Honoring My "Baby Bobo" on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: I was going to do a new post for this year but Dakota had a dental yesterday where he had 2 teeth removed (he is doing GREAT!!), so needless to say, I have been a bit distracted. To those who have seen this post the past few years, sorry.......to new readers, hope you enjoy reading about my "Baby Bobo"

ABOUT RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY:

Deb Barnes founded Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day (RBRD) in 2015 as a special day for pet guardians to honor the memory of those beloved pets in their life they have loved and lost, but never forgotten – whether fur, fin, feathers, scales or something else. It’s held every year on August 28, in honor of the day Deb had to say goodbye to her  precious Ragdoll cat, Mr. Jazz, the meow author of Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond.  Be sure to share your posts, photos, videos, etc. on Facebook too by clicking this link.

My "Baby Bobo"

In order to not make this post overly "photo heavy" I have created three collages to honor my beloved Bobo whom I was blessed to share my life with from December 1989 until July 2, 2007.

Bobo was found as a stray in sub-zero temperatures when he was approximately six months old. He spent every day of his life showing me his gratitude for having rescued him, and more unconditional love and devotion than I ever thought could exist. His life cannot accurately be portrayed in a mere three collages, but that is all I can do for now. Many of the photos I am sharing with you today,  you have not seen, (I apologize for their poor quality, but they were taken before the days of cell phones and blogging), and I will offer some explanation of the photos. Please join me in remembering my beloved Bobo with all of my love and with a heart that still breaks and grieves when I gaze upon his photos and share these memories.

In this collage you will see in the top left some of Bobo's favorite toys that I cannot bring myself to part with, nor do I ever allow Cody to play with them. The photo on the top left shows them in the bag in which they are stored, in the bottom photo you see his "kitty" that he slept with every day, his stuffed woofie, a mouse, two balls and his catnip pillow with a picture of a kitty that looked so much like him.

In the photo on the top right, are his last bowls that are kept in a trunk for safe-keeping. I have never let Cody use them. They were Bobo's and as much as I love Cody, I never could bring myself to allow him to use these bowls.

This collage is rather eerie when you hear a story that accompanies it. First, why in the world I bought my mancat a PINK carrier is beyond me! For the life of me I have no idea why I did that!

The bottom left photo shows my maiden name with Bobo's name on top of the carrier, all ready for for trips to the vet. The photo on the right is my Bobo sitting on TOP of his carrier which he used to do ALL of the time!

The photo on the top left is a photo of the  carrier as it looks today.  I keep it in the closet of my office, everything in it is exactly as it was since the day he crossed the bridge.I haven't changed or touched a thing. I sometimes think I should dispose of it, but I can't. It will be with me always.

What is eerie is one day I couldn't find Cody. I searched everywhere, and when I finally found him I found him IN the closet, IN Bobo's carrier. He had opened the door, crept in, and it has now become  one of his favorite sleeping spots. He does this nearly EVERY DAY.  I like to think that on some level he and Bobo are communicating, and I am convinced that they are. How and why Cody ever discovered this in the closet, I have no idea. For some reason it brings Cody happiness and comfort to sleep there, and it makes me happy that he does it.

I leave you with a photo of Bobo on the top left in his eating area when we moved to Michigan in 2001. 

The other photos show him on the couch that was Lenny's before we were married. There is a photo on the top right of Lenny and Bobo. Lenny didn't meet Bobo until he was 12 years old and had already slowed down considerably, but they were blessed to have six years together. Sadly, that is the same couch that the Vet helped him cross the Bridge on and we no longer have it. I just couldn't keep it, it caused me enormous pain every time I looked at it.

Painting of Bobo by Becart

I used to think Bobo's markings were so unique until I saw a number of cats in the blogosphere who looked so much like him it was uncanny! I adored his perfect four white paws and his "bib", he was such a handsome boy.

He wasn't a people cat as Cody is, I often wondered what Bobo experienced in the months before he found me. He didn't like strangers, he was a much more fearful cat than Cody (who is fearless), but he had a sensitivity and a remarkable way of being attuned to every nuance of my being that was something that isn't experienced often in ones' lifetime. When I hurt, he hurt, and vice versa.

The Rainbow Bridge poem was given to me by a friend when Bobo passed. I keep it in a frame in my office, where it still brings me comfort.

I didn't intend for this post to be quite this long, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. I also would like to thank Deb Barnes for creating this wonderful event.

I send my love to each and every one of you, and look forward to reading your stories and seeing your photos of those "who came before." May we all derive some comfort from these posts. 

Cat Health: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day #Cat2VetDay #TakeYourCatToTheVetDay

From the American Association of Feline Practitioners
catfriendly.com 

 In our house we are firm believers in "wellness visits", (going to the Vet for check-ups when all is fine, and not waiting for an illness or a crisis to present itself), and keeping up with NECESSARY vaccines, (if applicable!)  Since Cody is a senior kitty we have wellness visits TWICE a year, (March and October) and any other time we deem necessary.

Wellness visits are important because they can often detect problems that could be cropping up. By catching a potential problem EARLY it can help avoid some costly vet bills! Preventative care is important for humans and dogs and it is equally as important for our CATS!!!  

 We are  blessed that we go to:

 DePorre Veterinary Hospital

here in Michigan

 which is a:

(For a list of Cat Friendly Practices in YOUR area, click here)

As I mentioned we are proud that our Vet is a Cat Friendly Practice. While Cody lives with a dog and LOVES his doggy brother, many cats that visit the Vet may not live with a dog or they just do not like dogs. The second we enter our veterinary practice we are taken to an examination room that is ONLY used for cats. They even have cat toys in the room! It makes for a more relaxed cat which enables you to have a MUCH better visit/examination.

Poor Cody, as luck would have it, look what appeared in our inbox this week and it's only August!!!!

Dear Caren,   We hope things are going well for you. Our records indicate that it's about time we see Cody for the following:   Total Health Plus (10/01/2019) 1-Year Rabies Vac. Feline (10/04/2019)   You can request an appointment by calling us at 248-646-1669  during normal business hours or by clicking the button below.

 We are happy that we get regular reminders from our Vet that arrive in a super timely manner so we can plan well in advance. Now, if you ask Cody, I think he would like them to be a wee bit LESS efficient!

FROM CODY: I thought that with everyone being so busy taking Dakota to the Vet a zillion times lately, that I was going to get a reprieve. No such luck!!

 Don't worry kitties, this photo is from my archives, I haven't been to the Vet recently ("knock on a bowl of kibble") and I guess going there truly isn't THAT bad.  I guess I DO sort of like "Dr.Smiley" but don't you dare tell him I said so!!! 

Happy National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day all!

#InternationalHomelessAnimalsDay #IHAD 28th Annual Commemoration

"ISAR’s International Homeless Animals’ Day Set to Shed Light on Pet Overpopulation Epidemic and the Spay/Neuter and Adoption Solution"

On IHAD animal advocates across the globe organize local events that create a positive impact on the lives of animals in their community including adoption events, dog walks, candlelight vigils, spay/neuter and microchip clinics, blessings of the animals, open houses, information stalls, and much more to raise awareness of pet overpopulation and its simple solution: spay/neuter and pet adoption.

About International Homeless Animals’ Day

Over a decade ago, ISAR realized the need to bring widespread public attention to the overwhelming crisis of pet overpopulation, and in 1992 created and sponsored International Homeless Animals’ Day, a day that has come to symbolize hope for homeless and unwanted companion animals.  Since its inception, ISAR’s International Homeless Animals’ Day has continued to grow and gain momentum in the war against dog and cat overpopulation. To date, International Homeless Animals’ Day observances have been held in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, in over 50 countries, on 6 continents.

Taken from the ISR Facebook page

Always observed on the third Saturday in August, IHAD sheds light on the tragedy of pet overpopulation and the urgent need for affordable spay/neuter programs to help save the lives of animals by educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets and adopting their next pet from a shelter.

 Please support the animals in your local community by attending an IHAD event - United States: http://bit.ly/2GUcJk4US International:http://bit.ly/2ZOQWlsINT If you can't attend an event or if there's no event in your area, we encourage you to visit your local animal shelter to volunteer your services, donate food, or shelter wish list items.

If you are in Michigan, check out our side bar on our blog were we ALWAYS feature animals who need homes!! 

**All of the above information (except for our graphic) was shared WITH PERMISSION from an associate at ISAR (International Society for Animal Rights)

Cat-Themed Birthday Party for a One Year Old Little Girl !! "CATABULOUS!!"

Hi friends!! Today I am beyond thankful that our adorable granddaughter turned one on August 10th. She is the sweetest, most "chill", happy, hilarious, beautiful and charming baby girl on the planet (if I do say so myself!!) She has filled our lives with so much joy and fun, it is hard to imagine what life was like before her arrival!

In honor of this most special event, my "bonus" daughter and her husband (the parents of this adorable baby girl), threw a first birthday party that was fun and FABULOUS! And...it had a CAT THEME!!

The reasons for the cat theme are because her parents are both avid cat lovers (they have two little dogs too), and baby Harper is CRAZY about the cats that live in her home, (they have two). She is particularly crazy about their white cat, Mimi. While I used to have photos of Mimi on my phone, for some reason I don't, so I am posting this old photo of Harper with their other cat, "Little Meow". Harper absolutely adores kitties!

It's hard to remember her being soooo small!!! So, now you can see why there was a cat-themed party! I am posting some photos so you can see just how darling this party was! 

There were cat cups, cat plates and cat napkins!

CATS! CATS! CATS! EVERYWHERE!!!!

There was even a special guest who was kind enough to allow me to let her appear on the blog!

There were a TON more photos, (those of you who are on Facebook probably already saw them, if not, head on over and check them out).

It was TRULY a PURRFECT birthday party and we are all sooo thankful to have this precious cutie in our lives!


We are happy to be participating in Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop, over on Brian's Home, head on over and check out all of the great blogs who are participating!

International Cat Day: "Humanity Must be Their Voice"

Today is International Cat Day which has taken place every year on August 8th, since it first was celebrated in 2002. It was created by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Found on Pinterest

International Cat Day is a day to raise awareness about cats and to learn about ways to help and protect them. I would say that virtually all of you who read this blog already KNOW about ways to help and protect our feline friends, but it is the general public who needs to be educated.

 Rescuing cats who need homes as most of us have done, is just one of many ways we can help and protect them. Kudos to so many of you who help your community/feral cats on a daily basis and have done so for many, many years.

Other ways to help and protect cats is:

Keep poisonous plants out of our homes
CAMPAIGN TO MAKE DECLAWING CATS ILLEGAL IN EVERY STATE! 
Take them for regular Veterinary visits
Make our homes "cat proof" as in reducing dangers that can cause trauma/unwanted tragedy for our pets.
Cut handles OFF OF ALL BAGS, PLASTIC, PAPER, TOTE BAGS, ALL BAGS! (When I see photos of cats playing in ANY sort of a bag with handles I cringe.)
Educate children as to the proper way to approach/touch/handle a cat
Dispel antiquated myths about cats
And simply......LOVE THEM!!

I love this graphic created by The Catington Post:

Mom and I would also like to extend a most heartfelt THANK YOU for  the overwhelming outpouring of caring, support, well wishes, love and prayers for Dakota!!! We have some extremely GOOD news (and some things that we are still working on that I will know more about as the week unfolds). The GREAT news is Dakota's blood pressure was NORMAL!!! Two readings were in the low 140s and one reading was 160 (at the very beginning). He did not have to have an abdominal ultrasound, he did have a test for the protein levels in his urine. He may have to have a chest xray before his dental to remove the tooth that is abscessed. The two other things that may be going on  I believe will be treatable.But........for now............the blood pressure news is FANTASTIC! Mom, Dakota and I send much love and gratitude to ALL of you! We will keep you posted as we know more.

Cody and I are beyond lucky that thanks to  the Internet, we get to celebrate World Cat Day EVERY DAY, because we have feline friends all over the World!!!

We love you all!

Enjoy International  Cat Day!!!!

Much love from Cody,  Mom and Dakota too!!!

He May Be A Dog, But I LOVE Him and he needs some POTP Please!! (NOMS) "Not of My Species Day"

Just a little chat between brothers.................

Hi furiends, it's Cody. Today I have a huge favor to ask of you. My brother, Dakota is experiencing some health issues which could be quite serious. Dakota has had hypertension since late May. He has been on meds, and on his trip to the Vet this past Saturday he went from 180 to 190 compared to a week before. He also has an abscessed tooth Nothing can be done with the tooth until they can find what the cause of the high blood pressure is (Dakota is taking an antibiotic right now). The Vet told my Mom some things that it could be, and Mom, Dad and I are quite scared.  I love my brother. He is my best furiend.

Dakota is scheduled to see an Internist this Tuesday, who will check him and probably do an abdominal ultrasound. If you have a moment, and if you believe in the POTP, could you please send some good, positive energy to my brother? He is 12 and a half years old, like me.  I can't imagine him not being with us, who in the world would I bug if he isn't around?  I have even been giving him kisses to cheer him up. I am trying to cheer Mom up too, but that has been hard to do.

Anyway furiends, I know the POTP works and I would sure appreciate it if you could please put a good word in for my brother? He has been a great brother all of these years and I want him to stay around with me.

Thanks from the bottom of my furry heart.....

Love, Cody

"Catch Cat" Discover the World in this Search and Find Adventure by Claire Grace, Illustrations by Andy Council

FROM THE PUBLISHER: "Travel the world with this spotting book for curious cats everywhere! As young readers explore each continent from America to Antarctica to search for the elusive cat hiding on every page, they will encounter hundreds of icons unique to each place. Geography couldn't be made more fun than with this travel-themed activity book, which has 7 densely illustrated continent maps to unpick, teamed with explanatory spreads overleaf that teach young readers about the world."

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: while listed as a children's book and geared towards children ages 4 to 7, do NOT let that deter you from purchasing this wonderfully illustrated (by Andy Council), 32 page hardcover book!

This is a fantasy activity book written by Claire Grace, that adults will enjoy as well, and let me tell you, not only was it a challenge to find "Cat" on many of these detailed pages, but boy oh boy did I ever learn about geography (which has never been my strong suit!)

Travel the seven continents with that cutie "Cat" and you will learn about all of the 7 continents including:

 North America:Mount Rushmore, Yellow Taxis (bet you don't know what the color of the first taxis in the U.S. were before they were yellow? And why did they have to be yellow in later years),  AND MORE!

South America and Pink Dolphins, Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, Moai statues and oodles more!

Europe featuring Ukranian Easter Eggs, The Book of Kells, Bran Castle, just to name a few!

THIS IS NOT JUST A CHILDREN'S BOOK!

 Claire Grace has created a most unique book that is JAM PACKED WITH INFORMATION! There is so much to see and learn and that is a GOOD THING! 

DO YOU KNOW WHAT AUSTRALASIA IS? (you will when you buy this book!) 

I found  cute that traveling "Cat" on all but one of the densely illustrated map scenes with hundreds of icons to spot! Never fear! The answers are in the back of the book!!

If you are a fan of any sort of "search", you will LOVE this book! .

Catch Cat is scheduled to publish September 3rd, 2019 (I was sent an early copy to review and share with you!!).......how great would it be to grab a copy and gift a school library or your local community library? There is so much to see and learn in this book that I think it should be on the MUST READ list of every elementary school. I am going to share mine with my granddaughter. She might be a bit  young for it now, but I can still show her things and explain things from other countries that are written about and BOTH of us will learn in the process!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Irish-born Claire Grace studied English and Philosophy before becoming a commissioning editor of children’s books. She is the author of many books for children and has worked on a collection of award-winning titles. She now lives in London where she spends her time writing, drinking coffee and dog spotting.  ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Born in the Georgian city of Bath, Andy Council now lives in nearby Bristol where he loves the creative vibe. His work is full of urban detail and he’s drawn everything from huge cutaway diagrams of city scapes through to dinosaurs made from streets and houses. "To discover these cool places and more,  pack your bags and get ready to explore!!" ISBN: 9781786037664 PURCHASE FROM AN ONLINE RETAILER