LIVE from Chicago, It's Hannukatz The Musical! "The ONLY Rock 'n' Roll Hannukah Musical on Earth!"

Pouncing from the pages of :

To learn more about
 Hannukatz Saves Hannukah
CLICK HERE

To read my book review

CLICK HERE

To purchase Hannukatz Saves Hannukah

CLICK HERE

 I am proud to announce that

beginning November 29th 

and running through December 30th

you can  "ROCK OUT"

to the

ONLY Rock 'n' Roll

HANNUKAH MUSICAL

ON EARTH! 

HANNUKATZ THE MUSICAL!!

AT THE
 NEW NATIONAL PASTIME THEATER

IN CHICAGO!

One thing I strongly urge you to add to your "eight crazy nights" is Hannukatz The Musical the zany, off-beat and hilarious play , which was written by  the equally zany, off-beat, hilarious (and brilliant in an avant garde kinda way) Terry Abrahamson.

It is for those who celebrate Hannukah and for those who don't!

Hannukatz The Musical addresses  the problem of commercialism and greed in our kids  in a wry, witty and fun way.   Check it out: 



From the National Pastime Theater website:

Starring Wellington Da Silva as the tie-dyed Meowmulkah-sporting title character on his Hannukah-eve visit to the Skokie-based Moskowitz family’s Hannukah-hating kids. Isaac Samuelson and Maren Rosenberg portray the Moskowitz kids Josh and Emily with Rachel Pallante and Jordan Levin as their parents Syl and Gil. Self-described in his Jerry Lee Lewis-inspired theme song as “a catnippy, kinda trippy, chocolate chippy old hippie,” Hannukatz is a 6'7" talking, rocking, cat armed with an arsenal of rousing Hannukarols like “Do the Chhhh,” “No Jews Allowed,” and “Hannukah is Not the Jewish Christmas.” Grammy-winner Abrahamson (book/lyrics) and collaborator Michael Carlson (music) bring the audience into the musical world.

TO ORDER TICKETS: CLICK HERE

About Terry Abrahamson:
he won a Grammy writing with Muddy Waters, wrote the Boston Celtics fight song recorded by George Thorogood, wrote for Oprah Winfrey, has a book of his Blues photography "In The Belly Of The Blues",  (Check out the  website for his blues book right here) in the permanent collection of the library of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, created Chicago's adult musical comedy review KAMA SUTRA...and many, many other accomplishments too numerous to mention!

Lucky Cats Paper Dolls-Maneki Neko-by Maggie Swanson

Many of you are familiar with the Legend of the Maneki Neko, but for those of you aren't:

From Lucky Cats Paper Dolls:

Literally translated as "the beckoning cat," a Maneki Neko is easy to recognize by its raised paw. This traditional symbol of prosperity originated in Japan and can be found around the world especially in shops and restaurants."

Illustrator Maggie Swanson has created a paper doll activity book  starring two of her own cats,"Tommie" and "Gracie" who are based on her own cat family. They are her "lucky cats."

Why?

 When Tommie was about 6 wks old he walked out of the woods by Maggie's house and "into her arms." She considers him to be a "gift from Mother Nature."

Gracie was adopted from the PAWS animal shelter in Norwalk, Connecticut where Maggie volunteers. She also has a blog: Sundays at the Shelter where she photographs and blogs about the "adoptables" that she meets there. Maggie considers Gracie to be her "reward" for all of the litter boxes that she cleans there.

I have to tell you, when I opened this paper doll book the illustrations are breathtakingly exquisite. In my opinion, they are too captivating to take out of the book!

Invite good fortune into your life with these adorable lucky cats!

The above photos are just a teaser of what you will find in this stunning and unique book.

You (or your little ones) can dress up Tommie and Gracie in Egyptian Pharaoh costumes, you can dress Gracie as a Geisha replete with a fan (for friendship, good wishes).

There are more than 40 costumes and accessories in this book that can be put on Tommie or Gracie, each costume has various "lucky" symbols such as:

• A cowboy costume with a lucky horse shoe
• A fisherman costume with a shark's tooth for protection and strength and a fish for abundance and faith.

There is a darling "gardening" outfit that comes with the meanings of various "lucky" flowers:

• tiger lily-wealth and prosperity
• golden rod-success
• clover-good luck
• cattail-peace and prosperity

Near the back of the book you will find a 11x17 poster featuring some of the most unique, captivating and colorful "lucky" kitty stickers that I have seen.

I feel that this is the sort of book that no review or feature can adequately do justice. You must purchase this book and EXPERIENCE it. The illustrations must be SEEN to be appreciated. It would make a wonderful holiday gift for children and adults alike! Who can't use a little good luck in their life? Children will be enthralled with the kitties and their costumes, while adults will be inclined to display the dressed up kitties in various locations in their home or office to encourage good luck!

It is geared for those in Grades 3 and up (ages 8 and up)

Maggie Swanson has illustrated OVER 100 children's books for many different publishers. Check a few of  them out here

You can purchase Lucky Cats Paper Dolls for the most affordable price of $9.99 on the Dover Publications website by clicking right here

Visit: Maggie Swanson Illustration here
Vist Maggie's blog Sundays at the Shelter here

ISBN 10: 0486486826 ISBN 13: 9780486486826

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, MAKE HOMELESS ANIMALS’ WISHES COME TRUE

Have a dog AND a cat or know someone who does?

Looking for the purrfect holiday cards?

 Look no more.......they are right here!

I am on my way to 

order some right now!

Red Cover

Purrfect for Christmas!

Blue cover

Purrfect for Chanukah!!

Inside of card

This holiday season, thousands of homeless dogs, cats and other animals are wishing for just one thing – a loving forever home. Help make their wishes come true by sending holiday cards from the Michigan Humane Society (MHS).  Each box of 15 5”x7” cards and 16 envelopes costs $12.95 plus tax. Purchase your cards online at www.ShopMichiganHumane.org, by phone, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (800) 866-9189, or at one of the three MHS adoption centers: in Detroit at 7401 Chrysler Drive; Rochester Hills at 3600 W. Auburn Road; and Westland at 900 N. Newburgh Road.  

This year’s holiday card design, illustrated by Bryan Ureel, was generously donated by Flying Fish Studios in Royal Oak, Michigan to help local animals in need. 

WINNER of Neko Flies Give-Away From Chewy.com !!

Cody and I  want to thank everyone who entered the great give-away that was so kindly offered by:

This was one great give-away! I wish Cody and I  could have had more winners! The SUPER LUCKY winner of this give-away, (as chosen by www.random.org)  is:

MARG!!

Click here to visit Marg's blog!

Marg's kitties said in their comment that if they won they wanted the:

KITTENATOR MOUSE

That is Cody's all time favorite!

CONCATULATIONS MARG!!

Your kitties are going to have

the BEST time!

Book Review: "Purrs of Wisdom" by Ingrid King

When presented with the opportunity of reading/reviewing author Ingrid King's latest book, Purrs of Wisdom, I was elated. I had reviewed her previous book, Buckley's Story, Lessons From a Feline Master Teacher, which moved me to tears.

Ingrid was one of the first people I met when I began blogging in 2009. Her blog, The Conscious Cat, was also the first of what would be hundreds of blogs that I would follow, and to this day, remains one of my favorites.

Ingrid's grace, intelligence, knowledge of and love for cats, and her innate ability to find peace and balance in life as a whole,  is evident in everything that she touches.  On a personal note, her support, caring, encouragement and positive aura has graced my life on many occasions.

Photo courtesy of:
http://consciouscat.net/purrs-of-wisdom/

Thanksgiving weekend was the perfect weekend to curl up with Purrs of Wisdom. The weather was chilly, I lit candles, poured a cup of coffee and settled back to begin reading about what to me, was like sitting down and having a heart-to-heart with a longtime, trusted friend. You  know, the one who knows you  like no other, the  kind of friend you are free to bare your soul with. The kind of friend who doesn't judge, but listens, who offers advice in a positive, logical and motivating way, who encourages you to be the best YOU that you can be, the one who makes you feel safe, oh  and as an extra bonus,  they just happen to LOVE CATS.  For me, Purrs of Wisdom evoked all of those feelings AND MORE.


Having minored in Philosophy, contrary to my outer exuberance, I am prone to long bouts of introspection, and have always gravitated towards books that inspire me to think. Purrs of Wisdom fits the bill purrfectly.

"From help with everyday challenges to inspiration on living a joyful life, this compilation provides guidance, inspiration and enlightenment, feline style."

There were parallels in this book that to me were almost eerie. I was surprised to learn that like myself,  Ingrid didn't have her first cat until she was much older. We both spent many years in corporate America before life brought changes that would alter our respective journeys, eventually leading us to a place where we would pursue our hearts desire, writing about cats.

Purrs of Wisdom is a collection of essays based on Ingrid's "Conscious Cat Sunday" column on The Conscious Cat, and features lessons that Ingrid learned from the cats in her life.  Some of my favorites are:

• Are You Addicted to Technology?
• Gratitude
• Embrace Change
• Feeling Overwhelmed?
• Learn to Be Still

At the beginning of each essay, Ingrid features a quote to set the tone for the essay that follows. She  ends each essay with examples of how cats, (specifically Ingrid's cats Allegra and Ruby) inherently know the "secrets" of living a more positive, productive and enlightened life. If  we pause long enough to observe how our own cats also have this knowledge, we just might one day be as wise as our feline friends.

The end of the year is rapidly approaching, this is the time when many of us pause and reflect on what has transpired.  I, for one, embark on soul searching and contemplation and Purrs of Wisdom was the perfect vehicle to help me begin my yearly ritual.  Ingrid's essay on New Year's Resolutions and her preference (and now mine!) for referring to them as New Year's intentions "a determination to act in a certain way."  offer  a wonderful new take on a yearly tradition. Ingrid says in this essay: "To be successful, I have to be present and make conscious choices in support of my goal. And when it comes to being more present, I have the best support team I could ask for: Allegra and Ruby! Cats are masters at living in the moment. They don't worry about running out of time to chase that catnip mouse, being too rushed to enjoy their meal, or not getting enough sleep. If I look to them for guidance, I can't help but succeed."

Purrs of Wisdom will make you think, it will warm your soul,  it will wrap itself around your mind and your heart  like a soft-as-down kitty snuggling at your side. Purchase this book and refer to it frequently, just flip to the essay that will offer you the encouragement that you need in order to face the world that day. It is the next best thing to sharing an afternoon chat over coffee with that trusted friend who knows you like no other. It  will leave you feeling equally as peaceful, satisfied and ready to pounce upon whatever life sends your way, armed with  Purrs of Wisdom, just  like a CAT.

Photo courtesy of
http://consciouscat.net/about-the-conscious-cat/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager turned multiple-award winning author. Her popular blog, The Conscious Cat, is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health, and happiness for cats and their humans. Ingrid lives in Northern Virginia with her two tortoiseshell cats Allegra and ruby. For more information about Ingrid, please visit www.IngridKing.com




ISBN: 978-0-9883437-0-2

To purchase Purrs of Wisdom click here

Guest Book Review “Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee)” Written by Chrystal Parker (Review by Kevin of Animal Shelter Volunteer Life)

I’ve been a fan of the “Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee)” blog (http://dogsandcats.typepad.com/) for about two years, so I was delighted to learn that private animal rescuer Chrystal Parker – the person behind the blog – had written a book about her tireless efforts to save animals in rural Southern Illinois.

The book, which shares its title with the blog, is Chrystal’s first, and chronicles one year in her ongoing mission to help the homeless creatures – big, small and every size in between – that cross her path.

Writing in an engaging diary style (the prose in the book is taken directly from Chrystal’s blog entries), she invites her readers to share in the daily triumphs and heartbreaks that come with animal rescue.  She entertains, teaches, and encourages, and in doing so helps her readers believe that even the smallest kindnesses can – and do – make a difference.

For those who wonder what keeps Chrystal going, there are insights galore to be found in the book.  What started as a way to help address animal overpopulation in rural Southern Illinois has shaped her, and given her a certainty that everything matters. The essence of this point is captured poignantly when she writes:

…once you love something, that love never ends.  It extends into eternity.  Love is forever.  We move through this life experiencing joy and heartache.  Love is the basis for both.  I wouldn’t give up the Love even to avoid the heartache.

Also included in the book is the genesis of Chrystal’s rescue (named “Winnie’s Wish”), and happy follow-up tales of the animals adopted during the year it was written, including one (once known as Ash, and now named Jimmy) who went all the way to Toronto, Canada.  (Note: Chrystal’s rescues have found new homes in her area, and in places as far away as Georgia, California, Montreal, and Toronto.)

"Circe"

“I hope this book will help people feel good about what’s happening with homeless animals in one little corner of the world,” Chrystal recently wrote in an email, “and that it instills a belief that together, we can make a difference for animals everywhere.”

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS “FEEL GOOD” BOOK.  Its nearly 600 pages are brimming with stories of love, selfless giving, and the incredible bonds that exist between humans and animals.  You will almost certainly be changed after reading it.  You will be encouraged.  You will come away knowing that the little things DO matter.  For these reasons and more, Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee) would also make a wonderful and uplifting holiday gift.  And here’s an important added bonus: ALL proceeds from sales of the book go directly to fund Chrystal’s Winnie’s Wish rescue (http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IL682.html), and the amazing work being done there.

"Frosting"

For more information, or to purchase Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats with Your Coffee), please visit the book’s pages at Amazon (http://amzn.to/P0HCSs), Barnes & Noble (http://bit.ly/P6p8l3), or Xlibris (http://bit.ly/MQWeRK); or contact Chrystal directly at c3k@lazernetwireless.net. [ISBN: 978-1-4691-8854-6 (soft cover) / 978-1-4691-8855-3 (e-book)]

Kevin (aka “meowmeowmans”)

AnimalShelter Volunteer Life 

How to stuff a turkey

A Heartfelt THANK YOU- A little bit "Wordy" Wednesday

There are a lot of contests out there that many of us enter that offer prizes such as money, pet supplies and blog "notoriety", just to name a few. I recently entered a contest that for me, was probably the most emotionally rewarding of any contest that I have entered thus far.

My friend Ann Paws who is the author  of one of my favorite new blogs:

Click here to visit!

 had a contest where we had to submit a photo of what our PETS are thankful for.

For me, this was a no-brainer. My "boyz" are MOST thankful for EACH OTHER. This photo was my entry:

Cody and Dakota have a most unique relationship. I couldn't be more blessed, nor could THEY!

They are playmates, partners in crime and conspiracy, companions when my husband and I aren't home,  they visibly worry when one of them is gone from our home even if it is just for an hour or two.  At night, by choice, they  sleep in close proximity of each other. My vet often tells me how he marvels at the intensity of their bond. Don't tell them that cats and dogs aren't supposed to get along. They exhibit care and concern for each other that many of us could learn from. All of this, and my method of "introducing" them  completely defied "conventional" blogging and textbook guidelines. I listened to my heart, which rarely steers me wrong.

There were 3 winners of this contest and my photo of Dakota and Cody was the GRAND PRIZE WINNER! I am honored and elated that my photo won the contest! What thrilled me the most was that the "judge" of this contest was Anns'  8 year old daughter, Lily:

Photo courtesy of:
http://mypawsitivelypets.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-photo-contest-winner.html

What was special to me,  was this was TRULY a "fair and unbiased" judge who not only didn't know any of the entrants, she just loves animals! There was no "hidden agenda" here! You know what they say, "out of the mouths of babes." Lily said that my photo was  "adorable."

You can't fool a child. Children are often our harshest critics. They respond on an emotional level,  a child can sense dishonesty and those with less than stellar intentions a mile away. Ironically, our pets also have this ability. Want to know if a person is GENUINE? Introduce them to your children or your pets.

Being the winner of the "GRAND PRIZE" for this contest didn't bring money, or pet toys or supplies or even a shiny statuette. The prize is THIS lovely badge that I am displaying with enormous pride:

this is PRIZE ENOUGH for me! I don't have mad photography skills,  or the latest camera loaded with bells and whistles. What I DO have are a dog and a cat whose affection for each other lit up that photo and made my message clear.

My "prize" was my work touching the heart of a child. To me, that is the GREATEST gift of all, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving....I THANK YOU LILY from the bottom of my heart.

Dear Sparkle: CAT-TO-CAT advice from the world's foremost FELINE columnist-Sparkle The Designer Cat

Dear Sparkle,

I kicked my Mom off of the computer because I think that it should be ME writing the book review today.

It only seems right that I should write the review and not my Mom because you wrote this advice book for CATS ONLY.

Mom is not a CAT. I am a CAT, so I do the review.

Love, Cody

Dear Sparkle,

I would like to thank you for taking the time to sign my book. That was pretty darned cool of you. Especially being as famous as you are.

Love, Cody

Dear Sparkle,

I really like how you have the replies to the letters seeking advice from assorted kitties broken down into various CAT-egories such as:

GAMES KITTIES PLAY

STRANGE INVASIONS

CAT VS. HUMAN

EPI-CURIOUS

LITTER BOX LETTERS

MIXED MAILBAG

I can see how you are famous. You organized this stuff really well. If a kitty has a problem that purr-tains to a certain CAT-egory. All they gotta do is put their paw on the right chapter.

Love, Cody

Photo courtesy of Janiss Garza

Dear Sparkle,

The photos that you have in this book are of superior quality. I understand your human captured your beauty by herself? Wow! She is purrty darned talented. I like how she put your sagacious words under each photo.

You have trained her well.

Love, Cody

Dear Sparkle,

I liked the advice letter about “Playtime Time Out” Wanna know why? My Mom is super lazy. She doesn’t play with me enough. She says she has BLOGS to write, BLOGS to read, it’s all about BLOGS, BLOGS, BLOGS!

When she does try to play with me, I go through my “cobra-routine” on the carpet. I stretch out and barely move. This frustrates Mom and she stops playing with me.

I guess I need to follow  your advice and show some enthusiasm when I play and maybe she will play with me longer.

Love, Cody

Dear Sparkle,

Thanks for printing the letter about “Housekeeper Havoc.” I could really relate.

I have a housekeeper who comes to my house and moves things around and makes everything smell AWFUL! She even has the nerve to tell me that she knows when I have POOPED! She tries to cover up the smell after I have worked so hard to make it smell like ME in my litter box.

You are right about the sucky monster dust inhaler not being dangerous, as long as I stay out of its’ way.

Thanks for the advice.

I could really relate to “Scared for my life” who wrote that letter.

Love, Cody

Dear Sparkle,

I want to thank you for answering the age-old question of why cats have expressive ears. I am sure a lot of kitties and their humans wanted to know the answer. You said, “it’s because we don’t have eyebrows”

You aren’t just beautiful, you are brilliant.

That’s why you make the big bucks.

Love, Cody

Dear Sparkle,

It’s about time that SOMEONE addressed the issue of “Nickname Nightmare” as you did in your book.

Humans need to realize that we don’t like nicknames. I hate being called “Codester”, “Jelly Belly”, “Co-Dependent” and a host of other ridiculous names.

Thanks for your advice of telling us “when your human mangles your name, make yourself scarce.”

Keep up the great work!

Love, Cody

Dear Sparkle,

4-paws up on your idea for Vet Care Reform: “put the vets into carriers and bring them to US, instead of vice versa.”

PURR GENIUS!!

Love, Cody

Photo courtesy of Janiss Garza

Dear Sparkle,

I think your book is a MUST HAVE for any kitty worth their kibble. Who better to go to for answers to our burning questions than ANOTHER CAT?

You are right, about humans possibly not liking some of what they read. Sometimes the TRUTH HURTS!

I showed your book to my Mom and in a few instances you helped her see the error of her ways. Will she change? One can only hope.

You pointed out some impawtant issues that my Mom and other humans need to pay attention to!

Thanks for taking these impawtant matters into your own paws.

Love, Cody

Dear Sparkle,

Last but not least, I couldn’t agree more with your “Sparkle Says tidbit: the fact that dogs are so trainable does not make them smarter than us cats. Since when has being easily manipulated become a sign of intelligence?”

Love, Cody

 Dear Kitties,

Sparkle wrote this book to solve all of your “kitty conundrums!” There are 70 Questions and Answers, “Sparkle Says” sidebars and full-color photos throughout.

It is “definitely NOT your usual human-written cat book!!”

It is available at booksellers everywhere!

Also, if you haven't already, be sure to visit Sparkle on the web at www.sparklecat.com

Love, Cody

Movie Monday-Life of Pi

Based on the novel Life of Pi

cover photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Life of Pi is a fantasy adventure novel by Yann Martel. I haven't read this book but reading that it has a emphasis on spirituality has me highly intrigued.

I have always been intrigued by Bengal Tigers, which are the national animal of India and Bangladesh.

Life of Pi, the movie will be in theaters this Wednesday! It is on my must see list!


To read about this movie click here

If any of you have read this novel I would love to have you share your thoughts in the comments!

Fun Friday! Neko Flies Give-Away From Chewy.com !!

Hi everyone and Happy Friday!!

I was super excited when my buddy over at Chewy.com contacted me a number of weeks ago asking if I would like to feature Neko Flies on Cat Chat!

At the time my pal  contacted me, he didn't know that I had featured Neko Flies on Cat Chat not once, but at LEAST twice!

Here are the links to the posts:

Cody and Neko Flies "It's Swat Cats Love" Part 1

Neko Flies Part II "Kragonfly"

Why did I choose to feature Neko Flies yet again?

Other than being  super sturdy, (they aren't flimsy at all like some other dangling cat toys), Neko Flies are great for indoor or outdoor use and are a great toy to get your cat to exercise more! They come with the most adorable and realistic critters that have life-like movements which appeal to a cat's natural hunting instinct.

Here are a couple of our faves:

Katarantula

And...Cody's all time  FAVORITE the

 Kittenator Mouse!!!

Check out this video from when Cody first received his Neko Flies last year. (Ignore the jackets and ugly orange chair which we no longer have!)


Cody loves his Neko Flies so much that he knows what drawer I store it in! He will literally circle the dresser drawer meowing and stand on his hind legs in an attempt to open the drawer. Cody is not a  cat that likes to play with just anything, Neko Flies is one of the only toys that truly holds his attention.

There are more critters that you can attach to your Neko Flies. They are:

• Kragonfly
• Kittycada
• Kattipede

Click here to see what they look like!

I think it is just catabulous  that Neko Flies are now  available on Chewy.com!

And...I am even MORE excited to tell you that Chewy.com has offered ONE LUCKY PERSON from the U.S. ONLY PLEASE, a chance to win a Neko Flies of their own!

HOW TO ENTER: Click here to visit Chewy.com and  leave a comment telling me which attachment you think that YOUR kitty would like the best! DEADLINE TO ENTER: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH at 5PM EASTERN. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28th. GOOD LUCK!

Blog Interrupted

A GentleWOMAN AND A Scholar! "Wordy" Wednesday

Many of you will recall that a few weeks back, my baseball team, The Detroit Tigers, was competing in the World Series with the San Francisco Giants, which happens to be the baseball team of my buddy:

SPITTY

Click here to visit Spitty's blog

Spitty's human and my Mom made a bet. The loser had to buy the winner a special surprise that was tied to their "home" city.

Much to our dismay and embarrassment, the Tigers were swept like yesterday's litter and the San Francisco Giants won the World Series. Thanks to Spitty's Mom for forcing us to relive the debacle by blogging about it...AGAIN MOL.

In an attempt to not be a sore loser, which we all know that Mom really IS, Mom sent Spitty's human a delectable treat from one of Detroit's finest, Sanders Fine Chocolates!  Mom sent the :

TOPPING AND TORTIE GIFT BAG

Photo courtesy of Sanders
Click here to visit them

Oh and noooo...the gift bag didn't contain a "Tortie" in the sense that WE kitties know "TORTIES"! There was NO cat in the bag! Mom sent the peanut, chocolate and caramel delight that we all know and love, along with a jar of Sanders famous Milk Chocolate Hot Fudge!

Mom and I were thrilled that Spitty's human enjoyed her treats! Mom thought it was all over and done with when...what did Mom receive today? Let me show you!

A beautifully wrapped package arrived!

From San Francisco!

Mom wondered

what in the world it could be!

Spitty's human  wrote

a most thoughtful note!!

Then Mom opened the package:

Spitty's human had sent the most WONDERFUL magnets that feature the art of Richard Diebenkorn, who grew up in San Francisco. Mom also received a gorgeous set of postcards that feature the artists Matisse and Picasso! They are from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Click here to read about the museum.

Mom was incredibly touched by the thoughtfulness of  Spitty's human, but she was also a tad embarrassed. To represent Detroit, Mom sends calorie-laden treats, well Detroit IS one of the fattest cities in the country, now we know why and Spitty's human sends culture, sophistication and intellect to represent San Franciso...all wrapped beautifully in a box!

Spitty's human said it was "one of her favorite spots."

Hmmm...I think there is a deeper message here. Spitty's human is the epitome of culture, class, brains and sophistication and she portrayed San Francisco as such.

My Mom chooses a gift to represent Detroit that is chocolate-caramel-and -nut-laden.  Mom's gift infers that  she  spends her days sitting on her fat-behind trolling the Internet while shoving bon-bons down her throat, while Spitty's human is soaking up art and culture. Mom chooses a gift that says that HER "favorite spot" is a friggin CANDY SHOP!!   If her gift is a representation of Detroit, NO WONDER WE LOST! 

THANK YOU SPITTY'S HUMAN!!

YOU WIN YET AGAIN!

Love, Cody

Pets Add Life and Giggles, Often When You Lease Expect It

Pets bring many things to our lives, unconditional love, cuddles, paw hugs, licks and tail wags just to name a few.

There are times that Cody and Dakota catch me completely unaware, and have me laughing, often when laughing is the thing I need the most but am the least likely to do.

A few days ago I was feeling incredibly stressed. I had a number of things on my mind, I couldn't focus, couldn't concentrate on work that I needed to get done, and I seemed to find annoyances and distractions at every turn.

Dakota was having a bark-a-thon in the living room, Cody was circling, pacing and whining in the kitchen for food, having just eaten a mere five minutes earlier. I couldn't make a move in the kitchen without the gray- striped- eating- machine- with- feet pleading for just another morsel. His pitiful cries and facial expression were reminiscent of the movie "Oliver" ...


I thought I would lose my mind!

Mind you, I was attempting to work in the kitchen, as I am doing now, when I could have easily moved into my office, which is where my work SHOULD be done. That would have been too easy.

After numerous and unsuccessful attempts to stop the barking boy-wonder in the living room, and trying to ignore the pleading  face in the kitchen that screamed, if-you-don't-feed-me-soon-I'm-gonna-die, I had had enough.

I ripped the laptop cord out of the wall, grabbed my coffee, editorial calendars and a host of other "necessities" and decided that the ONLY place I could go that would offer any semblance of peace and quiet would be, my office.

A food obsessed cat and a dog who loved to hear his own voice, would soon be on the OTHER side of my door while I would revel in the sanctuary that is my office.

I plopped my laptop and supplies on my desk and began straightening up in an attempt to bring some balance and quiet to my world.

I lit my salt lamps and aromatherapy candles and breathed a sigh of relief. I closed slammed the door behind me shutting out a dog with much too much to say, and a cat whose quest for food never ceased.

 I breathed an audible sigh of relief.

  Alone at last, silence and calm were FINALLY MINE. I would, at long last,  be able to get  something accomplished.

Or so I thought...I turned towards my desk and something caught my eye......I shrieked to my husband..."OH NOOOOOOOOO!!!"

"What's wrong?" he yelled from the living room.

"Come and LOOK!"

Just when I thought I was BLISSFULLY ALONE, THIS is what I saw:

Sitting on top of my desk, behind my files, with a face staring at me as if to say, "So? You thought you got rid of me? I will NOT be deterred, you are MINE Woman, ALL MINE. Now BRING ME FOOD" was Cody!!!

I had forgotten that the door to my office holds a CAT DOOR at the bottom. I might have wanted to be alone but Cody would have NONE of it.

I looked at him and laughed myself silly. It was the BEST gift he could have given me that day.


This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life Campaign and the American Pet Products Association. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership.


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Free Song Download from Laurel Canyon Animal Company!!

Hi everyone! It's Cody and boy oh boy I am gonna have your week begin on the RIGHT PAW!

While I am typing this, I am listening to a SUPER CUTE CD by Laurel Canyon Animal Company called Cat-A-Tonic.  My buddy, Skip at Laurel Canyon Animal Company knows that I'm a pretty cool cat and that I have eclectic taste in "tuneage"  How did he know this?

Well, Skip first met my Sheltie brother, Dakota a few months ago and sent him the CD It's All Right If My Dog Sleeps On The Bed All Night With Me and offered Dakota's readers a free song and I was like, "What am I, yesterdays kibble?"

So, being the smart guy that Skip is, he JUMPED right on it!

I'm tellin' ya kitties...this music ROCKS!!! Right now I am listenin' to CAT O' NINE TALES ...it's got a super cool....jazzin' kinda slow groove....oh yeah...I need to kick back with a bowl 'o somethin' while I'm listenin' to this I'll tell ya!

Ok so who is Laurel Canyon? Laurel Canyon creates music for, about and with animals. They even utilize the services of animal communicators for many of their musical projects.


I'm listenin' to Litterbox Boogie right now...."scoop, scoop, scoop, do the litterbox boogie..." Oh yeah man I'm tappin' my paws to THIS ONE!

Since Dakota reviewed their CD, Laurel Canyon had a website re-design AND a BRAND NEW CD which was released just in time for the holidays!! It's called "Bring An Animal Home For The Holidays" Take a listen to a few cuts right here.

To celebrate the re-design of the website, my buddy Skip is offering a FREE SONG DOWNLOAD for ALL ANIMAL LOVERS!!! Kitties...THIS MEANS ALL OF YOU!!

All you have to do is visit their website, listen to the sound samples, choose a song and then send my buddy Skip an email. He will send you an mp3 of the song of your choice. Instructions for easy emailing are on the website, click here.

Lookin' for somethin to open ALL EIGHT NIGHTS of Chanukah or to put in your stockings, kitties!? YOU FOUND IT RIGHT HERE!!

You're welcome.....

Now...I gotta run....feelin' a bout of the munchies comin' on.....gotta eat and then finish gettin' my GROOVE ON by listenin' to a song on Cat-A-Tonic about my favorite topic...ME! They wrote a song for ME!!  (It's not REALLY about ME) the song is called: "It's All About Me-ow" it's about cats thinking EVERYTHING is about them.

You mean everything ISN'T about us?

You must be a dog.

A Big THANK YOU to our "Vets!!"

For our friends who aren't familiar with Veterans Day

 you can learn more about it by clicking here

Book Review: "Moo Kitty Finds a Home" By Valerie Lee Veltre Just in time for Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month

Precious, heart-warming, hopeful, educational, delightful are just a few words that come to mind when reading Moo Kitty Finds a Home by Author Valerie Lee Veltre.

Cover Photo Courtesy Of
http://www.mookittyfindsahome.com/

Moo Kitty Finds a Home is based on a true story of a black and white kitty who bears a resemblance to a Holstein cow, hence the name "Moo".

He spent many years in bliss with his human, until one day, she was called to Heaven.

Moo was heart-broken as any kitty would be. He gazed in fear and shock as strangers came into his home, removed all that was familiar to him, and unceremoniously placed HIM by the trash.

Frightened and feeling alone, Moo is visited briefly by three Angel kitties, an orange cat named Fred, a red and white spotted cat named Calvin, and a Calico named Maybelle. They reassure Moo that they are his guardian angels and will guide him to safety. They let Moo know that even if he doesn't SEE them, they ARE there protecting him every step of the way.

Moo realizes he must rely on hope, faith and courage and BELIEVE that he will one day find a home. He is sad but keeps believing that it WILL happen.

He meets a nice man who feeds him and takes him to a shelter where he makes many new friends. He soon realizes that most of the families that are coming in want to adopt kittens, NOT an older cat.

He watches his kitten friends, even a rabbit and his gray striped cat friend (appropriately named Stripes) all find homes before him.

How long will Moo have to wait to be adopted? You will have to read the book to find out!


This book couldn't be more perfect, since November is Adopt- A -Senior- Pet- Month


"Each year, six to eight million cats and dogs are abandoned in the U.S. They are taken to shelters, left homeless, and in some sad cases, euthanized."

Photo Courtesy of Petfinder.com

The illustrations in Moo Kitty Finds a Home are colorful and fun eye-candy that were lovingly created by Illustrator Liz Leonard.  If you are interested in seeing more of her work you can visit lizleonardillustration.com

Photo Courtesy Of
http://www.mookittyfindsahome.com/

It is no surprise that this book is a Mom's Choice Awards Gold Recipient:

"This heart-filled story offers an opportunity to introduce children to the concepts of loss, abandonment, adoption and pet-responsibility in a positive and age-appropriate manner. Adorable in every way!" --The Mom's Choice Awards 

In the back of the book is a section that lists the benefits of adopting an adult pet, some of those are:

• you'll reduce the population of strays on the street by opening shelter space for another animal
• often animals from shelters have already been neutered, wormed and vaccinated
• adult animals are more sedate, making them a practical choice for the elderly and families with children

Kudos to Author Valerie Lee Veltre for writing this heart-warming and educational gem! Rest assured that Moo Kitty is alive and well. He enjoys inspecting his flower garden and can often be found in his favorite chair, napping on his mint green blanket. How do I know this? It was Valerie who rescued Moo Kitty and gave him a forever home!! You can learn more about Valerie by visiting valerieleeveltre.com

Moo Kitty Finds a Home
is for ages 5 and up
ISBN: 978-1-60800-010-4
Published by Squidgy Press
an imprint of:
LifeReloaded Specialty Publishing
LLC, Lancaster, PA

It is available at bookstores, libraries, online and at www.MooKittyFindsAHome.com

BREAKING NEWS from Moo Kitty!!! "Save 20%. Do you know it's adopt a Senior Pet Month? You can help one of our favorite non-profits today!

We've teamed up with Kitten Associates to promote ADULT animal adoption! For every Moo Kitty book sold in November, we will donate $1.

00 to Kitten Associates, Inc.

Follow the link and enter promo code: senior12 to get the 20% discount plus free shipping in the continental US!

http://www.mookittyfindsahome.com/promo1.html

I was sent a copy of Moo Kitty Finds a Home for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review.