Talking Animals




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" July 1, 2004 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the e- cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." To join, send an e-mail with subscribe written in the subject line to: subscribe-me @ write2theheart.com. Do you have a heart-touching or inspiring story to share? Send it in the body of a plain email, no graphic or colorful back- grounds please. Write 'submission' in the subject line. Don't forget to write a brief bio to introduce yourself to our readers. You may include your family friendly websites, information on your books, newsletters, and upcoming projects. Email your submission to: moderator @ write2theheart.com. We always love to hear stories from new, first time writers. Beginning in July, there will be a new writer’s appreciation gift. I will be sending pens to our writers, and what writer can’t use a handy pen to jot down those inspired ideas? There will be a limit of three per person. Get your stories in early and when I schedule them, I will mail all three at once! We are all guilty of talking to our pets and believing they answer us with their expressive eyes or even a quick meow or bark. How would you feel if you heard actual words coming from your pet? Talking With the Animals By Pamela Jenkins Many years ago my husband had an English pointer named Buck. He came to us as a sickly runt of the litter and we spent many hours nursing him through a rough puppyhood. My children were very young at the time, and as Buck grew up, he came to consider himself another one of the kids. Our small farm sits in the bottom of a hollow between two steep hills. Mornings on the farm were hectic until the last child had left for school. Then it was time for me to go outside and do a few chores before going to work. Although Buck wasn't much help, he always took great interest in everything I did. I've often said that Buck could all but talk with his expressive eyes. They followed my every move. One of our morning rituals was to feed the chickens. We had built a large fenced area for the chickens to roam free from predators. We also had a few rabbits and goats that stayed inside this fence. This area was one place that Buck was not allowed. Because of the hunting instincts characteristic of his breed, I didn't quite trust him to run loose with animals that would naturally appear to be prey in his way of thinking. As I poured water into bowls and scooped feed into the dishes, Buck would watch me through the fence, tail wagging, waiting for his "Mom" to come out and play again. He would become so intent in his focus on me that sometimes a whimper would escape his lips. The longer I took, the more pronounced the whines became. "Oooooohhhhhh," moaned Buck. I softly shushed him as I kept on with the task of scrubbing clean the bowls. A few seconds later Buck gave another sorrowful "Ooorrrhh, aaarrrhhh." "Buck, be quiet," I told him. "I'll be out in a minute or two." Buck hung his head and gave me his most pitiful, abandoned look. His chocolate eyes blinked sadly as his tail thumped on the ground. He fidgeted and wiggled. He leaned against the fence and looked back at me over his shoulder, letting out a shrill whistle through his nose. "Shhh!" I told him again. It's hard to ignore such pleading, though, and I had to smile. "I'm almost through, then I'll come out with you." By this time Buck had reached his limit of restraint. He couldn't hold it in any longer. Being separated even by a few feet was more than he could tolerate. "Ooohh, rooomff, aaarrrhhh, hmmm..." he started in his most persistent whine of all time. In exasperation, I straightened up and turn around to face him. I said loudly, "Oh, will you puh-lease stop making so much noise over there?" What happened next will forever be remembered as one of the most startling moments of my life. As clear as day, Buck looked right into my eyes and said, "Eh, what did you say?" Well, for a second anyway, I thought it was Buck who had uttered those words. In reality it was my neighbor across the road. I've had it explained to me in great detail, something about the barometer readings and the acoustics of living in a small valley. On certain days, sounds travel and bounce around. On those days my neighbors' voices will carry and they sound as if they are standing right beside me. It's a bit alarming at times, but never so much as it was that day. Buck and I stared at each other. Then as quietly as I could, I picked up my buckets and put them away and headed for the house. Buck trotted along behind, tail wagging happily. I made a mental note to myself. The next time I decide to talk to the animals, I won't be so surprised if one answers! Pamela Jenkins bunnies-n-birds @ juno.com Pamela Jenkins lives in Oklahoma with her husband of twenty- three years and their four children. She is the office manager of a veterinary clinic and enjoys writing in her spare time. She is a contributing author to such books as “Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul”, “Chicken Soup for the Fisherman's Soul,” “Chocolate for a Woman's Dreams” and is widely published on the Internet. You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator @ write2theheart.com Write 2 the Heart now has an affiliate program with Cognigen. They have several long distance plans to chose from; I personally use the PowerNet Global 4.5¢ Per Minute Plan. I love having my own toll free number for my family to be able to call home when they are out of town. I have used it more times than I care to remember over the last three years in emergency situations. Cognigen has more than just great long distance rates; they have calling cards, internet access, web hosting services and much more. You can check out all of their telecommunication products and services at http://ld.net/?cbspeir. Looking for an affiliate program? You will be surprised at all the products and services you will have access to. Letters From Our Readers Oh, I love this story! Big Mac was so lucky in both of his choices. Barbara Deming Author, "The Quilt Maker" Cheryl: I loved the story about your son Tim and his guitar. God is so good.This experience sure shows thatHe hasa plan to use the gifts He has given each of us. Blessings, Annettee I just love Bob Shaw's animal stories. I always know I'm in for a treat and that it will brighten my day. Big Mac was no exception. The world is a better place because people like Bob are out there making a difference in the lives of pets. Pamela Jenkins bunnies-n-birds @ juno.com Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. Cheryl’s Corner Daughter-in-law Nicole has opened a beauty shop with two of her good friends. I have enjoyed shopping for the small items they will need. I am going to sew new haircutting capes for their shop. Nicole gave me my very first spa pedicure. I feel so pampered! The warm swirling water relaxes you and feels so good on tired feet. I find that I’m wearing sandals more often so I can catch glimpses of my French pedicure. If I hadn’t already decided to keep her because of her sense of humor and loving ways, I would definitely keep her for the pedicures! God Bless Cheryl Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.