"I pledge TNR to reduce the number of cats who might be subject to cruelty."
-Kim O

"Animals should be cherished, they give us unconditional love 24/7. They bring us nothing but enjoyment for as long as we are privleged to be 'managed by them'. They only make a few requests, food, a ride in the truck, petting, if we have time, if we don't they understand. Oh, and we can't forget they do want to go outside once in a while. I can't imagine walking into a empty quiet house, that would be very sad for me. Our animals just give to us over and over again and are always there for us. We should love them unconditionally, just as they love us. They have been given to us by God to care for until they cross the bridge."
-Gay Thomas

"Bless the animals and keep them safe. I pledge to promote TNR (trap, neuter, return) and be an advocate for spay and neuter. And I will continue my volunteer work with the feral cats and ALF (Animal Loving Friends)."
-Nancy T

"I love all animals (have 10 and would have more if I was home more). I will wear orange in memory of Sasha."
-Anonymous

"My message goes out to all those people who help animals in any way. May you continue to have the financial means and strength to provide love and care to every animal that comes into your life. I thank each and every one of you who have been so kind to open your hearts to help injured, feral or homeless animals. You are true Guardian Angels."
-Gretchen Rebold

"I became a vegan in 2002 after I adopted my first rescued pig and learned about factory farming. That's when I realized how important it is to take ACTION, to be a VOICE for animals. I will continue to be active in helping feral cats, and supporting the efforts of Alley Cat Allies, Animal Loving Friends, and Foundation for the Homeless Cats; I will continue to be an advocate for wolves who are being exterminated by supporting Defenders of Wildlife and Friends of Animals; and I will continue to support Farm Sanctuary and their efforts to ban farm animal cruelty. My mantra in life is to 'Be the change I wish to see in the world.'"
-Odette James

"IN HONOR OF HERBIE

Today, April 30th is a very Special day, the Anniversary of when Herbie first came into my life and our souls connected.

This is honor of my soulmate, Herbie, an all gray, Russian Blue, that stole my heart and will always have it. I believe we can have many soulmates throughout our lifetimes and in all different forms. Yes, Herbie is a cat, he still is an energy, a being and our souls connected from the first day we met at a wholesale parking lot; he was eating discarded chicken bones, thin and homeless. He was friendly and sweet and rubbed all over my legs as cats do. I invited him into my car by patting on my lap and he jumped right in and right back out as I did not realize I had the back window opened. I closed the window and invited him back in by patting my lap again and he jumped back in again. I didn't hear a peep out of him on the way home. I knew he was a very special cat who chose me. He let me pick him up and bring him into the house. I loved his trust for me; somehow it was different and I felt a true bond with him right from that moment.

Grief comes in many forms too and often it is associated with death, yet grief can come from losses of many things such as love, a career, etc. and all can affect you deeply and differently each time. I am sure I am not alone when I say the loss of animal can wrench your heart - I know Herbie has mine - to no fault of his own.

Herbie went missing on October 10, 2007 in the east valley of Arizona, yet could be anywhere by now. I feel Herbie is still out there somewhere as my heart tells me so. I wish for you to be safe Herbie and please know that I Love you and I Miss you to this day, everyday and I will always look for you the Best that I am able and I ask for your return to me many times a day to this day. I Love you Herbie. I Miss you. Thank you Herbie for Blessing me with your Love, your Presence, your Beautiful Being, and your Endearing, Lovely Soul. I look forward to the day that you are back in my arms again. I will Hug you Forever.

For me, a part of the song below, 'Wishing on a Star' applies to Herbie and I cry when I hear it as it is very touching- lyrics may not be exact.

Wishing on a Star to find out where you are
I am wishing on a Dream to find out what it means
I am wishing on all the Rainbows that I see
I am wishing on the people who Believe
I never thought I'd see
The time when you would be
So far away from home
So far away from me
Beyonce Knowles

Reality: Our relationships with animals can be just as special and loving as those we have with any other family member or close friend. Loving animals is different from loving people, because they love us in a way that people cannot: profoundly, boundlessly and unconditionally.

Reality: Pain over the loss of a beloved companion animal is as natural as the pain we'd feel over the loss of any significant relationship. Since cherished pets weave their way into every aspect of our daily lives, in some cases it may be even more difficult to cope with losing them. Once they're gone, we're repeatedly encountering evidence of their absence and constantly reminded of our grief.

Reality: We shouldn't let anyone influence us to believe that our relationships with animals are somehow wrong or less important than those we have with humans. Loving animals well teaches us to better love all living beings, including humans. Grief is the normal response to losing someone we love, and grief is indifferent to the species of the one we've lost. Love is love, loss is loss, and pain is pain.

Reality: Having deeply meaningful, spiritual and healthy relationships with animals is not abnormal, and in some cases may be more emotionally healthy, spiritually healing and personally rewarding than those we have with humans. Pets offer us a kind of loyalty, devotion and unconditional love that cannot be found in the more complicated relationships we have with relatives, friends and neighbors. By Marty Tousley

I miss you like crazy
Ever since you went away
Every hour of every day
I miss you like crazy, I miss you baby
I miss you Herbie
I miss you
Miss you

Some of the lyrics apply in the song above as well and I substitute Herbie instead of baby. When I hear and sing this song my heart aches for Herbie, by Natalie Cole, Lyrics not exact.

Thank you for letting me share this.