Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul

by Jack Canfield

  There was one more thing I was certain of—Taco had heard about Annie somewhere. Birds do not make things up. Somehow Annie’s plight had stuck in his memory. It was time to accept the fact that I might never find out who Annie was or what had happened to her.

  Two months passed. Taco continued gaining weight and was becoming more and more affectionate. He feathered out to a brilliant green and his eyes were clear. His back was completely healed. And he continued talking about Annie. He talked about Annie from morning to evening. We didn’t get goose bumps anymore. We just accepted what had happened to poor Annie.

  One evening, it was my turn to host our bird club meeting. The coffee and cookies were set out as everyone arrived. We gathered in the living room, which is next to our bird room, to discuss the fund-raiser that was coming up.

  Suddenly, a voice sounded loud and clear.

  “Poor Annie. Annie died. Annie is bleeding. Poor Annie.”

  Startled, everyone stopped talking and listened. One of the club members turned to me and said, “I thought you didn’t like to watch soap operas!”

  “I don’t. What are you talking about?” I asked.

  “Annie,” she said. “She died. I think Robert killed her.”

  “No,” another breeder chimed in. “It wasn’t Robert. It was James. Don’t you remember? He was having an affair with Annie’s sister’s neighbor . . .”

  I left my fellow bird lovers while they discussed their favorite soap opera and walked to Taco’s cage. Now it was clear that one of his owners had watched that same soap opera, and Taco had heard it, too. He cocked his head to one side, looked at me and said clearly, “Is Taco hungry? Do you want me to scratch your head?” The mystery of Annie finally solved, he was ready to discuss something else.

  Today, Taco has a mate, another orange-winged Amazon, named Bell. When they had their first baby, we had to name her . . . Annie.

  Judy Doyle

  A Vet’s Wages

  As a practicing veterinarian, one of the things you learn to accept is that most of your patients cannot comprehend what you are doing for them. Whether it be routine vaccinations or emergency treatment, most of them associate a visit to the vet with some feelings of apprehension or discomfort. In retrospect, I can think of numerous animals both large and small whose lives I have saved or at least relieved of a serious illness or painful injury. Most of them would not hesitate to bite, kick or gore their benefactor should the opportunity arise. To be sure, some seem to understand that you are helping them. But rarely does an animal come along showing complete trust and obvious gratitude for your efforts.

  Several years ago on a warm autumn afternoon, an elderly farmer brought his injured black Labrador to our clinic. The farmer had been mowing weeds with a tractor mower and his dog had jumped in front of the sickle bar. Before he could stop the machine, the dog became entangled in the sickle and one hind leg was badly injured.

  We carried him from the back of his owner’s pickup into the clinic and laid him on the examination table. He was already weakened from shock and loss of blood, but he placidly licked his hurt leg. A brief examination showed the limb could not be saved. I explained to the owner that we would have to amputate the leg to save the dog’s life. He agreed we should do whatever was necessary. I gave the animal a blood transfusion, plus injections for pain and shock, and scheduled him for surgery the next morning. He accepted these procedures calmly, without the slightest whimper or display of emotion.

  He came through the surgery in good shape, and by the following morning was hopping about on three legs. For the next few mornings, I took him for brief walks on the clinic lawn and helped him balance himself when he needed it. He was an ideal patient and always seemed to appreciate my help. Later, when I removed the stitches from his leg, he watched undisturbed, with no whimpers and no need for a muzzle.

  I had only thought of him as being a very good patient and not really different from other dogs I had treated, until the day he was scheduled to go home. After we put him into the back of his owner’s pickup, the farmer and I visited for a few minutes about the dog’s condition. As I turned to go back into the clinic, Blackie began whining and attempted to jump from the truck and follow me. His owner, Mr. Burson, remarked, “You know, I believe he’s taken up with you and wants to stay here.” I was surprised, but all I said was, “Yes, it seems he has, but he’ll soon forget me when he gets home.” I knew the dog would be treated well, as Mr. Burson was a kindly man who took good care of his animals.

  It was nearly a year later when I was called to the Burson farm to deliver a calf. I parked my truck and was busy getting out equipment, when around the corner of the barn bounded a large black dog. He barked loudly and the hair bristled on the back of his neck and shoulders. It was Blackie. As he came running up on his three legs, he suddenly stopped dead still, about six or eight feet away.

  Gazing directly at me, Blackie slowly moved forward, wagging his tail. Then he took one of my hands gently in his mouth and just held it, all the while looking up into my face. As he did this, he made little whimpering noises.

  I was overwhelmed and felt a lump rise in my throat. Patting him on the head, I talked to him briefly in soothing tones. He gave me a final warm-eyed look and a parting bark, then went brusquely about his business of inspecting the tires of my truck.

  In the long line of animals that a vet treats in the course of his career, there are a few who distinctly stand out. To me, Blackie will always be “the one that remembered.”

  George Baker, D.V.M.

  More Chicken Soup?

  Many of the stories and poems you have read in this book were submitted by readers like you who had read earlier Chicken Soup for the Soul books. We publish at least five or six Chicken Soup for the Soul books every year. We invite you to contribute a story to one of these future volumes.

  Stories may be up to 1,200 words and must uplift or inspire. You may submit an original piece or something you clip out of the local newspaper, a magazine, a church bulletin or a company newsletter. It could also be your favorite quotation you’ve put on your refrigerator door or a personal experience that has touched you deeply.

  To obtain a copy of our submission guidelines and a listing of upcoming Chicken Soup books, please write, fax or check one of our Web sites.

  Chicken Soup for the Soul

  P.O. Box 30880 • Santa Barbara, CA 93130

  fax: 805-563-2945

  To e-mail or visit our Web sites:

  www.chickensoup.com

  www.clubchickensoup.com

  Just send a copy of your stories and other pieces to any of the above addresses.

  We will be sure that both you and the author are credited for your submission.

  For information about speaking engagements, other books, audiotapes, workshops and training programs, please contact any of the authors directly.

  Pet Lovers’ Organizations

  In an effort to return just a portion of the abundant gifts that pets give so freely to us, part of the proceeds from Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul will be donated to the following two organizations that reach more than 200 charities benefiting homeless or abuse pets.

  The American Society for the Prevention

  of Cruelty to Animals

  Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) aims to prevent cruelty and alleviate the pain, fear and suffering of animals. Currently, 425,000 members, individuals and corporations enable the ASPCA to provide local and national programs that assist thousands of animals nationwide.

  The ASPCA’s national programs include: the animal poison control center; humane education; companion animal services; and the national shelter outreach program. In the New York area, the ASPCA provides low-cost veterinary care, animal placement programs including adoptions and foster care, grief counseling, and humane law enforcement.

  For membership or donation information, contact the Development Office, ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St.,
New York, NY 10128, or call 212-876-7700, ext. 4500.

  PETsMART® Charities

  Since 1987, PETsMART has donated over $2.5 million to local and national animal charities in an effort to help end pet overpopulation and promote responsible pet ownership. In 1994, the company formed PETsMART Charities, a non-profit organization to target programs that reach the root causes of pet overpopulation.

  It is estimated that over 17 million companion animals are euthanized each year in the United States alone. To that end, PETsMART Charities has established a grant and sponsorship program to fund organizations that share in the mission to end needless pet euthanasia. Primarily, the funding is granted to programs that assist in innovative and assertive adoption and spay/neuter programs, humane education and proper obedience training.

  For more information or to make a donation contact: PETsMART Charities, 19601 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027. Phone: 602-580-6100. Fax: 602-580-6527.

  The following organizations, listed alphabetically, are strongly recommended as ones that balance care, compassion and competence as they work to help pets and people live happier, healthier lives. Contact them directly for more information and support them with your time or money.

  Actors and Others for Animals

  Actor Richard Basehart and his wife, Diana, founded Actors and Others for Animals in 1971 to raise public awareness about cruelty to animals. Rallying the support of colleagues, including Doris Day and Luci Arnaz, they used their celebrity status to draw attention to the plight of helpless animals.

  Today, Actors and Others for Animals remains a force against animal cruelty worldwide. Supported by donations, the non-profit organization provides disaster relief, education programs, help-line referrals and emergency veterinary subsidies.

  For membership or donation information contact: Actors and Others for Animals, P.O. Box 33473, Granada Hills, CA 91394. Phone: 818-386-5870.

  Alley Cat Allies

  Alley Cat Allies (ACA), the National Feral Cat Network, is a clearinghouse for information on non-lethal feral cat population control. Feral cats are domestic cats and their offspring that have reverted to a wild state. ACA offers guidelines on the proper procedures of managing feral cat colonies, conducts regional training workshops, and publishes an award-winning quarterly newsletter, Alley Cat Action.

  For membership or donation information contact: Alley Cat Allies, P.O. Box 397, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. Phone: 301-229-7890. E-mail: all-eycatfgigc.apc.org. Web site: http://www.alleycat.org.

  The American Humane Association

  Since 1877, the American Humane Association (AHA) has been the only national organization serving as an umbrella organization for member animal shelters. A leader in identifying and preventing animal abuse and neglect, AHA relies on individual donations for support. AHA’s animal protection programs include: advocacy to improve welfare of pets; promoting adoptions while curbing overpopulation; supporting shelters with training, grants and educational materials; emergency animal relief during natural disasters; legislation to protect pets, wildlife and lab animals; and protecting animal actors in film and TV productions. AHA also has a child protection division.

  If you know a kid, age six to thirteen, who has shown extraordinary kindness to animals, contact us about our annual Be Kind To Animals Kids Contest. For information or to make a donation contact: American Humane Association, 63 Inverness Dr. East, Englewood, CO 80112. Phone: 303-792-9900. Fax: 303-792-5333. Web site: http//www.americanhumane.org.

  American Veterinary Medical Association

  Established in 1863, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the largest veterinary organization in the world with more than 60,000 member veterinarians. For thousands of years, animals have been an essential part of the human experience. AVMA members contribute to the health and well-being of animals and people through their work in clinical practice, public health, regulatory agencies, private industry, uniformed services and research.

  As part of its tradition of service, the AVMA recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond and the veterinarian’s role in preserving and strengthening relationships between people and animals. An integral part of protecting these relationships is concern for animal welfare. The AVMA endorses and promotes animal welfare as official policy, together with the responsible use of animals for food, fiber and research conducted to benefit animals and people.

  For more information about the AVMA, opportunities in veterinary medicine and pet care, visit our Web site at www.avma.org.

  American Veterinary Medical Foundation

  When our pets are healthy and happy, we are delighted. When they’re sick, we’re upset. It’s no wonder we care so much about their well-being.

  So does the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Formed in 1963 by the AVMA, this national 501(c)3 non-profit organization works to advance the health and wellness of all species through the funding of animal disaster relief, health studies, veterinary education and the promotion of the human-animal bond.

  To find out how you can strengthen the human-animal bond or make a donation, contact: the AVMA or AVMF, 1931 N. Meacham Rd., Ste. 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Web site: www.avma.org/avmf. E-mail: AVMFMail@aol.com.

  The Delta Society®

  The Delta Society promotes animals helping people improve their health, independence and quality of life. Its National Service Dog Center helps people with disabilities to achieve greater independence with service dogs. Their People & Pets program teaches individuals and families how companion animals can improve health and well-being in everyday life. They also publish Anthrozoös, a scientific journal.

  For membership or donation information contact: The Delta Society, 289 Perimeter Rd. East, Renton, WA 98055. Voice mail: 800-869-6898. (TDD): 800-809-2714. E-mail: deltasociety@vis.compu-serve. com. Web site: http://www.deltasociety.org.

  The Doris Day Animal League

  Formed in 1987, the Doris Day Animal League is a non-profit, national citizen’s lobbying organization that focuses on issues involving the care and humane treatment of animals. The League provides summaries of animal protection issues and encourages its 365,000 members to contact their elected officials. The League targets issues including the regulation and/or banning of “puppy mill” operations, the reduction of pet overpopulation, and the link between violence toward animals and violence directed at other humans.

  For membership information or to make a donation contact: Doris Day Animal League, 227 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Ste. 100, Washington, D.C. 20002. Phone: 202-546-1761. E-mail: ddal@aol.com.

  Who Is Jack Canfield?

  Jack Canfield grew up surrounded by animals of every kind. There was always at least one dog—mostly collies and German shepherds, along with an occasional mutt—and two or three cats, plus hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, parakeets, white mice, box turtles, tropical fish, raccoons, a horse, a cow, a goat, and eventually a kennel full of rambunctious Afghan hounds. This love of animals led to an adult life filled with a series of wonderful dogs—a Samoyed, an English sheepdog and a golden retriever—as well as too many cats to keep track of, all of which have always become members of the family with full run of the house. Currently Jack is the proud owner of Daisy, a golden retriever, and three cats (Bodhi, Ashleigh and Rocky), as well as a pond full of magnificent koi and goldfish.

  Jack Canfield is one of America’s leading experts in the development of human potential and personal effectiveness. He is both a dynamic, entertaining speaker and a highly sought-after trainer. Jack has a wonderful ability to inform and inspire audiences toward increased levels of self-esteem and peak performance.

  He is the author and narrator of several bestselling audio- and videocassette programs, including Self-Esteem and Peak Performance, How to Build High Self-Esteem, Self-Esteem in the Classroom and Chicken Soup for the Soul—Live. He is regularly seen on television shows such as Good Morning America, 20/20 and NBC Nightly News. Jack has coauthored numerous books, including the Chicken So
up for the Soul series, Dare to Win and The Aladdin Factor (all with Mark Victor Hansen), 100 Ways to Build Self-Concept in the Classroom (with Harold C. Wells) and Heart at Work (with Jacqueline Miller).

  Jack is a regularly featured speaker for professional associations, school districts, government agencies, churches, hospitals, sales organizations and corporations.

  For further information about Jack’s books, tapes and training programs, or to schedule him for a presentation, please contact:

  The Canfield Training Group

  P.O. Box 30880 • Santa Barbara, CA 93130

  phone: 805-563-2935 • fax: 805-563-2945

  To e-mail or visit our Web site: www.chickensoup.com

  Who Is Mark Victor Hansen?

  Mark Victor Hansen is a professional speaker who, in the last twenty years, has made over 4,000 presentations to more than 2 million people in thirty-two countries. His presentations cover sales excellence and strategies; personal empowerment and development; and how to triple your income and double your time off.

  Mark has spent a lifetime dedicated to his mission of making a profound and positive difference in people’s lives. Throughout his career, he has inspired hundreds of thousands of people to create a more powerful and purposeful future for themselves while stimulating the sale of billions of dollars worth of goods and services.

  Mark is a prolific writer and has authored Future Diary, How to Achieve Total Prosperity and The Miracle of Tithing. He is coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Dare to Win and The Aladdin Factor (all with Jack Canfield) and The Master Motivator (with Joe Batten).

  Mark has also produced a complete library of personal empowerment audio- and videocassette programs that have enabled his listeners to recognize and use their innate abilities in their business and personal lives. His message has made him a popular television and radio personality, with appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS, HBO, PBS and CNN. He has also appeared on the cover of numerous magazines, including Success, Entrepreneur and Changes.