Several readers have asked me how Clio the cat managed to get into Listen.

Animals are very calming. Even if it's a high strung dog with tons of energy, it's a positive experience because the relationship people have with animals is so uncomplicated and pure. When a dog gets the "zoomies" you laugh. You forget about everything and watch this dog do figure eights in the house or in the yard or wherever and just love them even more for getting your mind off of life and the problems you might have.

Lily needed to be needed. Clio was a stray cat who showed up one day on her fire escape (8 stories high). She never had a pet before, but she knew she needed him and he needed her and the rest is history.

Most of you know Molly. She's my crippled Westie who is my heart. I can have a horrible day and go home to unconditional love. It breaks my heart to know that she will never be able to do "zoomies" in the house or outside, but we make one another happy. She's my puppy and I'm her person. We make it work.

Author RJ Samuel had a beautiful support dog named Clio. Clio was very popular on FB and RJ did a "bit" called On the Floor with Clio where authors would get on the floor and pose with Clio. Writers are not extroverts. At least I'm not. Put a dog or a cat in a room, and we turn into different people. Unfortunately, Clio passed away, but I wanted to capture what she did for me and for others - hence Clio the cat was born. A support warrior, yet just as standoffish as Lily could be at times.

Where would we be without our fur babies? They are our hearts and we would do anything for them. Clio the cat saved Lily before Hope swooped in and finished the rescue. Animals keep us going. They are beautiful and I surround myself with them every chance I get. True story. I am the animal whisperer...