Beyond the Book: Cat Hair Purses and Dog Hair Sweaters

Welcome to Beyond the Book, a feature that allows readers to find out what their favorite characters are up to after the book ends. My name is Kara Cochrane, and I was Elaine's heroine in Her Kind of Man. I love cats, but I don't know if I'd like to carry a purse made of cat hair. I'm not sure I'd want a sweater made of dog hair either, but to my surprise, you can get both. I saw a video about a pet groomer in Simpsonville, SC who takes hair from long-haired cats that she grooms and makes purses out of it. Some people collect their pet's hair until they have enough for a bag or sweater. I'd love to show you a picture of some sweaters and purses, but I'm afraid I'd be violating copyright, so I'll give you the link instead.  You can watch the video about the purses, and there's a link below to the sweaters. http://www.treehugger.com/style/beautiful-handbags-from-your-cats-fur.html


 Do you remember how Ross took me to see his kittens right before we got married? Here's a quick excerpt in case you've forgotten.

Kara knelt down on the hay and picked up a small, gray kitten whose eyes had barely opened. She giggled when the kitten tried to hiss.

“Would you like to keep him?” Ross asked.

“If he isn’t going to be in the way I would.”

“Consider him a family member.”

Kara stroked the kitten’s little head. Such innocence. “What will you do with the rest of them?”

“Find good homes for them.”

Kara laid the kitten beside its mama, but before she could get to her feet, Ross gave her a little push and toppled her over into the hay. A second later he stretched out beside her.

“What’s your hurry?” He closed his eyes and teased Kara’s lips with his own. “Hold me.”

Kara didn’t mind if she did because Ross felt good in her arms. The fragrant, warm hay that kept her safe from prying, curious eyes gave her a feeling of security. Her arms slipped around Ross who kissed her again.

Rascal here. I'm not sure I like this idea. I can think of some bad things that might happen if people start wearing dog and cat hair clothes.  Luckily, my fur is short. Very short.

 

Beyond the Book: Ross is Back

Hello, Ross Williams here. I was Elaine’s hero in Her Kind of Man. Did you know that I operate a dairy farm? My father established the farm, and after his death I bought my brother’s share so now Little Knoll belongs to me. Do you know anything about dairy farming? You do? Great. See if you can correctly answer these questions. I’ll make it easy for you and only do true-false questions.

1.All milk contains antibiotics.

2.Modern dairy farmers don’t practice sustainable agriculture.

3.Dairy cattle are nothing more than milk machines.

4.Milk is so expensive because dairy farmers want to get rich.

5.Less than 2% of Americans are involved in farming.

 

Okay, here are your answers.

1.False. If milk is found to contain antibiotics, it can’t be sold. It’s disposed of.

2.False. Farmers need clean air, water, and land for their cows.

3.False. If cows aren’t healthy and well-cared for, they won’t produce lots of milk.

4.False. The price of milk is tied to dramatic increases in energy/fuel, distribution, transportation, feed, and supply costs.

5.True. Lots of people have never been to a real, working farm.

 

Drop by Little Knoll sometime, and I’ll give you a tour. I think my operation will impress you.  I don't practice totally organic farming, but I'm close to it.