A Rainbow Bridge Birthday Bash

This past Thursday, August 28th, was Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, initiated by Deborah Barnes of Zee & Zoey in 2015.

While I did indeed take more than a little bit of time to remember my angels on that day, and every day, I decided to push my full post until today, September 1st. That's because today it is the birthday of two of my angels, Rosie and Sammy.

Rosie and Sammy were the best friends a girl could have when growing up. My sister and I were beyond blessed.

On the left in that ancient photo is my sister sitting with Rosie, and I'm on the right sitting with Sammy. If you're curious, the eye patch childhood me was wearing was due to an eye condition called amblyopia. Rosie and Sammy never noticed the patch, and they loved unconditionally. They were also great reading buddies, and overall just wonderful furry friends for my sister and myself.

I admittedly have not yet put the final touches on Rosie and Sammy's birthday doodle for this year. I'll share it this upcoming week, but for today, I'll re-share the birthday doodle I scribbled up for them last year. I'll also give a bit more of an explanation for it below, but it does relate to how Rosie and Sammy were indeed the best reading buddies for my sister and myself.

To more or less repeat what I mentioned about my angels Rosie and Sammy in Friday's post, I've gotten into the habit of making their birthday doodles Harry Potter-esque, which explains the general content and color choices in that there doodle. After all, as mentioned above, Rosie and Sammy were my reading buddies. My sweet Sammy passed from an undetected heart condition when he was only 5 and I was only 10. I never got to read Harry Potter with him, but I started reading it soon after his passing, which helped me during my grieving process. My Rosie, though, lived to the blessed age of 21, and so she was often by my side as I read every single Harry Potter book from the time I was 10 until I was 18. What's more, in the Harry Potter series, the magical school known as Hogwarts always starts on September 1st. As a kid, it excited me so much that this date was shared with my Rosie and Sammy's birthday. I don't know if any of that made sense, but it's why I often incorporate magical whatnot into my sweet angels' birthday doodles.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROSIE AND SAMMY!

Thank you for all of the unconditional love and beautiful memories, Rosie and Sammy. I love you always and forever.

***

Since this post is indeed our Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day memorial, I also have to include my angelic childhood pups, Banjo and Shellie, who would keep me company and entertain me for hours on end.

This year, I am of course also including our sweet angel Talon. He owned my parents and was one of my girl Thimble's littermates. He passed this April. We love and miss him so very much, and we think about him every single day.

I can't fail to mention that I also remember my childhood feathered friends, Pippin, Robin, and Sweetpea. And of course I also remember my aquatic angels, such as Lieutenant Legs and Oscar.

Though I sometimes cannot help but feel sadness that some of my dearest friends have made the journey to the Rainbow Bridge, I will forever be grateful for the unconditional love and memories they gifted me. I will forever remember them. I will forever love them.

***

Tip of the Day

I apologize to anyone who does not yet wish to unofficially begin autumn. For me, though, September 1st marks the day when I can really start celebrating my favorite season of the year. That's why, starting today, we'll be doing a series of tips on pet safety during the season of autumn.

Since the fall semester of school is starting up for students, that's what our autumnal tip for today relates to. If any students live in your home with your furbabies, be sure that care is taken to keep your kitties or pups safe from any rampant school supplies. Pens, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, tape, scissors, and any and all sorts of school supplies could potentially pose a risk if left where a furbaby can turn them into a toy or snack. Ingested erasers or other supplies, for example, can result in gastrointestinal upset or even perforated or obstructed bowels. Obviously, this is not ideal, and so school supplies should be tucked safely away, out of reach of cats and dogs. Keep this in mind throughout the school year as well. Backpacks, for example, might contain some of the aforementioned potentially dangerous school supplies, or even lunches or snacks that contain hazardous ingredients. Therefore, again, be sure to keep all such school items well out of reach of your furbaby. As we always say, i's better to be safe than sorry.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Blurry Photo Fails

Hello, 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 15andemeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. My to-do list for September includes _________ and _________.

2. _________ grade was my favorite year of school.

3. I have a lot of respect for _________ because _________.

4. _________ made me stop _________.


My answers are below in bold, of course accompanied by my usual rambling that no one is required to read.

1. My to-do list for September includes doing neglected yard work and scribbling up Halloween doodles.

(I didn't get nearly enough yard work done this spring. Then, when the summer heat hit, I had no interest in going outside to do anything besides the occasional mowing. Now that it's cooling down out there, though, I realize I really do need to get out there and cut back a lot of overgrowth in my yard and all that other outdoor jazz. Oh, and you better believe the Halloween doodles will be getting drawn very soon. Though I make no promises, I'd love to share 31 days of Halloween doodles again this year. Or at least close to it. We'll see how that goes.)

2. 16th grade was my favorite year of school.

(I know this isn't even a real "grade" in school. But, I really want my answer to be my senior year of college, simply because I was so ready to be done with school. I've always loved learning, and due to no one's pressure but my own, I always got good grades. Even so, I hated school. I never liked being forced to learn only this or that, and only in this way or that way. I hated homework, as most of it seemed needlessly time-consuming and silly rather than helpful. So, when I got to my senior year of college, I was ecstatic to be at the end of my school years.)

3. I have a lot of respect for animal rescuers because they're doing an honorable but difficult job.
(Especially because of some of the strays and ferals in my neighborhood, I've been in contact with multiple rescue groups in my area throughout the years. Even with just those instances here and there, it's obvious these rescuers are doing a draining job out of nothing but the kindness of their hearts. They love animals, and that drives them to work day in and day out for the innocent creatures of this world. I have so much respect for that, and I hope to someday be able to do far more volunteering with animal rescue groups.)

4. Evan's urinary blockage made me stop giving my kitties' Temptations treats.
(I have no clear evidence that Temptations cause urinary blockages. However, quite literally while Evan was hospitalized with a urinary blockage at the end 2022, someone posted an article online about how Temptations might be linked with urinary blockages in cats. I wouldn't have thought much of it, except for the fact that I had just started regularly giving Evan Temptations a couple months before. I had always given them Friskies Party Mix before that, but thought I'd change things up. After reading that article, though, and given the timing of Evan's blockage, I stopped giving Temptations and went back to Friskies Party Mix. Though he has a number of other urinary issues, Evan has not had a blockage since.)

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.

***

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.

For today, blooper queen Eddy went all out. She is indeed an oft blurry gal, and she doesn't disappoint in today's outtakes.

And as if that one wasn't blurry enough, how about this one?

That's my girl Eddy. When I ask her for a cute photo shoot, I most often get that. But that's okay, because she's my sweet, sassy, adorable little lady, and she's in charge.

Happy Friday, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

My angels Rosie and Sammy will be celebrating their heavenly birthday on Monday, September 1st. This weekend I will be drawing their birthday doodle for this year, but for today, how about their birthday doodle from a couple years ago?

If you're curious, I've gotten into the habit of making Rosie and Sammy's birthday doodles Harry Potter-esque, which explains the color choices in that there doodle. After all, as a kid, Rosie and Sammy were my reading buddies. My sweet Sammy passed from an undetected heart condition when he was only 5 and I was only 10. I never got to read Harry Potter with him, but I started reading it soon after his passing, which helped me during my grieving process. My Rosie, though, lived to the blessed age of 21, and so she was often by my side as I read every single Harry Potter book from the time I was 10 until I was 18. What's more, in the Harry Potter series, the magical school known as Hogwarts always starts on September 1st. As a kid, it excited me so much that this date was shared with my Rosie and Sammy's birthday. I don't know if any of that made sense, but it's why I often incorporate magical whatnot into my angels' birthday doodles.

***

Tip of the Day

Today is our last tip relating to those feline vet visits. This tip is actually far more of a general one, though, and it's to remember your veterinarians, vet techs, and all of the staff at your vet clinic on special occasions. Whether it be Christmas, Veterinarian Appreciation Day (June 18th), Veterinary Technician Week (the third week of October), or another similar day, do consider sending some appreciation to those at your veterinary clinic. You can send a simple card, some flowers, a basket of goodies, or anything that demonstrates your appreciation for all they've done for your furbaby and yourself. Sometimes, being a veterinarian or veterinary staff member is a thankless job, or one that is forgotten in the shuffle. So, if you appreciate what your veterinary clinic has done for any and all of your furbabies, then do consider being one of those grateful customers who expresses their appreciation.

Remembering My Angel Rosie

Ten years ago today, my sweet angel Rosie gained her angel wings. I'm going to use today as a time to bask in memories of her and to express how grateful I am that I was blessed with 21 years with this beautiful girl.

Rosie almost always slept in bed with me, often on my legs, as she was doing in that photo above.

When this calico lady was nearly 20 years old, she went on a road trip with me and the rest of the family. Rosie was our only furry baby at the time, and the tough little cookie was on lots and lots of medications for her kidney disease, arthritis, and other ailments. She didn't much like other people and wouldn't let anyone else medicate her, so we took her with us when a family gathering was planned in another state. Rosie did absolutely amazing on the trip.

Though the below photo is blurry, it is and always will be one of my favorite photos of Rosie. I was probably sassed in her smoker's voice of a meow right before and/or after this photo was snapped. I loved her meow and her general calico sass so much.

At 21 years old, Rosie's right eye that had gone blind over a decade before suddenly ruptured, and so it was removed. She was such a trouper before, during, and after that surgery.

While I miss my Rosie every single day, fond and happy memories of my beautiful calico angel also flood my mind every single day. I cannot express how grateful I am to have enjoyed 21 years with my sweet and also adorably sassy Rosie. She was with me from the time I was 4 until right after I turned 26. I know just how blessed I was and am to have experienced that level of companionship, and I will always love, remember, and cherish my sweet Rosie.

I love you, Rosie, always and forever.

Thank you to Ann of Zoolatry for creating that image of Rosie and myself many years ago. I still cherish it to this day.

***

Flashback Doodles of the Day with Rosie

I want to share a fun doodle of Rosie today, but I didn't finish a new one just yet. Though I'll be remedying that soon, I decided to share an A to Z Challenge flashback from a number of years ago. Rosie often helped me bake. She was obsessed with milk and also more than once trailed flour all over the house. Because of that, years ago I did an A to Z Challenge starring Rosie at her very own restaurant.

How about a bonus flashback doodle from this series starring my angel Rosie? Yeah, let's do that. So, here's Rosie and a her famous cinnamon rolls, of course with a side of her beloved milk.

***

Tip of the Day

 

As we mentioned yesterday, we are doing a bit of a different sort of series of tips, these being all about wildlife. We're staring today with some tips on feeding none other than geese, ducks, swans, and the like. First, keep in mind that not all areas allow the feeding of these birds, for a variety of reasons. So, first make sure that you're in a location that is safe and appropriate for feeding wild birds such as geese and ducks.

Now, on to feeding these birds of whom we're starting to see more and more in these springtime days. First and foremost, despite popular belief, bread is not an ideal food to feed geese and ducks. Bread does not have much in the way of nutritional value for these wild birds, and often can do more harm than good. So, then, what should you feed animals such as geese? You can offer them some regular birdseed, keeping in mind that sunflower seeds are not one that is ideal for them. You can also give them grapes, kale, and Romain lettuce. That being said, make sure that these foods are bite size, or else there is the risk that the geese or ducks could choke. So, cut grapes in half, and chop up kale or lettuce that you offer. If you offer birdseed or other small foods, mound them up in small piles for ease of eating.

Also ensure that you take safety precautions, both for yourself and the wild birds. For example, it is typically best that you not feed the birds directly out of your hands. In addition, place the food you feed them in a safe area, such as away from roads. In general, if you're not sure something is safe, simply don't do it. Interacting with wildlife can be an inspiring and unique experience, but it is always best to keep both their safety and your safety in mind.

Adventures with Astrid in Almost Autumn

We're just days away from the official beginning of autumn. Though we're still in a heat wave in which it's usually nearly 90°F during the day here, our mornings are still relatively cool, and there are also other signs. For example, on a recent cool, crisp morning walk, pup Astrid came across some fallen leaves that very much felt autumnal.

That's far from an award-winning shot, but we're still happy to show off this hint of autumn. Astrid seemed very intrigued by the leaves, which was a bit surprising, as sometimes she prefers to hop and skip around fallen leaves rather than walk on them. This time, though, both Astrid and myself were quite excited to see the fallen foliage.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle is an autumnal one, and it stars my angels Rosie and Sammy. Since this is still their birthday month, I wanted to makes sure these childhood reading buddies of mine got more of their doodles shared.

***

Tip of the Day

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. This is timely, as it's also still the season of hurricanes and other such natural disasters. Given that this month is dedicated to disaster preparedness, we'll be doing a series of tips on this topic. Our first tip in this series is a simple precursor to the more detailed tips that will begin tomorrow. And this tip today is to please realize and understand that if a situation is not safe for you, then it's not safe for your animals. For this reason, please do absolutely everything in your ability to never leave your cats or dogs behind in the event of a disaster. If the only safe option for you is to evacuate, then that is also very likely the only safe option for your furbaby. For this reason, never wait until last minute to consider preparations and plans, as then it might be too late. Always have preparations and plans thought through or ready. We'll start discussing such preparations and plans in more detail tomorrow. For now, though, when it comes to potential disasters, please indeed keep in mind your furbaby's safety in addition to your own.

A Rainbow Bridge Birthday Bash

This past Wednesday, August 28th, was Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, initiated by Deborah Barnes of Zee & Zoey in 2015.

While I did indeed take more than a little bit of time to remember my angels on that day, and every day, I decided to push my full post until today, September 1st. That's because today it is the birthday of two of my angels, Rosie and Sammy.

Some of you might very well remember Rosie, who was with me from the time I was 4 until I was 26. She was more or less the main star of our blog when we first started it all those years ago. Sadly, Rosie's brother, Sammy, only lived to 5 years of age due to undetected cardiac disease. But, like Rosie, he was still a huge part of my childhood and who I am today.

Rosie and Sammy were the best friends a girl could have when growing up. My sister and I were beyond blessed.

On the left of that ancient photo is my sister sitting with Rosie, and I'm on the right sitting with Sammy. If you're curious, the eye patch that childhood me was wearing was due to an eye condition called amblyopia. Rosie and Sammy never noticed the patch, and they loved unconditionally. They were also great reading buddies, and overall just wonderful furry friends for my sister and myself.

For today, I scribbled up a birthday doodle for Rosie and Sammy that relates to the fact that they were our loyal reading buddies. My sister and I grew up during the craze of the Harry Potter series being published, and we loved reading them and still enjoy the series to this day. While Sammy sadly wasn't around for a lot of this journey, both Rosie and Sammy were still a huge part of that aspect of our lives in their own ways. In the world of Harry Potter, magical children go to a school called Hogwarts, and according to Harry Potter lore, classes at Hogwarts begin on September 1st. Childhood me was so excited to read that fact, since my childhood kitties Rosie and Sammy shared that as their birthday.

All of the above rambling to say, here are Rosie and Sammy having a magical sort of birthday party at Hogwarts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROSIE AND SAMMY!

***

Since this post is indeed our Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day memorial, I also have to include my angelic childhood pups, Banjo and Shellie, who would keep me company and entertain me for hours on end.

I can't fail to mention that I also remember my childhood feathered friends, Pippin, Robin, and Sweetpea. And of course I also remember my aquatic angels, such as Lieutenant Legs and Oscar.

Though I sometimes cannot help but feel sadness that some of my dearest friends have made the journey to the Rainbow Bridge, I will forever be grateful for the unconditional love and memories they gifted me. I will forever remember them. I will forever love them.

***

Tip of the Day

I apologize to anyone who does not yet wish to unofficially begin autumn. For me, though, September 1st marks the day when I can really start celebrating my favorite season of the year. That's why, starting today, we'll be doing a series of tips on pet safety during the season of autumn.

Since the fall semester of school is starting up for students, that's what our autumnal tip for today relates to. If any students live in your home with your furbabies, be sure that care is taken to keep your kitties or pups safe from any rampant school supplies. Pens, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, tape, scissors, and any and all sorts of school supplies could potentially pose a risk if left where a furbaby can turn them into a toy or snack. Ingested erasers or other supplies, for example, can result in gastrointestinal upset or even perforated or obstructed bowels. Obviously, this is not ideal, and so school supplies should be tucked safely away, out of reach of cats and dogs. Keep this in mind throughout the school year as well. Backpacks, for example, might contain some of the aforementioned potentially dangerous school supplies, or even lunches or snacks that contain hazardous ingredients. Therefore, again, be sure to keep all such school items well out of reach of your furbaby. As we always say, i's better to be safe than sorry.

Remembering Angel Rosie

Today, May 7, marks 9 years since my angel Rosie flew to the Rainbow Bridge.

Every year, I ponder what to post in my dear Rosie's honor. She was my best friend, my pride and joy, as well as the main reason I felt compelled to start this blog of ours. A few years ago, I finally found some words that more or less explain how I want to remember my Rosie every year on the anniversary of her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. So, I'm now going to re-post what I have said before, because the words still ring true.

Rosie was by my side for 21 years, from the time I was 4 years old until soon after my 26th birthday. She was my companion through nearly every milestone in my life up to that point. This is certainly one major reason why the day I lost her was the worst day of my life thus far.

That all being said, as devastating as it was to lose her, I simply cannot forget the countless beautiful, happy, and funny memories Rosie gifted me. I would never and could never wish those memories away. That's why, when I think of Rosie, I always do all that I can to refrain from feeling sadness. Instead, at the thought of her, I try to go into my reservoir of memories and find ones that bring me joy. And let me tell you, there are many, many, many of those. What's more, I'm certain Rosie would not want the thought of her to bring me sadness.

It's difficult not to feel some semblance of melancholy when thinking of a lost loved one. But, in honor of the companionship, love, and countless memories that she gave me, I always try to remember Rosie with nothing but a smile. After all, for 21 years, she made me smile each and every day. She will always be my ray of sunshine in this world.

I love you, my Rosie, forever and always!

The above image was created a few years ago by the ever so talented Ann of Zoolatry. I don't know if there is an image I cherish more than this one. I have never enjoyed having my photo taken, and the only regret that brings me is that I do not have many photos of myself with my furbabies. However, I am beyond grateful that my mom once snapped a candid shot of me kissing my sweet Rosie on the head. Ann then spruced up that photo to create the beautiful image above. I cannot express how grateful I am to have this image to help me forever remember the bond Rosie and I shared.

***

Tip of the Day

 

Today's tip in our wildlife series is all about feeding those birds in your yard. To begin, it may not be necessary to put food out for birds in warm months, when, unlike in the cold winter months, natural food sources are prevalent. That being said, it nevertheless typically does no harm to feed birds in your yard even in the warm months. So, feel free to feed those feathered friends. Your furbabies will thank you for the Bird TV.

Now, let's start with a couple of things not to feed the birds in your yard. Bread is one food that is not really all that ideal for birds. This is especially the case if the bread is moldy, which can have toxic effects. Chocolate is of course another no-no when it comes to feeding birds. Those are just to name a couple, though. If you have any doubts about a food being toxic to birds or other wildlife, err on the side of caution and do not leave it outdoors for them.

Now, on to what you can feed those birds. There can be a lot of factors when it comes to feeding birds. Different regions have different birds, different birds prefer different feed, and different feed sometimes requires different feeders or feeding methods. If you are really serious about feeding birds in your back yard, perhaps do a tad bit of research, or ask for some professional advice when purchasing bird feed at a specialty store. In short, though, birds often enjoy foods such as sunflower seeds, millet, nyjer seeds (typically put out for goldfinches), cracked corn, suet cakes, peanuts, or even some fruit. Remember what we said in previous tips, though, and place food for the birds somewhere that is safe for them, as well as for your furbabies.

A Birthday Bash and Friendly Fill-Ins

I'm going to kick this post off with something special. And that is...

Happy Birthday, my angels Sammy and Rosie!

I will forever be grateful for every second of time I had with my sweet childhood kitties. Sadly, Sammy passed away from an undetected heart condition at the age of 5, when I was 9 years old. Rosie, however, lived to 21 years old. She was with me from the time I was 4 until I was 26. These two dear kitties were and always will be some of the greatest friends and companions I'll ever know in my life.

So, again, Happy Heavenly Birthday, Sammy and Rosie! I hope you're celebrating your amazing lives up there just as much as I'm celebrating you down here. You will never be forgotten, my sweet angels.

***

And now we're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. 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 non-monetary prize I would like to win is _________.

2. If I won tickets to _________, I would give them away.

3. I think that those who _________ should _________.

4. When it comes to telling stories, I _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. A non-monetary prize I would like to win is pretty much any pet supplies.

(I'd be happy winning my kitties' or pup's food, treats, medications, or really anything they use regularly. I'd even be happy winning toys or other fun goodies for them. Anything that makes their life great would be a win to me.)

2. If I won tickets to any big event, I would give them away.

(I'm not a huge fan of big, loud, rambunctious events. It's just not my kind of thing. I've been to a couple of concerts in my life, and while I enjoyed them for the music, they were also a bit too loud and rowdy at times for me. I'm more than fine enjoying my entertainment in quieter settings, like my house. Call me boring, because that's exactly what I am.)

3. I think that those who abuse animals should face significant punishment.

(I typed out a more elaborate explanation, but I have trouble remaining kind when speaking about animal abusers. So, I'll leave further detail to the imagination.)

4. When it comes to telling stories, I am better with written words than spoken words.
(I have some family members who stand in front of a crowd and tell a tale like they're on a stage giving a talented performance. I absolutely cannot do that. My conversational skills, and sometimes just my verbal communication skills in general, are nothing to write home about. That said, while I still have a ton of room for improvement, I do enjoy and think I'm somewhat decent at stories I can physically write.)

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.

***

Who's ready for their Eddy fix? You are? Well, lucky for you, we've got just what you need.

Eddy was only slightly annoyed by the fogginess of the window. It's been so humid here lately, that most mornings the windows are just covered in fog and water. The kitties don't really appreciate the barrier that provides to their snoopervising skills, but they make do.

Happy Friday, friends!

***

Tip of the Day

I apologize to anyone who does not yet wish to unofficially begin autumn. For me, though, September 1st marks the day when I can really start celebrating my favorite season of the year. That's why, starting today, we'll be doing a series of tips on pet safety during the season of autumn.

Since the fall semester of school is starting up for students, that's what our autumnal tip for today relates to. If any students live in your home with your furbabies, be sure that care is taken to keep your kitties or pups safe from any rampant school supplies. Pens, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, tape, scissors, and any and all sorts of school supplies could potentially pose a risk if left where a furbaby can turn them into a toy or snack. Ingested erasers or other supplies, for example, can result in gastrointestinal upset or even perforated or obstructed bowels. Obviously, this is not ideal, and so school supplies should be tucked safely away, out of the reach of cats and dogs. Keep this in mind throughout the school year as well. Backpacks, for example, might contain some of the aforementioned potentially dangerous school supplies, or even lunches or snacks that contain hazardous ingredients. Therefore, again, be sure to keep all such school items well out of reach of your furbaby. What do we always say? It's better to be safe than sorry.

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

We're sure most of you already know that today is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, initiated by Deborah Barnes of Zee & Zoey in 2015. We hope you all don't mind if we share the same Rainbow Bridge post that we shared over the last couple of years, but these words all still ring true.

Today, I remember my dear angel Rosie, who was my beautiful calico companion and confidant for 21 years.

I most certainly also remember Rosie's angel brother, that being the handsome, sweet, and patient Sammy.

And I remember my angelic childhood pups, Banjo and Shellie, who would keep me company and entertain me for hours on end.

I can't fail to mention that I also remember my childhood feathered friends, Pippin, Robin, and Sweetpea. And of course I also remember my aquatic angels, such as Lieutenant Legs and Oscar.

Though I sometimes cannot help but feel sadness that some of my dearest friends have made the journey to the Rainbow Bridge, I will forever be grateful for the unconditional love and memories they gifted me. I will forever remember them. I will forever love them.

Now I'm going to share a flashback doodle that tangentially relates to this day of angels. This upcoming week, particularly Friday, is the birthday of my angels Rosie and Sammy. While I'll be sharing a new birthday doodle for them on the big day itself, this here flashback is a doodle I scribbled up for Rosie and Sammy's heavenly birthday something like 5 or 6 years ago. Even though they may not be with me in person, I will never forget them.

Wishing you all a day of peace as you remember your angels.

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Today, we're taking a bit of a break from our feline vet visit tips in order to share a tip for Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. Today's tip will offer some ideas on how you might be able to memorialize your Rainbow Bridge angels. Everyone has their own way of grieving and their own thoughts on memorials. Below are just some ideas that some may wish to use, while others may opt for other memorial options.

To begin, you can simply yet effectively memorialize your angel by displaying photos of them. You can even set up a little memorial corner or other area in your home, specifically for maintaining a memorial for your Rainbow Bridge angel. Whether or not you display it in a specific memorial area, you can also display your angel's clay paw, if you have one. You can also select a special urn for their remains, if you opted to keep their cremated remains.

Another option is to have customized portraits or other artwork painted or otherwise created for your Rainbow Bridge angel. You can have such artwork created based on your favorite photo of your angel, for example. Another option is to have custom jewelry created, using your Rainbow Bridge angel's image or name. Whether you wear such jewelry or put it on display, it can make for a lovely, unique memorial item.

If you can and want to, you can also create your own art or craft in honor of your angel. Whether this be a drawing, collage, or anything in between, this can help you feel closer to your angel. Or, you can write something in honor of your Rainbow Bridge angel. You can write a letter to them, write a poem for them, or simply write down any and all memories that you share with them. This is yet another way that you can honor and feel close to your angel, and you can choose to display or store away your personalized memorial items.

If you have a yard or garden where this is possible, you can also plant a tree or flower in honor of your Rainbow Bridge angel. You can also place a memorial plaque or statue for them in your yard or garden, or even inside your home. In the case where you can and do bury your furbaby in your yard, you can also select grave markers, including customized ones, to mark their resting place in a special way.

Yet another potential way to memorialize your Rainbow Bridge angel is to make some sort of donation to a shelter or rescue, such as the one from which they were adopted. Donations can be monetary, or in the form of food, toys, or even your time. Other donations you can make include those to the cause for a cure, such as in the case that your angel passed away from or suffered from a particular disease.

The options for memorializing Rainbow Bridge angels are endless. Everyone grieves and honors lost loved ones in their own way, and that is more than fine. If you wish to memorialize your angel, simply think of what ways might feel best to you, and then pursue those options.

Remembering Angel Rosie

It was a hectic weekend, hence our absence. That's something I'm trying to remedy, but I digress.

Yesterday, May 7, marked 8 years since my angel Rosie flew to the Rainbow Bridge. I may not have posted on the day itself, but I still want to share a memorial post for my sweet calico angel.

Every year, I ponder what to post in my dear Rosie's honor. She was my best friend, my pride and joy, as well as the main reason I felt compelled to start this blog of ours. A couple years ago, I finally found some words that more or less explain how I want to remember my Rosie every year on the anniversary of her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. So, I'm now going to re-post what I have said before, because the words still ring true.

Rosie was by my side for 21 years, from the time I was 4 years old until soon after my 26th birthday. She was my companion through nearly every milestone in my life up to that point. This is certainly one major reason why the day I lost her was the worst day of my life thus far.

That all being said, as devastating as it was to lose her, I simply cannot forget the countless beautiful, happy, and funny memories Rosie gifted me. I would never and could never wish those memories away. That's why, when I think of Rosie, I always do all that I can to refrain from feeling sadness. Instead, at the thought of her, I try to go into my reservoir of memories and find ones that bring me joy. And let me tell you, there are many, many, many of those. What's more, I'm certain Rosie would not want the thought of her to bring me sadness.

It's difficult not to feel some semblance of melancholy when thinking of a lost loved one. But, in honor of the companionship, love, and countless memories that she gave me, I always try to remember Rosie with nothing but a smile. After all, for 21 years, she made me smile each and every day. She will always be my ray of sunshine in this world.

I love you, my Rosie, forever and always!

The above image was created a couple years ago by the ever so talented Ann of Zoolatry. I don't know if there is an image I cherish more than this one. I have never enjoyed having my photo taken, and the only regret that brings me is that I do not have many photos of myself with my furbabies. However, I am beyond grateful that my mom once snapped a candid shot of me kissing my sweet Rosie on the head. Ann then spruced up that photo to create the beautiful image above. I cannot express how grateful I am to have this image to help me forever remember the bond Rosie and I shared.

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Tip of the Day

As we mentioned in our last tip, we are doing a bit of a different sort of series of tips, that being one all about wildlife. We're staring today with some tips on feeding none other than geese, ducks, swans, and the like. First, keep in mind that not all areas allow the feeding of these birds, for a variety of reasons. So, first make sure that you're in a location that is safe and appropriate for feeding wild birds such as geese and ducks.

Now, on to feeding these birds of whom we're starting to see more and more in these springtime days. First and foremost, despite popular belief, bread is not an ideal food to feed geese and ducks. Bread does not have much in the way of nutritional value for these wild birds, and often can do more harm than good. So, then, what should you feed animals such as geese? You can offer them some regular birdseed, keeping in mind that sunflower seeds are not one that is ideal for them. You can also give them grapes, kale, and Romain lettuce. That being said, make sure that these foods are bite size, or else there is the risk that the geese or ducks could choke. So, cut grapes in half, and chop up kale or lettuce that you offer. If you offer birdseed or other small foods, mound them up in small piles for ease of eating.

Also ensure that you take safety precautions, both for yourself and the wild birds. For example, it is typically best that you not feed the birds directly out of your hands. In addition, place the food you feed them in a safe area, such as away from roads. In general, you simply have to use common sense, and if you're not sure something is safe, simply don't do it. Interacting with wildlife can be an inspiring and unique experience, but it is always best to keep both their safety and your safety in mind.

Tonks Tuesday: A Cute Nose and the Letter C

Hello and happy Tuesday! Tonks is pretty sure she's shown you her adorable little nose somewhat recently, but she decided to do so again today so that you don't forget just how cute it is.

Need a closer view? Yes? Okay, here you go.

Now, that little calico seems like a pretty good segue into today's doodle for the April A to Z Challenge.

This year, my A to Z theme is something along the lines of "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things", and today we've reached the letter C. As you could probably guess, my C stands for cats. Now, with the doodle below, my C can also stand for the companionship and camaraderie cats offer us, and how they can be our confidantes. It could also stand for calicoes. I love me a calico, and this doodle right here stars my dear angel Rosie, who was my calico companion and confidante from the time I was 4 years old until I was 26 years old.

 

Now, let me be honest and say that the doodle above was not supposed to be the one I shared today. I was looking and looking in my computer's art file for the scanned version of my doodle for this year's letter C. After being unable to find it and glancing in my art notebook, I realized that this weekend I randomly colored in my sketches for letters like E and O, but forgot to color in C's doodle. But, the above doodle has a cat, none other than my Rosie, who is also C for calico, and who was my C for companion, comrade, and confidante. So, it all works out.

Want to know what letter that doodle up there was supposed to be used for? That was O's doodle. It was a loose translation, though, as that doodle was O for Orion. I love astronomy and took some courses on it in college, the homework being something Rosie often kept me company during, which is sort of what this doodle represented overall. That said, in the upper right corner is the constellation Orion, my favorite constellation in the night sky, at least while it's visible from roughly September to March. But, now that doodle represents C for cat, and all the C things cats are to us. I guess it could also still stand for constellation, but I digress. I already know what my new O and its new doodle will be.

Just for kicks, I'll share the pencil outline of the intended C doodle that was somehow forgotten this weekend. Ready for the messiness that can often be found in my art notebook? Yes? Good, because here you go.

Those are the four cats who currently own me (do you see Evan and his special little legs in the bottom right corner?), and the two cats in the frames on the wall are my angels Rosie and Sammy. There are still some upcoming letters for which I haven't yet completed doodles, so there's a chance that pencil outline will be used or reworked a bit to fit another letter. I actually already have an idea on how to use this doodle for a letter I haven't fully committed to yet, so you'll still likely be seeing it this month.

Have I rambled enough yet? Oh, more than enough? Well then, have a terrific Tuesday, friends!

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Tip of the Day

Today, we have the last tip in a repeat series of heartworm tips that we've shared in the past. This is because April is Heartworm Awareness Month. So, the final such tip is below.

Today’s tip is a very long one, and it relates to a fact that especially all cat parents really should know. And this is that there is currently no true treatment for heartworms in cats. There are treatments available for dogs that can kill the adult heartworms, but this does not work the same for cats. One reason for this is that the drug used to treat heartworms in dogs has been found, in some cases, to cause sudden death in cats. This is often due to dead or dying heartworms causing blockages and cardiac failure. Another reason why treatments may not work is because the life cycle of a heartworm is different in a dog versus a cat.

In dogs, the lifespan of a heartworm is longer, around five to seven years. This lifespan includes larvae entering the body after a mosquito bite, traveling to the heart, and then growing into mature, reproducing adults. Dogs are an optimal host for heartworms.

In cats, the heartworm lifespan is far shorter, often two to three years. What’s more, cats are not a prime host for heartworms, and a cat’s body itself often overcomes the heartworms, typically before they can even enter into adulthood. This is why far less adult heartworms are found in cats than are found in dogs. Even immature heartworms, which are typically what would circulate in the blood and be indicative of disease in a canine heartworm test, are often not found in the blood of cats. This is why cats are less commonly diagnosed with heartworm disease. Then again, though, it is not impossible for a cat to have heartworm disease, and in this case, heartworms cannot be killed as they can in dogs.

For cats, one of the only options for a cure is to have the heartworms surgically removed. This, of course, can be tricky and risky. Symptoms of the disease can also perhaps be controlled and the cat made comfortable with various medications and supportive treatments. Given that a cat might be able to outlive the heartworms, it is possible to treat the symptoms while the heartworms go through their cycle and ultimately die. As mentioned earlier, though, heartworms can live for two to three years in a cat, and there is still always the risk of pulmonary or cardiac failure while the heartworms remain.

With such limited treatment options for heartworms in cats, it is incredibly important to again note that the best option is to keep your cats on heartworm prevention. The risk of heartworm disease might seem small, but it is a risk nonetheless. And, just as always, it is better to be safe than sorry.

And, there is one last note for pup parents. Though there is a more successful heartworm treatment for dogs, heartworm disease can cause permanent damage. This can lead to lifelong issues, such as of the heart and lungs, even after the heartworms are eradicated. For this reason, heartworm prevention is of course also recommended for dogs.