Carol Katinoglou - In The Spotlight
February 2009 - Phase Forward Interview
Written By : Caitlyn Burke
In her professional life, Carol Katinoglou is Phase Forward’s resident Payroll Manager. In her personal life, she’s a driven and avid animal rights activist, cancer survivor, and author. Known by her neighbors and friends as an animal-lover, Carol has 19 “kids” (6 cats and 13 bunnies), the majority of whom were rescued from the streets.
I began interviewing Carol with the intention of asking questions about her book, A Gift from Chloe, but it turns out that Carol had a lot of other things to discuss. A naturally outgoing and social person, Carol told me about one of her first adoptions—that of Olga, the Siberian tiger. Olga was one of the first tigers who were tagged for observation in the wild. When Carol heard about the adoption program that allows people to sponsor a wild animal, she immediately signed up, and became one of Olga’s most dedicated “parents.” Adopting Olga was one of her first acts of kindness, and over the years, Carol would eventually adopt many more needy animals. Between her bunnies and kittens, Carol has quite the family. It was, in fact, one of these kittens that inspired Carol to write and publish her first children’s book.
A Gift from Chloe was inspired by one of Carol’s most cherished pets. Chloe was an adorable tuxedo cat with a heart of gold. She was a faithful companion, a loving sister to Carol’s other four-legged children, and a remarkable soul in her own right. Carol credits Chloe with cementing her commitment to her husband, Bill.
“I knew Bill was the one because Chloe liked him,” Carol said with a big smile. “She would always come out of hiding when he came over.”
But although it made an incredible impact, Chloe’s life wasn’t the inspiration behind A Gift from Chloe. It was actually in death that Chloe showed her true dedication to her mother’s happiness.
“Cats seem to transcend reality,” Carol explained. “They can see things we can’t.”
A Gift from Chloe delves into the cat’s mystical abilities, and the blessings Carol received when she followed Chloe’s guidance.
So what’s the message kids should take away from reading A Gift from Chloe?
“I wanted to write a children’s book to send the message that pets aren’t just animals that live in your house,” Carol says. “They should be part of the family. I want kids to know that.”
With such a successful first book, I hoped that Carol had plans to write more in the future. As it turns out, she’s already got another in the works. Carol’s newest tale is about Samantha, a sleek, black cat with beautiful green eyes and an unique trait that makes her a target for a little teasing from other cats. Samantha’s story is one about tolerance. It sends the message that the things that make you different are also the things that make you special.
To hear more about Carol’s books, to purchase A Gift from Chloe merchandise, or to meet Carol’s kids, visit www.carolkatinoglou.com.