On the Road with Suzy

Summary:

On temporary assignment in Houston, Texas, at the start of 1998, Aleksandra and her husband Norman never expected that their lives would be changed forever when a small chocolate-gold-black stray cat stalked into the apartment complex where they were living, and adopted them.

Suzy soon became a key family member, and has traveled with the author to Delaware, Illinois, Wisconsin, both Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, often on visits to Native American reservations. A frequent flyer, Suzy has also journeyed to Poland nine times, often in the company of Claude, another adopted stray. During these travels, Suzy, sociable and popular, introduced her owners to many new experiences and a range of new friends and acquaintances; not just other cats and humans, but also dogs, opossums, and armadillos.

In a life full of animals, Suzy’s owners have had to confront many of the dilemmas that cat ownership brings; from the difficulties of identifying responsible homes for a litter of kittens to the pain of handling an animal’s death. They have also found many surprising moments of joy, especially in observing the lives and interactions of the many stray cats that share our neighborhoods.

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.

COMMENTS AND REVIEWS

“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 divergencies, and all life is seen to be but forms of the Primal One.” Audrey Ronning Topping

“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

“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, POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL, Boston, NY, September 2010