USA and Denmark Friends Unite Over Love for Animals

Iben (left) and Maryanne at Mundo Vegan in Montclair, NJ 

Yesterday was an incredibly special, happy day. I finally got to meet my lovely friend Iben, who is visiting the USA, from Denmark. And her 14-year-old son, Mads, who is wise beyond his years and an all-around great kid.

Two years ago, Iben and I bonded online, over our love for animals. Cecil the lion was just killed and, of course it bothered us both terribly.

This was the summer of 2015. A short time later, Iben told me she’d be visiting the USA in 2017, so we planned to set a date to meet.

Yesterday I met Iben and Mads for the first time at a train station in Cranford, New Jersey. They’ve been staying in NYC, enjoying their holiday.

After two days of rain, we lucked out with a warm, windy day, perfect spring day. First stop was Montclair. We first went to an indie bookstore, then enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Mundo Vegan: http://www.mundovegannj.com/

We couldn’t rave enough about how great the meal was. I had organic quinoa salad and pumpkin “cheese” cake for dessert (made with tofu, almond crust, pumpkin and cashews). Delicious!

Afterwards we did some shopping in Montclair, then went for a walk around the gorgeous Verona Park. There, we coincidentally started a conversation with a woman who was from Denmark, living in the United States for 60 years! What are the chances of that?! And her brother lives in the same town as Iben.

And why did we start talking to the woman to being with? Because she had two cute dogs! It’s always hard to resist stopping to meet dogs, especially in a park.

We all ended our beautiful day with a last stop to my house so Iben and Mads could meet my kitty Nicholas. Nicholas is definitely a “people kitty.” Nicholas loved my new friends and did his “Circus flips” for them (which my husband taught him).

I’ve been so high since yesterday, meeting two incredible people. Fresh air, good food, and great conversation. So much fun!

I wish Iben and Mads a beautiful, safe trip while they continue their visit in the USA. And thanks to Facebook, we’ll be in touch, ’til we meet again! ❤

Maryanne and Mads, Montclair, NJ 

Verona Park (Photo by Iben) 

“Love Cats” Book Reading/Signing at Caldwell Library, NJ

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, left; and Fran Larkey, right

Thanks so much to Fran Larkey and the Caldwell Library for hosting my book reading/signing for my second book, “Love Cats” — available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions at: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cats-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta/dp/1681020513

Portions of today’s sales will benefit Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, N.Y. on behalf of my non-profit animal rights organization, R.O.A.R. (Respect Our Animals’ Rights). Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/respectouranimalsrights/

 

Christmas Kitty

Nicholas with your eyes so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight? 

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “Love Cats” available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cats-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta/dp/1681020513

Meet Nicholas Gray!

Nicholas Gray

Yesterday my husband and I got word that our new rescue cat has a perfect bill of health.

He’s about 3-years-old and a friendly little bugger. He loves to cuddle, but really loves to play. He’s also a big guy; at 11 pounds, he’s heavy!

It’s been so long that we had a cat so close to kitten-hood. My last two lived to 19. The oldest, Billy Cat, passed in 2013 and Derick, just a little over a month ago.

Derick wasn’t even gone a week and friends started asking if we wanted a cat. We weren’t ready. We mourned a long time and even after getting Nicholas, things about him reminded us about our others that made us sad.

That’s the thing, you never forget your old cats. But a new one can bring so much joy. Since my other two lived so long, I forgot what it was like to have a cat that loved toys and jumped around a lot and scattered through the house. It’s just so much fun!

Like the other two, Nicholas has some “dog-like” qualities. He loves people. He runs to the door when we come home. And he’s very affectionate, purring up a storm when we hold him.

Just like love for a human being, it’s always when you least expect it that you’ll fall in love with a new pet. When the right one comes along to adopt, you just KNOW it.

We love our new baby and are very happy with him.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “Love Cats” available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1681020513

Save the Seaside Boardwalk Cats!

Photo from Megan Meyer’s petition to save Seaside Cats

Please sign this petition which will go to five decision makers in Seaside: https://www.change.org/p/tony-vaz-seaside-heights-mayor-save-the-amazing-boardwalk-cats-of-seaside-heights-nj

What this is about

From Megan Meyer’s petition:

The Seaside Heights Animal Welfare Organization has cared for the majestic cats of the Seaside Boardwalk by creating a colony system, which provides well maintained shelters and feeding stations since 2012. Through grants and individual donations, over 300 cats have been trapped, neutered and released at no cost to the tax payers. We all love to see the cats under the Boardwalk but the way they control the rodent population in this tourist hot spot is of huge importance. Recently, the board members who work tirelessly each day to feed and maintain the colonies, have been stripped of their positions leaving the cats without the care they are used to or supportive people who would do anything to protect them. Please sign this petition to help the Mayor of Seaside Heights understand how important these cats are to the public who visit this town regularly and love seeing them. Further, to see how the team leading SSHAWO need to be reinstated to their established place helping the cats in a hands in way. With the upcoming camp outs on the beaches-the cats are of critical importance against rodents that might move in. TNR works and this group is a wonderful part of the town of Seaside Heights. Please sign and share with anyone who comes to the Jersey Shore.

Happy National Cat Day!

Derick and Sparky

Happy National Cat Day!

For the record, I love all animals, which is why I started my non-profit organization, ROAR (Respect Our Animals’ Rights) — you can “like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/respectouranimalsrights/?ref=bookmarks

But let’s be honest, cats have that extra something special. Most people think that cats are independent, but get to know a cat — I mean REALLY know a cat — and you’ll learn it’s just the opposite.

I’ve owned two cats in my life, Billy and Derick. Billy Cat died in 2013 at the age of 19. He was the biggest snuggle bunny you’d ever want to meet. Derick is now 19 and he can’t get enough attention, especially when company comes. He’s a very diplomatic cat who will go from one lap to the next and then cry when company leaves.

They are smart as whips and grow with you as the years go on. Which is why I just had to include a cat theme for my second book “Love Cats” (available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback versions: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1681020513).

I wrote “Love Cats” after Billy Cat died. I was going through such a hard time, writing a book with a cat theme helped tremendously.

“Love Cats” is a book about a rich, selfish, 20-something girl named Janey Peyton. It’s not cars and money this rich bitch wants, it’s love. And she goes about it all the wrong way, via sex, using people (and being used). She also hates cats. (Can you imagine?!)

But it’s two cats, Morticia and Pumpkin, who bring sweetness to Janey’s crass story. ❤ (And my Derick got to model with me for my author photo!)

R.O.A.R. Receives Thank You from Farm Sanctuary!

Official R.O.A.R. (Respect Our Animals’ Rights) t-shirt

Last month, non-profit organization R.O.A.R. (Respect Our Animals’ Rights) has raised $550.

Inspired by the death of Cecil the Lion, our original intent was to raise money to make July 1 (the date of Cecil’s murder) a National Save the Lions Day. However, after it was pointed out that there was already a World Lion Day, R.O.A.R. decided to divide the money earned to date among three animal groups: Wild Cru ($250), Farm Sanctuary ($50) and Panthera ($250).

Here is the “thank you” letter we received from Farm Sanctuary:

Dear Maryanne,

Thank you for your generous gift to Farm Sanctuary! Your donation of $50 was received on 9/16/15 and it is already making a difference for suffering farm animals.

As you know, billions of farm animals are victims of the callous, profit-driven factory farm industry. Pigs, cows, calves, chickens, and other farm animals are kept in horrifying conditions that leave them in agony from birth until their last harrowing moments on the slaughterhouse floor.

But people like you are demanding something better for farm animals — and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Each time you support Farm Sanctuary, you remind the world that farm animals matter, that they are individuals with unique and wonderful qualities. They are someone, not something — and they have no business being warehoused and abused in massive factory farms.

With you by our side, Farm Sanctuary will continue to rescue animals from abuse, fight for their protection in the courts, lobby for legislative progress, and inspire millions to make compassionate choices through our public awareness campaigns. And, of course your gift will help rescued animals find a new beginning at one of our three shelters — or with an adoptive family through our Farm Animal Adoption Network.

That’s something to be proud of as we continue working to make the world a kinder place for farm animals.

Thank you from all of us at Farm Sanctuary. We are stronger because of you!

With gratitude,

Gene Bauer

President and Co-Founder

R.O.A.R. is a copyright. It’s a non-profit organization founded by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta on August 1, 2015. Please note, R.O.A.R. is not a vegan group. We feel that you do not have to be vegan to love animals. Meat eaters and hunters (not trophy) are welcome. For more information or to purchase a t-shirt, contact Maryanne at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com (Proceeds of t-shirt sales go to various animal rights organizations).

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “Love Cats” http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1681020513