It's Caturday and It's Halloween!!!!

Book Review and Give-Away:Simon's Cat Off to the Vet And Other Cat-astrophes

Making the rounds throughout the Cat blogging circuit is the latest endeavor by Simon Tofield:

There isn't a cat in the world that enjoys going to the Vet.  Believe it or not, up until Cody's sudden illness  last Winter I NEVER had trouble bringing him to the Vet, but my Angel Bobo was another story entirely. Viewing the clever cartoons brought back memories of having to cancel Vet appointments because Bobo wouldn't come out from under the bed!

I am tickled to be one of many bloggers who are featuring Simon Tofield's latest endeavor, Simon's Cat Off to the Vet and Other Cat-astrophes. I have been an enormous fan of all things Simon's Cat  for years! From the 40 short animations on, I just can't get enough of Simon's Cat. I  have a Simon's Cat T-shirt, as well as notebooks! Cody and I are proud to have featured all of the Simon's Cat books on our blog and Simon's Cat Off to the Vet and Other Cat-astrophes is the most-requested subject since the launch of the Simon's Cat YouTube series back in 2007, It is the third of Simon Tofield's Simon's Cat books and the third time we have featured a new Simon's Cat book on our blog!

The two other Simon's Cat illustrated books are:

Simon's Cat in Kitten Chaos

Simon's Cat vs. The World

I also had the pleasure/honor of  listening to Simon Tofield speak (as well as the complete delight of watching him create illustrations in person), a few years ago at one of the Purina Better With Pets Summits. What a complete and total joy he was!! Having grown up with a world-renowned cartoonist Father, I know first-hand the time it takes as well as the brilliant mind that one must have to be  able to create simple cartoons with NO WORDS, that millions of people can relate to. Many have no conception as to just how difficult that is to accomplish.  Let's not forget the God-given gift of artistic talent as well. The talent/intellect that is necessary to be successful in this type of a creative endeavor is formidable.

Simon's Cat Off to the Vet and Other Cat-astrophes just might relax you the next time you embark on a journey to the vet with your cat(s) ! From illustrations depicting Simon literally taking the cat carrier and attempting to DUMP the cat on the exam table, (admit it, YOU have done that too!),  to the cat grabbing on to their owner as if the owner was velcro, (to avoid the hands of the crazed Vet that invades oh-so-personal spots), Simon's Cat Off to the Vet And Other Cat-astrophes has it all!

While viewing the illustrations I was reminded of the time that Cody was wearing a cone and my husband and I called him "Space Boy." Cody never missed a beat with that cone, even with our dog trying to grab it, every time poor Cody tried to move. 

copyright 2015 Simon Tofield, used with permission by Akashic Books

The above photo depicts the mischief that Simon's Cat gets into when he runs through the Vet visiting all sorts of areas that he is not supposed to be a  part of!

The animated feline sensation beloved worldwide is also sharing its theme with the first-ever full-color Simon's Cat film. The story inspiration for this book and film are discussed by Simon Tofield below:

And...let's not forget the other "Cat-astrophes" in this latest Simon's Cat book! The illustration below is just one of many that will remind you that whatever trials you may experience with your cat(s), you are FAR from alone!!

 It is evident from all of the Simon's Cat creations, that they are all  labors of love, brilliantly orchestrated by an incredibly talented man, who, like the rest of us, simply  LOVES HIS CATS!

copyright 2015 Simon Tofield, used with permission by Akashic Books

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Simon Tofield is an award-winning animator and cartoonist. He has had a lifelong interest in animals, beginning as a child, when his uncle gave him a plastic pond that quickly filled with wildlife. Simon was given his first cat when he was nine and now has four rescue cats, which are the mischievous inspiration for his work. He is the author of multiple Simon’s Cat books, including Simon’s Cat in Kitten Chaos and Simon’s Cat vs. the World.

SIMON'S CAT OFF TO THE VET..AND OTHER CAT-ASTROPHES BY SIMON TOFIELD
HOT OFF THE PRESSES ON  OCTOBER 29, 2015
240 FUN-FILLED PAGES! AVAILABLE ON AMAZON AND ON AKASHIC BOOKS!!! 

Add this one to your holiday gift-giving list!

GIVE-AWAY!! Our friends at Akashic Books are offering a most GENEROUS GIVE-AWAY!!! FIVE OF OUR READERS WHO ARE 18 AND OVER AND WHO RESIDE IN THE U.S. WILL EACH WIN A COPY OF SIMON'S CAT OFF TO THE VET AND OTHER CAT-ASTROPHES! (An approximate $20 value). Entering is easy, there is only ONE mandatory entry! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below!
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In full disclosure:I was not compensated for this review and give-away. I was sent a copy of Simon's Cat Off to the Vet and Other Cat-astrophes in exchange for my always honest review. Prizes will be provided by and mailed to the five winners from the publisher, Akashic Books.

7 Ways To Celebrate National Cat Day!

About National Cat Day from Wikipedia:National Cat Day was founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige. It is a celebration that takes place on October 29, every year in the United States. The National Cat Day website states that the holiday was first celebrated in 2005, "to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their life for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us."

Cat Baubles, Birthdays, Bowties, Cat Butts and Cuddly Cat Pillows!!

As many of you know, last week I had a HUGE birthday!!!! Not only was it HUGE in years, it was HUGE in love!! I am truly blessed! I had surprises that began on the weekend that continued right through my birthday, my husband was responsible for many of them, but I also received some other special things around the time of my birthday!

BAUBLES

Among some of the fantastic gifts I received were these beautiful "baubles" from my sister-in-law Nancy, who lives in Florida. She had visited France last summer and picked these up for me:

They now have a place of honor on a shelf in my office, I just love them!!!

BIRTHDAY

I also received some fabulous cards which you can see below:

Thanks to all who sent me cards, I hope I didn't miss anyone! I loved each and every one of them and am deeply touched!!!

BOWTIES

One of our readers commented on our Blogoversary post asking if Cody was wearing a collar. Nope, it wasn't a color but it WAS an adorable Bowtie!!

A few months ago I participated in an auction, and was the highest bidder of these darling Bowties made by Emily from Kitty Cat Chronicles!!!!

Emily makes custom-made Bowties and Flowers for kitties!!!!!

Photo courtesy of http://www.kittycatchronicles.com/bow-ties--flowers.html

Our crochet bow ties and flowers are hand-made right here at home. They can be made in any color(s) or size. They have elastic bands on the back that slide over a collar. A great gift for any furry furiend, whether they be a kitty or a woofie!

The bow ties and flowers come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you aren't happy with the way your bow tie or flower turned out or if something comes apart, send it back for a fix or replacement at any time!

You can place your order for a bow tie or flower by emailing us at kittycatchronicles@gmail.com.


10% of all proceeds are donated to Circle of Friends Animal Society. - See more at: http://www.kittycatchronicles.com/bow-ties--flowers.html#sthash.EHQUzBvE.dpuf

Cody's ties were custom designed by Emily because he doesn't wear a collar, so she made a variation for him that ties. Emily asked me first if I wanted this type of a tie and I agreed since Cody does not wear Bow Ties regularly. CAUTION:DO NOT LET YOUR CAT WEAR THIS TYPE OF BOW TIE UNATTENDED. I only put ties on Cody when I am taking photos of him and I was right there with him the entire time. With this type of Bow Tie if you leave the cat unattended he/she could chew on the yarn. You do not want that to happen. As with toys, etc., when not in use, put them away in a safe place (if you have this type of a Bow Tie). 

Cody isn't a fan of bow ties or other items that he has to wear, so I don't normally keep them on him that long.  He wears them for special photos and holidays and that's about it! I thank Emily for doing such an incredible job with them, I am so happy to have been the highest bidder!!  I LOVE THEM!!!!! Cody now has them in FOUR different colors, so he is all set! Thank you Emily!!

 CAT BUTTS!

The next cat item I received was from my other sister-in-law, Judy. These you have seen quite a bit on the web, but here they are again!

CAT BUTT MAGNETS

CARTOON WORDS NOT INCLUDED!!

Then, I had a most wonderful surprise from my friend Joanne over at Triple T Studios! Back in September she had a give-away for a Cuddly Cat Pillow that I went crazy for because the gray tabby cat pillow looks so much like Cody!! Well, I entered the give-away, didn't win, but guess what Joanne surprised me with on my milestone birthday? Here it is!!!! The:

CUDDLY CAT PILLOW

FROM TRIPLE T STUDIOS!!

$19.99

The Cuddly Cat Pillow is the purr-fect way to add cat cuteness where you need a cushion.  This soft plush covered pillow measures approximately 15 inches ( 38 cm) wide, 11 inches (28 cm) high and 3 inches (8 cm) in depth.  Large enough to make a statement but small enough to double as a travel or car pillow.  Your new cat nap companion!

Cody doesn't think it looks like him, I think it does!

The Cuddly Cat Pillow is covered with a soft plush material.  The poly-fill pillow insert is included.

The Cuddly Cat Pillow is available in two colors: Gray Tabby and Brown Tabby.

Cody doesn't have to worry, the Cuddly Cat Pillow now resides with my other "artsy" pillows on our couch. I am certain I will find Cody sleeping on it or by it, one day soon!!!!

A huge thank you to Triple T Studios for this MOST APPRECIATED and deeply loved, surprise milestone birthday gift!!!! 

Thanks to everyone for all of the wonderful things that were featured on the blog today! Which ones are your favorites? 

Our 6th Blogoversary and a FroliCat™ RoloRat Give-Away!!!

Today is a special day for us! Well, frankly YESTERDAY was a special day for Cody and I because six years ago yesterday we published our FIRST blog post!  To say we had no clue as to what we were doing is an understatement of epic proportions!  Sometimes we STILL have no clue as to what we are doing, but here we are approximately 1474 posts later, with friends all over the world. Who'd a thunk it? Certainly not us!

The past six years have flown by, and  have given us laughs, learning, lovely new friends, many new experiences, lessons learned and valued partnerships both past and present.  Yes, for a bevy of reasons there were even  sometimes tears, and heartache,  but we wouldn't trade any of it, or any of YOU for the world!

Cody and I DEEPLY THANK YOU for taking  the time to visit our blog! It is an honor that we do not take for granted. We wouldn't be able to do whatever it is we do, without YOU! THANK YOU!

Oh My Cat we would be remiss if we didn't thank The Oakland Press!, and particularly Glenn Gilbert. This blog came about as a result of attending one of their Citizen Journalist workshops, I knew I wasn't cut out to be a Citizen Journalist, but I asked them if they needed any bloggers and they told me to shoot them some ideas....Cat Chat (the name of this blog at that time), was one of three ideas that I submitted and they accepted it. They provided a link for the first few years, then I moved off on my own. Today, I am  one of  100s of Oakland Press bloggers, but at that time there were less than 50 of us! A HUGE thank you to The Oakland Press!

In honor of our Blogoversary our dear elf friend is allowing us to have a give-away for one of their newest cat toys,  The FroliCat™ RoloRat  !

Only available at Bed, Bath & Beyond,  (it retails for $19.99).  The FroliCat™ RoloRat is an exciting, rolling toy that encourages your cat to hunt and stalk.

The  RoloRat has crazy red eyes and a long tail that whips around to entice your cat to chase and pounce. This crazy rat even makes fun sounds that will let cats know he’s on the move.

 The unit automatically turns off after 10-15 minutes,  it even has a  "Play While You Are Away" mode that allows cats to play even when you¹re not there. We haven't tried that yet, because I think that Dakota would lose his mind!

Cody's Opinion?

Cody is STILL trying to figure out what he thinks of this one! This rat is HUGE...it measures 4-1/2" L x 3" W x 3" H.  Cody is a pretty fearless cat, but this guy DID give him a run for his kibble!!!  Cody DID attempt to bat it, but ONLY when it was idle and when the possessed-looking red eyes stopped flashing.  See for yourself in this short video: (Please forgive the poor video quality, I had to use my zoom and when I do this, the video doesn't record quite as clearly). 






My Opinion?
I am a little mixed about this one as well. Don't get me wrong, I think it is HILARIOUS, but the sound almost sounds like a dentist's drill.  At  first I thought it would be better if the RoloRat moved in a straight line, but the more I think about it, I think it is even funnier that it wobbles around the way that it does. I also love how it has a mind of its own!!! It covers a large area and it seems to know just exactly where the cat is so that it can annoy the cat even more! I also loved the feel of the rubber tail...I picked it up and swung it around by the tail which gave ME great amusement! Cody and I are huge fans of the FroliCat line, (we have reviewed a number of their toys), and while this one might be a little daunting to Cody, I feel he will get used to it! I think that it would be hilarious to see this rat in action with those of you who have more than one cat. I think the actions/reactions would be extra hilarious!

You can find out for yourself just how entertaining this would be, because we are having a:

GIVE-AWAY!!!
 THREE lucky readers who are 18 and over and reside in the U.S., (our apologies to our International readers, BUT...if a U.S. reader wants to enter and ship their prize if they win to someone else outside of the U.S., that's totally up to them!),
  will each win The FroliCat™ RoloRat !!!! Entering is easy,  just enter on the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway






In full disclosure:we were not compensated for this review/give-away. We were sent a RoloRat and were offered a give-away  in exchange for our honest review.

Fat Cat Rescue T-Shirt Winner!

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for the Fat Cat Rescue T-Shirt! It is now time to announce the lucky winner!

HUGE CONCATULATIONS TO:

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8 Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe This Halloween

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY; THIS POST FIRST APPEARED ON OCTOBER 3, 2014.

That wonderful time of year where we can hear the leaves crunch beneath our feet, ghouls and goblins lurk around every bend, delicious candy and snacks are plentiful, who wouldn't like such a fun holiday? Well, I'll tell you who....CATS that's who!! (for that matter dogs too, but that is something for Dakota  to handle, since this blog is devoted to CATS!!)

Halloween is right around the corner and can pose special dangers to our precious pets that we must be aware of. Let's "pawse" and reflect about these potential hazards:

1) Even if your cat is a social gadabout, do not let he/she out unattended on Halloween
(or near Halloween for that matter) Black cats are in greater danger than many others due to some evil minds that want to expose them to awful "tricks" on Halloween.

2) Always make sure your cat is either microchipped or wears a collar (good rule of thumb for all year), but especially if he/she becomes "spooked" at Halloween and takes off for parts unknown. By having the proper identification, should your cat "go missing", the odds of it being returned are much greater than if it had no identification at all.


3) CANDY IS A HAZARD!! That goes for candy wrappers as well. They can cause choking and chocolate can be toxic! Also candies that contain artificial sweeteners! Never, ever leave candy laying around unattended. Remember:"curiosity killed the cat"


4) Confine your cat to one room if you are hosting a party or when trick-or treaters are at your door.

5) Candles and lit pumpkins can be a hazard. Cats are naturally curious. Tails can be accidentally singed, fires can be started due to being knocked over. Opt for flameless candles instead.

6) I am not overly enthused about dressing cats up for Halloween, (or anytime, but YES, I have done it for a hot second to take photos and that is about it.) If you are determined to dress your cat up for Halloween please try the costume on ahead of time to see  how well he/she handles it. Make sure the costume enables her to see, breathe, hear and move around comfortably. Never leave the cat unattended while still in costume. If your cat struggles and balks at being dressed in a costume, for cat's sake, TAKE IT OFF!  I am more of a fan of a hat or bandana as Cody is wearing above. 


7) Most Cats do not enjoy Halloween parties, parades and God Forbid Trick-or-Treating!! These events are  scary and are torture for your cat! Enter the cat's photo in an online photo contest instead. The noises  of parties, parades and being outside, as well as the  extra stimulation, are the purrfect invitation for the kitty to "exit stage left"


8) If you are leaving for the night, the same suggestions that I have mentioned for the 4th of July or anytime you will be away are the same for Halloween.  Leave the TV or radio on throughout the evening to distract the cat from outside noises that might be frightening.


Follow these tips to help ensure that you and your cat have a Halloween that is only full of kitty approved treats and totally trick-free!!

Did I miss any?
Let me know in a comment below.....

Wednesday Winners!!

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for the coupon for Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas...the lucky winners are listed below!
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What Do Mom, Disneyland and the Mickey Mouse Club Have In Common?

WE CAN'T COUNT THAT HIGH!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!

Today's post is mostly in black and white because when Mom was born there was no such thing as color!!!!!  Mom marches to her own drummer and is pretty darned colorful! Mom's birthday celebration started this past weekend. What grown woman asks for Jimmy Fallon items on her birthday? MOM that's who! No expensive jewelry for her...Mom is suffering from the "Peter Pan Syndrome!"  Dad knows Mom awfully well,  he arranged for the Detroit Lions mascot, "Roary" to stop by Mom's seat this past Sunday....Mom was all about singing the Lions fight song with Roary.......hmmm...maybe she and Roary were responsible for the Lions FIRST win of the season? Only the two of them know for sure.

Mom, Disneyland and the Mickey Mouse Club all debuted the same year.........Disneyland is still going strong.......the Mickey Mouse Club? Not so much......all we can say is, 

YOU  BETTER WATCH OUT MOM!!! 

YOU COULD BE EXTINCT TOO!!!

Happy Sweetest Day to all of the Lady Cats and their Humans!!!

Today is Sweetest Day in a few states in the U.S. and I wanted to make it a point to acknowledge ALL of the beeeeaaautiful and oh-so-special ladycats and their humans!!! Sending you all of my love, Cody

Fat Cat Rescue, Inc. wants you! Join us in the feral cat revolution! (Guest Blogger) #FeralCatDay

As a participant in Alley Cat Allies’ 15th Annual National Feral Cat Day®, Fat Cat Rescue will hold an Adopt-a-thon on October 17 and 18 and share ways that everyone can fight for better lives for feral cats. The theme of this year’s Feral Cat Day event is “Evolution of the Cat Revolution.” We are always looking for revolutionaries to join our efforts to humanely reduce the feral cat population. We promote TNR—trap, neuter, return—of feral cats. The cats are vaccinated, neutered or spayed, and then returned to caretakers who provide food and shelter. It’s the proven way to eliminate unwanted litters and to allow feral cats to live out healthier and happier lives. In the past, far too often feral cats were rounded up and killed. As communities learn about TNR, more and more are signing on to a no-kill policy for stray cats—the revolution is growing every day.

"Mr. Whiskers"
He started Fat Cat Rescue!!!

Fat Cat Rescue, Inc. of Lake County, Illinois has been fighting the good fight for cats for years, and we are now a registered 501(c)3 charity. We started in our homes, garages, and yards out of a combination of necessity, compassion, and our inability to allow any animal to suffer. Three years ago, Fat Cat Rescue, Inc organized as a tax-exempt nonprofit rescue and since then we have saved over 3,000 feral and stray cats.

All too often, we find cats on the streets that are homeless but friendly. Our goal is to find a good home for every one of them. We’ve been very successful in finding homes for kittens that are born to feral moms. The kittens are very adoptable after being socialized by our expert fosters. And this brings us back to our Adopt-a-thon event at our local Pet Supplies Plus in Waukegan, Illinois. We hope to find as many furr-ever homes as we can during our two-day event and also to spread the word about the feral cat revolution.

This is "Angel", a very special kitten in her new furrever home, sitting in the St Bernard's bowl

For more information about Fat Cat Rescue, Inc.

like us on Facebook or go to our

website:

For more information about Alley Cat Allies

and National Feral Cat Day® go to

by clicking here

GIVE-AWAY!! Win one of our T-shirts!

Entering is easy, just enter on the rafflecopter below:
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Thankful Thursday

New Book Release, Sale & Give-Away!! Plan Bea by Hilary Grossman

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: I am winging my way to Austin, Texas, (read Dakota's blog for the details!Dad will be here with the "boys"), but I didn't want to leave without sharing with you that Plan Bea has been released and in honor of this momentous occasion, there is a NEW RELASE SALE AND GIVE-AWAY!  LOOK FOR OUR REVIEW OF PLAN BEA ON MONDAY,  NOVEMBER 30TH, but you can take part in the give-away and sale NOW!!!

ABOUT PLAN BEA:

How well do you really know the people in your life?  

Annabel O’Conner has the perfect husband, two adorable children, an amazing job, and the mother from hell! Annabel doesn’t like it but has come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mother, Bea, deteriorated to the point of forced and strained communications. However, an unscheduled call from Bea turns her world around and makes Annabel question everything she believed about her life. 

Despite the fact secrets, lies, and misplaced blame have destroyed the women’s relationship; Annabel reluctantly agrees to help Bea plan her wedding. Little does Annabel know the impact of her decision. 

In this Women’s Contemporary Fiction novel, Hilary Grossman explores the complex relationship that exists between mothers and daughters in a light-hearted and relatable manner.

TO PURCHASE:

Amazon US 

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble 

Goodreads 

BONUS OFFER!!!

DANGLED CARAT 
is on sale!
HURRY! Sale is now and ends SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18th. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FOR ONLY $0.99 ON KINDLE (U.S. ONLY)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hilary Grossman loves to find humor in everyday life. She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep as many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing, blogging, or shoe shopping she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. She lives on the beach in Long Island. 

FOLLOW HILARY!!!

Facebook

Twitter

 Instagram


We were not compensated for sharing this info. We will be happily reading and reviewing Plan Bea in exchange for our always honest review.

It's Tocktober!!!

Winners! Book:MEN & CATS by Marie-Eva Gatuingt and Alice Chaygneaud

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for:

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOTH winners have BLOGS too!

Visit Amy's blog:

BY CLICKING HERE


AND.....OF COURSE
DEBBIE G.
HAS A BLOG TOO!
(as if you didn't know!)

CLICK HERE TO VISIT!!!

John Lennon Would Have Been 75 Today

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY:This is an edited version of a post I did  on what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday.  Since today would have been his 75th birthday, we are repeating portions of it. Happy Birthday John....love, always.

Today, October 9th, 2015

Would Have Been 

John Lennon's 75th birthday....

"Imagine"....

I remember first seeing John (and the rest of the Beatles) on The Ed Sullivan Show back on February 9th, 1964. I was a little girl...7 to be exact...(yes, I am an older than dirt, I am sure you are doing the  math by now).

I pointed to our rabbit-eared television, took one look at John, and said "I like that one". I never changed my mind. John's music served as the back-drop for events in my life that are too numerous to mention.

I loved John's swagger, his "bad boy" persona, his genius, his sarcastic and sardonic sense of humor.

He marched to his own drummer.

He was independent. Like a cat.

https://www.pinterest.com/source/yourcatwasdelicious.tumblr.com/

What I didn't remember until recently was that John Lennon loved cats. Throughout his life he had numerous cats with names such as "Tich", "Tim", "Sam", "Elvis", "Mimi", "Baghari", "Major" and "Minor".

When I was 7 and began what would be a life-long love affair with John Lennon (which continues  even with his untimely death on December 8th, 1980), I had yet to fall in love with cats.

That didn't happen until I was 15.

When I was a little girl I always said I was going to meet John Lennon and marry him.

I thought we had a lot in common.

At age 7 I had yet to start my love affair with cats.

But I loved John Lennon....

I still do.

John Lennon loved cats,
 I loved John Lennon, forget Yoko, 

(sorry Yoko!!)

 If John and I  would have married,
we would have chosen to have  a family of cats.

Ahhhhh  to what could have been.....


"Imagine"

Winner! Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat by Lola and Dawn White

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for:

WE WOULD LIKE TO SEND

HUGE CONCATULATIONS TO:

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INGRID HAS TWO BLOGS AND
 YOU CAN VISIT THEM BELOW!

WE BEES SIAMEEZERS

BARKS FROM MR.JACK FRECKLES