2.   PET QUOTES OF THE MONTH 

 "I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul." ~ Jean Cocteau  

Dear Readers,

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4.  A STORY FROM MY FILES -  LUCY, THE CAT WHO WOULD NOT PURR

Dear readers,
Here is the story of Lucy as told by Lucy's owners:

"Right now I am sitting on our couch, touching and stroking our beautiful 2½ year old Ragdoll (breed) cat, Lucy, looking over
the recent past.   I am struck by the fact that just a few short months ago this cozy scene would have been just a dream.  
Although now I am able to touch Lucy,  I am very aware of how lucky we are and what changes have occurred in the last few
months . . . changes that have literally led to Lucy’s life being spared. 

Back when she first became a part of our lives, Lucy was a cat with problems. She would not purr and would not let anyone
touch her without the threat of an ‘incident’ occurring.  Our daughter rescued Lucy from a family who wanted to put her down
due to her biting.  At the time she was still a kitten and so we thought we could turn this behavior around by providing all the love,
tenderness and wonderful care we could give.  Needless to say she grew up to be a beautiful cat.  Her soft blue eyes would
lure anyone to believe she was as gentle as she looked. 

But in reality  . . . she was to be feared.  She would viciously bite, unprovoked, and in fact would charge at us out of the blue and
attack.  These bites were severe enough to send Cyndy (my wife) and me to seek medical help.  We were at our wits end. 

After one of our biting incidences we had a visit from Animal Control.  Lucy now has a record and was quarantined by County
officials.  In our desperation we inquired about giving her up to the local shelter.  We were told that the shelters would not
take her and in fact they would euthanize her because of her behavior. 

A friend and co-worker of mine told me about an animal communicator named Charlene Boyd.  Perhaps she would be
able to talk to Lucy and find out the whys and remedies from Lucy herself.  Unfortunately, Lucy would not open up to Charlene.  
Charlene suggested that we try six different flower essences to help Lucy with her emotions and perhaps a little attitude
adjustment.  Nothing seemed to work.  At this point we were beyond desperation.  We loved our girl so much and although
euthanizing her seemed extreme, it might be the only way to keep us, our little grandson and anyone who entered our home safe.
This was the last alternative, and we were not ready to give up on Lucy just yet.

Charlene suggested that we call in a TTouch Practitioner named Cynde Van Vleet.  One of Cynde’s first observations of Lucy
was that she did not seem to be aware of her body, therefore her boundaries.  Without this awareness it was virtually impossible
to communicate with Lucy except through the most primal needs such as food.  Through her work with Lucy, and training for
Cyndy and me, we’re now seeing favorable changes in Lucy’s behavior. 

In the past Lucy did not seem to have an “off” button.  Even while playing with our other cat, Marley, she would continue to play
until it resulted in a fight.  Now, she seems to be aware of limits and will pace herself.  Cynde helped us to understand how to
communicate with Lucy using the language of the animals called “calming signals”.  By being aware of our posture as well as
Lucy’s, we were able to circumvent behaviors before things got out of control.   Cynde taught us to respect Lucy’s limits and how
to set boundaries and guidelines for Lucy.  Included in the many ah-ha moments during Cynde’s consult was the fear that Lucy
seems to have of hands.  It all became crystal clear that through our desire to help our girl we were feeding the fear.  Once she
was able be touched using other devices as an extension of our hands, she started paying attention to the experience. 

Lucy seldom ever bites now and in fact when she does she doesn’t break the skin.  She seems to have the ability to think things
through before acting.

Cynde told us that after Lucy has had the experience of the mindful work of TTouch over time, we may see behaviors and changes
in her that we had never seen before.  I am now realizing what she was talking about.  Lucy never knew how to “make biscuits” the
way that other cats do.  She would bounce on both front feet, as if she was trying to forcefully perform CPR.  She now will gently make
biscuits in a rhythmic alternating motion. 

 Oh, and something else . . . now she purrs! "

I hope you enjoyed Lucy's success story.  Lucy's owners were unwilling to give up on her and through their love and
persistence in finding a solution to the problem, they share a very strong relationship and deep love today.

Charlene

PS.  In a few days I will be sending out a special announcement about an upcoming educational series I am doing.  I hope
you are able to attend!