Friendly Fill-Ins and Blurry Eddy

Hello and happy Friday, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. My plans for this weekend include _________ and _________.

2. I meant it when I said _________.

3. I should probably _________ more often so that _________.

4. I will never jump on the _________ trend.

My answers are below in bold.

1. My plans for this weekend include working on my April A to Z Challenge drawings and writing.
(I have lots of my usual chores and other such weekend things I'll be doing, but I also really want to make significant progress on two creative endeavors I want to pursue in April. One is the annual A to Z Challenge, for which I need to make a lot more progress on the drawings I'll be creating for it. Second, I have some experimental plans for my main writing project in April, and to achieve that goal I need to get ahead and write a lot this weekend.)

2. I meant it when I said my cats come first.
(I had a long explanation typed out for this, but I decided to delete it all and let this answer speak for itself. The short of it is that while there are lots of "it's just a cat" sort of people out there, that's not my way of thinking or life. This also goes for any pups I'm blessed to share my life with.)

3. I should probably get out more often so that I'm less awkward around people.

(That said, will I go out and about and learn to be more "normal" in social settings? No. The likely answer is simply no. And as a major homebody who loves being with her kitties, I'm fine with that.)

4. I will never jump on the "scarcity" commercialism trend.
(I wasn't sure how to write this answer, so I'll give an explanation that I'll try to keep short. My answer here refers to all of those items that are "limited edition" or "seasonal" or fall under any form of the "scarcity" mentality that commercialism tries to rope us in with. The online algorithms have recently been showing me videos of hordes of people flocking to various stores to fight over limited edition items. I'm talking about some of the recent limited Starbucks cups, limited releases of Hello Kitty and other franchise items at home goods stores, and even basic but still limited edition Trader Joe's tote bags that people are apparently obsessed with. I didn't realize how crazy and at times violent this trend had become until I was shown all of these recent examples. I can't believe where commercialism has led us.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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And now it's time for the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, hosted by none other than Melissa and Mudpie of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.

I had a particular, gorgeous photo of Eddy picked out for today, and then I realized it's blooper day! Since Eddy prefers to give more bloopers than non-bloopers, though, it was easy to find something blurry to share. And it's from the same photo shoot as the original shot I was going to post today.

Eddy isn't the only bloopery kitty in this shot. The original photo I was going to share, which you'll see next week, included a little Thimble in the background. She's in the background of this one as well, but she's a tad bit decapitated.

Have a fantastic day!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Just as we did for the past couple of days, today we're sharing a flashback doodle inspired by my newest favorite series of fantasy books. Among other crazy things, this series of books involves a talking, decapitated head (of a certain sort that we won't go into detail on because we're a PG-rated blog) that is particularly sassy and a tad bit feral. That sounded a lot like my girl Eddy, and so I let her hang out with the decapitated head. It's weird, I know, but this chaotic series of books makes me so happy and inspired, and out of that comes drawings like this.

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is an add-on to our tip from yesterday, when we reminded you to keep doors closed and other obstacles in place to keep your furbaby safe from substances and areas with poison. Taking that one step further, if needed, child-proofing products can be your your best friend even for those furry children in your life. For example, do you have a curious kitty or puppy who has found ways to open cabinets and drawers? This can put a furbaby at risk, such as if those cabinets and drawers contain human medications, cleaners, or other toxic items, or even sharp or other dangerous objects. To prevent prying paws from opening cabinets and drawers, you can get child-proof, or pet-proof, locks that make cabinets and drawers difficult or impossible to open without dexterity, or opposable thumbs. There are also child-proof locks to keep main doors securely closed. This can come in handy if you have a kitty or pup who knows how to manipulate certain door handles.

We've mentioned this on here before, but also don't forget the usefulness of baby gates. They also make gates that are more specifically pet-proof, such as tall ones over which dogs and cats cannot easily jump. These can be used to block access to certain areas of the house to ensure your kitty or pup's safety. For example, you can use baby or pet gates to block access to the kitchen, especially if potentially toxic foods are being prepared. These gates can also be used to block off garbage cans, laundry areas, or other areas of the home where potential poisoning might occur.

Just as with a human child, our kitties and pups can get themselves into trouble. Consider all areas of the home where danger might arise, and then do your research on what you can do to best prevent emergencies from dangers such as accidental poisoning. Try to always be one step ahead of your kitty or pup, as difficult as that may be.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Sunshine and Lights

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! Thimble is, of course, here and ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is so very grateful for sunshine. This is nothing new, but it is indeed one of her favorite things.

Thimble also loves when the wonderful sunshine hits this here human's phone and creates lights on the walls and ceiling. That's what she's staring at in this photo. Thimble loves her lights.

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And now we have the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. My plans for this weekend include _________ and _________.

2. I meant it when I said _________.

3. I should probably _________ more often so that _________.

4. I will never jump on the _________ trend.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Just like sweet angel pup Astrid's flashback doodle yesterday, today's is another based off of some of my favorite books. In these books there's a talking kitty who has a tiara and a butterfly collar charm, among lots of other magical goodies. Since Thimble is a little princess, I decided she would get to be just that in her doodle based off of these books.

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Tip of the Day

In these last few days of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're going to summarize some tips on how to help keep your furbaby safe from potential poisons. First, as obvious as it is, we're here today to remind you to use doors or other obstacles to properly block your kitty or pup's access to potentially dangerous products or areas of the house. For example, if your bathroom, laundry room, or utility closet contain dangerous chemicals, such as detergents, then keep their doors securely closed to bar your furbaby's entrance. Similarly, keep the door to your garage shut, in order to keep your furbaby away from gasoline, antifreeze, and other dangers that might be found in the garage. If you have a shed and your furbaby goes outdoors, keep the shed's door securely closed, especially if it houses fertilizers, pesticides, or other potentially toxic products. And don't forget to consider your garden, where toxic plants might grow, or where dangerous chemicals might be used. In such cases, monitor your furbaby while outdoors, and block your kitty or pup's access to the garden, such as with a secure fence. In short, consider all areas of the house and yard where poisoning or danger might arise, and ensure proper safety against said dangers.

Woof Woof Wednesday: Sunshine and a Tongue

Since my sweet angel pup Astrid loved her favorite window seat, I simply have to share memories of her enjoying it. She especially loved when the sun was shining through the window. In this particular photo, Astrid also decided to show off her adorable tongue.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've been working on my drawings for this year's April A to Z Challenge. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm worried I might fall behind on the drawings and not have one to share every day in April. I'm still trying my best, though life is really lifing lately.

My doodles for this year's April A to Z Challenge will be bookish in nature. That said, a couple years ago I scribbled up some drawings starring my furry babies as characters from a new books series I've been enjoying. Astrid got to star as a two-headed puppy that showed up in one of the books, so here's that one for you all to see again.

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Tip of the Day

As part of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're now talking about the risk of poisonous bites your kitty or pup might receive from other critters. Depending on where you live, or where you might be visiting with your furbaby, you might find it necessary to be on the lookout for critters such as snakes and spiders whose bites can have toxic effects. When it comes to snakes, some of the dangerous ones include certain coral snakes and rattlesnakes. As for spiders, as most of you certainly know, black widows and brown recluses are among the most dangerous. Bites from such critters can result in any number of dangerous or life-threatening side effects, including cardiovascular shock, respiratory distress, neurological damage, and tissue damage, among others.

When outdoors, especially in areas where snakes, spiders, or other venomous critters are a known possibility, always monitor your furbaby and keep an eye out for danger. As needed, research the wildlife of areas you will be, so that you know what snakes, spiders, and other critters of which to be cautious. Of course, if your kitty or pup is bitten by a spider or snake, especially a known venomous one, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care. In many such cases, counteracting the venom in a timely manner is crucial.

Tonks Tuesday in the Sun

Just like any kitty, Tonks loves herself some sunshine. Though, I'm not sure why she wants to stare at the bright orb in the sky.

Tonks and her littermate Winky, who owns my sister and currently lives with us, have an odd habit of staring at lights. Whether it be a lightbulb or the sun itself, they stare at it. I can't imagine that's good for their eyes, so I always try to distract them from doing so.

Tonks hopes you all have lots of sunshine today! (But maybe don't, you know, stare right at it.)

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is about the toxic gas known as carbon monoxide (CO). CO is not only dangerous to us humans, but also incredibly dangerous to our kitties, pups, and other animals. CO most often results from car exhaust, fire/smoke, and when generator systems fail. When a large amount of CO is inhaled, this can lead to cells in the body becoming deprived of oxygen. CO poisoning can thereby result in life-threatening effects on the cardiovascular system, neurological system, and other important systems of the body.

Needless to say, do all that you can to prevent both your furbaby's and your own exposure to CO. Set up CO monitors in your home, and ensure that they are always properly functioning. Of course also ensure that you have functioning fire and smoke alarms. There are all-in-one alarms on the market that detect fire, smoke, and CO. In addition to this, properly maintain any generators that you have, and do not use them if they are in any way malfunctioning. Also, of course, do not let your kitty or pup into a closed, unventilated garage where a car or other motor vehicle is running. CO can be a silent killer, so do all that you can to protect your furbaby, as well as yourself, from it and its deadly effects.

Mancat Monday with Handsome Evan

Hello, friends! We're sorry for yet another late post. Life is just, well, life lately. But, we do of course have a handsome Evan to share with you all on this Mancat Monday. 

Evan and all of us here hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I meant to share this flashback doodle on Pi(e) Day, but since I forgot, you get to see it today.

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Tip of the Day

One of our previous National Pet Poison Awareness Month tips was on the dangers of medications indeed formulated for our furbabies. We meant to (yet failed to) expand on a particular topic in this regard. That topic is as that of topical preventatives. First and foremost, always ensure that you are giving preventatives specifically formulated for the species at hand. Just one reason for this is that some flea and tick preventatives formulated for dogs are toxic to cats. Many such canine preventatives contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid, to which cats are highly sensitive. Pyrethrin/pyrethroid poisoning can result in excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty walking, or seizures, just to name a few. So, never apply dog preventatives on your kitty.

Also, be careful if your cat lives in a household with a dog who receives preventatives. In such a case, try to look for canine preventatives that do not contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid, or keep the dog and cat separated for a safe amount of time after application. Ask your veterinarian for information on how to keep both your kitty and pup healthy and safe, yet also protected from pests. It's also worth noting that some other forms of flea, tick, or other pest preventatives, such as sprays, may contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid. Always check the label, and only use products that you are certain will not harm your kitties or pups. Again, ask your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding a product's safety.

In addition, know your cat or dog's weight and select preventatives accordingly. Administering a medication intended for a cat or dog larger than yours could have negative effects for the furbaby. Also be aware of their age, as some kittens or puppies, for example, may not yet be of an age deemed safe for the application of some preventatives. What's more, also always take into consideration your furbaby's overall health status. If your cat or dog suffers from any ailments, always discuss with your veterinarian the safety of giving a preventative, or any medication. While we of course want to keep our furry family members safe from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and all sorts of infestations, it is important that we do so safely.

Rest in Peace, Homer

Hello, friends. This is not the post I expected for today. I will share my Friendly Fill-Ins and link below, but I first want to give a moment for a very special kitty.

Last night, one of my parents' kitties passed away very unexpectedly. He was a healthy, robust, active, and all around amazing boy named Homer.

I just snapped that photo of Homer when I was at my parents' house this past Saturday. He was staring at my hands, as he was a firm believer that hands were always supposed to be petting him. He did indeed gets lot of pets and cuddles after that photo was snapped.

Homer would have turned 9 years old at the end of this month, and he's never had any health issues. Last night, though, he collapsed at home. He got back up after what my parents thought was perhaps a seizure, though he was not acting himself at all. They called me and I went with my mom to the emergency vet with Homer. When we got there, they rushed him to the back but then came out to tell us that he was was doing okay. His heart and lungs sounded good at the time, and they said he was purring and flirting with all of them, as he loved to do. They seemed hopeful that he'd just suffered a seizure and that they'd discharge him and we'd monitor him at home and go from there. Soon after, though, Homer's respiration started to decline, they ran some quick cardiac tests that came back abnormal, and ultimately his heart stopped. They tried CPR, rescue meds, and everything possible, but sweet Homer gained his angel wings. We were at the emergency vet until nearly midnight, and it was plain and simply an unexpectedly terrible night.

It's most likely Homer suffered some sort of cardiac event. Diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are sadly somewhat common in cats, and they can suddenly kill a kitty who otherwise seemed healthy up to that point. A very similar thing happened to one of my childhood kitties, Sammy, who passed away at home very suddenly at the age of 5. Homer could have also had myocarditis or any other number of similar issues.

Because my parents are also blessed to share their life with three of Homer's full litter mates, a necropsy is being done on Homer. His three siblings are also going to be tested for HCM and other potential cardiac issues at our regular vet. My mom has already reached out to our regular vet, whom we have a lot of trust in, and the vet is already getting Homer's siblings scheduled for him to do a cardiac blood test and ultrasound. One of Homer's sisters has a history of coughing, so we don't want to delay the tests. Though Homer's sister has been seen for her cough and nothing was found to be abnormal at that time, no true cardiac testing has been done yet and so my parents are moving forward with all of that for sweet Homer's siblings. Homer was the far more cool and collected one of the litter, though. His siblings are all exceedingly more wild, so I'm sure the vet will have fun wrangling them for the cardiac bloodwork and ultrasounds.

I will be sharing a better memorial post for Homer soon. It might be part of this litter's birthday post, as that will be March 31st. It's unfortunately been quite a while since I've shared Homer on our blog here, but just know he was a sweet and handsome boy with a big personality. We will miss him forever, and we'll also love him forever.

I'm sorry all of the above is so long and rambling. I truly find it cathartic to just purge that all out on the keyboard, and you friends of ours are always the recipients of that.

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We'll share the Friendly Fill-Ins now. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. The longest I have been without electricity is _________.

2. I am so tired of waiting for _________.

3. I can't believe I still remember _________.

4. I wish I could go back and experience _________ for the first time again.


My answers are below in bold. I'm sorry if they don't make a whole lot of sense. I didn't get them finished before the awful events of last night, so I filled them in after and my mind was not fully in it.

1. The longest I have been without electricity is a little over 24 hours.
(I'm lucky in that I've never experienced a truly lengthy power outage like some folks have. The 24 hours I experienced happened to just 6 houses on our block a couple years ago. A relatively small tree limb fell on a line. We could see it and alerted the power company, but it took them over 24 hours to come out and repair it.)

2. I am so tired of waiting for good books and movies to come out.
(This is such a First World problem, I know. That said, it feels like books and movies just aren't as good as they used to be. Or, at least, they aren't always what I'm personally looking for. Lately, when there are books or movies I'm truly excited for, I tend to find out about them before they've even released. And then the wait is torture. There is at least one book I'm eagerly waiting to be released in a couple months, and there's a new movie I'm very excited to watch, but I'm waiting for it to come out on streaming. Again, talk about First World problems.)

3. I can't believe I still remember the lyrics to songs I haven't heard in decades.

(My mom and I were recently listening to a certain playlist of songs from a couple decades ago. I hadn't heard the songs in roughly those couple of decades, and yet I was actually able to sing along to most of them. They were songs I liked back then, though, so apparently they stuck with me all this time.)

4. I wish I could go back and experience reading my favorite books for the first time again.
(I've always thought it would be interesting to have selective amnesia, so that you can choose to forget a particular book or even movie or TV show. This way, you can enjoy it for the first time all over again.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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I'll get back to posting doodles and tips next week. Right now, nothing I have seems appropriate for today.

Thankful Thursday: Thimble's Favorite Blanket

It's Thursday, which means Thimble is here and more than ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Recently, Thimble showed off her second favorite fleece blanket. She wasn't using her favorite blanket at the time because her brother, Evan, had peed on it. So, today, Thimble is happy to show off her absolute favorite—and now squeaky clean—blanket.

Isn't that blanket almost as cute as Thimble herself? And I know Thimble looks kind of disgruntled in that photo, but I promise she's not. This cute little tabby actually loves the camera, and that there is the look she gives just before she jumps up to run at the camera and rub her cheeks around it.

Those treats in front of Thimble were my attempt to get her to stay where she was rather than obsess over the camera's presence, but it didn't work. Right after that last photo was snapped, Thimble indeed ran at the camera and purred and rubbed all over it. After that, all the photos looked a little something like this:

Even absurdly close to the camera and blurry, Thimble is downright adorable. Don't you agree?

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And now we have the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. The longest I have been without electricity is _________.

2. I am so tired of waiting for _________.

3. I can't believe I still remember _________.

4. I wish I could go back and experience _________ for the first time again.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

After yesterday's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip on paint products, we wanted to also give a PSA on the dangers of certain glues. If we're to be honest, the primary danger of glue isn't necessarily poisonous effects. Nevertheless, we still want to warn of the life-threatening hazards of glue. Some glues, such as glues for wood or construction, as well as heavy-duty glues like Gorilla Glue, can lead to severe side effects. Ingestion of these glues can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and decreased appetite. What's more, though, is that these types of glues can contain diisocyanates, which can mix with stomach acid and then expand. This can then lead to bowel obstruction. Bowel obstruction is nothing to take lightly, and often requires surgery. Needless to say, if your kitty or pup gets into glue, especially heavy-duty glue that contains diisocyanates, seek veterinary care immediately. Of course, to prevent such emergencies, take no risks and be sure to hide away any and all glues someplace where your furbaby cannot reach.