Woof Woof Wednesday

We mentioned yesterday that our roof is being done. That roof repair should be done soon, something for which Astrid is very grateful. After all, it's tough when a pup wants to snoopervise the workers, but at the same time she wants to go tuck herself away somewhere quiet, away from all that stomping and banging. Good riddance.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We're yet again sharing a sort of spooky springtime flashback doodle from last year. Why? Because our theme for the upcoming April A to Z Challenge relates to April being halfway to Halloween, or Halfoween. So, here's yet another weird and wacky flashback doodle.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

Tonks Tuesday

You guys, send help. Our roof is being done. There are men walking and banging on our house. SOS. The kitties are mostly hiding, pup Astrid is downright annoyed with all the sound, and it's really just a noisy time around here.

In all honesty, though, I'm grateful our roof is being done. We had some nasty hailstorms late last summer, and my roof has been in really, really rough shape as a result. The roofing guys were booked all the way until this spring, though, so knowing that it's now finally getting repaired is a relief. Still, though, the furbabies cannot wait until it's all over, and for their sake I also can't wait.

We hope your Tuesday is a lot quieter than ours! Have a terrific day!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

As we've mentioned a couple times now, during these last couple days of March we're sharing some sort of spooky springtime flashback doodles from last year. Why? Because our theme for the upcoming April A to Z Challenge relates to April being halfway to Halloween, or Halfoween. So, here's another weird and wacky flashback doodle.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Mancat Monday

It's Monday, and Evan is plain tuckered out. After all, he had to snoopervise this mom of his all weekend.

Humans can be so tiring, can't they? Evan wishes you all a nap-filled Monday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

As we mentioned yesterday, during these last couple days of March we're sharing some sort of spooky springtime flashback doodles from last year. Why? Because our theme for the upcoming April A to Z Challenge relates to April being halfway to Halloween, or Halfoween. So, here you go.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Sunday Selfie

Our selfie for today comes from one handsome hunk.

Just look at that good-looking mancat and his smoldering glare. Are you swooning yet? We have no doubt that you are.

Happy Sunday to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Yesterday we shared a doodle that announced our theme for the April A to Z Challenge. So, what is our alphabetic theme going to be? It's going to be all about the fact that April is halfway to Halloween, also known as Halfoween. Makes total sense, right? Of course it does.

Anyway. For the last couple days of March, we're going to lead up to our Halfoween A to Z doodles by sharing some related flashback doodles that I scribbled up last year. These flashback doodles were meant to give off some springtime vibes, yet also some spooky and sort of Halloween-ish vibes. That's more or less what our April A to Z Challenge is going to be this year, and so it seemed fitting to re-share these similar flashbacks during the days leading up to our halfway to Halloween celebration in April. Anyway, here's the first weird and wacky flashback doodle.

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is an add-on to our tip from yesterday, when we reminded you to keep doors closed and other obstacles in place to keep your furbaby safe from substances and areas with poison. Taking that one step further, if needed, child-proofing products can be your your best friend even for those furry children in your life. For example, do you have a curious kitty or puppy who has found ways to open cabinets and drawers? This can put a furbaby at risk, such as if those cabinets and drawers contain human medications, cleaners, or other toxic items, or even sharp or other dangerous objects. To prevent prying paws from opening cabinets and drawers, you can get child-proof, or pet-proof, locks that make cabinets and drawers difficult or impossible to open without dexterity, or opposable thumbs. There are also child-proof locks to keep main doors securely closed. This can come in handy if you have a kitty or pup who knows how to manipulate certain door handles.

We've mentioned this on here before, but also don't forget the usefulness of baby gates. They also make gates that are more specifically pet-proof, such as tall ones over which dogs and cats cannot easily jump. These can be used to block access to certain areas of the house to ensure your kitty or pup's safety. For example, you can use baby or pet gates to block access to the kitchen, especially if potentially toxic foods are being prepared. These gates can also be used to block off garbage cans, laundry areas, or other areas of the home where potential poisoning might occur.

Just as with a human child, our kitties and pups can get themselves into trouble. Consider all areas of the home where danger might arise, and then do your research on what you can do to best prevent emergencies from dangers such as accidental poisoning. Do your best to always be one step ahead of your kitty or pup, as difficult as that may be.

Creepy and Kooky Caturday Art

My doodle for today's Caturday Art Blog Hop serves as an announcement regarding what my theme will be for the April A to Z Challenge. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'll be the first to admit that my A to Z theme is weird, random, and just all shades of not normal. But, it makes me happy, so there's that. So, are you ready to see what our April doodles will look like?

Is that weird or what? In recent years, I've heard a few people here and there mention how April is halfway to Halloween. I've also heard it called Halfoween. As someone who loves Halloween and all things spooky, macabre, gothic, and all that jazz, I love the thought of celebrating Halloween's half birthday in April. After all, people often talk about and sometimes even celebrate Christmas in July, so why not halfway to Halloween, that being Halfoween?

So, my doodles for the April A to Z Challenge will resemble the above doodle in various ways. They will all have springtime details, especially in terms of setting. After all, it is spring. They will also, though, include Halloween-inspired details. These spooky details will obviously depend on which letter of the alphabet we're on.

So, that's that. I apologize if springtime doodles that also strangely relate to Halloween are not your cup of tea. This Halloween aficionado, though, is super excited. I hope our April halfway to Halloween, as in Halfoween, doodles bring you at least a little bit of entertainment or joy.

Happy Caturday, friends!

P.S. For more information on the official A to Z Challenge, just click here.

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Tip of the Day

In these last couple days of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're going to summarize some tips on how to help keep your furbaby safe from potential poisons. First, as obvious as it is, we're here today to remind you to use doors or other obstacles to properly block your kitty or pup's access to potentially dangerous products or areas of the house. For example, if your bathroom, laundry room, or utility closet contain dangerous chemicals, such as detergents, then keep their doors securely closed to bar your furbaby's entrance. Similarly, keep the door to your garage shut, in order to keep your furbaby away from gasoline, antifreeze, and other dangers that might be found in the garage. If you have a shed and your furbaby goes outdoors, keep the shed's door securely closed, especially if it houses fertilizers, pesticides, or other potentially toxic products. And don't forget to consider your garden, where toxic plants might grow, or where dangerous chemicals might be used. In such cases, monitor your furbaby while outdoors, and block your kitty or pup's access to the garden, such as with a secure fence. In short, consider all areas of the house and yard where poisoning or danger might arise, and ensure proper safety against said dangers.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Photo Fails

Hello and happy Friday! Let's get right to the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, shall we? My co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. I never have time to finish _________.

2. My _________ can _________.

3. _________ is a cause that is dear to my heart.

4. At this very moment, I _________.

My answers are below in bold. This week, I tried to make all of my answers relate to my furbabies in one way or another.

1. I never have time to finish a warm meal before it gets cold.
(This probably seems like such a weird and random answer, but it's also a running joke between my sister and myself. Neither of us has any children of the humanoid kind, but we do have plenty of furry children. And those furry children seem determined to need our assistance the second we sit down to eat a warm meal. It could be that some cats are fighting, a cat or dog is begging for their food bowl to be filled yet again, a dog needs to go outside to potty even though she just went five minutes ago, a cat is puking on the furniture, a calico cat named Tonks brings me a toy and wants me to play fetch, or anything and everything in between. All of those such things tend to always pull me away from my warm meals, and by the time all the furbabies are finally settled, I'm usually eating a cold lunch or supper. Such is life. Besides, the kitties and pup are worth it.)

2. My kitties and pup can turn a frown upside down.

(If I'm having a rough day or a tough time, my furbabies can always make me feel better. Even on my worst days, their cuteness and shenanigans can make me smile.)

3. Animal welfare is a cause that is dear to my heart.

(I'm sure this goes for nearly all of us in this community.)

4. At this very moment, I am cozied up on the couch with Evan.
(Evan is my most clingy furbaby. He always wants to be wherever I am. Whether I'm on the couch, in bed, in the kitchen, or even in the bathroom, he's right there with me. Even when I go outside, Evan always has to sit and watch me from the nearest window or door. Back to my current couch cuddles, though, Evan is curled up beside me, resting his head on my leg, purring, and I love it. I also regularly get visited and cuddled by the other kitties in the house as well as the pup, but no one is as dedicated to keeping me company as Evan is.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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

As always, our resident blooper queen Eddy is more than ready with plenty of outtakes to choose from. This time around, she went for some bloopers snapped during a play session on her beloved cat tree.

Have a fun and fantastic Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Tomorrow's doodle for the Caturday Art Blog Hop will serve as a little announcement regarding what my theme will be for the April A to Z Challenge. I'm incredibly excited for my April doodles. Even though my A to Z theme will make little to no sense to many people, it's something that makes me incredibly happy, and this year my main goal was to go for a theme that indeed made me excited and happy all the way from A to Z.

Now that I've rambled that out, today we have for you a flashback doodle, and it happens to be the little announcement doodle we scribbled up for last year's A to Z Challenge. Who remembers us spending the month of April at Rosie's Restaurant last year?

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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.

Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

It's a rhyming sort of day, isn't it? Thanks to the Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge, hosted by Angel Sammy, it's always easy to get poetic.

Our poetry host always helps us along by providing a photo prompt. This week's prompt is this chilly image here:

Living in the Midwest, I have a lot of memories of spring arriving, only to then have some snow dumped on it. It even snowed on Easter here a couple years ago. I decided to go with the vague idea of snow in the spring, which left me with this silly little rhyme:

The Spring Tease

If there was on thing Mr. and Mrs. Cat knew about spring,
It was that the season was none other than a tease.
Despite the fact that they knew all about this,
They still met the arrival of spring with nothing but excitement.

It was sunny and warm on spring's first day,
And Mr. and Mrs. Cat hoped the nice weather had come to stay.
They happily headed out to their garden.
After all, by winter the ground was no longer hardened.

Mr. and Mrs. Cat prepared the garden, pruned the bushes, and watered the lawn.
Then for the evening they went inside with a yawn.
With them they brought bundles of already blooming flowers,
Placing them in vases and with them making the house look far from sour.

Through the kitchen window Mr. and Mrs. Cat admired their work.
They looked at the bushes and flowers outside with a smile and smirk.
Then they brewed some coffee to top off the night,
All still while keeping their colorful spring blooms outside in their sight.

Before long, Mr. and Mrs. Cat began discussing what they would do tomorrow.
Mr. Cat said, "To put the final touches on the garden, Mr. Mutt's tiller we'll need to borrow."
Mrs. Cat suggested, "After that, how about a picnic for lunch?"
With a smile, Mr. Cat said, "I would like that a bunch."

The two discussed what to make for the picnic,
Deciding on sandwiches and salad topped with balsamic.
Mr. Cat returned his gaze to the window, sighed, and said, "Well, shoot.
I guess there's no need to rush, because the point is now moot." 

Mrs. Cat asked, "What do you mean?"
Mr. Cat replied, "Look outside and see for yourself the sight quite obscene."
Doing just that, Mrs. Cat saw the snow now falling from the sky.
Around their garden and bushes drifts were already piling high.
Mrs. Cat said, "Well, would you look at that."
A sigh escaped both Mr. and Mrs. Cat

Finally, shrugging, Mr. Cat said, "Well, at least we have coffee to keep us warm.
Until spring decides to truly arrive, we'll weather this storm."
Mrs. Cat nodded and replied, "And once the snow has melted and spring has really sprung,
We'll feast at many a picnic beneath the warm sun.
That said, while I do quite enjoy spring,
I do wish it wasn't such a tease."

***

And now it's of course time for Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

As always, Thimble is here to share some gratitude. Today, this tabby girl is thankful for springtime sunshine!

Just look at that bright and shiny orb coming in through the window! Thimble loves it.

Thimble hopes you're all having as sunny of a day as we are!

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Last but not least, we'll now share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I never have time to finish _________.

2. My _________ can _________.

3. _________ is a cause that is dear to my heart.

4. At this very moment, I _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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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.

Woof Woof Wednesday

Today is our Woof Woof Wednesday post, which of course means pup Astrid is here to show you herself pouting in the window. What's new.

Have wonderful Wednesday, friends!

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Doodle of the Day

Today we have for you one of our new spring doodles for the month of March. These new doodles have been few and far between as I focus on the nearly daily doodles for the April A to Z Challenge, but today we are finally sharing a new doodle in our spring series. This one was inspired by spring drawings of years past, but with some new twists and details.

The illustration for tomorrow's poem will also be one of our new spring doodles, which is interesting considering it involves a bit of snow.

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is about the toxic gas known as carbon monoxide (CO). CO is not only dangerous to us humans, but also incredibly dangerous to our kitties, pups, and other animals. CO most often results from car exhaust, fire/smoke, and when generator systems fail. When a large amount of CO is inhaled, this can lead to cells in the body becoming deprived of oxygen. CO poisoning can thereby result in life-threatening effects on the cardiovascular system, neurological system, and other important systems of the body.

Needless to say, do all that you can to prevent both your furbaby's and your own exposure to CO. Set up CO monitors in your home, and ensure that they are always properly functioning. Of course also ensure that you have functioning fire and smoke alarms. There are all-in-one alarms on the market that detect fire, smoke, and CO. In addition to this, properly maintain any generators that you have, and do not use them if they are in any way malfunctioning. Also, of course, do not let your kitty or pup into a closed, unventilated garage where a car or other motor vehicle is running. CO can be a silent killer, so do all that you can to protect your furbaby, as well as yourself, from it and its deadly effects.

A Smile from Tonks

Tonks is the ideal model. See?

Just look at that smile! Tonks loves her ribbon toys, and she loves chewing on the foam corner guards on the coffee table, and so she couldn't help but flash a smile in their honor.

Wishing you all lots of smiles!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

How about a doodle in honor of laundry day?

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Tip of the Day

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

Mancat Monday Magnificence

I'm so used to the fact that my boy Evan is hind limb paralyzed that I forget that, for most, it's not an everyday sight to see. So, I thought that perhaps today you'd all like a reminder of how magnificent Evan is.

That's Evan! He's my hero.

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is 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 bowel. 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!

Sleepy Sunday Selfie

Today's selfie star is one handsome mancat. The only problem was that upon finding a warm and cozy sun puddle, Evan had trouble staying awake for his selfie.

Evan tried his best to wake up a bit for a redo. How's this?

Evan hopes you all have a sunshiney day just like we're having! Happy Sunday!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

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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.

Caturday Art

I've been really slow at posting my new spring doodles this month, largely because I've been so excited to plan out and work on all of my April A to Z Challenge doodles. Even so, we do have some new doodles we'll be sprinkling in throughout the final days of March. One of those new spring doodles is this silly one here:

I think I've mentioned this before, but I used to really dislike gnomes. They really creeped me out. That may or may not have stemmed back to when I was a kid and read a certain gnome-centric book in R.L. Stine's children's horror series known as Goosebumps. These days, though, I'm sort of really fond of gnomes. They're weird, but also cute, and I quite enjoy that combo.

Happy Caturday, friends!

***

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.

Friendly Fill-Ins

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


1. I look forward to _________ every spring.

2. The highlight of my week was _________.

3. I think _________ is the word that best describes me.

4. Nothing melts my heart like _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I look forward to new beginnings every spring.

(While I don't hate winter, by the end of it, I'm ready for the feeling of newness that spring brings with it. When the snow melts away and the grass grows green and the flowers start popping up and the birds sing their morning songs, it feels like anything is possible. That's such an inspiring feeling that spring brings about. By the end of winter, I'm always ready for that.)

2. The highlight of my week was when I finally fixed my Kindle.

(Though I never used to be into reading books in digital form, I now love reading ebooks and constantly do so using my Kindle ereader. Last week, though, my Kindle stopped working right and wouldn't properly download the new books I bought. Though this Kindle is quite a few years old, it was a gift from my parents and I'm really quite fond of it and am not yet ready to part with it or replace it. So, though I'm not terribly tech savvy, I messed around with some settings and actually ultimately managed to figure out and resolve the issue. My Kindle is all better now, and that makes me happy.) 

3. I think unique is the word that best describes me.

(In truth, unique can be used to describe anyone and everyone. No two people are the same. Every single person is unique in their own way. Everyone has their own collection of interests, likes, dislikes, and all that jazz. I feel unique because my life and my hobbies and my goals are altogether unlike those of anyone else I personally know. The same goes for most people, I would think.)

4. Nothing melts my heart like animals.

(I just love animals so much. It's really as simple as that.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

***

Today, Eddy wanted to share a couple of overexposed bloopers of her keeping her year-round Christmas tree company.

Though she rarely lets me photograph her inside the Christmas tree, Eddy climbs this tree regularly. And she always loudly announces when she's hanging out in her tree. Even if it's 3 o'clock in the morning.

Happy Friday, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

How about a weird bathroom doodle that we scribbled up last year? Because why not.

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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.

Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

It's Thursday, and that means we're ready to rhyme. Thanks to Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge, we get to rhyme every week.

As always, our courteous host shared a photo prompt to help guide our poetic endeavors. This week's prompt is this image here:

That sure is a sight to see, isn't it? If I'm being honest, I don't fully know how I got from that photo to my poem below. My poem does involve some builders building, but beyond that I didn't have much of a plan this week. As a result, I ended up with the random rhyme below.

Home

Once upon a time, builders built a home.
In this particular story, the home belonged to Mrs. Jones.
It all began one spring day's dawn,
When Mrs. Jones stood watching her cats frolicking on an empty lawn.

That was when the builders showed up,
Dodging cats who did run and jump.
The builders approached Mrs. Jones and asked her some questions.
They said, "What would you like built, ma'am? A mansion?
Or are you more so looking for a castle?
Perhaps something that brings about envy and dazzles?"

Mrs. Jones quite firmly shook her head.
"Goodness, no, I don't want any of that," she said.
She continued, "I just want a simple place to feel comfort and peace.
I just need a happy home for me, my cats, and my flowers, please."

The builders shrugged and said, "If you say so."
And just like that, Mrs. Jones' house began being built with hammering blows.
She watched and waited as the builders built her humble abode.
She eagerly waited to make it cozily and happily her own.

The builders indeed did not build Mrs. Jones a castle.
Even so, to her the house did mesmerize and dazzle.
It was cozy and quaint,
And seeing it for the first time nearly made Mrs. Jones faint.

The house was the perfect place for a simple woman and her cats,
And Mrs. Jones was ready to move in just like that.
She thanked the builders quite profusely,
After which she and her furry friends settled into the home quite smoothly.

Mrs. Jones was the kind of woman who knew exactly what a home needed to be.
She knew that all she needed was a place for her and her cats to be happy.
Of course, she also didn't mind a home that looked a bit pretty,
A place where she could garden and decorate with the flowers offered by spring.

In truth, Mrs. Jones knew that the important part of a home came from within.
A home needed not be a giant fortress or any sort of mansion.
It simply needed to be a place where peace could thrive and grow.
It was with happiness and warmth that a house became a home.
Of course, a house was not a home without cats as well, according to Mrs. Jones.

***

Now we're ready for Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Thimble is always here to express her gratitude. So, what is this tabby girl thankful for today? She's thankful for her adorable face and its adorable nose and its adorable whiskers, of course!

In addition to Thimble's downright adorable self, we're also beyond grateful for all of you and your friendship!

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Last but not least, we have the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing is the mastermind behind the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I look forward to _________ every spring.

2. The highlight of my week was _________.

3. I think _________ is the word that best describes me.

4. Nothing melts my heart like _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

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!

Pup Astrid wanted to show off the St. Patrick's Day ribbon she's worn on her collar for the past couple of years during St. Patrick's Day festivities. It's starting to show its age, though, so Astrid asked me to look for some photos of the bow during its glory days. Of course, the best shots I found are essentially bloopers, complete with a glaring photobomb.

Though there may be some blur and bloopers here, Astrid hopes you enjoyed seeing how she dresses up for St. Patrick's Day!

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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!