As many readers of THE VOICE may already know, Linda and Animal Planet recently made a big donation — a whopping $11,898.75! — to a no-kill animal sanctuary called Pets Alive. The money will help improve the lives of many special critters.

The presentation of the "quarters donation" check to Pets Alive. The check was signed "Linda Eder Fans and Animal Planet." Pictured Left to Right are: Maureen Smith, Head of Animal Planet; Linda Eder; Sara Whalen of Pets Alive; Singer Rob Thomas and his wife Marisol Thomas (big supporters of Pets Alive), and their pooch, Tyler, in front of one of the horses that will benefit from the quarters.

What makes this story so amazing? The donation was in large part made possible by you, Linda's fans, through your generous "quarter donations" (see THE VOICE, Summer/Fall 2005 issue for details on "the quarter story") — which got us thinking, "Linda's fans must really love animals!" (just like Linda!)… and so we asked… and so we learned!

Not only does Linda's timeless music seem to appeal to people of all ages and walks of life, but appreciation for the beauty of her voice also spans a range of different species! And now… we're pleased to introduce you to some fabulous "Linda Pets!"

Frankie (above) is one smart kitty! And Issie knows what's best!

Jo Blackhead from New Hampshire tells us about her
two "fur babies," feline fans Frankie and Issie...

Frankie and Issie are true Linder Eder fans; no matter where they are when I play Linda, they come running. They could hear her everywhere in the house because 1) The house is very small, a cottage really; and 2) I REALLY crank up the volume, but they come running anyway!

When I first received the STORYBOOK CD, I played it a lot but noticed they left during a certain song: "Where Are You Now." It took me awhile, but I THINK I figured out why. I too had misunderstood a part of the lyrics at first: "You were gone in a flash, left the car, took the cats (cash)!"

Bridget Schiotis from Maryland fondly recalls the memory of her beloved Siamese cat, Chester. Linda's music was a special bond for them…

Chester (on the right) hugs another furry friend.

It was a beautiful day and my chocolate brown Siamese cat and I were listening to "Here Comes The Sun" as we did so many times before while napping. I had become an avid Linda Eder fan — gone to many concerts — traveled from Maryland to see them — left my kitties and my three children. They all knew it was one of my many pleasures. Chester, my Siamese cat who was also my soul mate, enjoyed the music as much as I did. It was as if it calmed his wonderful soul.


One day, he got sick and simultaneously was diagnosed with renal failure. As you could imagine, I was devastated. Chester and I had bonded like I had never bonded with an animal before, and I'm a pet sitter and have other animals. I brought him home from the hospital to die at my house. As he lay on my bed, I played "Here Comes The Sun." Chester lived for another day. I knew when he was coming close to the end, and at that moment, I sang to him, "Little Darlin', the ice is slowly melting. Here comes the sun." Moments later, Chester peacefully passed on.


It's been three years now. I have three cats, three kids, hamsters, fish and I'm so lonely. Linda's music keeps me always happy. Every time I hear that song, I think of my Chester. There will never be another animal like him… an angel with a heart of gold.


So, let me end by saying that my beautiful Siamese cat thanks you, Linda, for allowing him to go to heaven in peace.

Sheryl Jacobs from Florida tells us about her two furry friends and their favorite Linda song. Being a fan must run in the family!...

I adopted these two brothers when they were 6 weeks old and named them Tino Martinez (after the NY Yankee player) and Trouble. Of course, they were raised listening to Linda's music. They have always responded to "Man Of La Mancha." Every time they hear that particular song, they perk up and chase their big furry tails or each other.

Oh no! It looks like Trouble might be "in trouble" for opening his Christmas present early!	Tino prefers the classic Broadway songs, done Linda-style!

Denise M. Lobb from Pennsylvania has a canine companion
with a name that reminds us of a certain show...

Henry Jekyll is my cocker spaniel. Although, sometimes when he's with his bigger "sister," he bothers her so much that I believe he turns into Hyde. Heh! Heh!

Jaclyn Golden from Ohio is the proud owner of an adorable pooch, with a rather familiar name!

After I picked my new puppy out, I was talking with my friend, Amanda, and I told her how I wanted a New York related name. (Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE New York!) That idea was quickly scratched, and we thought it would be funny to think of a Linda-related name. I didn't think that "Camille" or any of the other names we thought of really fit her, so I told Amanda I liked the name "Ellie." Amanda then said, "Wait... 'Ellie' and L.E. are the same!" We had a good laugh about that. Now, Ellie sits in my lap as I read the message board. ;-)

Victoria White from Alaska tells us about her magnificent musical mutt…

Gnome sings along with Linda!

I live in Nome, Alaska, with my husband and our big, black shaggy dog, named Gnome. My life is something I wouldn't trade for all the gold in the world. The wilderness is beautiful and I feel constantly connected to the earth. I didn't always feel this way, of course. Growing up I thought it was "boring" and wanted to move to a big city. College life in California changed that all for me. The traffic there was a nightmare! Blah! So back to Nome I came, but not without first discovering a new love… musical theatre and eventually, thanks to the magic of the Internet, the music of Linda Eder!

After I met my husband, we adopted a puppy. It's often too cold to roll down the windows and let Gnome hang his head out like most dogs love to do. He's a sweet dog with a mild temperament, and he happily sits in the back seat while I'll go about my daily errands. Imagine my surprise when one day I was listening to one of my Linda CDs, when Gnome started singing along! He only sings for certain songs, and only while we are driving, but it's loud when he does! It's a small, friendly town, so Gnome now has a reputation with some of the locals. In the summer he's even put on some "concerts" while I stop and chat with neighbors. I snapped this picture just for your newsletter recently while he "sang" along with "This Time Around." He seems to like the big band songs!

Barb Collins from Delaware "fesses up"' and tells us about her best friend, a furry little lady named Lucy…

I have always been a "closet Jekkie," but I saw the great idea of including animals in your newsletter and decided to come out of my closet with Lucy! She is just too cute to hide. I saw JEKYLL & HYDE with Linda playing the part of Lucy more times than I can count. I started off counting, but I lost track after my seventeenth time! Lucy has quite a set of vocal cords and can sometimes hold her "meow" for 10 seconds... quite a feat for a cat!

Little Linda-fan Mia from New Jersey is teaching her pretty puppy Molly a few new tricks, with Linda’s help!...

My grandma always plays Linda Eder because she loves her and I love her too. She’s so pretty and she sings just like a Disney Princess! I love to dance when I hear her sing and sometimes my dog Molly dances too. I showed her how to dance and now she wags her tail when Linda sings “Havana!”

Marg M. from Canada sent us this priceless snapshot of her precious pooch, Emma...

Brian Thompson from Vermont writes about "Lucy" on the lookout!...

This is my guard dog, Lucy. She fearlessly watches over my house and property so well that I gave her an even more important job… making sure that no one steals my Linda CDs!

Corrine Voith from Maryland tells us about her spoiled poodle, Gilley…

Gilley is such a princess! She wanted the CHRISTMAS STAYS THE SAME CD for Christmas and I gave in and bought it for her (okay, so maybe it was for me, but she seems to really like it!).

Pierre Voché from France owns a cute little rodent named Rodin!...

I named my pet hamster Rodin, after the famous sculptor whose works I enjoy. Although he spends his life in a cage, he is a very happy little guy. I play Linda's CDs and Rodin runs on his wheel. He has even been known for "sculpting" in his wood-shavings! Rodin is very talented and he appreciates good talent when he hears it.

We would love to hear from you! Please write to THE VOICE at lethevoice@comcast.net
or feel free to share your comments in THE VOICE section of the Linda Eder Message Board.