Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Woof Woof Wednesday With a Black Cat on the Side

Pup Astrid agreed to pose with one of our new pieces of Hallowee decor. She only agreed to do so, though, if she could simultaneously pout out her beloved window.


Astrid's surrounded by cats of all sorts, even the stuffed kind. She doesn't mind. Usually.

Happy Wednesday, friends!


***
Flashback Doodles of the Day

Before we start sharing a great deal more of our new Halloween doodles for this year, how about we finish off September with four flashback doodles? On September 30 and October 1 of both 2018 and 2019, we shared very short series of doodles of a very similar nature. We used those short series of doodles as a transition to October, or Halloween. I'm not explaining this well at all, so we'll just share the flashback doodles already.

On September 30, 2018, we shared this doodle:


Then, on October 1, 2018, we shared this one:


Similarly, on September 30, 2019, we shared this doodle:


And on October 1, 2019, this was the doodle we shared:


I didn't do a little series of doodles like this for this year simply because I've already started sharing Halloween doodles this year, so that sort of segue didn't make much sense to me this time around. In this crazy year of 2020, I just couldn't hold back on the Halloween doodles in September. And we'll be sharing lots of new Halloween doodles during the upcoming spooky month as well, of course. Even if you don't celebrate Halloween, we hope you still might enjoy some of them. Our first Halloween doodle of this October will of course be tomorrow, October 1, and it will be tied into our equally Halloweenish poem for the Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge.



***
Tip of the Day

Our last tip of September is, if it is a safe option, to take advantage of lovely autumn weather for the sake of your furbaby as well as yourself. In many regions, autumn is known for its crisp, cool weather. It is neither scorching as in the summer nor frigid like in the winter. This is why it's such a wonderful time of year to take advantage of the outdoors. So, take your pups outdoors for extra or longer walks, and do so for kitties who enjoy time outdoors. Since car rides and other travels can also be more comfortable in this temperate weather, use this season to go on extra trips for those furbabies who enjoy these types of activities. Of course, outdoor excursions are still important for dogs and some kitties even in the summer and winter, but autumn days can be a great season to make up for time and outdoor fun lost during months with less ideal weather.

The above being said, it's also of course still important to keep your furbaby's health and safety in mind even in the autumn. If the autumn is a rough time for pups or kitties with allergies or asthma, or if there are other aspects of autumn that make it dangerous for your particular furbaby, then of course take this into consideration. All in all, use this temperate time of the year to help outdoor-loving furbabies have fun, all while taking necessary precautions to keep them healthy and safe. In addition, even strictly indoor furbabies, primarily those without serious allergies or asthma, can enjoy autumn weather by way of windows that are safely open.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Trouble Tuesday

 A certain someone around here met with some trouble recently.


Remember this scarecrow our resident calico shared last week? Well, someone or something nearly knocked him off of his chair the other day. Don't worry, though, because Detective Toby is here to solve the mystery.




Toby did discover a blurry image of a potential suspect near the scene of the crime. Can any of you identify this suspect?

We hope you're all having a better day than this scarecrow is!


***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

The past couple of days we've shared some doodles that involved some outdoor Halloween decor. So, for today, how about a doodle from last year that starred a witchy someone decorating the interior of her home for the spectacularly spooky holiday?


***

Tip of the Day

How about a quick, somewhat autumnal tip regarding grooming? In the autumn, many animals will shed their summer coat in order to prepare for their winter coat. In other words, there might very well be an increase in shedding this time of year. For this reason, be sure to keep up with helping your kitty or pup groom. Of course this is important year round, but it is especially beneficial at times of the year with increased shedding. Brushing your furbaby can help prevent hairballs and mats, and a kitty or pup without hairballs and mats is a happy and healthy furbaby.

Monday, September 28, 2020

Mancat Monday Memories

 Back in 2018, we shared this series of photos:










Evan has a history with that there ghost. Those photos above were from 2018, and yet we had a similar photo shoot that occurred last year, 2019. We'll probably share that similar 2019 memory soon. I'm thinking I'll also set up a rendezvous with Evan and this ghost and see what their relationship is like in 2020.

Happy Monday!


***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

The doodle we shared yesterday was inspired by the fact that I decorated my yard for Halloween this weekend, and so the said doodle involved a witch and her outdoor decor and all that jazz. In truth, that doodle was largely a recreation of this one I scribbled up last year:




***
Tip of the Day

We have one more tip to share regarding how to minimize allergens in the home, especially if your furbaby or yourself are known to have allergies and asthma. Allergens can exist year round, in any season, so a regular schedule for cleaning can help prevent a buildup of allergens in the home. Cleaning may not always be the funnest thing to do, but, as we've mentioned, allergens can be introduced into the home through open windows and doors, on our clothes, and of course on our feet and those of our furbabies. For this reason, regular dusting and vacuuming can really help to keep those allergen invaders at bay. It is also beneficial to regularly launder bedding as well as other blankets and pillows throughout the home, both yours and your furbaby's. This not only helps eliminate the outdoor allergens that enter the home, but also dander and the like. So, while cleaning of course may not be the most fun chore, it can help both you and your furbaby breathe easier!

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Disrupted Sunday Selfie

Poor Thimble. Not only did this here human of hers fail to get the correct lighting settings on the camera, but Thimble was also rudely photobombed while trying to snap her selfie.

Just look at the atrocities Thimble has to put up with! She hopes none of you furry friends of ours have to endure such horrors.

Happy Sunday, friends!


***

Doodle of the Day

I scribbled up another doodle inspired by the fact that I'm decorating my yard for Halloween this weekend.

Hopefully my yard doesn't end up this haunted, though.


***

Tip of the Day

To continue on with our tips for keeping allergens out of the home, don't forget that both us and our furbabies make great vehicles for allergens to travel wherever they please. When we go outside, we might be walking through all sorts of pollen, dust, and other such goodies. So, to keep those allergies or asthma in check this autumn, or throughout the entire year, consider how freshening up after time outdoors might help minimize the introduction of allergens into the home. Wipe or take off shoes upon entering the home, and even perhaps change into different clothes, especially if you've been outdoors for a long period of time or have been doing activities such as gardening. Even our hair can be ridden with allergens after being outdoors, so a quick clean of that might be in store if your furbaby or yourself is known to have allergies or asthma. Of course, don't forget that furbabies who go outdoors might also be affected by allergens in the same way. So, upon returning home, even consider wiping down furbaby fur and paws to help rid them of any pesky allergens.

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Caturday in the Graveyard

I'm going to be putting up my outdoor Halloween decor this weekend. The interior of my house has been decorated for Halloween since early August, because that's what 2020 has done to me. Now, though, it's time for my yard to get good and spooky. I usually include a graveyard sort of setup in my yard for Halloween, and so that's why I'm sharing this doodle today.

Happy Caturday to all!




***
Tip of the Day

Especially for the benefit of those furbabies with allergies and asthma, we've shared tips such as keeping windows closed so as to help prevent allergens from entering the homeToday we're going to share another similar, simple tip, and that is to consider investing in an air purifier. Air purifiers essentially capture allergens and thereby help keep air fresh and clean, and can therefore help reduce allergies and asthma. This can be of benefit to both furbabies and humans alike, so do consider this option if allergies and asthma are trying to run your life!

Friday, September 25, 2020

Friendly Fill-Ins and Photo Fails

Happy Friday! Let's get right to the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, shall we? If you'd like to join in but missed the fill-in statements yesterday, we'll share them again here. Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. My _________ is too _________.

2. I am willing to give up _________ for _________.

3. One random fact about me is _________.

4. _________ makes me unique.


My answers are below in bold.

1. My car is too weird and wacky sometimes.
(I primarily put this answer because of what my car decided to do yesterday. Yesterday, my car's passenger door window just up and disappeared into the door while I was driving. The window just slid right down, without my doing or permission, and that was that. So, it's at the shop right now, where it's also being looked at for lots of clicking it likes to do when I use the air conditioner, though the air conditioner works just fine. This is just this year's wackiness for this car. It's like it has a quota for weird things it must do each year. I've had the men at the car shop actually tell me that my car "has a mind of its own". It sure does. Despite all of its idiosyncrasies, though, I actually really love my car. I trust it to get me where I need to go, and it's been my loyal transporter for going on 10 years.)

2. I am willing to give up anything for my furbabies.
(There is little to nothing I wouldn't give up for my kitties and pup. I know people who say this about their human children, and though I don't have children of the human sort, this is a true statement for my furry children.)

3. One random fact about me is that my parents almost named me Elizabeth.
(Do you want to know why my parents didn't name me Elizabeth? Because my older sister is named Veronica, and my parents didn't want people calling us Betty and Veronica like in the Archie comics.)

4. Me, myself, and I makes me unique.
(Everyone is unique. Personality, genetics, talents, interests, hobbies, and all that jazz combined makes each person their own unique self.)


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 time for the Pet Photo Fails! Blog Hop, hosted by Mudpie and Melissa of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.


You better believe our resident blooper queen Eddy has some photo fails to share today. These are brought to you by the fact that Eddy has no problem turning or walking away from me even while I'm trying to snap her picture. After all, she's an independent woman who also happens to be a blooper queen.




Have a fantastic Friday, friends!



***
Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's autumnal flashback doodle is from back in 2018. I've always loved the imagery of a quaint little cottage in a forest abundant with fall foliage, so I'm sure that's in part why this doodle appeared in my sketchbook.




***
Tip of the Day

We've been talking about how to keep your furbaby healthy and happy in the autumn. Today is a tip that we believe you've heard from us before, but it's a quick, simple, and easy one. To prevent autumn allergens from entering your home, especially for the sake of those furbabies known to suffer from allergies and asthma, consider keeping windows and doors closed. It is indeed tempting to open those windows when the weather is nice, but of course remember that forces such as the wind can blow allergens into your home through open windows and doors. So, if this puts your furbaby's health and comfort at risk, then do consider keeping those allergens locked out of your home.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Remember Me Thursday

 As we're sure most of you already know, today is Remember Me Thursday. The Remember Me Thursday website has explained this day with one poignant sentence: "Remember Me Thursday is a global awareness campaign uniting individuals and pet adoption organizations around the world as an unstoppable, integrated voice for orphan pets to live in forever homes, not die waiting for them." Just like most of you, around here we are huge proponents of adopting cats, dogs, and other companion animals from shelters and rescues. That's why our post today is indeed centered around this significant topic.

We decided to find a way to incorporate our usual Thursday blog hop participation into our Remember Me Thursday post. We'll start with a poem for Remember Me Thursday. This poem of course coincides with the Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge, hosted by Angel Sammy.


The photo prompt our poetic host shared for this week is this fierce one here:

In order to go in line with Remember Me Thursday, I aimed to incorporate the significance of animal adoption into my poem. I even more so wanted to shine a bit of light on the adoption of special needs, or specially abled, animals. So, here is my poem for this Remember Me Thursday:


Pirate

Halloween was coming soon.
That was one reason young Johnny wore his pirate costume.
He also thought the costume made his glaring difference look cool.
He even wore it when he volunteered at the animal shelter after school.

Johnny walked into the shelter as a pirate on that day.
He wouldn't have had it any other way.
The pirate's peg leg hid the fact that his own leg wasn't there.
Try as he might, about the stares and murmurs Johnny really did care.

Johnny enjoyed volunteering at the animal shelter.
There were a great many reasons why he chose to be a shelter helper.
First and foremost, cats and dogs did not judge.
They had nothing to offer but unconditional love.

"Hello, Johnny!" the shelter managed greeted as he walked through the door.
She added, "I have someone I want you to meet on the second floor."
The woman led the boy up the stairs.
He greeted every creature he passed by as they made their way there.

"Here we are," the shelter manager said as she pointed to a large cage.
Johnny peered inside and, with wide eyes, felt immediately engaged.
Around the cage pranced a big cat of orange.
When it saw Johnny, it waltzed right up to the door.

The cat not only had but just one single eye,
But it was also missing a leg, and that's no lie.
"He's just like me!" Johnny proclaimed.
"Well," the boy added, "we're at least almost the same."

Johnny glanced at the sign on the cage door.
He could not help but let out a giddy laugh a bit like a snort.
The name listed on the cage sign was none other than Pirate.
As the boy smiled and laughed, Pirate the cat let out a meow that was far from silent.

Then something moved in the back of the cage.
Behind Pirate the cat sat a little dog who did shake.
"Who's that?" Johnny asked, pointing to the dog.
The shelter manager answered, "That's a shy pup named Frog.
He's quite attached to his friend Pirate here.
Poor Frog is only calm when Pirate is near."

Young Johnny visited with Pirate and Frog for quite some time.
He talked to them and played with them while Pirate proved he was not one bit shy.
Johnny even sat with them long enough that Frog began to come out of his shell.
The dog even came up to Johnny and accepted being held.

When it came time for Johnny to be on his way,
He wanted nothing more than to stay.
He did not want to leave Pirate and Frog behind.
As he left, he felt tears threatening to come to his eyes.

When Johnny arrived home, his mother asked if he had fun at the shelter.
Unable to hold it in, all about Pirate and Frog he did tell her
"It sounds like you're quite fond of the two furry friends," his mother said.
He smiled and continued talking about them as he nodded his head.
"Pirate is just like me, but he's also so brave," Johnny replied.
"And Frog is a sweet little guy, once he no longer feels shy."

The next day, Johnny returned to the animal shelter once more,
Where he ran to play with Pirate and Frog on the second floor.
He he was beyond happy to again visit with the cat and dog.
Equally happy to see him were Pirate and Frog.

"Are these the famous Pirate and Frog?" his mother's voice said.
Approaching, she added, "I'd like to meet your two new friends."
Johnny was half surprised to see his mother there,
But he was so excited to introduce Pirate and Frog that he didn't care.

Pirate walked right up to Johnny's mother, just like that.
She smiled as she petted the friendly cat.
She sat on the floor beside Johnny,
Until even shy Frog approached her, wagging and yawning.

Johnny continued playing with Pirate and Frog, even after his mother ventured off.
He did not leave their side until the time ticked and tocked past 5 o'clock.
With a sigh, Johnny told Pirate and Frog that he had to go,
Of course promising them he would see them tomorrow, that was so.

The shelter manager walked up and said, "Pirate and Frog won't be here tomorrow."
"What? Why? Were they adopted?" he asked with sorrow.
The woman said, "Pirate and Frog are going home with you.
Your mother just made it official for these two."

Johnny could not believe it at first.
Then his mother appeared, tucking the adoption papers in her purse.
"Well, now, shall we get you boys home?" she said with a shrug.
Johnny gave his mother the biggest, grandest hug.

It was not until they arrived home that Johnny had a revelation.
Other children were walking up and down the street with candy buckets and elation.
In his excitement he had nearly forgotten that it was Halloween night itself.
Excited yet uncertain, Johnny felt a bit beside himself.

Already dressed in his pirate costume, Johnny felt an urge to go out in search of treats.
But, he didn't want to leave Pirate and Frog home while he ventured the streets.
As if realizing what was going on in Johnny's mind,
Pirate ran to the door and meowed, asking to go along in kind.
Frog even joined in and picked up Johnny's candy bucket in his mouth.
It would seem that, if he was left behind, the dog would pout.

With the help of his mom, soon both the cat and dog were also pirates.
Their excitement was elevated to the absolute highest.
Pirate the cat owned the name, but now they all looked the part.
When they happily headed out together, they certainly looked quite smart.
Their night was full of treats,
And the fun they had could not be beat.

Johnny believed that Halloween was the best day of his life.
Before he met Pirate and Frog, his loneliness was overwhelming and rife.
Now he had the two best friends a boy could ask for,
And there was nothing in life he would ever need more.


***

Let's give some thanks for Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.


Needless to say, I am beyond grateful for every single kitty, pup, and other furry, feathered, and finned friend who has entered my life. They have all shaped who I am today, and I am beyond thankful for everything they've brought to my life.


My girl Thimble is one of my precious rescue furbabies. She is a sweetheart, she is a cuddle bug, and she makes my life so happy and bright.

We purr, woof, and pray that all animals in shelters will get the chance to brighten their forever family's life. Every single animal deserves this and so much more.



***

We also have for you 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. My _________ is too _________.

2. I am willing to give up _________ for _________.

3. One random fact about me is _________.

4. _________ makes me unique.



We'll see you tomorrow, friends!


***

Did you know?

Did you know that the average cost per day of basic pet care is only an approximate $3? That's less than luxuries like fancy drinks from coffee shops.

Did you know that roughly 25% of shelter dogs are purebred? Breeders are not the only source of purebred animals, because both purebreds and amazing mixed breeds can be found at shelters.

Did you know that a vast majority of shelter animals are already spayed or neutered and up-to-date on certain vaccinations prior to adoption? That means you'll pay the adoption fee and thereafter won't need to schedule or pay the typical cost of a spay or neuter or certain vaccinations.

Did you know that animals can make our lives happier and healthier? Science has proven this on multiple occasions.

Some of the above facts are ones you animal lovers out there certainly already know, and some are ones we've already shared in the past. Now we need to spread the word. Shelter animals have so much to gift us. They are special and filled with love. Let's get them out of shelters and into homes.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Spooky Wednesday Memories

Was anyone reading this today with us back in 2017? Do you remember when pup Astrid had a malignant tumor on her toe? Before it was removed, and for a short time after it was removed, pup Astrid had to wear a boot on the affected foot in order to protect it.


It's been nearly three years since we first shared these photos. Does anyone remember us giving Astrid this mummy cookie in honor of her bandaged foot? Don't worry, Astrid got her revenge and gave the mummy the same type of treatment she got.


Sorry, mister mummy. You were cute while you lasted.

In more seriousness, this October will mark three years that Astrid has been free of cancer. That makes us very, very happy.

And you better believe Astrid has more Halloween cookies to feast on this year. Our local pet store sells dog cookies year round, and we've already stocked up on the Halloween ones. Astrid gets festive cookies, and the kitties get festive toys. And, yes, we've already stocked up on the Halloween kitty toys, too. I think I enjoy seeing the spooky goodies just as much as the furbabies enjoy eating them and playing with them.

Happy Wednesday, friends!


***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

This seems like a good day to reshare our furry mummy Halloween doodle from last year.


***
Tip of the Day

We have another autumnal tip today, and that tip is to beware of seasonal dangers while on walks with pups or kitties. In the autumn, this can mean acorns, which not only pose risks such as choking or obstruction, but which can also lead to further complications of the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys. Even eating fallen leaves could pose a risk, such as if they are harboring any mold that might upset the gastrointestinal tract. Also be careful of other typical dangers, such as sticks that have fallen from the trees as they prepare for winter, as these can also cause choking as well as obstruction or perforation of the bowels. Of course, being cautious for such things is a year-round duty, but do be aware of the different additional risks that come with each season.

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

A Lap for Tonks

Tonks enjoys sitting on my lap. Actually, she mostly prefers to sit on or between my lower legs when I have them extended on the couch. But, what's a Tonks to do if this here mom of hers isn't sitting down and therefore doesn't have a lap to offer? Well, don't you worry, because Tonks found an alternative.


Do you see tiny Tonks in that messy photo up there?


See? Tonks doesn't even need her mom's lap!

I got that miniature rocking chair from my mom, and from a garage sale years ago I got that there stuffed scarecrow that fits perfectly in said mini rocking chair. Tonks loves this scarecrow. Sometimes she chews on him and his straw parts, but she more often just loves sitting on his lap.

Do you furry friends of ours enjoys sitting on human laps? And what do you do if there's no human lap available? Do you get innovative like Tonks?


***
Flashback Doodle of the Day

The flashback doodle we're sharing today, on the first day of autumn, is another pumpkin crazy one. It also has at least a subtle hint of Halloween, one of my absolute favorite things about autumn.



***
Tip of the Day

It's the first day of autumn, so we're going to share some autumnal tips. We've shared a lot of these at some point in the history or our blog, but a lot of them are worth repeating for one reason or another. Let's begin with one we've definitely mentioned more than once, but for good reason. Though autumn is upon us, there very well may still be fleas and ticks and potentially even mosquitoes out and about, especially in certain areas where cool weather is no guarantee. Each of these buggers can potentially lead to a variety of medical issues, ranging from dermatitis to serious diseases of the blood or vital organs. So, please do consider keeping up on those preventative treatments in order to keep your furbaby healthy and happy. And also remember that not all such preventatives are created equal, so do be sure to go for reputable treatments, and of course discuss with your veterinarian which type would best suit your furbaby and his or her lifestyle.

Monday, September 21, 2020

The Purrfect Fit

Have you ever found yourself a box that fits you like a glove? You know, like the one Evan found here?



Is that a purrfect fit or what?

Evan hopes you all find yourself a purrfect fit like this! Long live the boxes!


***
Flashback Doodle of the Day

Here's another flashback doodle. I usually use my weekends to finish up and get ahead on the doodles I want to create for the upcoming days, but as I mentioned yesterday, I spent most of this weekend building a shed in my back yard. I had major help from my dad and two of my uncles, but even with all four of us, it took the better part of a weekend to prepare the yard and to build the actual shed. Has anyone ever built a shed? The instructions might tell you it takes just a couple of hours. That's a raging lie.

Anyway, none of the dozen or so autumn and Halloween doodles I have nearly completed actually got completed this weekend with the whole building of a shed and all that jazz. The shed is now finally done, though, and I'm more than eager to make up for lost time in my sketchbook. For today, though, how about a doodle from last year that is all shades of pumpkin madness.




***
Tip of the Day

The last of our Animal Pain Awareness Month tips involves ways that you can help enable a pained furbaby be more mobile and comfortable around the home. If your furbaby has difficulty jumping due to an injury or arthritis, for example, you can put pet stairs or a pet ramp beside chairs, couches, or beds in the home. This can help your kitty or pup better reach elevated areas without having to jump, which could otherwise exacerbate pain associated with an injury or arthritis. For a cat, another way to help them combat pain and discomfort is to give them litter boxes with low sides, so that they can easily walk right in. Or, you can also give them a ramp or stairs leading up to the entrance of the litter box, if needed. If it helps reduce pain associated with certain injuries, arthritis, or other ailments, you can also elevate your kitty or pup's food and water bowls.

Another simple way to help a pained furbaby feel some relief and comfort is by way of their beds and blankets. You can offer extra soft and thick beds, and in locations that are easy to reach. Some forms of pain are also alleviated by heat, which means that safe, pet-friendly heated blankets or heated beds could also be of use. Of course, you would need to take all necessary safety precautions when using any heated or electric products.

In more extreme cases, your furbaby might be in need of direct assistance with their mobility. If need be, you can use various forms of slings to help your kitty or pup ambulate. You can use a towel or blanket to create a makeshift sling, for example. Another option is to purchase a sling, or a harness with handles, which are indeed available on the market.

It is not easy to see our furbabies in pain. At the same time, it is not easy for them to feel such pain. That's why it is important to do what you can to alleviate your kitty or pup's pain, even if that means a bit of redecorating within your home.