Around the World,

these Truths are Self Evident

and they are the Facts of Life Common Sense
for Animals
A Journal on Animal Welfare & Environmental
• Extinction is forever. Stewardship & CSA sponsors.
• Companion pets and domestic animals exist only because of man.
President
• Wildlife are important and they are a diminishing resource. Dr. Robert R. Blease

• Animal research is necessary to improve animal and human health. Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Robert R. Blease
• Hunting, fishing and trapping can be both a privilege and a
requirement to survival. Advertising Manager
Gail Werner
• Farmers are our best friends.
Contributing Writers
• Animals comfort and entertain us.
Dr. Robert R. Blease
• Fish and fishing are both important. Thor Blease
Kristian Hammermueller
• We eat animals and rely upon them for many of our basic commodities. Mil Scott

• The planet is not ours, we only share it. Contributing Artists

Will Harmuth
• “Dominion over the Earth” means we are the responsible caretakers. Lisa Bonforte
• A healthy environment is the blueprint for long-term civilizations. Thornton Blease

• All animals have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, Graphic Design
including their right to survival. William Harmuth
Robina Middleton

Printing
While all persons may not agree with all of these williamsandphilips.com
concepts, they are, nonetheless, the underlying
principles of CSA’s philosophy. Published by
Protecting animals, the environment and the rights of Common Sense for Animals
man is not easy,but with hard work, enthusiasm and PO Box 589, Broadway, NJ 08808
steadfast principles, it can be done. Phone: 908-859-3060 / Fax: 908-859-3738

Email
drblease@commonsenseforanimals.org

Circulation 15,000

We invite individuals to submit

articles for publication. Please share
with us your thoughts
Cover Art and articles on animal welfare
and environmental stewardship.
Original oil painting To sponsor an ad and/or article in
donated by next year’s journal, contact:
Lisa Bonforte drblease@commonsenseforanimals.org
gail@gwerner.com
lisabonforte.com kent@commonsenseforanimals.org
robina@commonsenseforanimals.org
www.commonsenseforanimals.org
A Letter from the President
The picture on the cover is why we have pets or is it
why they have us? Ossie is a rescue , along with Red
Dog; both are spayed female rough coat Jack Russel.
Both were adopted from CSA, but in reality they got
the better deal. They have a home, food delivered to
them daily and their own place on the couch.
They have us.
In return for our bidding, they give us unconditional
love and watch over our lives and property. Whenever
we all leave the property Ossie will sit in one window
staring at the driveway until we return. It matters little
to her if her vigil is one hour or twelve hours, she
never relaxes or moves from her sitting position, till
she knows her family is safe and home.
At one time it was thought man domesticated dogs
just like we did sheep, oxen and horses. In reality it
was the other way around. Early man was at the mercy
of wild animals and fire was one of our early defenses.
Early man was a “gatherer and hunter” of food. Wild
wolves found it easier to scavenge our meat scraps
outside of the ring of fire. In return they gave the cave
dwellers early warning and protection from predators.
It was mutually beneficial for us and the wolves.
When we think of our dogs we consider us to be
their masters, but they think of it differently. They
consider us to be “their property” and they look after
us expecting us to act with dignity and respect. The
question is do we act responsibly? Yes and No. Sixty
million USA households have one to several pets.
The question is then why do we euthanize 3 to 5
million unwanted pets a year? My question is who is
the irresponsible one, the unwanted pets or us?
We can do better.
Thank you in advance for graciously supporting
Common Sense for Animal our No-Kill Shelter.
Sincerely,
Robert R. Blease DVM
President

Little has changed; modern dogs give us protection

and warning along with comfort and help. Sled dogs,
sheep herding dogs, hunting dogs, guard dogs all
evolved for practical purposes and somewhere along
the way, came their unique and universal brand
of unconditional love and comfort.
 CONTENTS features
Be the Dog.................3
Red’s Adoption..........9
Unconditional Love..19
Literacy through
Animals Program....22
Guiding Hooves .......31
Love is a many
species thing...........32 Common
Sense for
Poetry Contest.........36 Animals
Literacy
Ode to Fredo............34 Through
Cover Artist..............35 Animals
Program
Why I Help................39
 SPONSORS
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Life is tough for a homeless stray living on the streets. I am hungry,
lonely and cold. It’s not all bad. I am free to hop and twist and run.
I hop and catch leaves. I twist and roll in the mud. And, I run and chase
squirrels. I run all by myself. I am sad and lonely. I think finding a
forever friend would be like finding a pot of gold.
One day, a lady in a white Animal Control SUV approaches me. Will she
be my friend, I wonder? She talks to me in a kind voice, and brings me to
an animal shelter. She pats me on my head as I bounce and jump high in
the air. I ask her if she will be my forever friend. She says no, but this is
the place that people come to find their dog friends.
The shelter wants to make sure whomever adopts me will use plenty of treats
to reward good manners. So they take their time to find me the right home,
the right match. I waited a couple of weeks.
That was four years ago…
I was adopted by a nice family on Christmas morning. And best of all, I didn’t
have to move very far. The family that adopted me started this awesome
no-kill shelter called Common Sense for Animals. I still visit the shelter.
I have many friends, including an older sister with whom I play-fight, and a
human brother I elicited to write my tale.

I found the pot of gold.

She strokes my bouncing head once more, before putting me in a pretty
swanky kennel, with a large glass viewing window and says she hopes
I find a perfect person. I know I will. I thought about the perfect person.

~ by Thornton W. Blease ~

They come in all shapes and sizes. I decide the perfect person
loves to play.

What would the perfect person sound like? They speak in many different
languages. I decide the perfect person knows that dogs talk with their
whole bodies. We wiggle, worm and squirm.

A perfect person gives us food and water. They use treats to reward good
behavior. That is important, because I love to hop, twist and run, and
often forget my manners. I love to run after people. I love to run after
cats. But most of all, I love to run and chase squirrels.

My adoption took a while. The perfect person has to decide I am the

perfect dog, one they can handle. I am told…
Not everyone wants a curious dog that runs up the mountain, forgetting
to come when they are called.

Not everyone wants a dog that chases their cats, jumps on their
tables or fights with the monstrous vacuum cleaner.

Not everyone wants to worry about a dog that might forget to

stop at the end of the driveway when they are on a
full-fledged squirrel patrol mission.
 By Thornton Blease
While I can’t remember a day in my life without an animal
at my side. I remember the first time I rescued a cat, which
I named Hunter (I was four years old). She ran up to me to
greet me at the door and was so happy to see me. I thought,
“Now this is why we have cats.”
Extensive research reveals that just the act of petting an animal can
increase the levels of the stress reducing hormone, Cortisol. Study after
study has shown that owning a pet is good for your health. Pet owning
patents keep their blood pressure in check in times of stress better than
patients without pets. Another study showed that patients who have
suffered a heart attack increased their odds of survival for at least a year if
they own a pet.
It is the unconditional love that a pet gives you. They don’t judge you for
leaving the laundry piled on the floor, or eating the ice cream out of the
container. They are truly man’s and women’s best friend.
Growing up in an animal hospital/animal shelter, I know there is as much
to learn from animals than from people. I am constantly amazed at what
they have taught me. They are capable to bringing out the best in people,
even in the most dire circumstances.
They bring out the nurturing side of us. This they do without passing
judgment or holding grudges.
They do a wonderful job of helping people deal with loneliness. Senior
citizens who own a pet have an enhanced quality of life because their
pet gets them out and increases their feelings of social connectedness.
While getting a pet solely for the purpose of meeting people may not be
a good idea, it is hard to overlook the fact that animals bring other people
together and improve socialization overall.
Therapy animals entire purpose in life is to make people feel better.
Pet therapy is used alongside of conventional medicine to advance a
patient’s outcome.
My friend spent many months at the Mayo Clinic eventually requiring the
surgical removal of his pancreas, gall bladder, bile duct, spleen part of
his intestine, part of his liver and his appendix due to a genetic disorder
called Nail-Patella Syndrome. He swears that the therapy dogs that
visited him at the Mayo Clinic were a huge part of his quick and smooth
recovery. Therapy animals are so important to our current medical
modality that there isn’t one major children’s hospital in this country that
doesn’t allow pets on its floor for some kind of pet therapy program.
The World Health initiative coined the term zooeyia to refer to the many
possible benefits to human health from interacting with animals. Pets
provide us with physical touch when we are in the need of comfort, an
ear to listen to our problems and a laugh after a long day.
They can provide physical as well as emotional help for their owners, even
helping to reduce the effects of allergies. It may seem counter-intuitive
that the very thing that causes allergies, pet dander, can actually end up
reducing it. Studies have revealed that babies exposed to animals in their
home developed stronger immune systems overall.
Most important, it doesn’t matter what species or breed of animal.
Any specie or breed alleviates both emotional and physical stress. They
become members of the family and provide connection and sense of
belonging that we as humans crave.
Caring for an animal teaches the valid lesson of becoming selfless and
realizing that something depends on you for its care and love. A pet offers
a sense of purpose. What could be better for our mental health than
knowing that just our existence creates so much happiness and love
in another being’s life?
And that, my friends, is why you need a pet- in case you were on
the fence. Visit the shelter and adopt a friend today.
another day at CSA
Common
companion animals, and dogs in particular, are thought to provide a

non-threatening yet socially supportive and interactive audience for

children when practicing their oral reading skills.

Sense Current research examining school-based mentorship programs

involving children and non related adults suggests that the term

for literacy mentor indicates potential for the development of a meaningful

relationship between the participating adult and the child. Although

Animals organizers of most animal-assisted literacy programs would likely agree

that children involved in these programs require the attentive support

Literacy and assistance of an adult while reading with and to the dog, the

relationship most commonly emphasized is the bond that the child will

Through likely establish with the dog.

The theoretical basis of animal-assisted programs rests on a concept

Animals which is becoming increasingly well-known as the human-animal

bond. This concept was initially proposed by veterinarians and later

Program conceptualized by Edward O. Wilson, a Pulitzer Prize winner and science

professor at Harvard University, in his landmark book Biophilia (Wilson,

1984) and later the Biophilia Hypothesis (Kellert & Wilson, 1993).
There is no doubt that animals enrich our lives. But did you
know that animals can make reading and writing fun? CSA’s Biophilia is defined by Wilson (1984) as an “innate tendency to focus
new RAP, PAL and PAWS programs aim to inspire the love of
on life and lifelike processes” (p. 1) due to humans deep and complex
books and reading, as children read aloud to their
“friend” Ossie. connection with other organisms in the natural world. Wilson (1993)

Research exploring school-based literacy mentorship programs indicates emphasizes that as humans, our relationship with the natural world

that every child can benefit academically, socially, and emotionally is historically and biologically based. In fact, he notes that: for more

from caring relationships with non-related adults (Ellis, Small-McGinley, than 99% of human history people have lived in hunter-gatherer

& De Fabrizio, 2001). Although millions of children continue to read bands totally and intimately involved with other organisms. During

below grade level in North America, contemporary literacy research this period of deep history, and still farther back, into paleohominid

suggests that regular opportunities to experience and enjoy literature times, they depended on an exact learned knowledge of crucial aspects

helps to develop students understanding of story structure, encourages of natural history….In short, the brain evolved in a biocentric world,

vocabulary development, and comprehension. An emerging body of not a machine-regulated world (Wilson, 1993, p. 32). Wilson (1993)

research exploring animal-assisted literacy programs suggests that emphasizes that humans relationship with nature elevates and enriches

our own existence and as humans, we are drawn to nature because

we recognize ourselves within it. In support of the biophilia hypothesis,
Kellert (1993) states that “the human need for nature is linked not just
to the material exploitation of the environment but also to the influence
of the natural world on our emotional, cognitive, aesthetic, and even
spiritual development. . . Much of the human search for a coherent and
fulfilling existence is intimately dependent on our relationship to nature”
(pp. 42-43). Children have a natural fascination with nature. Whether it
is bringing in worms from the playground at recess or becoming instantly
attached to a stray kitten, children are often drawn to the natural world. A
burgeoning field of research exploring the human-animal bond between
children and animals suggests that dogs may be able to offer a unique
form of support for children’s learning and development in the school and
classroom environment due to their non-judgemental yet highly social
nature (Esteves & Stokes 2008; Friesen, 2009; Jalongo, Astorino & Bomboy,
2004; Limond, Bradshaw & Cormack, 1997).
Drawing on contemporary studies exploring school-based mentoring
programs the purpose of CSA’s animal-assisted literacy mentoring
programs-RAP, PAL and PAWS- is to support a child academically as well
as enhance his or her self-esteem through a positive and supportive
relationship with a gentle animal and a non-related adult
RAP
.
-Reading Alongside Pets
This program helps shy or struggling readers in grades One through Three
practice reading by having them read to Ossie and Thor, who provide
children with a non-judgmental and supportive environment that
helps make reading a more fun and positive experience. The results are
increased fluency and a more positive attitude toward reading. During
the school year, CSA offers local teachers and librarians the Reading with
Thor and Ossie program to students. Sessions might take place during
the school day or in an after-school program as pre-arranged. Children
recommended by their teachers or reading specialist participate in
Reading with Thor and Ossie and read for 30- minutes a week
for 4-16 weeks.
PALS
Pet Assisted Literacy Services- events and programs are more generalized
than the RAP program. They include an opportunity to participate in a
literacy activity and then meet our approved literacy animals. Activities
include, but are not limited to listening to stories in a storytime session,
reading aloud to a visiting animals and book discussions. PALS events,
open to readers of all ages take place in classrooms, outside at the school
day in libraries, shelters bookstores and community events.
PAWS
Pet Assisted Writing Programs encourage creative writing skills in
writers through High School. They include individual classroom writing
motivational programs, craft assistance/ writing coach and our annual
creative writing and art contests. There are a lot of positive reasons to
consider involving canines in your school’s literacy program. Teachers who
have already successfully implemented canine literacy programs agree
that children who struggle with reading benefit from interacting with a
non-judgmental animal. Research shows that children with low self-
esteem are more likely to feel comfortable reading to a dog as they tend
to forget their limitations all the while improving their reading skills.
For those interested in exploring this further, introduce the concept to
administrators, parents, and other faculty/staff members. Contact CSA or
Thornton Blease directly @tblease@gm.slc.edu.
 Hi Five Thor's Fun Facts
to
Common There are 78 million dogs as pets in the USA

Sense 44% of all USA households have a dog

for 1.6 million dogs adopted from shelters each year in the USA
Animals! 40% dogs found their owners by word of mouth
There are 85. 5 million cats as pets in the USA
LYNNES SUBARU
379 Bloomfield Ave. • Bloomfield, NJ 07003 35% of all USA households have a cat
973-329-2300 • www.LynnesSubaru.com
1.6 million cats adopted from shelters each year in the USA
46% cats found their owners by word of mouth
There are 2 million horse owners in the USA
There are 1.8 million reptile owners in the USA
There are 7.2 million fish owners in the USA
There are 3.7 million bird owners in the USA
710,000 animals returned to owners from shelters
(620,000 dogs and 90,000 cats)
 author • illustrator • filmmaker
freelance projects
editing • writing coach
comic style illustration
commercials and book-trailers

Thornton W Blease, mfa

908-878-7965
tblease@gm.slc.edu
thornton.blease@newschool.com
w w w. t h o r n t o n w b l e a s e . c o m

Just as Common Sense for Animals

is much more than a shelter,
Lynnes Subaru is much more
than a car dealership!

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500 OFF
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379 Bloomfield Ave. • Bloomfield, NJ 07003
973-329-2300 • www.LynnesSubaru.com
 Comments from a
Common Sense for Animals Volunteer
SAVING ONE DOG Volunteering at Common Sense for Animals has truly changed
my life. It has inspired and educated me to spend the rest of
AT A TIME my life helping to make a difference and improving the quality
of the lives of animals. My experience has been incredible and
DOES NOT CHANGE has enhanced my existing passion and compassion for animals.
I’m so grateful and proud to make a difference for each animal
THE WORLD, at such an amazing organization. There are moments that are
filled with joy, such as when a pup that has been at the shelter
BUT IT CHANGES a year or longer finally finds a forever loving home. Then there
are also heartbreaking times.
THE WORLD FOR THAT Common Sense for Animals is committed to the entitlement
of all animals to respect and dignity throughout their entire
ONE DOG lives. They work to improve every area of human/animal
relationships through education and community service. This
encompasses all aspects of animal welfare while looking at the
“big picture”…. the entire circle of life.
Thank you for saving my life- a greatful volunteer
 S.O.S. Kitten Rescue
Stray cats were not common at our outside warehouse on Route 57. Then
S.O.S. Kitten Rescue
one day I pulled up to the dumpster and an adult cat ran away as I approached.
Stray cats were not common at our outside warehouse on Route 57. Then
The
one daycat ran behind
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cat food and put the dishes at the perimeter of the protected
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as
catIfood
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andkittens.
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all seven. We
to adopt out the kittens through an approved rescue shelter.
decided to trap, neuter, and release back to S.O.S. the Mama as a store cat, and Common Sense for
Animals was part of the plan to humanely trap the Mama
to adopt out the kittens through an approved rescue shelter. Common Sense for for us and medically
treat the kittens.
Animals was part of the plan to humanely trap the Mama for us and medically
treatAthe “catkittens.
whisperer” from The Pet Adoption League diligently worked to trap
the seemingly untrappable
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six and find loving homes for them. It was a success story for our little kittens able to socialize all
six and find loving homes for them. It was a success story
and an eye opener for me to see how much love and patience is involved in the for our little kittens
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Thank
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The Pet Adoption League
to this cause.and Common Sense for Animals for
all their time and commitment to this cause.
S.O.S. Stove & Fireplace Shoppe has been in the hearth industry for over 38 years
S.O.S. Stove & Fireplace
Serving ShoppeMorris
the Warren, has beenandin the hearth industry
Hunterdon County forareas
over 38 years
Serving the Warren, Morris and Hunterdon County areas
 ANIMAL WORD SEARCH
D R G T V I I P S D V A S L B
R X C H E E T A H N O V N L G
A S H E E P G R L I O N A U H
Z S S H S U E R K C U D K P P
I E I O C S I O Q L Y S E E Z
L F F A R H N T O S T O A T Y
L K T O K G Y R Y E K N O M O
K E H E O T A P S E R X B H W
N E R E E B I N Q D E M R X K
U C H R B L E G P O Y R E V N
M S A I I K T O E G N W X K R
P S T D C U N R M R T K O D T
I H O I X Y Q D U Y T A R L N
H G H T I V M S W T Y I O L F
C C I P I U B J J A B U D G D

BI R D C AT C HEETA H CHICKENS
C H I P M U N K DOG P O N Y RAB B IT
D O N K E Y D UCK F I SH RAT
GO AT H OR SE L I O N SHEEP
L I Z AR D M O N K EY PAR ROT SNAKE
S Q U IR R E L T I GER T URTLE W OLF
Fido, move over and welcome the miniature horses to the service world.
Miniature horses are a new animal species, ready to aid people with disabilities.
Most people are familiar with canine service animals- guide dogs for the sight
impaired, hearing dogs for the hearing impaired, dogs that assist with physical
disabilities by pulling wheelchairs or retrieving various items. Yet, many do
not realize there are many types of service animals assisting with a variety of
disabilities.
A service animal is not a pet or companion. They perform some functions and
tasks that a disabled individual cannot perform on their own. They are trained
to ease a person’s disability by performing tasks as leading, pulling, retrieving,
alerting, providing balance and stability. They have rights under ADA. They must
be allowed to accompany the disabled individual in all areas of public facilities.
This includes medical offices, retail stores, governmental facilities including
the court house and post offices, taxis, trains, busses and airplanes. Miniature
horses must fly in first class or bulkhead areas, as economy or coach does not
provide enough headroom. In addition, “An individual with a service animal may
not be segregated from other customers” (USDOJ).
Guide Horses are not a new “novelty.” In fact, the Guide Horse Foundation has
been in existence for over a decade. And, in 2010, after much discussion and
confusion of what constitutes a service animal, a final rule was published in the
Federal Register to amend the service animal definition to be limited to dogs
and miniature horses. This new regulation went into effect in March 2011 (ADA
Fact Sheet). A person may still keep a service animal such as a pig or monkey for
their personal use, but they are not granted public access.
Perhaps the most famous guide horse is Panda of Albany, New York, Ann Edie’s
fuzzy black and white horse barely tall enough to reach her hip.
The story is told of one Halloween night when a group of children dressed in
their costumes ran past Edie. “Cool costume,” one of the kids said.
She wasn’t dressed up. She was simply blind and out for an evening walk,
gripping her guide horse’s leather harness.
Since there were no sidewalks, Panda led her along the edge of the street,
maneuvering around drainage ditches, mailboxes and other obstacles in the
road. When cars passed, Panda paused and waited for them to pass.
At a busy intersection, Panda stopped and tapped her hoof. Edie told Panda to
find the button on the traffic light. Panda raised her head inches from the pole,
allowing Edie to run her hand along Panda’s nose and press the walk
signal button.
Why are miniature horses being utilized as guide animals? Horses are natural
guides. When another horse goes blind in a herd, a sighted horse accepts
responsibility for the welfare of the blind horse and guides it with the herd.
In equestrian competitions, many blind humans ride horses and some blind
people ride alone on trails, relying on the horse to guide them safely to their
designation.
Their greatest advantage is their long lifespans. Miniature horses can live up to
50 years, with the average lifespan 30-40 years in contrast to a guide dog with a
useful lifespan of 8-12 years. This allows continuity of service for a longer
time span.
Another advantage is their acceptance in the public. They are not perceived
as pets, hence Guide Horses are immediately recognized as a working service
animal. Also, trained horses are calm. Calvary horses have proven that horses
can remain calm in stressful situations. They possess phenomenal memories
and high stamina. A horse will remember a dangerous situation decades after
the occurrence. They are normally safety conscious. Horses are constantly on the
lookout for danger, and have a natural tendency to guide their master along
the safest route possible. They have excellent vision and focus. They can remain
focused when petted or groomed, by well-meaning strangers. Finally, they are
well mannered and look and look awesome in sneakers.
 Love is a many species thing
Mil Scott
Throughout my childhood, a story circulated in
our family about a German Shepherd named
Fritz, who belonged to my grandfather back in
the late 1920’s. Newly married to my grand-
mother, Grandpa was working one day in the
car repair garage he’d recently built in Broadway
when his best friend Earl stopped by. Earl was
on his way to Easton and since Grandpa would
be busy for the next few hours, they decided he
should take Fritz along with him for company.
Although the details are sketchy these many
years later, somehow during the course of Earl’s
business in Easton (in the vicinity of the Square),
Fritz disappeared – and the frantic search he
made for him over the next hour or so yielded
no results. Finally, he was forced to return home
and break the news that he had lost Grandpa’s
beloved dog.
A few days later, Grandpa had the occasion to
go to Easton himself. Crossing over what’s now
known as the “free bridge,” he began traveling
up Northampton St., past where Connexions
Gallery currently stands, and approaching Cen-
ter Square. As he rounded the circle and stopped
at a traffic light on the far side, he was startled
by a blur of black and tan streaking toward him on my shoulder, in my hair, or peeking from the
from an alley. Almost before he could grasp neckline of my shirt.
what it might be, the blur transformed -- as
quickly as an Animagus from the Harry Potter Like many dogs, Audie also thought of himself
world -- into the fantastic beast Fritz, who
recognizing the sound of that one engine, ap-
peared literally before his eyes, having bounded
right onto the hood of Grandpa’s car!
Although I have to admit I might not have
believed this really happened had I not heard
it from Grandpa himself – truly the last person
who would ever stretch the truth… and who
was truly a magnet for animals throughout his
life – similarly incredible (and likewise true) as a fierce warrior – or perhaps merely a knight
tales of unbreakable human-dog bonds can be in the mold of Despereaux Tilling. In any case,
found in countless print volumes and non- the list of dangers as perceived by a mouse dif-
fiction-based films. Less commonly discovered, fers slightly from that of canine family members
however, are the equally strong bonds between – a fact we hadn’t fully considered when assem-
humans and other animal species – several bling a bookshelf we’d just brought home from
of which, unlike the historical epic of Fritz, my the store one evening, on which I was working
husband Andre and I have had the privilege of with Audie on my shoulder, while Andre worked
experiencing firsthand… and many of which, with Wellington, one of our very gentlest pet
beginning with discovery of a domestic rat rats, on his. In the wild, rats and mice are mortal
under a drive-up mailbox (as explained in my enemies – an equation in which, as one might
article for last year’s CSA Journal) have involved expect, rats are the natural aggressors. Knowing
species thought by many to be pests rather than Wellington wouldn’t show aggression to flies,
pets. One notable example was a mouse called however, let alone to Audie, this was a thought
Austin (nicknamed Audie), who came to us as a
roughly week old baby, uncovered during recon-
struction of the CSA shelter in 2008. After the
few tense days that invariably mark efforts to
raise such tiny orphans, this little rodent began
to thrive, and to display a spirit nearly burst-
ing the seams of the miniscule body in which
he was (arguably never quite fully) contained.
Filled with a love so devoted it fairly pulled
him to the roof of his home – which he eagerly
traversed as his way of begging to be brought
out – upon release he would invariably scurry
into my hand, ready to ride around the house
far from our minds as, lost in our efforts to secure
Screw A into Hole B of the bookshelf… while
attempting to keep Components C and D held
together long enough to make this happen, our
shoulders came in close proximity – bringing
our respective rodent pals into close proximity
as well. Much to our (and Wellington’s) surprise,
wild-born Audie wasn’t about to take any
chances on Wellington failing to live up to his
domestic nature – and promptly leapt directly
onto the shocked rat’s nose... to which he clung
valiantly until Andre rescued poor Wellington
from his clutches. Though it was never fully clear
whether Audie had been protecting himself or
me from this (not at all) potentially deadly foe,
he climbed back up to my shoulder with a look
that clearly conveyed the conviction he’d showed
Wellington once and for all who was the
bigger man.
Of course, in addition to being a knight,
Despereaux Tilling was also a gentleman – one,
like Audie, deeply devoted to his human lady
love. What might surprise those who’ve never
met one, however, is what true gentlemen (and
ladies) are another (ostensible) “pest” species…
European Starlings. Much like the circumstances
that forced us into crash courses on our other
unusual pets, it was the discovery of a barely
feathered baby, fallen from a nest in the rafters
of an unfinished garage-top room, that taught
us how inaccurate are all the stereotypes about
Starling aggression (such as taking over the
nests of “more desirable” birds…when in fact, as
cavity dwellers, they generally occupy crevices in
building spaces rather than nests in trees…and
are actually among the gentler birds – easily
displaced themselves by sparrows, for example,
despite the latter’s smaller size). As noted in the
aforementioned article that appeared in last
year’s Journal, Starlings can acquire a vocabulary
of 800 words – and use both this, and more
uniquely avian sounds, to not merely chatter
idly, but to also express their love. What’s more,
while it’s assumed birds that speak human words
are merely exercising mimicry, interacting with
our own has taught us that they almost invari-
ably use the words they know in appropriate
ways – such as greeting you with “Hi, how you
doin’?” for example, rather than “Night night,
sweet dreams” – and are particularly effusive
in their sincerely inflected reiterations of “I love
you.” And since, as Shakespeare noted, it’s a lack
of words that often serves as “the perfectest
herald of joy,” a starling will stand guard on the
pillow during a nap, cooing the gentlest intona-
tions as he awaits his human mistress’s rising to
share in more wakeful conversation. Surely, to
those who think to call an enemy a birdbrain is
the height of insult, it would come as a surprise
to learn instead they’re giving an unintended
compliment -- one that could only be equaled if
“birdheart” were an expression as well.
Most surprising to many people, however, is
the bond groundhogs are capable of forging
with their humans, the males among which (in
our experience at least) become particularly
attached. While both sexes exhibit a great sense
of intelligence, cleanliness (instinctive litter
box use, for example), and autonomy (i.e. ours
have free run of the house, use “doggy steps” to
climb onto the couch and bed, frequently visit
us in the kitchen to request snacks, etc.), and
all seem to be “one family” individuals (with an
emphasis on individual), adoption of Moses last
year has hinted to us that the extreme closeness
exhibited by the orphaned boy who long ago
introduced us to the species was probably more
than an expression of his own individuality, and
instead quite possibly a trait that distinguishes
groundhog boys across the board. In any event,
surely no dog or cat has ever displayed a greater
level of devotion than that of Moses, who truly
lives to spend time with his human mom, right
down to waiting every night under the covers in
anticipation of blissfully sleeping snugged tight
against me all night long.
Of course, given groundhogs, like mice, rats, and
squirrels (the red variety of which we’ve learned
firsthand make amazing pets as well) are also
rodents, it’s not at all surprising to us that they
should be possessed of such great love – which
brings us full circle to the lesson explained in
action by our beloved first rat Molly, and her
sons Noonan and Flannery. While a vast number
of people across the globe fear few creatures
more, Molly’s gentle and forgiving nature set an
example any human would do well to emulate.
Despite displacement from a home we can only
speculate about, Molly immediately gave two
complete strangers the benefit of every doubt,
and soon adopted us as her own (though as
parents or children, we may never quite be
sure). Whether riding around the house inside
my sweatshirt, snuggled against my hand as
she rested with her boys on a couch cushion, or
“whispering” in her unique little “voice” as she
sat on my shoulder, pressing close against my
ear, Molly demonstrated that good things can
truly come in very small packages, and that
neither size nor species need prove barriers to
true love. Speaking of full circle, as a final note I
have to add that after adopting Molly, I learned
that Grandpa was, in fact, the first person in my
family to be owned by a pet rat (in addition to
a long line of canine successors to Fritz, several
cats, a goat, a parakeet, and perhaps most nota-
bly, a wild chipmunk who came to trust him so
completely he would visit every day to eat nuts
while sitting in Grandpa’s hand). Given this –
quite literal – animal magnetism, it’s far from a
coincidence that he was also the strongest influ-
ence on my childhood…and surely no surprise
that he’s remained so well beyond.
 Ode to Fredo
The Easton Connexion
Fredo was well known by local artists and purchasers of Art from Connexions, a well-known art gallery in Easton.
His many artist friends painted Fredo’s picture and sold them at Connexions, while celebrating his life. The artist then
donated a portion of their sales to Common Sense for Animals (CSA). In turn, CSA donated to store owner, Anthony a new
orange cat that has taken up residence at Connexions. Twin Rivers, an Easton restaurant and microbrewery named a
beer, Fredo and donated a portion of its sales to CSA.

Anthony Marraccini and Fredo Anthony Marraccini and Dr. Robert R. Blease DVM

Painting by Lisa Bonforte

Painting by William Harmuth www.connexionsgallery.com
www.tworiversbrewing.com
Cover Artist
Lisa Bonforte Harmuth
Lisa Bonforte Harmuth is a graduate of the
Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. Her
softly rendered naturalist art immediately
drew the attention of the publishing world. Her
first illustrated book Baby Animals for Golden
Books was an immediate publishing and artistic
success.

Lisa has continued with that success, illustrating

over 200 books; delighting readers young
and old with her finely rendered depictions of
animals in their natural settings.

Her work has been commissioned by the

Smithsonian Book Club
and her work has appeared on the National
Geographic Society’s Television series NOVA.

Lisa Bonforte Studio

37 Longhill Ave. Washington, NJ 07882
908.689.4454
lisabonforte.com
lisabonforte@yahoo.com
 Hackettstown Middle School
Spring CSA Poetry Contest
See all the winnning poems online at
www.commonsenseforanimals.org
My Lost Friend
By Rocco Galacio
I woke up early one summer day,
The sun a stream of lights,
That poured over where I lay,
And then I had a fright.
I reached out for my seal,
The brown one soft and small.
When I was five years old,
it was a big deal.
It slept between me and the wall.
On a family trip to the Turtleback Zoo,
It was bought as a souvenir.
The cost was low, a dollar or two,
What I liked about it wasn’t clear.
My soft Snuggly seal was misplaced.
My heart was feeling sad.
I looked around with great haste.
The situation was really bad.
Finally, I begged my mom and dad,
To help me find my seal.
I screamed, I squealed, I acted bad.
So they knew my pleas were real.
I never found that seal of mine.
It was gone, however,
Sometimes I still sit and pine,
I think I’ll miss him forever.
My Dream Pet
By Raiya Patel
My dream pet,
Has soft, fluffy fur.
It loves it when I rub
behind it’s ears You let me roam in the streets.
Even if it is a him or a her.
It greets me by the door
When I come home from school.
It loves to go swimming
In our bright, blue pool.
I take it for a walk,
It runs far ahead.
When we come home,
It walks toward its bed Waiting for you to come adopt me
But, please don’t tell me to scram
It’s tongue is warm and sticky
When it licks my face.
It loves to lie down,
By our warm fire place
I haven’t met,
My dream pet yet.
But when I get it,
We will make the
perfect duet!
All Alone
Lauren Oseguera Portillo
At once I am here.
Trying to get your attention.
But, sadly you have fear.
Cold and unwanted.
All I want now is some treats.
Warm hugs and snuggles.
Are somethings I never get.
Only horrible struggles.
Soon someone will come by.
Hopefully it’s you.
But, be aware I’m really shy.
At ,last here I am.
“Animals”
Arissa Khalaj
Every once in a while
On earth,
A dog enters your life,
Respects you,
Makes you laugh,
Has your back,
And loves you more than
he loves himself
And changes everything.
We all more to learn
from animals
Then each other.
 CSA encourages children to write,
think and be responsible with animals
The Last I Saw By Danielle Toth
By Luciana Ferrara
Alone.
I got to hold his I am alone.
black and brown little body Frightened.
when I was only three I am frightened.
We both grew up together, Lost.
he sprouted like a tree I am lost.
Poof! Then one day he was gone Unknown surroundings
He left as quick as a child leaves I see.
when they run from their mom Towering Buildings,
Apollo was my dog Rapid cars,
Chasing him around the house Flashing lights,
for as long as I stayed Hurrying people,
Apollo enjoyed me much more No one
than anyone else notices the dog in the middle of the street.
Even my Grandparents, No one
in which he stayed in their house notices the confused dog.
One day my dad came home I try to stay positive.
Down stairs I will get home somehow.
Whispers are worrying me Now,
this is all so wrong All I see are blurs.
Footsteps creep up the stairs Blurry images cycling me.
Knowing what was coming I focus my vision on one thing.
My door creaked open Unsuccessful.
Then out spoke the words Too many vehicles circling me,
Apollo had passed I call for help.
Tears were saying hello and wanted to come out No one does.
But I made sure they stayed behind I lay on the street.
Losing him Feeling dizzy.
Was a shot to the heart A blurry figure comes towards me.
Not only was Apollo my best friend It becomes more clear.
He made me have a love for all Less blurry.
So upset I can barely breathe The sun goes down.
Sit and stay Slowly but surely,
Exactly what he should do The figure
Stay for more years She spoke some words.
9 wasn’t enough None of which were understandable.
But the cancer running through But the tone of her voice cheered me up.
his blood was too rough Sadly,
I sure do miss him This was not enough.
But he’s in a better place My eyes closed,
I’ll always remember Gone.
the smile he put on my face! No longer lost.
 If She Haunts Me
By Ashley Kurilla
The faint memory haunts me.
The headlights,
The horrible honk,
The innocent look in her eyes,
It happened so quickly.
We yelled for her to get out of the road.
But she didn’t move.
3, 2, 1, Impact.
Red.
A gruesome splatter of blood,
It still haunts me.
Those hours afterwards
lasted forever for me.
The vet came out shaking his head.
The wails of my sister still haunt me.
Big.
Fat.
Salty tears were rolling down or cheeks.
One last chance to say goodbye.
We filed into the room
to see our beloved friend,
Covered in a blanket
that covered up the wound.
Her eyes were shut,
She was cold to the touch,
We embraced her tightly,
You were always our good girl, Scout.
ANIMAL CONTROL: AN IMPORTANT ROLE
If you lose your pet, call your local Animal Control Office.
They can be found through your police or township.
Many pets are sitting in shelters because no one asks.
Tigers My Friend
By Savannah Brady By Katherin Juela
Orange with pronounced black stripes Dogs
Meat I can eat to survive. Makes you happy
When you’re sad.
on Endangered Animal list.
a mighty symbolthat resemble power, Their LOVE.
and fearlessness. Dogs
thinking i will eat them They are your friend.
Bother me, Dogs
I bother you Are family
live in the rain forest Dogs
The best to have.
A predator I am
Biggest in the cat family Always
Can be found all over the world LOVE THEM
over 300 pounds
Who am I ?
Graceful Dolphin
By Didem Heath
Graceful dolphin
swimming softly through the bumpy waves.
As each on hits her like a bat,
she doesn’t let it get in the way.
She swims peacefully in the other direction.
A sharp sound hurts her ears,
she tries to scurry away.
A boat there is cruising by,
the she is about to cry.
She zooms past the reef,
away from her home.
Misses her family dearly,to much.
The blaring noise comes closer, closer
Boom!
Did she make it or not
 Common Sense for Animals (CSA) honors all the sponsors who have participated in this Annual
Sponsorship Journal. Last year, the funds raised with this project assisted in saving the lives of nearly
1,300 animals. It is with genuine appreciation of their participation that we suggest whenever
possible to visit and utilize the services of these individual businesses and corporations, and
acknowledge their generous support of all animals and staff at Common Sense for Animals.
We appreciate all volunteers and the countless people that
have made CSA over the past 28 years!

CSA’s bylaws define 6 areas

of national importance.
They include:
• Companion Animals • Research Animals
• Food Animals • The Environment
• Wildlife • Oceans, Rivers & Estuaries