Friday, June 29, 2012

All That and a 17-lb Bag of Dog Food

Note: There is a bonus link (to some hilarious pet photobombs) at the bottom of this post. So even if you don't have a blog and can't participate in this blogger pet food drive, please have a few smiles on me. Consider it a gift for your time and trouble (scrolling down the page). ;)

ALL THAT because in publishing this blog post and linking up to the blog hop (below), the charity arm of Pedigree is donating a 17-lb bag of food to an animal shelter. (And being that it's 104 F outside my door right now, I'm awfully glad I didn't have to lug that bag out of the grocery store myself.) :)



So according to Laurie over at The Daily Corgi (who was the first other blogger to clue me in to this worthy cause),

"For every blog post about the campaign between now and June 30th, Pedigree will donate a 17 pound bag of food to a shelter."

So what does this mean to you?

Well, it means that if you're reading this, like to help shelter pets and have a blog, you have ONE DAY to get your blog post up and linked to the blog hop!

You can even copy and paste this "official" image (and that handsome one above) into your post, if you want:


And that's it!

Except for this bonus, Friday-guaranteed-smile link: 45 Amazing Animal Photobombs (courtesy Huffington Post) 

This is just one of the 45 photos. :)

I think my favorite, though, is slide #45. :)

Thanks, everyone!

Have a great weekend!


This many bags of food have been donated so far...

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Classic Cardigan: Being Sick Isn't So Bad with Dewi and Nora Ephron

First of all, I'm not sick. I'm just feeling heavy hearted about the recent passing of Nora Ephron, who was responsible for (among other things) one of my very favorite films of all time, When Harry Met Sally, upon which, I based one of my favorite posts (despite the fact that I wrote it when I had the bubonic plague crud).

So, in feeble tribute to this great writer, who will be sorely missed, I give you...

Originally posted on March 2, 2012

Wherein Dewi and I Interpret the Sick-in-Bed Moaning Scene from When Harry Met Sally

If I had to describe the state in which my immune system has rendered me today, I'd say imagine that I am a pair of 10-year-old boy's jeans, the virus I have is a bad grass/mud stain, my immune system is a washing machine (an old one with an agitator) and my brain is the hand that just turned the machine setting to Heavy Duty and then pressed Start.

Thank heaven for fabric softener (aka ibuprofen). ;)

But enough whining; this post is about moaning.

So who remembers the scene in When Harry Met Sally when Harry is sick and calls Sally on the phone to moan? (Hint: They were watching Casablanca simultaneously from each other's own bed.)

Image Source

This could be my favorite scene in the whole movie (I know, weird), but until this morning, a few minutes after I took some pain medicine and moaned a little, I never really understood (or cared) why.

Now I do.

It's because in my romantic comedy fantasy, *I* want someone to listen to *me* moan when I've got a cold (or minor body ache, mosquito bite, etc.).

And by listen I mean really listen, with genuine, selfless, devoted concern (like I am the most important thing in the room).

Yes, that is why I love this scene so much. Because it just DOESN'T HAPPEN in real life.

Unless one of the characters in the scene happens to be one's dog.

Allow Dewi and me to demonstrate:

Me (to Dewi on the floor beside my chair): I'm definitely coming down with something. Probably a twenty-four hour tumor; they're going around.

In my movie, we watch Gunsmoke. :)

Dewi: You don't have a tumor.


Me: How do you know?

Dewi: If you're so worried, go see a doctor.

Me: No, he'll just tell me it's nothing.

Dewi: Will you be able to sleep?

Me: If not, I'll be OK.

Dewi: What will you do?



Me: I'll stay up and moan. Maybe I should practice now. [moans....]

Dewi: (Unlike in the movie when Sally cuts Harry off and says goodnight...) Okay, moan all you need to. I'll just be lying down here listening, not judging.

Me: Okay. [moans...and eventually, lights out]

[thinks about eating bacon]
*****

And, wouldn't you know? I don't feel like moaning (or whining) anymore. (hehe)

Have a great weekend, everybody!
*****

UPDATE! (because Red Dog Mom noticed Jon Farleigh was missing from the scene)


Please note that he was actually "directing" the action from the right side of my lap.
('Twas a real blitch to crop him out of the photos.)

You might also note that I decorate my house with piles of folded laundry. You should try it when you need an added pop of color. :)

P.S. Thanks for the well wishes, everyone.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Two Pounds



The foster kittens were weighed and vaccinated today. Guess who's no longer under two pounds? 

Teeny Bob, that's who.

Know what that means?

Their last day with me will be this coming Monday. 

Now excuse me while I go distract myself with stripping grannies on America's Got Talent. :)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Do Read: The Art of Racing in the Rain (just not in the way I did)

And when I say "not in the way," I mean DON'T read it directly after reading (another novel I recently reviewed) A Dog's Purpose.

Image Source


In fact, now that I've made the mistake (and I'll explain in a bit), if you haven't read either of these two books yet, I recommend reading The Art of Racing in the Rain first.

A brief explanation: Both books are narrated by a dog. Both books deal with difficult situations (both human and canine). Both books celebrate and study the bond between dogs and humans. Both books are engaging and evocative.

However: The authors use largely different writing styles. The dog protagonists have completely different intellects, personalities, mannerisms and "philosophies." One book (A Dog's Purpose) is suitable for (older) children, the other (due to language and adult situations) is not.

But since I read them practically back-to-back, I can't stop comparing the two, even though in doing so I'm comparing (pardon the cliche) apples to oranges.

So. Let me just say this: I plowed through The Art of Racing in the Rain in just a few hours (over two days). It was that engaging. It is a good read. Just know that Enzo, the narrator, is not overtly dog-like. In fact, he is so human-like (in his thinking), at times, you might forget he's a dog at all. 

And that is okay. :)
(As long as you read Enzo's book first!)

Monday, June 25, 2012

The Art of Losing Gracefully, with Jon Farleigh and Dewi


Hi, it's us. We probably don't need to introduce ourselves. But in case you have short term memory loss, we're (l to r) Dewi and Jon Farleigh.

Excuse the bad photo; we're up at the top of the stairs (where we aren't allowed to go) and there isn't a whole lot of light.

Alright, we're gonna make this quick:

We didn't win the most humorous pet blog or blogger Nose-to-Nose award at the BlogPaws festival shindig conference this past weekend. The top honor went to our fellow nominee, a blog called Cat vs Human, which pretty accurately (and artistically) portrays the hilarity in the relationship between the humans and their selfish tyrannical silly cats. Yeah, you should go right over there (as soon as you're done reading this) and get your laugh on. We highly endorse it. ;)

So, like the title of this post says, we'd like y'all to know that in addition to being cute and good at eating and articulation, we are also good at sportsmanship, UNLIKE in that movie our mom likes to watch, Rutabaga Nights, the Ballad of Rikki Tikki Tavi, when that Rikki says, "If you ain't first, you're last." Which is just the most absurd thing anyone has ever said. (And who watches movies about mongeese mongooses driving Nass cars in a town named after a nasty root vegetable, anyway?) Sigh.

With that said, however, we'd just like to make a suggestion, like that maybe next time - if there is a next time - maybe there should be a Nose-to-Butt awards, because we have that down to a science, as in this one example here.




So that's it. We feel better now that we are see-through a transparency.

Oh, and by the way, speaking of those Nass car racers, mom says to come back tomorrow because she's gonna talk about the dog- and car racing-related book she just finished, The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Bye!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Raindrops on Roses and Two-Whiskered Kittens


Hey y'all, it's me, Patrick.

Foster mom says that since my brother Bob's gotta be packin' 2 pounds by now that it won't be long before we are swooped up and taken home by some happy peeps who need adorable kittens (exactly like Bob, Sandy and me) to love on forever, even when we get big and develop tuna breath. 

Mom also says that I'll be going to see some nice people in coats who will take my peanuts and donate them to some needy squirrels. I think those squirrels are pretty lucky.

But anyway, the actual, real-live reason I need to talk to you is because (in case you are thinking of swooping me up and loving on me forever), well...

I only have two whole whiskers next to my nose. 

All the other ones got broke.

And well, the song says that some of y'all peeps' favorite things are whiskers on kittens, NOT two-whiskered kittens. In my humble opinion, however, I would not ever hold plain old whiskers in higher regard than the whole kitten. I mean, if you think about it, a pile of kitten-less whiskers is just gross, and should go straight in the garbage can.

Hopefully, you can see from my self-portrait (above), that I am perfectly adorable even with only two whole whiskers. Besides, the others will grow back soon. 

Do we even really need to have this convo?

Okay, that'll be all then. Thanks for hearing me out.

And one more thing:

Foster mom says, "Have a wonderful weekend full of your favorite things!"

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Jon Farleigh's Bottle Addiction, Literally

Jon Farleigh is addicted to empty Baileys coffee creamer bottles*.

I might not have mentioned this before.

He has at least one in every downstairs room. He scoops them up in his teeth, puffs up his chest, makes a lot of noise, and then struts around as if showing off the spoils of his imaginary hunt. 

He can be counted on to go for a bottle when:

1) He hears a child or a cat rounding the corner to climb the stairs 

2) He hears Lulabelle or Tigger moving about (in any room that he is not currently occupying)

3) He hears potential intruders outside (aka any person he hears outside)

4) I am home, but another family member enters the house

5) Anyone in the house says, "Here, kitty, kitty!" or calls out to one of our three cats by name.

In these photos (taken today), he is looking for the imaginary kitty that I so rudely called for in order to get the shots:

I am invincible with my trusty bottle!

This bottle makes me feel 10 feet tall!

Nah na na boo boo, I have a bottle and you don't!

I guess as long as he doesn't start sleeping with the bottles...or sharing his meals with the bottles...or refusing to go out in public without the bottles...

I should probably be thankful it's not a shoe addiction, right? :)

Dumb bottles.

*All bottles are BPA-free, #1 recyclable plastic and are changed out frequently.
Also, I might be addicted to coffee...and Baileys creamer.
I like the other kind of Baileys, too.
But I wouldn't give those bottles to Jon Farleigh. 

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Corn, Poop and a Classic Cardigan

So here's what I'm dealing with right now: I had to replace the foster kittens' litterbox with a larger one (because they were making WAY too many paw popsicles, stumbling all over themselves) and while I was at it, I decided to (just a little while ago) replace their unscented, non-clumping clay litter (infant kittens should not be exposed to the chemicals in scented, clumping clay litter) with a NEW, all-natural litter* made from cedar, pine and corn

(Does anyone else see the irony in corn litter?) hee hee

This stuff looks and feels like sawdust, mixed with ground tree nut shells and grass seed. [scratches head] I'm not sure this was a good idea. Heaven help my bathroom tonight if this doesn't work out. 

Yep, these are my issues. ;-)

*****

And, by the way, there is no way I'm ending this post right here (if I did, I'd have to insert a gross picture of chocolate corn pudding, or something), so instead, I'm going to post a blog classic having to do with dogs, cats and a Hershey streak simple misunderstanding.

Originally posted on April 15, 2011:



When his person gave the command, "Go to your mat," Dewi heard, "Sit on a cat."

Dewi: "This is awkward."

Dewi: "I think that might've left a skid mark."

Dewi is an opportunist.

You're welcome. :)

*I'm keeping the brand of cat litter to myself until the verdict comes in (or covers my bathroom floor). 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Reason #156 to Volunteer at Your Local Shelter: Cute Guys Playing with Cats

I've been taking some volunteer training courses at my local (Richmond) SPCA. Today, one of those courses was "Cat Handling," which is a prerequisite for a particular shelter function that involves cleaning the cages ("cat condos") of the felines who are not housed in one of two cat common rooms. (In other words, training for how to read cat body language, and hopefully, interact peacefully with the cats, whose individual cages you will be sticking your face and arms into to clean.)

Important note: Because the aforementioned cats have already been deemed adoptable (aka someone's future awesome pet) by the shelter's behavioral/health experts, there is no risk of them going Ninja on anyone, it's just that - same as with dogs - one needs to approach a cat with care, especially a cat who's caged in a shelter environment, as the cat might be fearful and could become physically defensive. 

So anyway...where was I?

Oh, yes! The cat handling class. :)

Okay, wait a minute. I need to tell you something else...just to make myself feel better about publishing this goofy post...I think.

I got choked up in the middle of the cat handling class.

Yep, I looked over and locked eyes with a cat who looked exactly like my (long gone) beloved heart-cat, Buster (about whom I've never written before, because I don't have the vocabulary or skills to do him justice with words). And while my fear of public humiliation dammed the salty river brewing in my eye sockets for the duration of class, there was no holding it back once I got into my car.

Yes, it was a wet ride home. 

I tell you this NOT because I desire your pity (truly), but because in my struggle to divert my thoughts from my dearly departed cat (so my eyes wouldn't swell up and bug out, to the dismay of my family), the only diversions I could think of (in the car) were the precious (and cute) men who showed up to take the same cat handling class!

Image Source
No idea who this is, but apparently, because this captioned photo already exists on the Internet,
I am not the only one who appreciates the qualities of a man who practices kitty PDA. 

And there you have it.

If you have been on the fence about getting out and helping at your local shelter, and you aren't opposed to seeing a few men (who are not only compassionate and kind to animals, but are self-assured enough to be seen attending a training class with a bunch of crazy cat ladies, scooping litter boxes and making baby talk to a bunch of felines)... 

YOU NO LONGER HAVE ANY REASON TO STAY AWAY!

Go forth, volunteer, and enjoy the scenery (animal and human) at your local shelter today!

:-)

P.S. Men readers, just so you know, crazy cat ladies make nice scenery, too.

P.P.S. (added 4/14/13) Want to see a bunch more guys with cats (and perhaps find a sweet kitty of your own to adopt)?! Head over to Petfinder, whose "I Am a Cat Parent" campaign (to shine light on cats as AWESOME pets) is in full swing!


"Heck yeah, I'm a cat guy!"

Friday, June 15, 2012

Kitten Fostering Rocks! But I Don't Like Paw Popsicles.

In case anyone is wondering, yes, this is the tell-all that I've promised twice now.

But, since I've pretty much already told you everything about my fostering experience so far, like...

I love my foster kittens.
Foster kittens are small, soft and cuddly.
They live in my bathroom.
My ankles have some kitten claw nicks.
Kittens run and leap and wrestle and climb and play with balls.
Kittens eat many meals, and poop...a lot.
Sometimes they cover up their poop and sometimes not.

Oh, and sometimes they make popsicles (even though I have told them not to, because they never eat them, but the dogs try to) and it makes a big mess on the floor.

Ever heard of a paw popsicle?

Well here, let me show you what I mean:
These are the ingredients. You might remember I've posted about Hershey before.

And this is what makes it a "paw" popsicle. Between all the kittens, there are six "sticks."
Usually, though, the kittens only make one popsicle each.

This is actually a Good Humor Chocolate Eclair Ice Cream Bar.
Paw popsicles look exactly like this, but are inverted and attached to the bottom of
a kitten's hind paw.
Jon Farleigh and Dewi would probably think they taste better than a Good Humor bar.
It's good to use good humor when cleaning up paw popsicle messes. 

Of course, it's also good to use good humor when you're standing outside in the cold rain and your puppy refuses to get his butt fur wet long enough to poop.

I don't do rain poops.

Thankfully, as they get better coordinated in their hind quarters, kittens lose interest in making paw popsicles. Some dogs, on the other hand, still don't care much for pooping in the rain. (But I love the fluff ball dearly anyway!)

So, in summary: Popsicles happen. Love foster kittens anyway! :-)

Have a sweet weekend!

P.S. I'm taking a Monday vacay, so blog posting will resume next Tuesday.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

'Call Me Maybe' with Corgi Rae Jepsen (A Soon-to-be-viral Music Video)

Oh. My. Heavens. :)

This video (parody) was just uploaded to YouTube today, and thanks to my husband, who clicked the link in a random tweet from USA Today, you're all getting to see it before the rest of the free world. :-)

Woof me, maybe?




If you can't see the video, click here.

Now you can go to sleep (or work) with a smile on your face!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

This Just In: Drown'd Dog Sees His Shadow on Drown'd Dog Day

It was a bright and sunny morning, here in Faux-n-phony, VA, when "drown'd dog" Faux-n-phony Bill (who isn't really named Bill, didn't actually drown and does not live in a burrow, as a groundhog would) emerged and saw his shadow. 

Hark! I think I see-eth my shadow! (way up over yonder in the sky) ;)

Much to his chagrin, there will be three more weeks of foster kittens*...

zzzzzzzzzzz


...And hiding in a running shower for protection (it's happened three more times since the Purrassic Park incident).

It is unsafe out here. May I come in?

My poor little drown'd dog. :-)


*The kittens are nearly 8 weeks old and went for routine vaccines and a weight check today. They must all be at least 2 lbs. and 8 weeks before they can be spayed/neutered and placed for adoption. The smallest, teeny Bob, weighs 1 lb., 6 oz. (but is otherwise in perfect health). (The other two are just shy of 2 lbs.) I will take them all back for more vaccines and a weight re-check in two weeks. If Bob is of weight at that time, they will all get in the queue for sterilization. And I will probably cry (when Jon Farleigh isn't looking). 

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The #1 Reason Why I Recommend the Book 'Dogzilla'

Image Source

#1 (From Wikipedia):
"Dogzilla is a children's picture book created by Dav Pilkey that parodies Godzilla with a Cardigan Welsh Corgi." 

(It's a Cardigan Welsh Corgi!!!)

Plot Summary (per the publisher):
“It’s time for Mousopolis’s First Annual Barbecue Cook-Off. But just when the fun is about to begin, the irresistible aroma of barbecue sauce awakens the most frightening creature known to mousekind: the dreaded Dogzilla. As her horrible doggy breath fills the streets, the residents of Mousopolis must run for their lives. Can they get rid of that big stinky dog before it’s too late?”


Editor's trivia:
I purchased this book at Youngest Child's school book fair several months before Jon Farleigh and Dewi were even born. In fact, this book is one of the reasons why we even crossed paths with Jon Farleigh and Dewi. I think had I not been so thoroughly infatuated with the dog on the cover (and through the pages), we might have waited a while longer before setting out to find a puppy. Can you imagine?! I'm not sure the world would be the same! ;)

And you know what else? This book clearly proves that I'm not the only one who sees the hilarity in these dogs and is compelled to make up ridiculous stories about them. It's just that Dav Pilkey (who also happens to be the author of the popular children's book series Captain Underpants) is getting paid for it (and, well, he's brilliant). :)

Okay, so I don't expect anyone to run out and buy this children's picture book anytime soon, but because I really do think you'd enjoy at least a peek inside, I've got a treat for you: The video version! 




And for those who are curious about who the animal actors are and how the author managed to get all these incredible shots, it's all right here on his website.

P.S. For the cat people, Dav Pilkey also wrote Kat Kong, a parody of King Kong, starring his cat, Blueberry. 

Monday, June 11, 2012

5 Reasons Why You Should Read 'A Dog's Purpose'

I read this bestselling book last week:

Image via Goodreads.com
Here's a brief plot synopsis, from the publisher:

"This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?"

Although I purchased the book several months ago, I had been hesitant to read it because -- being written in the voice and viewpoint of the dog -- I was a little concerned that it might be silly. (Which, I am aware, sounds highly hypocritical coming from me, but I prefer my novels to be a little more sophisticated than my blog posts. So there. :)

I was wrong. It's not silly.

So, because it's summer (and we all need at least one good read over the summer), without giving away any more of the plot, here are five reasons why I think you should read this book:

5. It's written from the perspective of the dog, which, because Cameron seems to be some sort of canine mind-reader, makes for quite a thought-provoking (and often hilarious) read. 

4.  Although I found the first half of the book slow in a couple places, it's a page-turner. I read the entire book over about six hours (the second half pretty much had me riveted).

3. It will make you want to have a deep conversation with your dog (or, at minimum, give your dog your undivided attention, you know, just in case he's trying to tell you something important).

2. It will make you want to bear-hug your dog(s) and pretty much every other dog on the planet. 

1. The sequel, A Dog's Journey, just hit the stores (with outstanding reviews), but you won't fully grasp it if you haven't read A Dog's Purpose first (per several reviewers, as I haven't read the sequel yet, but will be as soon as I can find it at the library). :)

Image via Goodreads.com

Happy reading! 

Note: I did notice on Amazon.com (not an affiliate) that there were several inexpensive used copies of A Dog's Purpose available.
Second note: I'd give you my copy, but I'm making my older two kids read it next.
Third note: If you are my neighbor, you can borrow it when they're done. :)

*****

Another book review coming up tomorrow!
Hint: It's Corgi-related.

Friday, June 8, 2012

A Rhyming Kitten-Fostering Tell-All (The Sleep Aid Edition)

Caution: May cause drowsiness. Avoid operating heavy machinery while reading this post.

Not the tell-all I had planned for today (because today didn't go as planned - dang plans), but since I did shamelessly drop a tell-all teaser at the end of yesterday's post, I am going to deliver. But because I am bleary eyed and hopelessly incapable of writing a simple post, like normal bloggers do, I've decided to make everything I list rhyme with "all." (Why not?)

I will also be adding a few cute pictures to distract you from all the rhyming words. Starting...NOW:

My foster kittens play with balls.


They also have claws.
This one might be a south paw.


My foster kittens sometimes fall (off of things - but they don't mind).
But they almost never come when called.

You talkin' to me?

If I don't keep the fur on their faces and butts clean, their hair will fall out and they'd be bald (in patches, but it would grow back eventually).
Kittens are small (especially teeny Bob, but he's getting bigger).



If I don't wear long pants, my ankles often get mauled (kittens have to be taught when not to use claws).
I've decided not to show you a picture of my nicked ankles because you might be appalled.
So I'll just show you a sleepy puffball.


And that is all.

It's the weekend; have a ball!

P.S. I fully intend to post the "real" tell-all next week. I will, I will! :)

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Of Gingers, Hair-dos, Adoptable Kittens and Sweet Irony

First, the irony:

Almost a year ago I wrote a post promoting June as "official" Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month. I wrote it almost apologetically (being fairly new to pet blogging), believing deep in my soul that it would be one of the least read posts I'd ever written (because it was a cat post on my mostly dog blog), even in spite of its sensational photography. ;)

That said, I'd like to direct your attention about halfway down my right sidebar to the section titled "Stuff People Have Read...A Lot." Those are my 10 most popular (by number of page clicks) posts, listed in descending order (#1 on top). 

You see what's #1, right? ;)

Over the last few months, since the dawn of Pinterest and its phenomenal popularity, I have watched this very unlikely post (the very one that I wrote in honor of all the adoptable shelter kitties one year ago) charge its way up this list, and finally, a few weeks ago, overtake the top spot. Today, not only is it my most popular post, it is so in the way the legendary thoroughbred Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes: By a freaking "mile" (or by over 1,000 clicks as of this writing)!

And the sweetest part about this?

I get to (unapologetically) promote Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month every single time someone clicks on Tigger-in-a-red-wig, not just in June, but every single month of the year! 

And well, since I'm on the subject of Tigger in her "ginger" red wig, and it is June, and adoptable kittens are plenty in many local shelters and rescues,

Why not have a look at a few "natural" gingers who just can't wait to be the #1 most snugly thing you add to your family this month!

Hi, potential new family, we're Jackie (left) and Moe.

Okay, so Jackie isn't all "ginger;" she's actually a tortoiseshell (which is made from ginger and black), but she's gorgeous sitting there with her brother, and well, there you go!

Jackie and Moe are sweet nine-week-old little ones waiting for someone at Richmond Animal Care and Control. And you know what?

I think THEY WOULD LOVE TO BE ADOPTED TOGETHER. :) The only thing better than one kitten, is TWO!

So, are any of you 70s blues-rock fans?

Cool! I'm Foghat!

Also available at Richmond Animal Care and Control, eight-week-old Foghat is waiting for some lucky person to give him a "slow ride" home!

(Editor's note: Have I mentioned how much I love the names of the animals at Richmond Animal Care and Control, the former temporary home of Ham Skillet? :)

****

So clearly, although I've emphasized kittens and orange fur in this post, there are many great cats of ALL colors and stages of life awaiting adoption this month.

In addition, many shelters and rescue organizations are offering cat adoption "specials" during the month of June. The Richmond SPCA (for whom I'm fostering three infant kittens), for example, is offering this incentive (taken from their blog):

"June is “Adopt A Cat Month” at the Richmond SPCA! Adoption fees for all cats aged 6-months and older are reduced by 50 percent. We have many cats available who would love to find homes, so be sure to take advantage of this special. As always, each adopted pet is already spayed or neutered, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations and microchipped." 

Sounds like a really good deal to me!
And one last thing:

Cats rock!

(Coming tomorrow: A kitten-fostering tell-all!)

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Day I Put Away the Blue Puppy Bowls


The first set of puppy bowls I've ever purchased in my whole life.
I had them ready for Jon Farleigh the day he came to stay forever. 
And put one of them away for Dewi (who would be joining Jon Farleigh two months later).

With the exception of the three nights they once spent at doggie vacation camp,
they've eaten every single meal from these blue bowls.

I never intended to use them more than a few weeks.

Eventually, I had to put away their outgrown puppy collars and harnesses.
They stopped needing puppy food.
I bought bigger crates.
The last puppy toy was finally shredded beyond repair. 

Then one day they stopped chewing up the rugs and the furniture and slippers and kids' toys and toilet paper.
And they turned two years old.

But up until last night - when I replaced them with two new, not-plastic ones - they were still eating every meal from their blue puppy bowls.

So tell me, what kind of boob gets all worked up over replacing her grown dogs' food bowls?

Me, that's who.

I'm a boob. 

Who's never typed the word "boob" before.

Thanks for reading.

I think I'll be okay now. :)


P.S. I'll see you all back here on Thursday; taking a day off tomorrow!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Brown Eyed Merle (the song)

Just a little something I wrote today. You probably know the tune...

Brown Eyed Merle*

Hey, where did you go
Day when the rain came?
Down in the hollow
Playing the chase game.
Smiling and a running, hey, hey
Frapping and a jumping
In the misty morning fog with
My heart a pumpin', and you
My brown eyed merle
You, my brown eyed merle.


Whatever happened
to recall and go slow
Walking on a loose lead
Across the patio.
Standing in the sunlight panting
Hiding behind a fake stone wall
Slipping and a sliding
Into the ditch I fall, with you
My brown eyed merle
You, my brown eyed merle.


Do you remember when I used to sing
Sha la la la la la la la la Dewi uh uh!
Sha la la la la la la la la Dewi uh uh!
Dewi, uh uh!

So hard for you to stay
Your mind is all your own.
We were outside just the other day
The lawn was freshly mown.
Cast my memory back there, boy
Sometimes I'm overcome thinking 'bout
Picking poop off the green grass
Behind the chrysanthemum with you
My brown eyed merle
You, my brown eyed merle.


Do you remember when I used to sing
Sha la la la la la la la la Dewi uh uh!
Sha la la la la la la la la Dewi uh uh!
Dewi, uh uh!

******

*with apologies to Van Morrison

See you all tomorrow!
;-)

Friday, June 1, 2012

Dewi Is a Kitten Kisser (but he's not gonna be kissing me)

Okay, I alluded - in yesterday's post about Jon Farleigh's shower ordeal - that Dewi might be smitten with our foster kittens. Well, now I'm just flat out saying it: 

Dewi is smitten with our foster kittens. 

He had a completely different reaction to their curiosity than Jon Farleigh. I think it might have been their kitten breath.

Mmmm, smells like a snack in there.





Or not.

Mmmm, smells like a snack in there.


Whatever it is, he kisses it every chance he gets. ;-)

And that is why he will not be kissing me for another 2-3 weeks.

Now, aren't you glad I shared that with you???

Seriously, though, (aside from putting his wet nose all over their orifices) Dewi is being really gentle and patient with the kitties. (Now, if he could just take Jon Farleigh aside and get him with the program. ;) And I'm thrilled that I'll be able to return the kittens having been socialized with dogs!

Speaking of kittens, I need to go tend to them. :) Look for more about our first week together next week!

Happy weekend! Kiss your pet for me!

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