Handicapped Kitty “Willow” Gets a Miracle

By Julia Williams

Facebook has done it again. I’m all teary-eyed because of an incredibly heartwarming story I happened upon. I won’t say “by accident” because I believe there are no such things. I’m convinced that everything and everyone has a purpose, and that every pet was put here on earth for a reason. Sometimes we don’t know what that reason is; other times, it’s crystal clear. In the case of a special kitten named Willow, I think her purpose is to help people see that every pet is precious – even those who some might call “imperfect.” Willow’s motto could be summed up as, “Play the hand that life dealt you, but never stop hoping for a miracle.”

Willow’s touching story began with her birth last December. Her back legs were badly deformed, and her people said she was born that way. They didn’t even bother to name her – they just called her “Cripple.” Although her siblings all found homes, no one wanted the tiny kitten with a deformity.

That is, until fate intervened and a kindhearted woman named Wendy answered an ad for a free crippled kitten. Wendy felt an immediate bond with the little kitty. She didn’t see a kitten whose deformed legs made it extremely difficult for her to walk. She saw a sweet, cute and loving soul who deserved a chance to have a wonderful life despite her handicap. Wendy took her home and named her Willow, because “a beautiful girl deserves a beautiful name.” As the days turned to months, Wendy’s love for Willow grew, and she came to see her as “the most perfect angel in all the earth.”

Wendy built steps so Willow could get up on the furniture and look out the window. She helped Willow as best as she could, but unless something was done, Willow’s legs could develop ulcerations that might lead to infection. Not wanting her baby to be in pain, Wendy prayed for a miracle – she hoped that a doctor could fix Willow’s legs.

Wendy created a Facebook page for Willow, so she could share her story and make friends with other kitties and cat-loving humans. And the friends came…hundreds and hundreds of them! Willow’s new friends were so touched by her story that they sent her lots of great gifts, and medical supplies to help with her care. They raised money so Willow could see an orthopedic vet, and were heartbroken when the doctor said he couldn’t fix Willow’s legs. But that only spurred them on, and these new friends raised more money so Willow could get a specially made wheelchair.

Willow started learning a new way to walk and a new way of life. It was then that Wendy realized they had received the miracle she’d been praying for – but it wasn’t the wheelchair, and it wasn’t even about Willow’s legs. It was about all the love that came to Willow from people all around the world. It was about the support of thousands of compassionate pet lovers rallying to help one little kitty have a better life.

One should never underestimate the power of social networking sites like Facebook. I’ve witnessed time and again the miraculous things that happen when pet lovers come together for a cause they believe in. Thanks to her wonderful “mom” and the kindness of strangers, a once nameless kitten now has a joyful life. Willow says she is “a very happy little girl who enjoys her life. It is better to have love than legs.”

Willow has also embraced Facebook, and uses her newfound celebricat status to help other kitties. She posts about kitties that need adopting, or kitties whose human guardians need help with medical bills. There’s even a kitty in Egypt that needs a wheelchair, just like Willow did not so long ago. I’ve no doubt that in the years to come, Willow will pay it forward. She will continue to help those less fortunate pets who need their own miracle, and she’ll inspire other humans to help too.

When I contacted Willow’s Mom for permission to use her photos, I found out she just recently switched to FELIDAE and is very happy with it. “Willow eats the FELIDAE Cat and Kitten Formula, and she loves it,” said Wendy. “I personally think FELIDAE is the best cat food out there, and I want only the best for my Willow! We absolutely love FELIDAE...the ingredient list says it all.”

To learn more about Willow, you can watch her YouTube video, and join her on Facebook.

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Famous Cartoon Dogs

By Suzanne Alicie

For decades the cartoon world has been filled with notable pets. From Tweety and Sylvester to Tom and Jerry, there have been all sorts of animated pets. Julia Williams has written an article about Famous Fictional Felines, so on the other side of that coin my favorite animated animal characters are usually of the canine persuasion. Let’s have a look at some of the famous cartoon dogs that we all know and love!

Scooby Doo and Scrappy
Okay, talking dogs are always fun. Scooby Doo is a lovable, mystery solving scaredy-cat Great Dane who was introduced in 1970. He is also one of the most popular cartoon dogs ever, with his famous phrase “Ruh-roh Shaggy” being well known by kids of all ages. His nephew Scrappy is a much braver and tougher cartoon dog that’s also a favorite of many cartoon viewers. You can find Scooby begging for some Scooby Snacks on Cartoon Network and Boomerang, as well as on the big screen.

Underdog

“No need to fear, Underdog is here!” Quiet, unassuming Shoeshine Boy has an alter ego; he is known as Underdog and since 1964 he’s been saving Sweet Polly Purebred from the villains. I look at Underdog as the canine version of Superman, and when I was younger I could sing along with the theme song as if I’d written it myself!

Pluto and Goofy

Whenever I think of Pluto and Goofy, my mind turns to the movie “Stand by Me” when the boys have a discussion about “What is Goofy, anyway?” I’m sticking with the theory that he’s a dog. Goofy and Pluto have been staples in many Disney features. Pluto is Mickey Mouse’s pet dog, and Goofy is Mickey’s friend. One talks, the other doesn’t; one wears clothes while the other is left with just his fur, and only one of these famous cartoon dogs walks on four legs!

Astro

The Jetsons were known for their futuristic settings and storylines, but no matter how far in the future the boy still loved his dog. Elroy and Astro were a team, and Astro was the lovable but bumbling oversized dog that kept all the Jetsons on their toes. With his adorable “speech” that begins everything with an “R” as if he is growling, Astro is actually a major character on the show and there are entire episodes that revolve around the Astro/Tralfaz storyline.

Snoopy

Snoopy is Charlie Brown’s dog. He’s a World War I Flying Ace, and he’s also a novelist who begins his books with “It was a dark and stormy night…” and of course he’s a therapist! (Aren’t all dogs?). Of all the famous Peanuts characters, Snoopy and his little birdie pal Woodstock are my favorites.

I could go on and on about the different famous cartoon dogs over the years, from Clifford the Big Red Dog to Deputy Dog and Huckleberry Hound. Then there’s Santa’s Little Helper from “The Simpsons” and Brian the talking dog on “Family Guy.” What about Mr. Peabody and Lady and the Tramp? Looney Tunes has several dogs, from K-9 to Hector the Bulldog. The Tom and Jerry cartoons feature Spike and his baby bulldog quite often. There’s also Odie from “Garfield” and Ren of “Ren and Stimpy,” and who can forget Dollar from the “Richie Rich” show?

Dogs are a staple of any family cartoon. They are loyal and fierce, they are protective, and a lot of times they are downright funny! Not so different from our real dogs, huh? You may not have a dog who begs for Scooby Snacks, but I bet if you offer up some CANIDAE TidNips, you just might get your dog to perform a feat to get one!

Photo by Kristymp

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Roadrunner, from Lonely Stray to Long Distance Running Cat

By Julia Williams

It’s not uncommon to see runners out getting their daily endorphin fix with a four-legged friend by their side. In fact, lots of dogs love to run…but a long distance running cat? Now that’s a different “tail” altogether! Oh sure, there are plenty of sprinting cats including my own, who make a mad dash from the couch to the kitchen every time I get out the FELIDAE cat food or TidNips treats. Heck, my nom-obsessed kitties sprint into the kitchen when it merely looks like I might be heading in that direction. Take away the incentive of food, and I’m pretty sure they’d stay in their semi-comatose position on the couch.

Roadrunner is a long-distance running cat who not only enjoys going for a daily run with her owner, she also has her own personal trainer who is helping her become the fittest feline athlete in the country! That’s because Roadrunner’s owner is Michael Greenblatt, a fitness instructor from West Long Branch, New Jersey. Greenblatt has worked with celebrities and Olympians, but never a cat—that is, until a stray black kitten decided to join him on his run one day, back in 2008.

At first, the kitten cautiously watched from afar as Greenblatt took off for his morning run. About a month later, the kitten approached him and rubbed up against his leg while he stretched. Incredibly, the kitten began running alongside him and kept pace with him as he ran through the neighborhood. Greenblatt was astonished by the running kitten, and even more so when she began waiting on his doorstep every morning at 5:30, ready and willing to run with him.

Growing up, Greenblatt had two beloved black cats, so although he felt a natural attraction to this amazing cat who shared his passion for running, he wasn’t really looking for a pet. The cat, however, had other ideas. It wasn’t long before Greenblatt adopted her and named her Roadrunner, a fitting moniker for a long distance running cat.

The pair now run through their neighborhood or at the nearby beach. Roadrunner runs without a leash but sticks close to Greenblatt. The three-year-old cat with sleek black fur is an eager running partner, insists Greenblatt. “She wants to run every day,” he says. Morever, Roadrunner is quite displeased if he decides to skip the run because he’s too tired or busy.

Roadrunner’s affinity for running led to Greenblatt’s decision to train her, much like he does with his two-legged clients – with allowances for her petite feline frame of course. He gives her water before her run, has her stretch and do a little “pre-run” warm-up. He times her with a stopwatch, and she’s shaved more than a minute off her 150-yard run to the end of the block and back; now it only takes her 54 seconds! “Roadrunner is certainly the fittest cat on our block,” says Greenblatt.

Like any famous kitty worth her salt, Roadrunner has her own Facebook page. The long distance running cat apparently has plans for a website too, but it is still “under construction” as yet. Roadrunner may even be featured in a children's book, but her newfound fame hasn't affected her running routine or her sweet disposition. 

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Dusty the Cat Burglar (Klepto Kitty) Atones for his Crimes

By Julia Williams

When Jean Chu and Jim Coleman visited their local animal shelter five years ago, they were just hoping to find a friendly feline that would fit nicely into their family. Little did they know that the handsome kitty they chose would eventually become one of the most famous cats in America!

Dusty’s penchant for prowling the neighborhood and carting home his prey led to him being featured on the popular Animal Planet series Must Love Cats, which catapulted him to fame. What’s so unusual about a cat bringing home his kill? Unlike most feline hunters, Dusty doesn’t catch mice or rats – he goes after towels, gloves, shoes, socks, children’s toys, swimsuits, bras, and anything else he can find! He then carries his loot home and deposits it proudly on the lawn or driveway.

Dusty’s thieving ways were captured on tape for the show. The sight of a cat waddling up the driveway with a bra in his grasp was hilarious. Millions of people fell in love with the quirky cat burglar from San Mateo, California and “Klepto Kitty” became the talk of the town. News stations clamored to interview Dusty, and he even appeared on David Letterman.

Klepto Kitty was so popular that Must Love Cats decided to feature him on a second episode. His owners held a “reverse garage sale” that they dubbed Dusty Gives Back. All of the items Klepty Kitty nabbed in the dark of night were available for their rightful owner to claim for free. Dusty’s family had often tried to return the pilfered loot to the neighbors by going door to door, so the reverse garage sale seemed like a better idea. Klepto Kitty was on hand (on paw?) during the event, and seemed unfazed that his family was giving away everything he went to great lengths to steal.

Next up for Klepto Kitty on the road to redemption was an appearance in the sixth annual Fashion for Compassion, an animal fashion show created to raise money for the care and rehabilitation of neglected or abused animals. Klepto Kitty was the first celebricat to participate in the fashion show put on by the Peninsula Humane Society, the shelter Dusty had been adopted from five years earlier.

Klepto Kitty has also been named Honarary Grand Marshall of the 10th Annual Pet Parade in Redwood City, California, which takes place on May 21st, 2011. This family-friendly celebration of pets includes vendor booths, demonstrations, food, music and lots of fun activities for everyone. Some of the items Klepto Kitty took from his neighbors will be auctioned off to raise money for the homeless dogs and cats at the Peninsula Humane Society.

Jean Chu believes that over the years Dusty has nabbed more than 500 items, with his biggest haul being 11 things in a single night. I’ll bet Klepto Kitty took a nice long catnap after that exhausting crime spree!

One explanation for kleptomania in cats is that it stems from urban felines not being able to fulfill their natural hunting instinct. The term even has a name – misdirected predation. Some have also likened the behavior to a kind of feline obsessive compulsive disorder. Either way, there is no cure, so Dusty the Cat Burglar is likely to continue his life of crime. Those who live in Klepto Kitty’s neighborhood better bring their things in at night, or they’ll likely find them gone in the morning!

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Guido the Italian Kitty is a Therapy Cat Extraordinaire!

By Julia Williams

In the last few years, I’ve come across a lot of really cool cats who are making this world a better place. I’ve profiled many of them here, including two wonderful therapy cats, Tabitha and Henry. It still blows my mind that any cat has the temperament to become certified for therapy work, but I’m just so proud of those who do. Today I am delighted to introduce you to another therapy cat extraordinaire – Guido the Italian Kitty. This handsome brown tabby is so incredibly PURRsonable that I’m positive he could charm the pants off of even the most anti-cat curmudgeon. The spunky 4-year old feline must also have an Energizer Bunny battery implant, because he does more in a typical week than most cats do their entire lives!

Truly, Guido has to be the busiest Celebricat on the planet. When he’s not “on the job” visiting his special friends, Guido is busy writing his own newsletter (the Guido Gazette), posing for an award-winning pet photographer, competing on a TV game show for cats (and hanging with Chuck Woolery!), and getting featured on not one but TWO months of the Morris & Friends 2011 Cat Calendar. Guido the Italian Kitty is also very active on Catster.com, a.k.a. “The Facebook for Felines” where he's received multiple honors and won several fun contests. Whew!  

It’s a miracle that I got Guido to sit still long enough to answer a few questions, but I’m so glad I did. I hope you enjoy getting to know this witty kitty as much as I did.

What three words would you use to describe yourself? Envirocat, Catzowey, EyeTailYun

Tell me about your work in the Animal Assisted Therapy program. 3 yrs ago when I was inky dinky, I visited a furiend who was very ill. My momma thought that if she sees me, I might perk her up. Well, I did and it was fun, and I saw the senior infirmed lady get color back in her skin and smile again. I even convinced her tooza get out of bed and come to da breakfast table to have yogurt with me! So then momma enrolled me in San Francisco SPCA's "Animal Assisted Therapy" program where theyza tests me – hee hee hee, they stretches me out like a pizza dough! And theyza makes noises and stuff, just to see how I react. I surprised them cuz I just looked at them like, Whatcha doing? I passed the test and got my official AAT vest with my name “GUIDO” on it. Oh, I luvs my job and have been going to work for 3 years now at The ARC of San Francisco, where I mingles  and plays with da seniors whooza got Autism and Down Syndrome and other condishuns. But you know what? Theyza no different than me and I’m no different than them, cuz weeza all plays and communicates and theyza make me purr at my job. Itza high paying job getting all those purrs!

What is your most touching memory from your Therapy Cat work? I got abundacat speshule memories of being a therapy cat but probably da mostest giganticat event was when a client at The ARC saw my momma in a grocery store (without me). He duzn’t touch  peoples, heeza just does what he wantza do (like me) and he yelled out in the aisle “Guido – Guido”  (recognizing momma cuz sheeza brings me to The ARC) and he came up to momma and kissed her on the cheek! It was an incredulous moment cuz da ARC’s manager whooza with him says heeza never ever done that – thatza the gift that keeps on giving.

What kinds of things can kitties and cat loving hoomins learn by reading your Guido Gazette? Meowvalous question Signorina Julia! I always try to make purrsons smile, and weeza gotta remember dat life is short even if you got 9 lives and life is Catzowey and shouldn’t be catastrophic and having a hiss fit isn’t good. I’ma envirocat, so I cat chats about taking care of our Planet cuz itza our purrmanent home.

How many photo shoots have you done with Mark Rogers? Abundacat shoots, and I loves his giganticat lens. I met Mark at Pet Camp Cat Safari, the mostest incredible kitty hotel in San Franfuncisco, and I loves posing fur him.

Your Catster profile has a plaque that says Winner: Funny Face Category. What was this? Catster.com has da annual “Coolest Dog and Cat” contest. So my Staff entered me and my momma Baci (sheeza crossed The Bridge last April) so winning this foto contest was a tribute to my momma cat, whooza raised me, tolerated me and gave me my meowster manners. I thinks Baci is making a more funny face than me!

Who is your Best Friend? I dontza have one bestest furiend because I'ma meowster whooza blessed with a catzullion diverse furiends all over the Planet, on every Continent. Why have one bestet furiend when youza can have abundacat furiends!

Do you have any siblings? Shure, I got a little brofur! He’s Yolo from Yolo County SPCA – datsa where UC Davis is. Oh I luvs Yolo, and weeza wrestles every hour weeza not catnapping. Heeza 3 and I’ma almost 5.

What’s it like to be a bona fide “Celebricat” and have so many adoring fans? Life is purrfectly catzowey as a Celebricat, and I adore my fans and furiends cuz theyza all makes every day special. Fans and Furiends are my spice to life – like a good Italian meatball! One of my favorito things is to donate my pawsagraphed foto to fan’s auctions that are benefitting meowsters and pooches in need. Giving back to my ComMEWnity is what makes all my nine lives worth living.

Ciao & Meow! GUIDO the Italian Kitty

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“Therapet” Henry Opens Minds and Heals Hearts

By Julia Williams

Today I would like to introduce you to Henry, an extraordinary and inspiring “celebri-cat” who was recently named the ASPCA Cat of the Year for 2010. Henry is a three-legged cat who opens people’s eyes and minds, as well as their hearts. He received this special award because of his transformational work teaching tolerance, resiliency and courage, as well as for his healing work with disabled children, wounded veterans and their families, Hurricane Katrina survivors and Haitian earthquake amputees.

Some might say that Henry’s incredible journey from unassuming stray to remarkable healer was accidental, but I really don’t think it was. I don’t necessarily believe in the saying, “everything has a purpose,” but Henry’s life story seems guided by more than chance.

The stray tabby kitten was discovered at Cathy Conheim’s California home one day, with a severe leg injury. Cathy, despite being a devoted “dog person” who actually disliked cats, not only rushed Henry to her vet, but chose amputation over euthanasia. This conscious choice to save Henry’s life and take him into her home was just the start of the amazing events yet to unfold.

Henry adapted quickly to his new life with just three legs, which inspired Conheim to send an email to 20 friends describing his triumphant tale of survival and courage in the face of adversity. As often happens in this internet age, the email was forwarded by countless thousands of people around the world who were moved by Henry’s story.

Conheim realized then that Henry’s purpose was to be a “therapet” who could impart healing through storytelling. The plucky three-legged cat could serve as inspiration for humans struggling to come to terms with their own disability or tragic life circumstances, and he could also help others understand and feel compassion for the disabled. You see, Henry had found his way into the home of two healers – a psychotherapist and a doctor – and they believed he was destined to join the family profession.

“He's here to teach us how to deal with our misfortunes. All of us have problems, but Henry says you can't be defined by them. You're defined by your response to your problems. He is a hopeful symbol of beating the odds,” said Conheim.”

Indeed he is. With Henry as her inspiration, Conheim wrote two books, Henry’s World, a Three-Legged Cat’s View of Human Absurdity and What’s the Matter with Henry? The True Tale of a Three-Legged Cat, both of which were published to raise money for less fortunate animals. Henry has his own website, www.henrysworld.org, through which he serves as a “therapet” responding to more than 33,000 letters to date.

“Humans talk from their heart when they talk to a pet, which is why Henry has had such an impact,” said Conheim. “What's fascinating to me as a therapist is what I can accomplish through Henry that I can't do in my office, because he has the voice of a child and the innocence of an animal,” she explained.

A national nonprofit, First Book, distributed What's the Matter with Henry? to children displaced by Hurricane Katrina, and to children of military families dealing with deployment-related emotional and physical trauma. More recently, it was translated into Creole to help Haitian earthquake victims and amputees.

Conheim wrote a third book, What About Me? I'm Here Too!, to address the emotional issues experienced by healthy siblings of chronically ill children, who often feel invisible and ignored. Told through the voice of Henry’s “sibling,” Dolly the dog, it helps children learn how to develop resilience and express their feelings.

According to Conheim, Henry's evolving mission is “to raise money for animals in need, while also teaching humans to turn obstacles into opportunities, bullies into buddies and to create an emotional vocabulary for health.” One of Henry’s many goals as a therapet is to start a national conversation around healing and the difficult issues of life’s disappointments.

Despite being a bona fide celebri-cat, six-year-old Henry enjoys normal feline activities like bird-watching from his indoor perch, stalking sunbeams and having his belly rubbed and ears scratched. If you’d like to learn more about Henry and his important healing work, or to order books, dolls and cards, visit his website, henrysworld.org.

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Famous Fictional Felines

By Julia Williams

Cats have been a part of our culture for ages. Long before felines were persecuted alongside witches in the Middle Ages, they were worshipped as Gods in ancient Egypt. Today, more than 93 million domestic cats are kept as pets in the United States alone, according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Cats have been featured in countless movies, books and ad campaigns, and depicted on postage stamps and famous paintings. Here are some of my favorite fictional felines.

Puss in Boots

Thanks to the Shrek movies, most children today are quite familiar with this smartly dressed cat with an attitude to match. But eons before Shrek, 300+ years ago, French author Charles Perrault brought this crafty cat to life in his collection of classic folk tales. Puss in Boots tells of a poor miller who dies and leaves his son with only a cat. But what a cat! Wearing tall boots and a hat, this dapper cat helps his young master attain wealth and in the end, endears himself to readers of all ages.

The Cheshire Cat

This classic fictional cat is a mischievous character in Lewis Carroll's Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The cat wears a permanent grin and can disappear and reappear whenever it likes, which Alice finds quite disconcerting. When Alice asks the cat to stop doing that, it vanishes slowly, with its grin remaining some time after the rest of it has gone. This prompts Alice to remark, “Well! I've often seen a cat without a grin, but a grin without a cat! It's the most curious thing I ever saw!”

The Cat in the Hat

This plucky feline was the creation of Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka, “Dr. Seuss.” The Cat in the Hat book was published in 1957 and is a must for every child’s library, even today. The Cat in the Hat is not only fun and entertaining, it was written to help kids learn to read. The 1,629-word tale uses only 236 different words in all – 221 have one syllable, 14 have two and just one word (another) has three syllables! The Cat in the Hat is about a mischief-making cat who transforms a dull afternoon into a magical and amusing adventure for two children. The gaily dressed cat also appears in four subsequent books, and his popularity was boosted further by the 2003 movie starring Mike Meyers as the cat.

The Three Little Kittens

When I was a child, this was paws-down my favorite Little Golden Book. The Mother Goose nursery rhyme features three naughty kittens that get into trouble when they lose their mittens. (Why kittens needed mittens wasn’t something I questioned, but I suppose I should have.) The kittens begin to cry, fearing their mother won’t let them have pie. But the kittens find their mittens which prompts mom to say, “Put on your mittens you silly kittens, and you shall have some pie.” “Meow, meow, meow…” they get to have some pie.

Figaro

This adorable tuxedo cat was created by The Walt Disney Company and made his debut in the 1940 animated film Pinocchio as Geppetto's pet. Figaro the Cat is the only character from a Disney feature to be spun off into his own series of theatrical shorts. He first appeared in All Together, a film promoting war bonds, and then in the 1943 cartoon Figaro & Cleo (Gepetto’s goldfish). Figaro the Cat was later tapped to be Minnie Mouse’s pet as well as an adversary for Mickey’s dog Pluto. Figaro was supposedly the inspiration behind a short-lived brand of cat food produced by Bumblebee Tuna, aptly named Figaro Cat.

Felix the Cat

Conceived by New Jersey cartoonist Otto Messmer, Felix the Cat made his debut in the 1919 film Feline Follies. The mischievous cat (I’m sensing a recurring theme here) rocketed to fame and was the most popular cartoon character until Mickey Mouse came along. It’s been said that in 1920, Felix the Cat was even more popular than Charlie Chaplin. Felix “starred” in 80 films, and soon after made his transition to print, specifically comic books and strips. Felix was syndicated in over 250 newspapers in many different languages, making him a household name. Felix’s fame led to him being chosen as Charles Lindbergh’s lucky mascot on his historic transatlantic flight. Felix’s appeal is still going strong today, and he’s loved by all ages.

Cats in Advertising

Cats have been featured in countless advertising campaigns for both print and broadcast media. Cats are often used to elicit feelings of warmth, softness, tenderness and happiness. Morris the Cat is, of course, the most famous advertising cat. I wrote about Morris in Famous Felines Worth Remembering, so I won’t repeat myself here.

There’s a trio of cute ad cats that made the news recently though – the Quiznos “Singimals.” In television commercials that began airing in July, two white kittens and an orange kitten sing the features of Quiznos new $5, $4 and $3 menu offerings. The commercial was created by marketing agency WONGWOODY, reportedly inspired by popular internet videos featuring pets. You can watch the commercial here. I found the Quiznos Singimals commercial to be quite funny, but some people think it’s irritating (and worse), so consider yourself forewarned.

Who are YOUR favorite fictional felines?

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Five Famous Dogs Who Touched Our Hearts

By Linda Cole

Every now and then, we run across amazing stories about dogs who did extraordinary things or had to overcome obstacles to complete their mission. Dogs who showed their loyalty to the owners they cherished and did what they had to do to be with them. Canines who stood out from the crowd because of who they were as dogs and because they taught us a little bit about life, love and devotion. These famous dogs touched our hearts, and their stories should be retold from time to time as a reminder of the bond between dogs and their owners.

Greyfriar's Bobby was a black Skye Terrier who was born in 1856 and lived in Scotland with his owner, John Gray. This famous dog was as devoted to his owner as any dog could be, and proved his loyalty in 1858 after John Gray passed away. Gray was buried in Edinburgh, Scotland in Greyfriar's Churchyard with few in attendance and no headstone. The groundskeeper at Greyfriar discovered Bobby sitting on his master's grave and drove him away, but the little dog kept returning. The groundskeeper finally gave up and provided shelter for Bobby next to Gray's grave. For fourteen years, Bobby guarded his master's grave only leaving for food. Each afternoon at one o'clock sharp, Bobby left the cemetery long enough to visit a nearby restaurant he and John Gray had frequented. People would wait at the entrance to the churchyard for Bobby to make his daily food run, and it's been said they could set their watch by him. Bobby died on January 14, 1872 and is buried just outside the churchyard only 75 feet from John Gray. A gravestone marks his resting place and on it is engraved, “Greyfriars Bobby-died 14th January 1872-aged 16 years-Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.”

Hachiko, an Akita born November 10, 1923, lived in Japan with his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in agriculture at the University of Tokyo. Every night, Hachiko would go to the nearby train station and wait for Ueno to return home. This famous dog knew exactly which train carried his master. One day, Ueno wasn't on the train; he had died at the university. Hachiko never gave up and returned each night to wait for his master's train for nine years, until his death on March 8, 1935. A former student of Professor Ueno heard of Hachiko's nightly vigil and became interested in the Akita breed. He discovered there were only 30 purebred Akitas in the entire country. His writings on Hachiko and the Akita dog breed spread across the country. The Akita became a national symbol of loyalty as the breed became more popular. Hachiko's loyalty was used as an example for children to follow, and his unmoving devotion inspired the people to strive for loyalty and devotion in their own families.

Bobbie the Wonder Dog was a Scotch Collie/English Shepherd mix. In 1923, Bobbie was with his family on vacation in Indiana when he got lost. Unfortunately, his home was in Silverton, Oregon. The family searched for Bobbie with no success and finally had to return home without him. Six months later, Bobbie was found sitting in front of his home, thin and with very sore paws. He had traveled 2,800 miles through the Midwest and plains states and crossed over mountains to reach his home during the peak of winter. He died in 1927 and was buried at Oregon's Humane Society's Pet Cemetery. Today, Bobbie is remembered in an annual children's pet parade in Silverton, as a reminder and tribute to all pets and the special connection we have with them and how much they enhance our lives.

Spike, a yellow Lab mix, is better known to us as Old Yeller. He's included in this group of famous dogs who touched our hearts because the story, which is based on a true story, taught us about loyalty, devotion and life. Old Yeller contracts rabies after being bitten by a rabid gray wolf and his fate is played out in a scene where a tearful Travis is faced with having to do what's most humane for his beloved pet.

Marley, the yellow Lab from the movie, “Marley and Me,” was born in 1991 and belonged to author John Grogan. Marley is described by Grogan as the world's worst dog, but you knew just how much he was loved by the entire Grogan family in spite of his misdeeds. He became a famous dog when Grogan started writing about life with Marley for his newspaper column. Marley's antics made us laugh and cry, and we could sympathize with the Grogan family as this mischievous pup kept them on their toes. Marley didn't take life too seriously and enjoyed every minute of it. He died in 2003.

Cats also have a special place in the hearts of those who love them. For the cat lovers who may have missed it, read Famous Felines Worth Remembering, a fun article about some extraordinary cats.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

The Algonquin Hotel Cat Makes Guests Feel Right at Home

By Julia Williams

When I’m traveling, the thing I miss most about “home” is spending time with my cats. If I’ve had a difficult day, nothing brings me back into balance quicker than a good petting session. When I need some affection, I have three felines who are happy to give it, provided they get some back. Needless to say, I get very homesick for my cats when I am away, and I’m sure many cat owners feel the same – which is why, if you ever find yourself in New York City, you simply must stay at the Algonquin Hotel!

This landmark hotel has many claims to fame, but is known the world over for their famous feline resident: a gorgeous Ragdoll cat named Matilda. This PURRsonable feline is always on hand to make sure that any hotel guest who needs some kitty love, shall have it. Now that’s what I call five-star hospitality!

The oldest operating hotel in New York City, the Algonquin has kept a “resident cat” since the 1930s. The story goes that one stormy night, a bedraggled cat wandered into the hotel seeking food and shelter. The hotel’s owner at the time, known to be a very gracious host, felt sorry for the cat and welcomed it into the hotel.

That first hotel cat was an orange tabby initially called Rusty. Hotel lore claims that actor John Barrymore, who was starring in Hamlet on Broadway, thought the cat needed a more theatrical name. Thus, the cat was rechristened Hamlet, and a tradition was born. Since then, all of the male Algonquin hotel cats are called Hamlet, and the females are named Matilda.

The current Matilda is the ninth Algonquin hotel cat. A former show cat, Matilda is the first purebred feline to reside at the hotel. She became their newest kitty concierge in 1997 at the tender age of two, and has endeared herself to the guests ever since. The Ragdoll is an American cat breed best known for its docile temperament and affectionate nature. These qualities make them a perfect hotel cat, and the ever-friendly Matilda does her breed proud.

Other than the kitchen and dining areas, Matilda has the run of the hotel and is frequently spotted snoozing at the front desk. However, her favorite place to hang out is her personal chaise lounge in the lobby, where she can oversee the comings and goings of the guests and get chin rubs from them.

Around check-in time, Matilda can be found by the luggage cart, where she likes to sniff all incoming baggage and greet the arriving guests. She has become quite popular over the years and receives mail weekly from all over the world. She even has her own email address, and has been the subject of countless stories. Once, when her cat collar was stolen, the tale of the “Algonquin Cat-Burglary” was the talk of the city.

Each year, the Algonquin Hotel throws Matilda a birthday bash as befits a New York celebrity. Perhaps the most memorable one, according to the hotel’s website, was her seventh birthday. With 150 of her closest friends in attendance, Matilda “jumped on her cake and ran out of the room, leaving a trail of paw prints.” Although she didn’t display much appreciation for her birthday party that year, the gatherings serve as a way for the hotel to raise a substantial sum for cat charities.

The Algonquin hotel cat has been memorialized in a children's book and a 24-karat gold pendant. The hotel’s bar even has a cocktail named after Matilda. Want to know more about this famous feline? You can watch a short video, Meet Matilda, the Algonquin Hotel Cat, on the Cat Channel website.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Famous Felines Worth Remembering

By Julia Williams

Humans and cats have had a relationship for a very long time. Although domestication of the cat is commonly thought to have occurred in Egypt about 4,000 years ago, archaeological evidence of a homo sapien/feline connection actually dates to around 8,000 years. According to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the bones of cats, mice and humans were found together on the island of Cyprus. Regardless, felines have been companions of the rich and poor, the famous and infamous. Out of curiosity, I did some research on famous felines. Here then, are a few worth remembering.

Orangey was a feline movie star whose most famous performance was that of ‘Cat’ in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This orange-and-black tabby got his first big break in Rhubarb, a 1951 movie about an eccentric millionaire who adopts a feisty feral cat. Orangey was rumored to be hard to work with, and so short-tempered that even his owner didn’t like him. However, Orangey did win two Patsy Awards (Picture Animal Top Star of the Year) for his catty performances, so perhaps his purr-sonality was not so unpleasant after all. Orangey also appeared with Jackie Gleason in Gigot (1962) and in the 1950s sitcom Our Miss Brooks.

Spot, another fine feline actor, rose to fame as a recurring character on the television series, Star Trek The Next Generation. Despite the name, Spot did not have any spots. Spot originally appeared as a male Somali cat, but later appeared as a female orange tabby. This led to speculation that Spot was actually a shape-shifter or victim of a transporter accident. Spot, however, has not commented publicly on either possibility. Spot did get to dine at the White House though, and his rabid fans sent him furry mice by the dozen.

Morris catapulted to fame as the finicky ‘spokescat’ for Purina 9 Lives. This 15-pound orange tabby lived up to his nickname ‘Lucky’ when he was rescued from an Illinois shelter by professional animal trainer, Bob Martwick. Morris made 58 TV commercials for 9 Lives from 1969 until his death in 1978. Morris would snippily turn up his nose at any cat food offered to him, except 9 Lives of course. Morris also starred in 1973's Shamus, which led Time Magazine to dub him the ‘Feline Burt Reynolds.’ Morris was named Animal Star of the Year three times by US Magazine, and his ad agency (the Leo Burnett company) staged mock campaigns running him for President in 1988 and 1992 on the Finicky Party Platform. Whew—that Morris was one busy cat!

Former ‘First Cat’ Socks was a black-and-white stray who was adopted in 1991 by Chelsea Clinton. In 1993 Socks moved to the White House with the Clinton family, where he spent eight years prowling the presidential halls and being photographed with visiting heads of state. Socks also appeared on an episode of the popular sitcom Murphy Brown, and inspired two books. When President Clinton left Washington in 2001, Socks went to live with his personal secretary Betty Currie in Maryland, at her request. Socks passed away in February at the age of 20 after battling throat cancer. "Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere," the Clintons said in a statement.

Baker and Taylor were famous ‘library cats’ that were the pride of their Minden, Nevada library. People came from far and away to see this popular pair of Scottish Fold cats, who were immortalized on posters, tote bags and other merchandise. They even had their own fan club. When patrons asked if they could check out the cats, the librarian reportedly quipped that they were “for reference only.” Another famous library cat was Dewey Readmore Books, a handsome marmalade tabby who resided at the public library in Spencer, Iowa for 19 years, until his death in 2006. This wee scruffy kitten was found in the book return chute, cold and barely alive yet purring up a storm. Dewey’s story inspired a best-selling book, and a film is sure to follow.

Precious, a white Himalayan-Persian cat, lived on Liberty Street about a block away from the World Trade Center in New York. Her owners were away when the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred. When they returned, they weren’t allowed to enter their badly damaged building. Eighteen days later, animal rescuers heard meowing, and found a shivering, scared Precious on the roof of the 12-story building. Precious was dehydrated and her eyes were injured, but was otherwise in good shape for a cat who’d survived that long without food or water.

Scarlett was perhaps the most famous feline of all, which is why I’ve saved her for last. I’m sure you will remember the touching true story of how this heroic mother cat rescued her five kittens one by one from a burning Brooklyn building, badly scorching herself in the process. It was April of 1996 when firefighters witnessed Scarlett’s courage and amazing act of motherly love as, again and again, she went into the blazing building to get her 4-week old kittens. One kitten did not survive, but the remaining four, as well as Scarlett herself, recuperated and were adopted by loving families. Scarlett died in 2008, but not before her bravery was immortalized in a wonderful and inspiring book titled Scarlett Saves Her Family. I have just one word to say to anyone who believes that animals do not have souls: Scarlett.

Read more articles by Julia Williams