I always love it when my guests blog about their pets and share their views on animal welfare. This week’s post, by the lovely Magdalena Vandenberg, is no exception. A very big welcome to you, Magdalena! Thank you for being my guest and sharing Minnie Moo’s story with us.
I can often be heard jokingly telling others that I’m a cat lady in training.
Without a shadow of any doubt, I’m showing early signs of becoming a stylish spinster sitting alone in her over-stuffed comfy chair watching re-runs of Homeland and The Mentalist while surrounded by the love, or perceived love, of lazy fluff-balls.
Cats are my weakness.
There’s just something about them that resonates with me. Aloof, needy yet detached, loving yet fiercely independent. Always hungry and addicted to napping, these are all admirable traits, and say a lot about me.
I should add here, I love dogs too. I just love cats a little more. They’re infinitely easier to sneak past the landlord’s “no cats allowed” policy.
From pint size pets to the might of the larger beasts, the animal world fascinates me. And I can’t for the life of me think why anyone would want to purposefully inflict harm, or treat them with malice and ill intent.
This riles me. It goes against my DNA. Maybe I’m too idealistic, but at the very least everyone, person, animal, inanimate object deserves respect. Right?
I’m a firm believer if you own a pet, or any animal it’s your responsibility to give the critter love, food, shelter, attention and a safe place to call home.
I simple don’t get it when people abuse this privilege.
Years ago, I was in Sydney, Australia, driving home from work down a busy commuter road. While crawling along at a snail’s pace, I remember looking out the window at the most adorable scene. This young boy, he was about twelve years old, was walking while carrying a cute-as-a-button white fluffy small dog.
In the blink of an eye, to my horror, and out of nowhere, the boy started to hit the little dog with his angry fists. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing.
Incensed and without any hesitation, I plied on the brakes, stopped the car in the middle of the road, left my keys in the ignition, and marched over to the boy.
“Stop that!” I shouted. “Stop that, right this minute. Stop being cruel to the dog.”
I remember my ranting went something like… “You can’t do that to the dog. What’s this poor little dog ever done to you? Stop being a bully.”
All I heard was, “but, but but…”
I continued on in my sterner by the minute voice… “If you don’t stop being mean to the dog, I’m going to report you.”
It was then I could see tears prick in his eyes as he said, sorry.
“Thank you for apologizing, but don’t say sorry to me, say sorry to your dog.”
Walking back to my car, I was oblivious to the honking horns of the irate drivers and the traffic jam I had caused. Driving off, all I cared about was that little white dog. I had to trust and hope he would be ok.
Fifteen years later, I clearly recall the incident, and hand on heart, I would do exactly the same thing.
Mention cats, animals and my heart melts. Particularly the underdogs (sorry cats, it’s just a figure of speech) who’ve had a rough start, but given half a chance have a whole lot of love to give.
That’s why I fell in love with Minnie Moo.
One day, I left the back door open. The next day, I had a cat. It was as simple as that.
Naturally, I went around the neighborhood asking everyone and anyone if they were missing a boy cat. No one claimed him, and to this day I think he was abandoned. Just left behind like an unwanted piece of furniture.
At that time I lived opposite a Pizza Restaurant, and my theory is he just got tired of sleeping in pizza boxes and eating left over salami. Once Minnie Moo walked through my open door, there was no turning back. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A little bit about Magdalena Annegie VandenBerg
Born to Dutch parents, Magdalena was born in New Zealand. But unlike the flightless kiwi bird, as soon as she could she spread her wings to live and work in Sydney for twelve years.
The career opportunity of a lifetime beckoned as Magdalena travelled the world working in marketing and PR for the creative genius of Cirque du Soleil.
Now back in the land of sixty-four million sheep, Magdalena is pursuing her life long dream of writing.
Her first children’s e-book, Minnie Moo, The Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Cat is out now and available on most e-book formats. This story is ideal for children reading chapter books.
The book is in part, a tribute to the little white dog. An inspirational tail with a big message; it’s always ok to do the right thing. It’s never ok to be a bully.
Magdalena’s second e-book is her first foray into contemporary romance. Love in the Vines, tells the story of food, wine, love and betrayal. Like wine, loves begins in the vines. Betrayal begins in the heart of a marriage.
Carte Blanche by Amelia Curzon 
Reblogged this on magdalena vandenberg and commented:
Thank you Amelia for the wonderful opportunity to write a guest post on your blog. Credit must go to my four-legged furry eating machine….Minnie Moo