On the road with Suzy
Subtitle: from cat to companion
By: Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm.
Publisher: Purdue University Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: West Lafayette, Ind
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 152
ISBN-13: 9781557535542
Subjects: Cats -- Anecdotes; Human-animal relationships -- Anecdotes
Genres: Anecdotes
Description: Summary: 

On temporary assignment in Houston, Texas, at the start of 1998, Aleksandra and her husband Norman never expected that their lives would be changed forever when a small chocolate-gold-black stray cat stalked into the apartment complex where they were living, and adopted them. 

Suzy soon became a key family member, and has traveled with the author to Delaware, Illinois, Wisconsin, both Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, often on visits to Native American reservations. A frequent flyer, Suzy has also journeyed to Poland nine times, often in the company of Claude, another adopted stray. During these travels, Suzy, sociable and popular, introduced her owners to many new experiences and a range of new friends and acquaintances; not just other cats and humans, but also dogs, opossums, and armadillos. 

In a life full of animals, Suzy’s owners have had to confront many of the dilemmas that cat ownership brings; from the difficulties of identifying responsible homes for a litter of kittens to the pain of handling an animal’s death. They have also found many surprising moments of joy, especially in observing the lives and interactions of the many stray cats that share our neighborhoods. 

This is the story of a deepening relationship between a couple and their cat, written by an award-winning author, and filled with insightful comments about cat behavior and the nature of the human-feline bond. The episodes in this book will delight and inform other “cat people” and will leave readers with a new understanding of the way interactions with animals transform our lives. 

COMMENTS AND REVIEWS 

“I am a cat lover as well as a friend and admirer of Dr.Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm other fine publications and books. I am sure that all animal lovers will find it truly wonderful, and all thinking people, even if they hate cats, will find it a profound, sensitive, insightful and funny book. Dr. Aleksandra's understanding of cats, and animals in general, goes beyond our common need for the unconditional love we receive from our pets. It reaches into our deepest feelings and spiritual needs in line with the Taoist and Buddhist philosophy of wisdom and compassion: that the belief in an absolute unity transcends all divergencies, and all life is seen to be but forms of the Primal One.” 
Audrey Ronning Topping, /acclaimed author of six books and a prize-winning photojournalist/. 
*
“Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boem should be highly commended for writing a book that conveys so well the author’s appreciation and compassion for animals”
Robert Ackerman
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“I have always liked cats admiring their grace, cleanliness and even their "quirks" that are interesting to say the least. The wonderful story about the very special cat Suzy gave me a new dimension of admiration for cats. Reciprocating with love, devotion and faithfulness is a cat's reward for that given to them by humans. The book by Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm is definitely a "good read". 
Carl Boehm
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"I always like dogs and whole my life I had a one around me. Cats - in my opinion - were too self absorbed and aloof. After reading "On the Road with Suzy: From Cat to Companion" I decided to have a cat. Now, just one month later, I am in love with him and became a great admirer of all cats. My cat is very independent in a way that I respect him, but he is so loving and giving that I love him. Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm did a miracle with me, and I am very thankful! "
Bill Smart 
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"Many people would question Aleksandra's and her husband's decision to embark on a 2.5 months motor trip accompanied by their cat Suzy. Cats are generally considered not to enjoy automobile transportation. Then, we learn about thus special feline... calm, collected, warm, friendly; devoted and loving even under what must have been trying situations. Surely, Suzy has to be remarkable, unique and even brave to face challenges most cats never encounter. I can understand how she became a focal point and an integral member of the family. I wish Suzy many, many happy years. 
What a beautiful book about the bond between a cat and humans!" 
Mary Salkind, The Bond between a cat and humans, ALIBRIS, Sep. 10, 2010 
.
“After reading "On the Road with Suzy" the first time, I was left with the feeling of why and how could I have always disliked cats as many others do. Surely, no one could dislike the sweet and loving Suzy. So, I reread Aleksandra's book and came to the conclusion that the love, caring and devotion she and her husband extended towards Suzy may have became a challenge to her. Her  qualities of affection and faithfulness were almost like those of a dog but tempered a bit by the normal aloofness and pride of a cat. However, when it was time to be affectionate, loving and faithful, Suzy responded. She is a remarkable feline and most interesting to read about!”
David Keller, GOOGLE BOOKS
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“If Suzy could talk and probably does in cat language, I believe she would say to Aleksandra and Norman: "I really love you for taking me in from stray status, for being with me during my pregnancy and birth on my five beautiful kittens, for striving to find good homes for my kittens because it was impossible to keep them, for always having time for me and tolerating my cat quirks and antics, for caring for me in sickness and in health, for always showing your love, affection and pride in me (and bragging about me too). You two are truly cat people, co we are a threesome" 
This is a remarkable tale about a wonderful cat! “.   
John Carr, ALIBRIS, September 2010
.

“Doctor Aleksandra is an animal lover. Her compassion for her cat, Suzy, makes this a book of discovery and adventure for all animal lovers. 
Suzy found the Boehms, and stalking around their Houston apartment, won their hearts and soon became a member of the family. She accompanied them on trips either by auto or plane, a loving companion.
Aleksandra understood the need of compassion and love for animals, and they related to her. A description of a long cross-country trip with husband, Norman is hilarious, as they must make accommodations before and during the trip. Suzy survives and explores her new surroundings in Delaware. Later on Suzy even flies to Poland with her owners. 
This is truly a couple who enjoy and deeply care for the welfare of their animals”.
Florence Waszkelewicz Clowes, POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL, Boston, NY, September 2010
.
This book created a new feline heroine Suzy. Like other known animals heroes , such as Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, she is a real and truly remarkable creature. We observe her over a 13 years period - since as stray cat she found herself the right couple - humans beings who welcomed her and who made life changes for her addition to the family. Suzy accompanied them on their trips, was in Indian territory for over two months, (and always stoic as an Indian), oversees many times, in her lady friend Aleksandra's - country - Poland. 
She dedicated herself completely to that remarkable couple and enriched their lives. 
This is truly an amazing story how humans and animals can fit into each other's lives and make a wonderful loving group. 
Traveling with Suzy from Houston, Texas living in Wilmington, Delaware and traveling overseas is now part of the great literature about the animals and their bond with humans. 
That book reminds me of RING OF THE BRIGHT WATER by Gavin Maxwell. Mr. Graham and his Mij the otter are truly remarkable like Suzy and her devoted couple Aleksandra and Norman. 
Bill Adams, Amazon
*
What a wonderful tale! Suzy, the homeless Texas cat, won the hearts of a caring couple visiting her state. Their travels and experiences provide a heart warming rendition of how a devoted feline and loving humans bond and the happiness each brought to the other.
George Mitchell, ALIBRIS


The reader does not have to be "cat person" to enjoy the heart-rending story of Suzy. Homeless, she adopted a concerned couple as only a cat can. Always appreciative and devoted to her new family, Suzy brought them untold happiness and joy in their travels together. Wonderful book!
Henry Albright, ALIBRIS
*
I do admire your writing a great deal – it is as if you are speaking yo the reader.  And I do review a great many any books
 Florence Clowes, Vero Beach, Florida, 11/22/2013

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After reading "On the Road with Suzy" the first time, I was left with the feeling of why and how could I have always disliked cats as many others do. Surely, no one could dislike the sweet and loving Suzy. So, I reread Aleksandra's book and came to the conclusion that the love, caring and devotion she and her husband extended towards Suzy may have became a challenge to her. Her qualities of affection and faithfulness were almost like those of a dog but tempered a bit by the normal aloofness and pride of a cat. However, when it was time to be affectionate, loving and faithful, Suzy responded. She is a remarkable feline and most interesting to read about!
David Keller, Google
.
What a fantastic feline! Suzy accommodates herself to travel by automobile, train or airplane. At the same time, she exudes love and devotion to her owners under any circumstances. All readers will enjoy a true story of the bond between animal and humans.
John Harrison, Google
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Suzy and her travels are wonderful reading. The author has cleverly personified a precious “tortoise shell” cat relating all her experiences both good and bad. Then, she exemplifies how the ever-adaptable Suzy basked in the aura of the good ones and triumphed over the bad ones.
Matt Burke, Trove, Australia
.
This is the story of a deepening relationship between a couple and their cat, written by an award-winning author and filled with insightful comments about cat behavior and the nature of the human-feline bond. The episodes in this book will delight and inform other 'cat people' and will leave readers with a new understanding of the way interactions with animals transform our lives. 
AbeBooks.com
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The story of Suzy the cat is a remarkable one. Not only did she win the hearts of her owners, she converted them to “cat people”. For those who expound their hate for cats, I would challenge them to read this book. Such an education about felines would be good for them. 
Lori Martin, Book Depository
*
 “(...)Not only am I under cat’s magic, but recently in the bookstores Nowy Swiat presented the book written by Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm. That eminent writer and reporter, now living in the USA, has written over 250 pages dedicated to animals, particularly to cats. What a wonderful book! It is full of wisdom and fun and close to some metaphysics in analyzing interpersonal relationships between people and animals. The people who share a love for animals, are like a garden of similar beautiful human beings, sharing in the beauty of the whole world of living creatures. Animal brothers are our relatives. It is not difficult to understand and follow.
Cats have special mystery and mystic around themselves. They go their own way, follow their own paths, more than dogs. Independent from people, they live the way they like. They love the night more than the day, they can be critical, moody… and those are the reasons that some people believe that cats are not faithful and haughty, but superior. It is not true! The contact with cats is very different than with dogs, more intellectual. (…) Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm in the second part of the book includes cat’s stories from her friends and acquaintances. What a gallery! One cat loved to listen to a violin quartet, the other loved to take a snooze on freshly washed and dried laundry, and the cat of an actress from Krakow has a party for his birthday , the people bring him presents, and he with some disdain looks at everybody.(…)”.
Leszek Zulinski, Le chat fatal, TRYBUNA, 06-12-2002
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“The newest book written by Aleksandra Ziólkowska-Boehm, who for more than 10 years now has lived in the USA. “Travels with my cat” reminds me of the famous book by Graham Green “Travels with my aunt”. Greene shows the London snob, whose aunt makes him more human by taking him into new avenues of adventures and surprises, and about a world he never knew existed. In Ziólkowska’s book, the story of the cat who received the name Suzy opens to the writer a new world she hadn’t known, giving new sensitivity, appreciation and observation of beauty surrounding life and world .(…) The book shows other stories about dogs, cats, parrots and opossums and rabbits, but mainly it is about cats. It’s a chronic of days when people open their lives to a new animal and to their different outlook and personality. The chronic is full of drama, lost and found cats, and misunderstandings, happy returns, moving to new homes and new cities and even final goodbyes. I promise that none will finish the story about Latik with a dry eye. The instruction about how to give a pill to a cat can be included as one of the most funny stories written about cats.(…)”.
Gwidon Znajco, Kociopolacy, NOWE KSIAZKI Nr 1, 2003
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“The Cat who enters into literature
Suzy, the heroine of the book, is a chocolate-black beauty from Texas with charm who jumps into literature. (…) Someone said that the world is divided into cat and dog lovers, Aleksandra Ziólkowska-Boehm is known from her book as a lover of all animals.
The accomplished writer who has written many books dedicated to historical and eminent problems, now writes 250 pages dedicated to Suzy, Tuffy, Kubus, etc.(...).The book shows the American and Polish cats, about those who have owners, and about strays. The book is also about the people –how they react to each other, and to other animals.
-When the people brag about their children, they make each other jealous and unhappy; when they talk with pride and joy about their animals, everyone listens with a smile and immediately shares their own stories.
Aleksandra Ziólkowska-Boehm has her own unique style. She has a way of showing the details, names, facts, so the world she writes about is real and leaves a permanent impression in our minds and hearts. None can stop reading the book until they finish. And everyone feels happy during the reading and thereafter. The book makes people happier and more joyful.”.
Anna Bernat,ZYCIE, Warszawa, November 15, 2002
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„(...)Aleksandra Ziółkowska-Boehm writes about every day events of life with her cat Suzy, about trips in the US and to Poland, also about Suzy’s kittens and other cats. She also writes about other animals that were living in her house, whom she took care of, or whom she met in different circumstances. In the second part of the book, there are stories written by other people about their cats. In the end, there is a beautiful poem written by the Nobel prize winner, Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska “The cat in the empty house”.
The book shows how true friendship can be built between animals and people. We all are created by the same God; we are all inhabitants of the same globe.”. 
Ewa Hellenska, "Cats", NOWINY, January 2003
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“The cat is the creation that probably is the most wonderful deed of the Creator”, these words can be a motto for this beautiful book”. 
Janina Podolska, GAZETA WYBORCZA, Lodz, November 13  2002

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(...)”The wish of the authoress is that everyone who reads the book would feel happier and contented. This is a very sympatic book and makes peoples’ souls fly. (…) Suzy is a great traveler, she flys by plane to Poland, she accompanies Ziolkowska-Boehm and her husband on trips in the States. She likes her escapades; they are better then a cat’s kennel. Suzy seems to be a cat with a great experience and knowledge of the world”      
Maja E.Cybulska „About Cats”,  TYGODNIK POLSKI, London, England, March 8, 2003

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„Travels with my Cat” is a book enriched with care, good feelings and love towards all our “smaller brothers”. The authoress writes mainly about cats, but also about dogs, parrots and other animals. She shows how to understand that animals are our true friends, and that they are so helpless in the modern world cruelly taken over by people” (...).
Renata Fijalkowska  WEGETERIANSKI SWIAT  Nr 12 (83) December 2002
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„Suzy has big amber eyes and chocolate color with a gold flair. She is the main character of the book “Travels with my cat” by Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm. When the authoress took care of a stray cat, she didn’t know much about cats, but now, she is a great admirer and has a good knowledge of them. The book is filled with touching and funny stories about cats other than Suzy and animals, like dogs, opossums, parrots and rabbits”.
„Kocie opowiesci”, GAZETA POMORSKA, Bydgoszcz, January 18/19,  2003
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„The authoress draws multicultural feline-people relationships that take place in the USA, in Europe, in Texas, Delaware, New York, London, Torun and Jazgarzewo… Beside cats and people and very objective stories about them, there are also tales about other animals that don’t speak the human voice – dogs and parrots.  The animals are partners and friends, although the writer tries not to anthropomorphise them. They don’t possess, as in fairy tales about animals, the human virtues and weaknesses. Those in “Travels with my cat“ are always cats or dogs and as cats and dogs, are respected by the authoress. Sometimes we feel in a very agreeable way, that owners of the animals are changing character to be more like the animals taking on their more admirable attributes such as intelligence, courage and tolerance of four legged creatures. The humans take a good example from them.  From city loving inhabitants, they change into country loving people, from malcontents – into happy people contented with everyday blessings. Providing happiness and contentment is another wonderful virtue of this warm – but not in a sentimental way – book. The world in which people live together with animals is probably the best of the world.
I assure everyone reading the book will be happier, as the authoress wanted.”
Joanna Rostropowicz-Clark „About Cats (and dogs) in different way”, NOWY DZIENNIK, (New York) May 9, 2003”
*
"I have received 'On The Road With Suzy' yesterday and read it in one sitting with great pleasure. I am sure that all animal lovers will find it truly wonderful, and all thinking people, even if they hate cats, will find it a profound, sensitive, insightful and funny book. Dr. Aleksandra's understanding of cats, and animals in general, goes beyond our common need for the unconditional love we receive from our pets. It reaches into our deepest feelings and spiritual needs in line with the Taoist and Buddhist philosophy of wisdom and compassion: that the belief in an absolute unity transcends all divergences, and all life is seen to be but forms of the Primal One." 
- Audrey Ronning Topping, acclaimed author of six books and a prize-winning photojournalist.
*
Dear Aleksandra,
My husband, Bruce Johansen, gave me your email address so I could contact you. I recently finished reading your delightful book about Suzy and other pets.  When I was six, I was given my first cat.  Her name was Susie.  I, of course, immediately identified with your Suzy.  My Susie was pretty special too.  She always slept with me, and one night she gave birth to a litter of kittens in my bed. I woke up to that amazing surprise. 

Your Suzy was extraordinary in that she was so friendly and would take walks with you and travel too.  She reminds me of a wonderful cat we had whose name was Itty Bitty.  Bruce used to go to work at UNO on his bicycle very early in the morning about 4:30 AM.  One morning a small white calico cat ran up to him and began to circle his legs meowing. He brought her in, and after checking with the Humane Society and finding out nobody was looking for her, we kept her. Itty was incredibly personable.  She used to love to sleep on Bruce's legs when he was lying on the couch watching TV.  She slept with us at night and with our Chihuahua, Sammie, during the day.  She loved to keep me company in the vegetable garden.  She also, unfortunately, liked to sunbathe. She developed cancer in one ear that wasn't diagnosed in time.  I later found out white cats shouldn't be out in the sun because of this. She had surgery, but it didn't fix the problem as the cancer had metastasized.  We had to put her down, which was one of the hardest things I've done.  I swore never to have another cat. When Sammie couldn't find Itty,  she went down to the basement to a cube Itty would lie in sometimes. Sammie was so distraught that she howled and howled. I realized that we had to get another cat for the dog!

We now have Evangeline. She came with paperwork that said she was a Torby, a cross between a tabby and a tortoise.  She has long hair which is striped in places and spotted in other places. She's beautiful and very large. We think she might be a Maine Coon Cat.
She was a rescue, and it became obvious to us that she had been abused. She is still shy and very independent.  She has warmed up to us and loves to have Bruce brush her, but she doesn't like strangers. When she sees someone approaching our house, she growls and instantly hides. She and the dog are good friends, even though Evangeline doesn't sleep with Sammie. They do greet each other and are companionable.

Thank you Aleksandra for writing such an engaging book. We are both animal lovers!
Pat Keiffer, Omaha, Nebrasca, 01.01. 2021