Another Thankful Thimble Thursday in the Sun

It's Thursday, and Thimble is of course ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Thimble's thankful things have been pretty similar most weeks lately, but that's because she's a girl who loves the simple joys of life. And so, as is often the case, today Thimble is grateful for sunshine and window seats.

Of course, both Thimble and I are also grateful for how adorable she is. Honestly, just look at that little mouth and nose!

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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. My preferred method of procrastination is _________.

2. I always procrastinate when I am supposed to _________.

3. My goal of _________ is going really well.

4. If I opened a _________ shop, I would name it _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I mentioned yesterday how I'm craving autumn and Halloween, and so I'm feeling inspired to scribble up some new spooky doodles of a slightly summery sort. As I work on those, we're sharing some flashbacks in that same vein.

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Tip of the Day

We are working through a series of tips on how to keep strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies safe and sound in the summer heat. We began this series of tips yesterday by discussing the importance of offering shaded areas, where outdoor cats or even dogs can stay cool. In this same line of thought, today we want to remind you to put necessities for outdoor furbabies in said shade. Whether you have shaded areas beneath trees or bushes, a table that offers shade, a summer shelter that offers shade, or something else similar, be sure that you place food and water in those shaded areas. This will ensure that animals outdoors can have food and water that is as cool and fresh as possible, and that they can eat and drink out of the sun.

In addition, try to offer somewhere comfortable for strays, ferals, and outdoor furbabies to rest in their shaded area. For example, you can place bedding or even a chair in the shade, so that strays and ferals can get comfortable while also remaining as cool as possible. Then again, keep in mind that many furbabies will not want to sleep on blankets or other potentially insulating material in the heat. So, also take this into consideration, and make sure that shaded shelter truly allows for cool and cozy safety and relaxation. All in all, in the hot summer months, don't just offer shade to strays and ferals, but also food, water, and other necessities in that shade.

Adventures with Astrid: Dog Days of Summer

As we've mentioned more than once recently, Astrid is not a big fan of summer or its heat and humidity, and I don't blame her one bit. Our walks are often a lot shorter lately, but that doesn't mean we don't get some sunny strolls in.

This is one of Astrid's favorite sniff spots in the neighborhood. After all, this bridge gets peed on by many a dog.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've already commented on this more times than I have a right to, but I'm already in the mood for autumn and Halloween. Maybe that's because I'm over here melting on these nearly 100°F days. Either way, I've decided I'll be scribbling up some new spooky summer doodles to help me cope with my desire for all things autumn and Halloween. In the meantime, here's a flashback to a few years ago, when we did a Halfway to Halloween April A to Z Challenge.

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Tip of the Day

Not too long ago, we gave some tips all about summer safety for our furbabies. Given that we're currently in a heat wave, we feel compelled to give even more summer tips. These tips, however, will be more focused on how to help stray, feral, or other outdoor furbabies remain safe and healthy in the heat of summer.

Let's begin with a simple yet crucial way to help strays and ferals stay cool in the summer. And that is, please try to ensure they always have access to shade. Staying out of the sun is crucial for preventing overheating, heat stroke, sunburn, and all other such dangers. For this reason, try to make sure that strays and ferals in your area have somewhere shaded to stay in the heat of the day. This can be as simple as natural shade in a safe area, such as beneath trees or bushes that are away from the street and other dangers. Access to the area beneath a deck can also allow for shade, as well as areas beneath outdoor tables and other similar objects. You can even place a giant umbrella outside, under which strays and ferals can keep cool on hot and sunny days.

If you're feeling crafty or handy, you can even build a summer shelter. Then again, you can also purchase one, as there are many options available on the market. The important thing about any summer shelter for strays and ferals is that it should remain shaded but also cool, such as by being open and airy. Do not use an enclosed shelter that will insulate heat, like those better suited for winter weather, as a stray or feral would of course not be able to use such a shelter in order to stay cool on a hot summer day. So, to help those furbabies outdoors stay cool this summer, please ensure they have somewhere shaded to chill out.

Tonks Tuesday with the Flies

It's that time of year when flies make their way into the house. And Tonks loves hunting them so very much.

I always try to save the flies and get them back outside if I can, but I must admit that Tonks has already killed at least three flies this season. She's really quite good at hunting and catching them.

I believe I was able to rescue the fly she was stalking in the photo above. When they're hanging out by the door it's usually pretty easy. I tried to help a fly escape out a window the other day, but it just could not figure out that the open window was a passage to safety. I think that fly eventually got eaten by Tonks, because I never succeeded at luring it outside.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip regarding bringing home a new furbaby is about microchips. If you adopt a furbaby from a shelter or rescue, they sometimes will have already implanted a microchip in your new kitty or pup. If this is the case, ensure that you know how to register the microchip with your information, and that you of course actually do so. If a cat or dog adopted from a shelter or rescue does not have a microchip placed, then do consider having one placed by your veterinarian, and, again, properly registering it.

In the case that you directly rescue a furbaby without a third party, such as if the cat or dog is found as a stray, then first have it microchip scanned at a local shelter, rescue group, or veterinary office that has a microchip scanner. This can help ensure that the furbaby does not belong to someone who is looking for them. In the event that no owner is found and you choose to adopt the furbaby, then, again, certainly consider having a microchip implanted, and register it with your contact information.

Also be sure that you understand the renewal process of your furbaby's microchip. Many microchips require yearly renewal, but again, be sure to do your research on the exact microchip that is implanted in your cat or dog. Also make sure that your information, as well as that of your furbaby, is updated as needed in the microchip company's records. If you move, update the address attached to your furbaby's microchip. The same goes for if you have a change of phone number, of any other detail that corresponds with the microchip.

Implanting and keeping a microchip updated can help ensure that, should your furbaby get lost, a microchip scan would still lead back them to you. Today's tip was technically part of our series about adopting a new furbaby, but microchips are relevant and important for any and all furbabies. No one wants to think about what could happen should their furbaby escape and get lost. Should that ever happen, though, a microchip would give them a far better chance of returning to you.

A Handsome Mancat Monday

It's Mancat Monday, and Evan simply wants to make sure you all remember exactly how handsome he is.

Do you see those gorgeous eyes and those stunning whiskers? Are you swooning yet?

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle is for all the fellow introverts out there.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday we gave some tips on how to introduce a new cat to a resident cat. Today, we'll give a bit of an idea on what you can do to get a new cat used to a resident dog, or vice versa. Getting a cat and a dog acquainted with each other can, in some ways, mimic the methods used to introduce two cats to each other. For example, just as with two cats, you can start introducing a cat and dog to each other by getting them used to each other's scent. This can include blocking their view of and access to each other, while allowing them to smell each other through a door. You can also swap pieces of their bedding, so that they become used to each other's scent this way.

Once the new cat is used to their surroundings and to the scent of the resident dog, or vice versa, you can begin introducing the cat and dog to the sight of each other. This can be done through a baby gate, through a screen, or safely from across the room. As needed, you can keep dogs on a leash to ensure a safe introduction. Also try to ensure that the cat is able to be safely restrained, should signs of aggression arise. These first meet-and-greets are likely best done from a distance, with each furbaby being distracted and rewarded for good behavior with treats or toys. This exercise can be repeated for however many days it takes for the cat and dog to act non-aggressive or calm in each other's presence. As progress is made, you can slowly start to decrease the distance between the cat and dog.

Over time, a cat and dog can learn to become friends, to tolerate each other, or simply to ignore each other. Allow for the proper patience and time to get the furbabies safely acquainted. Until they are used to and safe around each other, ensure that their time together is supervised. Even if the cat and dog grow well acquainted and tolerant of each, though, still ensure that each furbaby has their own space to be alone as needed. For example, have cat trees or other similar areas to which the cat can retreat, and a bed or crate for the dog to go should they wish.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy Yet Again in the Window

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. _________ is a quality of mine that I am proud of.

2. _________ is a quality of mine I would like to change.

3. Though I find _________ boring, _________ really interests me.

4. Believe it or not, I deal with _________ on a regular basis.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Imagination is a quality of mine that I am proud of.
(I know I don't have the most vast or most brilliant imagination in the world, but I have just enough imagination that I constantly have ideas for things to draw, write, and that sort of thing. I really do love that about myself, even if it's sometimes overwhelming to be unable to fit all of my ideas into the free time I have.)

2. Analysis paralysis is a quality of mine I would like to change.
(Have you ever heard of this? I recently came upon the term analysis paralysis, which was used to describe overthinking a problem or decision to the point of inaction. I feel like I struggle with this, especially when it comes to deciding which of my passions or life goals to work on in my free time outside of work and chores. I often get little to nothing of my personal goals done when I find myself constantly overthinking my options, but now that I've realized that, I'm working toward better achieving my passions and making more progress.)

3. Though I find gardening boring, nature really interests me.
(I'm just not someone who has the patience to garden, it would seem. That said, I love being outside, at least when it's neither freezing cold nor sweltering hot. In seasons like autumn, I love the outdoors, going for walks, hiking, and that sort of thing. I love nature, I just don't really enjoy the meticulousness of gardening myself.)

4. Believe it or not, I deal with chloroform on a regular basis.

(I work in a chemistry lab, where one of the main solvents we use is chloroform. Though you certainly don't want to directly huff or drink the stuff, it's really not as scary to be around as a lot of people think. Though the stuff has been used as an anesthetic for centuries, movies make chloroform look like some fast-acting weapon that can take someone out in seconds, but that's really not true.)

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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Yet again, your Eddy fix today comes in the form of the tabby girl distracted by the view out her beloved window.

Eddy's wishing you all lots of sunny window views today! And if it's as hot in your corner of the world as it is in ours, be sure to enjoy that sunshine from the cool indoors!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is going to be a bit of a long one, because it's all about how to introduce cats to each other, such as when bringing a new cat home. To be honest, the circumstances and methods of cat introductions can vary, especially depending on the cats involved. Some cats love other cats, some are not fond of other cats, and some are anywhere in between. Just like humans, every cat is different, and every cat has its preferences for who and what is around them. That being said, below we will indeed discuss some of the steps that can be taken to help properly introduce cats to each other.

Let's begin by saying that, though it is certainly not a cure-all for cat introductions, you can give Feliway a try. For long-term use (such as approximately 30 or so days), you can invest in a Feliway diffuser (refills can be purchased for these diffusers). There is also Feliway spray on the market, though a spray's effects do not last nearly as long as a diffuser's. If you are using a Feliway diffuser, it is often recommended that you plug it in roughly 2 weeks prior to an event such as bringing home a new cat, so that the pheromones are already in the home prior to the change.

Moving on, as we already mentioned in a previous tip, of course have somewhere safe for the new kitty to stay once they arrive at their new home. For example, a spare bedroom or a bathroom can make a safe area for a new cat. At this point, it is often best to have a sturdy barrier between the cats, something through which they cannot see each other, such as a door. This way, the cats can smell each other without having to take in the sight of a strange cat. Getting used to the scent of a new cat can be a crucial step before visual contact is made. If safe and feasible, you can even swap the cats' bedding, so that they learn the other's scent this way.

During the aforementioned non-visual olfactory meet-and-greet, there may indeed be hissing or growling. When this hissing and growling is only mild or nonexistent, at that point you try to start allowing the cats to see each other. Of course, using some sort of barrier is still advised, to ensure that no fights occur at the sight of each other. You can use a safe and sturdy baby gate, for example, or even a screen door. If there is hissing, growling, or other signs of aggression, stop the session and give both cats a break from seeing each other. You can repeat this exercise for short spurts, perhaps even multiple times a day, until the aggression diminishes.

The next phase of the introduction is of course best begun only when previous signs of aggression have significantly decreased or disappeared. When the sight of each other no longer spurs hissing, growling, or other aggression, then you can start considering allowing a more direct meet-and-greet. Of course, only do this with heavy supervision. In other words, as you allow the cats to enter the same proximity, without any barrier between them, be very, very watchful. Look for any and all cues that aggression might occur, and if that is the case, stop the session and separate the cats as needed, and then try again when both cats are calm. As a side note, in the potential case of a cat fight, have on hand something safe, such as a towel, that could help you break up the fight.

It may very well take time and lots of patience to get cats used to each other. No matter what phase of introduction you're at, continue safe meet-and-greet sessions as often as is possible and plausible, even if these are best kept brief at first. Getting new cats used to each may indeed take a lot of repetitive exercises such as those listed above. The main yet simple thing to keep in mind is that this will likely take time and patience. Forcing cats to meet in a hasty manner can lead to any number of issues, including aggression or even litter box aversion. While I wish I could say there is a textbook method that guarantees easy, successful cat introductions, that's simply not the case. Just remember to be patient, do not force it, help the cats get to know each other on their own terms and timeline, and closely monitor them until they are well acquainted and have learned to safely like, tolerate, or ignore each other.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Sunshine and Shadows

Hello, friends! It's Thursday, which means Thimble is ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful that she's adorable in both sunshine and shadows, even when they happen at the same time.

Thimble and all of the kitties will happily be enjoying that sun from the air conditioned indoors. After all, it's going to be over 90°F here for at last the next week. Stay cool, friends!

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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. _________ is a quality of mine that I am proud of.

2. _________ is a quality of mine I would like to change.

3. Though I find _________ boring, _________ really interests me.

4. Believe it or not, I deal with _________ on a regular basis.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

The extreme heat outdoors has me craving autumn and Halloween even more than usual. So, here's a slightly summery homage to Halloween that I scribbled up a couple years ago.

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Tip of the Day

We are still discussing the ins and outs of bringing home a new cat or dog. Today's tip in this series offers some ideas on how to get a new furbaby acclimated to their new family and home. Especially when it comes to shy kitties or pups, be sure to be patient in helping them get to know you. In order to allow a shy or nervous cat or dog to learn to trust you or other family members, frequently visit with them or sit with them, and perhaps even give them an item or two of your clothing. Offer them food and sit with them while they eat, or offer them treats or toys if that does not stress them. Talk to them soothingly, or even read them a book. Make such visits with them are calm, and always watch for cues that a furbaby is feeling nervous or stressed. Over time, if you remain patient and calm, a new furbaby who is nervous or shy can indeed learn to trust you.

It is not just you or other family members that a new furbaby will have to grow accustomed to, though. Every home and family has its own set of sights and sounds to which a new cat or dog will have to become acclimated. Think of the typical goings-on of your household, and, as needed, help your new furbaby become used to the new sights and sounds by slowly and calmly introducing them to new stimuli. Just as a couple of examples, some furbabies may have to get used to the sound of garbage bags or the sight of an open umbrella. Of course, don't bombard a new cat or dog with new sights and sounds all at once, but, as always, have patience and help them to acclimate to these things slowly over time.

That all being said, introducing a new cat or dog to other animals takes especial care and patience. Slow and proper introductions are of course best for both new and resident cats and dogs. We will further discuss these topics in the very near future.

Adventures with Astrid: Flashback Flowers

Today's adventure with Astrid takes us back a couple of years. Astrid and I regularly walk through a scenic little park in our neighborhood, and in that park is a tree that in the past had the most gorgeous little blooms. This tree hasn't bloomed in a couple years, though, and so that made me go searching for photos of back when it did. So, here are those flashbacks with pup Astrid.

This tree still stands in the park, but it just won't bloom anymore. I have the farthest thing from a green thumb and so don't know why it no longer shares its flowers with us. I'm glad I have these photos with Astrid showing off the pretty tree, as this tree used to be one of my favorite parts of walking through the park in the spring.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip on bringing a new furbaby into the home is to have a safe area for them to spend their introductory days. Depending on your situation and living space, this can take on many forms. If you are bringing a social, calm cat into a home with no other animals, there is a chance that they might have free roam of the home right off the bat. However, in many cases, such as if they are nervous or if there are other animals in the home, it is far more wise and safe to give a new furbaby a particular safe area where they can go when first beginning their life at their new home. This safe area could be a bedroom, a bathroom, a spacious cage or similar setup in a safe and quiet room, or something else along these lines.

What's more, consider what this safe area should contain. It should of course have the new furbaby's food, water, litter box, toys, a bed or blanket, and other necessities and comforts. Especially when it comes to nervous or shy furbabies, it is also crucial to ensure that a new kitty or pup has an area where they can feel secure or even hidden. If their safe area does not include anywhere for them to feel secure and hidden, consider giving them some options, even simply by cutting holes in upside-down cardboard boxes.

All in all, you have to consider what a new furbaby is coming home to. Do you live with a large family? Are there other animals? Is the new cat or dog shy? Consider all of these factors, and then decide where and how to keep your new furbaby safe while they are first learning the ropes at their new home.

Tonks Tuesday: Snoozefest

Like her big orange brother yesterday, on this Tonks Tuesday, the little calico is so tired that all she can manage to share is a snoozing shot.

Tonks is wishing you all lots of naps today!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I'm more than ready for autumn and Halloween and all that jazz, which perhaps is why I picked this flashback doodle for today.

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Tip of the Day

The next tip in our series on bringing home a new cat or dog is to ensure that you are prepared with all of the supplies needed for bringing home said furbaby. For example, the new furbaby will of course need food and bowls, and also possibly a litter box, litter, a leash, toys, beds, perhaps a product such as Feliway, a collar and ID tag, and so forth. What's more, though, when selecting such supplies, keep in mind the particular furbaby you're introducing into your home. Is it a kitten or puppy, or a geriatric cat or dog, or a furbaby with special needs? In such cases, have on hand food and other items that would best suit the particular kitty or pup. That being said, it is often recommended that you try to slowly transition a new cat or dog to a new food, so as not to disrupt their digestive system with a sudden change in diet. Therefore, it might also be reasonable to purchase at least a small amount of the food they were eating prior to you bringing them home, and transitioning them to a new food over the course of a few days. All in all, as you all surely know, make all necessary considerations and make proper preparations prior to bringing home a new furbaby.

A Not So Manic Mancat Monday

It's not a manic sort of Monday around here. After all, we have not only one sleepy orange boy to share today, but two sleepy orange boys.

Yesterday, my dad sent a picture of his orange boy Kipper taking a face-first sort of nap.

The funniest thing was that, at that exact same moment, my orange boy Evan looked a lot like Kipper.

These orange boys hope you all get the chance to take a good ol' nap today!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Way back in June of 2018, when we welcomed kittens Tonks and Winky into our home, we shared a series of tips related to introducing new furry family members to the household. I can't remember if we've shared tips on this topic since then, but now that I stumbled upon them again, it seems like a fun little topic to cover again. We're going to begin these tips with a simple yet important one, and that is, before you bring any new furbaby into your home, no matter the species or age, always take into consideration all factors that might affect this decision. For example, do you have enough space in your home to bring home a new cat or dog? If you rent your home, how many animals does the landlord allow? Also consider finances, and whether the proper medical and general care of a new cat or dog will realistically fit in your budget. How about your health? Are you physically able to care for a new cat or dog? Do you have other animals? Do any of them have medical or behavioral issues that would make it unwise to bring home another animal? How about family or roommates with whom you live? Is it reasonable and safe to bring a new cat or dog to live with the other people in your home? Needless to say, there are great many factors to consider before bringing home a new furbaby, so be sure to thoroughly consider all those that apply to you and your home.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy in the Window

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. If I were a cat, I would hiss at _________.

2. _________ is a hidden gem in my part of the country.

3. _________ went downhill after _________.

4. _________ is the most worn item in my wardrobe.


My answers are below in bold.

1. If I were a cat, I would hiss at people.
(Or at least those who invaded my personal space. Honestly, when I meet a cat who isn't all that into humans, I can't help but think how relatable that can be some days. I know I'd get tired of people touching me and picking me up and relocating me from room to room, and that's coming from someone who does that very thing to her cats. Luckily, my kitties generally seem to enjoy my affections and attention, for which I am very grateful.)

2. Jane Addams Book Shop is a hidden gem in my part of the country.
(I almost mentioned one or two of the nice little woodsy areas where I like to hike in our area, but then this lovely bookshop came to my mind. I haven't been in awhile, but I really want to visit the shop again soon. They've been around for decades, and they have thousands upon thousands of books of all genres, and I've found some great and rare books there over the years.)

3. The reception staff at our vet went downhill after the pandemic.

(A couple of the original receptionists are still there and are friendly and amazing. They're both getting older and working less hours, though, which is completely understandable. That said, during and after the pandemic, our vet started losing some of the other, newer receptionists and are struggling to hire more. They've gotten a few new ones here and there, but I'll only see them a couple times and then they'll be gone again, and I'll admit some of the ones I've met were not the most friendly or organized. One of the veteran receptionists outright told me recently how it wasn't until the pandemic that they really started struggling with staffing and hiring, and they're working on less staff than usual right now, despite putting out ads. I know working at a vet can be a very stressful job, as I worked at one myself for a few years in the past, and I do feel bad when I can tell how busy they are with limited staff.)

4. My slippers are the most worn items in my wardrobe.

(My CatLadyBox shirts are also very well loved and abused, but my slippers are worn every single day and night. I've had to get new slippers many times because of this, but no matter what slippers I have at the time, they are my feet's best friends when I'm at home.)

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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Are you ready for your Eddy fix? Yet again, this little tabby girl is enjoying the sunshine on her favorite cat tree in her favorite window. And next to her beloved year round Christmas tree, of course.

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Is your kitty or pup a fast eater? If your furbaby inhales their food, there are some potential ways you can help slow down their eating. One way is by placing something such as a golf ball or tennis ball, or another safe item, in the bowl. This can slow down eating since they have to eat around the item. Of course, do make sure that any item used is not a choking hazard, and also that it doesn't take up such a large portion of the bowl that it would restrict the ability to eat altogether. There are also bowls on the market that have partitions that serve the same purpose, to slow down a dog or cat's eating. In this same vein of thought, sometimes all it takes is using a plate rather than a bowl, as having the food more spread out can also slow eating. Using methods to slow down eating can help reduce problems that often result from rapid eating, such as regurgitating food and weight gain from overeating.

Thankful Thimble Thursday with a Christmas Tree

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! Thimble is more than ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful that this month we'll be halfway to Christmas. What's more, she's glad that she can enjoy a Christmas tree cat bed all year round.

Truth be told, Thimble doesn't use cat beds all that often. Even so, she really loves sitting next to that there Christmas tree cat bed, as well as rubbing her cute little face all over it.

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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. If I were a cat, I would hiss at _________.

2. _________ is a hidden gem in my part of the country.

3. _________ went downhill after _________.

4. _________ is the most worn item in my wardrobe.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

While Thimble shared a photo with summertime Christmas vibes, for today's doodle, how about we share a flashback with a bit more summertime Halloween feels?

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Tip of the Day

We have another quick and simple food and drink tip today. Especially for older, arthritic, or furbabies otherwise unable to get around well, try to place food and water bowls near their favorite places to sleep or hang out. If possible, you can also try to place bowls all throughout the house so that they have easily accessible options wherever they are at the time. This can help ensure that furbabies with less mobility are still getting proper nutrition and hydration.

Adventures with Astrid: Green Grass and Creek Paths

We've had lots of rain lately, which means we have plenty of green grass to go around.

These shots were taken on one of the paths that goes over the creek in our neighborhood. It's very scenic, and Astrid also loves to see if any ducks are in the creek to gawk at.

Astrid and all of us here wish you a happy Wednesday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Keep in mind that, depending on factors such as a cat or dog’s size and health, some furbabies might require special considerations for the setup of their food and water bowls. For example, tall dogs, dogs with deep chests, older animals who have difficulty bending down, and animals with short snouts might do best with elevated bowls that are situated closer to the level of their chest or face. Food and water bowls elevated in this manner can allow for more comfortable eating and drinking, as well as easier chewing, swallowing, and overall digestion. Of course, on the other hand, do ensure that the bowl is not too elevated, especially for small dogs or cats, as having to reach up to eat would be uncomfortable for them. So, do be sure to take time to observe your kitty or pup’s dining habits, and to adjust their bowls to ensure they are able to dine comfortably.

Tonks Tuesday in the Window

Hello, friends. Thank you for the prayers for my neighbor in yesterday's post. I found out this morning that she passed away in the middle of the night, with her husband by her side. They were not expecting her to pass so soon, but she was sleeping and at peace. She's now with her heavenly loved ones, including her angel kitty Tiki and angel pup Mikey. Angel Tiki was a sweet boy who appeared on our blog multiple times, as he visited our yard almost daily until he passed away last summer. I'm sure he greeted my neighbor at the gates.

A parade of my neighbor's family, friends, and co-workers drove by their house on Sunday. She was in her front yard and got to see all of it. We could see it from our house, as we live right across the street from them, and Tonks watched the entire time.

For the record, in that last photo, Tonks is actually watching a bird in a bush outside the window. We live in a one-story house, so that's not Tonks looking down at the street. She loves her some good bird-watching as well as neighbor-watching.

Sending you all wishes for sunshine today!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We're continuing on with tips related our furbabies' eating and drinking habits. To start this off today, we’re here to remind you to be cognizant of the material out of which your furbaby's bowl is made. When possible, steer clear of plastic bowls. This is in large part because plastic can be easily scratched, and these scratches can harbor all sorts of bacteria and other microbes. This can lead to issues such as feline chin acne. Stainless steel bowls, or even ceramic, are often recommended. If you do use or have to use plastic bowls for any reason, be sure to clean them frequently, and to replace them as needed, such as if you notice scratches. This will help prevent bacterial growth and issues such as feline chin acne. Eating and drinking are of course crucial to our furbabies’ daily lives, so do be sure to pay attention even to details such as the types of bowl they are using.

Mancat Monday: Doodling and Dozing

I'd like to begin this post by requesting prayers for my neighbor and her family. This is the neighbor whose now-angel kitty and pup I used to watch when they'd go out of town. This neighbor is only in her 40s and has been battling metastasized breast cancer since the end of 2020. It has spread even more now, and there are now essentially no viable treatment options for her. She entered hospice care this weekend. They're a very faithful family, and a very kind family, and I know they would benefit from as many thoughts and prayers as possible during this time.

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I admittedly spent a lot of time on the couch this weekend, where I finished a lot of new doodles. Evan loves when I sit down on the couch, turn on the TV, and do whatever it is I do. All he cares about is that he gets to snuggle up with his momma, and I'm more than happy with that.

Evan is my little shadow and my biggest cuddle buddy, and I love him so much for that.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

This is not one of the new doodles I recently finished, but it's one the favorites I scribbled up last year. It's also apt enough, as I put on a lot of random scary movies while drawing this weekend. Because why not.

I'll be sharing plenty of new doodles soon. Most of the newest ones I scribbled up are concept art and character art for yet more stories I'm having fun planning and writing. All of these doodles of course star a kitty and other furry and feathered friends, which you'll see soon enough.

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Tip of the Day

Let's continue on with our food tips. There is sometimes debate over the health benefits of a dry versus a wet food diet for our furbabies. In some cases, dry food can potentially help keep teeth free of tartar and other such issues. This is not a guarantee, however, as animals on a dry food diet can still end up needing dental cleanings and the like. Nevertheless, in some cases, a dry versus a wet food diet can very well affect the teeth. For example, does your furbaby have painful teeth, or no teeth at all? In this case, a wet food diet is often recommended. There are also special diets formulated for dental health, in the case that a cat or dog might benefit from this.

Not only are the teeth affected by dry versus wet food, though, but also other parts of the body. Wet food, for example, is obviously high in moisture content, and so it is often recommended in the diet of any furbaby who might benefit from taking in plenty of moisture. This would include animals with kidney disease, as well as those prone to UTIs, crystals, and so forth.

It's also important to think of the foods that cats and dogs eat in the wild. They often eat the meat of prey, which is not all that crunchy and which is high in moisture, and which therefore might indicate that wet food is more in line with how they would eat in the wild. Of course, though, sometimes it all comes down to the cat or dog's preference. Some cats and dogs refuse to eat dry food, and some refuse to eat wet food. In such cases, we have to take this into consideration and select foods that they will consume, as food intake is of course crucial.