Cats, Roses...and Books!: Our #Feline #Sweethearts--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith

Valentine's Day is for sweethearts. But just what is a sweetheart? Someone you enjoy being with...someone you love to snuggle with...someone you trust and who trusts you...someone who touches your heart in a way no one else can?

Paddy decorates her scratching
house for Valentine's Day.

Humans can be all these things to each other and it is a truly special bond that should be celebrated all year...not just on one appointed day. Our furry friends also fit the definition of "sweetheart" and we should also appreciate our special bonds with them everyday.

Zoie, Halo, Paddy and London are our constant house buddies. Nothing makes them happier than being with us...whether we are cooking in the kitchen, working in my office, or settled for an evening of TV. They love to snuggle against us and relish the petting and stroking while they nap. They show their appreciation for the closeness by reaching out a paw to touch us or using our leg for a pillow.

Zoie and Paddy work together
to decorate the scratching house.

Trust is difficult to foster among humans and just as precarious to foster among our pets. Weeks, months and sometimes even years are needed to develop a trusting relationship. Setbacks along the way (like a visit to the vet, or an accidental trip when walking through the house) often take us back a few steps and we have to re-establish our trust. But in the process we are building a loving bond that is as strong as any human bond.

Paddy poses for her Valentine's photo.

Regardless of their unique personalities, each one of our felines has etched an indelible mark in our hearts. It is the stuff that memories are made of...the little things that make us laugh...the unassuming things like a peaceful napping pose that bring a tear to our eye.

Halo's Valentine's photo session.

So this Valentine's Day, as you reach out in your own special way to tell your human sweethearts how special they are to you, take a moment to appreciate the love you and your pets share because their sweet hearts beat just for you!

Even London, who can sometimes be our
"grumpy cat" has her sweet moments and
loves to cuddle for an afternoon nap.

Halo and all the Smith felines with you a
Happy Valentine's Day filled with warm cuddly
moments and sweet dreams.

******************

*******************

Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Amazon

Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Barnes and Noble

Pre-order SILENCE OF THE LAMPS on Amazon

Pre-order SILENCE OF THE LAMPS on Barnes and Noble

*****************

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.

*****************