Blog — animals

This week I’m celebrating the paws and whiskers that keep our lives grounded in both mystery and meaning. To honor our four-legged muses, I’ve paired two works of art and literature that walk the line between playfulness and philosophy.

What does it mean to wrestle with the tiger within? From Pi Patel’s allegorical survival story to Joe Exotic’s infamous roadside zoo, the tiger has become a symbol of faith, power, and controversy. Years ago, I even joined the roar myself—selling artwork at Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue to help support their sanctuary. This International Pi Day, let’s ask: which story do you believe, and what truths are worth fighting for? 🐯🥧

“Where the Red Fern Grows” is one of the most popular children's stories ever written. Throughout the novel, we see how love, and not just loyalty, enables the boy and his dogs to persist and overcome. “Where the Red Fern Grows” has been banned for its content dealing with violence and death. Eileen, my friend who was a dog trainer, was also a licensed massage therapist and treated both new mothers and their babies. She saw in her practice that our lives, from beginning to end, resemble a complete, full circle.