Friendly Fill-Ins and Blurry Eddy

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


1. I feel _________ when I think of _________.

2. _________ is my greatest achievement.

3. I haven't had much luck with _________ lately.

4. _________ is the time of day when I _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I feel calm when I think of my kitties and pup.
(Have you ever tried to think of something really calming and happy when having your blood pressure taken, to try and keep it in the healthy range? I do that, and it's my kitties and pup I think about during those times. I've actually never had blood pressure issues, save for the occasional white coat syndrome, and though I can't claim scientific evidence, I like to thank my kitties and pup for helping me achieve healthy blood pressure readings. This is one of the strangest explanations I've ever given for a fill-in, but here we are.)

2. Rescuing and caring for my furry family is my greatest achievement.
(As a kid, one of my biggest dreams was to adopt my own furry clan and give them the best life I could. When I was able to achieve that, I felt like a true adult living my dream.)

3. I haven't had much luck with appliances lately.
(My dryer fully died recently. I am incredibly grateful in that my mom started using a new dryer recently but still had her old yet functioning one, and so she gave me her old one, which still works great. Getting a new dryer immediately was crucial, as Evan is towel trained as well as urinary incontinent, and so laundry is a priority around here. My hot water heater also started acting up recently, and though I was able to get the pilot light relit every time it went out, within a week each time it would go out again. So, I had some maintenance men come out yesterday, and luckily they found the problem and it was an easy fix. My air conditioner also has had a slow leak for many years and will likely need its coolant topped off soon enough. And we're not even going to talk about the screeching sounds my washer started making recently.)

4. Early morning is the time of day when I am most productive.

(I've become more and more of a morning person the older I've gotten. I think that mostly started as a matter of necessity, as I tend to be too tired after work to get a lot of my personal hobbies and passions accomplished. I really, truly want to work toward those hobbies and passions, though, and so I started working toward them during some early mornings. Some evenings I feel good and active and get a good deal done, but more often than not that's not the case, and so early mornings are my time, and I've honestly grown to love 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.

***

And now it's time for the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, hosted by none other than Melissa and Mudpie of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.

As always, blooper queen Eddy is more than ready. After all, during one of her window whiffies sessions, she made sure to get some wonderfully blurry shots.

Eddy and all of us here wish you a happy Friday!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

***

Tip of the Day

Today's food tip is all about those carbs. When we think of carbohydrates, things like pasta and bread may come to mind. But, carbohydrates in other forms are also an important aspect in pet food. In a dog or cat's food, carbohydrates often come from plants or grains, such as corn, rice, oats, or wheat. Just as in humans, carbohydrates can serve as a source of energy and fuel for our furbaby's body. That being said, carbohydrates are one aspect of pet food that may hold different levels of importance for cats and dogs.

Dogs are omnivores. This means that, even in the wild, they get their nutrition from both animal and plant sources. For this reason, carbohydrates in the form of plants and grains are of course important in commercial dog food, just as meat products are. 

On the other hand, cats are strict carnivores, and in the wild they gain much of their nutrition and energy from the protein and fat of their prey. This is why plants and grains in commercial cat food is sometimes debated. Some studies indicate that cats in the wild do consume a small percentage of plant and grain carbohydrates, such as from whatever vegetation their prey may have eaten. Regardless, most commercial cat foods do contain carbohydrates from plants and grains, some in far higher percentage than others. This is where reading labels and comparing protein versus carbohydrate levels can be important for cat owners to do.

Not only is it important to consider a cat's strict carnivore ancestry, but it's also important to realize that for cats as well as dogs, a diet with a higher carbohydrate content can potentially lead to digestive concerns, such as diarrhea or flatulence. In addition, just as can be the case with fats and even protein, an excess of carbohydrates in the diet can potentially lead to weight gain. This is all just one more reason why it is so important to research, understand, and discuss with your veterinarian the best diet for your kitty or pup.

Thankful Thimble Thursday in the Sun

Hello, friends! It's Thursday, and so Thimble is of course here to partake in Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

As has been the case more than once lately, Thimble is so very thankful for all the sun she's been able to bathe in these days.

Do you see that sun? Do you?

Thimble and all of us here are wishing you lots and lots of sunshine of your own!

***

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

1. I feel _________ when I think of _________.

2. _________ is my greatest achievement.

3. I haven't had much luck with _________ lately.

4. _________ is the time of day when I _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

***

Tip of the Day

We're currently in the process of re-sharing a series of food tips we first posted some time ago. We've so far talked about protein and fiber in pet food, and now today we're moving on to fat. Fat, like other nutrients, plays important roles for not only us humans but also our cats and dogs. Fats are yet another source of energy for the body and its cells, they aid in healthy skin and coat, and they are also important for growth overall.

In pet foods, some fats can come from the protein source, such as chicken and beef. However, there are also other potential sources of fats in our furbabies' food. Fats can of course come from oils, such as fish oils or plant oils. The important thing is to make sure that your furbaby's food includes good quality fat sources, and in a healthy balance. For example, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which often come from sources such as fish or plant oils or chicken fat, are very beneficial, but most importantly so in proper amounts. Less quality fats and oils would include lard and other similar ingredients, and therefore do be cautious if you see these on a pet food label.

Of course, any fats in too large of quantities could lead to health concerns. For example, obesity and pancreatitis can both potentially stem from or be worsened by diets high in fat. For reasons such as these, as we've said before, try to educate yourself on your cat or dog's health and the best nutrition for them, and of course discuss this with a veterinarian as needed.

Woof Woof Wednesday in the Window

It's Woof Woof Wednesday. You've seen a lot of pup Astrid out and about on her walks lately, but do you know what you haven't seen much of lately? The pup in her favorite window.

This isn't one of the usual shots of Astrid pouting while gazing out her beloved window. Instead, you get this goofy grin on this goof girl in this goofy pose.

We hope Astrid's smile makes you smile!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle stars special versions of Eeyore and Tigger. I know Tigger is the feline star of Winnie the Pooh, but I've admittedly always been a huge fan of sad little Eeyore. I love me an underdog (underdonkey?).

***

Tip of the Day

Our food talk continues today with a little something known as fiber. Fiber is a very important nutrient that, for one, aids in digestion for not only us humans but also kitties and pups. In terms of digestion, fiber can play more than one role. Depending on the circumstances and the particular type of fiber consumed, it can assist with both constipation and diarrhea. That's not all, though, as fiber can also play a beneficial role in weight loss. Fiber can make food more bulky, and in turn can help a kitty or pup feel full, which can then lead to less gorging and therefore aid in weight loss. Still, though, fiber's roles in a cat or dog's health does not end there. Studies have also indicated that high fiber diets can benefit those with diabetes, such as by helping to control blood sugar. For all of these reasons and more, be sure to educate yourself on your furbaby's fiber intake and overall health and diet, and of course discuss options with your veterinarian.

A Mancat Monday and Tonks Tuesday Mashup

Hello, friends! We certainly didn't mean to fail to post every single day of the long weekend. Life happened, though, and I admittedly never even turned on my computer. But, here we are now.

Since we missed Mancat Monday, on this Tonks Tuesday, we have for you both orange boy Evan and calico Tonks.

That's quite obviously little miss Tonks. Do you see Evan, though? His toesies are in that photo as well. See?

Tonks has always enjoyed playing with her big brother Evan. Even when he gets a bit rough with her, she loves him so very much.

Evan, Tonks, and all of us here wish you a wonderful day!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

***

Tip of the Day

Over the next couple of days, we'll give some tips regarding pet food ingredients. As you all surely know, the ingredients that go into a furbaby's food and therefore into their body all play an important role. Let's start today with protein, which is of course a significant part of any diet. Just as with us, our cats and dogs need protein, which can be broken down into amino acids, which can in turn be used to build up new muscles and other tissues. This is why high protein is especially important in a kitten or puppy's diet, as it ensures that they can form the tissues they need to grow into healthy adults.

There are also some other special considerations to make when it comes to protein. For example, furbabies suffering from pancreatitis or diabetes often benefit from high protein diets. On the other hand, a cat with renal disease requires a low protein diet for the health of their kidneys. So, while protein is indeed an important part of any diet, do be sure to do your homework and certainly discuss with your veterinarian what ingredients you should consider for your furbaby's diet in order to keep them healthy.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Window Whiffies

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


1. My plans for the long weekend include _________.

2. _________ is the messiest person I know.

3. I can't thank _________ enough for _________.

4. I don't understand why so many people _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. My plans for the long weekend include kitty cuddles and creativity.
(I will be mowing and doing my usual weekend chores tomorrow, if Mother Nature permits. But, after that, I plan to spend a lot of time cozied up on the couch with my kitties and pup, all while drawing, writing, and reading. I really would like to use this long weekend to make a lot of progress on some of my planned doodles and in-progress writing projects, and I can't wait.)

2. My co-worker is the messiest person I know.

(I won't throw out any names or anything, but I work with a lady who is very nice and very good at her job while also being incredibly messy. It's common knowledge at our workplace that if you give her something, she'll probably lose it at least once, and it's probably just lost somewhere on her desk that is an avalanche waiting to happen. Not that I have a  right to judge someone on the tidiness of their desk on most days.)

3. I can't thank my parents enough for giving me a furry (and feathered) family so early in my life.
(I am always grateful for the fact that I grew up with cats and dogs, as well as birds. Most of my earliest memories involve my angel kitties Rosie and Sammy, angel pups Banjo and Shellie, and budgie birds Pippin, Robin, and Sweet Pea. Their unconditional love and companionship more than significantly shaped who I am today.)

4. I don't understand why so many people share so much of their lives on social media.
(I'm fully aware that I share my furbabies and other facets of my life here on our blog and in other corners of the internet. That said, I know so many people who seem to live on social media, posting details of their lives that would horrify me to publicize. I know social media is one way to stay in contact with others, and to each their own, but sometimes the subject matter and frequency with which certain people share such things on social media seems a bit outrageous.)

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.

***

Eddy is here to remind you all how cute she is. Not that she looked at the camera or anything like that, though. After all, she has window whiffies to enjoy.

Happy Friday, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

***

Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip is to beware the bugs. A variety of bugs begin to make appearances this time of year. That being said, many of those bugs bring with them their own sorts of danger. For example, some spiders, as we've mentioned before, have bites that are toxic. Bees, wasps, and other similar bugs can sting, and this can prove incredibly dangerous for furbabies with severe allergies to these stings. There are also of course mosquitoes, who can harbor those nasty, dangerous heart worms.

That all being said, keep in mind that many bug sprays can also be toxic to furbabies. Spraying in your yard, or near or inside your home, can be dangerous for this reason. If your furbaby licks or comes into contact with certain pesticides, they could become sick and have serious side effects.

There are ways, though, for you to help keep your furbaby safe from insects. For example, keep any water in your yard fresh and clean, as stagnant water attracts mosquitoes as a place for them to lay eggs. To ward off buzzing bees, try to keep plants that attract them away from areas where your furbaby frequents. When you are somewhere unfamiliar, perhaps steer clear of gardens, not only to keep your furbaby safe from toxic plants, but also from bees that might be hanging around the area. Though not always easy, keeping buggers such as spiders out of your home might be easier if you keep doorways and the like regularly cleaned. Ridding doorways of cobwebs, for example, can lead to less arachnid inhabitants.

It is also worth noting that there are some pet-safe insect repellents on the market. Some products can keep bugs away in a more natural manner, such as by using certain scents to which insects are averse. This being said, though, even some of these more natural products can pose risks for furbabies, such as if they contain dangerous essential oils or other potentially toxic ingredients. For this reason, always read product labels, and discuss any concerns with your veterinarian. What's more, should your furbaby become sick due to an insect bite or sting, or due to ingestion of a pesticide, seek veterinary care immediately.

Thankful Thimble Thursday with the Cutie

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! You better believe Thimble is here for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful for laps on which to nap. What's more, she's thankful for how cute she is. This here human is also grateful for this little tabby's adorable face. We're sure all of you will agree. See?

I'm pretty sure Thimble very much so knows exactly how cute she is. As she should.

***

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

1. My plans for the long weekend include _________.

2. _________ is the messiest person I know.

3. I can't thank _________ enough for _________.

4. I don't understand why so many people _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

***

Tip of the Day

You'll probably see this tip from us at least once more this summer, but today we're already mentioning fireworks. These booming celebrations often make appearances during the summer months, such as for Memorial Day and certainly Independence Day. Needless to say, always be cautious with your furbaby around fireworks. First, close proximity to fireworks can lead to burns or other injuries. In addition to this, the sound and sight of nearby fireworks could cause a fear reaction, which could potentially lead to an escaped or lost furbaby.

Speaking of fear of fireworks, it is of course best to keep your furbaby tucked safely indoors when fireworks are being used anywhere nearby outdoors. Even inside, though, it is possible for the sounds and sights of fireworks to frighten a pup or kitty. You can make some attempts to minimize the sight and sound of fireworks, such as by closing windows, closing blinds, playing music, turning on the TV, and distracting your furbaby with some playtime. Some dogs and cats are also calmed by wearing a ThunderShirtⓇ, or even a makeshift one created using a blanket, towel, or a piece of clothing. If your furbaby is still scared, sometimes it is simply best to allow them to hide. In this case, ensure they have somewhere to be and feel safe, such as a safe room or cubby in which to nestle while the fireworks are booming.

Since it is always better to be safe than sorry, in case a fearful furbaby does somehow escape, ensure that they are properly identifiable. For example, make sure they are wearing a tag with your contact information on it. In addition, this is also when up-to-date microchips can be crucial.

Adventures with Astrid: Walking Weather

We finally had a break from the 90°F heat wave we've been having, which made Astrid so very happy. She finally got one of her beloved, much cooler walks.

This poor pup has never had any heat tolerance. She'll gladly go for miles long walks and sit in the yard for hours on end when it's 5°F outside, but if it hits even close to 80°F, she's annoyed as all get out. She'll get part of the way through one of our summer walks, and then look at me like it's my fault that it's hot outside. Then she'll turn around and head home because this girl cannot take the heat. I let Astrid entirely pick where we walk, especially now that she's 11 years old, and so she lets me know when she's officially fed up with the heat. Which, lately, is very often.

For the first time in over a week, though, we went for a morning walk when it was barely over 60°F. At Astrid's choosing, we walked for nearly an hour, and both she and I were so very happy.

Astrid hopes you all have perfect walking weather as well!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

***

Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip is about your furbaby's care in the event that you are traveling this summer. We'll begin with if your furbaby is staying behind while you travel, in which case it is important to plan well in advance for their care. If your furbaby would do best being boarded, then be sure to schedule this well ahead of time, to ensure that they can stay at a veterinary or other boarding facility that you trust.

Another option is of course having your furbaby stay home and having a trusted pet-sitter come in to care for them, or to your cat or dog them stay with someone you trust. No matter what route you take for your furbaby's care while you are away from them, be sure that whoever is looking after them has all of the resources and information they might need. Make sure that your furbaby's food is stocked up, as well as their medications, litter, and anything else of importance. Ensure that their caregiver knows the details of their care, including what, when, and how much they are fed, as well as any medication administration instructions they might need. Don't forget other resources a pet-sitter might need, such as any pertinent details of your furbaby's medical history, as well as the contact information for their veterinarian.

Then there are the times that our furbabies travel with us on vacation, and it is also important to plan accordingly in this case as well. To begin, make sure that you pack all that your cat or dog might need. This would include food, treats, water, medications, leash, carrier, and anything that is significant for their daily care. It is of course also important to plan in advance for pet-friendly lodging at your travel destination. Are you staying at a hotel? If so, is that hotel pet-friendly? Or, are you staying with family or friends? If so, do they have a pet-friendly home? Are there other animals at this home, and if so, will it be safe for the animals to interact? Be sure that any such details are ironed out well in advance.

With all of the above planned out, there is then the actual act of traveling with your furbaby. If you are traveling by plane with a pup or kitty, this will of course require you to learn of the airline's requirements, and that you do so with plenty of time to spare. A veterinary visit and a certificate of health may be required by some airlines. Regardless of whether a certificate of health is required, it is important to discuss with a veterinarian whether your furbaby is safe for travel by plane, especially if they are sick, geriatric, or if they do not travel well. If it is by car that you are traveling, ensure that your cat or dog has a cage or seatbelt for safe restraint during travels. Make sure that your furbaby has a chance to eat, drink, and bathroom during long trips. At the same time, make sure that they are safe from escape anytime you stop and open any car doors.

Summer is a time for travels for some people, and perhaps even their furbabies. Whether you leave your furbaby home or take them with you, always plan well in advance. Always keep in mind your furbaby's health and happiness, and discuss any concerns with a veterinarian.

Tonks Tuesday: May the Blinds Rest in Pieces

It's Tonks Tuesday, and this calico is thinking back to before she absolutely decimated the blinds in this window.

Want to know a classy little secret? We currently have opaque plastic taped onto this window to block out the summer sun, because Tonks kind of destroyed the blinds and we haven't replaced them yet. She can't help it. She's just a fun-loving, blinds-loving little calico.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

***

Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip is to be careful around water. Summer often means swimming in pools, or visiting lakes or other bodies of waters. If your dog or cat is with you when you visit the pool or any body of water, always be cautious and keep an eye on them. Though many animals have the instinct to swim when in water, that does not mean they cannot drown in certain situations. So, as needed, block access to pools so that your cat or dog cannot access the water, especially when not closely monitored or when they are not used to being in or near water. If you take your pup or kitty to visit a lake, to go on a boat ride, or to participate in any other similar water activity, keep them near you, such as safe on a leash. In addition to this, you can get flotation devices specifically designed for furbabies. This can come in handy especially for furbabies who are new to water, or if you have any concern for their safety when around water. After all, what do we always say? It's always better to be safe than sorry. So, if your summer plans with your furbaby include some watery ones, plan ahead for their safety.

Mancat Monday: Overworked and Exhausted

Hello, friends! It's Mancat Monday, and Evan apologizes for not being a bit more active and present today.

This poor boy is tired from having to snoopervise so many things this weekend. Our hot water heater stopped working, our a/c was struggling in the heat wave, and then our dryer went out. So much was going on, and poor Evan had to keep tabs on all of it, the poor overworked and exhausted boy.

We got the hot water heater working again, using some tactics we've had to use before since this is a recurring issue. After a couple of quick fixes, the a/c is also now doing well. The dryer really is dead, though. It smelled like it wanted to burn the house down, so it got evicted. We'll be getting a new one today, so fun times all around.

Evan hopes you all have far less shenanigans to snoopervise than he does. He also hopes that, either way, you all get lots of naps in today!

 

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

***

Tip of the Day

 

Today's summer safety tip is all about sunburn. Just like us humans, our furbabies can get sunburned. This can happen during time outdoors, or even by sunbathing in windows or doors. And, just as with humans, sunburn can result in skin cancer in our cats and dogs. This is why it is incredibly important to be aware of this and to take precautions.

Keep in mind that cats and dogs with little to no fur are of course more susceptible to sunburn. In addition to this, those with light fur and skin, such as those that are white or orange coats, are also more susceptible. That doesn't mean furbabies of other colors are not at risk, though. In addition, the areas of the body most likely to get sunburn are the ears, nose, and belly, as in most furbabies these areas have less hair coverage. Again, though, this doesn't mean sunburn or skin cancer cannot occur elsewhere on the body.

What are the signs of sunburn in your furbaby? They are very similar to those in humans. A cat or dog with sunburn will typically develop pink or red skin, which is often inflamed as well. The sunburn is often painful, and the affected skin can also become dry and flaky. Hair loss can also occur around the sunburned area. These are all signs to be aware of, but they are also things that you want to try to prevent from happening in the first place.

So, what can you do to protect your furbabies from sunburn and potential resulting skin cancer? You can of course minimize their time in direct sunlight, whether that be while outside or while sunbathing in a window or door. You can opt for outdoor activities when the sun is not at its peak, as well as opting for shade when outdoors. When it comes to indoor furbabies, you can close doors and curtains to help protect against sunburn during the sun's prime time of the day. In addition to this, there are certain window types and window covers that can help block UV light. These could certainly be useful for frequented windows and doors, but this also of course may not guarantee full protection against sunburn or resulting skin cancer.

Finally, another option for sun protection is, of course, sunscreen. This is especially important for furbabies who frequently go outdoors in the summer sun, or even for those who frequently sunbathe indoors. There is pet-safe sunscreen available on the market. Many sunscreens designed for humans can contain ingredients that are potentially toxic to cats and dogs, so it is indeed important that you look for products formulated especially for your kitty or pup. What's more, as we always say, if you have any questions at all regarding sunburn and skin cancer in your kitty or pup, be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian.

Friendly Fill-Ins, Snoopervisor Eddy, and More Outlandish Art

Hello, friends! We're here with the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. Back in the day, _________.

2. _________ is an unconventional pet I would like to have.

3. Though _________ is my dream job, I'd also settle for working as _________.

4. I'd like to get _________'s autograph.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Back in the day, we didn't rely so much on technology.
(When I was a kid, we didn't carry cellphones and the like around with us. Not everyone had their faces staring at screens. You needed to get somewhere? Pull out a paper map. You needed to call someone? Pull out that phonebook and dial them up on the corded phone with which you couldn't leave the room. Cellphones and other technology really started ramping up when I was a kid, but I remember the days when humans were far less reliant on devices. Technology can be a great thing, but even great things come with drawbacks.)

2. A panda bear is an unconventional pet I would like to have.
(One of my favorite animals in the world, of course in addition to cats and dogs, is the giant panda. They're not only adorable, but also carefree and hilarious. When I'm feeling down, I'll sometimes put on videos of pandas playing and goofing around, and it never ceases to make me smile and laugh. It's nothing short of impossible to have a pet panda, but a girl can dream.)

3. Though being an author and illustrator is my dream job, I'd also settle for working as a cat and/or dog daycare worker.
(Being an author and some semblance of an illustrator is my life goal, but I've thought many times how I really wouldn't mind spending my days taking care of and playing with kitties and pups. There are doggy daycares in my area, and I think there should also be kitty daycares, and I'd be happy to work there. Perhaps the kitties and pups could even help me work toward my life goals.)

4. I'd like to get each of my online furry friend's autograph.
(I really can't think of many human autographs I'd really want. There are perhaps a couple, but the first thing that came to my mind was how I'd much rather have the cute little pawtographs of all of the kitties and pups we know thanks to our blog, or whom I follow on other social media.)

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.

***

Now, who's ready for their Friday Eddy fix? All of you? No surprise there. Here's adorable Eddy girl enjoying her favorite window view on her favorite cat tree beside her favorite year round Christmas tree.

Eddy love spying on the birds and squirrels in the back yard, and of course the neighbors. They're all of course in great need of her professional snoopervision.

Happy Friday, friends!

***

Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle is weird. Even weirder than usual. It's the last doodle I've currently completed in my series of fan art for a sci-fi/fantasy series of books I have been really enjoying. I've been putting my furbabies into these bits of fan art, and Eddy gets the wackiest one. In the wonderfully wild and crazy book series of which I'm speaking (Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, for anyone curious), in addition to a talking cat named Donut, there's a decapitated doll head named Samantha that can talk and float and fly and all that jazz. There's a lot more to it than that, but we'll just say that Samantha the decapitated doll head is just as chaotic as the rest of this book series, and Eddy is my own chaotic little lady, so that prompted the creation of this doodle.

***

Tip of the Day

We spent the last two days addressing how to keep your furbaby cool and safe should they be spending time outdoors in the heat. Of course, staying cool indoors in the summer is far more ideal. That being said, though, extra care may still have to be used to keep some cats and dogs comfortable even when inside the home during the summer months. This is especially the case for those furbabies who have certain traits that might make it more difficult for them to stay cool even indoors. For example, on hot days, it is especially important to monitor the condition of cat or dogs with long or thick coats, those who are overweight, those with flat faces (such as Persian cats and Bulldogs), and those who are geriatric, sick, or for another reason may have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

So, how can you ensure that your furbaby remains cool and comfortable inside the home, even when it's sweltering outdoors? First, of course, you can run the air conditioning. Ensure that the unit's filter is regularly replaced. Also make sure that the vents throughout the house are open and unblocked, so that cool air can easily make its way throughout the home. In addition to the air conditioning, you can set up fans to help keep air moving and to keep your kitty or pup comfortable.

Some furbabies may even opt for lying on smooth, cool surfaces in order to stay cool. For example, hardwood or tile floors stay far more cool than carpet, and so you might find a kitty or pup sprawled out on the hard floor during the summer months. In this same line of thought, there are also cooling mats specifically designed for pets. These mats offer a cool surface on which to relax, and they can be placed on the floor, on furniture, or potentially even outdoors in order to keep that furbaby of yours cool.

Even if your furbaby is spending hot summer days inside, it is still important to monitor them and to ensure that they are staying cool. Then again, especially for those with short or no fur, it is also important to make sure that the air conditioning or fans are not too cool for them. As you all certainly know, keep an eye on those furbabies, and then make adjustments as needed to keep them happy and healthy.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Closed Doors and Crowns

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

Thimble found out that yesterday pup Astrid got to share a fun little blooper. So, today, Thimble wanted to do the same. In line with the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop, Thimble is beyond grateful that she's adorable even when she's blurry and looking a little silly. You know, like when she has to remind her mom that it's illegal to close a door in any way whatsoever that keeps a kitty out.

Indeed, this here human made the grave error of closing that there door far enough that Thimble couldn't pass through. Shame on me.

Don't worry, Thimble was granted access right after these shots were snapped.

***

Now, let's share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. Back in the day, _________.

2. _________ is an unconventional pet I would like to have.

3. Though _________ is my dream job, I'd also settle for working as _________.

4. I'd like to get _________'s autograph.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Doodle of the Day

As I've mentioned the previous days this week, I'm sharing some doodles that serve as fan art for a wild and crazy sci-fi/fantasy series of books I really enjoyed reading recently, these drawings of course starring my furbabies. One of the main characters in the books is a talking cat, and she ends up will all sorts of tiaras and crowns and necklaces and bracelets that give her special abilities. In this series of doodles based on these books, Thimble easily gets the most tame drawing, with her boasting one of the crowns and the pretty butterfly charm the book's kitty character acquired.

***

Tip of the Day

As a followup to yesterday's tip on how to keep your furbaby cool if they are outdoors in the heat, we're here today to specifically talk about those walks you and your furbaby might take this summer. Especially on those days with extreme heat, it is safest to either limit or cut out walks, or to take them only when the day is at its coolest. For example, a very early morning walk or a late evening walk would be far safer than a walk in the middle of the day, when the sun is at its highest and hottest. If a walk or bathroom break outdoors is necessary for your pup or kitty on a hot day, do consider taking a water bottle along to help keep your furbaby hydrated and cool.

It's not just the heat of the air that you have to consider with regard to summer walks, though. Pavement can reach literally burning hot temperatures in the summer sun. While us humans typically wear shoes to protect our feet, paw pads are exposed and can indeed be burned during exposure to hot pavement. If touching the pavement with your own hand leads you to conclude that it's burning hot, then indeed take that into consideration. This is one reason why it is incredibly important to plan walks and outdoor adventures accordingly during the summer months. If your pup or kitty does need to go outdoors in the extreme heat, and especially if the pavement feels hot to you, then try to avoid the pavement and instead head straight for the grass. Or, for those furbabies who will tolerate it, protective booties can be placed on the feet to keep them safe against the hot pavement.

In the summer, just as always, it's always better to be safe than sorry. That might mean skipping a walk on a scorcher or a day, or changing your walking schedule so that your furbaby is outdoors only when it is cooler. Always do what is best for your furbaby's health and safety.

Adventures with Astrid: Chicken Bloopers and Two-Headed Dogs

Today's photo is a blooper. Pup Astrid is indeed blurry in it, probably because she was quite excited. After all, she'd just smelled a whole platter of chicken randomly sitting in someone's front yard.

Astrid is a chicken fiend. It's one of her all-time favorite foods, and I regularly give her treats of plain, cooked chicken breast. What she smelled on her walk this day, though, was a bunch of fried chicken just sitting under a tree in the neighborhood. It was early morning, and no one was in sight. The chicken just sat there, out in the open, for a reason I do not know. I did not let Astrid have it, and she was devastated. Don't worry, though, because I gave her some of her beloved chicken breast when we got home.

Pup Astrid hopes you all get to enjoy far more chicken than she got to on this abusive day!

***

Doodle of the Day

As I've mentioned over the past couple of days, I've been scribbling up some fan art for a series of sci-fi/fantasy books I really enjoyed reading recently. These doodles star my furbabies, of course. Today, we have for you a version of the two-headed puppy that was in one of the books, but of course in the form of two-headed Astrid.

***

Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip is all about how to keep your furbaby cool if they are outdoors in the heat. To begin, as we mentioned yesterday, sometimes the great outdoors is a very dangerous place to be for a pup or dog in the extreme heat of summer. For this reason, please do try to limit time spent outdoors in the heat.

However, if your pup or kitty has to be outdoors for any reason, be sure that they are provided with everything to help them stay as cool as possible. For example, be sure that a sufficient amount of cool, fresh, clean water is available for them to drink. Also ensure that they have somewhere in the shade to stay. A potentially stifling outdoor enclosure, such as a shed, will often be no cooler than the sun. But, shade from trees or a building can enable a furbaby to get out of the sun and stay as cool as possible. For those furbabies who enjoy and take advantage of water, you can also put out a children's pool, with cool, clean water. This way, a pup or even a kitty who likes water can have another way to cool off.

As we said previously, please do all that you can to keep your pup or kitty out of the heat of summer. If a trip outdoors is necessary for any reason, though, then it is important to know how to keep your furbaby cool and safe, such as by means of water and shade. Summertime is just another example of how you must think and plan ahead for the sake of your furbaby's health and happiness.

Tonks Tuesday: Paraphernalia and Velociraptors

It's Tonks Tuesday. Today, the calico is sharing a scene that has admittedly happened more than once at our house.

You see that stolen and spilled paraphernalia? This human admittedly sometimes forgets to close the lid on our catnip stash. And Tonks is apparently guaranteed to find it every single time that happens.

Thimble has a very similar scene to share in her post this Thursday. Because apparently the kitties here are just plain ol' addicts.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

***

Doodle of the Day

As we mentioned yesterday, I've been scribbling up fan art for a book series I'm really enjoying lately, but with the art starring my furbabies. The books are a wild and crazy sci-fi/fantasy series called Dungeon Crawler Carl, for anyone curious, though I'm thinking these type of books are an acquired taste. Anyway, the books contain a main character who is a tortie Persian cat named Donut. For reasons, Donut ends up with the ability to speak, and she also obtains none other than a pet velociraptor named Mongo. So, today, here is Tonks and her very own velociraptor.

Tonks is curious if anyone has any name suggestions for her new friend?

***

Tip of the Day

 

Given the warm weather we've been having theses days, we're doing a series of tips all about summer safety for our furbabies. Yesterday, we discussed how to recognize the signs of overheating in cats and dogs. Today, we're here to remind you that, to avoid potentially fatal heat stroke in your furbaby, never leave them alone in a car. In the heat of summer, the inside of a car can reach temperatures well above 100°F within a matter of minutes. Even with the windows open, the inside of a car can still become not only stifling, but also incredibly dangerous.

Also keep in mind that the car is not the only location that can pose the risk of overheating. Garages, sheds, and of course even the great outdoors can be dangerous places on hot summer days. In short, as you all certainly know, never leave your furbaby in a car or anywhere that can easily overheat on summer days. Just like us, kitties and pups can indeed suffer from heat stroke if left in overheated conditions, and this can be fatal.

Mancat Monday: Cuddles and Crazy Art

It's Mancat Monday, so of course we have for you handsome Evan. Today, you actually get sleepy and cuddly Evan.

Evan is my little shadow, no matter where I am in the house. He and I especially love evening TV time, because it means Evan plops himself next to me on the couch and many cuddles ensue. I love it so much.

And how about a shot of his paralyzed little back legs during one of our evening cuddle sessions? Here you go.

Happy Monday, friends!

***

Doodle of the Day

In my answer to one of this past Friday's Friendly Fill-Ins, I mentioned how I'm aware that my doodles can be all shades of weird and wacky. I also mentioned how I've been drawing my kitties into some fan art for a crazy wild sci-fi/fantasy series I've been reading. The books are in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and the whole storyline is so absurd and I'm enjoying it so much. The main character is a guy named Carl who, due to certain circumstances, is having to survive some chaotic post-apocalyptic stuff all while wearing heart boxers and a cape and it's just my kind of weird.

All that said, like I mentioned, I've been drawing some fan art for the series, starring my kitties. Evan gets to be Carl, heart boxers and cape and all.

The book in the series I was reading when I scribbled this one up was set in a forest and there were crucial mushrooms involved and all that jazz, as if the mushrooms there are the weirdest part of that doodle.

***

Tip of the Day

 

Not too long ago, we shared a series of tips all about pet safety in the season of spring. We were going to wait a while before we got into the details of summer safety. However, given the summer-like days we've been having, we thought we'd go ahead and offer some of these important tips now.

In many areas, summer can mean extreme heat. For this reason, it is important to know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in your cat or dog. Signs of overheating in our furbabies can include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and respiration rate, excessive drooling, weakness, or even vomiting and diarrhea. If your furbaby begins to show any of these signs, especially if they have been in the heat, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance. Tomorrow, we'll start diving a little deeper into how to keep your kitties and pups safe from overheating and other summer concerns.

A Birthday Bash and the Friendly Fill-Ins

Let's kick today off with a little something special...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THIMBLE!

My little girl is turning 10 years old today. It is indeed her golden birthday. And she's just as adorable as when she was a kitten.

But you know what? It's not just Thimble celebrating a birthday today. After all, Thimble has three brothers. One of them owns my sister and currently lives with us, and that would be handsome tuxie boy Toby.

And the other brothers own my parents and are tuxie Talon and Thimble's much larger tabby twin Trapper.

These four kitties came to our family at roughly 3 weeks old, after a neighbor of my grandma found them and put them in a bucket. They sat in said bucket for hours to days, until my grandma found them and immediately took them in. Within a couple days, they were with my parents, my sister, and myself. The intent was for us to bottle feed them until we could find them homes. Obviously, every single one of them was a foster fail, and I couldn't be happier about that.

If you would like a dose of adorable, itty bitty, baby versions of Thimble, Toby, Talon, and Trapper, here you go.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 

THIMBLE, TOBY, TALON, AND TRAPPER!

We love you kitties all so much, and we are so glad you came into our lives! Here's to many, many, many more!

***

Of course, we didn't forget about the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and now we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. Life is too short to tolerate _________.

2. _________ gives me hope.

3. I've been feeling _________ because _________.

4. I'm well aware that my _________ is a bit odd.

My answers are below in bold.

1. Life is too short to tolerate things that don't bring you joy.
(This is such a basic answer, but it's also so true. When I hit 30 a few years ago, and it's like that's when I really, truly realized this. I'd always been somewhat averse to things that didn't bring me joy, as most humans are, but I'd do them anyway due to a sense of obligation. Obviously this is necessary in certain situations, like when it comes to your health and such, but a lot of times, it's just not necessary. It's not worth doing hobbies or jobs you don't enjoy, or being around places or people that don't make you feel your best. Life really is too short to waste it.)

2. My furry family gives me hope.
(I thought and thought on what I could put for this, but I just kept coming back to this. It's true, so why not just let it be the obvious answer.)

3. I've been feeling melancholic because I'm reading the last currently published book in a series I'm really enjoying.
(I mentioned this book series a few weeks ago. It's a weird and wacky series known as Dungeon Crawler Carl, and it involves lots of sci-fi and fantasy chaos, and a talking tortie Persian kitty who happens to have her very own velociraptor. It's as oddball as it sounds, which is exactly my kind of thing. I'm on the sixth book, which is the last one currently published. The author is planning on publishing something along the lines of ten books, and he's posted online that he's nearing the end of writing the seventh book. I happily read all of the first six books in a row after discovering the series, so when I finish this last published one, I'm not going to know what to do with myself until the next one comes out.)

4. I'm well aware that my art is a bit odd.
(While some of my doodles are pretty straightforward and "normal", I also love drawing things that others might consider all shades of wacky. For example, I drew fan art for the chaotically fun book series I mentioned above, putting my kitties into scenes based on the books, and they're weirder than weird, but I enjoyed drawing them so much. I'll be sharing those drawings soon, and you'll probably look at some of them thinking, what in the world is 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.

***

Tip of the Day

Today's wildlife tip involves ways you can make your yard more wildlife-friendly. Of course, before you start making changes to your yard, ensure that the yard is still safe for your furbabies, and that your yard's attributes do not infringe on your neighbors. That being said, what are some ways you can make your yard more wildlife-friendly? You can of course add bird feeders, and areas where squirrels are fed. A bird bath is also very beneficial for both birds and squirrels, as long as you keep it clean and well tended. Bird houses are another possibility. You can also use the help of nature to make your yard a lovely place for wildlife to spend their time. Not only can you plant flowers for birds and insects to enjoy, but you can also maintain trees and bushes as areas where wildlife can seek refuge and nest.

Of course, we will again note that you must take the safety of both your furbabies and wildlife into consideration. Do not plant any flowers toxic to dogs or cats where your furbabies can reach. Also be cognizant of the location of bushes and trees. Why? For multiple reasons. Birds and other wildlife will not want to spend time in bushes or trees where dogs and cats frequent, as our furbabies are seen as predators. This also goes for the placement of bird feeders, bird baths, and bird houses. In addition, our furbabies can possibly be infected or injured by some wildlife. Our kitties and pups can acquire certain parasites from wildlife or in areas where wildlife frequent, and they could also be injured if they startle certain critters. These are also reasons why it's important to be aware of possible interactions between our furbabies and wildlife.

In short, there are ways that you can make your yard more wildlife-friendly. After all, this makes for great Bird TV and Squirrel TV. But, of course, you must also take into consideration the safety of your furbabies as well as that of the wildlife.