MSI Press Blog

  This is the seventh of a series of Caturday posts about cats trapped in war zones. Cats are not political (nor are dogs or any other animal for that matter--nor, generally, the people caring for them, nor this post). In peace and where people watch out for them, cats enjoy being loved and learn to return love. Yet, cats (and other animals) do get find themselves struggling in war zones. They, just like people who have done nothing to bring harm to anyone else but just happen to live there, suffer the consequences of evil descending unexpectedly from sources external to them. Like people, cats and other animals suffer when they are homeless and without food or winter. And they are often completely forgotten when war (or natural disaster, for that matter -- they drown in floods and burn in fires) breaks out. Like people, they have to dodge bullets, bombs, and other dangers. Unlike people, they are often not calculated into humanitarian outreach efforts. (Ditto for dogs and other animal

  And now, the third post in the series of Caturday posts about cats trapped in war zones. Cats are not political (nor are dogs or any other animal for that matter--nor, generally, the people caring for them, nor this post). In peace and where people watch out for them, cats enjoy being loved and learn to return love. Yet, cats (and other animals) do get find themselves struggling in war zones. They, just like people who have done nothing to bring harm to anyone else but just happen to live there, suffer the consequences of evil descending unexpectedly from sources external to them. Like people, cats and other animals suffer when they are homeless and without food or winter. And they are often completely forgotten when war (or natural disaster, for that matter -- they drown in floods and burn in fires) breaks out. Like people, they have to dodge bullets, bombs, and other dangers. Unlike people, they are often not calculated into humanitarian outreach efforts Sulala Animal Rescue , loca

  photo from Animal Friends Shelter This is the first of a series of Caturday posts about cats trapped in war zones. Cats are not political (nor are dogs or any other animal for that matter--nor, generally, the people caring for them, nor this post). In peace and where people watch out for them, cats enjoy being loved and learn to return love. Yet, cats (and other animals) do get find themselves struggling in war zones. They, just like people who have done nothing to bring harm to anyone else but just happen to live there, suffer the consequences of evil descending unexpectedly from sources external to them. Like people, cats and other animals suffer when they are homeless and without food or winter. And they are often completely forgotten when war (or natural disaster, for that matter -- they drown in floods and burn in fires) breaks out. Like people, they have to dodge bullets, bombs, and other dangers. Unlike people, they are often not calculated into humanitarian outreach efforts I

  This resource fell under my hand recently. I am passing it along in case it could help others.  Happy Caturday! Search for free or low cost pet support services like veterinary care, pet food pantries, temporary pet care and more. ZIP  Search If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the  Suicide and Crisis Lifeline , chat with them online via their website, or text HOME to 741741 (multiple languages available). If this is an emergency, call 911. This curated database of resources is provided by Human Animal Support Services and its partners to keep people and pets together. For more Caturday posts, click HERE . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC? Check out information on  how to submit a proposal . Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book  in exchange for  reviewing  a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact

  This is just a plea, on Caturday, for pet owners who are in smoky areas caused by the recent Canadian firestorms to remember that pets, too, need protection from smoke. So, keep them inside and breathing easy with the air that you have managed to arrange for yourself to breathe safely. Here is a fact sheet that explains the effects of smoky air on your cats and dogs. It only takes a minute or two to read. Check it out HERE . See more Caturday posts   HERE . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC? Check out information on  how to submit a proposal . Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book  in exchange for  reviewing  a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact editor@msipress.com. Want an  author-signed copy  of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.co

  (ohoto of "Crmiean Tom") Natalia Popova, 50, continues to travel into war zones where she has already located and rescued hundreds of animals, before she rehabilitates them and finds them a permanent home  elsewhere in Europe. "No one wants to go there. Everyone is afraid. I am also scared, but I go anyway," Popova said. "I feel very sorry for them. I can imagine the stress animals are under because of the war, and no one can help them." "They are my life," she added "My mission in this war is to save wild animals." Read and hear the fuller story HERE .                                         Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter                           Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .

  Network for Animals has reported that three team members rescuing starving and abandoned animals in Ukraine have been captured by Russian. Their whereabouts at present are unknown. Here is the story: (76) Three team members helping animals in Ukraine have been CAPTURED BY THE RUSSIANS! - YouTube If you can help -- and really, right now, the only way to help is financially -- please do so.                                  Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter                           Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .

  Those who rescue street animals and pets in Ukraine abandoned by killed and fleeing owners (though many fleeing owners successfully take their pets with them, not all are able to do that) need prayers -- and donations. They take risks every day -- not only from bombs but also from possible capture by invading Russian troops. However, there ARE some happy endings. Here is one of them . If you are like me, there is little you can do from afar -- but donations CAN help fund the work of those who are near. Please consider even a dollar or two if you can. Network for Animals is one of the few organizations that is able to take funds directly from non-Ukraine sources. And yes, I know it is Caturday, and this is about a dog -- but they rescue cats, too!                                  Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter                           Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .  

  Today's daily excerpt comes from 100 Tips and Tools for Managing Chronic Illness by Joanna Charnas.  11.  A SLICE OF CANINE HEAVEN             When Emme died, I struggled to find the right words of condolence for her owner, my colleague Matt. I finally told him that rarely are my expectations of great things completely fulfilled, but my day with Emme exceeded my hopes and was a joy. Emme was a 170-pound Great Dane who spent one hot summer day, per Matt, “babysitting” me when I was homebound with a sinus infection. I’d been sick in June with a similar illness, and when I returned to work, Matt offered to bring Emme to my home the next time I felt ill. He knew I loved Great Danes but couldn’t own one because of my chronic illness. So, during my second week-long bout that summer with sinus issues, I gave Matt a call. At six-thirty the next day, he arrived with Emme and the largest dog bed I’d ever seen.  After an hour of anxiously checking my front door, Emme settled in. She was th

  According to the Network for Animals, Polish authorities are not accepting rescued animals into Poland. However, rescue workers are able to get food and water to them in many cases -- and they continue to need donations. HERE is a link to the the NFA for more details. Read more Caturday posts HERE . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter.

  We received this note from Network for Animals (NFA), which is doing great work worldwide, and, now especially, in Ukraine to help abandoned, sick, and desperate animals. Perhaps there are others out there, who read Caturday posts, who would like to join us either in donating or in following the suggestions in this note from NFA. While it’s fact that making a difference and saving animals costs money and lots of it,  we are  NOT  writing today to ask for a donation .   The Ukraine conflict is one of the worst crises we have seen since World War II. As people fled the embattled country, many animals were left abandoned, terrified, injured and starving on war-torn streets. These are the smallest, voiceless victims of war, and it’s critical that we stand together as animal lovers and unite to provide as much help to these poor, innocent animals as possible. Today we are not asking for a donation, but for your help with another vital component of our work; it's called Facebook Fundra

With the current freezing conditions and the increased bombing, the situation in Ukraine is becoming more dire, but the  Network for Animals  continues to feed abandoned animals, support shelters, and help the injured. It must be heartbreaking and gut-wrenching to have to leave a pet behind; knowing that care is being given by NFA has to be just a little reassuring. But NFA cannot take care of all those wonderful critters without help, especially monetary assistance. At its website, click on the video icon to listen to the director's appeal and get an auditory and visual update on what is happening, what help is being given, and what help is needed. There continues to be grave concern that at some point the supply chain will be cut off, so a major effort is being made to gather in as many supplies as possible now. Even just a few dollars can help. All too often, when humanitarian aid is gathered for people, the animals are forgotten. Both people and animals need help. Please consid

  Network for Animal s in Ukraine are begging for donations while there is still time. They need to stockpile food while they still can, as well as medical supplies. Well, here is one of their notes: We are finding ways to channel food to countless abandoned animals who face  death by bomb blasts, airstrikes and enemy fire . Two days ago, we managed to get roughly 1.3 tons (1,300 kilograms) of food to hungry tummies, as well as provide medical supplies. Yesterday, we delivered another two tons (2,000 kilograms) of food, and today we hope to do even better. The Russians are closing in and supply lines are closing. The animals need your help NOW! We don’t know how much longer we can maintain our supply routes as the Russians close in. This makes what I am about to say even more URGENT:  Please, donate right now  to Network for Animals, while there is still a chance to rush emergency aid and food to desperate animals.  We are their only hope. They are feeding about 2 tons of food a day. A

  When my beloved Murjan was dying from cancer , I was desperate for information, but my husband was dying from cancer at the same time, which gave me very little time for seeking out answers. Murjan was almost 19 years old and had been on chemotherapy for three years. His vet did not know how to help him further, but she apparently did not want to admit that -- and subconsciously I did not want to admit that she did not know what to do and had essentially given up on him. I was unable to get timely appointments, or any appointments at all, even in the emergency room. We do not have any vets in town. I have to travel no matter what. Murjan's vet was located an hour north of us. To get help, I contacted other vets. A vet to the west of us recommended hydration, and so we stated hydrating Murjan every other day. His vet to the north allowed as to how that might help. But Murjan kept losing weight. He was down to 5 pounds (from 16 pounds) when he died.  Finally, a vet to the south of

  Confidence Dogs will perform silly little tricks to earn affection from their masters. Cats will never stoop to that level. So, while my childhood cocker spaniel would happily present his paw for me, Shelly would roll her eyes at what an idiot I was for even asking for it. We're not all born with an innate sense of confidence and self-worth. So, think like a cat, and don't do things that are beneath you. You're better than that. Just because someone tells you to dance doesn't mean you should bust out the Macarena.   There's no reason to kiss up to your boss, praising his genius for every pointless idea he suggests. Unless you're a ninja at brown-nosing, it'll be obvious what you're doing. It won't make you look good, either. You'll just seem like someone who lacks the confidence to say what he really believes. Think in the same terms for your relationships. If your girlfriend blames you for something that went wrong, that doesn't me

  The award-winning book, Travels with Elly (Larry MacDonald), everyone assumes is about a dog. It is, indeed, about a dog. BUT a cat, Buster, comes along on the trip and is part of the story and fun, too. See this paragraph from the introduction to the book: Buster is a Rag Doll breed of cat whose defining characteristic is going limp when he’s picked up. Having grown up with Elly, the slightly older Buster established himself early on as Alpha and maintained that relationship by a swat or nip on Elly’s hindquarters when he decided a playful interlude was over. While Elly was always a great traveler, Buster had some issues, even before our trip began. He occasionally upchucked if a road became too twisty or bumpy for more than 10 or 15 minutes. Buster’s problem behavior stopped suddenly and permanently during our trip, much to our delight. When appropriate, I’ll offer my opinion as to why. Ah, well, at this point, if Buster has caught your fancy, check out the e-book and search f