Photos and Fun at Carroll County Pet Expo

Tiki's Playhouse

I enjoyed spending the day on Saturday, June 14th at the well-organized and fun Carroll County Pet Expo in Westminster, Md. where I did book signings at the "Pets and the Afterlife" /DC Area Weimaraner Rescue booth!
   I met a lot of Weimaraner lovers (and former owners), a lot of people who miss their dogs or cats, some who have experiences living in haunted houses (that the Inspired Ghost Tracking Group I belong to) hopes to investigate, and others who came by to check out my books, say hello or bring their dog over!

A visitor and her service dog!

   One interesting vendor I met is Kelvin Abrams who had a Weimaraner named Tiki, and Tiki passed away so he stared a business in her honor called "Tiki's playhouse, Inc. (Tiki's was founded for one reason: to keep your best friend safe, happy, and engaged while you're away.) Kelvin also has a doggy ice cream truck in honor of his beloved, late Weim Tiki. The boarding/daycare is located at 3830 Ten Oaks Road Glenelg, MD 21737, Tel. 410-489-7889.

A Shi-Tzu puppy glances over

   I also got to meet and chat with Don, the host of Pet Pourri Talk Radio show on WCBM, AM-680, Baltimore. The radio show airs on Saturdays from 4-5pm.  Pet Pourri/Talk is devoted entirely to pets and helps people with their pets. The host is a long-time dog breeder, exhibitor and representative of numerous animal groups.  ***WATCH FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT- as I may make an appearance on the show soon!***

A doggy visitor at my booth!

   My booth at the expo was coincidentally and fortunately placed appropriately next to Faithful Memories LLC. - Our dog Sprite's ashes is in one of the beautiful wooden boxes they sell. Faithful memories LLC's website says  they are "your caring cremation alternative for your family pet members in Maryland and the surrounding areas . Providing personalized and compassionate cremation arrangement, memory items, and support for your family during the loss of a beloved pet."

A smaller woman with a really large dog!

   I also got to chat with Ashley Carlson of Animal Rescue Inc. and Amanda Seal of Central Carroll Animal Emergency of Westminster, Md - a great rescue and hospital, respectively.

My booth all set up!

 Rob Parr of the Maryland Pet Gazette stopped by to say hello, and I was really excited to meet him. I've been using the Gazette for MANY YEARS. It's the best source of pet-related resources! Maryland Pet Gazette is the original pet yellow pages in Baltimore, providing Maryland residents with the most accurate and up-to-date information. This guide covers Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard and Montgomery Counties, as well as the cities of Baltimore, Annapolis, Laurel and Bowie.

More vendors at the Expo!

  
   A BIG THANKS to Helen who organized the Carroll County Pet Expo -she did an amazing job with her helpers and it was really fun!

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Book Summary: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

Meet Medium Ruthie Larkin: She has a chapter in Rob's "Pets in the Afterlife" book

Ruthie Larkin is a good friend of mine and an incredible medium who contributed a chapter about her communications with her dog Boston's spirit in my book "Pets and the Afterlife." I sat with Ruthie and asked her questions that everyone would want to know. - Rob

Here's the Q & A:

 1. In your own words, who is Ruthie Larkin, Medium?

Answer: I’m a faith based gal who tries to make a difference in this lifetime helping people find closure with their deceased loved ones…sort of like a spiritual therapist.

2. When in your life did you realize you had an ability to communicate with spirits and how did you handle it?

Answer: I was around five years old when I realized I could see spirits and also knew many things a child would never know. I was never afraid but didn’t want to be different so I tried to turn off my gifts the best I could. I did however feel the need to understand them so I became a life long student of the after life. I read every book I could find on the subject as well as signing up for any class and or course to help me further understand what was going on with me.

 
3. How did you finally embrace your gift of mediumship and healing?

Answer: It took most of my life to totally embrace my gifts in lieu of just using them for close friends and family. I was always a hands-on healer but was urged by a close friend to take a Reiki class with her. I had a wonderful instructor who recognized my gifts immediately and gently guided me to accept them. I started working with families who lost a child to death and realized that I made a big difference in their lives and brought them closure and comfort. Before long I was getting referrals from all these parents to their friends and families and I became so busy that I left the corporate world a few years ago.

4.  You wrote a chapter in Rob Gutro's "Pets and the Afterlife" about how your late dog Boston communicated with you from the other side. How amazing was that for you? Was that the first time a dog or cat came through?

Answer – I never considered myself a Psychic Medium who regularly received messages from pets but over the course of time that has changed. I now see pets all the time and sometimes they communicate with me things they want their owners to know. Boston of course was special and she has given me so many wonderful signs since her passing.

5. You specialize in helping comfort parents who lost children? Why is this so important to you?

Answer – I get asked that question all the time and I believe that I must have lost a child in a past lifetime. I also feel there is no greater tragedy than losing a child and parents have little recourse except to join a group of bereaved parents. I work with many of these groups and see most of their members and I am told all the time how much comfort I bring them by connecting them to their child/children. They know for sure that their child is OK and filled with joy no matter how they passed. They also know that they are still around them as they bring up recent events to let their parents know they stay close. It’s a really beautiful thing for me to share. By the way, parents get complimentary Readings either in person or by phone.

6. What’s next on the horizon for you?

Answer: I am kept extremely busy with personal Readings, Public and Private Events, Fundraisers, House Clearings, Police Investigations and my Holistic Healing Practice. That all being said, I am writing a book and organizing a non-profit Psychic network to find missing children that will be global. There’s still lots to do but I am convinced that it will all be done before I make that final transition for myself.

7. How can people get a hold of you for phone or in-person readings?
-What is your website, facebook and twitter pages?

Answer – The best way to reach me is to go through my website which is www.beantownmedium.com and fill in the contact form. Be as thorough as possible in telling me exactly what service you need and the best days/times that would fit into your schedule. I’m on Facebook under Bean Town Medium.

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Summary: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

Photos: Greenbelt Pet Expo! /Rescue Event/A Feathery Sign from a Dog

Shelley of DNRA, Luxie and Rob take a selfie!

On Saturday afternoon June 7 I joined Shelley of the Dachshund Rescue of North America at the Greenbelt, Maryland First Annual Pet Expo. It was a sunny and warm day, about 85F and there were about 15 vendors at the Greenbelt Dog Park.
   Shelley contributed an AMAZING chapter in my new book "Pets in the Afterlife." Shelley's chapter is RESCUED BY A DOG'S GHOST." Her true story happened when she was a girl. Shelley is also a scientist, so we share that in common as well as dog rescue. For more about the book, see below!
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   There were a lot of great vendors at the Pet Expo including a Cocker Spaniel Rescue, a cat rescue, pet sitters, dog trainers, veterinary hospitals, a pet photographer, the SPCA, Greenbelt Animal Shelter and more. I went around and spoke to many of them and told them about my book "Pets in the Afterlife" to help comfort people who lost a pet and understand that signs they're giving to their pet parents from beyond!
  

DNRA and Rob join forces to promote the rescue and his book

 WHAT IS DACHSHUND RESCUE OF NORTH AMERICA? - Dachshund Rescue of North America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with one sole purpose — rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing needy dachshunds and mostly dachshund mixes. We are a network of experienced rescue people with strong representation in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast. DRNA has a standard placement fee, regardless of the condition in which the dog was received. We are able to accomplish this through the generosity of donations.  AVAILABLE DACHSHUNDS FOR ADOPTION: http://www.drna.org/Dachshunds

Shelley and Luxie (avail. for adoption)

 MEET LUXIE THE DACHSHUND- AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION - Luxie loves people and snuggling. She very velcro. She does not like other dogs because she is the Princess of her pack. She is a miniature dachshund who walks well on a leash and is housetrained. Luxie is 6 years old. We will have an update on this delightful little dachshund in the days to come.  She's about 15 pounds and needs to be the only dog in the house.

A FEATHERY SIGN FROM A DOG - I had the good fortune to talk with several folks who had questions and one woman shared a great story about her Labrador Retriever that passed. She noticed that since he passed, she sometimes sees white "feather-like" things when she's thinking of him. Sometimes feathers, sometimes the white dandelion puffs (or fruits as they're called).  The white fuzz is attached to the seed and acts as a parachute, according to Purdue University. / Some dog and people spirits will send feathers, birds, butterflies or other things in nature to let people know they're okay. - This woman's dog also wanted to know that her father (who passed last year) is with her beloved Labrador Retriever! 

A sign from a Labrador!

A look at the event from our table!

Here's the summary for my new book: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

This Saturday! Rob doing Book Signings at Carroll County Pet Expo!

Come out and say hello at the Carroll County Pet Expo this Saturday, June 14 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rob will be doing Book Signings at the "Pets and the Afterlife" booth!
706 Agriculture Center Shipley Arena, Westminster, MD 21157
Admission: $5/adults; 17 and under/Free Tickets are also available at the door.  For more information contact Helen Dagilis at 410-857-7869
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/marketplace/carroll-county-pet-expo/business_4000009731.html
or https://www.facebook.com/CCTPetExpo

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Summary: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

A Random Reader Review on "Pets and the Afterlife"

5.0 out of 5 stars  

Wonderful book for those who have lost a beloved pet...  

May 11, 2014

By jenniemarie

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

This is a wonderful book for those who are grieving the loss of a pet, especially for those who had to make the decision to end their furry friend's life through humane euthanasia. I just purchased this book this past Friday, and I couldn't put it down. I had it finished by the next day. I lost a cat that was very special to me this past February, and have been having a hard time dealing with her loss. This book has brought me endless amounts of comfort, as I am now certain that I had made the correct excision, and that my sweet little kitty is at peace. I would recommend this book to anyone who is questioning their decision or who is simply having a difficult time dealing with a loss of a pet. Rob Gutro is very talented and will give you insight into seeing signs that you may have missed that your beloved pet is whole again and at peace. I now look forward to reading his other books as well. I hope that this book brings as much comfort to others as it has to me.

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Summary: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

Photos / Meet the Authors and Books from the Bowie Book Expo!

I participated in the  Bowie Book Expo in Bowie, Maryland today speaking briefly about my book "Pets and the Afterlife." Here are some pictures from the event.

Pets and the Afterlife by Rob Gutro

Beth Kaufman's great book!

    I was joined by my good friend, author and cancer survivor, Beth Kaufman who wrote a book about her journey through cancer and safely past it in "Make Mine a Double... Mastectomy That is." Her book takes the reader through Beth's discovery, treatment, hospitalizations, chemotherapy and recoveries - all the while Beth retains her great sense of humor as the stand up comedienne that she is. Her book is a must read for cancer patients, doctors, nurses, families or friends that know anyone dealing with cancer. Check out her book on Amazon.com at Amazon: E-book or Paperback *both under $10!*

Rob talking about his book

Beth relaxing at her vendor table

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Penny Clover Petersen at her table

I met local author Penny Clover Petersen again (we've both been at all three Bowie Book Expos) and her first mystery novel was published in paperback in 2013. She did a reading from the book and I had to have it!  It's called  Roses and Daisies and Death, Oh My!  
  I'm looking forward to reading it. Here's a summary from Amazon.com: Nothing ruins a peaceful morning walk like finding a blood-spattered body. And Daisy Greene and Rose Forrest, sisters and co-owners of Champagne Taste, really need a peaceful morning walk. They have enough on their minds already. Christmas is right around the corner, business is brisk, and their little antiques district of Old Towne is being plagued with petty thievery and vandalism. Murder is just not in the game plan.  And if finding bodies lying around walking trails isn't enough to destroy a perfectly good day, Daisy's ex-husband, state trooper Bill Greene, shows up to investigate the murder. Nosy by nature anyway, Daisy takes Bill’s presence as a challenge to find the murderer. 
  Check it out on Amazon:   http://tinyurl.com/klfsdju
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OTHER AUTHORS 

    -  Another author I was impressed with was William Edward Alli. He's a veteran from Korea and didn't tell us about his book but his quest to help erect a glass wall with the names of Korean Vets on the Washington Mall around the current Korean memorial- That sounds like a very worthy idea to me- and a great way to respect the soldiers who died in that war.  

 Beth (far left) & William (2nd from left) wait to speak

Beth gives a motivational speech!

   William's book is called "Too Young for a Forgettable War: Second Edition."   SUMMARY:  Too Young for a Forgettable War (Second Edition) is a coming-of-age story, in the most dangerous of environments. The author takes readers on a vivid journey to a war–and back. You will follow admittedly naive and immature 18-year-old Bill Alli, as he is forced out of his peaceful civilian life in Michigan, in 1950. Eventually he is taken westward, across the Pacific Ocean, to a war-stricken country known as “Land of the Morning Calm.  This Second Edition of Too Young for a Forgettable War is appearing during the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Cease-Fire. The U.S. and North Korea have not yet reached a peace agreement. Readers may wonder whether Bill Alli has reached a peace agreement with his war experiences. Or is he really writing about an “unforgettable war?”    Check Out William's Book on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/os6koue

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Author Dana King talked about how he grew up in Pennsylvania and created a crime novel

Dana King talks about "Grind Joint"

based in his home state. It really sounds interesting - so check it out. It's called "Grind Joint" 
 BOOK SUMMARY: Penns River hopes for a Lazarus-like economic resurrection when the Allegheny Casino is built in an abandoned strip mall. What the town gets more closely resembles Frankenstein’s monster. The casino owner wants a cash cow, his partner is laundering money, and Russian mobsters connected to the silent partner want to push what’s left of the Pittsburgh mob out of the picture altogether. This is more than the town is equipped to handle, though it is not without resources of its own, notably two native sons—police detective Ben “Doc” Dougherty, and his cousin, Chicago private investigator Nick Forte—who refuse to allow Penns River to become collateral damage. On Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/phbfb5u

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Children's author dresses up!

In case you're wondering - here's the summary for my new book: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20

TODAY!! Meet me at 2 events in the Washington, D.C. Area

Come out and meet me at TWO events TODAY June 7th in the Washington, D.C. Area!
BOTH EVENTS ARE FREE
1) The Bowie Book Expo in Bowie, Maryland 9 a.m. to 12 p.m  (speaking briefly and book signing)  Bowie Senior Center, 14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, Md.  Info: 301- 809-2300

***Come hear my friend Beth Kaufman talk about her book "Make Mine a Double... Mastectomy That Is" - her true story about her ordeal with breast cancer told with humor. Beth is a stand-up comedienne, too! 

2) The Greenbelt Pet Expo, in Greenbelt, Maryland  12 p.m. to 2 p.m. (signing books at the Dachshund Rescue of North America booth and donating a portion of the proceeds to the rescue)
Greenbelt Dog Park, 7201 Hanover Drive,Greenbelt, Md.
http://md-greenbelt.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=586

Summary: PETS AND THE AFTERLIFE by Rob Gutro: The loss of a pet is like the loss of a child to pet owners. The love we share with our pets never dies, and in a new book called "Pets and the Afterlife" by Rob Gutro, the author provides proof that our pets do communicate with us from the other side.    Available in paperback and E-book, on Amazon.com and other outlets at: To order paperback of Kindle- http://tinyurl.com/mqgamq2%20
Summary: Make Mine a Double... A Mastectomy That Is by Beth Kaufman (Aug 27, 2013) 
Beth Kaufman's Stand-up Guide to Surviving Breast Cancer
This book can help people keep a sense of humor through cancer treatment even on the worst days. This is a great book for newly diagnosed patients, caregivers and survivors alike.
This is Beth's personal story of her bout with breast cancer. It is told with humor, yet is poignant. It takes you on a year-long ride from start to finish. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will certainly get your yearly mammograms after reading her story.
It is unique in the way it is told from a comedienne's point of view, a stand up guide to getting through 525,600 minutes of a cancer patient's life. Use this book as your "stand up" guide to surviving breast cancer.  CLICK Here for Paperback or Kindle

Part 2: A Cat Named Tiki and Jobs on the Other Side

Last week, Victoria wrote me about the amazing floral signs in sight and scent that her late cat Tiki used to communicate that he was fine on the other side, and that he was still around. Victoria asked some good questions about what happens with pets on the other side, and agreed to let me share them with you. 

Tiki the Cat

VICTORIA WROTE: 

   My husband does not believe in spirit -  I would say he’s agnostic. Since this has happened (Tiki's signs and scents of flowers) he’s been asking me about the other side and what I think happens to people/animals after they die. I’ve always been a spiritual person and have read many books by people like Sylvia Browne  and James Van Praagh. I’ve also been to many mediums and would say I’ve had “psychic” visions in the past (they scared me when I was younger, so I tried my best to turn away from it, but recently have opened myself up more). It warms my heart that this experience, although sad and devastating, has begun to open my husband’s mind to the possibility there’s life after death.

   He has asked me a question that I don’t really know, and I was hoping you could help with.  

When animals die and go to the spirit world, what is it that they do there?

I’ve read that people often times have jobs that they do on the other side, but what about animals?

 I understand that “time” as we know it doesn’t exist, but what do animals do on the other side once they’ve passed over? 

MY RESPONSE:
   Your husband does not need to believe in a god to know believe there's life after death. As I mentioned in my book(s), it's all about energy. The energy that is within our bodies has to go somewhere after our physical bodies die, so it couples with our personalities and memories and joins all of the energies that run through the cosmos. Existence in general is energy, and energy cannot be destroyed only transformed. Religions call it "heaven" or "valhalla" or many things. I consider it joining the energies of the cosmos- and that collective consciousness is basically what "god" is.

WHAT ABOUT JOBS ON THE OTHER SIDE? -   We actually don't need "jobs" on the other side, but we and our pet children's spirits take on tasks, and the usual task is to help and guide our relatives still in the physical plane. So, Tiki's spirit is thriving with all of your relatives on the other side, doing what he did here- show unconditional love.

  Tiki will also very likely influence you which pet to choose whenever you're ready to give another homeless pet a loving home. They do that, and that's one of their "jobs" if you will. They want other pets to experience the love they did when they were here.