Welcome to Like People, Like Pets

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Jun 22, 2024

Hi, I’m Cindy Ojczyk (“oh-check”), a storyteller writing from the heart of the U.S. I’m a foster pet-parent, a pet parent to Checkers and Shiloh, a mom of two adult kids with menageries of their own, and a wife of nearly 36 years. I’ve been an entrepreneur and employed. Both have pros and cons.

I write from a place of lived experiences and observations. My corner of the story world covers all things pets and the people who love them. I take a mostly playful, yet occasionally serious, look at the ways humans and animals shape each other’s lives.

This is also my home to expand and explore the topics and themes in my forthcoming book about raising teens while fostering dogs. Animals played a profound role in helping our family navigate the teen years and mental health challenges. They were the teachers, the tethers, the glue.

When You Subscribe

This publication is NOT for:

§ Those who feel they’ve conquered relationships and don’t need deeper reflection

§ Those who’ve mastered dog training and understand cat behavior. (Link me to your newsletter so I can learn more!)

You will find some value if you love to read, reflect, or research:

PARENTING
WELL-BEING
INSPIRATION & ASPIRATION
FUN
RESOURCES

Things I Believe

Animals make us human. I know Temple Grandin wrote the book, but I completely agree with the sentiment. I’ve fostered dogs and cats for nearly 15 years and volunteered with numerous animal welfare organizations. The experience has opened my mind to the connected evolution that has enabled companion animals to be welcome in our lives. Their behaviors, as influenced by humans, mirror our own and allow us to see ourselves more deeply. Because of us, they long to be loved, to be seen and to matter, like us.

Pets and kids need parents that can shift. I leaned into the resilience and adaptability that came with caring for rescued pets and their varying needs when both of my kids were diagnosed with mental health disorders. Adolescence is a challenging enough time for parents and kids, but our family faced the added stress of navigating neurodivergence in a culture that values typical. We had to adapt and shift, learn and experiment.

The universal goals for parenting teens and pets are similar. We want them to thrive as individuals but stay connected to us.

Companion animals need our help. While many animals are surrounded by love and care, large numbers continue to suffer.

Teens are the adults of tomorrow. They carry forward the hope and possibilities of a brighter future. Through them we can make the world better for animals and people.

People appreciate well-lit paths. I’ve spent my professional life in careers that inspire people to eat better, live more holistically, and to tread lightly on the planet. People aspire to do better when the path before them is defined.

What People are Saying

“I want to support you because I love your take on life, on people, and on animals, and your unique, passionate way of expressing your thoughts and observations in meaningful, inspirational ways.” – Nancy P.

“Cindy, your love of animals and the joy they bring is captured in your words and stories and I learn so much with each posting. Also, I would fill my house with animals, but for multiple reasons can’t – so reading your words surrounds me with the sounds and joy of companions I can encounter weekly! (those kittens feeding DO really sound like rain! Thanks for the video)” – Annette D.

Like People, Like Pets by Cindy Ojczyk

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