Pet Adoption Rocks! #NationalAdoptAShelterPetDay

 

The above photo is Roary!!!!! That tiny face is the face that I fell in love with when he came to me via email from Petfinder alerts I had sent to me to see if I was ready to adopt again. There were TONS of cats/kittens who were emailed to me, none particularly interested me (other than two we met a week before Roary that were closely bonded. We didn't want to separate them because we couldn't adopt them both). Then...along came "Felix", now known as Roary. Who could resist that face????

We hit the kitten lottery big time! There were TONS of applications for "Felix", now known as Roary, and thankfully we were first on the list to go and visit him. (I had previously sent Lenny over to PetSmart the Saturday before we adopted him,  I wanted  Lenny to visit him first to see if he was friendly.) Obviously, he worked his charm with Lenny, because that Monday both of us went to PetSmart to interact with him in person and were instantly smitten. We were beyond grateful that we were approved to adopt him!!

Both Cody and Roary were adoptions, our Bobo was found as a stray. Cody was adopted from Petco and Roary from Petsmart. We couldn't be more blessed!!

NATIONAL ADOPT A SHELTER PET DAY

FROM HOLIDAYS CALENDAR:"Every single year, over 6.5 million companion animals end up in animal shelters in the U.S. Of those 6.5 million pets, 1.5 million are euthanized and only 3.2 million are adopted. To raise attention to these stark numbers, National Adopt A Shelter Pet was created. This is a day that’s observed on April 30th every year and helps to bring attention to the needless suffering of animals in shelters and encourages people to make their next pet a shelter pet because so many need a forever home." 

• Over 6.5 million animals enter U.S shelters each year.
• Of animals entering shelters, approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. 
• Every year, over 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized.
• Of the animals euthanized, 670,000 are dogs and 860,000 are cats.
• Approximately 3+ million shelter animals are adopted every year.
• Over 700,000+ animals who enter the shelter system as strays are returned to their owners.
• Of returned strays, approximately 620,000 are dogs and 90,000 are cats.
  
  
  
  
  

I am so happy that when I thought I wasn't ready to adopt another cat, that I listened to my gut. I KNEW the second I saw Roary on Petfinder that he was the one for us!!

Roary is now 10 months old. He has matured into a MAJOR lap cat and puts up with so much from his annoying Sheltie brother. He is a toughie and doesn't take any you-know-what from him! Roary Rocks!!! 

Can't or not ready to adopt right now? No worries! You can always donate items, time, money and/or food to your local animal shelter. It will be most appreciated!!

From Roary and I, to all of YOU, Happy National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day!!!!

Happy World Veterinary Day!!!

 

The "newbies" would like to wish everyone at DePorre Veterinary Hospital a Happy World Veterinary Day!!!!! Sending lots...

Posted by Caren Osrin Gittleman on Saturday, April 24, 2021

Earth Day 2021: Restore Our Earth #EarthDay

 Today is the 51st celebration of Earth Day!

From the Earth Day Website: Climate change and other environmental degradations have broken our natural systems, leading to new and fatal diseases as well as a breakdown of the global economy. But just as climate change and coronavirus painfully remind us of the harm we’ve caused, Restore Our Earth reminds us of the opportunities that lay ahead.

  Every day on our walks Mom and I see beautiful things.  Plants,  trees and flowers, even bunnies and ducks. We must do our best to protect and restore our Earth so we can continue to enjoy the beauty that exists on all of our walks.  In honor of this most important day, I wanted to share some photos that Mom and I took on my regular morning walk in our complex this past Monday.

READY? HERE WE GO!!!

Mom loves willow trees. She said when she was a little girl (5 yrs old),  she used to stand under one in her backyard in Pittsburgh and sing "Johnny Angel." Mom is quite old, so if you aren't familiar with that song, you aren't old, if you DO know that song, my apologies!! BOL!

The two photos of the stream below are right near our condo. It is in our back courtyard. Dakota used to love to walk there with Mom, especially last Spring.  He met a nice lady named Ruthie who plants flowers and trees there. So far I haven't met Ruthie, but I am hoping to meet her soon!

"We must Restore Our Earth not just because we care about the natural world, but because we live on it. Every one of us needs a healthy Earth to support our jobs, livelihoods, health & survival, and happiness. A healthy planet is not an option — it is a necessity."

WE MUST ALL DO OUR PART!!

ONE WAY TO DO THAT IS TO

PICK UP YOUR POOP!!

(OR TRY TO EAT IT AS I AM KNOWN TO DO)

The photo above is one of MANY "Dog Stations" we have at our complex. Dakota used to get excited to visit them. I like to bark at them. You never know when some poop is going to try and escape and attack you, so you MUST bark at the poop so it doesn't jump out!!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!! Hoping you enjoyed this glimpse into my morning walk!!!! Have a happy Earth Day!!!

Sending you rowdy licks and love!!!

Levi

Cat Lady Goodies and Fun on #NationalCatLadyDay !! #catladybox #catladyboxday

  Today is the PURRFECT day to feature some items that I purchased that all arrived within the past week (except for one item that I ran into at CatCon online which I will be featuring at a later date). I wasn't compensated in any way for this post, I purchased the items myself, and wanted to share them with you because I am so happy with them! What better day to feature them than on National Cat Lady Day!

"April 19 is National Cat Lady Day. First observed in 2017 at the annual CatCon convention in Los Angeles, the holiday is celebrated as a way to debunk the myth that cat ladies are dowdy spinsters, according to CatCon creator Susan Michals."

What fun it was (in spite of some major technical glitches that made me have to leave), to attend a few events at CatCon line Saturday, (and I am hoping to pop in today, which is Sunday, the day I am writing this post).

"CatCon® is where pop culture and cat culture converge, showcasing some of the world's top cat-centric merchandise, conversations with those at the epicenter of the cat world, incredible activations, and one of the biggest adoption lounges ever."

Due to the pandemic, it was held online. I LOVED the segment "Being A Cat Lady in 2021" which featured Heidi Gardner from SNL (the proud cat mama of 3 kitties, all rescues!!) and Georgia Hardstark of "My Favorite Murder." The segment was led by Susan Michals the creator of CatCon and National Cat Lady Day. The segment had the three debunking the "crazy cat lady" title that some have assigned to  a woman who has 3 or more cats, and it was heartfelt as well as hilarious!

Now, on to the items that I ordered and received within the past week. The first is the INCREDIBLE

I have been chomping at the bit for YEARS to get a subscription to the fantastic Cat Lady Box, which is a monthly box for cat ladies and their cats, the brainchild of a person who I have always admired and have known through blogging since about 2011 or so, Dorian Wagner.

The box is a monthly treat, it contains unique, high quality and exclusive cat lady items. You have more than likely seen this box featured NUMEROUS times on various blogs, but the blog that has featured them the most is Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries and Meows, I would sit there reading her wonderful blog wishing I could get a subscription and FINALLY I was able to sign up! (Melissa always featured them on her own without receiving compensation, just because she loves the boxes as well!)

The box contains cat-themed shirts, (the quality of these shirts are NOT cheapo T-shirt material, the ones I have received are unique and well made. The shirt in the April box was a complete delight because it had a V-neck, which isn't that common in T-shirts, especially in a subscription box! ). You could also receive jewelry, home decor, accessories, art and more, all delivered in a box that your cat will love to play with!

Here is a photo of the items I received in my April box, my FIRST one on the subscription! (I bought one other box recently and was hooked!)

The theme for April is "Neon Vibes" There is an adorable Neon Cat Umbrella, a Neon MEOW Shirt, a Neon Cat Zipper Pouch, for Roary "Rod the Lightning Catnip Toy" and the "Totally Tubular Neon Wand Toy". The darling kitty illustration was done by the featured cat lady artist: Melanie Schultz. I am beyond excited to be receiving my box monthly, there are different subscriptions available which you can check out by visiting Cat Lady Box.

The next items I ordered I discovered when I attended Cat Camp online approximately a week or so ago. 

How cute are these masks? I know, right?  The Catnip Dispensary has sooo many cute items on their site! There are toys for your kitty, (super clever ones!)  as well as the masks. (I didn't see the mask cord adjuster beads until this second and wish I had seen them before because my mask was super loose. I knotted the end of mine because I didn't know about the beads!) Check out my photo below, my eyes look completely crazed for some reason, but ignore that and focus on the mask! I wanted to look like Roary.

Ok, so I could never be as adorable as Roary, but you have to admit that mask ROCKS!!! All orders from their site ship within one to three days. I had a question when I first ordered and they responded in a timely manner.

The last item(s) I am just giving a shout out to, because I just met lovely Jacqueline yesterday in Zoom at CatCon online. I was drawn to the name of these unique cat scratchers called: "Scratchout Hate".  They are Cat Scratchers for Social Impact 

100% SUSTAINABLE • ORGANIC CATNIP TOY SURPRISE INSIDE
DOUBLE-WIDE & DOUBLE-SIDED • PATENT-PENDING
WOMEN-OWNED • CRAFTED WITH LOVE IN U.S.A.
POWERING THE CAUSES YOU CARE ABOUT WITH
EVERY. SINGLE. SCRATCH

CHECK OUT ONE BELOW!!

Scratch Out Covid? bit.ly/3wYViHH

THERE IS ALSO A LASER TOY!!!

Space Laser: bit.ly/3e3MSG0

I hope to be featuring them in the near future, but you can learn more about them by visiting their website here   take advantage of the 20% off code listed above ***some may find the scratchers offensive and some, like me, did not. I am focusing on the positive message.

So there you have it, what a great way to celebrate National Cat Lady Day than by sharing these fantastic products with you! The vendors at CatCon Online were simply amazing,  be sure to check out Hauspanther and Triple T Studios (who have been featured on our blog in the past), who were vendors there as well!

Happy National Cat Lady Day to my fellow female cat lovers!! As for the guys, you will have to wait your turn!!! xoxo

National Hug Your Dog Day

 Like all of you, I don't need a day telling me to hug my dog, I hug him daily! That being said, it is RARE that there are any photos of ME hugging Levi because I am most often the one who is taking the photos. In the collage below there are a couple of photos of me hugging Levi that are a few months old (he is MUCH larger now!)

DID YOU KNOW?

• National Hug Your Dog Day was created by Ami Moore, an author and canine behaviorist
• It was formerly called National Hug Your Hound Day
• The day began in the United Kingdom, Ami Moore thought that the US was "less pup-friendly"
• "Research evidence shows that hugging your dog causes your brain to release a neurotransmitter called oxytocin. Oxytocin is also known as ‘the cuddle hormone.’ This is true both in dogs and humans. Every time a human hugs a dog, both get a dose of oxytocin, which leaves them wanting more"

Sorry about the blurry photo
it was taken on November 21, 2020
the day we officially brought Levi home
he was only about 9 weeks old at the time

Now go hug your dog if you have one, and while you're at it, give your cat a hug too!!!

Wishing Marg the Happiest of Birthdays!!!

 

The "Newbies" want to wish Marg the HAPPIEST of birthdays!!

Thanks for all you do for the animals!

We love you!!

Roary, Levi and Mom too!!

We don't have  flowers blooming yet

near us here in Michigan,

so we hope this pretty card will still make Marg smile!!

Be sure to leave good wishes for Marg

at the Zoolatry blog  HERE

"Let's Talk About Cats:Conversations On Feline Behavior" by Anita Kelsey #LetsTalkAboutCats

 "A Wealth of Fascinating Cat Facts and Tips"

FROM AMAZON.COM: "features 16 unique in-depth conversations with devoted feline experts, each chapter answering a question about our cats. An abundance of catty conversation points with many useful takeaways for cat owners to improve their own every-day connection with their cats.

This book, the first of its kind, presents the combined wisdom of experts from all over the world on the psychology, behaviour, diet and training of cats, in a relaxed and conversational style.Contributors include Jackson Galaxy, star of My Cat From Hell and composer David Teie,whose ground-breaking album, Music for Cats, was released by the Universal Music Group.Each illuminating chapter exudes a love for cats and a wealth of fascinating insights.

This book also includes advice and real case studies that offer the author’s own professional guidance on cat care topics, explaining the most important cat concepts, giving food for thought and expanding on all the most important issues and debates in the cat world."

Just when you think you have read it all in reference to caring about, caring for and bonding with your cat, you discover you indeed have NOT read it all! Such was the case when I was sent the book "Let's Talk About Cats: Conversations On Feline Behavior by Cat Behaviorist, Anita Kelsey. There is ALWAYS something NEW to learn!

FROM THE AUTHOR: "All cat lovers can say, with hands on hearts, that we've had our lives changed by cats. Cats are masters at weaving their way into the very core of our souls without changing many of their own distinct characteristics"

Author Anita Kelsey's work with cats started ten years ago when she experienced the death of a close friend. She had never experienced grief like that before. She says, "The truth is that cats  saved me."

She continues: "the book itself is not only about cats but also our relationship with them. I hope within its pages the reader will discover a variety of perspectives and approaches that will help them find something new in the relationships they enjoy with their darling mogs."

The conversations with the featured cat experts (one of our favorites, Kate Benjamin of Hauspanther is also featured in this book in the section that involves Catification.), make you feel as if you are sitting on a comfy couch in the company of these wise souls, listening to the years of wisdom that they share on these pages in a warm and professional way. Author Anita Kelsey's knowledge of and love for cats shines throughout the pages of this book. It is a worthy addition to the library of any cat lover.

Each chapter is divided by topic, some of the topics are

• Do Cats Like Music?
• Can Our Cats Talk To Us?
• Do Cats Grieve?
• Can Cats Communicate Telepathically?
• and  many, many more!

The book also includes advice featured in a box called "A Catty Sum Up" and true stories, "Cat Chat",  that offer the author's own professional guidance on cat care topics  explaining the most important cat concepts,  that encourage one to think about and expand upon the most important issues and debates in the cat world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Anita Kelsey holds a first class honours degree in Feline Behavior and Psychology (work based BA Hons) and runs a vet referral service dedicated strictly to the diagnosis and treatment of behavior problems in cats. She is also a qualified cat groomer and specializes in grooming aggressive or phobic cats. Anita writes for Your Cat Magazine and is on their expert panel answering reader's questions on cat grooming. She also advises on feline behaviour for the Canine and Feline Behaviour magazine as well as being a full member. A strong advocate of a vegan lifestyle, Anita is based in London but consults all over the UK and internationally. She is also the author of Claws, Confessions of A Professional Cat Groomer published by John Blake.

Visit the author's website www.catbehaviourist.com

Follow Anita Kelsey:

Twitter @catbehaviourist

Instagram: cat_behaviourist

Facebook: www.facebook.com/catbehaviourist

Mailing list: www.catbehaviourist.com/subscribe

Available on Amazon, click here

Happy Easter!!!!

 Wishing all of our family and friends who celebrate,

 a Happy Easter!!

Happy 14th Birthday in Heaven Precious Cody

 

I see this face and the hurt begins all over again. My precious Cody, today would have been your 14th birthday, a year ago I never would have ever imagined that you wouldn't be with us today. One day you were here, and like a blink of an eye you were gone. It's all a blur. A heartbreaking blur.

I miss you EVERY SINGLE DAY. I miss you sitting next to me on the armrest of the couch. I miss looking into your sea green eyes, I miss your quirky little mouth. I miss your cuddle bug ways. I miss yelling at you for trying to chew everything you could get your paws on. I miss sharing chicken with you. I miss your calm and easy-going nature.

Sometimes I think I see you out of the corner of my eye. It comforts me to think that you are here, in some form, I believe you are. Please know that even if Roary joined our family three months after you left us, there is a place in my heart that is ALWAYS YOURS.....ALWAYS......YOURS AND YOURS ALONE.

I love you and miss you my "Codester", my "Jelly Belly", my "Codalicious", my "Cody Boy", my "Cuddlebug". I pray with all of my heart that you knew how deeply you were loved.