Opening Thought - September 2026

LABOR DAY

HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH

YOM KIPPUR

Dear Friends, and Members:

It has been extremely hot all over the country, and beyond our

shores. There have been earthquakes, flooding, fires and worse, there

has been loss of human life. In one way or another, human life finds

as much help as possible – not enough at times, but help is there. As

far as animal life is concerned, the unspoken loss is not addressed.

There are organizations that can help in certain areas, but not all. We

have to do what we can to help. I can only hope that we have a warm

winter.

I have noticed that, since we have been building more around

the country, the wild animals have been displaced more, and more. I

have more deer eating my bird seed. The racoons are coming more,

and more, because they can’t find food. The worst thing is that

cayotes have been coming into neighborhoods, searching for the stray

cats, racoons, deer and other little animals. They don’t seem to be

afraid of humans.

It is a hard life for us, and it is a harder life for animals

whether Domestic (cat or dog), or what we call wild. We have to pray

for all animals.

We have to leave the animals some Homeland or they may

move into your neighborhood, which will not be ideal.

We have to be more alert to the weather conditions, and the

strays. We are the only ones that can alleviate their suffering. Please

carry dry food, and water with you, in case you find a stray in need.

It is not all that they need, but it may carry them through until they

meet a professional Rescuer. Let’s just do what we can when we can

to help,

Last year, I mentioned that I have a black cat, and red cat that

visit my feeding spot. The red cat is now at least 9 years old. I keep

looking for a sanctuary that would take him in. The street cats get

older, and sickness catches them, as it does us. I worry for him. He

doesn’t let anyone get too close. We just have to be there for them,

and try to help when they let us. I have a young Racoon who visits

also. Some nights the deer come, and eat the bird seed. Nothing goes

to waste. It sounds beautiful, but it is a struggle when animals of the

wild end up in your yard looking for food. It’s our fault. We build,

and build without thought of where the animals will go. Where will

they find food? I see this first-hand. The world has to stop thinking

“Me,” “Myself,” and “I,” there is more to life. Wherever you live,

please go the extra step. We are the only hope they have.

Let’s help one stray animal at a time. Have a wonderful Fall.