Tomorrow, June 11th, is World Pet Memorial Day which was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It is a day to honor and memorialize your pets that have passed away. World Pet Memorial Day is always observed the second Tuesday in June.
I have been reviewing less books (by choice), because I had reviewed so many that I felt I was beginning to become burned out. I tossed my self-imposed book ban to the curb when Sandra Cox contacted me and told me the premise of "Shardai" and asked if I would review it. I eagerly agreed Why? Because the premise completely reminded me of my Angel Bobo who I honor today, World Pet Memorial Day. The bond between Shardai and his human "mother" was such that he would do ANYTHING to return to her. Like Bobo and I, I know that virtually EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU who are reading this has at least one kitty that went to the bridge that you experienced the same bond with. I know that if ALL of our kitties could return to us, they most certainly would.
Today, it is our honor to feature a book that I think perfectly ties in with World Pet Memorial Day.
I often wondered when I adopted Cody a mere two weeks after Bobo passed, if Bobo had sent him to me. Then while reading "Shardai" I got to thinking, what if Bobo's soul was actually in Cody? (I don't think so because Cody had already been born when Bobo passed, but you never know!)
When I opened "Shardai"and read the dedication, a chill rushed through me: "In memory of Chuck, who passed April 16, 2005 and Dr.Diana Bowman, his veterinarian who passed April 15th, 2006. May you meet at the Rainbow Bridge."
ABOUT "SHARDAI" "Shardai is a large sleek cat with attitude. He has the courage of a tiger and the disdain of a king. The fearless feline has only one weakness...his guardian. He would do anything, even come back from the afterlife, for her."
"Shardai" is about a cat's journey from Catarau (A cat's Shangri-La/Heaven) in search of his beloved "mother."
When Shardai tells Ramses the Abyssinian elder that leads Catarau that he wants to return to Earth to find his beloved mother, Ramses tells Shardai: "Once you leave this holy place and return to the human's earth, we can no longer protect you. If you are starved, tortured or gassed, we cannot interfere. Travel through space is less than a perfect science, especially for cats, and there is no guarantee you will ever find her. Earth is a large place. And even if you find her, what are the odds she will know you?"
"I will know her," the big cat said quietly.
"That's all that matters."
"Shardai" chronicles the journey of a cat who is DETERMINED to find his human mother that loved him for so many years. I hesitate to say much about certain details because I do not want to reveal things from this wonderful book. I want YOU to experience everything on your own. I WILL say that "Shardai" is a quick read that is full of action, love and some surprises. There were parts that greatly upset me and made me feel squeamish, (because the book addresses the dangers that feral cats have to face EVERY SINGLE DAY in order to survive, and many times, they do not.)
Rest assured there are also humorous parts, as well as much love and a number of lessons. "Shardai" by Sandra Cox is a wonderful and worthwhile read that will touch your heart. It brought my Angel Bobo closer to me once again when memories were evoked while reading. I am certain he was looking over my shoulder from the Bridge reading along with me and is already planning when he will return.
"YOUR WINGS WERE READY,
BUT MY HEART WAS NOT."
"Shardai" by Sandra Cox is available on Amazon. "Shardai" is the first in THE CATS OF CATARAU SERIES. ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE SERIES: AKASHA AND MAKITA.
For more information about Sandra Cox and other books she's written, you can visit her at her blog , (psssst: Sandra you need to add a link to follow via email), twitter .
In honor of World Pet Memorial Day Please take a moment and acknowledge and say a prayer for all of the cats and kittens who are in shelters and pray that they find furever homes.
I also send healing prayers to the kitties that are ill, or are facing challenges, and to all of you who have loved and lost your beloved furbabies. I also am sending prayers and love to the countless nameless cats that are "lost" every day. Sadly, many will never know the love that Shardai and our furbabies were blessed to know.
My Baby Bobo |
"Shardai" by Sandra Cox is available on Amazon. I received no monetary compensation for this review.
That book would make rivers flow from my face...and more when I rememeber the furs from my life that are angels now.
ReplyDeleteBlacky-Bushka; Blacky-Monster; Ruffy; Murphy; Wimpy; Jakie; Sport; MrJackFreckles are just some of the pups, some were mine, others were from other family members.
Rebecca, Minuette and Waffles from hubby's life...
Groucho, Simba, Toki, Suki and Minko our cats from our married life together...
so many...imagine if they all came back to visit and had a reunion pawrty with us:)
Hugs as you think of your dear Bobo.
I won't lie, I blubbed like a baby when I read the poem, still am in fact. There is always a trigger isn't there for bringing back the huge ache of loss.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you as you remember your Bobo.
((((hugs))) back to you....I did the same. I also did it with the quote on the bottom. Sending much love xoxoxo I miss your boys too :(
DeleteThat sounds like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for featuring me, Caren. I really appreciate your generosity and being here with you, Cody and all the cat lovers. The picture of you and Bobo is beautiful. I know he was very special.
ReplyDeleteHugs
you are most welcome Sandra! Thank you for the opportunity of reviewing your book!
DeleteHi Sandra Cox, you don't know us but we've been blogging since 2017. Sorry about Bobo. Do you have any blogs or any blogs dealing with animals? Sorry we didn't know Bobo but would like to get to know you via blogging. Thanks A bunch.
DeleteCrystal, I linked to where you can find Sandra at the bottom of the post.......and...Bobo was my cat :)
Deleteactually it's after the photo of me holding Bobo where it says where Sandra's book can be purchased
DeleteHow nice to have a special day to remember your cat or pet. It's actually bittersweet. That quote is so true. "Your wings were ready but my heart was not". I will always remember my baby and sorry about your baby Bobo. May everyone heal in time but always remember and cherish the memories they had. I know I do.
ReplyDeleteOh I just don't know if we could do that one, we don't do critter sad well at all.
ReplyDeleteEvery day is a day I remember our Little Bit. They embed themselves in our hearts and remain there forever.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day, Caren. Scritches to the boys. ♥
Our family members become part of our souls, and when their bodies are no long on Earth, we have a genuine hole in our lives.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a tearjerker. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteEmma and Buster
I always pray for the poor kitties in need of forever families. XO
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful premise for a book. Sounds like the book doesn't disappoint. TW wuld love if Nicky could find her but knows there's none of him in me. Heh heh.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for blogging about this book. It's going to the top of my wish list!
ReplyDeleteMelissa I believe you will LOVE it.....I am CERTAIN you will love it!!! xoxo
DeleteIt is now at the top of my list! I LOVED that dedication! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy!! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and you are most welcome!! xoxo
DeleteThanks to the cat folks that are adding Shardai to their TBR list. Much appreciated. As is Caren's support.
ReplyDeleteyou are most welcome!! LOVED the book!
DeleteA very touching story and one that must be read.
ReplyDeleteJean
Wow. That description ["Shardai is a large sleek cat with attitude. He has the courage of a tiger and the disdain of a king. The fearless feline has only one weakness...his guardian. He would do anything, even come back from the afterlife, for her."] sounds just like Bear. We always love seeing Bobo!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the support, folks. I appreciate ya.
ReplyDeleteCaren, thanks for stopping by the blog. That was so nice of you.
Hope you and Cody have a pleasant evening.
((((hugs)))
DeleteYour review already has touched our heart, Caren and Cody💗Soft Pawkisses as you remember your sweet angel Bobo today💗💗💗
ReplyDeleteyou are so sweet. Sending you (((hugs))) and love back!
DeleteOh, I'm still up! Thanks, Caren. You and Cody have a purrfect day.
ReplyDeleteOMC. We just know we'd be bawling if we read this!
ReplyDeleteCatching up on your blog! I have been MIA lately, because I moved and traveling back and forth working two jobs was hectic! I'm back at my blog again and trying to catch up on everybody elses as well :) Hope to see you back on our blog again :) Love, Colleen & Bullet
ReplyDeletehi my friend!! I think of you often!!! Actually, NONE of the feedburner blogs have been coming to me for WEEKS (not sure if your blog is a feedburner blog or not though)...will be on the lookout for you. OMG working TWO JOBS????? Miss you and great to see you! xoxo
DeleteThank you for featuring this book! Going on my list!
ReplyDeleteyou are most welcome and thank you!!
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