I love animals. I can’t help myself. I love pretty much all kinds, except for the ones that slither and hiss–I guess that would be cold-blooded ones. But anything cuddly, furry and warm-blooded I love them. I was the kid known to bring home kitties and stray dogs whenever one would appear in the neighborhood. I even coaxed a cat from up the street to follow me home one Halloween night and told my parents that I’d found it. I guess that makes me a cat stealer and a liar, but I was only ten! And, we loved that cat. I named her Pinto like a horse. And, speaking of horses, well, you probably guessed that someone who writes horse lover mysteries might have an affinity toward these gorgeous animals. And, this is where my dilemma lies today. My daughter is taking riding lessons twice a week right now, and where she rides there is this pretty little Arabian horse named Storm. Her owner has gone off to college and stuck the horse with her parents. So, no one has been riding her, she’s kind of been neglected as far as anyone paying much attention to her and grooming or riding her. She has been eating plenty because she’s certainly not underweight, and she is sweet as she can be. I think she’d put her head in your lap if you let her, and of course she’s for sale at a steal of a price. And, guess who wants her? Me. I’ve been riding her for the last month and now I’m attached to her. However, the purchasing of a horse is not the issue. There is no such thing as a free horse. The thing is, a horse is an expensive animal to keep. There are vet bills, board and feed bills, farrier bills, tack and maintenance, etc. I guess for now, I’ll keep holding out for that coveted spot on the NY Times Bestseller list! In reality, I’ll keep riding her and grooming her as long as I can for free, and who knows, maybe there is a way.

Our latest addition to the house is a pound puppy. She’s a half lab, half shephard–we think, and she seems very grateful to be rescued. We named her Mylee (yes-for those parents who know who Mylee Cyrus is–our puppy is named after Hannah Montana!). She bounces around and has made our two-year-old Ridgeback a very happy dog. My cats aren’t thrilled with her, but everyone will eventually get along.

I have this thing where I “do” voices for each of our animals. My kids think it’s lame, except my little one who cracks up, and my oldest has actually smiled under all the hair covering his eyes (teenage boy hair is a topic for another day), but he’d never admit it. He just rolls his eyes and the middle one says, “Oh mom, the dog wouldn’t sound like that if he could talk.”

I honestly think that for as much of a responsibility a pet is, they lighten things. They seem to know when you’re down, are always ready to play or comfort and they never hold a grievance for too long. Plus, I really love being lame and doing all my silly voices.

I’d love to hear from some of you–any animal stories you have, or what type of animal is your favorite and why?

Have a great week! And, hug your favorite animal. Yes–kids and spouses do fall into that category. They are mammals afterall.

Cheers,
Michele