Cuddles Anderson 1998 – 2016

The sweetest cat we have ever known left us yesterday. She went to a healing home in the inner worlds. But our world will never be the same without her.

We found this little black-and-white ball of fur in a bin full of kittens at the animal shelter. Linda said to all the kitties, “You are so cute. I have no idea which one of you should be ours.” She put her hand, palm up, inside the bin. Cuddles peered up at Linda from the back of the bin. She jumped over all her littermates and landed in Linda’s hand. Cuddles was The One. She had chosen us.

About the time Cuddles arrived into the Anderson household, we were starting our first Angel Animals printed newsletter. The concept that animals are spiritual beings, messengers who show us what God’s love is, intrigued the news media. Before we knew it, newspaper reports and local television crews were coming to our home and interviewing us. Cuddles became our publicist, hostess, and model.

She scratched at the front door as journalists arrived and made a brilliant first impression. She curled up on reporters’ laps and posed for photographers. Everyone was so charmed that she served as the image of Angel Animals without ever saying a word.

Stories about our new project, which by then had morphed into our first book proposal, made it into national wire services. Cuddles, stretched out on our living room coffee table or sofa, caressing readers with her lustrous emerald eyes, made it into newspapers all over the country.

Cuddles gave us 18 precious years of love, companionship, and fun while we went on to write 17 Angel Animals books. She slept next to Linda every night underneath her arm. If Linda didn’t wake up when Cuddles decided it was time for breakfast, she used her paw to pull out Linda’s earplug and mew, “Feed me!”

Cuddles loved to curl up on Allen’s big blue chair and watch him work in his home office. She ruled him and the house. We all loved and accepted her benevolence. He enjoyed taking pictures and videos of her as she orchestrated the impressions she wanted to make.

In our third book, ANGEL CATS: Divine Messengers of Comfort, we gave Cuddles her own column called “Ask Cuddles.” She answered the age-old question: “Do animals go to heaven?”

Cuddles wrote: “Yes, of course animals go to heaven. And we will joyfully greet you there at the Rainbow Bridge (it does exist!) when you arrive. That’s a promise. One more thing. (You can believe this or not, but I happen to know from personal experience that this does happen.) Sometimes the Soul that was your sweet kitty can’t wait for a heavenly reunion with you. This Soul then rejoins you at another place and time in a different body. If you want to know the truth of this, look into our eyes. See if you recognize an old friend. Our love never dies. – Forever yours, Cuddles”

Today, our family is bereft and grieving. Our little cocker spaniel Leaf, who was smart enough to do whatever Cuddles told him, is lethargic and sleeping all day. Our yellow cockatiel Sunshine wouldn’t come out of his cage this morning. Cuddles passing has left a big hole in our hearts.

As the veterinarian helped Cuddles leave her sweet body, we sang HU, a sacred love song to God, and tearfully said goodbye to our wonderful friend. She left peacefully, gracefully, and with utmost dignity, just as she had lived her life. Her spirit lives on as a great and wise Soul moving on to her next spiritual adventure.

We love you, Cuddles. We miss you, Cuddles. You always lived up to your name, Cuddles. Thanks for being a precious member of the Anderson family.

 

Did you ever try to find a cat who didn’t want to be found?

FINDING A CAT

Cuddles

Today, as we prepared to take our cocker spaniel Leaf to dog park, we searched the house for Cuddles. This little black-and-white tuxedo kitty has been our family member since 1993. We adopted her from our local animal shelter. Or rather, she adopted us.

A bin full of kittens at the shelter was too much for us. Linda reached her hand into the pile of wiggly fur creatures and said, “One of you is going to have to let us know you want to go home.”

Instantly little Cuddles sprang from the rear of the big cage. She jumped over the backs of other kittens and landed in the palm of Linda’s hand. Cuddles went home with us.

Cuddles

As if giving us a preview of her decision-making abilities, Cuddles decides if and when she wants to be found. Today, we looked in all the usual places -under the bed, in her favorite chairs, on top of the sofas, next to the upstairs heater, next to the basement heater, under the roundtable cover, under the chest of drawers, behind the living room curtain, etc., etc. All the time we called, “Cuddles. Kitty, Kitty, Kitty.”

We never did find her.

Finally we had to shut all the doors and hope she was somewhere upstairs where she could reach her water and kitty litter.

Why all the fuss?

Because high up on his perch in the living room, our cockatiel Sunshine was counting on us not to lock him in the living room with a cat. Although Cuddles doesn’t show much interest in our bird, we still wouldn’t want to take any chances of having natural instinct take over while we’re gone.

Cuddles

Fortunately when we came home, Cuddles emerged from her hiding place. We have no idea where it is. No doubt she’ll use it again. No doubt, we’ll spend precious time searching for her again.

What are your cat’s favorite hiding places?

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TIME

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TIME

All right, you resolved that in 2012 you would write that book, article, or story about the most important animal in your life. Or you have figured out some terrific methods or products for training and getting along better with pets. Or you are a nature enthusiast who wants to write about the fascinating wildlife you have met. Or you have a point of view about animals that you feel compelled to write about and share with the world.

Now is the time, gentle readers, to get serious. Take a look at our comprehensive new course for writing about pets and animals. We’ve poured over twenty years of professional experience into designing it.

We want to see as many people as possible writing about pets, because this is how consciousness gets changed. The more everyone gets the message that animals are sentient beings and important (essential) parts of home and family life, the more animals get adopted, and the fewer are sent away to shelters.

WOOF, MEOW, WRITE, PUBLISH will help you to start 2012 by writing whatever you always wanted to write about your beloved pet.

Wouldn’t you like for someone, who has a lot of experience in fulfilling a dream of yours, to sit down and tell you what you need to do and know to duplicate that success? That’s exactly what we’re offering those of you who want to write about some of the most satisfying relationships in your life — the ones you have with animals.

WOOF, MEOW, WRITE, PUBLISH: Writing about Pets and Animals for Love and Money is a new, downloadable, three-part, comprehensive course to guide you in writing books, articles, stories, blogs, and essays about animals for pleasure or extra income. We designed and wrote this one-of-a-kind course based on our experience as best-selling, award-winning authors of 14 pet books published in the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Italy, and Japan so far.

Start keeping your New Year’s resolution today by going to http://www.allenandlindaanderson.com.

Allen and Linda Anderson
Woof, Meow, Write, Publish
http://www.allenandlindaanderson.com

ARE CATS JEALOUS?

Cats get labeled as jealous. It’s not clear why that particular flaw has been pinned on them. But we had a beautiful lesson from our cat Speedy when he showed us the meaning of true generosity.

Speedy is a sweetheart but also an aging, overweight cat. We can relate. He rules the house and especially his much more agile and younger sister, Cuddles.

We observe their relationship and marvel at how well Speedy makes Cuddles do what he wants. He is also patient when she pesters him to play with her. But this week, Speedy, a nice but firm gentleman, demonstrated that regardless of how he keeps her in line, he always has Cuddles’s best interests at heart.

Speedy has taken over the top rung of the kitty condo in our living room. He loves that shelf by the window where he can curl up and sleep or look out at the world going by. This used to be Cuddles’s spot until Speedy decided to pull rank. This meant Cuddles had to sleep on the middle floor of the kitty condo.

One evening Linda was petting and kissing Cuddles as they curled up together on the couch. Speedy watched intently. Linda was surprised to hear the distinct sound of Speedy’s loud purr. As he watched his little sister being loved, it brought him such pleasure that he purred his satisfaction.

We talked about the incident of Speedy purring while Cuddles received affection and wondered how many people would derive so much joy from another’s good fortune. Oh, the things we can learn from cats!

Now Speedy spends more time lounging on the back of the couch. He purrs and licks Allen’s head and his cheeks. Both seem to be enjoying their time together.

Visit www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=185899&id=711934289&l=0dbed09efb to see photos of Speedy and Cuddles.

By the way, we just ended Week 3 of our book launch for DOGS AND THE WOMEN WHO LOVE THEM. It was a wonderful experience to meet all the dog lovers. But we had a special treat at Valley Booksellers, a super independent bookstore in Stillwater, Minnesota. Five dogs showed up for the event. Linda had the pleasure of reading to them about how special dogs are.

Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUVa0vxQFuw to view a video of the reading.

Allen and Linda Anderson
ANGEL ANIMALS NETWORK – WHERE PETS ARE FAMILY
www.angelanimals.net
www.dogsandthewomenwholovethem.com

Has a cat let you know of danger?

TUFFY, MY LITTLE HERO CAT
By Kay Marie

I got Tuffy when she was about two months old but only weighed twelve ounces.  Her mother had been hit by a car, and my friend found her outside his bedroom window, yelling her head off.  She couldn’t hold her head up so she was bottle-fed and learned how to use the litter box.  She is small and compact but really has a temper, especially if there is stray cat walking across her yard or down the walkway.

On July 13th, 2010, some teens broke into my apartment while I was asleep. Tuffy was voicing her displeasure. I thought it was just another stray cat, even when I heard noises in the living room. I just thought the cats were bumping against the window.

Then Tuffy’s cries took a new tone. When I went to get out of bed, an intruder confronted me in my bedroom.  I yelled, and he ran off. Tuffy was still snarling and crying from under the stove.  Now I will listen to her more closely when she goes on a little rampage.

Tuffy has two older brothers, Apache and Blackfoot, whom she adores. Tuffy is my little hero.

Visit www.angelanimals.net/nlimage40.html to see photos of HERO Tuffy, Apache, and Blackfoot.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Has a cat let you know of danger?
Allen and Linda Anderson
Angel Animals Network – Where Pets Are Family
www.angelanimals.net

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

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

What are favorite animal books you are reading now?

What Angel Animals Is Reading

Being authors of animal books, we are always fascinated by what others are writing on the subject. Below are some of the books we are reading and enjoying. Perhaps they will find their way to your bookshelf too.

THE INNER WORLD OF FARM ANIMALS: Their Amazing Social, Emotional, and Intellectual Capacities by Amy Hatkoff (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2009, hardcover, $19.95, 176 pages, color photos) with a foreword by Jane Goodall and afterword by Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States

The jacket for this informative, entertaining, and eye-opening book says, “Chickens can count. Pigs are smarter than poodles. Cows form close friendships. Turkeys know one another by their voices, and sheep recognize faces — of other sheep, and of people. Far from lacking thoughts and feelings, barnyard creatures demonstrate sophisticated problem-solving abilities, possess rich social lives, and feel a wide range of emotions.”

Getting to know farm animals in such an intimate way as they are presented in this book offers a perfect opportunity to love them as individuals. One of our favorite stories is “Hope and Johnny: Loyal and Loving.” It’s about two pigs from Farm Sanctuary in Orland, California. They were such loyal friends that when Hope’s leg was injured and she could no longer walk, Johnny kept other pigs from bothering her when she ate. Johnny stayed by Hope’s side day and night. After Hope died of old age, Johnny, although younger and healthier, died several weeks later, presumably of a broken heart.

Because of all the time and effort we put into writing our award-winning book RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster, we are always interested in good books about animal rescue. MOORE TAILS: Rescuing Mutts in the South: An Intimate Portrait of Animal Rescue & Cruelty by Maureen Burke-Horansky (2009, Ink Stain Publishing Corp., $15.00, 286 pages, color photos, authormaggie@pinehurst.net) is a unique entry in this genre.

This book shares the true story of five passionate women who managed to get a local North Carolina county animal facility to allow adoptions. The women fight animal cruelty and attempt to lower the kill rate in the facility. They are creative, courageous, and persistent.

Jane Goodall writes in a letter at the end of this book about the organization the women founded, Animal Advocates of Moore County, Inc. in Pinehurst, North Carolina. “Eight women in the village of Pinehurst learned of the euthanasia crisis from articles in the local newspaper. They met to form an organization of animal lovers, choosing to take action to resolve this grim situation. They began trapping feral cats, spaying and neutering them, inoculating them against disease. Then they offered a no-cost spay-neuter program for low-income residents. . .I support what they have achieved and urge you to support them in any way you can.”

Another animal rescue book that caught our attention is GREYHOUND TALES: True Stories of Rescue, Compassion, & Love, ed. By Nora Star, Inception by Kari Mastrocola, Introduction by Susan Netboy (1997, Lost Coast Press, Order: Nora Star, 9728 Tenaya Way, Kelseyville, CA 95451 or http://www.cypresshouse.com, $15.95, 116 pages, color photos).

This anthology of stories from wonderful people who rescue and adopt greyhounds offers insight into the once multi-billion-dollar greyhound racing industry and its tragic consequences for the six-thousand-year-old greyhound breed. It includes information on how to determine if adopting a greyhound is right for you and how to join the National Greyhound Adoption Network and subscribe to the GREYHOUND NETWORK NEWS quarterly newsletter.

On the back cover Jeffrey Moussaieff Mason, author of THE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF ANIMALS writes, “The people who tell their stories in this book show sympathy and compassion for these marvelous animals who are themselves so filled with sympathy and compassion for us, even though humans have proved to be such untrue friends. Somehow these dogs still love and trust us after all our degradation and betrayal. This in itself is a small miracle.”

What are favorite animal books you are reading now?

Have you ever found healing through a cat’s purr?

We were talking to someone this week about a terrific but little-known relief for migraine headaches — a cat’s purr.

In our book ANGEL CATS, we wrote about a study by Elizabeth von Muggenthaler. She’s a bioacoustics specialist at Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina. This researcher found that a cat’s purr is within the frequency range of 25 to 40 cycles per second (Hz). Exposure to 20 to 50 Hz frequencies increases bone density, relieves pain, and heals muscles.

There are people who claim that if they have a migraine, and a purring cat lies next to their head, it relieves the headache.

Go to this great video clip to listen to a cat’s purr — one of nature’s most beautiful sounds: http://tinyurl.com/l4292b

Have you ever found healing through a cat’s purr?

Can Cats Be Trained?

We read an article that blew us away with how improbable (impossible) what it described seemed to be. “Here, Kitty, Kitty, Jump Through the Hoop” by Sharon L. Peters, special for USA Today, January 29, 2008 tells about the newest rage in agility contests for cats.

According to Peters there is now an International Cat Agility Tournament that held twenty-five shows at The International Cat Association clubs in the United States and one hundred shows around the world. The cats, just as with dogs, are trained with clicker training which couples a clicking sound followed by a reward when the cat does what a mere human requests.

Even with all the training and treats, some cats who make it into these shows decide to display their independent streaks. Carol Osborne, a certified ringmaster for the shows, recalls a feline who got the nickname Perimeter Cat. When he walked into the ring at the shows, he’d avoid every obstacle. The cat lovers cheered. Here was an independent kitty just like all the ones they know and love.

In these agility events, there have been purebreds, house cats, shelter cats, a blind cat, and a three-legged cat competing.

Have you ever tried to train a cat? How do you coax cats into doing what you want them to do?

What ways do your cats show their creativity and resourcefulness?

Cuddles

This week, we took Cuddles and Speedy for their annual veterinarian visit. When they see the carriers come out, they know that it’s time to hide in whatever corner will best serve their escape.

After scooping them up, putting them in the back seat of the car, and driving to the vet to the chorus of their protesting mews, we arrived at last.

Speedy seemed to take it more in stride than Cuddles. She was quite vocal, letting everyone in the waiting room know that this was the last place she wanted to be.

In the vet’s office, after enduring the indignity of weighing in and being examined, Cuddles jumped off the table. Speedy had been attempting to hide behind Linda’s purse and in her coat pocket but to no avail. But Cuddles had a better plan.

Speedy

After Speedy was placed on the dreaded examining table, Cuddles managed to jump onto a high wall shelf where the vet kept samples of medications and other items. The vet was so astonished at Cuddles’s agility that he stopped Speedy’s exam, called for his assistant, and asked her to get his camera. He wanted a picture of this cat going where no cat had ever gone before.

This is Cuddles — fearless, resourceful, and able to leap tall buildings. She had her picture taken, posing from the top shelf. She overlooked us all, while Speedy trembled below on the table and endured poking and prodding. Catch me if you can!

What ways do your cats show their creativity and resourcefulness?