Flashback Springtime Selfie

We had some beautiful weather last week. There was sunshine, and warmth, and days where no semblance of a coat was necessary. For that reason, we intended on spending our Saturday yesterday with the windows open for some window whiffies. We were even going to snap some selfies in said open windows. But do you know what happened yesterday instead? It rained. And then it snowed. No window whiffies were to be had.

All of the above being said, we were determined to share a window whiffies selfie today. Our hearts were set on it. So, we're going for a flashback selfie. We're going back to a selfie snapped during some window whiffies enjoyed in days gone by.

There are actually three furbabies in that there window whiffies selfie. Can you see them all?

This flashback selfie from a true spring day is our contribution to the Sunday Selfies Blog Hop, hosted by the Kitties Blue of The Cat on My Head.

We're wishing you all warmth and window whiffies!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

I scribbled up a spring-inspired doodle for today. It seems strange sharing it now, what with snow falling to the ground. But, here it is nonetheless.

***

Our 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.

Snow White and the Seven What?

Truth be told, I feel it passing strange that I've been scribbling up so many fairy tale doodles based on Disney movies. After all, though I did watch movies such as Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid more than a few times as a child, I've never been anything resembling a diehard Disney fan. I've never been to Disney World or Disney Land, and I honestly have no desire to go. What's even more strange is that I've probably only ever watched Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs once or twice in my whole life, and yet this is the doodle I scribbled up for today:

Perhaps I would have enjoyed Snow White's tale a bit more if the dwarfs were indeed a bit more furry and whiskered. What do you all think? Should the dwarfs have been touting four paws and tails? Yeah, we think so, too.

Of course, the silly doodle above is our contribution to Athena's Caturday Art Blog Hop. Visit Athena to see the masterpieces all of our friends have created!

Happy Caturday to all!

***

Our 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 precautions, no matter how big or how small, to keep that kitty or pup of yours safe and sound.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Photo Fails

Aren't you glad it's Friday? We sure are! We're ready for the weekend. We're ready to laze out on the couch. And, of course, we're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. In case you missed them yesterday, I'll share the fill-in statements again here. Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.


1. I am allergic to _________.

2. My taxes _________.

3. I don't tell many people _________.

4. When it rains, _________.

I filled these in myself, and you'll find mine below. My answers are in bold.

1. I am allergic to spring and summer.
(This time of year, antihistamine is my hero.)

2. My taxes have always been done by my mother.
(Because that's how good I am at this whole adulting thing. My mom has always had an interest in accounting, and then there's me, who really can't stand it. My mom claims she actually enjoys doing taxes. I hope she's not just being a mom and lying to me. Thanks for your help, Mom!)

3. I don't tell many people that I like to draw and write.
(You all know about these hobbies of mine! My parents and sister also of course know. Some of my extended family recently learned that I enjoy artsy things, but I don't think I've ever mentioned to them how I enjoy writing and am working on completing various stories. Most of my neighbors, co-workers, old friends from school, and other such folks are also out of the loop on these hobbies of mine. I just never mention it. I don't really know why. Fear not, though, because nearly everyone who has ever met me knows that I am a proud parent to my furbabies. This fact always comes up in conversation, probably because I'm always bringing up my kitties and pup.)

4. When it rains, stay inside and cuddle a kitty.
(Feel free to grab a good book, too.)

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.



***

Do you know what's next? It's something fun. Did you guess? Why, of course it's the Pet Photo Fails! Blog Hop, hosted by Mudpie and Melissa of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.

I always find it so fortuitous that the Photo Fails blog hop falls on a Friday. After all, Friday happens to the be the day that my girl Eddy always gets to show off her adorable self. What's more, Eddy happens to be the resident blooper queen, so she was made for this Friday blooper blog hop. Serendipity at its finest.

Happy Friday, friends!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

This is my rendition of Sleeping Beauty, cat lady style.

***

Our 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.

Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

Thursday is such a welcome sight. It means it's almost Friday, and it also means that we get to rhyme. After all, every Thursday we participate and Angel Sammy and Teddy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge.

Each week, our hosts share a photo prompt to help get our creative juices flowing. The image for this week is this beautifully haunting one here:

Truth be told, I was watching the Rapunzel-inspired movie known as Tangled when I started working on my poem based on that there image. I really am in a very fairy tale mood these days. What's more, my movie choice heavily influenced the poem I scribbled up for this week. If you read this insanely long rhyme, you'll see what I mean.

The Tilted Bell Tower

Beneath the bright blue sky spanned the great big plains,

With acres of grass that went on for days and days.

Upon these plains not a single landmark had been lain.

That is, except for that sole little building under a great deal of strain.

This little old building boasted walls of old brick.

So what if they looked downright crumbly and sick?

Was that a bell tower on top?

All tilted to the side and about to fall off?

This quaint old building had its appeal,

Even if did looked ready to topple down head over heels.

In fact, that little old building drew in one intrigued passerby,

A young woman with bright hair so long it could reach the sky.

Pushing her hair back and tugging at the hem of her dress,

This young lady walked through grass and what looked like cress.

The distance to that tilted, quaint building grew less and less.

A sense of intrigue that building of brick did possess.

The young woman wondered if it was just as appealing from the inside.

She wondered what mystery those old walls did hide.

Of course, she wasn't about to let it remain a mystery,

So through the doorway she did slip for a look-see.

There was something that called to the woman right off the bat,

And that was the staircase that spiraled this way and that.

Were those the stairs that led to the tilted bell tower?

That was a mystery this young woman was about to scour.

The lady stepped up and up those spiral stairs.

She found that it was best if she scooped up her long hair.

After all, it trailed behind her for many a yards,

And when left down it snagged on the stairs and made climbing quite hard.

Finally, the young woman reached the top step.

The bell tower was indeed up there, yep.
To reach it, she walked through a tiny little door,
And right onto the bell tower's old, rickety floor.

The view from the tilting tower was really quite grand.
The young lady could see for miles from where she did stand.

Eventually, though, she had seen enough,
But when she turned to leave, her luck was rough.

To the young woman's chagrin, the little door to the tower had closed.
What's worse, it had locked and she was now quite trapped and enclosed.
Picking locks was not a skill she possessed,
A fact that currently brought her a great deal of stress.
She thought, How am I going to escape this predicament?
This was most certainly and assuredly not my intent.

The young woman could still see for miles and miles,
Which was how she knew there was no one around to help her through this trial.
Just then, though, a brown tabby of a cat passed by below.
With nothing else to do, she greeted the feline with, "Hello!"

The cat stopped in its tracks and looked up.
Then, believe it or not, it said, "Well, this is weird, yup."
The young woman stuttered and spluttered and said,
"You're a cat, and you talk. What the heck."

The cat sat on its rump and scratched at its nose.
Then it said, "You're the one who said hello first, you know."
Shaking her head and suspending disbelief,
The young woman replied, "Could you perhaps help me?
I came up to this bell tower to just look around,
But now the door is locked, and I'd much rather be on the ground."

The cat let out a tad bit of a sigh,
And then it did reply,
"Truth be told, my claws have picked many a lock.
I guess I could help you past this roadblock."

The cat left the woman's sight as it entered the old building.
Just as soon, though, it stood back below and said words that did sting.
"The door to the bell tower appears to lock only from the inside.
This is strange, a tad bit deranged, and I don't know why."

The young woman groaned and was nearly losing hope.
The cat asked, "You don't by chance have any rope?
I'm not about to break my neck jumping onto that wibbly-wobbly roof.
If you had a rope, though, I could climb up there just like that. Poof!"

"I don't have a rope, no," the young woman did say.
Then she smiled and did add, "But I do have hair that goes on for days!"
She quickly threw her locks over the bell tower's rail,
So that to the ground below it did flow and sail."

The cat tilted its head to the side,
Looking at the woman's hair through squinted eyes.
The feline said, "You were taken aback by a talking cat,
When you walk around every day with hair a mile long like that?"

Not waiting for a reply, the cat swiftly climbed her hair all the way up to the tower.
Without delay, it trotted to the door and showed off its pick-locking powers.
The cat's claws had the door opened in a matter of seconds.
Before it jogged down the stairs, the cat said, "I hope you learned your lesson."

The woman knew the cat had a point,
And she certainly did not intend to do that again and disappoint.
As the cat licked a paw, it then said,
"In case you were wondering, my name is Ned."
The young lady combed her hair, which was now as coarse and tangled as wool.
She said, "It's nice to meet you, Ned. I'm Rapunzel."

The cat twitched its tail and said, "Well, that's a weird name.
Nonetheless, Rapunzel, I hope I never find you in this way again."
While Rapunzel thanked it and bid it adieu,
The cat trotted away and simply said, "Mew."

***

Around here, Thursdays are the day that Thimble shows off herself and expresses her Thankfuls.

Today, Thimble is thankful for the warm and cozy spot her mom leaves behind in bed. Thimble knows good and all that when someone gets out of bed or off of a couch or chair, they will leave behind a toasty spot for her to nap. Isn't that wonderful? Thimble thinks it's wonderful.

We also thank you all for your friendship, as always!

***

Now we have for you all the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. Ellen of 15andmeowing crafted up the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I am allergic to _________.

2. My taxes _________.

3. I don't tell many people _________.

4. When it rains, _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Our 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.

Yet Another Wednesday in the Window

Ready for another new yet so very familiar shot of Astrid and her nose in that beloved window? Yes? Good, because here you go.

Astrid got a little tired posing in her window.

It's just so difficult to keep those eyes open sometimes.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

That there doodle is inspired by the little tale of Thumblelina. Want to know a fun fact? That mini kitty in the doodle is based on Thimble, because her name first came about thanks to the character of Thumblelina. When Thimble was found and my family started tending to her as a kitten, she weighed less than half a pound. She was the runt of her litter and downright tiny. My mom was the one who first mentioned that she was like Thumblelina, and then that name reminded us of the word thimble, and then we figured that Thimble was a perfectly good name for a tiny kitten. So, Thimble!

***

Our 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.

Tabby Toesies Tuesday

We've got a twofer going on today. It's Toesies Tuesday, and the starring toesies also happen to be those of a tabby. So, it's a Tabby Toesies Tuesday!

Thimble hopes her toesies help make your Tuesday terrific!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

Puss in Boots is one of my all-time favorite fairy tale characters. Is anyone else a fan of Puss in Boots? I quite enjoy this kitty character in the Shrek movies.

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Yesterday's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip was about being cautious of the potentially poisonous bites of certain snakes and spiders. In a similar yet also different tip, we are today talking about those critters who contain substances that could be toxic if ingested by our furbabies. For example, there are certain toads that contain substances on their body that can lead to severe toxicity. Two of the most poisonous toads are the Colorado River toad and the Marine toad. A pup or kitty making oral contact with these toads can lead to nearly immediate side effects such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficult breathing, difficulty walking, and potentially death if left untreated.

Other critters that can poison a dog or cat if ingested include a butterfly or caterpillar that has eaten milkweed, which can be incredibly toxic to our furbabies. In addition to this, there are some caterpillars with hairs or other means capable of injecting venomous toxins, which can spell out trouble if a cat or dog puts the caterpillar in their mouth. Monarch caterpillars and a variety of moth caterpillars are some of those known to have the ability to inject toxins when threatened.

Even fireflies can have poisonous effects on a cat or pup if ingested. Though their less-than-ideal taste is likely to keep a pup or kitty away, if ingested, they can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal distress. For all of these reasons, especially if you are unsure of a critter's potential effects on your furbaby, simply do all that you can to prevent your kitty or pup's contact with or ingestion of bugs and other critters. As we mentioned yesterday, do your best to be aware of the types of critters in the area, and which ones can pose a risk to your pup or kitty. And, if your furbaby does come into contact with or ingest any bug of which you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian.

Mancat Monday

It's yet another sleepy sort of Mancat Monday around here.

Evan and all of us here hope your Monday is filled with plenty of naps!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

Apparently I still have fairy tales and Disney movies on my mind. For today's doodle, I made a little alteration to a certain cricket.

***

Our 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.

A Bright and Shiny Sunday Selfie

Guess what we've been having these past few days? Sunshine! That means we have for you a selfie full of sunshine and shadows and all shades of terrible lighting. Enjoy!

We hope you're enjoying lots of sunshine and sun puddles, too!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

Rumpelstiltskin, anyone?

***

Our 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.

A Furry Fairy Tale

We're still in the midst of our series of fairy tale doodles. More specifically, the purpose of these doodles is to add some much-needed felines to various fairy tales. I saved one of my favorite fairy tale remakes for today.

As a child, I loved the fact that Belle was a book lover, and that she had some pretty awesome libraries in her life. I watched Beauty and the Beast roughly a gazillion times when I was a little girl. My dad always tells me that at one point in time, he could practically recite both it and The Little Mermaid by heart, because my sister and I were constantly watching them.

That there furry fairy tale doodle is of course our entry into Athena's Caturday Art Blog Hop. Be sure to visit Athena to see the art that all of our friends have created!

Happy Caturday!

***

Our 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.

Friendly Fill-Ins

We're thinking it's time to fill-in some fill-ins. Are you ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge? In case you missed them yesterday, I'll share the fill-in statements again here. Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I admire _________.

2. I can't wait for _________ to bloom.

3. I'm proud to say _________.

4. _________ make(s) me nervous.


If you want to know how I filled these in, read on! My answers are in bold.

1. I admire animal rescuers.
(Anyone who rescues animals in any way is a hero of mine. I especially have incredible respect for those who are able to be at the front lines of animal rescue, where they see the worst of the worst and yet keep at it every day for the sake of the animals. I love animals and want to help as many as I can in my lifetime, but I don't know that I would ever have the true strength it takes to be at the front lines of animal rescue. Seeing animals in such immediate, critical, cruel situations on a nearly daily basis must take incredible strength.)

2. I can't wait for my hibiscus bush to bloom.
(I am the farthest thing from a gardener, but the previous owners of my house planted a hibiscus bush that I adore. It is gorgeous. It doesn't bloom until later than most of the other plants around, but I'm willing to wait to see its beautiful blooms.)

3. I'm proud to say that my boy Evan made it a whole week without an incident of incontinence.
(Come to think of it, I don't think I ever even told you guys that Evan has developed urinary incontinence. For those who don't know, Evan is my orange tabby boy who is hind limb paralyzed. A couple months ago, he started having urinary incontinence, almost exclusively when he's relaxed or sleeping. Bloodwork and urinalyses all came back normal, and so it was diagnosed as plain and simple urinary incontinence. It does not happen consistently, and he may do it multiple times in one day, or he may not do it for a whole week. Just yesterday, Evan broke his week-long clean streak, but that's okay. Unlike in dogs, medications to treat incontinence in cats have not yet been discovered or manufactured. Evan does not tolerate any clothing on his body, and that includes any form of a diaper. We are still trying to find the best way to protect bedding and furniture, and we are discovering what types of blankets and bedding are the most moisture resistant. There is lots of laundry going on here, but my mom has recently started helping me design a style of blanket that has some sort of plastic liner involved. We'll get it figured out eventually!)

4. Sick fubabies make me nervous.
(I know I'm certainly not the only parent to kitties or pups who feels this way. Nothing makes my stomach churn more than when I see an abnormality in my furbaby. Whether it be a change in a furbaby's bathroom habits or a lump or bump on their skin, I can become a nervous wreck in a matter of seconds.)

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.

***

It's Eddy time!

Happy Friday, friends!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is yet another one regarding random yet potentially toxic items that might be found in the the home. Today's household item to be aware of is matches. Matches can contain potentially toxic substances, such as potassium nitrate. It is also possible for matches to contain heavy metals or other dangerous components. Ingestion of matches can lead to toxicity for your furbaby, with the effects depending on the quantity ingested. Poisoning from the ingestion of matches can result in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Consuming items such as matches can also lead to a variety of other problems, such as perforation or obstruction of the bowels. Needless to say, to prevent any such issues, of course keep matches and all dangerous items well out of reach of your kitty or pup.

In this same line of thought, also keep items such as lighters and lighter fluids hidden away. These can also contain components that are potentially toxic to kitties and pups. And what do we always say? It's better to be safe than sorry!

Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

Happy Thursday, friends! Do you know what Thursday means? It means we're getting poetic for Angel Sammy and Teddy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge!

Each week, our hosts share a photo prompt to help us get poetic. This week's prompt is this beautiful image here:

As our hosts explained, that there is a houseboat. As in, people can live there. Isn't that a lovely thought? That all being said, my mind sort of went a different way when I saw this prompt. I've been doing a series of doodles in which I'm adding some felines to certain fairy tales and Disney stories. That was the concept still stuck in my head when I was working on my poem for this week. That probably explains why my strange poem ended up the way it did.

Neverland

Wendy was an adventurous girl,

And she lived along the vast seashore.

She dreamed of visiting lands near and far,

And of never growing old and of visiting stars.

Wendy was also a lover of books,

Which she would read when tucked away in the library nook.

Wendy once read a tale with an adventure quite grand,

All the way over in an ageless place known as Neverland.

Wendy desired nothing more than to visit that place.

In fact, to Neverland she wished she could race.

The only problem was that she didn't know where to find it.

Tales of Neverland left its location to imagination and wit.

Every day and night, Wendy would try to solve the puzzle.

She tried to make the details of Neverland far less muddled,

As she sat beside the open bay window,

Basking in the breeze from the sea below.

Wendy would pore over her tales of Neverland,

Wondering how far it existed from her home shore's sand.

As she did just that on a day sunny and bright,

Out at sea something came into sight.

That seafaring something was a great big ship,

As it drew nearer, Wendy realized it truly was no blip.

The boat was nothing if not a colossal vessel.

It also traveled across the water at the speed of a Tasmanian devil.

The quirks of the approaching boat just continued to grow.

After all, on its deck was a flower bed filled with more than one rose.

And then there was that blossoming tree,

Which seemed to grow on the deck and sway in the breeze.

Wendy ran downstairs and out the front door,

Dashing out to the welcoming seashore.

What had finally sent Wendy flying toward the ship

Was the single word written on its front bit.

What was the word that sent Wendy running through the sand?

Why, of course, it was the word Neverland!

Wendy wondered and hoped it was the name of the ship,

And that it meant it could take her to that land of ageless bliss.

Wendy squinted and looked for anyone she might see on deck.

When she saw them, she thought, What the heck?

There was a boy in a bold green shirt,

And an equally green hat out of which a red feather did spurt.

Oh, but that boy was not all Wendy could see.

There was something playing in the ship's strangely placed tree,

Look! It was none other than a striped cat of orange!

This ship was certainly the farthest thing from boring.

Wendy cleared her throat and wailed,

"Excuse me, but is it to Neverland that you sail?"
This was the reply the boy on the ship to Wendy did send:
"No, but do not fret, because this ship is Neverland."

Wendy could not help but express her confusion,
And the boy promised her that this was not all just an illusion.
The boy on board said, "Trips to Neverland were becoming quite tedious.
Putting Neverland on this ship made the whole thing much less of a fuss."

The boy invited Wendy aboard this Neverland ship,
And the sight was worth more than she could ever have wished.
She could not believe what she did see,
She saw that on the ship was more than just some roses and a tree.

Wendy discovered that the boat had its very own refreshing breeze,
And a whole forest filled with dozens more trees!
There were giant gardens and ponds and a waterfall.
How had she not before seen it all?

The boy on the boat said, "You don't have to stay on the shore's sand.
You're free to sail with us on Neverland.
Now that we're mobile rather than set in stone.
You can also quite easily visit your seaside home."

Wendy was not about to turn down an offer such as that,
And so she settled in to sail with the boy and his tree-climbing cat.

Before they set out the boy said, "Oh, by the way, my name is Peter."

Then he pointed to his feline friend and said, "And that there is Tinker."

***

Your dose of Thimble today is a throwback. Thimble wanted to share some memories from last year, from a moment that she can't wait to reenact.

We are so close to having window whiffies weather like this, and Thimble is so thankful for that!

We are also grateful for all of the wonderful friends this blogging community has to offer. Thank you for being our friends!

***

Now we have for you the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I admire _________.

2. I can't wait for _________ to bloom.

3. I'm proud to say _________.

4. _________ make(s) me nervous.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Our 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. 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.

Déjà vu, anyone?

I'm always amazed at how many different yet also nearly identical shots I have of pup Astrid gazing out her beloved window. The image above is one you've never seen before, even though it probably looks like roughly one thousand other images you have indeed seen of this pup. This girl clearly doesn't like change.

Happy Wednesday to all!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

We have another feline-infused fairy tale doodle for you all today.

Truth be told, Cinderella has never been one of my favorite movies, or fairy tales in general. That being said, I have always been a fan of Cinderella's pup friend Bruno. I thought Bruno and Cinderella could use a feline friend, though, and one just a tad bit more friendly than the cat known as Lucifer.

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is one that relates to our previous tips on pesticides, but is also one upon which we failed to expand. The type of pesticide of which we speak today is none other than mothballs. Mothballs come in a variety of forms, and typically release gas vapors intended to repel or kill moths, or other pests. When it comes to our furbabies, mothballs can cause toxicity via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Dogs are perhaps the most likely to ingest mothballs, but cats are more sensitive to their effects. Old-fashioned mothballs are the most dangerous, as they contain naphthalene. More modern mothballs are typically formulated to be less dangerous to kitties, pups, and ourselves, but they can still pose risks. Mothball poisoning can result in vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or even failure of organs such as the liver or kidneys.

Needless to say, it is likely best to avoid the use of mothballs altogether. There are alternatives to ridding your clothes or areas of the home of moths. Some of these methods may require more laborious cleaning and may indeed be more time-consuming than simply tossing in a mothball, but the health of your furbaby is well worth the effort.

Tired Tuxie Tuesday

Our resident tuxie, Toby, was eager to show off his fancy tuxedo today. But, alas, he fell asleep during his photo shoot.

Being a handsome tuxie is hard work, isn't it? No wonder Toby fell asleep. It would seem this Tuxie Tuesday turned into Tired Tuesday instead.

Happy Tuesday to all!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

One of these things is not like the other.

***

Our 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 such as 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.

Mancat Monday

It's Mancat Monday. We bet many of you already know what that means.

Indeed, there's a little dose of Evan for you. We hope that brightens up your Monday. Happy day to all!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

In my newest series of weird and random doodles, I've decided to add some much-needed felines to some famous fairy tales. We'll start under the sea.

***

Our Tip of the Day:

We've given past tips on the dangers of paint products, but we're going to repeat this for National Pet Poison Awareness Month. Unsurprisingly, paint, varnish, and other similar products can be toxic to our furbabies. Lead paints can of course cause lead poisoning, which can cause a variety of severe symptoms, including those of the gastrointestinal and neurological systems. Lead can also be detrimental to red blood cells, brain function, and other important processes in the body. Oil-based paints can also be dangerous, potentially causing diarrhea as well as having serious effects on the lungs. They may also contain heavy metals and thereby cause symptoms similar to those of lead paint toxicity. Products such as varnish can also have similar negative side effects as paint.

Also keep in mind that paint and paint products can emit dangerous fumes. Especially without proper ventilation, inhalation of the fumes can cause irritation of the lungs or symptoms such as dizziness. To avoid emergencies related to the ingestion or inhalation of paint or other paint products, of course keep these items well out of reach of your furbabies. Try to keep your furbabies safely out of areas that are being painted. Should ingestion or inhalation of paint products occur, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Our St. Patrick's Day wishes are brought you to by our resident ginger.

Evan and all of us here wish you a lucky day!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

***

Our Tip of the Day:

We haven't reached the end of National Pet Poison Awareness Month yet, so we'll keep these tips coming. Today's tip on potentially poisonous household items relates to batteries. If a dog or even a cat bites a battery or ingests it, the acidic or alkaline components could leak out and enter their gastrointestinal system. This material is corrosive in nature, and can therefore cause serious side effects, including oral ulcers, vomiting, other various signs of gastrointestinal distress, and even fever. Due to the corrosive nature of battery components, vomiting should not be induced in the case of ingestion, as this will cause further damage. Immediate care can include rinsing out your pup or kitty's mouth with lukewarm water to remove as much of the battery material as possible. Of course, quickly follow that up with immediate veterinary care. To prevent such emergencies, keep all batteries tucked safely away where curious furbabies cannot get to them. As always, it's better to be safe than sorry!