index

About 25 years ago, I went on a field trip to the local animal shelter. What I found there was heart-breaking. There were hundreds of cats and dogs who either never had a home or were no longer wanted. I was told that most of them would never find another home and were destined to be destroyed. There was one kitten that captured my heart, and after several discussions, my parents gave in and we went to get her.

We named her Amber, because she was a red tabby, but more gold than red. Over the next 18 years, she was my constant shadow. She'd listen, attentively, as I practiced my piano or cello. She was there for me when life got a little overwhelming, had a ready purr, a gentle kiss, or a loving look just when I needed it most. She taught me to value others as I found them, but not to compromise my self-worth.

Amber was not my first pet. That was Pretty Bird, a lemon-yellow budgie. He didn't live very long, but he filled our house with song and joy while he was there. In the early 1970's, not a lot was known about birds, how to take care of them, how to feed them, how to treat them. PB died of an unknown illness because we just didn't know how to look for signs of illness and we didn't know what he needed to live a long healthy life. We buried him under the rosebush by the front door, so he could greet everyone who came to our house.

Today, I find myself the owner/companion to 4 birds and 2 cats. I live in a multi-generational home where each of us have different animals. There are 100 fish, 8 birds, 5 cats, a dog, 3 adults, and a child living here! Two of the birds, all of the cats, and the dog are rescues. All these animals have given so much to my life. Unfortunately, there is still ignorance. There are still animals dying, needlessly. I hope to give some information to help our companion animals live longer, healthier, happier lives. I owe it to the ones here now and the ones that came before them. Please visit their pages and learn about these wonderful companions.

Join us in spreading peace in the world ...