Broken Heart Syndrome ... What is the Rx?
A New Pet Can Heal Broken Heart Syndrome
TahoeAuthor’s New Book Blooms from a Past Broken Heart
CalOrey, M.A.
Last spring on the South Shore, I experienced ashocking bout of “broken heart syndrome,” or takotsbupo cardiomyopathy, atemporary condition triggered by severe emotional stress, like losing a belovedpet. This condition weakens the heart muscle, mimicking heart attack symptomsand is more common in women facing intense grief from loss.
What’s more, scientific research shows the emotionalpain from losing a love connection can trigger physiological responses in thebody, potentially leading to increased troponin (a cardiac marker) due tostress on the heart. And this happened to me during the downfall of my seniorSiamese cat, Zen.
But I knew adopting a new pet help heal your heart! Welcominga companion animal into your life can provide companionship and joy, helping tofill the emotional loss left by the deceased pet. This act can foster healingby creating new memories while honoring the bond with the lost pet. And this iswhy I penned Time-Traveling Tabby: A Journey Through Whiskers and Time...
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE A SCI-FI/FANTASY BOOKCATEGORIZED IN ANIMAL FICTION AND CATS?
A: A big young fluffy orange tabby cat was my muse. Time-Traveling Tabby: A Journey ThroughWhiskers and Time features my new feline. Fate brought us together. When mybeloved cat passed, I searched for a dog-loving, chill pet. I adoptedSacramento-based Gatsby—interviewee 202. The narrative explores the journey of thenew feline as it struggles to fill the void left by its predecessor(s) whilealso establishing its own identity with its new owner—a scribe.
Q: YOU’VE HAD CAT COMPANIONS IN THE PAST YEARS ATTAHOE. WHY DID YOU USE A SCI-FI-ISH TECHNIQUE TO TELL THE TALE?
A: My roots to South Lake Tahoe and felines go backdecades. Using a cat as the narrator and giving him the ability to sense a paranormalhappening fall into the sci-fi/fantasy genre.
Q: IN TIME-TRAVELING TABBY, WHAT EVENT CHANGEBOTH THE CAT AND HIS NEW OWNER’S CONNECTION?
A: I don’t want to dish a story spoiler, but I willtell you the BIG imminent earthshaker comes from a real happening on the SouthShore; it inspired me to write this tale of sixth sense, courage, loyalty, andlove. The end result: As a devout cat lover, I value the human-animal bondwhich is healing for the mind and body.
Q: DID YOUR NEWORANGE TABBY HELP HEAL YOUR HEART?
A: I was on a quest to find a feline companion to helpnurse my lovesickness. Yes, Gatsby accomplished the feat of filling big paws;but Zen will always have a place in my heart. And indeed, adopting a pet is theRx doctors should order for broken heart syndrome.
CAL OREY,M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such asadventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree andmaster’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco StateUniversity. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Couragewith Paws: The Heart of a Siamese Cat, (Book 2) Time-Traveling Tabby, anda sci-fi trilogy--The Ghost Ships. She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com
