Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday

It's Thursday, and we're ready to rhyme.

Every Thursday, we enjoy participating in Angel Sammy and Teddy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge. Each week, our hosts share a photo prompt to guide us as we get poetic. The photo prompt for this week is this magical one here:

As you all have probably heard me say roughly a gazillion times, I am a huge fan of fantasy. That's why this prompt had be thoroughly excited. But, if I'm being totally transparent, my poem didn't end up how I'd hoped it would. I went in with plenty of fun and fanciful intentions, and I feel like my poem ended up quite bland and nowhere near as magical as the image. But, such is life.

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time,

There was a girl named Emmaline.

Her best friend was a cat of black,

And his name was Jack.

Emmaline and Jack spent ample time in the library.
They enjoyed books of fantasy, and even some that were scary.
In these books, they met creatures both feathered and hairy.
Truth be told, they found the most joy in reading of fairies.

They read of tiny colonies in enchanted forests,
A topic that they found not even a tad bit boring.
There were castles run by magical fairy queens,
And fairy rings that were, by human eyes, oft not able to be seen.

It was such tales that Emmaline and Jack sought out.
When the library was closed, they could not help but pout.
This exact thing happened on one fine holiday,
Leaving Emmaline and Jack without a literary place to stay.

The girl and her cat hung their heads.
Where would they go instead?
Without the library, they felt lost at sea.
Left with no other choice, they moseyed down the street.

Their sad stroll led them to a green, grassy park.
How long had they been going, because now it was dark?
Stars lit the domed sky overhead.
Then, suddenly, through the air, laughter did spread.

Emmaline and Jack looked all around,
But they could not see the person who created that sound.
With care and caution, they walked forward a bit more.
Then, suddenly, they were standing on a forest floor.

In front of them stood tree after tree.
Just moments before, not a single tree had been seen.
Not only had trees and more trees suddenly appeared,
But the sound of the laughter had grown louder in their ears.

Where had this forest been hiding?
And from where was that laughter floating and gliding?
Did this all come down to some sort of magic?
Truth be told, neither Emmaline nor Jack would find that tragic.

As the laughter grew louder,
Emmaline felt Jack shuffle beside her.
Then, without warning, he was off.
Farther into the forest he did jump and trot.

Emmaline shouted, "Where are you going, Jack?
Stop right there! You come back!"
Jack, unsurprisingly, did not obey,
Did not listen to a single word she did say.

Emmaline was left with no choice but to follow.
Though beautiful, the forest left a lump in her throat to swallow.
Tiptoeing past the never-ending trees,
Emmaline finally found what she did seek.

Indeed, Jack could be seen not far off.
So could the source of the laughter, which was now quiet and soft.
Emmaline gasped and threw a hand over her mouth.
Out of the ground, toadstools did sprout!
It was behind one of these that Jack currently did crouch.
The toadstools formed a most fantastical fairy ring,
And that was where the source of the laughter could be seen.

The laughter came from what was, quite obviously, a fairy!
She donned hair of pink, a shade not even remotely scary.
Her tiny, winged body stood atop a toadstool bold and bright.
In front of her she held an open book, and to it were glued her eyes.

As she read the words on the pages in front of her,
From the fairy came a bout of lively, happy laughter.
As she laughed, there was suddenly a breeze,
Which made Emmaline sniffle, and then she sneezed.

There was no masking that sort of sound,
And so of course the fairy looked and spun around.
Emmaline was fairly certain fairies were a peaceful race,
Yet she was afraid she might see anger on that tiny face.

But, no, not an ounce of anger could be seen.
Instead, in those tiny bright eyes, there was something like glee.

The fairy cried, "You're a girl!
A real human girl!

And look at that!"

She was pointing to Jack.

"That there, that's a cat!"

Emmaline and Jack stood frozen in place,
Jaws dropped and eyes big and wide on their face.
Not waiting for them to utter a single word,
The fairy's wings flew her over in a blur.
She exclaimed, "I've been reading about your kind in my books.

Such tales are so fun, funny, and have me quite hooked!"

The fairy extended her book to Emmaline and Jack,
Saying, "This is just one from my great big book stack.
You're free to borrow it, to read it front to back.
There's no way you won't enjoy a tale like that."

Emmaline accepted the book the fairy offered.
Though, holding something so tiny was really quite awkward.
The words on the pages were as tiny as fleas,
Making them quite exceedingly difficult to see and read.

The fairy insisted, though, "Go ahead, read on!
You can easily finish this tale by dawn."
Emmaline cleared her throat and squinted her eyes,
And as she read the story's words, she was filled with great surprise:

"Once upon a time,

There was a girl named Emmaline.

Her best friend was a cat of black,

And his name was Jack."

***

Our Thursday simply wouldn't be complete without Thimble and her Thankfuls.

Thimble is again thankful for her pretty whiskers and her pretty profile. Thimble is also again sitting by her favorite mirror in these shots, and she was admiring herself plenty. I was admiring her plenty, too.

As always, we are also so very thankful for you wonderful friends we have made in this blogging community.

***

Now, last but not least, we have for you the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I am always _________.

2. I brake for _________.

3. I'd be lying if I said _________.

4. _________ wins the race.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is one we've touched on time and time again, but it is a pretty important one. As you all certainly know, never forget that some human founds can indeed be toxic to our kitties and pups. Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, and raisins are just some of the foods that could lead to extremely dangerous or even fatal consequences if ingested. Also don't forget about the sweetener known as xylitol. This can often be found in sugar-free gums and candies, but also in various other foods, drinks, and even medicines, supplements, and toothpaste. This sneaky ingredient is indeed toxic, especially to dogs.

Though symptoms of toxicity can vary based on what human food our furbaby ate, and how much, signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty walking, or any other number of concerning manifestations. If you know or think your furbaby might have eaten a toxic food, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance. Just as with any poison, removing the toxins from the body and treating the patient in a timely manner can be a matter of life or death. To prevent such emergencies, avoid feeding your furbaby any and all foods that you are not absolutely certain are safe.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Next up in our National Pet Poison Awareness Month series of tips is a quick discussion on rodenticides. We rather recently mentioned these, but we'll mention them again for this month of poison prevention. These chemicals, meant to kill mice, rats, and other rodents, are dangerous all around. Depending on the type of poison, rodenticides can cause any number of potentially fatal side effects, such as internal bleeding or acute kidney failure. Ingesting the rodenticide itself is of course one way in which your furbaby can be poisoned. In addition to this, though, if a rodent ingests the rodenticide or walks through it, and then your furbaby gets a hold of that rodent, the poison can also pass into your furbaby's system this way.

To be safe, simply try to avoid the use of rodenticides completely. If rodenticides are being stored or used in your home, garage, garden, or other areas, though, absolutely ensure that your cat or dog cannot reach them. Also monitor your furbabies if you think rodents are in your house and a rodenticide is being used, to ensure your cat or dog does not catch or eat a rodent that has been poisoned. Severe side effects can result from rodenticides, for both the rodents, your furbabies, and even wildlife. So, please do all that you can to avoid their use.

Tonks Tuesday

Though Tonks and Eddy still do not get along in the least, they are actually very much alike. Perhaps that's why they so strongly despise each other? Well, anyway, both Tonks and Eddy are very set in their ways, they are both incredibly active and playful, and they both refuse to sit still for the camera. That's why, in order for you all to get a Tonks Tuesday post today, you're going to have to settle for some bloopers. This little calico sure does try to give blooper queen Eddy a run for her money.

This next one actually isn't too much of a blooper. See?

Just look at those whiskers! And that pink nose! Tonks thought you might like yet another closer look, so here you go:

It's been a while since I've given an update on the status of the ongoing feud that is Eddy versus the kittens. The long and short of it is that, though I frequently do and will continue with attempts to get Eddy and the kittens even a bit more used to each other by way of monitored visits, they really just don't like each other. Some days are better than others, some days are worse than others, and some days it's a downright war zone around here.

Eddy has never really liked other cats all that much, except for her mancat Evan, so it's not like I was all that surprised when she displayed her hatred the second the kittens arrived last year. The kittens, especially Tonks, very much so feed off of Eddy's aversion to them, and so when they interact with Eddy, there is a surplus of mutual hissing, growling, swatting, chasing (truth be told, Eddy is so fearful and skittish that it's the kittens who are chasing her in 99.9% of the chase scenes at our house), and all that wonderful goodness that often rears its head in a multicat home. It sure is catty around here sometimes! Luckily, though, Eddy has always been happy to spend the majority of her time in the safety of my bedroom, and a simple baby gate in my bedroom doorway has prevented an excess of cat fights, while also allowing everyone to still be able to see and hear each other.

Have a terrific Tuesday, friends!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Yesterday, we discussed being aware of your furbaby's safety around potentially hazardous plants. Today, as yet another tip for National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're giving a reminder to also be careful of other dangers that might come with those plants. When outside with your pup or kitty, always be cognizant of the fact that some areas may have been treated with fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides. Depending on their ingredients, such garden substances can potentially affect the intestinal tract, respiratory system, the mucosal membranes of the eyes and nose, or the skin. So, try to avoid using such garden treatments in your yard and around your home, or ensure that any treated areas are kept off limits to your pups and kitties. Also be careful when you are away from home and in areas with which you are not familiar, including strangers' yards and public parks, as you do not know what types of plant or lawn treatments may have been used in such places.

In addition, if you do use any form of fertilizer, weed killer, or pesticide, always be cautious where you store it. Make sure that it is in an areas that your furbaby cannot reach. And yet another consideration to make is the possibility of your furbaby or yourself unknowingly walking through a treated area while outside. Therefore, after a stroll outside, you might consider wiping off your furbaby's paws, as well as your shoes, to help ensure that nothing unknown is left lingering and entering the home. We can't say it enough times—it's better to be safe than sorry!

Mancat Monday

It's cold, there's snow on the ground, and so Evan has decided that he's just going to stay in bed and snooze all day.

Who else is taking a nap until winter is over?

Happy Monday and happy napping to all!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

I've been really into galactic and spacey art lately. I also love books, and, obviously, cats. So, here's this.

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Spring is just around the corner (hopefully), and that means blooms and blossoms will start to make appearances. As beautiful as it is, though, don't forget that this season can also come with dangers. That's why today's tip for National Pet Poison Awareness Month is to keep in mind that some of the plants blooming this time of year can indeed be poisonous to your pups and kitties. These include, but are not limited to, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocus, azaleas, and lilies. Of course, there are plants that bloom during other parts of the year that are also toxic, so be aware of this year-round.

Try to keep your furbaby from chomping on any questionable plants, keeping an especially close eye when out on walks or in unfamiliar areas. In your own yard, block off your furbaby's access to areas that contain plants, in order to avoid the ingestion of any potentially toxic ones. If you think your furbaby might have snacked on a dangerous plant or begins displaying signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, or lethargy, seek veterinary assistance immediately. The beauties of Spring can indeed bring their fair share of dangers, so always be aware of your furbaby's safety around the plants that are blooming.

A Snaggletooth Selfie

On Friday, Eddy showed off a — gasp! — non-blurry shot of herself. What's more, can you believe that's not the only non-blurry shot of Eddy that exists? By nothing short of a miracle, Eddy actually sat still for an entire photo shoot recently. So what if it was because she was distracted by a squirrel she saw from the window? Anyway, one of the uncharacteristically non-blurry shots of Eddy was this up close and personal selfie, which, as the title suggests, stars her adorable snaggletooth.

I love that snaggletooth. It's the result facial nerve paralysis, which, along with a head tilt, Eddy had when she came to me as a kitten. Neither her facial nerve paralysis nor her head tilt, and certainly nor that snaggleeooth, keep Eddy from being a happy, active, and insanely adorable little lady.

Of course, Eddy's miraculously non-blurry selfie is our contribution to the Sunday Selfies Blog Hop, hosted by the Kitties Blue over at The Cat on My Head.

Happy Sunday, friends!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

It may be March, but we're expecting snow today. That's why I decided to scribble up just one last winter doodle. To help it feel like a warmer, more inviting doodle, I brought in my sweet angel Rosie. When she was still with me, I cherished cold winter days, because those were some of the only times my Rosie was willingly a cuddly lap kitty.

***

Our Tip of the Day:

And so continue our tips for National Pet Poison Awareness Month. We've mentioned before the benefits of having a first aid kit for your furbaby. What's more, a first aid kit would do well to take the potential for poisoning into consideration. For example, it could be beneficial to have 3% hydrogen peroxide as part of a pet first aid kit, as this can be used to induce vomiting, most commonly in dogs. For poisons that involve skin contact, dish soap could potentially be used to help remove the offending agent, and so even that could be included in a pet first aid kit.

All of the above being said, though, it is most wise to never try to treat a poisoned cat or dog without first contacting a veterinarian. This is because, depending on the type of toxic substance involved in a poison event, and even sometimes depending on the particular animal's overall health status, certain treatments could do more harm than good. For example, if your furbaby ingested a corrosive agent, inducing vomiting could cause even more damage. For reasons such as these, always contact a veterinarian immediately when poisoning is known or suspected. A veterinarian can inform you if or what first aid you can perform, and you can then use items from your pet first aid kit to offer immediate care as recommended. Of course, getting your furbaby to a veterinarian in an emergency is still crucial! But, first aid treatment can certainly help stall or treat the effects of a toxicity.

A Seuss Sort of Day

Happy birthday to you, Dr. Seuss!

No one will ever be able to rhyme quite like you.

We thank you for a certain cat in a hat,

And for so very much more than that.
Thanks to you, Horton heard that Who,
And the world got to know Thing One and Thing Two.
Happy birthday to you, Dr. Seuss!

***

Our Tip of the Day:

Yesterday, as part of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we mentioned the importance of having solid plans for taking your furbaby to a local veterinary clinic in the event that they are exposed to a poisonous substance. Along these same lines, also don't forget about the ASPCA Poison Control Center, which you can call 24/7. The phone number is 888-426-4435. This is an option in perhaps a bit less dire circumstances, when it is more likely that immediate medical attention is not needed. The ASPCA Poison Control Center can help you determine, for example, if the amount of chocolate your dog ate or if the pill of your human medication that your cat swallowed is something that might warrant a rush trip to the vet. Though, they can also potentially recommend treatments or at-home first aid tips in the case of poison exposure. There is the chance that you will be charged a consultation fee, but, should you need professional poison control advice immediately, that number might very well be a good one to call.

Friendly Fill-Ins

Are you ready for a challenge? How about the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge? In case you missed the fill-in statements yesterday, I'll share them again here. Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.


1. My favorite kind of music is _________.

2. I don't believe _________.

3. My ideal day _________.

4. Don't let _________ stop you from _________.

If you're curious how I'd answer these, here you go. My answers are in bold.

1. My favorite kind of music is inspiring.
(I have recently found some new musical artists I enjoy, and so I've been listening to more music than usual lately. That being said, I always have trouble pinpointing just one kind of music that I would consider my favorite. I have playlists that include anything from instrumental to rock, so I tried to think of one word to describe all of them. The songs I enjoy most are ones that, for one reason or another, make me feel inspired. There are songs with certain instruments and tones that inspire me, and others with lyrics that speak to me.)

2. I don't believe anyone belongs in a mold.
(I've given answers like this before, but I really, truly don't think any of us were intended to be just like anyone else on this earth. We are all unique in our own ways. Nobody should fit into a mold. There shouldn't even be a mold. I'm fairly certain I've shared this Oscar Wilde quote before, probably more than once, but here it goes yet again: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.")

3. My ideal day would involve staying home with my furbabies.
(That's pretty much all there is to it. I think they call this a staycation, and I'm all for it.)

4. Don't let fear of failure stop you from achieving your dreams.
(Most goals and dreams can't be reached unless your're willing to face your fears and at least try. You may even have to try over and over again and fail a few times, before you find your path to success. But, you'll never know where your hopes, dreams, and aspirations will lead you until you push that fear aside and try.)

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.

***

We wouldn't leave you without a Friday Eddy fix. What's more, this time around, Eddy even sat still for her shot. See?

Eddy and all of us here wish you a bright and beautiful day!

***

Our Doodle of the Day:

***

Our Tip of the Day:

We're yet again going to be repeating a series of tips we gave last year. This is because the topic at hand is an important one. After all, March is Pet Poison Awareness Month, and so we'll be giving some tips relating to this over the next couple of weeks. We'll begin with a simple one. For today, we just want to remind you to always have a plan for an emergency, of course including the possibility of your furbaby ingesting some form of toxic material. This could be chocolate, a poisonous plant, human medication, or even an item such as a battery. Being prepared would include knowing where to take your furbaby, as quickly as possible, in the event that they consume anything poisonous. For example, if the trip to your regular veterinarian is not a quick drive, then perhaps have another backup clinic in mind, one that is closer, in the event that you need to get your furbaby help in a very timely manner.

Along this same line of thought, also make sure you know the nearest emergency veterinary clinic, especially for evenings, weekends, and holidays. Have the phone number and address of said clinic handy, such as in your phone or on your refrigerator. What's more, we may not always think of this, but also try to be knowledgeable of how to get to any clinic you might need, before you might need to get there in a pinch. If need be, bookmark or print out directions to nearby clinics and keep them somewhere accessible. This way, should your furbaby get into anything poisonous, you can hop in the car and get help without delay. As we always say, it's better to be safe than sorry.