Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Woof Woof Wednesday: Sweater Weather

It's been downright frigid here, as it has been for many in the nation. We hope you're all staying warm. That said, as we've mentioned before, pup Astrid loves cold weather. She will happily choose rather long walks even if it's just barely 0°F outside. While she's wholly unwilling to wear booties on her feet, she'll at least tolerate us putting her in a sweater.


She's not necessarily thrilled to wear clothes, but she'll at least humor us. Well, she'll humor us until she loses her patience. Like when she got tired of this particular photo shoot and started throwing a tad bit of a tantrum.


Needless to say, Astrid was taken on her beloved walk right after that photo was taken. And for some reason, she loved the frigid adventure. I failed to get any photos of her on the walk, simply because it was so cold I decided not to remove my hands from my gloves in order to snap photos.

That all said, Astrid had a senior 6-month exam and bloodwork last week. Overall, her bloodwork looks great, especially for a now 85-lb dog who's nearly 12 years old. She does still have one liver value elevated, as has been the case for the past couple of years now. Between her age and her having osteoarthritis, both of which can cause this value to increase, her vet is not concerned. This is especially because the value, though elevated, is holding steady. One of Astrid's main issues these days is her arthritis, but getting the pain medication carprofen every 12 hours makes her move like a young lady again. Being on that med is a big reason why she needs bloodwork every 6 months, but the pain med is working wonders for her and so far is causing no additional side effects to her or her lab work.

Astrid has been shaking her head and scratching at her right ear, and she has even developed an occasional head tilt on that side. The vet did find a bit of inflammation superficially in her ear, perhaps from her rooting around in snow or something along those lines. Nothing of note could be found anywhere deeper in her ear, though. So, Astrid is getting an ointment in her ear, which she really, truly does not like. We've actually reached the 7 days of her getting that ointment, and her head tilt is still there sometimes. Nothing else showed up during her exam or lab work, and the times and manner in which her head tilt appears makes me wonder if it's more so related to her aging eyes trying to adjust in certain lighting. No matter what, we'll of course keep an eye on it. Overall, though, Astrid is doing great. And you better believe we continued with our tradition of taking her to Dairy Queen for a pup cup of ice cream after her appointment.

Happy Wednesday, friends!



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Flashback Doodle of the Day

This flashback doodle seemed apt enough for today. Oh, and the metal leg is courtesy of the metal that got put in Astrid's back right knee after she tore her CCL in 2022.




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Tip of the Day

As you all certainly know, cats often seek out heat. Those pups out there sometimes do, too. For this reason, when it's cold this winter, monitor your furbaby around any sort of heat source. This of course goes for fireplaces, which should be sufficiently blocked so that kitties and pups can't directly access it or end up with burns. But, this also goes for various space heaters, radiators, and even floor or wall registers for the furnace. Especially if your cat or dog is known to park themselves incredibly close to, or even on top of, such heat sources, be sure to keep a very close eye on them when heaters are being used, or when the furnace is running. If they are near a heat source, check on them regularly, and feel them to make sure that they, and their fur, are not getting dangerously hot. Depending on the kind of heat produced by various heat sources, burns and other injuries can occur if a kitty or pup sleeps on or near it. If needed, such as if your kitty or pup insists on keeping a heater or furnace register company, consider blocking direct access to them. For example, there are safe, fire-proof covers for furnace registers on the floor or wall. When it comes to space heaters, if needed, place them in areas where your kitty or pup does not have access. In other cases, you might be able to find a way to safely block direct access to heaters and radiators, so that your furbaby can enjoy the heat without the risk of burns. Of course we want our furbabies to stay warm in the winter, but it is also important to ensure that your kitty or pup does not end up with burns or other injuries.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Perturbed Tonks Tuesday

It's Tonks Tuesday, and on this frigid subzero day, the little calico is snoozing away on some of her favorite warm blankies.



Don't mind her expression there. It was aimed at me, not you friends of ours. I tried not to wake Tonks as she snoozed, but I failed and she was not thrilled about that fact. Don't worry, though, because she went right back to sleep after this photo was snapped. Well, after I also gave her a little cuddle first, of course.

Warm wishes to all!



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Flashback Doodle of the Day




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Tip of the Day

The mixture of cold air outside and dry heat inside during the winter months can lead to skin that is dry, itchy, and flaky. For this reason, it could very well be a good idea to keep a humidifier going in your house, to keep the air and your furbaby's fur and coat as moist and comfortable as possible. Do be sure to keep in mind your kitty or pup's activity level and favorite areas to play or run when placing the humidifier, though, in order to avoid spills and other risks that might come with a humidifier. In a strategic, safe, and secure place, though, a humidifier can help keep the air moist and a cat or dog free of the discomfort of dry skin and coat.

It's also worth it to note that another way to reduce your furbaby's dryness and itchiness in the winter is to minimize or eliminate baths, as well as to dry them off when they come indoors and are wet with snow or rain. Brushing them regularly can also stimulate the natural oils of their skin, which can further help keep their fur and skin from drying out. If you do notice your kitty or pup's skin and coat is dry and itchy during the winter, and especially if you cannot get an easy handle on it, you can certainly discuss the issue and further solutions with your veterinarian.

Monday, January 20, 2025

Mancat Monday: Evan's Elevated Nap

It's Mancat Monday, and my sweet orange boy wanted to show you all one of his favorite ways to nap.


We've shown you this setup before, but that's Evan curled up on a blanket that's on top of a little kitty cube. That there photo was taken on one of our warmer days a couple weeks ago, hence why the door is open. Today it's barely even 10°F outside, so if Evan snoozes on his cube, it'll be with the door closed.

Evan usually has some pet stairs leading up to his cube, and you can actually see the corner of them on the floor in that photo. They'd just been moved temporarily as I took this photo. The reality, though, is that Evan doesn't like to use the stairs to get on the cube, but he does use them to get down. He prefers to scream and holler until someone picks him up and puts him on his cube. Apparently that's way more effective than using stairs.

Happy Monday, friends!



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Flashback Doodle of the Day




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Tip of the Day

Especially if you live in an area prone to snow, ice, wind, and other wintry goodness, do be sure to think ahead and plan for any related emergencies. For example, should a blizzard be expected to blow through and potentially leave you snowed in, ensure that, prior to the winter storm, you stock up on your furbaby's food, medications, and other necessities. Another potential winter weather emergency includes power outages. One thing to help combat that is of a course a generator. If you have a generator, do be sure to have it checked as needed, to ensure its functionality and safety. Not everyone can or does have a generator, though, and in this case, make sure you take other precautions to prep for potential power outages in the winter. Again, of course, make sure you are stocked up on your kitty or pup's food, medications, and so forth. Also have blankets at the ready. If you have a fireplace, have it regularly checked, cleaned, and rendered safe for use. A fireplace can of course be perfect source of heat in the event of a power outage, but it should be checked for safety, and should of course also be set up so that no furbabies can reach or be injured by the fire. Also, if there are safe places to put them well out of the reach of furbabies, candles being lit throughout the house could also potentially lend a bit of heat.

In some cases, especially in the event of lengthy power outages, it may be necessary to find a warm place to stay away from your powerless, cold home. If this is the case, ensure that you again have food, medications, and all necessities properly prepared for your kitty or pup. Then, of course, it is crucial to find somewhere that is pet-friendly for your furbaby to stay. This could be a hotel that is pet-friendly, or a family or friend's home where your furbaby is allowed, and that is also a pet-safe home. If necessary, such as if you cannot find a hotel or home that is pet-friendly for the duration of your home's power outage, you could also look into a pet boarding facility that you trust, and that of course has power and heat. During the winter months, snow, ice, and wind can wreak all sorts of havoc, so do be sure to consider how this could affect your furbaby, and have plans in the event of potential winter emergencies.

Friday, January 17, 2025

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Winter Window View

Hello and happy Friday, friends! It's time 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. I'll never buy _________ from _________ again.

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

3. I once got lost _________.

4. _________ is the most normal thing about me.


My answers are below in bold. Yet again, they're accompanied by far too much rambling, but what's new.

1. I'll never buy chicken from the grocery store near my house again.
(This is kind of a boring answer, but it's what came to my mind. I recently bought a pack of chicken from the store in question, cooked it up immediately, and almost just as quickly the stuff went rancid. I buy chicken all the time from another store in our town, simply because I really like their chicken. I've never once had issues with that chicken going bad when made and eaten in a timely manner. I was recently at the store conveniently close to my house, though, and so I grabbed the chicken from my shopping list. As described above, though, I quickly remembered why I prefer the chicken from the other store in town.)

2. It's all fun and games until Evan sees me getting his meds ready.
(My poor boy Evan is such a sweet little guy. He is sugar, but of course with a little spice on the side. And that spice comes out when he sees me getting his meds ready. It takes me a while to prepare all of his meds, especially since he gets about 10 in the morning and 5 in the evening. I try to wait until he's playing or napping or otherwise distracted, but he never fails to hear or see me prepping his meds and so then he goes on a bit of a rampage. He's not aggressive or anything along those lines, but he expresses his frustration with what I refer to as rage peeing. As I prepare his meds I've learned to sequester him near me and to take away his beds and blankets, as those are what he targets with his rage pee. That all helps, usually, but that doesn't mean Evan is happy about those meds.)

3. I once got lost in a room full of pig carcasses.
(While studying animal sciences in college, one of my classes had a lecture at the university's meat packing facility. We were supposed to meet in a little classroom in the back of the building, but I made a wrong turn and found myself in a room with dozens upon dozens of pig carcasses hanging from the ceiling. There was not a single soul in sight to point me in the right direction, so I had to find my own way out of there. I felt like I was living out a horror movie.)

4. Adulting fatigue is the most normal thing about me.
(Being an adult can be tiring, what with work, chores, and all of that jazz. And I know I'm far from the only adult who feels this way, hence this being my answer. I tried to think of which of my passions and hobbies I could put for this, but even my somewhat normal habits are very unique to me. This is of course the case for most people, I'm sure. I love reading, for example, but my favorite books of late are about a guy wearing heart boxers and his talking cat who collects hats. So, simply getting tired and sometimes a bit frustrated with the whole adulting thing is my answer to this fill-in. After all, don't all of us find keeping up with things in life a bit overwhelming sometimes?)

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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It's time for your Eddy fix, and today you get to see this cute little lady looking out at our winter wonderland.


We've had snow on the ground for weeks now. Eddy loves how the snow makes it easy to see squirrels moving around on the ground, and she very often spies on them during the white winter months. Of course, Eddy keeps tabs on those squirrels all year long, but watching them run around in the snow seems to be a favorite of hers.

Warm wishes to all!



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Flashback Doodle of the Day




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Tip of the Day

Today's winter tip is one that you often hear in the summer, but that also goes for the winter months, and that is to never leave your pup or kitty alone in the car. Just like the inside of a car can get fatally hot in the summer months, the inside of a car can get far too cold in the winter for a furbaby to remain inside. Should you need to run errands where your furbaby is not allowed, leave them home where it is warm. Another option, should your furbaby for some reason need to be along when you run errands, is to bring someone along who can sit with them in the warm car.

In this same line of thought, if your furbaby is in need of a car ride, prepare the car for this. Should a vet visit be in store in the winter months, for example, warm the car before taking your furbaby outside for a ride. As we all know, a cold car is an uncomfortable place to be. So, try to ensure that your furbaby does not have to feel this discomfort.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

A Sunny Thankful Thimble Thursday

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


Today, Thimble is grateful for sunshine. We haven't been getting much of it lately, but today it's bright and shiny outside.


The sunrays coming through the windows are hot commodities right now.


Thimble hopes you're all enjoying some sun puddles just like she is!



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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. I'll never buy _________ from _________ again.

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

3. I once got lost _________.

4. _________ is the most normal thing about me.


We'll see you tomorrow, friends!



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Flashback Doodle of the Day




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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is to be careful and cautious with your furbabies when outside in cold weather, and to be aware that our furbabies' tolerances to cold can vary. Some animals are more susceptible to getting cold, such as those with a thin coat or no fur, those who are very young or very old, and those who are ill or in any way compromised. Sometimes, it comes down to the fact that some animals simply tolerate cold better than others. In any extreme weather, such as cold winter days, it is important to keep a very close eye on any animal who is outside. If your pup or kitty is outdoors taking a bathroom break or on a walk, monitor them closely. If you notice any shivering, restlessness or anxiety, or anything out of sorts, get them inside where it is warm.

One simple rule of thumb to follow, especially when in doubt, is that if it's too cold for you, then it's likely too cold for your furbaby. Hypothermia and frostbite can affect our cats and dogs just like it can affect us, so don't risk these medical emergencies. Don't leave your furbabies outdoors in the frigid cold. Do not set out on long walks on cold days, but instead stay close to home and be vigilant regarding your furbaby's comfort, health, and safety. If you care for feral cats or other outdoor animals, try to ensure that they have some form of shelter that is out of the elements and off of the ground. If possible, offer some form of warmth in the outdoor shelter, a topic we very recently discussed.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Arctic Adventures with Astrid

It was 2°F this morning. Despite being nearly 12 years old as well as arthritic, pup Astrid loves winter and cold weather. After allowing her pain meds to kick in, I let Astrid pick where we walked. Knowing she'd probably want to go far in these arctic temperatures, I bundled up real good. And I'm glad I did, because she indeed had us out there for quite a while. And she loved it.



Don't mind the snow on Astrid's face. She loves to shove her nose in snow, pick it up in her mouth, throw it in the air, and all that weird stuff that sounds really unpleasant to do with snow when it's 2°F outside.

I do wish Astrid would allow me to put little boots on her feet when it's this cold outside, but she refuses to even stand let alone walk when all of her feet are in boots. I do regularly check her toes on cold walks, and thankfully she's never had any issues. When it's below 0°F I do try to avoid taking her on too long of walks, though she's never happy about it. I don't know how or why she enjoys this level of cold so much, but I don't want to deprive her of what she loves, so this morning I just put on lots of layers and let her lead me into the winter wilderness.

Happy Wednesday, friends!



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Flashback Doodle of the Day




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Tip of the Day

Yesterday, we discussed wiping off furry feet and human shoes after going outdoors in the winter, in order to reduce exposure to products such as salt, or ice melt. There is another good reason to wipe off those furry feet after going outdoors, and that is to remove snow and ice from the paws and the toes they contain. When a dog or cat goes outdoors into the snow, their paw pads, the fur on their feet, and the areas between their toes can all collect snow and ice. This can of course be cold and uncomfortable, so when they come in from outdoors, be sure to wipe off their feet so that they can remain dry and warm. Especially if your furbaby is short or if the snow is deep, also wipe off their belly and anywhere on their body that might have collected cold snow. Also thoroughly wipe off your own feet when you come inside, or remove your shoes, in order to keep the floors dry and warm for your furbaby's paws.

In line with the above thoughts, if your pup or kitty goes on walks, consider taking a dry towel with you when there is snow on the ground. Snow and ice can clump up and get stuck between your furbaby's toes, and those with especially furry feet can attract extra snow and ice on their feet. So, if your furbaby is outdoors for an extended period of time, do consider taking a dry towel with you and removing snow and ice from on and between their toes throughout the walk. This will allow them to remain as dry and comfortable as possible when outdoors in the snow.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Hyper Tonks Tuesday

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico is a little hyper. And also downright adorable, of course.


I can't even remember what prompted that look on Tonks's face this particular time, but it's indeed the expression she makes when she's having a grand ol' time. I'm sure that this photo was snapped in between some playing and running around, as Tonks loves to do.

Happy Tuesday, friends!



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Flashback Doodle of the Day




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Tip of the Day

Yesterday's winter tip was to avoid using typical salt, or ice melt, for the sake of the health of your furbaby and their paws. One thing we failed to mention, and that is therefore today's tip, is to take precautions in the event that neighbors' or others' use of salt might affect your kitty or pup. In the event that your furbaby goes on winter walks in areas where salt is used, wipe their paws off when you get home in order to remove as much of the salt or other chemicals as possible. Even if your furbaby does not go outdoors, there is still a chance they can be exposed to salt or other potentially dangerous chemicals, such as by way of your shoes. To help prevent injury or illness due to exposure to or ingestion of salt in this manner, remove your shoes when you get home, or at the very least thoroughly wipe them off. In addition to this, vacuum regularly in order to keep salt and other debris from entering your home, or from trailing through your house. Ice melts can pose health risks to kitties and pups, so avoid their use, but also realize and prevent against the dangers they can pose if they are used by others and out of your control.