Sometimes we can only manage the small stuff and I know that helping save animals is high on my list. Any one with pets knows that each is an individual with its own personality.

I wish I could help more of them so even though I have hit 70 and have 3 middle aged cats it is my hope to adopt one more cat later this year as it is the ultimate act of helping to save a life. Our three humane society cats are such wonderful company and they do help put this crazy world in perspective. I give money if not time to animal causes a lot but actually saving one is so satisfying.

You are doing good work. Thank you.

The thing about small stuff is that you actually see that it's done.

We've all done a lot of work over the past 7 1/2 years to try to stop the Bush administration, but has it worked?

Gen. Clark is off getting windmills build. Maybe that's a better use of his time than electoral politics.

You can also tell a lot about people by how they treat animals.

I decided yesterday that since we decided we're not moving this year, I'm going to start volunteering at a cat shelter.

Keep up the good work you're doing. It's important.

The Rum Tum Tugger

(From T. S. Eliog's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats) 

The Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat:
 If you offer him pheasant he would rather have grouse.
 If you put him in a house he would much prefer a flat,
 If you put him in a flat then he'd rather have a house.
 If you set him on a mouse then he only wants a rat,
 If you set him on a rat then he'd rather chase a mouse.
 Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat -
   And there isn't any call for me to shout it:
    For he will do
    As he do do
     And there's no doing anything about it!

 The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore:
 When you let him in, then he wants to be out;
 He's always on the wrong side of every door,
 And as soon as he's at home, then he'd like to get about.
 He likes to lie in the bureau drawer,
 But he makes such a fuss if he can't get out.
 Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat -
   And there isn't any call for you to doubt it:
     For he will do
    As he do do
     And there's no doing anything about it!

 The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast:
 His disobliging ways are a matter of habit.
 If you offer him fish then he always wants a feast;
 When there isn't any fish then he won't eat rabbit.
 If you offer him cream then he sniffs and sneers,
 For he only likes what he finds for himself;
 So you'll catch him in it right up to the ears,
 If you put it away on the larder shelf.
 The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing,
 The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle;
 But he'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing,
 For there's nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.
 Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a Curious Cat -
   And there isn't any call for me to spout it:
    For he will do
    As he do do
     And there's no doing anything about it!

Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Make America All It Can Be!

in Georgia have .... oh I think they are now upwards of over 20 cats- that they've taken in. The cat community in Georgia seems to know where to go - it's been so long they've been caring for strays and ferals.

When they grew into such a large community, they built a structure in their backyard they affectionately refer to as "The Cat House". :) They all have cushy beds and bowls and believe it or not seem to enjoy the setup and get along just great- like in some college dormitory or summer camp for kitties.

FIL knows ALL of their names, and he's in charge of feeding time in the cat house. They are quite fond of him! They also have a huge grassy backyard to play in dotted with pecan trees, bushes and other fun cat stuff.

The inlaws are now contemplating buying an old barn and taking their cat project more professional, as they're both retired. They also happen to be staunch Democrats, which is not the norm in a small town in Georgia...

A cat story. :)

I've ever volunteered on a regular basis is at the Pet Network here in my town. It's a no-kill shelter, and was built by some wealthy locals about 10 years ago. It's a beautiful facility, and everybody has their own space, with cushy beds, toys, quality food, medical care and a beautiful yard in back where the doggies get to go out and play several times a day. Volunteers also come and take them for walks and play with the kitties so they get lots of attention.

It's hard being there sometimes, but as others point out, you can see what you're doing is making a difference. You see the happiness that comes when someone is adopted, both for the animal and the person adopting it. We get surrendered animals from people who have to give up their pet for one reason or another, and we go to the shelter in Carson City and get animals off of death row who are adoptable.

The unconditional love animals offer is something we humans could definitely learn from. We think we're so superior, but we're really not. The native American's had it so right. We've lost so much by removing ourselves from nature and animals -- two of my favorite things, and I feel very blessed to be living in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and to have the time and ability to be working for the benefit of homeless cats and dogs, who in some cases were just tossed aside like so much trash.

Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.

keep up the good--and important--work.

..and please say a prayer for my Bixby: I found out this week that he has cancer and AIDS
(: