Friendly Fill-Ins and Photo Fails

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


1. _________ down, _________ to go.

2. It's all fun and games until _________.

3. By some miracle, I _________.

4. Unless _________, I rarely _________.

My answers are below in bold. This week, they're all about the furbabies.

1. Ten days of giving Evan antibiotics down, ten days to go.

(Evan started on his new oral antibiotic last week after we found out that the antibiotic injection he got wouldn't work for his particular UTI. He's hated all ten days so far, and I have no doubt he'll hate the next ten days as well. He's a good boy, though, so he'll let it happen no matter how much he wishes I'd just leave him alone already.)

2. It's all fun and games until Astrid breaks up the cat fight.

(Some of the kitties at our house love to squabble and fight. They apparently find this fun, even when they're hissing and screaming, because they always go back for seconds. But, when Astrid hears enough hissing, spitting, and screaming, she trots over to stop the fight. At least, she does this if the kitties involved are ones who won't slap her. Meaning, she'll break up even just play fights if they involve Evan, Thimble, or Toby. If Eddy, Tonks, or Winky is involved, though, the kitties are on their own because Astrid is, understandably, not willing to lose an eye.)

3. By some miracle, I have all of the furbaby birthdays in the family memorized.

(This used to be easier, before there were 18 cats in the family. I of course know the birthdays of the 6 kitties and pup at my house, but I also make myself remember the birthdays of my parents' 12 kitties as well. In fact, their 4 litter mate kitties have a birthday today. Happy birthday to Homer, Kipper, Iris, and Josie!)

4. Unless all appointments are booked up or medications are out of stock, I rarely go more than one or two weeks without visiting our vet.

(Between Evan's biweekly grooming and regular medication refills, I'm at the vet either weekly or every two weeks. If it means Evan and the other furbabies are healthy and happy, though, I'm okay with that.)

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.

You better believe our resident blooper queen Eddy has some outtakes to share. As always, she's all shades of blurry today.

Wishing you all a fantastic day!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Leading up to this year's April A to Z Challenge, which of course kicks off tomorrow, we've been sharing flashback doodles from past A to Z Challenges. Today's is from last year's, which I admittedly and embarrassingly didn't finish when I failed to juggle it and life in general. That said, last year, at least up to the letter O, I shared doodles inspired by some of my writing projects. This one here was one of the least weird and wacky of those doodles.

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Tip of the Day

Today is the last day of National Pet Poison Prevention Month. Since Easter is just around the corner, we're going to give you a summary of what Easter items to keep away from your furbaby, so that they do not end up at the emergency clinic around this springtime holiday.

First, keep those Easter lilies away from your kitties and pups! There are a number of lily types that are toxic to furbabies, Easter lilies being one of the most dangerous. Any part of the Easter lily can be toxic, even the pollen. Lily toxicity can lead to any number of life-threatening side effects, one of them being acute kidney failure. As you surely already know or can guess, it is simply safest to keep any and all lilies out of the home, well out of reach of your kitty or pup.

Other Easter goodies to keep away from your furbaby include chocolate, which is also toxic, as you all certainly already know. Don't forget the danger that other candies can pose as well, such as the sugar-free sort containing toxic xylitol. If you are giving or receiving Easter baskets that contain candies such as these, keep them well hidden away, so that hungry or curious furbabies cannot help themselves to a toxic snack.

It is also worth it to noting the danger of Easter grass. This stringy grass-like material often used as a filler in Easter baskets can be dangerous if ingested by a kitty or pup. It can lead to emergencies such as intestinal blockage, perforation, or laceration. Try not to use any such materials in Easter baskets. If you receive a basket with this dangerous fake grass material, keep it well out of your furbaby's reach and dispose of it safely.

Thankful Thimble Thursday

It's a day of gratitude, thanks to Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

As always, little tabby Thimble has some gratitude to share. And, as always, Thimble is thankful for her beloved window seat, and for how downright adorable she is.

Don't worry, Thimble already knows just how cute her face is. And she uses that to her advantage every chance she gets.

Woops. Sometimes Thimble gets a little excited to show off her adorableness.

Thimble hopes seeing her cute little self made your day!

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Now, let's share 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. _________ down, _________ to go.

2. It's all fun and games until _________.

3. By some miracle, I _________.

4. Unless _________, I rarely _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

As we've mentioned a couple times this week, this last week of March we're sharing flashback doodles from past April A to Z Challenges while I work on this year's alphabetical doodles. So, does anyone remember the weird theme I picked in 2021? It was "Halfway to Halloween", since that is what April is, and since I love me some Halloween.

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Tip of the Day

Today we have another precautionary safety tip for National Pet Poison Awareness Month. This simple tip is to be aware and cautious of where in your home you put anything that might contain potentially poisonous items. For example, if you keep medications, food, makeup, art supplies, or other similar items in your backpack, purse, briefcase, lunchbox, or other carrying container, be sure to keep this out of reach of your kitty or pup. When you come home after work or school, put your bag in a closed closet, or on a hook or shelf where your furbaby cannot reach. This will help keep them from sneaking into your bag and getting into any dangerous medications, snacks, or other similar items that you might have left in there.

In this same line of thought, always be cautious where you put your groceries when you come home from shopping. We might bring home any number of food items, cleaners, or other products that contain potentially poisonous ingredients. So, do not leave any such grocery bags or products unattended, but instead be sure to put all groceries and other potentially toxic items securely out of reach as quickly as possible. If need be, for safety's sake, you can block your kitty or pup out of the room that contains the groceries, at least while you're tucking them safely away. 

All in all, this is just yet another tip reminding you to always take any and all details into consideration when it comes to your furbaby's health and safety. We may see our purse or a bag of groceries as safe, but for your furbaby it might not be. So, as always, think ahead and take any necessary precautions, no matter how big or how small, to keep that kitty or pup of yours safe and sound.

Woof Woof Wednesday: Doggy Donut

Hello and happy Wednesday! Yesterday, little calico Tonks tried to show off her kitty-shaped donut toy. Not one to be left behind, pup Astrid wanted you all to remember that she has a beloved donut toy herself.

It of course squeaks, which brings Astrid so much joy. She hopes you all get to enjoy some donuts, either of the squeaky or edible type.

Speaking of donuts, since we're sharing flashback doodles from past April A to Z Challenges leading up to this year's alphabetical month, how about this one from 2020's A to Zs of Rosie's Restaurant?

Eat up, friends!

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Tip of the Day

We're of course here today with another National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip. It's time to give a reminder of the dirty details of keeping your kitty or pup safe. What we mean is, don't forget to keep your garbage can, recycling bin, dirty dishwasher, compost, and other similar areas safe against curious furbabies. Garbage cans or recycling bins, for example, might contain empty containers for potentially poisonous substances, such as detergents. The garbage can, dishwasher, or even compost might also contain the remnants of food that is toxic to a cat or dog. When it comes to the compost, or perhaps even the garbage can, moldy foods especially might be found within, and moldy food can contain mycotoxins, which are indeed toxic to our furbabies.

All in all, what we're trying to say is to never forget all of the details, no matter how dirty, for ensuring that your kitty or pup is free from any form of poisoning or other injury. Use garbage cans that are securely lidded or pet-proof in another way. You could even hide your garbage can in a cabinet, drawer, or room to which your furbaby cannot gain access. Also ensure that your dirty dishwasher remains securely closed, and that any compost you have is kept somewhere that your furbaby cannot reach. Even if a precaution seems like overkill, it's probably not. After all, when it comes to the health and safety of your furbaby, it is of course best to take no risks.

Tonks Tuesday: Show-and-Tell

Happy Tuesday, friends! Today, Tonks is doing a bit of show-and-tell. She wants you all to see an old toy that she recently resurfaced from her toy box.

In case you can't tell, since Tonks has the toy upside down for you all, that's a kitty-shaped donut. If this little calico had flipped it the correct way for her show-and-tell, you'd be able to see the purple, kitty-faced icing on the donut. But, alas, this is the view you get.

A kitty-shaped donut seems like a good segue for today's flashback doodle. As I mentioned yesterday, while I try to prepare more doodles for this year's April A to Z Challenge, we're sharing some of the doodles from previous A to Z Challenges. Today's is from the 2020 April A to Z Challenge, when angel Rosie shared all sorts of goodies from her very own restaurant.

Have a terrific day, friends!

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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. Do your best to always be one step ahead of your kitty or pup, as difficult as that may be.

Mancat Monday with Exhibitionist Evan

Hello and happy Monday, friends! Given that it is of course Mancat Monday, we have for you handsome Evan. Today, he's being a tad bit of an exhibitionist in the sunny front door.

For anyone who'd like a little update on Evan following the news of his most recent UTI, he's doing well overall. His urine was sent out for a culture, which turned out to be a good thing, since the bacteria he's fighting was found to be resistant to the antibiotic injection he received. So, now he's getting different oral antibiotics twice a day. He lets me shoot that nasty stuff in his mouth like a champ, but he sure hates the taste. Thankfully, I believe I'm already seeing improvement, as Evan is no longer urinating with the same insane frequency or volume as he was even just last week. He'll be getting the antibiotics until his recheck urinalysis on April 10.

Though we're sort of nearing the end of the post, I'll now apologize for yet again being absent this weekend. Ever the rambler, I have a bit of an explanation. In between typical household chores and a bit of a migraine flareup this weekend, I worked on some of my creative endeavors. One of those involved my writing projects that I'm trying very hard to prioritize more in my life. Another one of the creative tasks I was working on this weekend was of course my drawings, specifically for the annual April A to Z Challenge. Last year I failed to complete the A to Z Challenge, and I refuse to do the same this year.

One of the reasons I've been sharing mostly flashback doodles and not many new doodles lately is because even some of the new doodles I've had completed for a couple of weeks can actually be used for my A to Z Challenge. The theme I'll be going with this year is something along the lines of "these are a few of my favorite things", and since I tend to draw things I like, I realized recently that some of the drawings I've been working on can easily fit into our April A to Z lineup. So, they're being held for that.

All that rambling aside, we're wishing you all a magnificent Monday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Since we mentioned the upcoming April A to Z Challenge above, how about for the next couple of days we share some A to Z doodles from previous years? For today, let's go back to 2019. That year's series starred my calico angel Rosie and was all about daily routine, starting with waking up to that dreaded alarm clock for the letter A.

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Tip of the Day

In these last couple 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.

Friendly Fill-Ins

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


1. My favorite character from a film, TV, or book is _________.

2. The one word I would use to describe myself is _________.

3. If I had to give you my best piece of advice, I would tell you _________.

4. _________ will never compare with _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. My favorite character from a film, TV, or book is Eeyore.
(To be honest, Eeyore from the Winnie the Pooh franchise is probably not my all-time favorite character. I don't even know if I have one of those. But I have always loved Eeyore, all the way from when I was a very young child. After all, he embodies what I do often root for or find endearing in a character, and that is the lovable grump, or the underdog.)

2. The one word I would use to describe myself is me.

(Is that corny or what? But, it does relate to one of my favorite quotes, and that is Oscar Wilde's, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.")

3. If I had to give you my best piece of advice, I would tell you to be yourself.

(After all, Oscar Wilde was onto something. I'd also tell you to get yourself a cat, or a dog, or some furry friend. They're the best. Hence my #4 below.)

4. Life without cats will never compare with life with cats.

(Cats, and all animals, bring some much happiness to a person's life. I'm sure I don't have to tell any of you that.)

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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Now, are you ready for your Eddy fix. It's another one of those days when, well, Eddy just couldn't look at the camera.

Sorry, friends, but there have been snowflakes in need of watching, so that's where Eddy's attention has been.

Here, we'll give you a closer look at that adorable face of Eddy's to tide you over.

Warm wishes to all!

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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.

Thankful Thimble Thursday

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

Do you want to see what Thimble is grateful for today?

As is often the case, this little tabby girl is thankful for sunshine, even if it's coming through a dirty window. She's also grateful for how glamorous she is. Thimble is cute and she knows it.

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Now, let's share 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 favorite character from a film, TV, or book is _________.

2. The one word I would use to describe myself is _________.

3. If I had to give you my best piece of advice, I would tell you _________.

4. _________ will never compare with _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We're nearing the end of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, but we still have a couple more such tips to share with you all. Today's tip is about those pots and pans in your kitchen. Primarily, be cautious when using nonstick pans, such as those with Teflon, as heating these to high temperatures can lead to poisonous fumes for some pets. As many of you likely already know, this is primarily a concern when it comes to pet birds. Still, to be on the safe side, be careful when heating such pots and pans around any pets, especially those that are small. For that matter, also be careful with other similar kitchen items, such as aerosol cooking sprays and self-cleaning ovens, as it is not impossible for fumes from these to also pose dangers. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and simply do not use it.