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.