S is for...

The A to Z Challenge sure is flying by. We're already at the letter S. A common letter, there were options aplenty for animals that we could add to our doodled A to Z Menagerie today. The furbabies around here, though, had a particular request. Remember all of their window whiffies they showed off this week? If not, we can give you a bit of a summary.

Evan took to gazing out the open window on Monday:

Pup Astrid enjoyed some fresh air on Wednesday:

Thimble had a grand time peeping out the open window on Thursday:

And even Eddy sat still enough on Friday to enjoy a few whiffs:

Well, when it comes to all those window whiffies, there's a certain little critter outdoors that always sparks these furbabies' interest the most. What's more, they wanted that animal to be part of our A to Z Menagerie. So, here it is!

Squirrel! Seriously, who doesn't love Squirrel TV? We sure love it around here!

This little guy is entering Athena's Caturday Art blog hop for us.

Happy Caturday to all!

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Our Tip of the Day:

When feeding the outdoor stars of Squirrel TV, keep in mind that they need quality, safe food, just like our furbabies and ourselves. If you plan on feeding wildlife, such as squirrels, it might be wise to do some research first, to ensure that the foods you choose are truly safe for them. For example, did you know that peanuts are really not all that healthy for squirrels? Raw peanuts can be inflicted with toxic mold, and overconsumption of peanuts in general can lead to bone disease in squirrels. In addition to peanuts, sunflower seeds in large quantities can have detrimental effects on squirrels. Of course our furbabies and even us humans enjoy watching the wildlife, but it is important that we not be the cause of their demise. That's not to say that you can't put out some snacks for them, but please do your research first so that they can eat well and thrive!

Sunday Selfie Snouts

Remember last week, when our selfies were all those of some photogenic new pals I made during my recent visit to the Aikman Wildlife Adventure? Well, today we have a couple more photos captured that day.

So, here are our contributions to the Sunday Selfies blog hop, hosted by our good furiends over at The Cat on My Head. These selfies we have for you show an awful lot of snout, and even a smile or two. I hope you don't mind.

These fun friends I made were more eager and willing to snap some selfies than my own furbabies. What's up with that?

One more creature we have for you today is this little guy and his loot:

I drew this squirrely little thing with the hopes of making it part of a Thanksgiving-inspired mixed media sign, or something of the sort, for one of my upcoming art fairs. Obviously the sign is not finished yet, and only this part of it is complete. Sometimes my progress is slow and steady. I'm not sure I'll win the race that way, but I might get close.

Wishing everybuddy a bright and beautiful Sunday!

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Our Tip of the Day:

Did you know that acorns can be toxic to your furbaby? Acorns contain a large quantity of tannins, which is why, if ingested, especially if in large amounts, acorns can lead to upset stomach, ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially kidney damage, among other concerns. Not to mention, ingesting acorns can lead to intestinal blockage in your furbaby. Although autumn is a beautiful time of year, please be cautious of the potential dangers it may pose, acorns being one of them.



Sunday Selfies: A Cutie and Some Critters

We would first like to take a moment to remember all those who lost their lives or were in any way affected by the tragedy that took place in the USA, 15 years ago today, on September 11, 2001. May we never forget.

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Now, our post's title pretty much lays the plans for what you're about to see. That is, for today's Sunday Selfie blog hop, hosted by our wonderful furiends over at The Cat on My Head, there's first this little cutie:

This, of course, is Thimble. And Thimble wonders if anyone can guess what she's doing in this selfie she snapped? Well, not one for patience, she just wants to tell you. She is hunting a bug! Unfortunately, the little sucker was on the outside of the window. Where's the fun in that? Nowhere, that's Thimble's answer. She says there's nothing like an unattainable critter to drive a little kitty nuts.

That leads us to the other half of our post title, though. You see, speaking of critters, we have these two extra special selfies to share today:

These are some selfies I helped some critters take last weekend, when I went on a lovely nature hike in a forested park not too far from my home. It was a gorgeous day, even if I did nearly get eaten alive by mosquitoes. (It's okay, though. I only got bit roughly 50 times, and that's a good day at the park for me.)

Anyway, I met both that little woolly worm and that buzzer on this pretty little path here:

Can you see why I love going on walks there? But that's beside the point. The little critters I met were nice little additions to the already lovely scenery. I have an especial fondness for woolly worms, so that little guy really made my day. He was very soft and very open to some pettings. That little guy with the stinger, not so much.

So, while cutie Thimble may not have been able to get to the little critter she was hunting in her window selfie, this human mom of hers was able to get to some of her own. And they even let me help them snap some selfies, the good sports they were. (But, sshhh, don't tell Thimble that.)

We want to wish all of our furiends a beautiful Sunday!

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Our Tip of the Day:

Always keep in mind that, just like us humans, our furbabies can be susceptible to the dangers that certain insects offer. Just as humans can be allergic to the stings of bees, wasps, and other such insects, so can our cats and dogs. For some furbabies, a sting can result in hives, swelling, or even anaphylaxis. If you see or suspect your furbaby might have been stung, most especially if they begin to show signs of a severe reaction, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care. Stings are not the only danger when it comes to insects, though. As I'm sure you all know, there are spiders, for example, with bites that can spark dangerous reactions. Even fire ant bites can be very dangerous in large quantities. And did you know that even fireflies can be dangerous, such as if your furbaby consumes the chemicals that result in their glowing nature? So, please always be cognizant of what critters your furbaby is hanging out with!