Sandra Larson’s Blog

Natalia is my dear friend and colleague. She is the producer of our animal communication radio show, Talk to the Animals for almost 1.5 years now. She really cares about animals and produces an array of animal (and other spiritually-minded radio shows including our other life coaching radio show, Following your Inner Compass).

She is passionate about helping animals and creating awareness of their needs. With her grace and skill, she makes everything she does look easy. She helps the rest of us who co-host her radio shows and are more ‘technologically challenged’ look and sound very good indeed. Recently she relocated from Texas to California. We miss her here, but she is already a journalist for The Bakersfield Pets Examiner. http://www.examiner.com/x-49159-Bakersfield-Pets-Examiner?showbio

Here’s a little more about her. Natalia Corres is a technologist, artist, and lifetime pet owner. She currently has a 14-year-old corgi-chihuahua mix named “Booboo”. Learning more about companion animals and how to improve their quality of life has lead to her producing and hosting internet radio shows on a variety of topics related to Pets and sharing what she learns on her site http://www.whole-earth-pets.com. She can be reached at ncorres@gmail.com.

Dear Readers,

One of my greatest intentions with this newsletter has always been to give you the opportunity to share your stories with each other about the animals you love. I hope this newsletter has created a loving animal community. From time to time, I include stories about people who are making a difference in the lives of animals. Often these dedicated people give of themselves and their resources to help animals live a better quality of life.

This is one reason I have decided to include a DONATE button in my newsletter and on my website. If you would like to make a donation to any of these individuals, you may now use the Donation Key. You can indicate which organization you’d like to give to and I will do my best to send the net (after Pay Pal fees) funds to that organization.

If you enjoy receiving this newsletter, please feel free to send it to your family and friends who also care about animals. One of my father’s favorite sayings used to be, “Together we make it!” And we are learning about loving and supporting each other. So, if you would like to see this newsletter grow and go out to many more people, you may also use the DONATE Button to help me with the technical and administrative costs. (No donation is too big or small.) There is so much more I’d like to do to help animals. Please hold this request lightly for it is intended as a get to, not a got to!

I’ve received referrals from many of you. For this I bless you and give you my appreciation! Thank you for holding this work in your thoughts.

With your support, I will continue living my passion of loving and caring for the animals!

Blessings,
Sandra

Tawana has rescued over 400 animals. Her latest this month was a dog with a seven pound tow truck chain around her neck and another one with the same kind of chain around his neck. Her life is dedicated to rescuing homeless animals. She is the President and founder for Society for Companion Animals which is a non-profit organization that transports dogs and cats to places from which they can get them adopted.

She has written two books about her rescue work. They are The Dog Rescuer and Loving Rescue Dogs. The books will be on sale starting May 1st. You may call to order the books at 214-941-1014. A website is in the works at www.theanimalrescuer.com. She has produced three films on animals and is working on two others which are all about how to help dogs and cats.

By: Fran

Hi Sandra,

Well, I have another little story for you, out of the blue! Yesterday at 3 pm someone rang my doorbell and here is a lady standing there holding a large red-eared turtle asking “Is he yours? He was in the street.”

Now, we don’t live anywhere near the creek, so I have no idea how this little guy came to be walking across my street, but he did arrive at the right house to find a new home. Our church is located on a beautiful creek with a large turtle population and we knew that was the perfect place for him, so we told her we had a home in mind and we’d take him.

He spent the night at our house, Jeff sat him down on the floor, and everyone of course had to meet the visitor! I had to laugh to see them laying down in front of him with expressions of friendly interest on their faces and each one spending some time with him. I am really VERY proud of our Miss Tippy! She surpassed even her usual last night. As I was going to bed I told the crew that I was turning in and please take care of our little guest for the night. She jumped right into that laundry basket and gathered him in for a nice cuddle! I guess even people with hard shells need a cuddle now and then. She took good care of him, and he was even so relaxed this morning that he was sticking his head out and looking around. I guess the guys just made him feel very much at home in our house.

This morning we took him down to the edge of the creek and watched him jump in and swim away, so he’s happily ensconced in his new environment with lots of new friends to meet. And we are happy that this turtle story has a happy ending!

You know, I’ve had lots of critters show up at my door, but this was the first turtle! (My second turtle rescue, but the other was on Northwest Highway!).

Thought you’d get a kick out of that as much as we did!

Hugs from us to you!

Fran

By: Deirdre Jack

I will be speaking at the Bull Dog Meeting on Sunday June 27, 2010 at 1:00 PM in the Senter East Building at 228 Chamberlain, Irving, TX. Deirdre Jack sent this story to me about her friend Paige who is also a fellow Bull Dog Rescuer. Please read Paige’s courageous story of how she and her husband never gave up when so many others would have done so!

Thanks!
Deirdre Jack

Please help us help the Bullies
Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue is dedicated to helping Bulldogs in need, but we need your involvement to continue our life-saving work. To learn more, visit Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue and to raise awareness for the cause, please join our group on Facebook.

How did Bulldog rescue become my life? It started six years ago, when my husband Michael decided we needed a new family member ~ a four-legged member. Michael had had many Bulldogs throughout his life, so it was only natural that we look for one.

Soon after I began my search, I stumbled across Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue and I thought, “What a wonderful way to help a non-profit organization.”

We filled out our adoption paperwork, had our home visit conducted and then waited on pins and needles to hear if we were approved. When the approving call came, we were elated about what the future held for us and our new Bully.

When we went for our first “meet and greet” with our Aussie and Barrett the Bully, we were incredibly nervous, but the Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue volunteer made us feel at ease. After the dogs played, we took Barrett back to the vet’s office and the volunteer brought out another rescue, “Hobo,” to exercise.

The volunteer explained how Hobo didn’t have a foster home and that he was going to have to stay at the vet’s office until one became available. That was just heartbreaking to us, so we asked if we could become Hobo’s foster parents. We loaded the huge dog in our small car, fell in love and never looked back. Hobo is now a permanent part of our family and has welcomed many other fosters into the house.

Over the years, we realized that opening our home to Bullies in need, whether for a few days or a few months, is something that was “meant to be.” Now, don’t get me wrong ~ it has been a learning process with so many different Bully personalities entering the house. We have had our ups and downs (including a few trips to the emergency pet hospital), but it is all worth it when you get to place them in their forever homes.

In the fall of 2006, we took in a foster named Jake and we looked forward to the day when he, too, could be adopted by a loving, “fur-ever” family. But Jake was not like our typical foster dogs.

Jake came into Lone Star Bulldog Rescue when he was just about a year old, which is unusually young for a rescue. He was as cute as can be, full of energy and playful with our other dogs. He had been surrendered to a shelter in Grand Prairie, Texas, by his owner and, thankfully, the shelter called our group.

Jake then went to a vet’s office where he spent several weeks, undergoing tests because of his frequent vomiting. All Jake’s tests came back normal, so the vet could only suggest that Jake was a fast eater and he was making himself sick.

Once in our home, it was obvious that something more serious was affecting Jake. We tried feeding him many different foods, but he continued to vomit. He had lost 12 pounds in just a month’s time. He went from being a happy boy, full of energy, to a very sick little puppy. We decided to take him to a specialist in Dallas to have further testing. After having an X-ray of his esophagus and a scope of his stomach, we learned his diagnosis. Jake had mega esophagus.
Mega esophagus is a horrible disease that has no cure. It means Jake has a large pouch in his throat, so when he eats, his food cannot go down into his stomach and he cannot get the nutrients he needs. The vet explained that Jake had had this diagnosis since birth, but because nothing was done to help him, the situation got worse and the pouch grew bigger by the day.

We began researching and reading everything we could about mega esophagus, but most of what we read sounded very dismal. No cure. No surgery. No hope.

But Michael and I refused to give up on sweet little Jake. We were determined to find the hope we needed and it soon came ~ in the form of a Yahoo message board. This particular board was dedicated to loving people who have dogs with mega esophagus. It gave people like me the opportunity to talk about the dogs we adore and the ways we could help them survive.

The first thing we learned was to hold Jake in an upright position after he ate. He would be held for 30 minutes after each of his three daily meals. Michael and I both work long hours, so taking care of Jake became a challenge, but we were determined. We would take turns getting up early to hold him after he ate breakfast and then we would make sure we got home early so he could eat twice before we went to bed.

We also learned to keep Jake elevated when he slept, so he would sleep next to me on a pillow. I would wake up multiple times throughout the night just to make sure Jake was still propped up correctly. If not, he would wake up choking and coughing.

Jake was also on 5 different medications, which had to be mixed at the pharmacy, to help the food go down quicker. Yet, as it turned out, the medicines were making him sick as well.

It was so difficult for us to watch Jake continue to be sick. He was still losing weight and we were at a loss of what to do. He couldn’t eat solid food, so I was putting his food in a blender and feeding him with a syringe.

He had 3 episodes of aspiration pneumonia. Each time, he would come home from the vet with an IV and we would use that to administer his medications. I would talk to the specialist almost daily trying to come up with new ideas. The Yahoo board was very informative and the members on the board helped me with any questions I had. They also told us not to give up hope.

We even found Jake a possible adoptive home in Memphis and made the seven hour trek to drop him off there They were a wonderful family, but after just two days, they realized how much time Jake took and called us to collect him. I think my husband and I were relieved. Secretly, we both knew he would come back to us.

After Jake’s last battle of pneumonia, his weight was down to 24 pounds and we took one last trip to the specialist. She said unless we found a food that he could keep down, there was nothing more to do for him and that we would have to talk about putting him down.

I left feeling defeated, but I made one last trip to the pet store for a new food. I picked up a vegetarian food and decided to give Jake one last chance. I then decided to take him off all of his medications, hoping that that would help his nausea.

I put the new vegetarian food in an elevated bowl and just let Jake go to town. I then put him in his upright chair (specially made by a volunteer) or on my shoulder to help the food fall down to his stomach and something just clicked.

Jake was able to keep his food down, only throwing up occasionally. He started putting on weight and became more energetic, running around and playing with our other dogs, including big ol’ Hobo. We figured out that Jake was allergic to all meat and wheat products. It started when he was born and, because he was never able to keep his food down, it just kept getting worse.

After a year of this routine, we went back to for a checkup at the vet’s office. The doctor had a shocked look on her face after reviewing Jake’s X-ray. His esophagus is almost normal and his stomach was half the size it was. She said that she truly thought she would never see him again and it was just amazing to see his improvement.

With huge amounts of sleep loss, but with overwhelming abundances of love and patience, we signed adoption papers for Jake and he is now ours forever.

Jake is now a healthy dog that lives with controlled mega esophagus and weighs more than 40 pounds. He still sleeps on my shoulder on the couch, but not because he needs to digest upright… He’s just spoiled rotten and deserves it. He even went on a Colorado vacation with his Bully sister Abby and enjoyed every bit of it.

By: Patrice Daley

Hi Sandra,

Patrice

Patrice Daley
Foster Care Coordinator
Texas Ferret Lovers Rescue

I will never bring about world peace. I will not save the rain forest.

I’m not a brain surgeon and I’ll never transplant an organ to save a life.

I don’t have the ear of a powerful politician or world power.

I can’t end world hunger.

I’m not a celebrity, and God knows I’m not glamorous!

I’m not looked up to by millions around the world. Very few people even recognize my name.

I’ll never win the Nobel Prize.

I’ll never save the rain forest or end global warming.

There are a lot of things that I’ll never do or become.

It was a small, scared, bundle of flesh and bones that was dropped off in a shelter by unfeeling people that didn’t care what happened to it, but yet who were responsible for it even having existence in the first place.

I found it a home.

It now has contentment and an abundance of love. A warm place to sleep and plenty to eat. A child has a warm fuzzy new friend who will give them unquestioning devotion and teach them about responsibility and love.

A wife and mother has a new spirit to nurture and care for. A husband and a father has a companion to sit at his feet at the end of a hard day of work and help him relax and enjoy life. And a sense of security, that when he is gone all day at work, that there is a protector and a guardian in his home to keep watch over his family.

No, I’m not a rocket scientist but today I saved one of God’s precious creatures. Today, I made a difference!

I Am An Animal Rescuer

My job is to assist God’s creatures

I was born with the need to fulfill their needs

I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection

I have bought animal food with my last dime

I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand

I have hugged someone vicious and afraid

I have fallen in love a thousand times

and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body

I have Animal Friends and friends who have Animal Friends

I don’t often use the word “pet”

I notice those lost at the road side

And my heart aches

I will hand raise a field mouse

And make friends with a vulture

I know of no creature unworthy of my time

I want to live forever if there aren’t animals in Heaven

But I believe there are!

Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind?

We may be master of the animals,

But the animals have mastered themselves

Something people still haven’t learned

War and abuse make me hurt for the world

But a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for humankind

We are a quiet but determined army

And making a difference every day

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan

Nothing more rewarding than saving a life

No higher recognition than watching them thrive

There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play

who only days ago, was too weak to eat

I am an Animal Rescuer

My work is never done

My home is never quiet

My wallet is always empty

But my heart is always full

In the game of life, I have already won!

By: Vicky

We couldn’t talk about adoptive and foster animal Moms without talking about Vicky Keahey who started and operates the In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Educational Center. She allowed me and two of my friends to visit with her beautiful Big Cats. She gives of herself endlessly to these wonderful animals that so desperately need a safe home. At the end of this article, you’ll find information about a special event at In-Sync! If you can’t attend, please donate to assist her with the care of these animals. Sandra

It all began with a Woman’s love and dedication for Exotic Cats.

In the beginning, before there was an In-Sync Exotics, there was Vicky Keahey, a hard-working veterinary technician. She spent her days caring for, comforting and playing with the array of animals who visited the clinic where she worked. Then on one fateful day in 1991, a female cougar was brought into the clinic for treatment. The cougar, named Tahoe, accepted her vet’s help graciously. But when it was time for Tahoe to return home, she was kept waiting and waiting until, finally, it became apparent that she had been abandoned. By this time, Vicky had grown attached to the 18-month-old cougar. Since the young cougar now needed a new home, Vicky happily obliged. So with Tahoe, Vicky got her first experience in rescuing and caring for an exotic cat.

Because exotic cats aren’t like average house cats, Vicky had a lot to learn about the specific needs of cougars. Vicky turned to her vet and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for help. Over time, Vicky and Tahoe built a bond of love and trust and learned to respect each other. Vicky had also earned the respect of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In 1994, an officer brought Vicky a second cougar in need of help. Vicky accepted the ailing male cougar, whom she named Ranger, and nursed him back to health. Tahoe also accepted the presence of Ranger, and the two soon became inseparable. Vicky was now the happy and well-entertained owner of two beautiful cougars. She learned more with each passing day about their personalities, likes and dislikes, and she spoiled them terribly with her love and attention. She also learned that private ownership of two large cats is an enormous responsibility. The cats required very expensive food, shelter and medical care and tremendous time commitments. Though Vicky was content with her two exotic charges, once again fate intervened.

Vicky and Kenya

In June of 1998, Vicky met a 3-week-old female Bengal tiger that was badly maimed and inexcusably neglected, and her heartstrings were tugged to her very soul.

The tiger’s breeders were considering their options. They couldn’t sell this tiger cub because she was in such bad shape, and they didn’t want to care for the cub because she needed too much care. The tiger’s life was clearly in danger. Vicky frantically searched for a way to rescue this cub knowing that if she took her in, it would be an even greater responsibility and time commitment than she already faced with the two cougars. Finding another home proved an almost impossible task, though. As the cub’s life became more eminently endangered, Vicky decided to rescue the cub herself. She named the little girl Kenya and lovingly nurtured and healed her wounds. Vicky’s experiences with Kenya and the bond the two shared led Vicky to the idea of establishing a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for rescued exotic felines and sharing her experiences with others. Believing that one person on a mission can make a difference and help better our world, Vicky researched how to establish a non-profit organization for her feline friends. She completed endless stacks of paperwork and obtained all related licensures. And thus, In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Educational Center was born.

http://www.insyncexotics.com/index.php

Big Cats Helping Little Cats

Join us for our second annual Big Cats Helping Little Cats day this Saturday, 5/22! From 11am-2pm, New Beginnings Cat Rescue will be in our Visitor Center, with some adorable, adoptable domestic cats who need to find their forever homes! Come visit the big cats, and you just might also find your new best friend to take home!

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Educational Center
USDA License #74-C00431
501(c)(3), a publicly supported foundation dedicated to the rescue of neglected, abused and unwanted exotic felines.
Lake Lavon: http://www.insyncexotics.com/directions.php

Public Tours

Join us on the weekends for a self-guided tour of our facility. The stories of each cat are posted on the cages, and information about each species is placed near the enclosures so that you can learn about the animals that call In-Sync home. Also, any of our helpful volunteers are available to answer any of your questions. For further Information please see http://www.insyncexotics.com/rules.php

Rates and Hours
Saturday & Sunday
11am - 6pm
$10/Adult (13-64)
$7/Child (4-12)
$7/Senior (65+)
Under 4-Free
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards
*Admission rates are a requested donation and are tax deductible. All money goes towards the cats’ care.

Today, on my walk with Casey and Buddy we were greeted by a beautiful butterfly that seemed to dance and lead us along the path. The very sight of the butterfly lifted my spirits. And, just as suddenly as he appeared, he disappeared into the tall trees.

As we continued on our way I noticed on the right side of the pathway, a medium sized turtle. Of course, I immediately tightened up the leashes on my two dogs. I’m not an expert on turtles, but this one had a lot of red on her head. As we stood and watched her, she exhibited a strange turtle behavior. Usually, when turtles feel threatened, they withdraw their feet and head into their shell. But this one stood firmly with all four feet on the ground, her head out of her shell staring intently up at me.

I greeted her and thanked her for her bravery while holding my dogs at bay. Then, I said goodbye and we continued on our way. Somehow, I felt this turtle had a message for me, so after walking to the end of the pathway, I decided to circle back to have a visit with my new turtle friend.

Here’s what she had to say to me:

You seem surprised that I would remain visible keeping my neck and feet out in front of you. But you are holding your dogs back to assist me in staying safe and protected. When you stick your neck out, choosing to be visible rather than invisible, you receive the same help and assistance from the Universe. I know lately you’ve been feeling a little discouraged. You’ve wanted to pull your head in too. But, staying in your shell won’t get you where you want to go. In order to move, you have to stick your neck out and move your feet even when it takes all the courage you have within you! This Universal Energy has many names and it’s alright for you to call It, whatever you’d like: God, Goddess, Nature, Mother Earth, etc. Just know you are loved, protected and supported by this Universal Energy. By sticking my neck out, I might be doing what seems to be reckless and even unnatural. But consider this: because I was willing to risk being visible to you, we were able to come from our different worlds and connect in this lovely way.

By the way, your Dad sent me to you!

I thanked the turtle for her immense bravery in delivering this message to me.

It appears my Dad, who made his transition in 2003 and who I’ve always recognized as my first animal communication teacher, has been very busy lately working to bring messages to me. (About a week ago, he came to me in a dream where we were laughing and having a great time. During the dream I asked him, “Dad, are you dead?” He answered, “Do I look dead? Come on, I’m right here with you!”) Just this week I received another message sent by my Dad to my friend Annette:

Hey Sandra,

Blessings,
Annette

*This sounds a little bit like the same message the turtle had for me! So, leave it to my Dad, Fred Larson to find multiple ways to show up in my life. Those that love us and yet leave us in the body can still talk with us in many ways. They encourage and truly love us unconditionally as spirit if we are only willing to open up and listen to all of the life around us. ‘What’s that? Is that the wind or is that you again Dad?’ I say as I smile . . . . . .

Sandra Larson, Animal Communicator

By: Karen

Recently, I had a session with Karen and using pictures, we talked with her snakes and her Gecko. (Her comments about the session are below.) However, I’d like to tell you what happened recently. Karen and her son Logan actually brought one of their snakes Slytherin, to our Animal Communication Gallery. They brought him in a carrier. During the session, they took him out and allowed us to hold him.

I also want to give a shout out to Karen, Logan’s Mom. She didn’t have experience with snakes before she married her husband, but she moved through her fear to learn to really love and appreciate them. In this way, she was able to support her son and husband in their passion for these animals, too. You should see her! She really ‘glows’ when she talks about the snakes that grace her life! (I haven’t met her husband, but he’s amazing too. He rescues snakes that most people would kill on site!) This is a really good family! I am so honored to know them!

Hi Sandra,

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how much I appreciate what you did for me the other day. It seems that since then, our “shy” snake Salazar, has been coming out of his cave more often, and when he does, he even seems so much more relaxed! He actually lies outside of his cave (inside the aquarium), and is not as jittery and nervous as he used to be. He actually looks as if he wants to come out, he slides up the front glass. So we have been talking to him more and taking him out more often. I am not sure if this is because of you helping us communicate or not. Have you seen anything like this before?

Also, I spoke with my husband and son about bringing our other snake Slytherin to the Meetup on Thursday. They both think it’s a great idea, and in looking at the calendar, I think May 13th will be the first date we can make it. Let me know if this works for you. We’ll see how that one goes, and then you can advise us if you want us to bring him again. We understand if you don’t want him every week or not. We’ll follow your recommendation.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks, again!
Karen

Dear Karen,

P.S. I really do think it will be fine as long as you have them in carriers for the session. We will ‘hold’ that everyone who needs their gifts will be present at the meet up. I’m very excited about this, especially if your husband and son can help us all understand and love these beautiful but often misunderstood animals.

Recently, I was resting on the rocky cliffs near the ocean, mindlessly watching the waves lap softly along the sandy shore, when I noticed a brilliant light hovering low over the water. The distant light soon began to glide gently over the water’s surface, rapidly moving in my direction. The blinding light was now just beneath me. It brilliantly filled the evening sky. I stood curious, too paralyzed to move, as the glowing light transformed into what appeared to be some form of alien spacecraft.

A large opening became visible on the craft. From inside, two very tall beings appeared. To my total amazement, they initiated a non-verbal, telepathic conversation with me. “We come from another time and place very far from here. We have been sent to learn what your species would call the ‘Ideal Woman’. We have diligently searched your entire planet but alas, in vain. As our last hope, we have come to you.” Their expressions seemed quite desperate.

I felt confused, frustrated and unable to help. But then without cognitive thought, a clear, concise image appeared to me and I found myself uttering the following words:

The one you seek, she is a paradox
She is pure, naïve, youthful and childlike yet, from within her being
There is an ageless wisdom and understanding
She listens much more than she speaks, but when she speaks,
We feel compelled to listen
She could rule the world with the power that is within her
Yet, she would rather encourage us
To learn of our own power that we may grow in strength and talents
She softly and gently offers wise suggestions, which when heeded,
Guide us through life’s difficult choices
Because she knows our stubborn and rebellious attitudes,
She never makes demands.
She allows and allows and allows
And we learn, we grow and we become
Yes, she is beautiful to look upon, but even more beautiful is her inner essence
The strangest of all, is this woman would not recognize this description of herself
Although, all who know her know this to be true

The strangers’ eyes were filled with astonishment as they questioned, Is it possible one so good yet lives? My emphatic reply was yes, it is! She lives! She is my

Mother!

(Written by Sandra Larson for her Mother LaVerne Larson on January 7, 1988)