Toothless Tonks Tuesday

Today, Tonks wanted to share a shot from the same photo shoot as her post from last week. This time, though, she wanted to show off her teeth. Or, her lack thereof.

As you can see, Tonks does indeed have some teeth. But, did you count her canine teeth in that photo? She has but one. Both Tonks and Thimble underwent dentals back in October. While Thimble lost the most teeth that day and now has a bottom jaw with essentially no teeth, Tonks lost three of her four canines. Her upper right canine was the only one to survive the dental procedure.

Tonks hopes seeing her adorable, partially toothless self helped brighten your day!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We've been experiencing some rain and wet snow these days. The umbrella has indeed made more than one appearance lately, and so this doodle seemed apt enough for today.

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Tip of the Day

For today's Spay/Neuter Awareness Month tip, we're discussing how it is important to be aware of your cat or dog's age and size, and to have them spayed or neutered at an appropriate, safe, effective time of their kittenhood or puppyhood. This is important, for one, because cats can potentially become pregnant as early as 4 or so months of age. Dogs fall not far behind that, with the potential for becoming pregnant at 5 or so months old. Should your kitten or puppy get loose, this means they could come back pregnant even at such a young age.

In addition, spaying or neutering your furbaby before they go through their first estrus or pregnancy will give them the best chance of remaining free from related health issues later in life, such as mammary cancer. Spaying or neutering before their first cycle can also help to potentially reduce the display of certain behaviors, such as spraying. Though certain such health or behavioral issues can still arise even if a furbaby is spayed or neutered, having this surgery performed before their first cycle can reduce the risk.

So, then, when should you have your cat or dog spayed or neutered? The short answer is to discuss this with your veterinarian. Ultimately, it depends on the individual animal's overall health and development. For typical, healthy kittens and puppies, the AVMA has endorsed spaying and neutering as early as two month of age, and/or when the kitten or puppy has reached two pounds. Many shelters and rescues follow this practice. Some veterinarians will prefer to wait a little longer, such as when the kitten or puppy has reached three, four, or even five months of age. Essentially, a veterinarian will best be able to determine when is the best time for your furbaby to be safely and effectively spayed or neutered, so of course discuss this with a professional.

Mancat Monday: Evan vs. Medicine

It's Mancat Monday, and today orange boy Evan wanted you all to see the abuse that is him getting his many medications.

Evan is on various medications for his urinary issues, megacolon/intestinal issues, anxiety, various sources of pain and discomfort, and so on and so forth. He gets gabapentin, prazosin, meloxicam, cisapride, Miralax, Metamucil, probiotics, amitriptyline, and even chia seeds (initially prescribed for hypercalcemia but which has also started serving as a fiber source for his colon), as well as a specialized cleaner for his poor messed up little right ear. Evan gets all 10 of those medications most mornings, and at least half of them in the evening as well. He refuses to take any of his oral medications in food or treats, so they all have to be syringed to him in one way or another. The poor boy does not like medication time, but he's a very good boy and lets me give him all of them nonetheless.

And don't worry, because Evan gets lots of cuddles before, during, and after medication time. And he also gets treats after taking his meds, which he always remembers and immediately asks for when we're done. I like knowing that he has his favorite treats to look forward to after being such a good boy and letting me give him that many meds.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

February is a busy month. At least, in terms of important messages it is. February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, National Pet Dental Health Month, and National Cat Health Month. Over the past couple of years, we've filled February with tips on all of these topics. We've decided to do the same again this year, since the topics at hand are significant ones. So, we'll be repeating and revamping our February tips from previous years. Brace yourself for a month all about health and wellness.

We'll start with spaying and neutering. As you all surely know, spaying and neutering your pets, as well as ferals outdoors, helps significantly reduce cat and dog overpopulation. This in turn reduces the number of homeless animals, the number of furbabies awaiting homes in shelters, and the number who are, sadly, euthanized due to lack of space in the shelter system. That being said, if possible, don't just stop at getting your kitty or pup spayed or neutered. If possible, consider assisting in or donating to trap-neuter-release (TNR) efforts, so that even those kitties who are most comfortable with an outdoor life can enjoy a life that does not involve contributing to pet overpopulation. All of us here certainly love animals, but all of us also certainly feel heartbroken when we remember that there are a great many cats and dogs without homes due to uncontrolled reproduction and overpopulation. So, have your pets spayed and neutered, and, if possible, do what you can to help in the efforts to have feral colonies spayed and neutered as well.

Today we'll also mention how an individual kitty or pup's health can benefit from being spayed or neutered. Just to give a couple of examples, spaying a female cat or dog can eliminate the risk of uterine cancer or infection, and can reduce the risk of mammary cancer. For male cats and dogs, neutering can eliminate the concern of testicular cancer and can reduce the risk of diseases of the prostate. Of course, pregnancy itself can be risky, so a spayed cat or dog is also free of unexpected pregnancy and the dangers that come with it. In addition, spaying and neutering can reduce certain troubling behaviors. For example, spaying and neutering can reduce attempted escapes by animals in search of a hot date, as well as reduce spraying, yowling, and other such hormonally-induced behaviors. All in all, spaying and neutering your animals can indeed provide many benefits for the health, safety, and happiness of your kitty or pup.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Photo Fails

Hello and happy Friday, 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 habit I want to develop.

2. I can't seem to break my habit of _________.

3. I just recently _________ for the first time ever.

4. _________is a historical period I wish I could visit.

My answers are below in bold.

1. Sticking to a schedule for my creative hobbies is a habit I want to develop.

(Between work, chores, other daily tasks, and just generally getting distracted or procrastinating, I don't sit down to draw or write as often as I want to. So, I want to create some sort of even loose schedule for my creative hobbies, in order to make them a true habit. They're important to me and I want them to become a much bigger part of my life, so I simply need to make and stick to a creative schedule.)

2. I can't seem to break my habit of falling asleep on the couch.

(I enjoy watching TV in the evenings after I get home from work and finish all of my chores. It's one of my favorite parts of the day, but I tend to end up falling asleep on the couch, sometimes until the middle of the night. I'd rather use my TV/couch time to also get some art or writing done, as mentioned in #1 above, so I need to break this habit in order to establish the habit I mentioned above.)

3. I just recently ordered Evan's meds online for the first time ever.

(Our vet started using an online, third-party pharmacy service. No one is required to use it, but it's an option. I was hesitant to try it at first, because I'm so used to just requesting refills from the vet clinic itself and going to pick them up. I gave the online pharmacy a try, though, and it's honestly great. Not only are the prices cheaper, but most of the stuff ships pretty fast, and it shows up right at my door.)

4. The Victorian era is a historical period I wish I could visit.

(I've always enjoyed the aesthetics, advancements, and just general idea of the Victorian era. Some of my favorite period pieces and historical fiction books take place in the Victorian era, so if I could pay it a quick little visit, I would.)

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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

Last week, Eddy showed off her snowy window view. This week, this blooper queen of course has some outtakes from that photo shoot. First is one that isn't even blurry, by some miracle. It simply occurred when Eddy turned her head right before I snapped the photo.

Next up, though, we of course have some blurry shots from that snowy photo shoot. After all, Eddy wouldn't be our blooper queen if the vast majority of her photos weren't blurry.

As always, just look at that adorable snaggletooth! I love it so much.

Warm wishes to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today is likely our last tip in our winter safety series. For this last tip, we're going to do an overview of winter weather concerns, and remind you of some of the signs to look out for that might indicate a furbaby is struggling with the winter elements. To begin, when outdoors in the cold winter months, closely observe your kitty or pup and watch for shivering, a hunched up position, restlessness, whining, lifting paws off of the ground, redness of the ears, and other signs that the furbaby is becoming too cold. On extremely cold days, frostbite and hypothermia can happen fast, which is why it is not only important to closely monitor a furbaby who might need to venture outdoors even for a short time, but to also reduce time outdoors as much as possible. Also monitor your kitties and pups indoors, and ensure that they are remaining warm with sufficient heating and bedding.

Coldness, frostbite, and hypothermia are not the only issues that can arise in the winter, though. Injury to the paws, for example, is another potential. Pups and kitties who go outdoors can be affected by the cold ground, and by the snow, ice, and ice melts that might cover the ground in the winter. For this reason, be watchful for paw pads that are dry, cracking, bleeding, or otherwise injured, and monitor for lifting of the paws or altered ambulation.

The winter issues don't end there, though, as many more potential concerns can arise from the harsh cold of winter. For example, dryness of winter air and heated homes can lead to dryness of the coat and skin  When it comes to this, be on the lookout for itching, scratching, dander, and a dull coat. Yet another system of the body that can be affected by the winter months is the respiratory system. Dry, cold air can affect asthma and other such ailments, so be on the alert for coughing and other similar signs.

Winter can be a harsh time of the year, as you all certainly know. It can be hard on us, and also of course our furbabies. For this reason, always monitor your furbaby, when outdoors but also when indoors. Over the past couple of weeks, we've discussed some of the potential ways to combat the various issues that might arise due to the harsh winter weather. What it comes down to, though, is that it is important to monitor your furbaby, and if you have any concerns regarding their health and comfort, to never hesitate discussing this with your veterinarian in order to keep your kitty or pup as cozy as possible even on those cold winter days.

Adorable Thimble on Thankful Thursday

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

Today, Thimble is thankful for cozy blankets and pillows, and also of course for her adorable face. Do you see this cuteness?

Feel free to look at the face for as long as you need. Thimble quite enjoys being admired.

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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 habit I want to develop.

2. I can't seem to break my habit of _________.

3. I just recently _________ for the first time ever.

4. _________is a historical period I wish I could visit.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is to find ways to exercise and entertain your furbabies indoors on days when it's too cold to safely stay outside for long. After all, walks and other lengthy outings can be a very dangerous thing in frigid temperatures. Frostbite and hypothermia can happen in a matter of a couple short minutes when temperatures are especially low. So, if your kitty or pup is used to walks, outdoor playtime, and so forth, find ways to improvise indoors on cold winter days.

You can of course play games with your kitty or pup, such as by grabbing a toy and initiating fetch. For some kitties and pups who might not be easy to engage in a game of fetch, sliding treats across the floor can be a good way to get them to move and exercise, with an incentive. Another way to play with your furbaby can be a game of hide-and-seek. Of course, only play such games with furbabies who enjoy them, and who do not become confused or agitated by having to chase or look for you.

What's more, there are also a large variety of interactive toys available on the market that can help keep a kitty or pup entertained and active when walks or time outdoors is not an option. One plain and simple option is an interactive treat dispenser. These popular toys come in many forms, and can be rolled around or otherwise played with all while dispensing treats. The list of interactive toys certainly doesn't end there, though. You know your furbaby best and might be able to guess what kinds of toys they like, so search for interactive toys accordingly. For example, does your kitty like to bat things around? If so, perhaps get them a ball track toy, and roll it a few times for them in order to attract their attention to it. There are also a number of other interactive toys that will toss, roll, wave, fling, flit, and otherwise move items around for your furbaby to chase. Do, of course, be very careful when selecting interactive toys. For example, do not leave your furbaby unattended with any toys that contain dangerous parts and pieces, such as strings. It is important to keep those kitties and pups happy and active even on cold winter days, but only do so with toys that are safe and sound.

Adventures with Astrid: A Blurry Battle

Astrid met herself quite an adversary on one of her walks recently. It was on a day when I worked later than expected, and so the pup got her walk in the dark. That night, we were ambushed and challenged to a duel.

This kingly snowknight had already lost an arm by the time we met him. He also had some suspicious yellow spots on his snowy person, which is what Astrid targeted with her nose during the duel.

Turns out the opponent didn't have much left in him, what with missing an arm and having already been humiliated by previous opponents. So, Astrid called it a draw and proceeded on her walk. I do wish we had found that fellow in the daylight, or that I had at least managed to snap non-blurry shots. Even so, at least we have the above evidence of the blurry battle.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Our series of winter safety tips has already covered wiping off those paws when they've been in contact with snow, ice, ice melts, and so forth. Today's tip relates to all of that, and is to regularly check your furbaby's cute little toes. It is of course important to always ensure that your furbaby and his or her paws are free or injury, but this is something that is especially important in the winter. The cold and dry air, as well as the cold ground that might be covered in snow, ice, ice melts, and other substrate in the winter, can potentially lead to dry, cracked, bleeding, and overall uncomfortable paw pads. This is why it is important for you to regularly check your pup or kitty's paws in the winter, and of course year round. Be especially vigilant of the condition of paws that frequently go outdoors.

If you do notice your furbaby's paw pads are dry, cracking, or bleeding, or if they are displaying any discomfort when walking, consider options for treating and combating paw pad dryness and discomfort. There are pet paw salves on the market that are intended to combat dryness and to protect paws pads that often go outdoors. In some cases, petroleum jelly might be deemed safe to wipe onto the paw pads before they head outdoors, but this is sometimes a debated option. More importantly, when it comes to the health, safety, and comfort of your furbaby and their paws, it is of course always recommended to discuss the matter with a veterinarian. A veterinarian can check for any damage to the paws, and can also best recommend treatment for or prevention of dryness, cracking, and other injury to the paw pads. So, do be observant of the state of your kitty or pup's paws, and seek veterinary care if you have any concerns.

Tonks Tuesday: Holiday Confusion

Tonks was enjoying a nice little nap on the couch when she realized that her weird mom's Halloween and Christmas pillows were both photobombing her. Given that we've nearly reached February, this little calico was less than impressed by such an invasion.

Sorry, Tonks, but those pillows stay out year round. I just can't bring myself to put them away. At least they have a cute calico to model them during any season.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We've discussed helping ferals stay warm and cared for in the winter, such as by offering them even makeshift shelters and putting food out for them. We've also mentioned helping your own kitties or pups remain healthy and happy during the cold winter months, such as by minimizing their time outdoors and offering extra warm places for them to sleep inside the home. But, what role can you play when it comes to others' companion animals, those who are not ferals, but who are also not your own furbabies? The important thing when it comes to this is to be observant, to be aware of an observed companion animal's situation on a cold winter day, and, if necessary, to be a voice for the voiceless.

If you notice someone's pet cat or dog being kept outdoors for an extended, unsafe length of time on a cold winter day, then get the details of the situation and report it as needed. Also report if an animal being abused or neglected in this way is left outside in the cold without shelter in which to stay warm, or while chained up, and so forth. If you believe you are witnessing a stray animal struggling to survive without a home, in the cold winter months or any time of the year, and you're unable to help them yourself, then also report this to an organization or someone who can help them. In any such cases, get the address where the animal is located, the number of animals affected, details regarding the conditions in which the animal is living, and even get pictures if possible.

In case you ever do find yourself facing a situation of animal abuse or neglect, try to make sure you are aware of whom to call in order to get help for an animal in need. In some locations, cases of animal abuse or neglect are best reported to certain humane organizations. In some places, if you notice animal abuse or neglect, you should call animal control, or law enforcement. What's more, to ensure than an abused or neglected animal is indeed rescued from unsafe conditions, don't just report it, but follow through with any reports you make to ensure that animals suffering abuse or neglect get the help they need.

At this point, we do want to make what we're sure is an obvious clarification. In order to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings, never jump to conclusions without first having the facts, and this of course regards the care of others' furbabies. For example, if you see a dog outside in someone's yard on a cold winter day, don't automatically assume this is a case of abuse or neglect, and don't raise false alarms. In some cases, a dog might of course just be outside on a short bathroom break, perhaps even with their human monitoring them from inside the home. So, before making any reports, always make sure you have observed the situation enough to know the facts and to have formed proper conclusions regarding animal abuse or neglect. If you do ultimately come to the conclusion that an animal is living in unsafe conditions, then do seek help for them.

Another Mancat Monday with Megacolon

Hello, friends! It's Mancat Monday, and orange boy Evan apologizes for (quite dramatically) sleeping on the job.

Evan had a bit of a rough weekend. His megacolon struck again, and he was constipated at the end of last week. I tried to increase his laxative to its higher dose more slowly than usual, since sometimes those higher doses cause him to finally evacuate his system with the complete opposite of constipation. Even trying to fine-tune the laxative, though, he still ended up with diarrhea. He's had more baths than I can even count this weekend. And let me tell you, Evan hates baths.

Evan is doing a bit better this morning, though he's still leaving the occasional messy offering. This poor little guy's stools really just prefer to be either rock solid or liquid, rather than anything in between. His vet and I have discussed it many times and have tried variations of medications and dosages. The vet and I are pretty sure we're in part simply fighting the fact that Evan's hind limb paralysis also affects the motility of his colon and such. We'll keep doing our best, and I'm honestly just glad that at least we've moved away from having to give Evan enemas every couple weeks. He hasn't needed an enema in months now. I think this is in part because we increased his dose of cisapride, which helps with intestinal motility. That clearly isn't a fix all, but we're in a better place than we were last year, for which I'm beyond grateful.

Even as he naps the day away, Evan still wishes you all a magnificent Monday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is one we've mentioned before, but that we're going to mention again for these cold winter days. Though of course living indoors helps keep our furbabies safe and sound during the winter months, it is still important to remember that extra measures can be taken to keep them warm and cozy. This is especially important for young or old furbabies, those with little to no fur, and any cats or dogs whose health is compromised. You can start by putting out additional soft and cozy blankets and beds for them. To take it one step further, there are heated blankets and beds on the market. Of course, be very careful when using anything heated, taking especial care to ensure that no burns or fires result. To be on the safe side, you can look into beds that allow warmth in a non-electrical way. For example, there are pet beds constructed of material that essentially reflects a kitty or pup's body heat back to them, warming them that way. Lastly, also take into consideration the location of blankets and beds. Place your kitty or pup's blankets and beds somewhere that is elevated off of the floor, and away from drafts, doorways, and windows, to ensure that they can remain as warm as possible.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Endless Window Watching

Hello and happy Friday, 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. _________ was the highlight of my _________.

2. A new book (or movie or TV show) that I highly recommend is _________.

3. _________ makes me feel like a kid again.

4. If I had to sing karaoke right now, I'd choose the song _________.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Finding out that our local movie theater will be re-showing the first Harry Potter movies in February was the highlight of my week.
(My sister and I grew up in the Harry Potter craze of the '90s and early 2000s, and we loved both the books and movies. We got our love for the fantasy genre from our dad, so we were smack dab in the target audience for the Harry Potter phenomenon. We of course went to the theater as to see all of the movies when they were first released, and we were still just kids when the first few came out. While I do indeed  re-watch the movies all the time at home, you better believe my sister and I will be going to watch the first Harry Potter movie in a theater for the first time as adults. I've already bought the tickets.)

2. A new TV show that I highly recommend is Hysteria!.
(I tend to be way behind on watching the newest stuff, and this show actually came out on Peacock back in October. It's a supernatural horror sort of show, which is right up my alley, though I know plenty of people might not be into this sort of thing. That said, it takes place in the '80s, and music plays a significant role in the show, which I really enjoy. The answer my co-host Ellen gave to this fill-in is a much newer show that I'm looking forward to watching soon.)

3. Watching my favorite childhood movies makes me feel like a kid again.
(This answer heavily relates to my #1 above. I simply find a lot of joy and comfort in watching movies that I first discovered and enjoyed as a child.)

4. If I had to sing karaoke right now, I'd choose the song "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen.
(This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I know all the words, but I also simply can't help but sing along when I hear it. So, might as well.)

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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This week, just like last week, Eddy is enjoying a winter wonderland view from her favorite window.

Eddy's happy to be inside where it's warm, but that doesn't mean she doesn't enjoy watching the squirrels and birds eating and running around in the snow.

Eddy and all of us here send you lots of warm wishes!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We've given a variety of tips regarding today's topic, but we're going to compile them and mention them again today. Today's tip is to keep a close eye on your kitty or pup's water bowl and food bowl during the cold winter months. What do we mean by this? To begin, make sure the water bowl remains full and fresh. To keep warm on cold winter days, we of course run the furnace, or turn on heaters or the fireplace. This is of course crucial for helping our furbabies and ourselves remain warm when it's cold, but this can also lead to increased evaporation of water. This is just one reason to regularly check on your furbaby's water bowl, even on, or especially on, cold winter days. In addition, the furnace and other heat sources can lead to dryness, such as of your kitty or pup's coat and skin. This is another reason why it is crucial to ensure they have sufficient fresh water, as they very well may drink more in order to remain moisturized and comfortable in the dry winter air.

The food bowl might also be affected by the cold weather in the winter. This concept more heavily relates to furbabies who live outdoors or who spend time outdoors in the winter, such as ferals, strays, or those who go outdoors to use the restroom or go on walks. Those who spend time in the cold will often eat more in the winter. This is because when the body breaks down consumed food, it produces energy and heat, which can be crucial for helping a furbaby remain warm in the cold. Therefore, if your furbaby spends time outdoors, keep an eye on their food intake. They may require more food in the winter in order to remain warm and comfortable. Of course, if you have any concerns regarding your furbaby's diet, weight, and overall food and water intake, then do discuss this with your veterinarian.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Blanket Forts with a Blurry Tabby

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! Thimble is beyond excited to be joining in on Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop today.

Today, Thimble has an extra special bit of thanks to give. After all, these days, she's grateful not only for blankets, but also for the blanket forts they provide. See?

Thimble used to never be a blanket burrower. She only started this recently, and it's downright adorable.

The only problem is that when Thimble hears me approach, she can't bring herself to stay under the blanket. This girl loves attention and cuddles. I'd happily give her both while she's under the blanket, but when I walk into the room where she's made herself a blanket fort, she always ends up doing something a little like this:

We definitely have some blurriness going on here, but the cuteness still shines through.

Thimble hopes you all get to enjoy a cozy blanket—and hopefully a blanket fort—today!

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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. _________ was the highlight of my _________.

2. A new book (or movie or TV show) that I highly recommend is _________.

3. _________ makes me feel like a kid again.

4. If I had to sing karaoke right now, I'd choose the song _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Though we're more than a tad bit late in the season to give this tip, we're going to give it nonetheless. Today's tip relates to the furnace, and we want to remind you to have a professional inspect your furnace before use every year, or as needed. An inspection could help detect any issues that might make running the furnace a risk. This in turn of course gives you the chance to have any necessary repairs or replacements made, so that neither your furbaby nor yourself are put in unnecessary danger.

Also relating to the furnace, don't forget to replace the filter regularly. A clean filter not only allows the furnace to run optimally, but also helps eliminate allergens, dust, and other such debris from the air. Ensuring ideal air quality with a clean furnace/air filter is something to especially take into consideration if your furbaby, or yourself, has asthma or other respiratory issues. The furnace plays a crucial role for your furbaby and yourself on cold winter days, so don't forget to give it the care and attention it needs.

Woof Woof Wednesday: Sweater Weather

It's been downright frigid here, as it has been for many in the nation. We hope you're all staying warm. That said, as we've mentioned before, pup Astrid loves cold weather. She will happily choose rather long walks even if it's just barely 0°F outside. While she's wholly unwilling to wear booties on her feet, she'll at least tolerate us putting her in a sweater.

She's not necessarily thrilled to wear clothes, but she'll at least humor us. Well, she'll humor us until she loses her patience. Like when she got tired of this particular photo shoot and started throwing a tad bit of a tantrum.

Needless to say, Astrid was taken on her beloved walk right after that photo was taken. And for some reason, she loved the frigid adventure. I failed to get any photos of her on the walk, simply because it was so cold I decided not to remove my hands from my gloves in order to snap photos.

That all said, Astrid had a senior 6-month exam and bloodwork last week. Overall, her bloodwork looks great, especially for a now 85-lb dog who's nearly 12 years old. She does still have one liver value elevated, as has been the case for the past couple of years now. Between her age and her having osteoarthritis, both of which can cause this value to increase, her vet is not concerned. This is especially because the value, though elevated, is holding steady. One of Astrid's main issues these days is her arthritis, but getting the pain medication carprofen every 12 hours makes her move like a young lady again. Being on that med is a big reason why she needs bloodwork every 6 months, but the pain med is working wonders for her and so far is causing no additional side effects to her or her lab work.

Astrid has been shaking her head and scratching at her right ear, and she has even developed an occasional head tilt on that side. The vet did find a bit of inflammation superficially in her ear, perhaps from her rooting around in snow or something along those lines. Nothing of note could be found anywhere deeper in her ear, though. So, Astrid is getting an ointment in her ear, which she really, truly does not like. We've actually reached the 7 days of her getting that ointment, and her head tilt is still there sometimes. Nothing else showed up during her exam or lab work, and the times and manner in which her head tilt appears makes me wonder if it's more so related to her aging eyes trying to adjust in certain lighting. No matter what, we'll of course keep an eye on it. Overall, though, Astrid is doing great. And you better believe we continued with our tradition of taking her to Dairy Queen for a pup cup of ice cream after her appointment.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

This flashback doodle seemed apt enough for today. Oh, and the metal leg is courtesy of the metal that got put in Astrid's back right knee after she tore her CCL in 2022.

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Tip of the Day

As you all certainly know, cats often seek out heat. Those pups out there sometimes do, too. For this reason, when it's cold this winter, monitor your furbaby around any sort of heat source. This of course goes for fireplaces, which should be sufficiently blocked so that kitties and pups can't directly access it or end up with burns. But, this also goes for various space heaters, radiators, and even floor or wall registers for the furnace. Especially if your cat or dog is known to park themselves incredibly close to, or even on top of, such heat sources, be sure to keep a very close eye on them when heaters are being used, or when the furnace is running. If they are near a heat source, check on them regularly, and feel them to make sure that they, and their fur, are not getting dangerously hot. Depending on the kind of heat produced by various heat sources, burns and other injuries can occur if a kitty or pup sleeps on or near it. If needed, such as if your kitty or pup insists on keeping a heater or furnace register company, consider blocking direct access to them. For example, there are safe, fire-proof covers for furnace registers on the floor or wall. When it comes to space heaters, if needed, place them in areas where your kitty or pup does not have access. In other cases, you might be able to find a way to safely block direct access to heaters and radiators, so that your furbaby can enjoy the heat without the risk of burns. Of course we want our furbabies to stay warm in the winter, but it is also important to ensure that your kitty or pup does not end up with burns or other injuries.

Perturbed Tonks Tuesday

It's Tonks Tuesday, and on this frigid subzero day, the little calico is snoozing away on some of her favorite warm blankies.

Don't mind her expression there. It was aimed at me, not you friends of ours. I tried not to wake Tonks as she snoozed, but I failed and she was not thrilled about that fact. Don't worry, though, because she went right back to sleep after this photo was snapped. Well, after I also gave her a little cuddle first, of course.

Warm wishes to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

The mixture of cold air outside and dry heat inside during the winter months can lead to skin that is dry, itchy, and flaky. For this reason, it could very well be a good idea to keep a humidifier going in your house, to keep the air and your furbaby's fur and coat as moist and comfortable as possible. Do be sure to keep in mind your kitty or pup's activity level and favorite areas to play or run when placing the humidifier, though, in order to avoid spills and other risks that might come with a humidifier. In a strategic, safe, and secure place, though, a humidifier can help keep the air moist and a cat or dog free of the discomfort of dry skin and coat.

It's also worth it to note that another way to reduce your furbaby's dryness and itchiness in the winter is to minimize or eliminate baths, as well as to dry them off when they come indoors and are wet with snow or rain. Brushing them regularly can also stimulate the natural oils of their skin, which can further help keep their fur and skin from drying out. If you do notice your kitty or pup's skin and coat is dry and itchy during the winter, and especially if you cannot get an easy handle on it, you can certainly discuss the issue and further solutions with your veterinarian.

Mancat Monday: Evan's Elevated Nap

It's Mancat Monday, and my sweet orange boy wanted to show you all one of his favorite ways to nap.

We've shown you this setup before, but that's Evan curled up on a blanket that's on top of a little kitty cube. That there photo was taken on one of our warmer days a couple weeks ago, hence why the door is open. Today it's barely even 10°F outside, so if Evan snoozes on his cube, it'll be with the door closed.

Evan usually has some pet stairs leading up to his cube, and you can actually see the corner of them on the floor in that photo. They'd just been moved temporarily as I took this photo. The reality, though, is that Evan doesn't like to use the stairs to get on the cube, but he does use them to get down. He prefers to scream and holler until someone picks him up and puts him on his cube. Apparently that's way more effective than using stairs.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Especially if you live in an area prone to snow, ice, wind, and other wintry goodness, do be sure to think ahead and plan for any related emergencies. For example, should a blizzard be expected to blow through and potentially leave you snowed in, ensure that, prior to the winter storm, you stock up on your furbaby's food, medications, and other necessities. Another potential winter weather emergency includes power outages. One thing to help combat that is of a course a generator. If you have a generator, do be sure to have it checked as needed, to ensure its functionality and safety. Not everyone can or does have a generator, though, and in this case, make sure you take other precautions to prep for potential power outages in the winter. Again, of course, make sure you are stocked up on your kitty or pup's food, medications, and so forth. Also have blankets at the ready. If you have a fireplace, have it regularly checked, cleaned, and rendered safe for use. A fireplace can of course be perfect source of heat in the event of a power outage, but it should be checked for safety, and should of course also be set up so that no furbabies can reach or be injured by the fire. Also, if there are safe places to put them well out of the reach of furbabies, candles being lit throughout the house could also potentially lend a bit of heat.

In some cases, especially in the event of lengthy power outages, it may be necessary to find a warm place to stay away from your powerless, cold home. If this is the case, ensure that you again have food, medications, and all necessities properly prepared for your kitty or pup. Then, of course, it is crucial to find somewhere that is pet-friendly for your furbaby to stay. This could be a hotel that is pet-friendly, or a family or friend's home where your furbaby is allowed, and that is also a pet-safe home. If necessary, such as if you cannot find a hotel or home that is pet-friendly for the duration of your home's power outage, you could also look into a pet boarding facility that you trust, and that of course has power and heat. During the winter months, snow, ice, and wind can wreak all sorts of havoc, so do be sure to consider how this could affect your furbaby, and have plans in the event of potential winter emergencies.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Winter Window View

Hello and happy Friday, friends! It's time 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'll never buy _________ from _________ again.

2. It's all fun and games until _________.

3. I once got lost _________.

4. _________ is the most normal thing about me.


My answers are below in bold. Yet again, they're accompanied by far too much rambling, but what's new.

1. I'll never buy chicken from the grocery store near my house again.
(This is kind of a boring answer, but it's what came to my mind. I recently bought a pack of chicken from the store in question, cooked it up immediately, and almost just as quickly the stuff went rancid. I buy chicken all the time from another store in our town, simply because I really like their chicken. I've never once had issues with that chicken going bad when made and eaten in a timely manner. I was recently at the store conveniently close to my house, though, and so I grabbed the chicken from my shopping list. As described above, though, I quickly remembered why I prefer the chicken from the other store in town.)

2. It's all fun and games until Evan sees me getting his meds ready.
(My poor boy Evan is such a sweet little guy. He is sugar, but of course with a little spice on the side. And that spice comes out when he sees me getting his meds ready. It takes me a while to prepare all of his meds, especially since he gets about 10 in the morning and 5 in the evening. I try to wait until he's playing or napping or otherwise distracted, but he never fails to hear or see me prepping his meds and so then he goes on a bit of a rampage. He's not aggressive or anything along those lines, but he expresses his frustration with what I refer to as rage peeing. As I prepare his meds I've learned to sequester him near me and to take away his beds and blankets, as those are what he targets with his rage pee. That all helps, usually, but that doesn't mean Evan is happy about those meds.)

3. I once got lost in a room full of pig carcasses.
(While studying animal sciences in college, one of my classes had a lecture at the university's meat packing facility. We were supposed to meet in a little classroom in the back of the building, but I made a wrong turn and found myself in a room with dozens upon dozens of pig carcasses hanging from the ceiling. There was not a single soul in sight to point me in the right direction, so I had to find my own way out of there. I felt like I was living out a horror movie.)

4. Adulting fatigue is the most normal thing about me.
(Being an adult can be tiring, what with work, chores, and all of that jazz. And I know I'm far from the only adult who feels this way, hence this being my answer. I tried to think of which of my passions and hobbies I could put for this, but even my somewhat normal habits are very unique to me. This is of course the case for most people, I'm sure. I love reading, for example, but my favorite books of late are about a guy wearing heart boxers and his talking cat who collects hats. So, simply getting tired and sometimes a bit frustrated with the whole adulting thing is my answer to this fill-in. After all, don't all of us find keeping up with things in life a bit overwhelming sometimes?)

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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It's time for your Eddy fix, and today you get to see this cute little lady looking out at our winter wonderland.

We've had snow on the ground for weeks now. Eddy loves how the snow makes it easy to see squirrels moving around on the ground, and she very often spies on them during the white winter months. Of course, Eddy keeps tabs on those squirrels all year long, but watching them run around in the snow seems to be a favorite of hers.

Warm wishes to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's winter tip is one that you often hear in the summer, but that also goes for the winter months, and that is to never leave your pup or kitty alone in the car. Just like the inside of a car can get fatally hot in the summer months, the inside of a car can get far too cold in the winter for a furbaby to remain inside. Should you need to run errands where your furbaby is not allowed, leave them home where it is warm. Another option, should your furbaby for some reason need to be along when you run errands, is to bring someone along who can sit with them in the warm car.

In this same line of thought, if your furbaby is in need of a car ride, prepare the car for this. Should a vet visit be in store in the winter months, for example, warm the car before taking your furbaby outside for a ride. As we all know, a cold car is an uncomfortable place to be. So, try to ensure that your furbaby does not have to feel this discomfort.

A Sunny Thankful Thimble Thursday

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

Today, Thimble is grateful for sunshine. We haven't been getting much of it lately, but today it's bright and shiny outside.

The sunrays coming through the windows are hot commodities right now.

Thimble hopes you're all enjoying some sun puddles just like she is!

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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. I'll never buy _________ from _________ again.

2. It's all fun and games until _________.

3. I once got lost _________.

4. _________ is the most normal thing about me.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is to be careful and cautious with your furbabies when outside in cold weather, and to be aware that our furbabies' tolerances to cold can vary. Some animals are more susceptible to getting cold, such as those with a thin coat or no fur, those who are very young or very old, and those who are ill or in any way compromised. Sometimes, it comes down to the fact that some animals simply tolerate cold better than others. In any extreme weather, such as cold winter days, it is important to keep a very close eye on any animal who is outside. If your pup or kitty is outdoors taking a bathroom break or on a walk, monitor them closely. If you notice any shivering, restlessness or anxiety, or anything out of sorts, get them inside where it is warm.

One simple rule of thumb to follow, especially when in doubt, is that if it's too cold for you, then it's likely too cold for your furbaby. Hypothermia and frostbite can affect our cats and dogs just like it can affect us, so don't risk these medical emergencies. Don't leave your furbabies outdoors in the frigid cold. Do not set out on long walks on cold days, but instead stay close to home and be vigilant regarding your furbaby's comfort, health, and safety. If you care for feral cats or other outdoor animals, try to ensure that they have some form of shelter that is out of the elements and off of the ground. If possible, offer some form of warmth in the outdoor shelter, a topic we very recently discussed.

Arctic Adventures with Astrid

It was 2°F this morning. Despite being nearly 12 years old as well as arthritic, pup Astrid loves winter and cold weather. After allowing her pain meds to kick in, I let Astrid pick where we walked. Knowing she'd probably want to go far in these arctic temperatures, I bundled up real good. And I'm glad I did, because she indeed had us out there for quite a while. And she loved it.

Don't mind the snow on Astrid's face. She loves to shove her nose in snow, pick it up in her mouth, throw it in the air, and all that weird stuff that sounds really unpleasant to do with snow when it's 2°F outside.

I do wish Astrid would allow me to put little boots on her feet when it's this cold outside, but she refuses to even stand let alone walk when all of her feet are in boots. I do regularly check her toes on cold walks, and thankfully she's never had any issues. When it's below 0°F I do try to avoid taking her on too long of walks, though she's never happy about it. I don't know how or why she enjoys this level of cold so much, but I don't want to deprive her of what she loves, so this morning I just put on lots of layers and let her lead me into the winter wilderness.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday, we discussed wiping off furry feet and human shoes after going outdoors in the winter, in order to reduce exposure to products such as salt, or ice melt. There is another good reason to wipe off those furry feet after going outdoors, and that is to remove snow and ice from the paws and the toes they contain. When a dog or cat goes outdoors into the snow, their paw pads, the fur on their feet, and the areas between their toes can all collect snow and ice. This can of course be cold and uncomfortable, so when they come in from outdoors, be sure to wipe off their feet so that they can remain dry and warm. Especially if your furbaby is short or if the snow is deep, also wipe off their belly and anywhere on their body that might have collected cold snow. Also thoroughly wipe off your own feet when you come inside, or remove your shoes, in order to keep the floors dry and warm for your furbaby's paws.

In line with the above thoughts, if your pup or kitty goes on walks, consider taking a dry towel with you when there is snow on the ground. Snow and ice can clump up and get stuck between your furbaby's toes, and those with especially furry feet can attract extra snow and ice on their feet. So, if your furbaby is outdoors for an extended period of time, do consider taking a dry towel with you and removing snow and ice from on and between their toes throughout the walk. This will allow them to remain as dry and comfortable as possible when outdoors in the snow.