“Come on Callie, it’s time to go to work!” After breakfast, my cat will wait nearby until I head to my office. She runs ahead ensuring she is the first one there and then establishes herself in her favorite spot. I have a rectangular wicker basket which holds manila folders. About a year ago, she decided it would work much better as a cat bed. After her morning nap, she likes to sit by my computer and watch the movement of my cursor, offering help when necessary. My cat is very perceptive, when I am feeling tired she likes to taunt me with little kitty snores: a great motivator to complete my task so I can join her.

In our Natural Pet article, Feline Workforce, author Sandra Murphy shares, “Some cats started their careers in barns with minimal job opportunities. With updated skills, they now boost office morale, encourage reading, promote products and provide therapy.” My office cat excels at morale and soothing therapy. She doesn't pay much attention to deadlines however, if she needs a head scratch break it is going to happen. “Even when comfort breaks are hard to schedule, insistent cats cannot be ignored,” says Murphy.

This issue is filled with thought-provoking articles. Discover how open-hearted journeys can take unexpected paths. Build stronger bones by learning how bone responds to exercise. Experiment with fermented foods and try the recipes in our Conscious Eating column [page 28]. And explore how school children are learning to calm themselves with meditation. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so consider a thermography screening for prevention and to raise your own awareness. As we move into Fall, I hope you enjoy soothing moments with your pets and loved ones.

Here’s to our pets that enrich our lives!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher