Jackie in her new purple sweater

Jackie in her new purple sweater
Originally uploaded by janicephelpswilliams

Gracie (Maximillan Pionus)

Gracie (Maximillan Pionus)
Originally uploaded by janicephelpswilliams

Gracie is admiring our Christmas tree. I wonder what she is thinking?

Rosie Red Bottom

IMG_1746
Originally uploaded by Rosie Red Bottom African Grey Parrot

Rosie Red Bottom: A Comedian with Feathers, written by Donna Mann, is now available on barnesandnoble.com. We love you, Rosie!

Jackie in her new purple sweater

Jackie in her new purple sweater
Originally uploaded by janicephelpswilliams

Happy New Year greetings from Jackie Williams.

Cool Dog Photos - infinite!

Here is a link worth visiting. National Geographic has a cool infinite dog photos page, which is basically a photo made up of gadzillions of people's photos of their dog. I could spend hours just looking at these!

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/myshot/dogs/infinite-photograph

Woman's Dog Plays a Part in Her Recovery from Surgery

In honor of National Pet Week and Be Kind to Animals Week: I'd like to profile some of the amazing pet guardians and pets I've come to know since writing Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals.

Today, I'd like to tip my hat to Florence Clark and her dog, Daisy Mae. I met Flo when she signed up for my Fall 2008 Artist Trading Card workshop. Since then we've become friends and she's kept me up-to-date on her creative endeavors.

Flo's dog, Daisy Mae, was captured so delightfully in a small painting she did recently, that I asked her if I could post it on Appalachian Morning (my creativity blog), and she said yes and sent me a second painting she'd done as well.

In my book, Open Your Heart with Pets, I shared the stories of many people whose lives have been rejuvenated, enhanced, redeemed, restored--really I can't think of strong enough words to express just what a pet can mean in the life of an open-hearted human, but I think you must know... Flo does. Daisy Mae does. They share a bond that time and separation couldn't alter and now they are together again and enjoying each new day. Here's what Flo wrote about Daisy Mae and the benefit of spending time creating:

"During my separation from my life as I knew it — including living without my Daisy — it was making art that saved my sanity; first it was the little ATC cards, then a step into art journaling, and finally painting with acrylics on ATC-size canvas. It is in this medium that I have been able to express my love of my Daisy Mae and of art.

"I must add that Daisy and I have been reunited because of the kind lady who rescued her from the kennel and kept her until I was able to take her to live with me again.

"Daisy has been my inspiration as far as recovering from my surgery — she keeps me exercising and she always makes me laugh. We do share a unique bond; she is a blessing to me, and every day we say grace before our meals (she's even learning to bow her head!)and thank God that we awoke that day, that we are together and that we have so many, many blessings. I AM truly blessed — with recovering health, with good friends, loving family, my Daisy and a creative outlet; God is so very good."

Hats off to Flo and Daisy Mae — and Flo, keep up the wonderful creative work — you have a gift of peace and mindfulness that this world needs more of.

(Paintings on this page copyright Florence Clark, 2009. All rights reserved.)

Pet-related Hot Lines and Crisis Help Links

Recently, I was forwarded an email by a couple near Columbus, Ohio, whose African Grey Parrot had flown out an open door. Imagine the panic and sadness this couple felt as they ran after their beloved bird for a mile, without being able to catch it and bring it back home. Hopefully, by now, someone has located the Parrot and reunited it with its owners (and a pair of scissors to clip its wings).
Here are some resources for pet-owners when panic or sadness strikes. I will add to this list as time goes on and also ask that readers submit to me any resources they might be aware of, either phone numbers or website links. My email address is OYH.PETS@gmail.com.
Pet Lost and Found:

• HelpMeFindMyPet.com
• Lost and Found Pet.com
• The Missing Pet Network
• MissingPets.com
• Use craigslist.org to post a notice of a lost or found pet.
• Petfinder.com classifieds
• Missing Pet Partnership: Search and rescue for pets

Dogs/Cats:

• Using GPS to find lost cat
• Tabby Tracker
• Finding Your Lost Dog: Factors that influence the distance traveled. A great article posted by Best Friends.org and written by Kathy Albrecht
• How to Find a Lost Dog or Cat
• Finding a Lost Pet (Humane Society of America)
• FidoFinder
• Pets911

Lost Parrots in Particular:

• 911 Parrot Alert
• Bird Hotline
• Kibibi's InfoSuperflyway: This site uses a great mapping tool to help find lost parrots. For instance, I clicked on one of the locations on the map (a green marker, indicating a found bird) and saw this notice: "A stray banded Quaker Parrot has been found in the City of Ithaca and brought to the SPCA of Tompkins County. Please call (607) 257-1822.Ithaca, NY". Clicking on a red marker (lost bird) I read the following: "Lost African Grey. Chico was lost December 1st near 24th and Fairview. Contact limodude@rcn.com .Allentown, PA" What a great tool!
• PARROT HOTLINE
• Bird Theft
• Parrots Now
• Report a found/stolen bird using this form
• Information on how to catch a pet bird that is loose in the wild
• Parrot Forum, Lost and Found
• Classifieds listing lost parrots
• Lost-Found-Stolen Birds (scroll down to see list)

Lost Parrots: Area Specific within US:

• Parrot Society of Los Angeles: Lost and Found Forum
• San Francisco Area: report a lost or found bird
• Scroll down this Avian Welfare webpage and see state-specific rescue organizations, as they may have your bird in their care.

Lost Parrots Outside of US:

• Parrot Society of Australia, stolen bird hotline
• The Parrot Society UK: National Theft Registry
• Pet Search Helpline Locations within the UK for bird owners. UK HELPLINE 01480 390040

Articles/tips on Lost Parrots:

• A link to a very good article (PDF format) on lost and found parrots by Marilu Andersen.
• How to recover a lost Quaker parrot.

Encouragement:

• Lost Parrot tells vet his address
• In my book, Open Your Heart with Pets, I relate the story of a woman whose dog was missing for a long, long time. More than two months. Then returned to her. A very inspiring story, and you can read it by ordering the book on Amazon.com.

Horses:

• Finding Your Lost Horse
• Stolen Horse International
• Listings of lost/stolen/missing horses at whinny.org

Pet Loss Support

• 800-565-1526—Staffed by University of California Davis veterinary students
  630-325-1600—Staffed by Chicago VMA
  607-253-3932—Staffed by Cornell University veterinary students
  217-244-2273(CARE) or 877-394-2273(CARE)—Staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students
  888-ISU-PLSH (888-478-7574)—Staffed by Iowa State University veterinary students and volunteers
  517-432-2696—Staffed by Michigan State University veterinary students
  614-292-1823; e-mail, petloss@osu.edu—Staffed by The Ohio State University veterinary students
  508-839-7966—Staffed by Tufts University veterinary students
  540-231-8038—Staffed by Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
  509-335-5704—Staffed by Washington State University veterinary students

Pet Poison HELPLINE—800-213-6680 A fee of $35 is charged per case.

Dogs help young readers

The Columbus (OH) Dispatch ran a great article on April 7th on therapy dogs used by teachers to help chldren with their reading. I had never heard of this specific purpose for dogs, but it sure makes sense. My dogs listen to me sing and tell them stories; why not dogs providing a rapt, nonjudgmental audience for young or reluctant readers.

The article, by Jane Hawes, notes the New Jersey-based Therapy Dogs International and you can learn more about their "tail-waggin' tutors" by clicking on this LINK. There are 19,000 "reader dogs" in the US and Canada!

As the parent of a special needs kid who struggles to read, I am all for this. Dogs love to feel included, to have a job. Kids love dogs. Dogs love to listen. Kids love to learn. Kudos to all involved!

Honda's Dog Friendly Element

Check this out: Honda has shown the Honda Element SUV at the recent NY Int'l Auto Show.

It has:

• a cushioned pet bed with safety restaints in teh cargo area
• a spill-resistant water bowl
• a ventilation fan
• a folding ramp giving dogs an easy way to get in the car.
• a pet carrier in the backseat
• machine-washable seat covers
• rubber floor mats with dog patterns

This car should be available in the fall and is assembled in East Liberty, Ohio (yeah!).

Personally, I think the Element is a really strange looking car. I've got a Chevy Venture Van, 2001, and it works great for our three dogs (and a parrot in a traveling cage on long trips). I can put my plus-size son, his girlfriend and her wheelchair, plus two small dogs, and various picnic supplies easily in the van. I've had a Toyota Rav4 in the past, and very much prefer a van over an SUV. I don't like climbing up into a car.

But what interests me is that Honda has listened to what consumers want in a car and how to fit the car to their lives. A lot of what they are offering in this car may be easy to get a la carte and put into the car you already have. For instance, our Pekingese goes ballistic when left in the car (window cracked or a/c left on, of course). My son recommended I set up the extra dog cage in the back of the van for him, so he will feel he's in his "den." (He loves his crate at home and goes in there on his own at 10:00 pm when he feels everyone should be sleeping.) So, I'm going to try that soon, for our summer out and abouting.

A few years ago I purchased an "adapter-thingy" that fits into the cigarette lighter and has 2 electrical outlets on it (for same son's laptop with poor battery). Perhaps I could pull this out of a box in the garage and put it in the car with one of those little fans you can get at Walmart.

Washable car seat covers should be easy to find. We've already got a gallon of water and extra bowls in the car.

Sometimes making do is best in the long run. We won't be purchasing the Element, but it's an interesting trend, no?

First Dog, Bo

I'm really glad that the president's promise to his daughters, to get them a dog, has brought to the forefront so many issues surrounding acquiring a pet. What is the best way to find a pet for your family? What is the best pet for your family? At the very least, all the hype over the First Dog has gotten people thinking about how these decisions are made--and that is a good thing. (Click here for a link to the video on the First Dog.)

Pets should not be an impulse purchase, but often they are. Shelters are full of impulse purchases. The problem is not with the animals, but with the lack of knowledge on the part of the "purchaser."

So, what sort of questions should families ask themselves before aquiring a pet? You can download a PDF of questions and important points to consider before acquiring a pet. Go to www.dreamtimepublishing.com and click on the button for Free Downloads (lower left column).

Now, back to the First Dog. The Christian Science Monitor has a good column up today asking "What about the President's promise to adopt the first dog?" Read the article and see what you think. Did Obama go back on his word, or did he find an acceptable medium (i.e. adopting a dog that had been returned by it's purchaser. It needed a new home, and Obama provided it)?

In addition to writing about animals (in this blog and in the book Open Your Heart with Pets), I am also a publisher. I publish a book on African Grey Parrots that has a chapter on breeding. This book is one of our big sellers; anyone with an African Grey parrot needs to read this book because they are very intelligent, complex pets and there are not a lot of books out there with the level of detail contained in Bobbi Brinker's book. As the same time, as a person who has fostered rescued parrots (one of them in his 30s, and two in their 20s), I feel uncomfortable with the idea of bringing still more parrots into the marketplace.

I'm not a person with strong, polarizing views on things...I tend to be a middle-of-the-roader and look with respect and a bit of awe at those who are so sure their views are correct. But I recognize that since my parents bought me my first dog (a Dachshund named Joey) at age 6 or so, my understanding of animals/pets has evolved over these many decades. Even what I considered acceptable 10 years ago has changed. I can only believe that in 10 more years, my views will have evolved more. What will those views be? Everything I learn about animals leads me to believe that still waters run deep, and we humans haven't treated them as we should. Of course, I also feel this way about the elderly, disabled, children, and the disenfranchised, hungry, poor people throughout the world. But, let's stay on topic...

Sometimes there is so much that needs to be done, it's easier to close our minds to everything, rather than realizing we can specialize as individuals in what we care about. But funny how environmentalism, fair trade, organic gardening, animal rights all seem to overlap. Thank god for books and universities and museums and magazines and newspapers and the Internet where we can learn about diverse viewpoints and new ideas about animals and the world.

Well, off my soapbox for now. Congratulations First Dog Bo, for finding your forever family. May the Obama daughters enjoy many years loving you and whispering their thoughts into your soft coat. If only dogs could talk!

Designer Dogs

Newsweek magazine has an in-depth article this week (April 13, 2009) on "A (Designer) Dog's Life. Written by Suzanne Smalley. This is worthwhile reading for anyone interested in the humane treatment of pets, dogs in particular, and the pros and cons of breeding, purebreds, and mixed breeding for profit, as well as the story behind the idyllic Amish and Mennonite farms in Ohio and Pennsylvania who sell puppy mill dogs at auctions.

I won't attempt to re-cap Ms. Smalley's article: she's done the research and writing, and Newsweek visited the farms and also talked to the farmers and to animal-rights activists. Please read the full report yourself at Newsweek.

Here is a fact I found interesting.

"According to Bob Baker, who investigates puppy mills for the ASPCA, these dogs typically receive little if any vet care, are kept in tiny cages 24 hours a day and rarely interact with humans. 'The difference all comes down to raising a dog as a loving pet versus cash crop,' says Baker, who estimates there are between 5,000 and 10,000 puppy mills in the United States, with as many as 2,000 in the Amish and Mennonite countryside."

Five to ten THOUSAND mills...that's not puppies, that's mills. A farmer with one male dog and four females might produce 48 puppies a year (in one example given by Smalley). That would mean 240,000 to 480,000 puppies per year! And I wouldn't be surprised if some farmers had more than five dogs breeding.

I don't know how we can change the fate of dogs in shelters without also going to the source. Free spay/neuter programs should be available to seniors, folks with disabilities, and families on public assistance. Low cost spay/neuter should be available to others. Legislation must address puppy mills. North Carolina, Washington, Oklahoma and about 24 other states, Smalley says, "are considering or have recently passed bills to improve conditions in puppy mills."

Here in Athens, Ohio, every Saturday morning you can see a few faithful protesters holding signs along the highway fronting Petland (see Petland protests here). Hats off to them! Long before I knew better, I purchased a Pekingese from Petland. The few faults that he has I am sure are due to his early non-socialization, and the first five months of his life spent confined in a small cage. He is a wonderful dog, but I will never purchase a dog, cat, or bird from a pet store again.

For more information on this subject, visit:

A Designer Dog's Life: Newsweek 4/7/09

Inside the Puppy Mills: Newsweek 12/13/07

The Oprah Winfrey Show: Investigating Puppy Mills 4/4/09
Also: What You Need to Know Before Getting A Dog
And: The Truth About Animal Shelters and Responsible Breeders

North Penn Puppy Mill Watch

The Humane Society of the U.S. (Stop Puppy Mills.org)

Petland Rallies:

Another nationwide demonstration is taking place at Petland stores from 1 to 3 p.m. (unless otherwise indicated) on Saturday, May 9, and we want you to be there! At these peaceful, lawful demonstrations we will be asking Petland again to please stop selling puppies! Contact your local organizer with any questions that you may have. We will supply the signs and flyers; all you need to do is show up. Unless otherwise noted where to meet, please assemble only on the public walkways in front of the strip mall.

Regulation of Commerical Animal Dealers (US Dept. of Agriculture)

Animal Welfare Act (US Dept of Agriculture, PDF)

Puppy Mills: Dogs Abused for the Pet Trade: Factsheet from PETA

Puppy Mill Rescue: 501(c)3 that finds new homes for breeding dogs from puppy mills

United Against Puppy Mills
Also: Finding a Reputable Breeder

Note: September 19, 2009 is the annual Puppy Mill Awareness Day.

Pet Food Banks

When families are struggling to have enough food to put on the table, they can turn to gardening, food banks, community gardens, programs like Share...but where can they go for pet food?

Here are links to several places online that are working to see that all pet-guardians have enough food for their precious pets.

Pikes Peak Pet Pantry in Colorado Springs updated their national list of food bank programs on 3/28/09. Click on their link to pull up a PDF of the list, or visit this webpage.

This link at Pet/Expo also has some good tips.

Save Our Pets (Atlanta) Includes a state-by-state list of pet food banks.

The Humane Society of the United States, (click on "pet tips").

The Pet Food Bank (Since 1997, TPFB has supplied over 50 different animals rescues with much needed food and supplies through generous donations from manufacturers and retail stores. With the help of volunteers, we are able to collect and transport these items to the shelters throughout Southern California and Mexico.)

Pets during flooding in ND

While my husband and I watched the news of the rising Red River and flooding, my thoughts turned to the pets; the beloved companions of people forced to leave their homes. Today, I see this AP article about provisions made for pets... What can we say to the people who gave their time, energy, money, supplies, and compassion to this effort? Thank you doesn't seem like enough, but it is all we know to say. "We see your work on behalf of pets and those who love them. Thank you."

The Humane Society, along with Adopt-A-Pet and emergency managers in Fargo and Moorhead, Minn., turned a pavilion normally used for horse and cattle shows into a flood shelter and started accepting pets late last week.

By Sunday, the shelter housed 71 dogs, 79 cats, 37 horses and a variety of other furry evacuees. Another 200 "pocket pets" such as guinea pigs, birds and rabbits were being housed at the Red River Zoo in Fargo. North Dakota State University's Horse Park had between 200 and 300 horses.

And a press release from United Animal Nations:

UAN 2009 Press Release
EARS Volunteers Helping Pets Displaced by Red River Flooding
UAN deploys volunteers trained in emergency animal sheltering to Fargo, North Dakota
FARGO, ND (March 27, 2009) – Today California-based United Animal Nations (UAN) began deploying trained emergency sheltering volunteers from across the Midwest to care for animals being displaced by the rising Red River in Fargo, North Dakota.
Volunteers with UAN’s Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) will care for animals as they are evacuated or rescued from flooding at a temporary emergency shelter located at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. UAN will deploy 15 EARS volunteers per day to the emergency sheltering operation; so far, volunteers have traveled to Fargo from Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana to help the animals.
“Our EARS volunteers are trained in emergency sheltering, and they are ready, willing and able to come to Fargo at a moment’s notice to help the animals in harm’s way and to provide peace of mind to their families,” said Diann Wellman of Hartford City, Indiana, a volunteer Regional Director for the EARS program who is at the temporary shelter in Fargo.
With more than 4,000 trained volunteers, UAN can deploy its Emergency Animal Rescue Service when communities become overburdened by a crisis involving large numbers of animals. In its 21-year history, UAN has responded to more than 80 natural disasters and other crises, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005; the Greensburg, Kansas tornado in 2007; and the flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2008.
UAN is deploying EARS volunteers to Fargo at the request of the Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society and The Humane Society of the United States.
Visit our Emergency Response Blog for periodic updates and photos from the field.
For disaster preparedness tips for animals, visit our Web site at www.uan.org/disastertips.
To support our efforts, donate to our Disaster Relief Fund.
Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations (UAN) focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and into care through a variety of programs, including emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services, financial assistance for urgent veterinary care and humane education. Learn more at www.uan.org

Parrots who save people

Check out this story on NPR, also found on most major news venues, about a parrot who alerted the babysitter to a toddler's choking.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102322618

Anyone who has spent years with pets knows their uncanny ability to sense danger. In my own life, I've had a dog who knew a guy leaving an apt. next door was a burglar, even though I didn't. Another dog who could smell cancer and also recently alerted me by throwing himself against my leg as I was doing T-shirt transfers--right before I realized the paper was burning and just before the smoke alarm went off (that's Tyler, as you may have guessed).

If only we could learn from animals intuitive/instinctive intelligence. We'd be able to have a heads up when someone was lying to us...when strangers had been in our yard...when a storm was turning dangerous...when our bodies were giving off subtle scents and changes signaling illness.

As we progress in the 21st century: I look forward to our understanding of animals increasing...there is so much to learn!

The following is a list of books that I found helpful in writing my book "Open Your Heart with Pets."

Animal Miracles by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger (Holbrook, MA: Adams Media Corporation, 1999)

Beauty in the Beasts: True Stories of Animals Who Choose to Do Good by Kristin von Kreisler (New York: MJF Books, 2001)

Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems by Cesar Millan with Milissa Jo Peltier (New York: Harmony Books, 2006)

The Character of Cats by Stephen Budiansky (New York: Penguin Putnam, 2002)

Dogs Never Lie About Love by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson (New York: Crown Publishers, 1997)

The Dogs Who Found Me: What I’ve Learned from the Dogs Who’ve Been Left Behind Ken Foster

Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons with Sarah Wilson (New York: Warner Books, 1992)

The Hidden Life of Dogs by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas (New York: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1993)

Jack Hanna’s Ultimate Guide to Pets by Jack Hanna (New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1996)

New Perspectives on Our Lives with Companion Animals by J.A. Serpell (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1983)

Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp (New York: The Dial Press, 1998)

Post-Trauma Stress: A personal guide to reduce long-term effects and hidden emotional damage caused by violence and disaster by Frank Parkinson (Boston: DaCapo, 2000)

One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter by Diane Leigh and Marilee Geyer (Santa Cruz, CA: No Voice Unheard, 2003)

Best Friends: The True Story of the World’s Most Beloved Animal Sanctuary by Samantha Glen (New York: Kensington Books, 2001)

Pets and People: The Psychology of Pet Ownership by Barrie Gunter (London: Whurr Publishers Ltd, 1999)

Speaking Out for Animals: True Stories about Real People Who Rescue Animals, Kim W. Stallwood, Ed. (New York: Lantern Books, 2001)

Successful Dog Adoption by Sue Sternberg (Indianapolis: Howell Book House, 2003)

A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas (New York: Harcourt Books, 2006)

The Wonderful Thing about Pets: Remarkable stories about the animals who share our lives from Gary Burghoff and the editors of Pets: part of the family™ (New York: Rodale, 2000)

Foreclosure and Pets

The following is a reprint of an article I posted last year at the Seattle Post Intelligencer blog:

While animals teach us much about living in the moment, relaxing, and stopping to smell the roses, or the dirt the roses grow in... the anxieties and practical dilemmas faced by many homeowners today do not go unnoticed by the family pet.

Perhaps a pet owner is facing forclosure due to losing their job, their health, their spouse, their youth... As they worried about their prospects they might have taken some comfort in their pet; not seen it as a cost or obligation, but a listening ear, a warm body, a faithful friend. Now they are going somewhere else--to an apartment, to a relative's or friend's house, to a nursing home, to a campground, or a homeless shelter--and their pet must fend for itself or depend on the compassion and energy of shelter staff.

Opening your heart to pets begins with living consciously, in other words, paying attention to the animals around you. If you are able, ask your local animal rescue organization what you might do to help. Adoption, is great, but there are many things one can do without actually adopting a pet, such as donating supplies (newspapers, old towels, pet food), money, time, or skills (designing a website, making fliers, volunteering at an adoption event).

If someone you know is facing foreclosure, they are likely facing many practical and emotional challenges. They may feel ashamed and afraid and may not answer direct questions about their move or what they are going to do with their pet. If you suspect no plans have been made for their pet, perhaps you or someone you know might be willing to foster or adopt the pet, and could gently ask if they are keeping their pet or looking for someone to adopt it. Particularly if there are children in the home, losing the home, possibly their school and friends, and then the family pet, seems like an unbearable stress for a child. Open your heart and see what you might do to help.

Be conscious of abandoned houses in your neighborhood, houses that once contained pets. If you hear a dog barking hours on end and suspect it is in an empty house, contact the local animal control officer. There are people who abandon pets inside of homes, and these animals will die inhumanely unless a human intervenes.

The first step in openness is awareness of a need, and seeing how you might say "yes" to a solution. You don't have to be the entire solution. You don't have to exhaust or bankrupt yourself to be someone else's solution. Just open your heart, and you will know what to do.

The Humane Society of the United States writes on their website that they help "rental managers, property owners, and pet caregivers solve the challenges of keeping pets in rental properties. It's all part of our Pets for Life™ campaign, designed to keep pets with their families, where they belong. In addition to helping people keep their pets when they move, we also help solve other problems that threaten human-pet relationships, such as behavior issues and allergies." Visit HSUS for more information.

Jackie, the Timid Chihuahua

Not everyone has a dog that can impersonate Elvis, but I do. Jackie, a 9-lb, 5-year-old Chihuahua, has a jealous nature. When her "stepsister," Farley, approaches my lap for attention, Jackie, snuggled next to me, will raise her head, curl up the right side of her muzzle, and emit a growl. It's really funny, but I try not to laugh or encourage it. The consequence is Jackie is put on the floor and Farley is petted. Then Jackie is returned to my lap and they are petted together.

So far, it is working. Jackie is growling less, though she has perfected the art of "shooting daggers" with her large, doll-like eyes. Today, for instance, she and Farley can sit side-by-side, fur barely touching, being petted. There is tolerance and resignation, but no growling.

What is it with little dogs? My Pomeranian, Sable, was the same way. Jealous, closed-hearted, territorial. Resistant to being part of a pack. Ready to assume the worst. Making her fears come true. It seems she thinks if she growls first, she'll have "shown them" before they can intimidate her.
I've known people like this, and I bet you have too. One was a smart, young, petite woman who was raised in Manhattan. This was the reason she gave for being more worldly-wise than anyone from Ohio could hope to be. Everyone, she thought, was out to take advantage of everyone else. As a result, she was in perpetual conflict – with friends, family co-inheritors of property, co-workers and a taxi driver we encountered while out of town on business. Stress swirled around her like Pigpen's blanket, punctuated by times, one hopes, of more pleasurable drama.

Jackie is like this. The only time she really looks at peace is when she is asleep. She does enjoy playing with Tyler, our Pekingese, and will allow him to chase her around the room until he catches her underneath a dining room chair and they nuzzle and sniff with pleasure. But she looks nervous, even in play. Even when she is happy, there's an anxiousness about her as if she expect her worst fear at any moment to come true.

Have you had a dog who was perpetually anxious and defensive? Do you think it's the breed, or past experience? At what times does he seem the happiest and most well-adjusted? How does he find his inner bliss and do you allow enough time for this on a regular basis? I'd like to hear your comments.

Also, here are two good articles on "Fear and Fear Aggression" and "Aggression Between Dogs" by Debra F. Horwitz DVM Diplomate ACVB, Veterinary Behavior Consultations, St. Louis, Missouri.

Also, if you are interested in Jackie--she is becoming somewhat well-known through whimsical drawings of her, available through Cafe Press and Art of Ohio.

Pets Help to Open Our Hearts

People love to talk about their pets -- the happiness they enjoy from living with them and the entertainment value from watching them. The grief they feel when their pet dies or goes missing is deep and profound. The most interesting part of writing Open Your Hearts with Pets was learning the stories of other pet lovers and giving them the opportunity to share those stories with readers.

Most of those who responded to my request for stories had parrots or dogs, some had cats and a few horses. Many had multiple species of pets. Several respondents faced the daily challenge of a chronic illness and wanted it noted that their pet helped them greatly in facing this challenge and coping with a life that was not always easy. One of the questions I asked in the questionnaires that were sent was "How has your pet helped you to have a more open heart?" The feedback was wonderful and pet lovers were generous and open-hearted in their willingness to share with others how loving a pet had opened their heart.

One cannot consider how to have a more open heart without recognizing the signs of a heart that is less than open. Think of a door; it is not just open or closed, there are varying degrees of openness. Surely our hearts must be the same way.

Closed-heartedness (think of the Grinch whose heart was "two sizes too small") might creep in as a result of traumatic circumstances, illness, or when we feel broken-hearted and wounded. Think of a physical wound, inflamed and raw. Then, our energy is sapped as all resources are mustered to fight infection and rebuild new tissue. The new tissue may not look the same as what had been there "before," and scar tissue, a bit tougher, covers the wound. Perhaps our hearts and souls respond to trauma in a similar way.

If you have suffered the death of a close family member or friend, the loss of a job, the end of a marriage, or the challenge of a serious medical diagnosis, you may have experienced the numbness that comes with the shock of bad news. Life recedes. Happiness fades. Joy evaporates. Eventually, the heart and mind begin to believe that this horrible news is, indeed, true. Adjustments are made internally and externally to incorporate this truth into "life after."

There is no doubt in the minds of pet lovers: spending time with a pet is good for what ails us. Their unconditional love, their beckoning us to "stop and smell the roses," their funny antics and the way our pets draw others to us--all good medicine for our hearts.

Today, Valentine's Day, I celebrate and give thanks to the animals who have opened my heart. Some of them are featured here in photos.

1. With Tyler. Photo by Mark V. Williams

2. Sweet and Beautiful Farley

3. Gracie, our parrot

4. Jackie and Tyler on a hike.

Tyler, the Prove-It-To-Me Pekingese

Just like humans, dogs vary in open-heartedness – their comfort level with new people and experiences, their trust and ability to bond and live positively. In the last blog entry, I introduced Farley, the open-hearted mutt. Today, I'll introduce Tyler, the prove-it-to-me Pekingese.

Tyler, just about to turn 8, was six months old when I adopted him, and came with his own unique "issues." With family and familiar friends, he is as loveable as can be. Everyone else must prove their goodness to him.

I didn't know much about the breed when Tyler entered my life; I've since heard many stories from folks who "had a neighbor" when they were a child, who "had a Pekingese that was really mean." "I hated that dog," they'd say. Hmpf!

If Farley's motto is Yeat's, "A friend is a stranger you haven't yet met" (paraphrased), Tyler's motto is "Guilty, until proven innocent." As he growls, barks, and paws at the sidelight near our front door at increasingly uncomfortable doorbell ringers, Farley joins in and a debate of happiness and fear ensue, like some odd Welcome Wagon ying/yang. "Enemy!" "Friend!" – repeated until Tyler can be put in his "house" (i.e., "crate") and the person allowed in to meet Friendly Farley.

But, he's changed, grown, mellowed, and learned some manners. He finally understands the fact that the percentage of people at the door who want to play nice is way higher than the percentage who want to murder his mother and take his toys. His guard is coming down, his heart is opening. I don't see this at the front door, but it happens in the living room.

Once someone sits on the couch and enters into conversation with us, Tyler is allowed into the room and checks out the person to see if we've exercised good judgment. The visitor is instructed not to reach at him, as it is the reaching hand toward the googly eyes that sends him barking.

Tyler begins his examination at the shoes, and ends at the ears. Then, standing on the guest's lap, he stares them in the face, and with a snort deems them OK. (Of course, if they aren't comfortable with this, Tyler stays in his "house" (crate). Most guests, though, are willing to help Tyler come to a point of acceptance. Anything to stop the yapping.)

Did something happen to make this little dog skeptical? Is it genetic, particular to the breed? He is a loving dog, crazy about my husband, Mark... so it's not a gender thing. But even with me, he hates being held tight and will growl if restrained by a too-affectionate human.

I don't see a lot of other Pekingese around town when we're out walking. When I solicited pet stories for Open Your Heart with Pets, not one story contained a Peke. Yet, they are great little dogs – brave, strong, playful, and excellent watchdogs.

Before Mark and I married, I lived in a big house, alone. Tyler seemed to take protecting me as his personal responsibility. One time, I was having the roof replaced on the front porch. Unbeknownst to us, the workman climbed into the upstairs bedroom window, and came down the stairs and into the dining room where Tyler and I were. This 16-lb, cute fluff of energy put himself between workman and mom and held the astonished man at bay, his misaligned teeth inches from the poor guy's "manly parts" (as one of the beginning authors I worked with would say).

Tyler is the same dog, though, who opened his heart to other dogs in our home: to a

Golden Retriever, who died of a tumor, a Pomeranian, who died of Cushing's, and a mutt who died of seizures... all three dogs passed within a one-year period, and Tyler opened his heart yet again to a perky Chihuahua, Jackie, whom he chases around the house with happiness.

Tyler also opened his heart to Bailey, a Goffin's cockatoo, who was his best friend for years, until her death at age 7. I have to give credit to Tyler, when he does open his heart, he does it all the way.
Farley is like a happy child, everyone is a friend. Tyler is more like a 15-year-old boy who's a mix of wanting to be liked, not wanting to fall for any trick, and projecting an endearing mix of toughness and need. Time has mellowed him a bit, but not removed his canine scorecard.

When my two sons were very young (4 and 6, or so), we were on our way to the beach. One didn't want to go, "I don't know anyone there," the older one whined. "I do," said his brother. "I know everyone and they're all my friends."

Though dogs can't verbalize their insecurities, that doesn't mean they're not there.

How Open-Hearted Are We?

When I was a child, more than one doctor or dentist's office we visited had a sample volume of a children's Bible in the waiting room. Perhaps you remember them? They were large, hardcover books with bright blue covers and color illustrations within. One illustration showed a blonde-haired Jesus knocking on a door. The door represented a child's heart.

Leaving behind the questions that image might raise, imagine that our hearts are like a door. Not the blood-pumping, life-sustaining organ in our chest, but the seat of our soul and spirit as a human being. A closed mind can be a dangerous thing. A closed heart invites empathy . . . or pity.

We are not born with our hearts closed. (Our minds either, for that matter.) Something happens. An event, most likely caused by another person – someone close enough to do real damage – and the door to our heart closes just a bit.

With a completely open heart at one end, and a completely closed and dysfunctional heart at the other, most of us fall somewhere in between.

Are you up for a bit of self-analysis? On a scale of 1 (closed) to 10 (open) where was your heart 20 years ago? Ten years ago? Yesterday? And, more importantly, where would you like it to be?

Why Are Pets So Great at Opening Our Hearts?

What is it about a dog, cat, parrot, or other pet that enables it to gently nudge (or, in the case of Golden Retrievers, gallop) their way into our lives and hearts? Certainly, there's the "cute factor." But only some of the pets that folks adopt or purchase are adorable puppies, kittens, or geeky, dependant parrots. The desire to love, nurture, rescue... that's a strong desire for many people. Yet, even these people who are thinking of what they can give to the animal, are surprised to find it's the pet that ends up bringing so much to their lives.

We might forget who our best friend was in third grade, but we remember our childhood pet. How they listened, how they smelled, their funny antics. It is this acceptance by animals that allows them to help those of us whose hearts might be a bit closed, "a few sizes too small," as Dr. Seuss might say.

Animals are unique to humans in their ability (gentle or tenacious depending on the species) to make progress into the heart of a person who, for whatever reason, is limping along in life with the door to their heart firmly bolted. The very fact that this closing of the heart is often the result of our experiences with another human being enables the dependant, forgiving, and dependable animal to encourage us to keep on.

Like many kids, I was bullied as a child, by a family of tough children who roamed the neighborhood free of parental guidance. These were the kind of kids who could sense insecurity a mile away, and knew just where to strike. (We're all familiar with them, as they grow up to be adults who send us to bookstores to purchase books on dealing with difficult people.) How great it was to come home from school to my miniature dachshund, Joey, who thought I was wonderful. He couldn't wait to see me; he was always there. After Joey, there was a toy poodle, Suzette. She was the girlfriend always ready to put up with my experiments in dog grooming. I felt prettier just holding her.

Our dogs were a source of happiness and security when life seemed mean. Think back to your first pet. What was it? How did you feel when you spent time with it? What did you tell your pet that you never told anyone else?

Snowfall Creates Fun for Creatures Great and Small

Yippee! It's snowing and Mom's taken me outside!!!!

Look how high I can kick this snow!

One down, 1,225 to go!

Hey, this is the other side of where I sneak out!

Time for a nap...

What is an open heart?

In the winter of 2006, Meg Bertini, a vibrant, intelligent publisher for whom I'd done some illustrations, asked me if I'd like to write on the theme Open Your Heart with Pets: Mastering Life through Love of Animals. Meg had launched the "Open Your Heart" series of books on a wide range of subjects and as she knew my love of animals, and of writing, it seemed a good match.
I was excited at the prospect of holding the finished book in my hands, and being able to say I was published by Dreamtime Publishing, but first I had to write it... And, even before that, I spent some time musing about what it means to have an open heart. Here's what I came up with:

An open heart is a heart that feels comfortable saying: "Let's try." "We'll find a way." "Let's learn something new." An open heart is a heart that is not afraid; it knows how to endure sadness. It knows how to heal and how to forgive. It is strong and loving. An open heart is not exclusively feminine or masculine. At its most basic, an open heart is a heart that is not afraid to love deeply. It is not blind to cost, or reason, or practicality--but it's not necessarily governed by those factors either. An open heart sees possibilities. It has vision. It is patient, it is wise.

Most would agree--an open heart is a good thing--for a man or woman with an open heart is a joy and a pleasure to be around. Their positive attitude and energy are infectious, even inspiring. Open-hearted individuals may be leaders or they may be a quiet, constant manifestation of goodness to their immediate circle. Intelligence, good health, family connections, and money are not prerequisites to opening one's heart to a pet. You can begin wherever you are in life's journey--in fact, starting the process lets in that sliver of light on the door of a heart, and we know just how much can grow and happen with the smallest bit of light.

When I put these thoughts to paper, I realized that I would have the easiest of all the Dreamtime authors. Their subjects were basketball, skiing, reading, singing, geocaching, art... Really, what is more able to open one's heart than a pet?

When I was writing Open Your Heart with Pets, I had the pleasure of communicating with pet lovers throughout the U.S. They generously shared their stories, and the response only increased my belief that pets, and their unique instincts and gifts, can give us as much, if not more, than we can give them.

Farley, the Open Hearted Mutt

Part whippet, part beagle, and who knows what else, Farley (age 4) has the most beautiful brindle patterning I've ever seen. She is my husband, Mark's, dog and could be the Poster Pet for "Most Open-Hearted Dog." Farley must have had Yeats' phrase, "There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met," whispered into her floppy ears at the moment of birth. She loves "cookies" and everyone.

Is this due to a perfect puppyhood? Not likely. Farley was adopted from an animal shelter, so the first six months of life were rather rocky for her. Until I married her "Daddy" last August, and brought my two dogs, Tyler (Pekingese) and Jackie (Chihuahua) into her home, she'd not lived with other dogs. Still, she's friendly with every dog on our block of frequent dog walkers, and greets everyone she meets with unbridled enthusiasm.

She's a smart dog – not all dogs are, of course. When she casts a wary sideways glance at human or canine, it's not in skepticism but analysis. Once she's categorized things into her mental file drawer and committed scent, behavior, voice, and appearance to memory – or so I imagine – she's ready for further attention. Or, if the subject is otherwise preoccupied, a nap.

Being so friendly can be tiring

Life is simple for Farley, but she is far from a simpleton. Somehow she's learned the secret to open heartedness or, more likely, it is in her very nature and has been reinforced by the consistent loving attention of Mark over the last four years.

In my work as a freelance editor, many self-help books have crossed my desk. So, to wrap up today, let's see what the Table of Contents in Farley's self-help book might contain:

• Chapter 1: Everyone is my friend. If they are not, I've forgotten it.


• Chapter 2: Today is the most important day of my life and it is going to be great!


• Chapter 3: I'm happy with the toys and food I've got.


• Chapter 4: My stepsister is a b_ _ ch, but it's not about me.


• Chapter 5: Walking outdoors is good for me.


• Chapter 6: I've never actually caught a squirrel, but I keep the dream alive.