St. Francis of Assisi – Patron Saint of Animals

I love animals!  Pope Francis’ selection of St. Francis d’Assisi as his namesake is one that endears him to all animal lovers and pet owners.  Read stories about St. Francis d’Assisi at http://www.americancatholic.org/features/francis/stories.asp to get to know him.  For children, and adults, owning a pet is a wonderful way to learn one of life’s most important skill – total responsibility for someone/thing else.

My little shih-tzu, Maizie, was the dearest in my daily life.  Look at this face - how could anyone have left this sweet little dog in an animal shelter?  How fortunate for me they did.  (see my Pinterest pin "dogs" at Little Lady).  I needn’t tell you how devastated I was when she passed away last January at the age of 12, 84 people years.
 
She prompted my volunteering for the much needed support of animal organizations.  I was a board member on the City's Animal Shelter (formally called the pound) and the Golden Retriever Rescue of El Paso.  Pet organizations are always looking for help regardless of the amount of time you are able to give – one hour or all day.  It makes you feel good at the end of the day.  It also makes you sad.  I always say, “if I had the money, I would buy a place with lots of land and bring them all to live with me.”  

Maizie was also responsible for getting me to watch one of my favorite TV shows, Too Cute.  It airs on Saturdays on channel Animal Planet.  Reruns of programs begin at noon, new shows air at 8 pm ET.  Each program follows the birth and growth of (up to 10 weeks) 3 varieties of puppies or kittens.  It is so well written and interesting.  You can’t help but smile and learn too.  See a preview at http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/too-cute.  It really is just too cute!