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The new laws banning exotic pets is going to endanger many of these remarkable programs. Humans and animals are a kindred spirit, have interacted for eons. Now we have special interest groups upsetting a natural process. It's a pity. How do you feel about this?

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Hi, Diana. Being visually impaired has introduced me to one of the most complex relationships between man and animal I have ever dealt with. Some of my good friends who are visually impaired/blind have guide dogs. The relationship between the person and their guide dog is remarkable. I do not have a guide dog but if I lose the rest of my sight I would not hesitate to embark on the adventure of obtaining a guide dog. I would hate to see anyone lose their relationship between them and their pet because of an unnecessary law. Good topic. Thanks.

Dean. these animals have been given to us as gifts. In another town I knew of a man who was mentally challenged. He had a little dog that would follow him everywhere. The man used to go into the tavern and I have seen this little dog wait by the door for hours, even in the cold. I used to live close to the tavern and one day as the little guy was waiting for his "person" I called to him. He looked at me and ran a block and although I have never had any interaction with the dog before he jumped up in front of me and I was barely able to catch him but I did do it. He did not know me from Adam but as I started to talk his tail wagged. We had, what my people used to call. "silent Language." I put a chair on the porch and he sat on my lap the whole time. After a while the man came out and walked towards us. He expressed thanks for taking care of his dog. I told him that everyone has an angel that watches out for them. he said "yeh, this is my angel."

Hi, ancientflaxman. Wow! That's a great story. Thank you for sharing it with me. I enjoyed your story. The story definitely made me smile. I understand what you mean by silent language. I love pets and have owned several small dogs with the ability to communicate using your definition of silent language. Great job taking care of the little dog and communicating with the gentleman. Any other stories you have I would love to read them. Have a great day.

Dean, I don't know if I should bring this to your forum as I am a "different" thinking kind of a guy so bear with me please. Years ago I was going through a very rough patch in my life. We had a little Himalayan cat named San Louis. I spent quite a lengthy time in bed and I hurt in my chest. It was more of a spiritual thing than a physical. This may sound crazy I know but it was debilitating nevertheless. Little Louis, my wife, and I were very close to each other. He knew that something was wrong with me.

One day as I lay in bed he jumped up upon my chest and looked deep into my eyes. He had the strangest look on his face. All of a sudden the pain left my chest. Louis hopped down and went into the other room. I could not believe that I felt better so soon. I went back to work and forgot about it. Within a month or two Louis became listless and quit eating. I took him to the vet and he had a terminal illness within his lungs. I was really in grief about it and so was my wife.

All of a sudden it struck me. He knew enough to somehow absorb what I had into himself so I could be better. I became really angry. My belief system is unlike most other peoples but I shook my hands in the air angrily shouting," Why Him?? He did nothing to deserve this. This is total shXX. I was unconsolable because of what he did for me and I just watched him die. I took him to the vet as we had agreed to have him put down so he would not suffer any longer. I held him for a long time and then put him down on the floor.

He automatically went into the crate that was to be carried into the back room to be put to sleep. It took me months to unravel that one out in my brain but I did it eventually. These little guys are gifts!! I hope that this does not sound too crazy for you but I guess that it was just another step in life that I had to go through. I am glad to share this story with you. Sometimes when I am sitting as the dinner table something brushes up against my leg. I know who it is. dave

Well put. I don't understand the political play that puts so many important and special things into jeopardy. Just out of curiosity have you looked into the miniature guide horses? The link is here if you wish to look into the possibility. Guide dogs, dogs are wonderful. I love dogs dearly and have had some wonderful experiences that are powerful and overwhelming at times. They are a breed of animal like no other. When I was a child I was intrigued by the spelling of dog backwards...I hope that everything works out for you. Please stop by again, it was a delight meeting you.

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Welcome to the forum ancientflaxman. I understand silent language very well. Our relationship with animals is both spiritual and beautiful. Not all would understand what we understand as truth. It has been my privilege to enjoy the wondrous relationship between many different animals and myself. My life has been richer because of it.

Your thinking is very similar to many people that visit our Exotic Pets forum. I don't see it as odd in anyway. What your cat did for you was the gift of all gifts, you achieved unconditional love with this animal. Human's in general have little understanding of death, and this makes us afraid. Death is just another realm where your cat waits for you. I don't know if it is spiritual, mystical, whatever that spiritual glow is, it is beautiful. I too feel the gentle touch of my animals that have passed. I miss them very much but know I will feel their love again (I still feel their love just not the same as when they were in this physical realm). The passage of time is speeding up for me. The veil is becoming thinner. Other than my daughter, every single family member is gone from this physical earth including my son. I almost feel like I can put my hand to the veil and feel the touch, the love of my dear animals and human family members. I love life, but I am not afraid of death. What a glorious experience, you must be a very special person. Please stop by again. I feel you can teach me a great deal.

Diana, Goddess of the hunt, I also am not afraid of leaving here. The veil is really thin, I know. I have lived a good life and would not do anything different that I have. Animals have been a very important part of my life and few realize just how spiritual they are. I do want to see little Louis again. I really miss him. Thanks for your words Diana, Blessings

I don't think we have truly lived life unless we have enjoyed the companionship and shared a spiritual connection with an animal. People that have shared this experience understand what I am saying, those who haven't will never understand.