How my cat changed my life and can make a positive difference in yours!

It’s true that a lot of new blogs pop up on the internet every day. I hope my posts will provide some real value and support for you as a business owner and as a person navigating any family issues that require legal support.

When faced with any legal issue you want to work with the most qualified person possible. You can read my bio and learn about my qualifications and accomplishments on our website here:

I thought I’d share another side of myself so we can get to know each other. My law practice affords me the opportunity to make a difference in significant ways that deeply affect people’s lives. The passion I have for the law and for helping people extends to an ongoing enthusiasm to help and support animals of all kinds. The volunteer services I engage in to support animal rights and well being stems from my personal experiences with animals and the most intimate ones have been with my cats.

I had a cat named Dimka, or Poohbear as I fondly referred to her as. For 18 years she was by my side, never wavering in her unconditional love. Throughout my time in the military, all through law school,
living in and moving to three different states, eight apartments, a marriage, a divorce and countless other occasions, both happy and sad, Poohbear was there.

When it became apparent that her time to leave was near, I did the most humane thing I could do for her to relieve the pain and suffering. I held her in my arms as she made her way to the Rainbow Bridge.

Not three weeks later, an attorney in my office, whose practice is focused on real estate closings, emailed me to tell me that she met an agent at a closing who was fostering a home for a cat until she found him his forever home. The owner had moved to Arizona and could only take one of her cats. These weren’t just any cats—they were purebred British shorthairs, brother and sister. My immediate response was that I was not ready for a new pet, as I was still nursing a broken heart. I’ve also always been an animal rescuer and against buying a fancy breed.

Weeks passed and the attorney reached out to me again saying that the agent had thought she had found his forever home only to go back the following day to pick him back up knowing the home was not
suited for him. I took this as a sign and agreed to meet him. Once I saw him, I knew immediately that he needed me and I him. He has helped heal my heart and made me realize that while I will never forget my Poohbear, I can honor her memory and open my heart to another animal. Tiggaroo is the sweetest cat I’ve ever encountered. Those eyes get me every time. He is one spoiled handsome boy.

People say I’m crazy when it comes to my cat, but any animal lover knows the joy and happiness an animal can bring, especially during trying times. Pets not only bring us joy, they teach us about loyalty, compassion and responsibility.

Here are some statistics to think about and some simple things you can do to make a difference in the lives of animals.

• 1.5 MILLION shelter animals are euthanized every year in the US
• 34% of dogs are still purchased from breeders
• There are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills in the US and over 2 million puppies bred each year
• 56% of dogs and 71% of cats entering shelters each year are euthanized
• Although shelter protocol can vary, the hold time for each animal that enters until it is euthanized is only 72 hours. That means they only have 3 days to hope someone adopts them or their owners reclaim them (if they don’t have a microchip) before it is too late
• Adopt from a shelter or rescue, do not purchase animals from breeders or pet stores
• Help pass legislation that bans puppy mills
• Help pass legislation that regulates and reduces breeding
• Spay and neuter all your animals
• Microchip your animals (very important so they can be returned to you if they are lost!)
• Support your local rescue and shelter efforts by volunteering, fostering or donating!