'Big Brave Cat' book honors Grayson, a special boy
A kitty who overcame a painful illness and became a television star is inspiring a new book about bravery, resilience and what people can learn from cats. It's called "Grayson The Big Brave Cat."
KJ McGlinn, the kitty correspondent for Pet Pals TV, joined host Patty Spitler with Giles, McGlinn’s cat and her on-air sidekick. McGlinn said viewers sometimes ask whether they can adopt Giles, but he is her pet.
Giles took over as McGlinn’s sidekick after Grayson, the cat whose story is the subject of her book. Grayson died in July. McGlinn said he helped train Giles, beginning when Giles was 9 weeks old, to visit the television station and feel comfortable there.
McGlinn said she worked on the book for about three years. Grayson was sick when she got him, she said, and was later diagnosed with stomatitis, a painful condition that required the removal of all his teeth.
Despite the illness, Grayson was resilient and brave, McGlinn said. He later became a television star. Her work with Pet Pals TV also taught her about cat behavior and, she said, how much people can learn about humanity from cats.
McGlinn wrote the book for readers ranging from 4 to 84, she said. Its message is that bravery is not something people achieve once and then check off a list. Each time Grayson became ill or faced a change or unfamiliar situation, he took steps to feel safe, she said.
“No matter how many times life feels scary, you can choose to be brave,” McGlinn said.
McGlinn plans to sign copies of the book at Wellbeing Fest, an event organized by the Indy Holistic Hub. The event will feature practitioners and experts, as well as kitten therapy with adoptable kittens. McGlinn said she will attend with cats and kittens available for adoption.
Wellbeing Fest is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Hub and Spoke. The event will be the first opportunity to get a copy of the book in person, McGlinn said. Attendees can also buy it on Amazon and bring it to be signed.
Ten percent of book sales will benefit the Grayson Foundation, McGlinn said. The foundation supports local animal welfare groups and sends “Brave Boxes” to cats waiting for adoptive homes, with the goal of helping them feel a little braver like Grayson.
Viewers can watch Pet Pals TV at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays on WISH-TV or visit PetPalsTV.com to watch the show and learn about animals.
To order the book, click here: https://kjontheair.com/books
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