The Life and Times of Leo

By Dan Cauthorn Ph.D.

Cats engender calm and easy living. Cats will ignore what displeases them or is unpleasant in midthought. Tuned precisely to its environment, all is well within the compound. Decisions can wait.

Leo is more than the kitten he represents. He personifies everything that is magical, spiritual, mysterious, great, awe-inspiring, and mystical in life and of life. Each person who reads this book about Beth and Leo will grasp the magic of a life lived with love and of being loved. It is a wonderful love story about a dog who adopts a little orphaned kitten. Enjoy the words and feelings as Leo and Beth capture your heart and imagination! My personal message to you: May your whole life only be the first step into a future of lives and steps!

I am a good cat!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Nov 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466902879

Dan Cauthorn Ph.D.

The author has retired from the mental health industry after twenty-six years. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Troy University. He holds a PhD in educational psychology. He is a Vietnam veteran who served honorably in the United States Army Security Agency during a rather violent period (1968–69). He is married to Elizabeth, and the house and grounds abound with various cats and dogs. Animals remain over a lifetime, and many have joined others who have gone to the other side. His wife is a friend to all animals and especially the Pekinese variety. The following children live with them: felines Leo, Silver, Kat, Stanley, Hopi, Sissy, and Firecat; and canines Clarabelle (mastiff), Beth (Labrador retriever), Cash (schnauzer), Sam (Chihuahua), and Annie (a blind Lhasa apsos). The property is bounded by a fence and all are safe within. He and his wife reside in Dothan, Alabama, and both are now retired. He enjoys riding his Harley (2000 FXSTS), writing, and working in the garden and maintaining the grounds. His wife is new to retirement, so she is just “relaxing and taking it easy.”

Book preview

Contents

Characters:

Dedication

Introduction

Author’s Note

The Life and Times of Leo

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIX

Characters:

002_a_reigun.pdf

Dedication

-To all other cats who have a special relationship with a human, who continues to teach the human basic rules of engagement while maintaining an air of aloofness. Being above the disorder and chaos created by the human, cats are to be commended. Humans, after all, are just human! They, the humans, remain special independent creations that share this wonderful land, which we are privy to share also.

-And to the little girl, Alexis, who gave Leo the courage and confidence to continue despite difficulties.

Introduction

This is the tender story of the development of love and friendship between a cat and a dog. If you have such a kitten or puppy, then you will be able to relate to the bonds that develop. Those bonds develop not only with the human caretaker but also between all of the animals in the Compound. It is a story that parallels that of human friendships. Life’s ups and downs endured, the fears and hurts healed, the emotional rollercoaster of sadness and love, and yet, through all of these things that Leo encounters, much like what we humans experience, he finds the true meaning of friendship and unconditional love. There are so many lessons that Leo learns just as we humans must learn.

Life is not always, what we expect; i.e., there will be disappointments and pain. Yet, if we learn to trust and love others, life becomes better and brighter. Go with Leo as he experiences the beginnings of life, alone and frightened. He refuses to accept less of himself and he becomes a very wise and humble cat in the process.

The story is funny, lovable, and sad. As the story unfolds, it might bring tears to your eyes and to your heart. Read this story with compassion, understanding and love, to your children. They may have questions and this will give you an opportunity to explain some of life’s situations that are more complicated.

Keep this book around to read not only to your children but also to your grandchildren and, even perhaps, to reread it yourself just to remind yourself what true friendship and love are really all about.

Enjoy the life of Leo!

Barbara Yarber

Birmingham, AL

Robert A. Heinlein once said, How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven. The story of Beth and Leo tells of a kitten seeking his status in life and beyond, of how to meet life’s challenges and turn them into lessons.

Leo shares the story of his arrival to a human family and by his growing and becoming, of moving towards life’s ultimate adventure; he thus changes the two legged creatures that share home.

Linda Patton

Indianapolis, IN

Author’s Note

A little girl, whose outlook upon life had not been clouded or deluded by the difficulties, those anxieties, of growing up to life, provided the inspiration for this book. She greeted each day with wonder and a hopeful, perfected anticipation. She asked that I write the story of Leo, a little orphaned kitten. It began simply but it soon took a life of its own. As the little girl requested, the story of Leo is yours to enjoy.

She wanted a descriptive tribute to the antics and follies of a kitten that was filled with the absolute joy of life and thrilling to the prospect of the new dawning of every day and the joy he brought into life. Every day, for him, would erupt at any time into a joyous occasion to celebrate life! And so he has! And so do I! We should all celebrate life as Leo does.

The little girl upon reflecting back over the years says that Leo has been and continues to be an inspiration. She will never forget walking into that garage and seeing Leo for the first time as being her little kitty. Her little heart beat in perfect rhythm with Leo’s heart immediately because that relationship was forged instantly, and profoundly! Moreover, she has declared that their hearts shall forever beat as one!

Sweet little kitten, thanks for making her heart just a bit larger than life itself and being part of something bigger than both of you. She did enjoy the antics of your early life, thrilled to the expectation of your presence, and observed how very much you enjoyed life! Now others will know you! The thought and image of your smiling, furry face is now and forever remains etched indelibly upon her heart. She will always remember and cherish being a part of your kitten-life.

Enjoy the journey of little Leo and of the other animals who called the Compound home! The Compound is a very special place for those who wander and search for a place offering love, care, and concern. They find home, at last.

Leo will be reborn to a generation of the young, time after time, when they seek a special pet. He shall live in the life as if by the very fairy dust that inspires greatness. The little cat knows his entrance, and only those who indeed have the need can summon his enduring presence. He is the medium