Cal Orey's Blog, page 14

Amazon Best Seller in New Releases--Animal Fiction: Time-Traveling Tabby

  Time-Traveling Tabby a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Cosmic Tale to Love!

 (Inspired By True Events)By Cal Orey

As a scribe navigates complex temporal landscape, her newly adopted cat becomes a conduit to the past, revealing tales of feline companions from bygone eras. With its keen senses, the cat alerts its owner to an impending seismic event, forging a bond between them that transcends time and space. As the tabby peers into a future time loop, it must confront its own inadequacies and learn to trust its instincts in order to prevent a catastrophic future.

The story revolves around a young orange tabby cat adopted by a seasoned scribe who takes "Gatsby" on a journey through time, visiting the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 21st century, and eventually, into the future. The feline narrator tells the tale of his time travels, which are deeply connected to his owner’s past experiences and the stories she shares with him about her previous cats. As the cat listens to these tales, he feels a sense of obligation, inadequacy, and a strong desire to prove himself and fill the paws of the author's ghost felines.

The Cat’s Journey and Sci-Fi Fantasy Elements

As Gatsby time travels with his owner, he develops a keen intuition that allows him to sense an imminent strange happening, which he warns his owner about by scratching at a closet door for two days before the BIG event changes his life. The act of courage and loyalty wins over his owner’s heart, and she begins to appreciate the great Sir Gatsby's wonderful listening skills and the special bond they share. The cat’s ability to sense a cosmic event and his journey through time with his owner are the key sci-fi fantasy elements in the story, revealing his uncanny powers and the unique connection he has with his owner. The cat’s experiences and the stories this owner tells him about her past cats create a rich and immersive narrative that explores the themes of time travel, intuition, and the human-animal bond.

 Sci-Fi Fantasy Themes

The story is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the sci-fi fantasy genre, with a unique twist of having a feline narrator who travels through time and experiences the world in a way that is both familiar and strange. The cat’s journey and his owner’s stories about her past cats create a sense of nostalgia and high-tech wonder, highlighting the idea that animals can possess a deep understanding of the world and the people around them. The story’s use of time travel and the cat’s intuitive abilities adds a layer of sci-fi fantasy that makes the narrative engaging and mesmerizing.  

Pawthor Gatsby's First Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novel Launched!

 By Cal Orey

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Time-Traveling Tabby

By Pawthor Gatsby

Overview: The concept of a book featuring an orange tabbycat navigating the complexities of acceptance and love after the loss ofprevious pets is rich with emotional depth and relatable themes. The narrativecan explore the journey of this new pet as it learns to fill the void left byits predecessors while also establishing its own identity. This story canresonate with children age 10-young adults, as well as readers of all ages, dueto its universal themes.

Themes and Lessons: This book can incorporate severalimportant lessons:  Tenacity: The cat’s determination to find its place in a newhome despite initial challenges teaches resilience.  Intelligence: The cat’s cleverness in adapting to newsituations can inspire readers to think critically and creatively.  Unconditional Love: Highlighting the bond between pets andtheir owners emphasizes the importance of love that transcends loss.  Grief: Addressing the feelings associated with losingbeloved pets allows readers to process their emotions in a healthy way.  Fate and Timing: The idea that everything happens for areason can provide comfort during difficult times.

Pawthor Gatsby's First Novel

Artistic Choices: Utilizing black-and-white artwork adds awhimsical yet sophisticated touch, appealing to both younger audiences andolder readers who appreciate artistic expression. The use of free verse and rhyme stanzas makes the textengaging, rhythmic, and easy to read aloud, enhancing the overall creativeexperience.

*Target Audience Categories: This book has the potential fora broad audience across various categories:

*Children’s Literature: It fits within this group due to itsfocus on relatable characters (the tabby cat) and moral lessons suitable foryoung readers.

*Young Adult Fiction: As themes of grief, acceptance, andpersonal growth are explored, older children may find deeper meaning in thenarrative.

*Women (and Men) of all ages: Single people who are coping with a break-up, divorce, loss of a mate will be able to resonate with seeking a new potential partner and discovering replacing their past love is a challenge.

*Pet Care/Animal Lovers: Readers who have experience similarsituations with pets will connect emotionally with the story.

*Marketability: The combo relatable themes, artisticpresentation, and poetic structure make this book marketable across variousplatforms—schools, libraries, parents, and pet organizations.

In summary, an illustrated book about an orange tabby catdealing with acceptance after loss has appeal across multiple demographics,exploring universal themes such as love, resilience, grief, courage, fate, andtiming.  Its artistic style combined with engaging language makes it accessibleyet profound for readers from different age groups.

Two NEW Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novels to Thrill You! -- Amazon Best Sellers in Parapsychology and Animal Fiction

 By Cal Orey

Paws, Claws, and Quantum Laws: Feline Odyssey Through Dimensions!

Both Novels Are Best Sellers in New Hot Releases on Amazon... 

           AUTHOR BIOS

Dawn Steinman, N.P., D.N.P, is avisionary author who crafts electrifying science fiction that pushes the limitsof imagination and amazing creativity. With a unique blend of scientificinsight and creative flair, she spins intricate tales that delve into humanexperience and cosmic mysteries. Her stories fuse elements of mystery, thesupernatural, and cutting-edge technology. When not writing, the chief Nurse dualDirector/Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice can be found divinginto the latest in space exploration and future scientific innovations.Steinman resides in Nebraska. authordawnsteinman.com

 

Cal Orey, M.A., is a dynamic bestselling author with over 30 captivatingbooks to her name, seamlessly blending Sci-Fi thrillers and enchantingfantasies. With a sharp focus on science and a love for pets, her grippingnarratives (with anthromorphic and whimsical characters like in Courage withPaws: The Heart of a Siamese Cat and Time-Traveling Tabby) haveresonated with readers worldwide, selling thousands of copies and consistentlyhitting bestseller lists. Armed with dual degrees in English (Creative Writing)from SFSU, she crafts stories that entertain but also ignite the imagination.Orey is a native Californian. www.calorey.com

#19 Amazon Best Seller in New Releases--ANIMAL FICTION

 Time-Traveling Tabby a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Tale to Love!

 (Inspired By True Events)
#19 AMAZON Best Seller in New Releases -- ANIMAL FICTION

By Cal Orey

As a scribe navigates complex temporal landscape, her newly adopted cat becomes a conduit to the past, revealing tales of feline companions from bygone eras. With its keen senses, the cat alerts its owner to an impending seismic event, forging a bond between them that transcends time and space. As the tabby peers into a future time loop, it must confront its own inadequacies and learn to trust its instincts in order to prevent a catastrophic future.

The story revolves around a young orange tabby cat adopted by a seasoned scribe who takes "Gatsby" on a journey through time, visiting the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 21st century, and eventually, into the future. The feline narrator tells the tale of his time travels, which are deeply connected to his owner’s past experiences and the stories she shares with him about her previous cats. As the cat listens to these tales, he feels a sense of obligation, inadequacy, and a strong desire to prove himself and fill the paws of the author's ghost felines.

The Cat’s Journey and Sci-Fi Fantasy Elements

As Gatsby time travels with his owner, he develops a keen intuition that allows him to sense an imminent strange happening, which he warns his owner about by scratching at a closet door for two days before the BIG event changes his life. The act of courage and loyalty wins over his owner’s heart, and she begins to appreciate the great Sir Gatsby's wonderful listening skills and the special bond they share. The cat’s ability to sense a cosmic event and his journey through time with his owner are the key sci-fi fantasy elements in the story, revealing his uncanny powers and the unique connection he has with his owner. The cat’s experiences and the stories this owner tells him about her past cats create a rich and immersive narrative that explores the themes of time travel, intuition, and the human-animal bond.

 Sci-Fi Fantasy Themes

The story is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the sci-fi fantasy genre, with a unique twist of having a feline narrator who travels through time and experiences the world in a way that is both familiar and strange. The cat’s journey and his owner’s stories about her past cats create a sense of nostalgia and high-tech wonder, highlighting the idea that animals can possess a deep understanding of the world and the people around them. The story’s use of time travel and the cat’s intuitive abilities adds a layer of sci-fi fantasy that makes the narrative engaging and mesmerizing.  

Healing Powers of Pets

 Healing powers of pets

Cal OreyI know that the human-animal bonding happens at Lake Tahoe as well as around the nation and globe. Also, as a lover of animal films, from Marley &Me to Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, I savor the connection to both dogs and cats on the little screen, big screen and in real life. Sure, as an author I’m known for my popular Healing Powers series touting superfoods and how they can improve our health and well-being. But I also know about the extraordinary healing powers of cats and dogs. Here, take a look at some ways the animal attraction is timeless.

Soulmates with Paws Can Heal 

People on the South Shore—locals and tourists—love dogs and cats. And pet people everywhere will tell you companion animals are affectionate, smart, and loyal—and give unconditional love during the best and worst of times. Here’s the lowdown on how caring for a pet can be one of the best things you do for yourself—and your health.

They Help Us Relax. Researchers say dogs can help reduce anxiety and stress by providing “the relaxation response”—in other words, a physiological state of deep rest.Fighting Heart Disease. Canines and felines can help us slow down. In doing so, blood pressure is reduced, which in turn, lowers one’s risk of heart attack or stroke.Boosting Immune System. Devoted dogs and cats can have a positive effect on the immune system by lowering stress hormone levels and raising antibodies that fight off disease.Conquering Loneliness. Not only do dogs keep us calm and healthy, but dog also-human relationships seem to lessen the health-damaging effect of being alone.Staying Active and Happy. Dog walking is also great physical activity for you and your best friend; getting regular exercise helps provide feel-good endorphins.Opening up Communication. Having a four-legged friend around when people visit makes socializing much easier and helps create a friendly atmosphere.Extending Longevity. People who live a long and happy life know about feeling needed—and how a canine and feline companion keeps them going.

Can Pets Leave Paw Prints on Your Soul?

A constant relationship with a beloved pooch and/or feline is fulfilling and good for your heart and soul, too. Read on—and discover amazing ways to enhance the bond with pets throughout our lives.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 1: Tune into your natural attraction to God’s creatures, big and small. Animals help comfort your mind, body, and spirit.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 2: Take time to get to know pets and which type of critter is best suited to be a friend for life. The connection will be stronger if you and an animal are a good fit.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 3: Discover ways to strengthening a bond on different levels with your companion animal—and it will be a two-way street.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 4: Embrace the idea that cats and dogs as well as other animals can sense danger including quake and fire warnings to people with bad intentions and warn you to stay clear of harm’s way.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 5: Get in touch with the amazing ways animals can accomplish feats, from using their homing instinct to making a connection with you in time of need without expecting anything in return.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 6: Stay in touch with your inner spirit and understand that angels come in all forms—both human and animal—to guide and comfort those in physical and psychological need during life’s ups and downs.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 7: Take notice that animal lovers are universal—extraordinary and ordinary people (of all ages). Animals do not care about fame and fortune—it’s about mutual love and respect.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 8: Do realize that animals—furry to feathery—can and do get along and coexist in harmony with a little help from their human friends.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, history, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the Healing Powers series, and the Cour With Paws series. Currently, the author is working on the trilogy The Ghost Ships (the hero is half feline, half human) with co-author Dawn Steinman). She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is http://www.calorey.com

It's Launched! Time-Traveling Tabby--a Tale to Love! #19 BEST SELLER IN ANIMAL FICTION

Time-Traveling Tabby a Tale to Love! (Inspired By True Events)#19 AMAZON Seller in New Releases -- ANIMAL FICTION

By Cal Orey

As a scribe navigates complex temporal landscape, her newly adopted cat becomes a conduit to the past, revealing tales of feline companions from bygone eras. With its keen senses, the cat alerts its owner to an impending seismic event, forging a bond between them that transcends time and space. As the tabby peers into a future time loop, it must confront its own inadequacies and learn to trust its instincts in order to prevent a catastrophic future.

The story revolves around a young orange tabby cat adopted by a seasoned scribe who takes "Gatsby" on a journey through time, visiting the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 21st century, and eventually, into the future. The feline narrator tells the tale of his time travels, which are deeply connected to his owner’s past experiences and the stories she shares with him about her previous cats. As the cat listens to these tales, he feels a sense of obligation, inadequacy, and a strong desire to prove himself and fill the paws of the author's ghost felines.

The Cat’s Journey and Sci-Fi Fantasy Elements

As Gatsby time travels with his owner, he develops a keen intuition that allows him to sense an imminent earthquake, which he warns his owner about by scratching at a closet door for two days before the BIG event changes his life. The act of courage and loyalty wins over his owner’s heart, and she begins to appreciate the great Sir Gatsby's wonderful listening skills and the special bond they share. The cat’s ability to sense the earthquake and his journey through time with his owner are the key sci-fi fantasy elements in the story, revealing his uncanny powers and the unique connection he has with his owner. The cat’s experiences and the stories this owner tells him about her past cats create a rich and immersive narrative that explores the themes of time travel, intuition, and the human-animal bond.

 Sci-Fi Fantasy Themes

The story is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the sci-fi fantasy genre, with a unique twist of having a feline narrator who travels through time and experiences the world in a way that is both familiar and strange. The cat’s journey and his owner’s stories about her past cats create a sense of nostalgia and high-tech wonder, highlighting the idea that animals can possess a deep understanding of the world and the people around them. The story’s use of time travel and the cat’s intuitive abilities adds a layer of sci-fi fantasy that makes the narrative engaging and mesmerizing.  

Time-Traveling Tabby -- a Sci-Fi/Fantasy That'll Rock Your World!

  Sci-Fi/Fantasy Story

(Inspired By True Events)

Time-Traveling Tabby: A Journey Through Whiskers and Time

By Cal Orey

Paws, Claws, and Quantum Laws: Feline Odyssey Through Dimensions!

As a scribe navigates complex temporal landscape, her newly adopted cat becomes a conduit to the past, revealing tales of feline companions from bygone eras. With its keen senses, the cat alerts its owner to an impending seismic event, forging a bond between them that transcends time and space. As the pet peers into a future time loop, it must confront its own inadequacies and trust its instincts in order to prevent a catastrophic future.

The story revolves around a young orange tabby cat adopted by a seasoned scribe who takes "Gatsby" on a journey through time, visiting the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 21st century, and eventually, into the future. The feline narrator tells the tale of his adventures, which are deeply connected to his owner’s past experiences and the stories she shares with him about her previous cats. As the cat listens to these tales, he feels a sense of obligation, inadequacy, and a strong desire to prove himself.

The Cat’s Journey and Sci-Fi Fantasy Elements

As Gatsby time travels with his owner, he develops a keen intuition that allows him to sense an imminent earthquake, which he warns his owner about by scratching at a closet door for two days before the BIG event changes his life. The act of courage and loyalty wins over his owner’s heart, and she begins to appreciate the great Sir Gatsby's wonderful listening skills and the special bond they share. The cat’s ability to sense the earthquake and his journey through time with his owner are the key sci-fi fantasy elements in the story, showcasing his uncanny powers and the unique connection he has with his owner. The cat’s experiences and the stories this owner tells him about her past cats create a rich and immersive narrative that explores the themes of time travel, intuition, and the human-animal bond.

 Sci-Fi Fantasy Themes

The story is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the sci-fi fantasy genre, with a unique twist of having a feline narrator who travels through time and experiences the world in a way that is both familiar and strange. The cat’s journey and his owner’s stories about her past cats create a sense of nostalgia and high-tech wonder, highlighting the idea that animals can possess a deep understanding of the world and the people around them. The story’s use of time travel and the cat’s intuitive abilities adds a layer of sci-fi fantasy that makes the narrative engaging and mesmerizing.  

Muse Behind NEW Book Time-Traveling Tabby (AuthorHouse; Cal Orey) February 2025

 Geologist Jim Berkland Died July 22; His Quake Theories Live On

TODAY'S FORECAST: MOSTLY SUNNY, 80% CHANCE OF EARTHQUAKE By Cal Orey
Days before octogenarian, geologist Jim Berkland passed, scientists made the news. It was said that yes, it's true: There is a link between the moon/tides/animals and earthquakes. This is exactly what the scientist had been trying to get across to his peers for decades. He died knowing he made a difference--and was spot-on. A tribute to the man will be published in my Earth Changes column (Oracle 20-20) in October--in honor of the man who forecasted the Loma Prieta major earthquake that rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area...


What if you knew an earthquake was coming? Would you put away your valuable breakables, get together emergency supplies, remember to duck and cover?  Of course you would, because the safety of you and yours come first.
Earthquakes result in millions of dollars in damage each year. In the U.S., earthquakes pose significant risk to 75 million people in 39 states. Earthquakes may not be preventable but they are predictable.  You can learn to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of an earthquake and be prepared before it strikes.
Knowing when an earthquake is coming and properly preparing for it can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.
Even scientists using the most advanced and pricey technology have proven to be no match for Mother Nature. In many cases, the best information out there is off the beaten path--knowledge only recognizable by someone whose passion is prediction.
Enter Jim Berkland.  He is the only American scientist to predict and name a major quake. His forecast of the infamous October 17, 1989 World Series Quake that rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area was right on the money. He also accurately predicted at least 6 other significant quakes around the world.


Many of Berkland's theories--based on tides, moon cycles, disoriented animals, and magnetic field changes--were factors in the great Indian Ocean quake-tsunami disaster on December 26, 2004. Since scientists admit they aren't able to predict earthquakes, is it really so far-fetched to monitor lost cats and dogs, check a calendar for dates of full and new moons, watch erratic tidal changes?  Berkland doesn't think so. He hopes that someday earthquake warnings will be announced along with the weather and could save countless lives around the world.
The book The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes by Cal Orey provides intuitive insight into this man's passion for predicting quakes and his methods. In this groundbreaking book you will get cutting-edge advice about do-it-yourself quake warnings and earthquake preparedness. This book makes the information Berkland has found through a lifetime of study available to the public. It's an intriguing collection of survivors' testimonials, regionally specific quake information, preparation tips, earthquake cover-ups, and more. The book's publication coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Jim Berkland was a maverick geologist who worked many years for the U.S. Geological Survey. He was also the first County Geologist for Santa Clara County in Northern California. He was a popular guest on many network news programs and talk shows on the subject of earthquake prediction. He resided in Glen Ellen, California.
Both geologist Berkland and author Orey have been guests on Coast to Coast AM, KSFO, The Jeff Rense Program, PBS, and will be viewed on National Geographic channel's program "Chasing Earthquakes," as well as countless Barnes and Noble bookstores up and down the West Coast.
A Timeless Book: The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes: Jim Berkland, Maverick Geologist--How His Quake Warnings Can Save Lives
By Cal Orey
ISBN 1-59181-036-1$16.95SCIENCE/BIOGRAPHYDistributed by Sentient Publications300 pages www.barnesandnoble.com www.amazon.com  www.sentientpublications.com 

Time-Traveling Tabby -- Sci-Fi/Fantasy Story... An Earthshaking Tale!

 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Story

(Inspired By True Events)

By Cal Orey

The story revolves around a young orange tabby cat adopted by a seasoned scribe who takes "Gatsby" on a journey through time, visiting the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the 21st century, and eventually, into the future. The feline narrator tells the tale of his adventures, which are deeply connected to his owner’s past experiences and the stories she shares with him about her previous cats. As the cat listens to these tales, he feels a sense of obligation, inadequacy, and a strong desire to prove himself.

The Cat’s Journey and Sci-Fi Fantasy Elements

As Gatsby time travels with his owner, he develops a keen intuition that allows him to sense an imminent earthquake, which he warns his owner about by scratching at a closet door for two days before the BIG event changes his life. The act of courage and loyalty wins over his owner’s heart, and she begins to appreciate the great Sir Gatsby's wonderful listening skills and the special bond they share. The cat’s ability to sense the earthquake and his journey through time with his owner are the key sci-fi fantasy elements in the story, showcasing his uncanny powers and the unique connection he has with his owner. The cat’s experiences and the stories this owner tells him about her past cats create a rich and immersive narrative that explores the themes of time travel, intuition, and the human-animal bond.

 Sci-Fi Fantasy Themes

The story is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the sci-fi fantasy genre, with a unique twist of having a feline narrator who travels through time and experiences the world in a way that is both familiar and strange. The cat’s journey and his owner’s stories about her past cats create a sense of nostalgia and high-tech wonder, highlighting the idea that animals can possess a deep understanding of the world and the people around them. The story’s use of time travel and the cat’s intuitive abilities adds a layer of sci-fi fantasy that makes the narrative engaging and mesmerizing.  

COURAGE WITH PAWS: Here Comes Book 2

 COURAGE WITH PAWS--Amazon Best Seller (Author's Up Close & Personal Heartfelt INTERVIEW)

By Cal Orey

 BOOK REVIEW EXCERPT and INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR CAL OREY

In her new book, Courage with Paws: The Heart of a Siamese Cat, Cal Orey shares a tale about a cat who battles an unexpected heart adventure. Cal Orey tells this story vicariously through the eyes of her Siamese-mix Cat, given the most royal name of Sir Whiskers McPurrington.  Living in the high country of Lake Tahoe, one sunny afternoon Sir Whiskers felt odd – short of breath – and his heart began racing.  “Rushed to the animal hospital things got serious quickly,” the narration explained.  The story goes into an NDE, near-death-experience, telling how Dr. Furryheart saved Sir Whiskers.  The doctor recommended surgery saying, “Time is running out, Mr. Whiskers. Your heart is very, very weak.”  But “No” said Sir Whiskers, relying on his sixth sense cat-intuition to avoid further risks... 

Courage with Paws combines many elements showcasing Cal Orey's finesse of creative writing. Artfully interleaved with excellent illustrations to highlight the theme of the story, along with photographs bringing in credibility of this being a true story, plus with the icing on the cake of having whimsical character names in the genre of Dr. Seuss, the book congeals into an art form with a stern message; that being to understand heart-health.   -- Pacific Book Review

 

Here, Orey sits down for a little heart to heart Q&A, where she shares insights and tips on how a cardiac event can wake up your wellness routine, helping you to not only stay heart healthy, but also reduce your risk of heart disease--even substantially lowering your risk of a heart attack even if the genetic factor plays a role in your life.

 

Q: Did you, a healthy woman and health author for decades, experience a cardiac arrest? 

Yes. In the Spring of 2023 I thought my little cough was allergies due to pet dander and pollen. Then, one day I called the paramedics and I said, “I think something is wrong. It’s difficult for me to breathe.” Fifteen minutes later, I was at the ER room in our local hospital. I was anxious. Then, I don’t recall anything. Blackness.

Q: What happened at the local hospital?

One and a half years later, a South Lake Tahoe nurse told me she recalled the unforgettable event. “You didn’t have a pulse. I called out ‘Code Blue!’ CPR was done.” She said I was put on a ventilator. My sibling was asked about my DNR wishes. I still only recall fragments of my time in ICUs; those memories still haunt me like ghosts.

 Q: One day later after the cardiac arrest, you were transported to another hospital and told you had severe coronary artery disease despite your overall good health; and needed open heart surgery. What did you do?

A surgeon spoke to me after an angiogram. He told me seventy percent of my severe heart disease was due to genes--not because of comorbidities. (I am Type A and this personality type is more vulerable to heart disease.)  Also, the compassionate doctor was the only one who advised against open heart surgery. He said it was likely my healthy lifestyle allowed me to live a healthy life for decades. And the doctor suggested taking medication for heart disease. Other doctors and nurses disagreed. I was told I would never walk again. I was told I would die in one day if I didn't say "yes" to major surgery with up to six months recovery time--and no guarantees of making it through the ordeal. 

Despite the mega warnings I followed my instincts and was feisty. I declined. I discharged myself from the hospital. As the days passed, I continued to say "no" to going under the knife. My sixth sense kicked in and I didn’t feel major surgery was right for me.

Q: During the summer of 2023 did you regain your health?

No way. My condition got worse. I was put on statins which made me tired, nauseated, took my memory, and my well-being. So, I once the lean, active health author was now in a wheelchair! My weak heart affected my overall health--mind, body, and spirit. I had swelling of the legs, coughing, and fatigue. Enter: congestive heart failure.

Q:  Were you scared? 

I knew I was getting worse. My sibling who took care of me (he is Barkley, the loyal Australian shepherd in my book Courage with Paws) was scared I was going to die (again). Then, a local cardiologist (when he looked at my angiogram and saw my clogged arteries--his jaw dropped and he lifted up his arms like the kid in the film Home Alone. He immediately  referred me to a gifted cardiologist and professor at UC Davis. This courageous doctor who I praise to this day, offered to perform a risky Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for my complex case, a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked heart arteries--angioplasty and stents. But my case wasn't a piece of cake and no other cardio doc stepped forward...one backed out at the last minute and he told me to go to hospice! But I was given another chance. 

Q: Were you scared before the high-tech procedure?

No. I put my trust and faith in the brave heart doctor's skill set for accepting complex cases. I knew that we both were taking a risk, but it was one that felt right to me. It was meant to be and scheduled on October 20, 2023. Five days later after the hospital stay, I was back home. One week later, my life changed drastically. No cough. No swelling. No brain fog. My energy levels—mind and body—was off the charts! I was back. Every day was like a Christmas present. I felt wonderful!

Q: It is February 2025, American Heart Month. What is the outcome of your heart adventure?

The PCI was very successful. As one ER nurse said back in September (I strained my muscle from aggressive rowing!): “You reversed your heart disease!” Translation: I am no longer in heart failure. My ejection fraction (EF) is near normal. My blood work is back to normal. A chest x-ray, EKG, and echocardiogram all show good results and show my heart is functioning well. Yes, I still have coronary heart disease. I have stents like one well-known cardiologist I know from Newsmax (the media outlet promotes our health books), and even actor Susan Lucci and Bill Clinton. I'm hardly alone. One more baby boomer fighting the scourge of heart disease; and experts forecast numbers will soar in future decades--for both humans and cats/dogs. But high-tech procedures can help people like me live a healthy, normal life and enjoy longevity; but it's vital to maintain a heart-healthy regime.

I continue to make healthy lifestyle and diet choices.  I take a blood thinner and one baby aspirin every day, and a few other meds to relax the heart, but no statins for me (they do not work well for everyone). I maintain my ideal weight 117 lbs. for 5' 4", BMI 20, eat a strict Mediterranean diet (fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, olive oil—repeat), exercise daily, and live like a health-conscious nun. I meditate in the sun as often as possible at Tahoe when the sun is bright...it helps keep my Vitamin D up to normal and chill. But my life is normal. I have been cleared to do anything--sex to travel, teeth cleanings and exercise! My energy levels--mind and body--are off the charts! I feel wonderful. My hair is curly and fluffy once again, skin is glowing. A clean diet, exercise, oxygen and blood flow work wonders.

The bottom line: I am blessed to have gone on a heart journey and survive despite some medical inexperienced naysayers (who don't believe in holistic medicine, and/or don't look at each patient as an indivual) predicted a dire opposite outcome. Not everyone is as lucky as I have been. 

While luck may have played a role in my comeback so did having a courageous doc (with the heart of a gold aka the “Wizardly lion like Professor Pawsworth”) in my book Courage with Paws. And my survival power, similar to a feline who falls out of a high-rise window but has a righting mechanism that allows it to land on its feet, helped me make a remarkable recovery. And my practicing and preaching the top heart-healthy Mediterranean diet--and courage to not give up are two other things that helped me embrace the idea with the grace of God that it wasn't my time yet. 

Praise for Courage with Paws:

"I love cats, and I love this book. It's clever and heartwarming, and a charming and unforgettable tale. You will love Sir Whiskers, and his story will make you appreciate your kitties even more. Cal Orey deserves many treats!" --Stephen Spignesi, popular author of The Cat Book of Lists

"A cat's eye view of a comeback from a crisis with the help of a companion dog and many human helpers that are difficult for a cat to fully understand. A gentle, multileveled and enjoyable story." --Stanley Coren, Ph.D., bestselling author of The Intelligence of Dogs

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, the Rescue Me! trilogy, Soulmates with Paws, and the new book series Courage with Paws, and co-author with Dawn Steinman of The Ghost Ships trilogy. Orey is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com