On the road with Suzy

Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm ON THE ROAD WITH SUZY: FROM CAT TO COMPANION Purdue University Press, 2010 West Lafayette, Indiana ISBN 978-1-55753-554-2 Two chapters written by: A second Chance Farm by Thomas Tomczyk Animals in India by Thomas Tomczyk “I am a cat lover as well as a friend and admirer of Dr.Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm other fine publications and books. I am sure that all animal lovers will find it truly wonderful, and all thinking people, even if they hate cats, will find it a profound, sensitive, insightful and funny book. Dr. Aleksandra's understanding of cats, and animals in general, goes beyond our common need for the unconditional love we receive from our pets. It reaches into our deepest feelings and spiritual needs in line with the Taoist and Buddhist philosophy of wisdom and compassion: that the belief in an absolute unity transcends all divergences,and all life is seen to be but forms of the Primal One.” **Audrey Ronning Topping /acclaimed author of six books and a prize-winning photojournalist/.** “Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boem should be highly commended for writing a book that conveys so well the author’s appreciation and compassion for animals”. **Robert Ackerman, New Alexandria,Pennsylvania** “I have always liked cats admiring their grace, cleanliness and even their "quirks" that are interesting to say the least. The wonderful story about the very special cat Suzy gave me a new dimension of admiration for cats. Reciprocating with love, devotion and faithfulness is a cat's reward for that given to them by humans. The book by Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm is definitely a "good read". “ **Carl Boehm** . “I always like dogs and whole my life I had a one around me. Cats - in my opinion - were too self absorbed and aloof. After reading "On the Road with Suzy: From Cat to Companion" I decided to have a cat. Now, just one month later, I am in love with him and became a great admirer of all cats. My cat is very independent in a way that I respect him, but he is so loving and giving that I love him. Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm did a miracle with me, and I am very thankful! “ **Bill Smart** . "Many people would question Aleksandra's and her husband's decision to embark on a 2.5 months motor trip accompanied by their cat Suzy. Cats are generally considered not to enjoy automobile transportation. Then, we learn about thus special feline... calm, collected, warm, friendly; devoted and loving even under what must have been trying situations. Surely, Suzy has to be remarkable, unique and even brave to face challenges most cats never encounter. I can understand how she became a focal point and an integral member of the family. I wish Suzy many, many happy years. What a beautiful book about the bond between a cat and humans!" **Mary Salkind, The Bond between a cat and humans, ALIBRIS, Sep. 10, 2010** * “After reading "On the Road with Suzy" the first time, I was left with the feeling of why and how could I have always disliked cats as many others do. Surely, no one could dislike the sweet and loving Suzy. So, I reread Aleksandra's book and came to the conclusion that the love, caring and devotion she and her husband extended towards Suzy may have became a challenge to her. Her qualities of affection and faithfulness were almost like those of a dog but tempered a bit by the normal aloofness and pride of a cat. However, when it was time to be affectionate, loving and faithful, Suzy responded. She is a remarkable feline and most interesting to read about!”. **David Keller, GOOGLE BOOKS** “If Suzy could talk and probably does in cat language, I believe she would say to Aleksandra and Norman: "I really love you for taking me in from stray status, for being with me during my pregnancy and birth on my five beautiful kittens, for striving to find good homes for my kittens because it was impossible to keep them, for always having time for me and tolerating my cat quirks and antics, for caring for me in sickness and in health, for always showing your love, affection and pride in me (and bragging about me too). You two are truly cat people, co we are a threesome" This is a remarkable tale about a wonderful cat! “. **John Carr, ALIBRIS, September 2010** * “Doctor Aleksandra is an animal lover. Her compassion for her cat, Suzy, makes this a book of discovery and adventure for all animal lovers. Suzy found the Boehms, and stalking around their Houston apartment, won their hearts and soon became a member of the family. She accompanied them on trips either by auto or plane, a loving companion. Aleksandra understood the need of compassion and love for animals, and they related to her. A description of a long cross-country trip with husband, Norman is hilarious, as they must make accommodations before and during the trip. Suzy survives and explores her new surroundings in Delaware. Later on Suzy even flies to Poland with her owners. This is truly a couple who enjoy and deeply care for the welfare of their animals”. **Florence Waszkelewicz Clowes, The POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL, Boston, NY, September 2010** . This book created a new feline heroine Suzy. Like other known animals heroes , such as Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, she is a real and truly remarkable creature. We observe her over a 13 years period - since as stray cat she found herself the right couple - humans beings who welcomed her and who made life changes for her addition to the family. Suzy accompanied them on their trips, was in Indian territory for over two months, (and always stoic as an Indian), oversees many times, in her lady friend Aleksandra's - country - Poland. She dedicated herself completely to that remarkable couple and enriched their lives. This is truly an amazing story how humans and animals can fit into each other's lives and make a wonderful loving group. Traveling with Suzy from Houston, Texas living in Wilmington, Delaware and traveling overseas is now part of the great literature about the animals and their bond with humans. That book reminds me of RING OF THE BRIGHT WATER by Gavin Maxwell. Mr. Graham and his Mij the otter are truly remarkable like Suzy and her devoted couple Aleksandra and Norman. **Bill Adams, Amazon** What a wonderful tale! Suzy, the homeless Texas cat, won the hearts of a caring couple visiting her state. Their travels and experiences provide a heart warming rendition of how a devoted feline and loving humans bond and the happiness each brought to the other. **George Mitchell, ALIBRIS** The reader does not have to be "cat person" to enjoy the heart-rending story of Suzy. Homeless, she adopted a concerned couple as only a cat can. Always appreciative and devoted to her new family, Suzy brought them untold happiness and joy in their travels together. Wonderful book! **Henry Albright, ALIBRIS** . I do admire your writing a great deal – it is as if you are speaking yo the reader. And I do review a great many any books **Florence Clowes, Vero Beach, Florida, 11/22/2013** . After reading "On the Road with Suzy" the first time, I was left with the feeling of why and how could I have always disliked cats as many others do. Surely, no one could dislike the sweet and loving Suzy. So, I reread Aleksandra's book and came to the conclusion that the love, caring and devotion she and her husband extended towards Suzy may have became a challenge to her. Her qualities of affection and faithfulness were almost like those of a dog but tempered a bit by the normal aloofness and pride of a cat. However, when it was time to be affectionate, loving and faithful, Suzy responded. She is a remarkable feline and most interesting to read about! **David Keller, Google** . What a fantastic feline! Suzy accommodates herself to travel by automobile, train or airplane. At the same time, she exudes love and devotion to her owners under any circumstances. All readers will enjoy a true story of the bond between animal and humans. **John Harrison, Google** . Suzy and her travels are wonderful reading. The author has cleverly personified a precious “tortoise shell” cat relating all her experiences both good and bad. Then, she exemplifies how the ever-adaptable Suzy basked in the aura of the good ones and triumphed over the bad ones. **Matt Burke, Trove, Australia** . This is the story of a deepening relationship between a couple and their cat, written by an award-winning author and filled with insightful comments about cat behavior and the nature of the human-feline bond. The episodes in this book will delight and inform other 'cat people' and will leave readers with a new understanding of the way interactions with animals transform our lives. AbeBooks.com . The story of Suzy the cat is a remarkable one. Not only did she win the hearts of her owners, she converted them to “cat people”. For those who expound their hate for cats, I would challenge them to read this book. Such an education about felines would be good for them. **Lori Martin, Book Depository** “(...)Not only am I under cat’s magic, but recently in the bookstores Nowy Swiat presented the book written by Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm. That eminent writer and reporter, now living in the USA, has written over 250 pages dedicated to animals, particularly to cats. What a wonderful book! It is full of wisdom and fun and close to some metaphysics in analyzing interpersonal relationships between people and animals. The people who share a love for animals, are like a garden of similar beautiful human beings, sharing in the beauty of the whole world of living creatures. Animal brothers are our relatives. It is not difficult to understand and follow. Cats have special mystery and mystic around themselves. They go their own way, follow their own paths, more than dogs. Independent from people, they live the way they like. They love the night more than the day, they can be critical, moody… and those