International Day of Friendship

Today is International Day of Friendship and boy oh boy does the world need to put into practice the purpose of this day that is quoted here:

"Our world faces many challenges, crises and forces of division — such as poverty, violence, and human rights abuses — among many others — that undermine peace, security, development and social harmony among the world's peoples."

from Pinterest from techfacts.com

"To confront those crises and challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship.

Through friendship — by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust — we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good."

On this day, we would like to thank our friends from far and wide, from countries all over the world, for your caring, support and for your visits!

Cody and I appreciate that you think of us and visit when you can, (even if we don't blog as much as we used to), we THANK YOU!!

We also would like to thank our furiends at Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs for the darling card they made for Cody for his Gotcha Day on July 28th! 

• 
  

Thank you for being our furiends!!! 
Love from Cody and Caren

Adoptable Cat: "Athena" Please Adopt Her in Honor of Cody's 12th Gotcha Day!

Hi dear friends!! Today, is Cody's 12th Gotcha Day and in honor of this special day, it is extremely important for us to feature a certain beautiful adoptable cat named Athena.

I stole this photo from the Paws for Life Rescue Website

I first met Athena at the Petco located at 29335 Orchard Lake Rd in Farmington Hills, MI over a month ago. It could easily have been TWO months ago, and for the life of me I cannot figure out why she hasn't been adopted.

The first time I met her, she was eager to stick her paw out of the cage and play with me. She has the most charming personality. She is precious.

Photo stolen from https://www.adoptapet.com/paws-for-life-rescue/pet/athena/

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO ME?

Today, when I went to Petco to pick up cat food for Cody and some dog treats for Dakota, as I walked through the doors of Petco I prayed that Athena would NOT be there. But.........there she was. She was in a different cubby but it was her. I mentioned to the salesperson at Petco that I was shocked that she was still there, the salesperson said it wasn't the same cat, (puhlease....I know my cats)... I remember her being there because each and every time I would go in I would stop and play with her.  (this is the 4th or so time I have seen her over at least a 2 month period of time),  IT IS DEFINITELY  HER. I remember her name because of our blogging friend Athena, and because I LOVE her name.

It was ironic that I went there today.  Lately I have been getting Cody's food elsewhere, but today,  (this blog post was written on Saturday, July 27th and Cody was adopted on July 28th, 2007),  it is 12 years almost to the DAY that Cody was adopted. He was also adopted from a Petco in Farmington Hills, but at their former location further down the road.

Cody and I on his adoption day at Petco on July 28th, 2007

Cody has brought me nothing but joy for the 12 years he has been with us (well, he CAN be a pain but we adore him) and in honor of Cody's 12th Gotcha Day it would mean the WORLD to me if this sweet girl would be adopted too.

ABOUT ATHENA:

Photo stolen from https://www.adoptapet.com/paws-for-life-rescue/pet/athena/

My Story

Hi ya! My name is Athena. I was born in November 2017. I am a beautiful short-haired kitty with white and brown tabby markings. I am young, playful and full of life. I love to play with toys. I love to climb and perch atop the cat tower. I will chase kitty wands and pounce on feathery toys, but when I'm not playing, I am ready to settle down for a comfy catnap. I always use a litterbox like a good girl and I am ready for the home of my dreams. You can come meet me at the Petco store in Farmington Hills any time its open. I'll be there waiting to fall in love with you. Adoption fee: $60. Adopt a pair: $90. Fee includes testing, deworming, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip and 30 days of free pet insurance.

YOU CAN FILL OUT AN

 ADOPTION APPLICATION HERE

And....you can also meet Athena at the Petco Adoption event on Saturday, August 3rd at the Petco at 29335 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, Michigan (just south of 13 mile road). Not all adoptable animals will be there, so once again if you are interested in Athena you can fill out an application here  or visit the Petco on Orchard Lake Rd ASAP to meet her in pawson!!

Photo stolen from https://www.adoptapet.com/paws-for-life-rescue/pet/athena/

WHY DIDN'T I ADOPT ATHENA?

Believe me, I came close. History almost repeated itself...almost. I had to stop myself. Years ago our Vet felt it wouldn't be a great idea for us to adopt a third pet for a couple reasons: 1) he was afraid it would disturb the unique dynamic that Cody and Dakota have 2) financial. I just don't think we could afford a third pet, especially now. Both boys are 12 years old. Dakota now has hypertension and Cody is on Pred for a cough he has had for a few months (he hasn't coughed since being on Pred). Our Vet trips have become much more frequent, and at this time, and at the stages of both of their lives, I am afraid it wouldn't be fair to anyone. Not to Cody, Dakota....or even Athena. I am not sure how they would feel about a third pet, plus our condo association rules are no more than 2 pets per unit.

If I can help Athena find a home and right on Cody's 12th Gotcha Day no less it would be the most beautiful thing EVER!!!! 

If you are in Southeast Michigan, won't you consider adopting Athena? If you can't then, would you please share her? I don't care about sharing MY post...just simply share HER. You can click here for her page at the Paws for Life Rescue 

You can also call Paws for Life at: 248-906-8752

Cody and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!!
Happy Happy 12th Gotcha Day to my special cuddle bug!!!!

The Best Way To Memorialize A Cat: A Cat Painting By PortraitFlip! (Sponsored Guest Post)

It is very difficult to move on with your life  after losing a cat.  Our beloved feline friends leave paw prints on the hearts of every pet parent!

Pet memorials help a lot in this unfortunate situation. Most everyone understands how much people are affected by your loss and you also get a reason to survive.

Memorial gifts can really soothe the pain that a cat parent has and give them something to cling onto.

How Does A Cat Memorial Portrait Help?

Cat Charcoal -Portrait Flip

One of the hardest parts of losing a cat, (but it can also bring comfort),  is thinking back over your cats' history and remembering all of the things you and your feline friend did together. Eventually the pain becomes easier to bear.  

Thinking of the deceased cat is normal,  it is important to let your emotions out. Eventually, while it will always hurt, the pain becomes easier to bear. 

A cat memorial portrait of the purry friend can be a lot of help.  It allows you to emotionally connect to it,  and talk your heart out in front of it. It justifies the blank spaces which were created after the cat left you.

Looking at the painting will be of great help to subconsciously soothe the mind.

Something non-commercial like a handmade painting has a very pure thought behind it and acts as a great medium to connect with.

How Can You Get A Painting Easily From A Custom Photo?

Cat Oil Painting-Portrait Flip

The folks at PortraitFlip are serving people with genuine handmade paintings from photos, that they then deliver right to their doorstep! 

They have made it very simple to cater to tailored orders with their 3 step online ordering service:

1. Upload the photos of your cat.
2.    Select one medium from Oil, Charcoal, Pencil, Watercolor, Colored Pencil or Acrylic.
3.    Select one framing option among Rolled, Gallery Wrapped or a Frame and place the order.

YOU CAN ALSO ADD THE NAME OF YOUR CAT

PortraitFlip’s executives will guide you through by suggesting the best photo, they will make any changes that you may want.

They feature a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee so you can be assured of getting what you want.

They offer Free Shipping Worldwide and an option of Express Delivery to cater to rush orders.

One of the best things about PortraitFlip is that they understand the emotional value of the painting which makes them create a painting which you would definitely like to hold onto for your whole life!

In A Nutshell:

Cat Pencil Sketch Portrait Flip

Memorials have an enormous impact in helping people heal from the loss of their pet.

When you lose a beloved pet don't make huge expectations of yourself. Eventually you will be able to get back into your routine. 

Something like a cat memorial portrait by PortraitFlip can be a huge help in the healing process. It will help you to stabilize the whole journey of moving on!

During this difficult time spend time with those who bring you comfort and be gentle with yourself!! 

Find PortraitFlip:

Website: www.portraitflip.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCWeM6IABe4gS1dp19BQP56g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portraitflip/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlipPortrait/?ref=br_rs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/portraitflip?lang=en

FTC disclosure: this is a sponsored guest post that was written by Portrait Flip with some editing done by me. I received a small fee for featuring their product.

Moochy Monday

Don't feel sorry for Cody!!! He had a few pieces of chicken in the kitchen before these photos were taken. I was working on the computer eating my OWN chicken when I looked over and saw Cody had appeared on the chair next to me.  Rest assured he DID have chicken!!

We are happy to FINALLY be remembering to participate in the:

Blog Hop hosted by our dear furiend Sandee at Comedy Plus!!! Head over and visit all of the other cute posts there!

National Stick Out Your Tongue Day

Hi all! Cody here! Today is National Stick Out Your Tongue Day  (Seriously, who comes up with these "holidays?")   and when I was reading about this holiday I learned that contrary to what it means in the U.S., in Tibet sticking out one's tongue is a form of greeting!!  Consider yourselves "greeted!!"

This day is also a day where you can stick out your tongue at things that are bothering you and what is bothering me is the 90 degree temps we have been having. I am lucky to be an indoor cat with air conditioning, but the 90 degree temps mean that every day when my sunbeams begin to pour through the window, Mom pulls the shades all the way down so it is like we live in a cave! Mom says it's smart to do because it keeps the room cooler and hopefully doesn't make the air conditioner have to work too hard. All I know is I want it to cool down so I can lay in my sun puddles!

What are YOU sticking YOUR tongue out at today? 
Leave me a comment and let me know!

Love, Cody

"Fatty" Mama

Hi All! It's Cody! See how I am laying in the photo above? Well, when Mom comes home today that is gonna be HER!! She is gonna have to sleep with her arm hanging out just like my kitty arm/leg above.

You see, Mom's fattiness finally got the better of her! Mom is having outpatient surgery today to remove a fatty lipoma from her shoulder. A fatty lipoma is  a lump under the skin that occurs due to an overgrowth of fat cells.

See? Mom's fattiness finally got the better of her! The doctor said Mom's lipoma is the size of a golf ball!! Wonder if her entire body is one big fatty lipoma? MOL!!

Anyway, Mom is only used to kidney stone pain and has no clue if she is going to be in pain or not after the surgery today. So, if she is slow reading blogs/responding to email etc., that means she isn't feeling that great!

Hope to see you all soon!

Love, Cody

Lazy Monday

Hi All! It's Cody! If you need me, this is where I will be spending the day! I have had this cat tree for YEARS and it is STILL my favorite place to be!!! Oh, ignore the two Detroit Lions ornaments hanging from it. Do you believe my Mom put them on MY tree at Christmas and NEVER TOOK THEM DOWN? Of COURSE you believe it, after all, it's Mom I'm meowin' about!

If it's crazy hot where YOU are, keep cool and don't keep your furbabies outside too long!

Love, Cody

Cat vs. Dog: The Pet Diaries 1 by Rosa Silva (A Fun Book for Bi-Petual Pet Owners!)

Hear that sound? That sound is me whacking myself in the head after reading yet another "why didn't I think of this!?" entertaining, witty and laugh-out-loud book written by author/ blogger, Rosa Silva.

Rosa has an uncanny ability to take a simple topic that millions of pet people can relate to, write about what the pet people either are already thinking about, wondering about or living with daily, and infuse it with her insight and humor, (sometimes snarky humor which makes whatever she writes that much more fun.)  In order to write about BOTH cats and dogs the writer would have to have a clear understanding of what makes BOTH animals "tick" and Rosa possess that talent in spades!

ABOUT CAT VS DOG, THE PET DIARIES 1 BY ROSA SILVA: "Oliver, the cat, is the boss of the house. When his owner, Claire, brings home a dog she adopted from the shelter, Oliver decides to do anything to get rid of the dog. Will the cat succeed in getting the dog out of the house or will they become friends? Read along as Oliver the cat and Max the dog write down their diary entries that perfectly depict their completely different personalities and opposing views of the world."

I ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT of this super fast read and the accompanying illustrations by Diana Necsulescu were just purrfect.  Cat vs Dog is a fun book to gift any pet household that is "bi-petual" (has cats and dogs who reside there)  Cats and dogs definitely have their own way of communicating and if they could speak in human words, I believe that their outlook on life and their experiences would be pretty darned close to what  Rosa has imagined they would be. Being the pet parent to a cat and a dog, reading Cat vs Dog, The Pet Diaries 1 reminded me of the day our Sheltie, Dakota joined our family. Our cat, Cody, had been the sole pet for approximately 3 months before the infiltrator entered our domain. I can only imagine what he was thinking that infamous first day when he circled Dakota's crate and hissed at him for the first and only time of his life. Reading Rosa's book made me wonder, could there be two secret diaries  hidden around here that were written by MY cat and dog? If not, I am excited to follow the continuing saga between Oliver and Max that is certain to be coming in the future!

• Adults will definitely laugh at the humor in this book and it would be a fun read for children as well. It's "CATABULOUS" and "BARK OUT LOUD" funny!
• Will Oliver the cat and Max the dog EVER become friends, or will Oliver have his way and have Max removed from their home? I won't tell! You will have to read the book to find out! 
• I give it a resounding 4 PAWS, (WAIT! MAKE THAT 8 PAWS if you include Dakota's paws) UP!!

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
along with the two other books she has written!
My review of Stop Meowing and Go the F*ck to Sleep
My review of  I'm Not Sorry:Poems by Cats
You can also find Rosa on her My Book Fetish blog.

About the Author

"Rosa Silva is an author and a self-confessed book nerd with a soft spot for cats. She lives in Portugal, where she shares her home with (surprisingly) just one cat"

In full disclosure: I received a copy of Cat vs Dog, The Pet Diaries 1 by Rosa Silva for free in exchange for my always honest review. I received no other compensation.

Have a Safe 4th!! Remember to Keep your Pets Safe from Fireworks!

quote was found on Pinterest
Yes, Cody is REALLY wearing the tie

"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." —Abraham Lincoln

Have a Happy and Safe 4th, keep the furbabies close!!!