Months ago, I was invited to return to the Salem, N.Y., Women’s Club, I was there 10 years ago with Rose I was told, I remembered the beautiful chapel in the bit white Presbyterian Church in Salem. There were 50 women present, and they are deeply involved in the club, which helps women suffering from domestic abuse, gives money to groups like the Boy Scouts and helps a dozen worthy causes.

They have lunch, hold a business meeting and invite a guest speaker, this month is was me. I have a soft spot for libraries, small book clubs and women’s clubs, they are deep part of the fabric of rural life, a stubborn manifestation of community and service.  I never charge for speaking to libraries or women’s clubs.

These women are focused and organized and businesslike, they have been around for many years and do much good. I brought Red, and they even put a carpet out for  him, as he struggles to walk on linoleum, he doesn’t seem to see it as part of the ground.

He did skitter his way into the seat’s to love up a few new girlfriends, he isn’t that scared. I talked about my books, my life, the struggle between people with pets and people with animals, and answered a bunch of questions. We talked about the New York Carriage Horses, the elephants in the circus, the cost of veterinary care and the emotionalizing of animals.

I enjoy talking about animals in rural areas, because most of the audience has grown up around them, on or near farms. The election seemed very remote here, no one mentioned it and if anyone was bothered by it, they didn’t show it. it was good to be there, nourishing and comfortable. Part of the good stuff, I think. And Red was a big hit, as always.