Tag: pets

Saving Pets One Breath at a Time

fire-2911041_640Have you ever wondered what happens to our furry companions when the house or apartment where they live bursts into flames?

If they survive the fire, chances are they will have inhaled smoke and possibly toxic fumes. This means that if they don’t get care soon, they could die despite being rescued from the flames.

Most fire departments understand that our pets are an important part of our families. In some areas, where funds permit, firefighters carry oxygen masks made expressly for pets. Sadly, not all fire stations are equipped with these life-saving devices.

That’s were Breaths for Pets comes in! I know one of this non-profit’s founders. She loves animals and was heartbroken when one of her friends lost his beloved dogs in an apartment fire. Although the dogs escaped the horrific fire, they died from smoke inhalation. When she learned that special pet oxygen masks could have saved her friend’s pets, Breaths for Pets was born.

Breaths for Pets provides free oxygen masks made especially for dogs, cats—even birds—to fire stations. I love this charity because I know how much they care and how hard they work, but also because losing my fur babies in a fire is one of my greatest fears. If you would like to join me in supporting Breaths for Pets, you can make a donation here. Or, if you would like to donate while getting a fun coffee cup, tee shirt, or other cute pet-themed merchandise, check out their Zazzle store here.

My Office Mate

Bruce Banner is the only cat well-mannered enough to visit my office. (I have five cats.) Once in a while, he decides to help me rearrange my action figures, but, for the most part, he’s the perfect writing companion. He either stares out one of my windows or flops in the middle of the floor and snoozes.

Bruce with hulks
Bruce Banner sleeping near my desk with some Hulks he has knocked down.

Writing can be a lonely endeavor. Having another beating heart in the room–whether it’s a cat or a fish–can make it a little less so. I don’t write horror stories, so I don’t exactly scare myself, but sometimes I write violent or intense scenes that make me feel chilled and anxious. It’s nice to look over at Bruce’s sleepy face when my hands have turned to ice and feel human again.

Sometimes I’ll stop and pet him if I’m stuck. Animals can be distracting, at times, but they can also be great sources of inspiration. Being with me while I write seems to benefit Bruce, as well. He is normally a rather high-strung little cat. I think he appreciates having a break from the others. Writing in the office is our special time–even if I’m at my laptop for most of it.

Bruce
Bruce in the living room, where I do most of my editing. He seems to enjoy being around me while I work.