Caturday Art

Hello, friends! I hope you are all staying healthy and safe. The current situation in our world has reminded me of one of my favorite quotes by one of my favorite authors. This quote stems from J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In the first book of this trilogy, there's a conversation between the hobbit named Frodo and the wizard named Gandalf, and it goes like this:

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

I believe everything happens for a reason. I know not everyone might believe this, but I do. We will get through this. The nation will get through this. The world will get through this. It always does, in its own way.

The state I live in has officially initiated a shelter-in-place lockdown. I work at a business considered essential, though, albeit essential in a more atypical way. I work at a chemistry lab where we test all sorts of things from all over the world. Just some of the things we test are components for various medical treatments, and we are currently testing a component related to coronavirus diagnostics. My work life has not changed, and this whole social isolation thing is not something I'm truly experiencing. I do stay in on weekends, except when out walking the dog, but that's pretty much how it goes even under normal circumstances. I'm a homebody through and through, so I'm admittedly living in this surreal world where everyone around me is hunkering down and isolating, but I'm still going to work and then doing what I usually do anyway, that being going home and staying inside. In between those two, I believe I'm already used to practicing good hygiene. When you work with potent chemicals on a daily basis, you get used to wearing gloves and washing your hands to the point of cracked skin. For me, very little feels different, though I know most people can't say the same. My heart goes out to those whose health, job, or overall livelihood has been affected.

That's enough rambling on that topic, though. We hear about that enough every other second of the day. So, how about a doodle now? It's another springtime one, and it's yet again set in the weird little home I've been scribbling up in my sketchbook. Today we're in the little home's living room, or parlor.

This is of course our contribution to Athena's Caturday Art Blog Hop.

Well wishes to all!

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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.