My parents always had a dog and we kids loved each dog and cried our eyes out every time we lost one. We also had cats when I was young, but the cats were never considered pets.

When I moved into my own home, I wanted a dog but I was not home enough for a dog and since I live in the country it made sense to get a couple cats to keep the mice population at bay.

I was amazed to have really enjoyed the personalities of some of the cats I have owned. In fact a couple will always have a place in my heart. Eventually a cat or two affectionately made their way into my house and heart. Although I have never “technically” had a house cat, I would let one in for three to four hours each evening. She was a young cat I received from a farmer friend.

She was so affectionate and she always had to stretch a paw out to touch me. I’m not sure she did this to feel safe as much as she did it to make me feel safe. This was her gift; she always made me feel loved and provided me with a great sense of peace.

All too soon I discovered she was also a wonderful mother. She had two litters every year without fail and after watching her care for her kittens I actually came to love her more. After four years she disappeared leaving me saddened. More than 17 years later I still miss her.

Pets have the ability to find a place in our hearts and leave their paw prints on our hearts. Pets are a loving source of companionship. They add joy to our lives and can even improve our health. There is scientific evidence that pets can help to keep us fit, happy and healthy and even accelerate recovery after major illness.

Pets can relieve stress, lower our blood pressure, reduce heart disease, and bolster our immune system. Pets accept our guardianship and give us their unconditional love while imparting their wisdom unto us. They can make our lives richer and more rewarding. Perhaps you will consider adopting a pet; be it a rabbit, dog, horse or cat. But if you can’t here is some advice from each.

Advice from a rabbit: Be a good listener, eat plenty of greens, let your dreams multiply, hop to it, know when to be still, and don’t worry, be hoppy! Advice from a dog: Be loyal, delight in the simple joys of a long walk, unleash your talents, make new friends, learn new tricks, no matter your age, and when loved ones come home always run to greet them. Advice from a horse: Take life’s hurdles in stride, loosen the reins, be free spirited, keep the burrs from under your saddle, carry your friends when they need it, keep stable, and gallop to greatness. Advice from a cat: Pounce at the possibilities, enjoy the nightlife, always land on your feet, stretch often, delight in the simple joys of a long nap, and create your purr-fect day.

Upcoming events:

Saturday, the Versailles Vets Club is hold a Valentine’s-themed evening of karaoke beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the bunker. This is open to the public.

Sunday, The Versailles K of C has an all-you-can-eat breakfast at the hall from 8 a.m.-noon. There will be eggs, sausage, ham, grits, biscuits with gravy, French toast, pancakes, juice and coffee.

Feb. 22, the Versailles Vets Club holds an open to the public Bid Euchre Tournament downstairs at 7 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee with three opportunities to win a cash prize.

Mark your calendar for the Versailles Museum’s Speaker Series beginning Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. with Aaron Magoto presenting “the shocking tale of electricity in the village.” And be sure to attend “An Evening with the Arts” on Feb. 27 from 5:30-8 p.m. This event is held in the cafetorium with artwork on display, music by the different school chorus groups, and dinner and dessert available for purchase.

Birthday wishes to Mildred Bensman (90), Eileen Rahm (94), Kim Hayes, Scout Spencer, Raven Boerger, Carol Simmons, Leslie Phlipot, John Berger, Michael Stammen, Rick Unger, Eileen Floan, Reyna Shardo, Gary Cohee, Shawn Peters, Monica Goubeaux, Muzz Pierron, Bev Garrison, Gail Lunsford, Elaine Barlage, Kathy (Grillot) Magoto, Kay Borchers, Georgie Kemper, Bev Francis, Linda Wappelhorst, Michelle Dickey, Brittany Dirksen, Ron DeMange, Rachel and Emily Tumbusch, Brad Grilliot, Tim Magoto, Rita Ruhenkamp, Jim Subler, Randy Swisher, Doug Seibert, Deb Groff, Karen Keiser, Diane Schrader, Vicki Monnin, Kobe Epperly, Tom Schrader, Graham Holzapfel, John Klipstine, and Jason Roll. Happy anniversary wishes to Dixie and Mike Wehrkamp (52).

Congratulations to all the Versailles sports teams for having a very good year.

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Dave Buxton, Doug Bruns, Conrad Phlipot, Jean Castle, Laura (Norman) Paulus, Jim Jones, Betty Kremer, Thelma Schultz, Vickie Cottrell, Katelyn Platfoot, Wayne Pittsenbarger, Fr. Ned Brown, Lester Bernholt, Connie Stachler, Tony Gehret, Betty Pothast, Sally Tebbe, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, John Magoto, Sheila Spahr, Madonna McEldowney, Beverly Brown, Paul Marchal, Linda Kendinger, Mike Hileman, Ralph Gehret, Dave Fullenkamp, Steve Youngker, Harold Langston, Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Sally Monnin, Sondra Spangler, Mary Barga, Wilma Didier, Anabelle Subler, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Levadia Barga, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, John Klipstine, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized, home-bound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Lester Bensman (86) and Irma Wittington (91); also remembering the lives of Glen Mangen, Helen Mangen, Ruth Booher, Cy Siefring, Raymond Jokerst, Helen Coffield, Glen Armstrong, Lloyd Mangen, Allen Poeppelman, Theresa McKinney, Sharon Mescher, Jim Riffle and all those in our hearts, but not mentioned by name, as the anniversary of their passing nears.

“Pets are bundles of love wrapped in fur.” ~Unknown

“The difference between friends and pets is that, friends are invited into our company, pets we allow into our solitude.” ~Unknown

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~Anatole France