Quotes from Amy Shojai

He told himself, "good-dog" but it wasn't the same.

the antique windows and made the just-in-case candles on the dark countertop sputter. She pulled the fuzzy bathrobe closer around her neck. Normally the kitchen's stained glass spilled peacock-bright color into the kitchen.

we consider cats to be middle aged at seven to eleven years old, and geriatric thereafter.

In fact, weight loss particularly of lean muscle, tends to occur in cats at about two to two-and-a-half years prior to their death from age-related diseases,

Therefore, Hill's Pet Nutrition therapeutic diet called Prescription Diet Feline l/d for cats with liver disease is supplemented with carnitine, taurine, and arginine. Depending on your cat's specific needs, other therapeutic diets may be appropriate as well.

One of the best ways to find out about care options and receive emotional support is to talk with other cat owners who have experienced similar situations with their pets.

Childress's

I haven't known you long, but I recognize you. You're the one who pulls strangers out of fires." She paused. "It's what you do, it's who you are.

Every time the phone rings, it's about another body.

Shadow vaulted from the car, and cleared the sprawled figure with one joyous leap. He found September's scent, and hop-scotched and bulldozed through snow so deep it scraped his belly. But the bloody paw prints left in his wake spelled a message of fear, hope, and determination that only good-dogs could read.

Steven's gone," April cried. "My baby's out in the storm, him and the dog are both gone!

Provide multi-level cat furniture like trees and perches or hiding places.

Create multi-levels in your home. Leave half a shelf empty, so Kitty has a place to perch and claim her place.

To retrain your kitten to inhibit her bite, use the scream or hiss to stop the behavior, and when it's due to normal play, simply stop the game. She'll learn that any time she bites the fun stops. The only way for playtime to continue is if she learns to inhibit her bite and claws.

For biting, there are two corrections that work extremely well. In most cases, the ssssst! that imitates Mom-cat stops young kittens cold. Make the sound very percussive.

A good way to keep in mind the special needs of your aging cat is simply to use the acronym L.O.V.E. That stands for Listen With Your Heart; Observe for Changes; Visit the Veterinarian; and Enrich the Environment.

When pain or illness consumes her with little hope of recovery; when your cat knows her fight is done; when prolonging her life offers no hope for enjoying that life; these are determinations only you, as your cat's best friend, can make. People who are closely bonded to their special cats just know when the time is right. Listen to your heart, and your cat will tell you when she's ready to say goodbye.

Studies have shown that contact with cats offers great physical and emotional health benefits to people, from children and adolescents, to adults and senior citizens.

We share our secret souls with our pets in ways we wouldn't dare with another human being," says Dr. Wallace Sife, a psychologist and president of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. "We're human beings, and love is love.

Remember, if you've let her play with your hands like toys, she won't know any better and may bite you without meaning to.

Halter and Leash Training Like crate training, you need patience to get your kitten to accept the halter and leash. Use similar steps to help him learn there's nothing to fear and it offers a benefit for him.

Although senior cats are the same constant friend we've always known, they tend to become less patient as they get older. She'll rely more on routine, want her dinner right now, and demand attention this instant.

Scissors-style nippers are also a good choice. They may take the least getting-used-to, if you are new to pet nail trimming.

train your kitten from an early age to accept you brushing her teeth. You can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for professional teeth cleaning simply by brushing Kitty's teeth at home. You'll need kitty toothpaste. Your veterinarian and pet supply stores carry special non-foaming products designed for cats that are flavored with chicken or malt.