It was a run-down warehouse, the kind of building which you could envision housing old cars or greasy machinery at one point in its history. I spied a cat sitting on the cold, hard steps at the entrance to what once was the front doors of the structure. As I approached the cat and sat down on the step, he trotted over and promptly jumped onto my lap and started purring.

I didn’t know it at the time but I had just met my destiny.

I could see two old pet food and water dishes off in the corner, long crusted over from disuse. This cat had to be starving and thirsty. I washed the bowl with water from an old faucet as well as I could and filled it with water. I have never seen a cat drink so long and with such enjoyment. With that done and feeling pretty good about myself for helping this poor critter, I said goodbye and promised to be back to see him again soon.

The next day was Saturday and a rain storm hit the city with force. As I snuggled contentedly under the covers, my mind went to the kitty I had met the day before. What if he were out in all this rain? What if he were shivering, lonely, and scared? I had to do something. I got up and immediately drove to the warehouse where I had seen the kitty the day before, and, sure enough, there he was, huddled under the eaves of the old building. I strode over, scooped him up and without a backward glance placed him on my lap in the car and drove home. He made no effort at protesting; it was as if he knew I had only the best of intentions. I didn’t really notice it when he was outside, but as I took a closer look at him at home, I saw that he had the most beautiful, big blue eyes I had ever seen on a cat. With the color of highly-polished sapphires and the depths of the deepest ocean, this cat drew me in with his gaze, and we made a deep connection.

As the months and years passed, "Cassidy" and I continued to share a special relationship. He was there as I began mulling over the idea of starting an organization to help animals. He was there as I began researching animal rights and animal testing issues. Every time I learned about another atrocity by a human against an animal, I would sit with Cassidy and gaze into those soulful blue eyes and ask, "Why? Why, in this highly advanced society, is animal abuse happening?" Cassidy’s unwavering gaze and quiet, dignified demeanor helped me to continue my research, to dig deeper, to find answers, and ultimately to educate others.

Just as I completed this book, Cassidy, while nestled on his favorite blanket, passed away peacefully in my arms. He was sixteen years old. I firmly believe he was brought to me to help fulfill my purpose of sharing the message of compassion toward all animals. I hope he realizes how important he has been in my journey to help other animals in need.

After all, it was our destiny.

The Special Animals in Your Life

Do you have a special animal companion in your life? When you look into his eyes, what do you see? Do you consider this animal an integral part of your life-a member of the family? Most of us give our companion animals a great deal of affection and would never allow them to be hurt, abandoned, or abused. In return, they give us unconditional love and devotion.

This book allows you to explore many ways in which you can show even more love and appreciation for your own companion animals and gives you the opportunity for learning how to co-exist with all the animals who share our earth.

All for Animals doesn’t describe painful animal experiments or show graphic pictures of animal suffering. Instead, the book offers quick and easy ways you can be kinder to animals and treat them with more respect. Even if you choose to do only a few things suggested in this book, you’ll feel good about yourself for helping the animals.

Animals everywhere thank you for your compassion!