"We're full," is the go-to response whenever another homeless, injured, or wayward animal shows up at Laura and Mike's doorstep. Even so, the couple realizes their declaration never hinders the parade of rescues through their small home in a hectic city.
Mike named their gaggle of pets the Hollyhood Critters. There's Cally, the wise yet shifty calico cat; Tsali, the overtly anxious, sock-obsessed Bichon; Coco, the delusional, smart-mouthed toy Poodle; Simboss, the rash-covered, smelly Maine coon cat; and Chilly, the timid yet observant and vocal Guinea pig.
Sometimes, they listen to Mike and Laura, barking, meowing, or chittering responses. Nevertheless, these pets talk to each other through telepathic Critter Speak, which also works with new arrivals and wild animals. The pack stays up to date on the adventures upstairs, in the basement and backyard, as well as those beyond the fence. Some critters escape to their hideouts or go on walkabouts through the greater 'hood in the dark forest, at the litter-filled creek, or throughout the sprawling horse farm.
Unusual as usual, the Hollyhood Critters are full of chaosity and ang-zide-ness, especially during the ongoing battle over Laura's ever-prized, oft-missing yellow argyle sock with fringe around the ankle. Even with that, all the critters agree they are a family in a forever home and "the pack is right!"
Cadenhead, Laura Jane: - Laura Jane Cadenhead is a retired public school teacher who served students with disabilities for over 30 years, garnering six nominations for "Teacher of the Year." As an outdoors instructor for 11 years, she led adventures inspired by her never-ending respect for nature, earning her "Guide of the Year" for REI Outdoor Experiences in 2024. Laura is also a certified yoga instructor and leads classes every chance she gets. Over the years, she has published articles in local magazines about life in Atlanta, such as Willy B, Zoo Atlanta's famous gorilla; the Atlanta Pride parades; and bicycle tours on Atlanta history, which she and her husband Mike led for five years.Writing has always been a hobby of hers. As a child, she reveled in the stories her mother read to her as the family journeyed across the country with their travel trailer. Laura never stopped hearing the lyrical voice of her mother who made each animal come alive with every turn of the page. After her mother's early passing, Laura kept her delight flourishing by writing her own stories about the pets she and Mike shared, as well as the wild animals who lived around their home. Laura's desire to write stories about their antics culminated in the book, Hollyhood Critters. Laura has lived in Atlanta, Georgia for most of her life. For the previous 25 years, she and Mike have lived in the neighborhood that inspired her stories and where they both continue to support rescue animals and green spaces.
