there are just some things animals seem to know.

Early on, after we started Angel Animals Network, a reporter from our local newspaper, the MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE, came to our house. She was doing a story about this strange couple who were collecting, writing, and publishing stories about the spiritual nature of animals.

The reporter got out her tape recorder and placed it on the table in front of us. Then she proceeded to ask questions. We answered them as honestly and carefully as we could.

Our cockatiel, the yellow, orange-cheeked Sunshine, sat on his perch in the living room where the interview took place. Mostly he remained silent. Occasionally he would join in the conversation with a chirp, a song, or a string of words that were unintelligible to the reporter.

Later, in the article that appeared accompanied by a half-page photo of us walking around Lake Harriet with our yellow Lab Taylor, the reporter commented on an unusual thing she had observed in our home. Listening the tape recording of the interview had been quite a revelation for her.

Every time the reporter asked a question of a spiritual nature, Sunshine seemed to chime in with a comment. Only questions about Spirit, God, or miracles caused him to express an opinion. She was amused but also mystified by Sunshine's ability to sense when the subject matter had turned to a less mundane or more unearthly topic.

When have you noticed animals in nature or your pets displaying a sixth sense?

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

A new survey for you to express your opinions.

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:42:00 GMT

We want to know what you think about how viewing pets as your family members has affected the decisions you make everyday. We have constructed a survey that is quick and easy to fill out. There is space for your comments and short examples.

The results of this survey will help us to be more informed about how human-animal families are shaping society in today's world. It will also offer some factual data to companies, organizations, and services so that they can better meet your needs as pet parents of furbabies.

We hope to do some extensive writing about the topics in this survey. The questionnaire will provide a means for us to contact people for interviews so we can follow up on their comments.

The first 25 people who complete the survey questions, provide a minimum of one example in each of the survey's categories, and send the survey back to us will receive a book from the Angel Animals series as an expression of our gratitude. So go right away to www.petfriendlyamerica.com. Copy-paste the "Angel Animals Pet-Friendly Survey" into an email letter. Then thoughtfully fill it out and return the survey to us.

Thank you in advance for responding to this request. Your answers and information will help you to express your opinions and state your needs about what products and services would most help you to provide a better home for your pets. Improving pet-friendliness throughout countries and cultures will lead to fewer animals being abandoned and more pets being adopted into safe and loving homes.

Fill out the Pet Friendly Survey today. Your voice will be heard. Go to www.petfriendlyamerica.com.

What do you want the world to know about how to support your home, values, and lifestyle with an animal family member?

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

Saturday Morning Animal Rituals

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:23:00 GMT

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

Allen and Linda Anderson — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:02:00 GMT

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.

Raising Rabbits

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:56:00 GMT

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

Allen and Linda Anderson — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:34:00 GMT

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

Allen and Linda Anderson — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:34:00 GMT

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.

Leaf's First Picnic

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sun, 17 May 2009 02:09:00 GMT

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

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sat, 09 May 2009 23:20:00 GMT

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?"

A Brave and Loyal Fish

Allen and Linda Anderson — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:03:00 GMT

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

Allen and Linda Anderson -- Writing on the Run

What charities that help people and animals have touched your heart?

Mohanshee's Lair will interview Linda Anderson about ANGEL ANIMALS

WAR DOG MEMORIAL

Were/are you a Peter Rabbit/Beatrix Potter fan?

Inspirational Writing and Publishing Today

Writing about Creating Cat-astrophe

Overcome Overwhelm

Communicating with Animals

Early New Year's Resolutions

What are your best tips for getting good animal photos?

When have you noticed and written about animals in nature or your pets displaying a sixth sense?

A new survey for you to express your opinions.

Saturday Morning Animal Rituals

Making the Transition from Life Journey to Inspiring Others

Making the Transition from Life Journey to Inspiring OthersLinda 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.”

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.

Raising Rabbits

FedEx or FedCat - Animals as Messengers

LITTLE LEAF VS. BIG CHIEF

Leaf's First Picnic

Send in the Cows

A Brave and Loyal Fish

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