Adventures with Astrid

Today Astrid thought she'd share a little glimpse into one of her recent weekend walks.

On this day, Astrid decided to go down a path she hadn't visited in a while. This path is on the edge of the creek that runs throughout our neighborhood, and we hear and see lots of wildlife in the area. Astrid's hearing isn't what it used to be, but sometimes she can still hear or at least sense nearby wildlife, and that greenery to her left certainly kept getting her attention.

Astrid is not a big fan of warm weather, and neither am I. Our temps will be well into the 90s this week, so Astrid will be happily spending most of her time in the air conditioned indoors. We hope you're all staying cool as we waltz into summer!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I often forget that a few years ago I scribbled up my own odd rendition of a couple Winnie the Pooh characters. Then I see it in my archive or drawings and think, oh, yeah, this exists.

For the record, Eeyore is my favorite Winnie the Pooh character. I always appreciated that Tigger was a cat, but his spastic nature gave me anxiety even as a kid. Eeyore was way more my speed. I've also always loved the underdog, or I guess underdonkey in this case. I still have a jumbo Eeyore stuffed animal I got for Christmas as a kid. I never intend on parting with it.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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