Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Photo Fail with a Co-Star

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 statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. I have trouble pronouncing _________.

2. I tend to confuse _________ with _________.

3. I quit _________ because _________.

4. Currently, I can't get _________ out of my mind.


My answers are below in bold. As you'll see, some them (I'm looking at you, #4) are accompanied by much rambling.

1. I have trouble pronouncing the word edited.
(I said this word just the other day, and for some reason I really struggled with it. And I struggle even trying to say it now. Just making the simple word edit past tense, therefore edited, confuses my tongue so very much. I have to say it very slowly, or else I tend to say it more like editeded, which is decidedly not a word.)

2. I tend to confuse artichokes with anchovies.

(This probably makes no sense whatsoever, especially given that one is a vegetable and one is a fish. But for some reason, ever since I was a kid, I can never remember which one is which. And I even had this confusion just the other day when someone mentioned artichokes. It doesn't help that I never eat either of them, but when I hear one of the words, I have to look up which one it is. I indeed looked it up for this purpose—artichokes are indeed a veggie, while anchovy is a fish. And you all probably know that already.)

3. I quit using Facebook on my phone because I find it toxic.

(I only occasionally use Facebook on my computer these days. I deleted the app from my phone a long time ago, because I personally find some of its use and content toxic in one way or another. I would get Facebook notifications on my phone of all kinds, some of them bothersome, at all hours of the day and night. My phone isn't the best at listening when I tell it not to give me certain app's notifications, so I deleted Facebook from my phone and will never again download the app. The only reason I use Facebook at all these days is for some of the cat groups and such that I'm in, and for that type of thing I just log in on my laptop and then log right back out when I'm done.)

4. Currently, I can't get the roaming neighborhood kitties out of my mind.

(My neighborhood has started having tons of cats roaming. We've always had one or two ferals here and there, but now there are just so many of them. After many recent calls, I've learned that our local shelters and rescues are full up in no small part because it's kitten season, so I just keep putting food out and help the kitties as best as I can. Most of them are feral, some of them running if they so much as see me through a window.

Some of the kitties I see outside are people's pets that they allow outdoors, though I'm not a big fan of this. One major reason I dislike this is the dangers it poses, and I actually found one of these poor indoor/outdoor kitties deceased under a bush in my parents' yard when I was mowing this past weekend. I live just down the street from my parents and more than once had seen this kitty eating the food I put out on my back patio. It wore a collar, but it was a flea collar without any ID. After finally getting ahold of animal control, I found out a lady living on the same street as me had called her cat in as missing, matching the exact description as the poor deceased cat. This was an absolutely horrible experience.

Another recent event is that a very friendly but very not street smart kitten, I'm guessing 7-8 months old or so, started showing up in both my yard and my parents' yard. We got him caught and he's currently sequestered in a bathroom at my parents' house, where he's happily redecorating the room. No one has claimed him, and despite being full up during this kitten season, the rescue group from which I adopted Eddy is going to take him in the next week or so. They are no-kill and I trust them. With our geriatric and special needs furry babies, and with this kitten acting a bit rough toward other cats, sadly neither my parents nor myself can take the kitty in. I'm so grateful this rescue group will adopt him out. He's incredibly friendly and sweet, and I have no doubt he'll adopt out very quickly.)

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.

Blooper queen Eddy is of course good and blurry today. And this time, she even recruited a little help.

I asked Eddy to pose with Thimble behind her. What I got was of course the blurriness of Eddy, with co-star Thimble's ears chopped out of the photo. The reality is that this was mostly or all photographer error, but the kitties are cute either way.

Eddy, Thimble, and all of us here wish you a wonderful day!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I'm still in a spooky sort of mood, despite it not even being June yet. So, how about another one of our old summertime spooky doodles?

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

Thankful Thimble Thursday with the Niphead

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

Today, Thimble is grateful for catnip, especially when it's delivered to her in bed.

That is indeed Thimble rolling around in catnip on my bed. She is easily the biggest niphead in the house. Thimble loves her some drugs.

A catnip session wouldn't be complete without bloopers, of course. Oh, and nipped out Thimble also decided to play with one of Eddy's birthday gifts, that being a toy in the form of a bloody axe.

Thimble hopes all of you kitty friends of hers get to enjoy some catnip 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. I have trouble pronouncing _________.

2. I tend to confuse _________ with _________.

3. I quit _________ because _________.

4. Currently, I can't get _________ out of my mind.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We're still in the midst of repeating a series of food tips we shared some time ago. We've so far talked about protein and fiber in pet food, and now today we're moving on to fat. Fat, like other nutrients, plays important roles for both us humans and our cats and dogs. Fats are yet another source of energy for the body and its cells, they aid in healthy skin and coat, and they are also important for growth overall.

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

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

Floral Adventures with Astrid

Astrid enjoyed a couple of relatively long walks this weekend. She loves when her Gammy and Pawpaw (my mom and dad) join us for our weekend walks, and it always makes her and her poor arthritic legs want to go farther than usual. As always, we let Astrid pick where we walked, and she took us by some pretty sights.

We'll often get nice scenery down by the creek in our neighborhood, but these flowers were simply in someone's yard. And they're quite beautiful.

My dad and sister told me what these plants are during the walk, but I've already forgotten. They might be peonies. Perhaps? I could very easily be wronger than wrong. I have the farthest thing from a green thumb, but Astrid and I agree that these are quite pretty, whatever they are.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

Tonks Tuesday with an Adorably Dour Face

It's Tonks Tuesday, and the calico gal herself is of course beyond photogenic. That said, she's not always the happiest when the camera shows up in her cute little face. See this adorably dour face?

In truth, Tonks wasn't actually annoyed during this photo shoot. She was actually playing and rolling her belly up. For some reason, she just stopped and posed with that look on her face. She immediately started playing again after this shot was snapped, so don't let that expression fool you.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

As I've mentioned more than once recently, I'm really in the mood for some spooky something or other. I plan on scribbling up some new spooky summertime doodles very soon, but for now, here's a flashback doodle in that realm. It course stars Tonks, and a ghostly little friend.

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Tip of the Day

 

Someday I'll create some new tips, but for now I'm again recycling old tips on a topic that's pretty important for our kitties and pups. And so, let's revisit the topic of diet.

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

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

Memorial Day Remembrance

In the United States, today is Memorial Day. On this day, we remember those who have lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Today, we thank and honor all those who have died for our freedom.

To all those who have fought to keep us safe and free, thank you for your bravery, service, and sacrifice.

To our friends in the US as well as those outside of the US, we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy Monday!

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Did you know?

Today, we're sharing the same little tidbit we shared on past Memorial Days. We've all certainly heard of and respect the many amazing canine war heroes. Did you know, though, that cats, dolphins, and sea lions, among others, have also played roles in war? Cats have been sought out to serve as mousers and ratters, for example, keeping bases and ships sanitary and safe from rodents. Dolphins have served roles such as detecting underwater mines. The sea lion is another underwater animal that has been trained to serve in the armed forces, such as to detect enemy divers, and even to attach tracking devices to these enemy divers. Animals are heroes in more ways than one, and that includes a great many of them earning the title of war hero.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy by the Tree

Hello, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fills 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. A day without _________ is like a _________ without _________.

2. I find it rude when someone asks me _________.

3. I like to _________ as early as possible.

4. I tend to run late when _________.


My answers are below in bold, alongside my usual endless rambling for a couple of them.

1. A day without cats is like a life without happiness.

(In my opinion, at least. Though, I'm thinking a lot of you feel the same.)

2. I find it rude when someone asks me if Evan is going to be euthanized soon.
(There have been a couple of occasions when someone has seen or learned about Evan, and after finding out he's hind limb paralyzed, they'll ask if I'm going to euthanize him. I once had a coworker overhear me talking about Evan and say, "It's sounds like it's time to put him down." I try to kindly tell such people that Evan has been this way for 12 years, since he was 6 weeks old, and he's a happy, active, cuddly cat who doesn't know any different. Any issues that arise for him are addressed with veterinary care and treatments, and all of Evan's health concerns are currently able to be managed with medications. I know some people don't prefer to live with animals and don't fully understand, but a little tact can go a long way.)

3. I like to start my Christmas shopping as early as possible.

(I tried to think of something else to put for this, but I've already been brainstorming what to buy my family for Christmas. Usually by July I'm already well into my Christmas shopping.)

4. I tend to run late when Evan is having a messy day.

(While Evan is generally a happy boy with some conditions that are managed with medications, he still has UTIs and other urinary issues, and he still has megacolon that results in constipation and other times loose stool. Every once in a while there will be a day that is a bit of a literal mess because of this, and when I have things planned on those days, there's a chance I'm going to be at least a little late. That said, I'm an introverted homebody and rarely have anything planned. And I'm lucky that my workplace is very flexible, and as long as you get your work done, it doesn't really matter when you show up. People come and go at all times of day there. So, when Evan is having a messy sort of morning, I'll take care of him and any messes and then go to work a bit late.)

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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Given that we mentioned Christmas in our fill-ins above, how about you get your fix of Eddy beside her beloved, year round Christmas tree?

Eddy doesn't necessarily climb the tree as much as she used to, but she still loves hanging out with it. And I know she must climb it at least sometimes when I'm not home, as I still have to regularly pick some of its limbs off the floor and put them back in place.

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Given our fill-in about Christmas as well as Eddy's tree-side pics, how about this doodle from a couple of years ago? After all, it stars Eddy in her beloved Christmas tree on a springtime day.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Catnip Crazed Thankful Thimble Thursday

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

Today, Thimble is grateful for the new toys she got for her birthday a couple weeks ago.

That pinkish red fish Thimble has is the Yeowww! brand, which is an absolute favorite around here. That toy is indeed much loved by Thimble. It did go missing a couple of days ago, so I need to go on a hunt for where she tossed it.

Thimble is a tad bit of a catnip addict, and so she also enjoys her pack of catnip joints.

Thimble hopes you also get to enjoy some catnip today!

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And now we'll 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 first two.

1. A day without _________ is like a _________ without _________.

2. I find it rude when someone asks me _________.

3. I like to _________ as early as possible.

4. I tend to run late when _________.

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I'm in the mood for some spooky fun already, so how about a springtime flashback doodle of this nature?

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

Adventures with Astrid on a Bridge

We've mentioned a couple of times how Astrid doesn't go for many long walks anymore, mostly due to her old girl legs not working like they used to. She's on pain meds for her arthritis, and these meds do her quite a bit of good, but we still let her pick whether she goes for a short or long walk. She also just generally dislikes warm weather, and so this time of year she's not too keen on spending as much time outdoors. That said, we often go for walks as a whole family on weekends, including inviting Astrid's beloved Gammy and Pawpaw (my mom and dad), and on those walks Astrid almost always asks to go pretty far. Recently, she even led us all to one of the farther bridges that takes you over the creek that runs all throughout our neighborhood.

Astrid has always seemed to enjoy going over the many bridges in our neighborhood. I still live in the same neighborhood in which I grew up, and one of my childhood dogs was terrified of these bridges. Astrid is the complete opposite.

While she didn't do so during this walk and its photo shoot, Astrid will often stick her head through the bridge's side and watch the water below. 

We're supposed to have a gorgeous weekend, and the mornings will be relatively cool. Astrid will absolutely love that, and I can't wait to take her on a couple of long walks in the cool weather she loves so much.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

Boxed in on Tonks Tuesday

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico would like you all to see her new favorite box.

This box was destined for the recycling bin, but Tonks had other ideas.

Tonks hopes you all find yourselves a box to enjoy!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Summer can be a fun time of the year. For example, there is often a barbecue or two to be had during the summer months. That being said, keep in mind that events such as barbecues may not be the safest place for our pups or kitties. A hot grill in itself can pose risks, of course including burns. Then there are the foods that are often served at barbecues, many of which could be toxic to cats and dogs. For example, onions, or dishes containing onion, can be hazardous. Don't forget some of the other dangerous foods that might be found at barbecues, including alcohol, chocolate, garlic, and grapes and raisins, just to name a few. A dog or cat can find themselves in dangerous situations if they are not closely monitored or if they are underfoot at events such as barbecues. For this reason, it might be best to keep your pups or kitties somewhere safe and out of the way during a barbecue or other similar summer events. As we always say, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Mancat Monday with Another UTI

Poor Evan is having urinary issues again.

I believe Evan has another UTI, and so I've emailed his vet to see if he thinks we can again just start Evan on antibiotics given his symptoms. (Edit: Evan's vet agrees that Evan almost certainly has a UTI and so he'll start on antibiotics today.) This time around Evan has started showing a number of his usual UTI symptoms, as well as blood in his urine, which is also not terribly new for Evan. Given his hind limb paralysis and urinary incontinence, he will always be at a higher risk for UTIs.

Evan also has megacolon and resulting constipation, and so he's on various meds to loosen his stool and help with colon motility. Sometimes that causes something akin to diarrhea, though, and given Evan's back end situation, that causes a mess that can also then lead to UTIs. I wash Evan's back end with an antimicrobial cleaner daily, but it can't work miracles.

I just had to share that last photo, since it shows our housemate Winky checking on Evan and giving him a little kiss. Yeah, we'll pretend that's what she was doing and not that she really wanted the sunny bed he was sleeping in. I gave Winky a different bed to cozy up in, though, so she and Evan both got to take a nap in the sun.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

 

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

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

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

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

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

Friendly Fill-Ins and Bathroom Buddy Eddy

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. You know you are in _________ when _________.

2. I am pleased with _________.

3. I wish I had the superpower of _________ so that I could _________.

4. I still have _________ from my childhood.


My answers are below in bold.

1. You know you are in the Midwest when you're surrounded by cornfields and tornado sirens.
(I live in the Midwest, and we are indeed surrounded by cornfields and tornado sirens.)

2. I am pleased with our vet's new online pharmacy.
(I mentioned this in another recent fill-in, but I really just wanted to say it again. I hesitated to start using the online pharmacy for quite some time, but now that I use it, I really like it. I have Evan's and Astrid's meds on autoship, and they come right to our door, so now I don't have to run to the vet all the time to get refills of their many medications.)

3. I wish I had the superpower of communicating with animals so that I could help them as best as possible.
(Sometimes I think being able to genuinely communicate with animals would be upsetting, at least if speaking to one that had been through certain traumas in life. But, in the end, if it would allow me to help animals to the absolute best of my ability, whether that be medically or otherwise, I would like to be able to fully communicate with them.)

4. I still have almost all the books from my childhood.
(I still have a variety of things from my childhood, like some of my favorite toys and stuffed animals and blankets. That said, books are probably what I have the most of from my childhood. I love books and don't like to part with any, so that's that.)

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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I've shared on our blog before how Eddy is my main bathroom buddy. As in, she believes that if I'm in the bathroom, she also needs to be in the bathroom. And if I have the audacity to try and close the door, she displays much disapproval.

You throw privacy out the door when you have a kitty, and I honestly love that Eddy is my little bathroom buddy.

Eddy hopes all you kitties out there have a great day of invading your human's space, like all kitties deserve to do!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Another Thankful Thimble Thursday in the Sun

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

Thimble is yet again grateful for that bright and shiny sun. Unlike her human of a mom, Thimble loves heat and will always seek out the biggest sun puddle possible.

Thimble hopes you're all enjoying some sunshine just like she is! That said, it's going to be something like 90°F here today, and so we also hope you're staying cool.

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And now we of course have 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. You know you are in _________ when _________.

2. I am pleased with _________.

3. I wish I had the superpower of _________ so that I could _________.

4. I still have _________ from my childhood.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I was going through old doodles and found this one starring my angel Rosie from many years ago. We've reached halfway to Halloween, but it's also watermelon season and hot outside. So, this seemed appropriate.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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