Dogs Fret, Cats Chill by Ileana Collazo In our hectic lives, we rush around in a frenzy, trying to do too much too fast, forgetting to stop, take deep breaths, and observe the wondrous world around us. While our dogs quickly pick up on our stress and react with panting, tail wagging, and a helpless look in their eyes, our cats know just what to do to calm and soothe us; stretching their limber bodies and rubbing against our legs, jumping on our laps, purring, and cuddling us with the warmth of a mother who knows exactly what to do to soothe her crying child. I am equally passionate about cats and dogs, but the Cat Tails blog will focus on how humans can learn from our feline friends to better navigate life with calm, peace, and dignity. And what better Zen teachers can we hope for than the masters of the Zen philosophy, our cats? I invite cat and Zen lovers and enthusiasts to follow us down the path of living the cat life, where you will read stories ranging from how to care for your feline friends, amazing cat rescues, helping homeless cats, and the shelters that save their lives, to caring for yourself with a newfound Zen Master Cat mentality.
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I chose Mary's as the first story in my new blog because it vividly illustrates the deep bond cat lovers have with their beloved pets and how these tiny, yet very independent creatures have a significant impact on our lives. Mary is a friend of a friend, of a friend who is now my dear friend, who was undergoing treatment for a major illness when her husband brought home a tiny kitten that completely changed her outlook from total gloom to a devoted cat mother who poured all her energies into caring for her new best friend. As weeks and months rolled by, Mary made a full recovery, and Daisy, the tiny kitty who arrived in the worst of times, became a beautiful indoor-outdoor cat with a highly assertive personality. Daisy always decided when it was time to go out and when to come inside, and Mary had little to say about it. A while back, Mary waited hours that turned into days, and then weeks, 2
for Daisy to return, but she did not. Mary was absolutely devastated, so my friend called me and asked me to design a mug and a coaster to try to cheer her up a bit. We told Mary to sit on the stoop in the evening with her beautiful "Daisy in the Yard" mug and wish with all her heart for her best friend to return. It was indeed a stretch to think that our actions would have anything to do with the missing kitty's return, but we were willing to do anything to plant a tiny seed of hope into her broken heart. I designed the mug and the coaster with all the love and compassion I felt for my newfound friend, and she loved it. She sat on her porch step every evening sipping her café latte, peeking into the bushes, attentive to the rustle of the leaves of the tree Daisy would jump down from each evening when it was time to return home. Do I believe in miracles? I think that deep in our hearts, we all do in one way or another. A little over a week after my friend and I brought Mary the "Daisy in the Yard" café latte and mug. I received a 2-way call from Mary and my friend. Mary spoke between sobs, and I knew why; I could hear meowing in the background. Daisy came back; she shouted with excited joy. You did it! Well, I think that to allude that Daisy's return had anything to do with my creativity might be a bit far-fetched. Still, it is right on point that the "Cats in the Yard" Contemporary Folk Art Digital Collage Project was created for all the wonderful cat lovers who pour so much affection and who lovingly care for these amazing little critters who bring adventure and excitement to our everyday lives. 3
Cat Tails is published & sponsored by: Cats in the Yard Contemporary Folk Art Digital Collage Project For the Love of Cats Philanthropic Campaign Collazo Art Love of Philanthropy Art Daily News International Magazine Art Daily News International Magazine Special Edition