Adventures with Angel Astrid and Her Trash Can

I love going through old photos of my sweet angel pup Astrid. Obviously I'd much rather still have her here with me, but since that's unfortunately not the case, it brings me bittersweet joy to go through these memories of her. Some of my favorite photos were from all of the fun walks we took.

On this particular day, I remember thinking it would be funny to get a shot of the trash can in that there park. After all, that's where I many, many times tossed Astrid's bagged up goodies.

That's probably such a random memory and photo to have, but I'm honestly glad I snapped it. It involves a trash can, but even that trash can has memories to offer of my sweet Astrid.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's spookyish flashback doodle was scribbled up a few years ago, and it was inspired by the fact that I enjoy watching horror movies in the summer, and all year round. I don't just enjoy a good scare at Halloween.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is another one about water. Since water is such a crucial aspect of survival, especially in the heat of summer, we thought we'd give it one last hoorah. Today, we're specifically talking about water bowls.

Water bowl preference can of course play a part in any cat's life. We've talked before about whisker fatigue, for example, and how this often causes cats to prefer wider bowls, as these won't cause them to bump their whiskers while getting a drink. That being said, though, when it comes to offering water outdoors in the heat, keep in mind how the shape and size of the water bowl can play a part. For example, did you know that evaporation happens more rapidly when water has a large surface area? This is why water in wide, shallow bowls will evaporate relatively quickly in the heat. To combat this, try to offer water in bowls that are narrower and deeper. Of course, do try to ensure that the bowl is not so narrow that it makes drinking impossible or difficult, but also try to ensure that a bowl has a decent chance of combating evaporation.

In addition, consider the material out of which the bowl is made. This one can be a bit tough when it comes to offering water to strays and ferals to hot and sunny days. We've talked before about how stainless steel bowls are often a good choice over plastic bowls, since plastic bowls can get scratched and thereby more easily harbor microbes. But, as you all surely know, metallic surfaces can get pretty darn hot in the summer heat. Especially if a bowl is in the sun or on a hot surface, a metallic bowl might not only cause the water to become uncomfortably warm, but the bowl itself might also become painfully hot to the touch. This is best prevented if the bowl is placed in a cool, shaded area. You can also, if possible and safe, try using sturdy glassware as outdoor bowls. This is of course only reasonable if breakage is unlikely to occur, though, as broken glass is indeed a danger.

In short, take anything and everything possible into consideration when trying to help strays and ferals remain safe in the summer heat. This does indeed include their water bowls. Aim for bowls that will prevent rapid evaporation, but that will also be easy and safe out of which to drink.