WISHING YOU A HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!

OPERATION BAGHDAD PUPS

U.S. troops stationed around the world befriend local animals as a way to help cope with the emotional hardships they endure every day while deployed far away from friends and family. The Operation Baghdad Pups program provides veterinary care and coordinates complicated logistics and transportation requirements in order to reunite these beloved pets with their soldiers back in the U.S. These important animals help our heroes find a sense of normalcy and love in the midst of uncertainty and separation. And, when our troops return home, the same pet can help them readjust and heal their emotional, mental and physical wounds.

The Operation Baghdad Pups mission is not over even though U.S. troops have pulled out of Iraq. Over 16,000 Americans and their animals still remain in Iraq working to train Iraq security forces, running one of the largest U.S. embassy's in the world and two U.S. consulates, and the FBI and CIA also have a continued presence there. And, as you know already, many U.S. troops were forced to leave their animals behind and the SPCA International returned once again to Iraq to rescue them the first of this year. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED...but, there is still more animals to bring to the USA.

Many American civilians and contractors will remain in Iraq through 2012 and beyond. SPCA International is committed to helping all Americans in Iraq get their animals to safe, loving homes in the U.S. We will not stop until all these patriot pets are safe.

Each time the Operation Baghdad Pups team is in Iraq, we take the opportunity to show adults and children that a dog can be your best friend. A simple twenty-minute walk with a dog often stretched to several hours because the people we encountered are often curious and we take the time to stop and talk with them and let them slowly get acquainted with our four-legged friend. Many of them eventually feel comfortable enough to touch the dog - something most of them

have never done before.

Because of Operation Baghdad Pups, we have been planting seeds of compassion in Iraq since February 2008. Seeds that we hope will grow, and over time, will result in the local attitudes towards animals changing. This will probably not happen quickly, but we are encouraged by the progress we have already seen. Without a doubt, the presence of SPCA International in Iraq has had a positive impact on animals and people too.

Thank you for your concern and ongoing support.

Pope Benedict XVI & The Cats of Rome

~by Susi Pittman

Pope Benedict XVI is a lover of cats. Susi brings some delightful insights into the background of his love of felines.

READ MORE...

Don't Be Afraid! Just Have Faith!

~by Father Ron Camarda

Father Ron wants us all on-board the "just have faith" wagon and reminds us that many of us are walking dead. Jesus wants to bring us back to health and life, be it spiritual or physical or both. It only takes faith!

READ MORE... 

God Will Never Forsake You 

~by Sister Marie Rene, S.S.J.

Keep the faith and stay the course. Sister Rene brings an Old Testament scripture to light as a beacon of hope for us all to  

reflect upon.

READ MORE... 

Python Dogs 

~by Frank Gromling

 

Python Dogs! Can dogs be trained to track pythons? Frank is hot on the trail and has the amazing answer and work of an elite group of dogs.

The fourteen days from June 21-the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More-to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this "Fortnight for Freedom"-a great hymn of prayer for our country. Mary has some final words of on this celebration of our Catholic-Christian heritage in America where we pray that FREEDOM continues to ring.

Who is Telling Your Story? 

~by Louis Templeman

Stories are what we live each day as every moment unfolds anew and we as human beings address those moments in intellect and conscience. Louis wants to connect you with the "master" Storyteller and he does so with a beautiful analogy.

READ MORE...  

She was deeply spiritual and was chosen by Our Lord to be a sign to the world of His miraculous love and sustaining power. Steward Joe takes us on a special 2-part journey into the mystical beauty of Saint Therese Neumann. This month, her visions and sufferings; in July, her

Cats and dogs and sheep, Oh My!! There is plenty of good reading available this summer and Michele has a JULY SAMPLER

of great "reads" that you are sure to find engaging and memorable. So, check out her reviews and enjoy your "reading" summer!

NEW AFFILIATE SHOPPING for YOU!  

We continue to build a small but, well focused group of vendors, offering products in line with stewardship of the earth and its creatures. By visiting these product sites from our page, you are helping to support our mission.

is a small batch coffee roaster operated by the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming through an online gourmet coffee bean store. Many consider their website the ultimate source for gourmet coffee where it is easy to buy coffee online. The monks carefully craft each freshly roasted coffee to perfection for dark roast coffees, espresso, ground coffees, whole bean coffees, single origin coffees, fair trade coffees, flavored coffees and especially the monks' special gourmet coffee blends. Try our special auto delivered coffee subscriptions also for the best coffee online.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS has always taken a formidable and uncompromising stand when it comes to the protection and sustainability of our natural world and the delicate systems which balance all life as we know it. This complex and venerable planet produces all of the products we share with you, and it is simply a matter of appreciation and respect that must be given. Not only do we lead the industry in environmental stewardship, we also adhere to strict principles and protocols that ensure fair treatment and compensation for the people involved with the production of our products; both domestically and overseas.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

___________________________________

A Division of Engineering Services & Products Company, FarmTek was founded in 1979 with the purpose of bringing the highest quality products at the most competitive prices with exceptional customer service directly to the agricultural, horticultural, building and retail trade communities.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT FARMTEK

Rick Cannizzaro-

Fine Art That Stirs the Child Within Us All

Former Catholic Steward art columnist and nature artist, Rick Cannizzaro has been selected as the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens' resident artist. Read the announcement HERE.

The Zoo has commissioned nine reproductions of Rick's"Prehistoric Florida" paintings. They will be placed as a permanent exhibit along the Florida Trek at the Zoo. Rick will also be present at the Zoo throughout the year exhibiting his art and participating in Zoo events.

Rick's inspiration for his paintings comes from nature, anywhere from the coastal beaches to exotic forests. Rick dedicates his art to enhance the awareness of the beauty of nature and its delicate balance for survival.

We invite you to visit his website: www.rickcannizzaro.com  

The Catholic Association

The Catholic Association (TCA) is dedicated to being a faithful Catholic voice in the public square and the public arena. TCA is responding to the call of the Catholic Church for members of the lay faithful to apply Catholic teaching, wisdom, and principles to the issues of the day.

Partisan politics is what divides many Catholics - we want to focus on what unites faithful Catholics in order to build a powerful coalition to positively influence our world.

____________________________________

The Catholic Hack

The Catholic Hack is Joe McClane. He is the director and events coordinator for Fullness of Truth Catholic Evangelization Ministries, as well as an a Catholic New Media producer & Evangelist at CatholicHack.com. He is married to his lovely wife Michelle and they have five children.

Plan your Catholic Pilgrimage this year with one of three highly successful and recommended tour companies.

206 Tours  

Since 1985, we have focused upon providing pilgrimages which are tailored to the interests of those seeking spiritual refreshment and awakening. We add a balance of culture, history, archaeology, art, food, architecture, entertainment, friendships and naturally plain old fun. Throughout your journey with 206 Tours you are accompanied by a local guide. In addition, a priest is also always by your side offering daily Mass. He will provide spiritual advice and be available to hear confessions.

____________________________________

Best Catholic Pilgrimages  

Best Catholic Pilgrimages is dedicated to providing the Best pilgrimages at affordable prices. Our spiritual and cultural group trips always include a priest or bishop as a spiritual leader. Best Catholic Pilgrimages is dedicated to our Blessed Mother, Mary.

__________________________________

Regina Tours  

With its finger on the pulse of important Catholic events throughout the world, Regina Tours continues to offer the opportunity to participate in those celebrations of major interest to the Catholic Community.

Beatification and Canonization ceremonies, World Youth Day programs, Eucharistic Congresses and visits around the world by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI are just a few of the important programs we offer.

Regina Tours offers both fixed departure dates with specific tours published in its annual brochure and posted on our web site as well as tailor made programs through the Custom Group Department. Whichever your choice, you will find our staff to be knowledgeable, friendly and courteous

Helping God's Creatures

Students at St. Anne's Catholic Elementary School in Sudbury, Canada, worked to earn donations for the

where they professionally treat wildlife and educate about human-wildlife interactions. Annually they treat over 600 wild animals.

The students decided to call themselves the ABC'S - All Because of Caring Students, and decided that this project was about making a difference in the world.

The project involved contacting and visiting community businesses to begin a fundraiser for the animal refuge. Knowing that every cent makes a difference, they began a penny drive to help out the animals

You can read the whole  

story HERE.

If you don't have any garden space or you live in a climate with a short growing season, you can still exercise your green thumb with these indoor plant ideas...a few will even produce fresh produce too! You'll find tips for growing assorted herbs, a couple vegetables and a few neat-o plants to try your hand at. You can grow them inside year round but many will thrive outdoors during the summer months (if you have the space) but move them indoors once it gets a little chilly and before the first frost (imagine having garden fresh tomatoes over the winter!).

FIND OUT MORE...  

Vintage Remedies

Vintage Remedies was established primarily to fill the gap in natural wellness options. We stand squarely in the middle of the medicine wars, believing that prevention is the key to health and that natural options are usually the best first steps to regain wellness. However, we also appreciate the advancements of modern medicine and the life saving techniques that are available for extreme situations. We seek to empower mothers, wives and parents across the globe that strive for excellence in their calling. Our basic programs are designed to enable individuals everywhere to relearn the basic techniques and skills that were so commonplace decades ago. Our advanced programs are suitable for current or aspiring professionals that seek to include wellness initiatives and natural options in their services.

Our courses are all completed at a distance and we enjoy serving students around the world. Everything we offer is completed in your own home, at your own pace at a schedule you dictate. Our curriculum combines the traditional wisdom passed down through generations with modern scientific advancements to enable you to understand the time tested methods and how they are best utilized in light of new research in the areas of nutrition, plant chemistry and human health. Yet, our material is presented in a very approachable and attainable method to enable you to fully grasp these concepts and put them to use in your own life.

Our school is distinctively Christian based; we welcome students of all religious backgrounds and have a very diverse student body. Our staff comes from a variety of denominational backgrounds, and we do not participate in divisive debates, rather we enjoy sharing what we have in common and our programs are written from that perspective. It is not a requirement that our students share our beliefs, and students from a variety of backgrounds enjoy our programs.

Our wellness philosophy is that the body was designed to benefit from fresh, real, whole foods and when provided with clean air, pure water and nutrient dense foods, the body is capable of achieving wellness. We believe that valuable resources were placed here for our physical benefit and are always excited at the discoveries and the complexity of natural plant matter. By understanding these principles, these resources can be used wisely to encourage the body to attain and maintain health. We don't approach health with a disease + treatment model, rather the whole mind, body and spirit integrative approach of whole health or holistic health. It is a system focused on wellness, not medicine. Our materials reflect this philosophy and teach health from that viewpoint.

FIND OUT MORE... 

Ancient Tablet Deciphered-

Sumerian Astronomers

This could be a case of one scientifically solved mystery solving another so I will try and explain the second one under "Interesting Facts" The circular clay tablet shown above was discovered 150 years ago at Nineveh the capital of ancient Assyria, in what is now Iraq. The tablet shows drawings of constellations and pictogram-based text known as cuneiform which was used by the Sumerians, the earliest known civilization in the world. For decades scientists have failed to decipher the tablet. In 2008 two scientists, Alan Bond and Mark Hempsell from Bristol University finally cracked the cuneiform code. By using a computer program that can reconstruct the night sky thousands of years ago. The two scientists were able to establish the tablet was a night notebook of Sumerian astronomers and refers to the events in the sky before dawn on the 29th of June 3123 BC (Julian calendar).

Interesting Fact: What makes this discovery even more amazing is the tablet also shows a large object travelling along the constellation of Pisces. The symbols show the trajectory of the object to an error of one degree to hit Köfels Austria. Köfels is recognized as the area of the largest rockslide in the crystalline Alps and has given rise to numerous theories about the cause of the rockslide. There is no crater so to modern eyes it doesn't look as a meteor impact site should look. However from the information gathered from the tablet, the trajectory explains why there is no crater. The in-coming angle was very low (six degrees) so the scientists theorize that the asteroid clipped a near by mountain called Gamskogel and this caused the asteroid to explode before it reached its final impact point. To explain how they were able to get this much information from this little tablet is above my pay grade. You can see a picture of the rockslide area here.

A New Life For Greyhounds