Fall 1998 Newsletter #10

Hi, Everyone,

An action packed few months has gone bye since the last newsletter, some good, and some not.

Let me start with the good news: BB is growing past the age of being called a filly as she will be five in February. She is drop-dead gorgeous, but rather small. I have chosen not to ride her, but she did need a job. I bought a cart and sent BB away for about a month to Jim Shupe in New Jersey to be trained to "drive." Jim was in charge of the driving horses in the movie Beloved, with Oprah Winfrey, and he had been looking forward for ages to training BB.

The horses, my husband, Vic, and I missed her big time while she was gone, and were so happy to have her back.

Jim did a great job with BB and she is quite pleased with her new career. She really struts her stuff when she is hooked up.

We have all been busy here in the office with consultations, workshops, and lectures. I’m happy to tell you that book sales have been quite good. We did a second printing of Animal Wisdom, and many of you have purchased How to Hear the Animals. We are most appreciative.

I am moving along with the wave of modern technology and now have a website. It is still under some construction, but looking pretty good so far. Look at www.anitacurtis.com. (I’m sure the webmaster registered that name so I can remember it.)

Workshops have been a delight this year, and we have booked some for ’99 that are listed in this newsletter.

Now for the downside: Vic has had some serious health problems in the last three years. He has headed for the hospital with and without sirens and lights going. 911 is the phone number I know best.

Vic’s heart kicked up again this summer, but it is now under control. However, cancer has reared it’s ugly head again, and he has just had surgery for colon cancer. They did not get all of the tumor, and he is facing chemo and radiation therapy soon. There have been some other complications, and Vic may also need some "minor" surgery in a few weeks. This hospital stay was just over three weeks, but they said the next one will only be a few days. Yeah, right!

We have had some hectic times. I don’t know what I would have done without Jean, Carol, my son, and my furry friends. I have cried and leaned on all of them, and they have all come through for me.

Those of you who have heard all about our problems have been so supportive and caring, and have sent healing energy, cards and e-mail. I get weepy just thinking about it. I can’t thank you enough, and hope I can do something wonderful for you someday.

Thank you.

Anita

1999 Lecture/Workshop Schedule (as of 11/30/98)

3/6-7/99 Level I/Level II

Luzerne Cty, PA

3/20-21/99 Level I/Level II

Camp Hill, PA

4/9-11/99 Lecture/Level I & II

Lancaster, KY

4/23-25/99 Lecture/Level I & II

Rockport, ME

5/15-16/99 Level I/Level II

Minneapolis, MN

5/29-30/99 Level I/Level II

York, PA

6/26-27/99 Level I/Level II

Royersford, PA

9/18-19/99 Level I/Level II

Doylestown, PA

This list is current as of 11/30/98. We will have other workshops in 1999 so please let us know if you would like to be contacted for any workshops in your area. We consider "your area" to be within 1 to 2 hours driving distance.

DOGGY DICTIONARY

LEASH: A strap that attaches to your collar enabling you to lead your person where you want him/her to go.

DOG BED: Any soft, clean surface such as a white bedspread or newly upholstered couch.

DROOL: What you do when your person has food and you don’t. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps.

SNIFF: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs. Place your nose as close as you can to the other dog’s rear end and inhale deeply, repeat several times, or until your person makes you stop.

DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person wants them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person then running in the opposite direction or lying down.

THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels.

BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.

SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers clean.

BUMP: The best way to get your human’s attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

GOOSEBUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the regular Bump doesn’t get the attention you require… especially effective when combined with Sniff. See above.

LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you’re lucky, a human will love you in return.

HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAT A PILL

1. Grasp cat firmly in your arms. Cradle its head on your elbow, just as if you were giving a baby a bottle. Coo confidently. "That’s a nice kitty." Drop the pill in its mouth.
2. Retrieve cat from top of lamp and pill from under sofa.
3. Follow same procedure as in 1, but hold cat’s front paws down with left hand and back paws down with elbow of right arm. Poke pill into its mouth with right forefinger.
4. Retrieve cat from under bed. Get new pill from bottle. (Resist impulse to get new cat.)
5. Again proceed as in 1, except when you have cat firmly cradled in bottle-feeding position, sit on edge of chair, fold your torso over cat, bring you right hand over your left elbow, open cat’s mouth by lifting the upper jaw and pop pill in quickly!
6. Leave cat hanging on drapes. Leave pill in your hair.
7. If you are a woman, have a good cry. If you are a man, have a good cry.
8. Now pull yourself together. Retrieve cat and pill. Say sternly, "Who’s the boss here anyway?" Open cat’s mouth, take pill and …Oooops!
9. This isn’t working, is it? Collapse and think. Aha! Those flashing claws are causing the chaos.
10. Crawl to the linen closet. Drag back a large beach towel. Spread towel on floor.
11. Retrieve cat from kitchen counter and pill from potted plant.
12. Spread cat on towel near an end with its head over long edge.
13. Flatten cat’s front and back legs over its stomach. (Resist impulse to flatten cat.)
14. Roll cat in towel. Work fast—time and tabbies wait for no man or woman!
15. Rotate your left hand to cat’s head. Press its mouth at the jaw hinges like opening the petals of a snapdragon.
16. Drop pill into cat’s mouth and poke gently. Voila! It’s done.
17. Vacuum up loose fur (cat’s). Apply bandages to wounds (yours).
18. Take two aspirins and lie down.

While at a How To Hear the Animals workshop my partners got information from Harvey, a 17.2 hand Dutch Warmblood gelding. Harvey is a grain slinger. Every single day for the last year I’ve known him, I put the feed in his dish and he throws it out with his nose, preferring to eat it off the floor. Two of the others in the group said that something was missing from his diet. I had them ask if he would like me to put the seaweed meal in his grain and his answer was yes. When I arrived home, I fed the horses as usual putting the very expensive seaweed in Harvey’s grain. As I was leading him to the barn I kept repeating "Harv, you have to leave the grain in the dish. If you throw it on the floor the seaweed will be wasted. If you want the seaweed you have to eat it from the dish." I must have made myself pretty clear because he ate all five pounds of grain from his feeder. I kept running back to his stall to check, amazed that the grain was still in the feeder. I still remind him at each feeding to "leave the grain in the dish" and for two weeks I haven’t witnessed him throwing his grain on the floor at all. He’s also gained an amazing amount of weight. His ribs are all filled in and his hip bones no longer resemble a coat rack. In retrospect, I feel he was "looking" for something in his feed that he has finally "found".

R.G., Hopewell, NJ

If you have enjoyed reading this newsletter, please call or write a note to let us know that you want to be on our permanent newsletter mailing list. Thanks.

Looking for natural alternatives for the health of you and your animal friends. The Herbal Sanctuary in Royersford, PA has over 300 different types of dried herbs, herbal extracts, herb books, and many other herbal products.

The Herbal Sanctuary carries herbal extracts for dogs and cats, flower essence formulas for pets and dried herbs for your animals. They keep in stock the individual flower essences to make your own formulas. They hold display garden tours, herb classes and are always glad to help you with any of your herbal needs or herbal questions. Call Candace Liccione at (610) 948-1196 for more information or directions.

One day while enjoying a bike ride, I happened to come across a pasture with cows. I decided to stop and feed the cows and give myself a break at the same time. While feeding the cows I noticed a calf that seemed to be afraid to approach me but all the other cows had no problem tearing the grass from my hand. The mother of the calf nudged her and said, "Go ahead, she’s nice." The calf then came to my hand for some grass! What a rewarding feeling it is to communicate with all living creatures.

L.A., West Chester, PA

My Randy has come back as Percy. I have noticed so many similarities between the two dogs. One night I was asking for kisses from Percy, which I never get. I think I got two the first day he was here but no more. Of course this time was the same, no kisses so I kneeled down next to the sofa where Percy was laying and said to him Ranny (I used to call Randy that) gave me kisses. I got 2 licks on the nose. I said this 2 more times and each time I got two more kisses. I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes.

B.G., Boyertown, PA

Alex Crum

Amaru L’Herisson

Andi Riegel

Annie Glessner

Baby Boy Loren

Black Horse Foltz

Bodger Rogers

Brandy Lee

Brittain Ver Sprill

Bubba Geeseman

Chivas Kurk

Cody Fort

Cricket Baker

Daisy Gettle

Dakota Mozes

Dancer Manola

Dazzle Small

Dreamer Glessner

Gabrielle Madden

Hercules Burggraf

Jam Schutter

Jenny Veazie

Kermit Feldman

Lady Saylor

Licorice Huber

Magic Kerschner

Max Sampsel

Mia Trout

Miss Muffett Harner

Molly Land

Ollie Dunham

Oreo Heringslake

Passage Hoeffner

Penny Artuso

Peppy Swindlehurst

Randy Girard

Rocky Phillips

Romeo Munro

Sabrina Tabatneck

Sally Neff

Samantha Haislett

Sasha Aurelia Bardolph Izzo

Sassy Sampsel

Shelly Lyn Schriefer

Snickers Price

Sonny Briel

Spike Bowman

Spot Loudat

Sweetie Marcum

Thunder Mc Kinley

Tinle Lownes

Travis Benninghoff

Violetta Cohen

Wendi Brown

Winston Foy

Xena Furs Carmody

Zoe Young

If we have inadvertently omitted the name of one of your animal friends, please accept our apologies. Give us a call or write us a note so we may include your friend in the next newsletter.

When I first started Written In Stone, I never imagined the demand for pet monuments would grow as it has. Each time a stone is delivered or picked up, it’s a bittersweet moment. There is also a reflective moment for me. I think about the companion the stone is for and know, in a small way, I have created a keepsake for their owners. It is something to which they can attach their memories. I have the wonderful opportunity to honor the love between a human and his/her animal companion.

If you would like more information about pet monuments, please call me at (717) 548-2489.

Submitted by:

Mary Ralton

Written In Stone

50 Wood Lane

Nottingham, PA 19362

While browsing the web please check out my website. The name is easy for me to remember. It is www.anitacurtis.com. I welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions.

After Bart died I was very concerned about his dam, Pupelo, because she was very depressed. She said at least his death was natural and that she had seen much worse at the racetrack. She said that when he died he looked just like a butterfly, fluttering off into the woods where he stayed, because it was so peaceful and that he didn’t feel he needed to leave and that he hung around in the field with the other guys. I always knew when he was around. The night the new Bart was born I hung around in the stall because I was concerned about his dam, Paprika. He was so big and she was totally exhausted, flat out. I wanted to be sure it was just exhaustion, not internal bleeding, so I just sat in the corner and watched her. The overhead light was on, and the night bugs were buzzing around it. All of a sudden a pure white moth flew in the window, fluttered around the stall a few times, totally ignoring the light and landed on paprika’s hip. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, remembering what Pupelo said, but still thinking it must be a coincidence. He sure dispelled that notion because the moth left the stall, flew around the rest of the barn and returned and landed on paprika again six or seven separate times. I even took a photo or two. Then he flew out the window again and disappeared, never once going near the light. Wow!

V.G., Glen Gardner, NJ

If you call between 10am and 4pm, eastern, Monday-Friday and get our voice mail, please leave a message. Jean is on a call helping another client and will call you back as soon as possible.

Many of you have heard me say that our animal companions can come back to us after they have passed on. This new column is dedicated to our loving friends who have returned to us. Please contact us with any names and/or stories about friends that have returned to you.

Amber Mai Desirgh aka Crumpet

Bentley McAleenan aka Mandy

Buddy Wagner aka Brandy

Cali Monar aka Cassi

Chili Sheppard aka Sassafrass

Claire Bass aka Perspe

Gunner Fielding aka Stray Dog

Joey Waite aka Chaz

Liesel Mihalski aka Gretal

Lily Rose aka Norma Jean

Maggie Frost aka Taffy

Micetro Kitty Endrey aka Muffin

Molson Detmering aka Molson

Oreo Reidenhour aka Mutley Benjamin

Patrick Carmody aka Fluffy

Percy Girard aka Randy

Percy Shillingford aka Inky

Pumpkin Sweigert aka Pumpkin

Quincy Drehmel aka Royce

Song of India Bradbury aka Diamonds

Sweet Cassis Cohen aka Panache

I want to tell you about all of the interesting "coincidences" we have experienced with our new puppy, Chili, as she bears an uncanny resemblance to our dear (and very recently) departed Sassafras. When Chili first arrived back home, it was as though she was exploring to make sure things hadn’t changed vs. Checking things out for the first time… including all of us and the other dogs. She immediately honed in on the stuffed fox that was Sassy’s Christmas present, out of a pile of stuffed animals to choose from. The same habits began appearing too. She would ask to sleep in the same spot with my mother, on the couch and under the covers at the food of the bed. At one point on a walk during her first week home, she walked over to Sassy’s grave, sat down on it, and after a while she got up, turned around and began to dig.

Our friend asked my mom if she expected Chili to hire a skywriter to spell things our for her. We know better!

K.S., Hanover, PA

1. The stray is not allowed in the house.
2. Okay, the stray is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.
3. The stray is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.
4. The stray can get on the old furniture only.
5. Fine, the stray is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep on the bed.
6. Okay, the stray is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.
7. The stray can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.
8. The stray can sleep under the covers by invitation only.
9. The stray can sleep under the covers every night.
10. Finally, humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the stray.

There is an ongoing animal communications practice group in the Delaware area that meets monthly in a home of one of the members. If you have taken an animal communication workshop, level 1 or higher, and are interested in attending a meeting, please call Lorelei Hunt at (302) 322-8650 for more information.

If you are considering having your cat declawed, please realize that a cat’s claw is not just a toenail at the end of a toe. It is a movable digit that has strong ligaments and tendons allowing the cat to extend and retract the claw.

A proper scratching post, regular manicures, and plastic nail caps are all helpful in curtailing the destructiveness of cat claws.

If you feel you must have your cat declawed, please discuss with your veterinarian the various methods used to declaw a cat. Your cat will have pain and discomfort after the operation. The skill of the veterinarian may determine whether your cat has pain for months or for the rest of his/her life.

Horses are athletes and like any athlete, they require peak conditioning to perform at their very best. Demanding workouts, performance training and the rigors of competition all take their toll—even on the best conditioned animal.

As the owner, breeder, and caretaker of hunter jumpers, and race horses, I only use the very best products on my horses. After years of searching and trial and error, the product line for Equilite evolved. Equilite strives to only offer the best, most natural products, with no synthetic chemicals or fillers. Our product line is so extensive that you don’t need to go elsewhere to find the prefect product for your horse’s needs. If there is something you don’t see in the brochure, just ask us and we will try to get it for you.

Equilite, Inc. integrates the art of Western and Chinese herbology to bring you the most complete line of equine botanical blends and all natural nutritional supplements. These products offer an alternative to you. When combined with your existing equine health care programs, these will help your horse to achieve enhanced conditioning. Performance, and improve overall well being.

With Equilite’s full line of equine botanical blends and all natural nutritional supplements, you can rest assured that you’re treating your horse to "nature’s best".

Submitted by:

Stacey Small, President

Equilite, Inc.

20 Prospect Avenue

Ardsley, NY 10502

(914) 693-2553

Equilite also has a line of flower essences for small animals.

IN TRANSITION is for use when there is a loss of a loved one in the household or moving to a new home. Addresses feelings of sadness, heartache depression, gloom, despair and apathy.

ANGEL OF MERCY is for use in cases of extreme neglect and physical abuse. Addresses feelings of fear and devastation, low self-esteem, feeling unsafe and insecure, unloved and unwanted.

SAFE KEEPING is for use when an animal is neglected and left to fend for itself. Addresses feelings of rejection, worthlessness, and separation anxiety.

HOME SWEET HOME is for use when an animal is first brought home. Should be taken by all family members, both human and otherwise. Addresses feelings of resentment, intolerance, alienation, isolation, and jealousy.

EASY DOES IT is for use when there are incidents of obsessive destructive or disruptive behavior. Addresses feelings of jealousy, resentment, frustration, loneliness and being victimized.

DEVIL BE GONE is for use when an animal exhibits dangerous and overly aggressive behavior. Addresses feelings of willfulness, rebelliousness, hostility, aggressiveness, anger, obsessive need to protect caregiver.

ENROUTE is for use while traveling. Addresses feelings of nervousness, hysteria, anxiety, and motion sickness.

GNAW NO MORE is for use when there are incidents of self-mutilation. Addresses feelings of self-loathing, frustration, boredom, uncleanliness and repetitive behavior that loses its original intent and becomes a habit.

I sometimes forget that not all the readers of my newsletter are clients and that we have added new services as this business evolves. Listed below is a brief description of the services we now offer.

Consultations - $20.00/15 min.

These consultations are all done over the telephone. I can help many more animals in a shorter amount of time this way. It is also less distracting for the animal to be in a normal/home environment.

Tape recording - $5.00/tape

A tape recording of your consultation is entirely optional. If you decide you don’t want the tape after having your consultation recorded, you just don’t send the extra $5.00.

Workshops - $75.00 and up

The workshop fees can vary because of travel costs, space rental, and lunches provided.

Lectures - no fee

I do not charge for lectures because I feel it is important to reach as many people as possible to promote animal communications. Sponsors of the lecture may charge admission as a fundraising event. I do gratefully accept reimbursement for travel expenses.

Books - see below + $2.00 ship. & PA tax for PA residents.

Animal Wisdom $11.95

How to Hear the Animals $18.00

A kit with "how to" instructions and meditations.

Flower Essences - $10.00 + $3.00 shipping.

If you are unable to find flower essences in your area we are able to provide these for you.

Gift Certificates - variable

We can provide gift certificates for consultations (w/wo tape), workshops, books, flower essences, virtually any service we provide.