PABLO SOLOMON'S MIRO

I am thrilled to conduct my first cat interview! I have always found cats to be rather mysterious creatures. They have imagination, make interesting sounds, and I must confess that one of my guilty pleasures involves licking them...but I digress.

Miro's human is Pablo Solomon, an internationally recognized artist known around the world for drawings and sculptures of dancers. First I'll interview Miro and then tell you more about Pablo.

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Miro: My name is Miro and my mission in life is to help my friend Pablo to know that he can do anything. As a kitten I was abandoned on a country road and had one of my front legs mangled by a hawk. It was left useless. I was tiny and helpless and Pablo and his beautiful wife Beverly rescued me and made me their special friend. They were afraid that I would not survive living with them on their ranch. But as I gained my strength, I began to do all the things that 4 legged cats can do--catch mice, climb trees, etc. I think Pablo realized that if a 3 legged cat can do anything, so could he.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Miro: Of course I do. I live in a beautiful place with a spring fed creek and lots of other animals---some who want to eat me. However, only God could make such a wonderful place for me to live. Pablo's wife Beverly is a Native American and believes that we should pass through this life and only take what we need, be thankful and make things better where we can. So do Pablo and I.

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Miro: Things are so nice here that I do not look forward to it. I share Woody Allen's idea--I am not afraid of dying, I just do not want to be there when it happens.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Miro: That I brought inspiration to others with what some would see as handicaps.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Miro: Catching mice and waking Pablo up at 4 am each day.

Besides being an artist, Pablo Solomon has done things as diverse as having had a bit part in a Mexican soap opera, was a founding teacher at the Houston Contemporary Dance Theatre in the 70s, and trained the Queen's Guard in the Netherlands in hand-to-hand techniques. Currently he lives and works with his wife Beverly on their historic 1856 ranch north of Austin, Texas. Before acting as his muse and business manager, Beverly was a model and then in sales and marketing for Diane von Furstenberg, Revlon and Ralph Lauren. Their ranch is not only a state historic site and an official Texas Wildscape, but was nominated in 1997-98 for the highest award in Texas for environmental restoration and preservation. To show thankfulness for their sucessful and blessed life, Pablo and his wife have been very involved in animal rescue, taking care of animals on their ranch and doing art for animal rescue groups. You can see Pablo's work at http://www.pablosolomon.com/

Now, I would like to bring the post back to me, as I really am my favorite topic of conversation. I am a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/

Come back soon to read more of my fabulous interviews with celebrity pets!

VAL HEART'S EINSTEIN

Before my person decided to adopt me, he asked an old country vet what he thought about Australian shepherds. The vet said, "Oh, don't get one because they tend to scare people. They're psychic you know!" That intrigued my person and the rest is history...

Yes, besides being incredibly beautiful, I am also psychic. So someday I would like to meet Val Heart, because she is a professional animal communicator. Her mini-schnauzer, Einstein, is quite special, too. He was only nine weeks old when Val assisted me in asking him the following questions. His answers are truly amazing!

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Einstein: Around the end of last year, when I was still in Spirit form, I was asked to help the many lost human souls find their way back to center, to heal, to reconnect with their hearts and the planet’s energies. When I looked for the right human to help me change people’s lives, I found my perfect person in Val Heart. She can communicate with animals so she now speaks with my Voice so you can hear and understand me. We’re the perfect team because we have a shared mission. She’s dedicated her life to helping people connect at deeper levels with their animals. I can help her teach lots more humans and I have very important messages to share with humanity through her gifts. So the Plan was set into motion, and my Mommy and Daddy got together and made me a wonderful new body. I contacted her over the Christmas and New Years holiday season and told her to get ready, I was coming to change the world! I communicated with her for months through dreams and visions and telepathy, and 2 weeks before I was born, I told her to look for me. Sure enough, she found me right away and she knows what our mission is. I’m also here to help Val heal. She’s been very lonely and works way too hard, and she needs me. I’m here to change her life for the better and help her realize her own power, to reconnect with community, to play and embrace the love and flow of life.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Einstein: I’m not sure I understand the question because we are all Divine Beings. The Divine Spark is in each of us and we are all elements of pure consciousness, quarks in the Quantum Resonance Field, coming from True Source. We simply have different bodies to express ourselves with. Huh. I just thought of this… Have you ever thought that maybe humans and animals are like fleas and ticks on the body of our Mother Earth? But I digress… I came to the Earth to do my soul work, which is helping my human mother teach other humans how to talk to their animal friends. I know my human mother has years of experience, but I believe that together we can make an even bigger difference in the world. Anyway, you know that we animals try to communicate with people all the time. We have messages for them, insights to share, information they don’t know. We want to tell people what’s bothering us, where we hurt – we can even tell them where they hurt. We know what happened in our lives to make us the way we are… and we know what makes us happy and how to make people's life easier and more fun, and healthier too. Humans just need to learn to speak our language better. It’s so hard to try to communicate with them because humans can be so dense! I also want people to realize that we reflect their own imbalances, wounds and issues which makes us their very best teachers and healers. They have a lot to learn from us. And I’m just the dog to teach them. Learning how to work with me and connect at a deeper level helps them be better people – more balanced, kind, and considerate; helps them be healthier and clearer about who they really are – who we animals really are, and can completely transform the quality of life on our planet. And our planet really needs our help right now…

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Einstein: What’s to be afraid of? Death is a passage back to Spirit and the veil between worlds is so very thin… we just step out of our bodies. When Death comes it is to be welcomed and embraced. Death is easy. Sometimes the dying is hard, though, but the dying is also a part of life. It is the journey that tempers and illuminates our Spark and sometimes offers the most amazing, life changing lessons… and in that way it becomes like a parting gift to ourselves and our loved ones… until we meet again.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Einstein: I want to be remembered as The Dog Who Changed the World. I want my legacy to be a world full of humans that I have been able to touch, inspire, educate and teach so that they know, beyond a doubt, that dogs (and all animals) are in fact Divine messengers. That all animals and other beings are sentient, wise, and are fellow travelers here; and I believe this will help humans enjoy a kinder, gentler, more compassionate, more joyful, stable place of being as the world evolves into it’s next State of Being.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Einstein: What really gives me the greatest joy is when I connect with a human and their heart light opens up and shines for all to see. It’s a beautiful thing. I find that life itself is a joy! I love to cleanup our cat Lucy’s food! (She’s says she’s ok with that since she’s mostly finished eating anyway). Pouncing on the octopussy scrunchy toy is a blast too because it makes all these weird crackly noises and I can bite and hump on it all I want... that’s fun too! And my tug toy is very exciting! Chewing and grooming my bear-bear and my other stuffed toys… Oh! I also enjoy car rides, and treats! Treats are great! And learning new games is fun, and meeting people, and just running for the sheer joy of it!

Val Heart is an internationally recognized as an expert animal communicator, behaviorist, and master healer for people and their animals. She works with chronic pain, illness, trauma, training, behavior, euthanasia... and specializes in working with dogs and performance (competitive) sport horses: dressage, hunter jumper, reining, cutting. Val has appeared on television many times, is a frequent and welcome guest on radio, as well as having been showcased in newspapers, journals and magazines. She's a columnist for Enjoy Whole Health Magazine and is a contributing writer for the Austin Pets Directory as well as many ezines and books. She is the resident "Ask the Pet Communicator" for several websites, and her articles frequently appear in ezines and other journals. Val is the author of six books, is a contributing writer to Penelope Smith’s book, Animals in Spirit, and has also most recently contributed to Jenny Smedley’s soon-to-be-published Hay House book, Animal Souls. Her website is http://www.valheart.com/

My own credits include being a beauty queen, working as a celebrity interviewer, and playing a fabulous character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. RED HOT PROPERTY is the tale of two rookie real estate agents learning to swim with the sharks at the town's most cutthroat agency. Critics have called it "hilarious, sassy, captivating, and filled with vivid unforgettable characters." I am one of those memorable characters; I'm the office mascot and real estate assistant. And since I have an ego to match my stellar talent, I expect you to read the book. You can learn more about it by visiting: RedHotNovel.com

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to RedHotNovel/2009BestFriendsRaffle

Come back soon to read more of my otherworldly celebrity interviews!

GENEVIEVE HIGHPOINT LA REINE

Today's interview is with another dog who, like me, is famous. Genevieve Highpoint La Reine has written the funniest book ever written by a dog: SMALL DOG, BIG LIFE: Memoirs of a Furry Genius (as barktated to Dr. Dennis Fried). Apparently, Genevieve has been stirring up controversy around the world with her biting commentary on life with humans. Her writing is insightful, entertaining, and peppered with sophistication, wit, and charm.

(Gee, that sounds just like my own style of writing.)

Like me, Genevieve is a Zen master. We are both very wise, as the following interview will clearly demonstrate:

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Genevieve: Denny had many professional careers, and all involved writing, but none was for the commercial market. When I came into his life and started barktating my memoirs to him, it gave him the vehicle to reach out to a wide audience with a humorous message.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Genevieve: All dogs are really Zen masters. We are carefully tuned into the Now, and don't waste time worrying about the past or the future. We find joy in the simplest things, such as a thrown ball, a stuffed animal that squeaks when we bite it, a loving pat from our humans. We take what life gives us and live it to the fullest.

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Genevieve: You're darned right I am! That's why I always make sure to get buckled up in my car seat when I go for a ride, and I never scream at big dogs unless I know they can't catch me.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Genevieve: Smiles and laughter for all the humans who love animals.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Genevieve: Lying on the couch with Denny and taking a nap, while he watches dumb humans chasing a ball on TV.

Genevieve Highpoint La Reine is a leading canine researcher on human behavior. She is the proud holder of a degree in basic obedience, and is even prouder never to use it. She resides in Sarasota, Florida, and her favorite hobbies are eating and sleeping. Her latest book is the Simon & Schuster title Small Dog, Big Life: Memoirs of a Furry Genius (http://www.dogtellsall.com/).

Dr. Dennis Fried has been laughed out of numerous careers, including college teaching, marketing, and stand-up comedy. He holds advanced degrees in physics and philosophy, all of which have gone totally to waste. When not helping Genevieve with her career, he can usually be found pestering her for a raise. He resides in Sarasota with his wife, Katrina, and his boss, Genevieve.

Well, Genevieve and I are both literary marvels. She writes books, and I star in one. I am a delightful canine character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. I really do enjoy being everyone's center of attention, so I fully expect you to read the book. You can find it at http://www.redhotnovel.com/

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/2009bestfriendsraffle.html

Come back soon to read more of my entertaining celebrity interviews!

COLLEEN PAIGE'S TINKERBELLE

Well, the first thing I would like to say about Tinkerbelle is that she and I share similar taste in food. It takes a dog of high intelligence and refinement to truly appreciate gourmet fare.

Tinkerbelle's person is Colleen Paige, one of America's premier pet lifestyle experts. First I will conduct an interview with Tinkerbelle, and then I'll tell you more about Colleen.

Now, I am a serious reporter; I don't ask fluffy questions. So prepare to be dazzled!

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Tinkerbelle: I was named "Mascot of National Dog Day", as I was born to bring joy and kisses to the masses and mainly to bring my mommy and daddy together ( he hired my mommy to teach me manners. I no longer lift my leg in public ) I showed both of them that magical love and finding your true soulmate really does exist, even when you've given up all hope of ever finding it. I'm little. But I bring BIG LOVE to people everywhere I go.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Tinkerbelle: I believe in God because my mommy and daddy do. I would never want to be away from them, even if I have to hang out with the big J for a while until they come home. Plus... how can you not believe in God after tasting barbequed salmon?

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Tinkerbelle: No. Because I understand in heaven you can have anything you want. Starting my list: a little harp music....barbequed salmon, a heart to heart with God....barbequed salmon.....full body massage by an angel....barbequed salmon....long nap, much, much closer to the sun than before.....barbequed salmon....a giggling three year old to jump on and kiss.....barbequed salmon....

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Tinkerbelle: I want people to remember that one little dog, on one day a year, helped to save thousands of other dogs who no one wanted. I went from the dumpster to a dream. And they can too! I ask everyone to please adopt when they want another furry child. Please don't buy from pet stores as it only supports puppy mills. Oh yes, and one more thing - Chihuahua's FOR Pit Bulls! Woop! Woop!

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Tinkerbelle: Have I ever mentioned barbequed salmon?

Like me, Tinkerbelle is a wise and witty canine...

Colleen Paige is the author of “The Good Behavior Book for Dogs” (Rockport/Quarry Books 2007), founder of National Dog Day, a domestic and wildlife animal behaviorist, pet friendly interior designer, fine art pet photographer and Editor-in-Chief of Pet Home Magazine, she offers advice to clients and readers alike, ranging from dog and cat training, to pet nutrition, pet friendly homes and gardens, pet safe pools and pet safety for kids.

A passionate animal welfare advocate, Colleen created the Animal Miracle Network (AMN), to help save animals on a large scale. AMN is home to National Dog Day, a very special holiday that celebrates dogs for all they do, which helps to find homes for thousands of them across the nation through events and far reaching media campaigns. After the overwhelming response to this day back in 2005, she felt confident to then create the same lifesaving celebrations for other animals in need, with National Cat Day, National Horse Protection Day and National Wildlife Day, among others.

Currently, Colleen is a Contributing Expert for Total Health & Wellness Network, OK! Celebrity Magazine and DogTime.com. She is also in pre-production of a TV show based off of her magazine, Pet Home. Her website is http://www.colleenpaige.com/

Now, I would like to bring the post back to me, as I really am my favorite topic of conversation. I am a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/

Come back soon to read more of my exciting interviews with celebrity pets!

TEAM CHIHUAHUA 'S VANILLA SALT

This is my first interview with a celebrity dog! She is an internationally famous fashion model. Making a fashion statement is something Vanilla Salt and I have in common. Every day I don a neck scarf that makes a statement. Today it says DON'T BOTHER ME; I'M VERY BUSY AND IMPORTANT! But I have to admit that message has backfired on me, as no one has paid any attention to me today. But at least they know that I am important...

NYC Team Chihuahua members are: Cinnabon Bon, Vanilla Salt, Tequila Bon & Tabasco Chilly Pepper. Their ages range from 6 to 2 1/2 human years. They live in New York City with their pawrents, Ada & Edgar Nieves. Each started their modeling and acting career at a very early age. They have been featured in books like POCKET PUPS by Nikki Moustaki, INDOGNITO by Karen Ngo, and ONE NATION UNDER DOG by Michael Schaffer. TV appearances include "The Martha Stewart Show," "The View," "The Conan O'Brien Show," as well as international shows like "Woef" in Germany and "Sabado Gigante" in Latin America. They also receive a lot of attention in Spain, Italy, Japan, and England. They work for Ralph Lauren, Simplicity, Norstrom and Cole Hann.

Their website address is http://www.adanieves.com/TeamChihuahua.html

For fun, they run the NYC Chihuahua meetups, with more than 800 members who get together every month. Their schedule of events include the first NYC Chihuahua Pageant in June, a pool pawty in July, an ice cream social in August, and then the grand Canine Cruise scheduled for September 2009. The four of them work, play and live happily together.

Vanilla Salt has decided to be the spokesdog for my interview.

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help, and what lesson you are here to help that person learn.

Vanilla Salt: We were born to help our pawrents Ada & Edgar Nieves. While our daddy was in the army, he had to constantly travel, so me and my brothers were companion to our Mom. She claims we are responsible for her not feeling alone at home and to help her meet/make many friends. If there is any lesson to learn it is that love is unconditional.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Vanilla Salt: Divine being...mmm...a God dog? No. But I believe that divine is nature itself: the miracle of life, an animal to be able to fly, an animal to be able to live under water without the need of breath. All creatures are divine beings for what they contribute to the world. I have heard that we dogs are divine as well. When we visit a senior or allow someone to pet us, for that moment we are helping humans to forget any ailments and just give and receive love. Our beliefs are that each one of us is capable of doing good in our own choices; that each animal, plant or human is a divine being.

Talisman: Are you afraid of death?

Vanilla Salt: I'm not afraid of death. It is natural course that takes all. It hurts to see someone go. It scares if you know about your own mortality. This is where faith intervenes, telling us that for us doggies (just like humans) we have a heaven. We have the rainbow bridge. Hopes then says that one day we will all be together again.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Vanilla Salt: We strongly advocate for spay/neutering of pets. And for health care, such as vaccinations and dental. If there is a legacy, we want it to be one of showing with actions how to better care for pets, and how humans can bond in so many different ways with their beloved animals.

Talisman: What gives you the greatest joy?

Vanilla Salt: The greatest joy is a simple sunny day with the whole family sitting together and enjoying each other's company; being with each other and loving that we are a family.

Gee, Vanilla Salt is not only beautiful, but wise, too...just like me!

And--since I'm feeling a bit intimidated by Vanilla Salt's fame--I need to remind my readers that I am a star in my own right. I'm a character in the hilarious new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, by Devin O'Branagan. I'm an office mascot and a real estate assistant to Valentino DeMitri. Besides being brilliant at our repective jobs, Val and I are both sexy and talented, and our dancing is spectacular. I'm a colorful canine who adores being adored, so I fully expect you to read the book. You can find it at http://www.redhotnovel.com/

I'm also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/2009bestfriendsraffle.html

Come back soon to read more of my extraordinary celebrity interviews!

DEVIN O'BRANAGAN'S JAZZ

Okay, I'm going to launch my celebrity pet interviews with a very special one. Devin O'Branagan's Jazz was the inspiration for my creation and I owe her more than I care to admit. I like to consider myself unique--and I most certainly am--but many elements of my fabulous character were gifted to me by Jazz.

Jazz has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, so this interview was a special feat. I am a rather miraculous dog.

Like me, Jazz was an Australian shepherd. Unlike me, she had soulful brown eyes. I am a dancer, but Jazz was a singer. She was also a certified therapy dog, a real estate assistant, and Devin's special muse. Devin's new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, was dedicated to her memory.

I will conduct the interview with Jazz first and tell you more about Devin later. I have five special questions I intend to ask every guest I have here. They are rather pithy, if I do say so myself. So brace yourself for intensity!

Talisman: I believe that, in the cosmic design, we animals are here to help people find their way. Presume I am correct (of course) and tell me what human you were born to help and what lesson you were here to help that person learn?

Jazz: I came in to teach Devin that joy can be found even in the midst of suffering.

Talisman: Do you believe in a Divine Being?

Jazz: Oh, yes! In It I move, and breathe, and have my being! I am only a small part of something much bigger. I can feel it. So could you if you try.

Talisman: Were you afraid of death?

Jazz: I didn't want to leave Devin alone. And I absolutely loved life in my physical body. But, I'm still here and I'm still me and it's only perception that has changed. Occasionally, since I crossed Rainbow Bridge, I have even been able to make Devin see me. I see her whenever I want. And when she crosses over, I'll greet her with a song.

Talisman: What do you want your legacy to be?

Jazz: Joy! I was a pure expression of joy.

Talisman: What gave you the greatest joy?

Jazz: The love I shared--and continue to share--with my family. Love is the bridge between here and there, and love never dies...

Like me, Jazz is an exceptional dog.

Devin O'Branagan is a novelist and a fundraiser for Best Friends Animal Society. Her first two novels, SPIRIT WARRIORS and WITCH HUNT, were published by Simon & Schuster's Pocket Books. Her latest novel, RED HOT PROPERTY, is the first in a series of seriocomic novels about a young single mother and her crazy adventures after becoming a rookie real estate agent. Reviewers have favorably compared RED HOT PROPERTY to Janet Evanovich's wildly successful Stephanie Plum novels.

And, of course, I am one of the stars of this new novel, so I fully expect you to read it!

Devin's website is http://www.redhotnovel.com/

Now, I would like to bring the post back to me, as I really am my favorite topic of conversation. I am a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless, abused and abandoned animals. I am promoting a raffle to benefit Best Friends. The winner's animal companion will become a character in the next novel in the RED HOT series of books! To learn more about this, follow your nose to http://www.redhotnovel.com/

Come back soon to read more of my sizzling interviews with celebrity pets!

ATTENTION FAMOUS PETS!

I'm planning a new feature here on my blog where I will conduct interviews with celebrities and their pets. As I am very philosophical, we will discuss meaningful things and--since I am also witty and charming--I expect we will have a lot of fun, too!

I have learned in life that because we don't speak their language, many humans think we aren't intelligent. Well, this will give us an opportunity to dispel that insanely narcissistic attitude.

(Not that I know anything about narcissism...)

So, if you are famous like me, have your person contact me to arrange an interview. My personal email address is Tali@RedHotNovel.com

And I'm sure you'll understand it when I say, it soon will be your pleasure to speak with me!