Tonks Tuesday

Tonks is here to wish you all a happy Tuesday!

We hope your day is truly terrific!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's autumn pet safety tip is perhaps a bit random, but it's still in line with our autumnal series. And what is this tip? It's to keep in mind that we're in the middle of grape season. As most of you know, grapes are toxic to cats and dogs. We're sure some of you also know that, in the Northern Hemisphere, grape season typically ranges from August through October. This is something of which to especially be aware if you live in or near vineyard territory. If you live in such areas, do be sure to keep an eye on your kitties or pups during walks or other outdoor activities. As for those who don't live in grape country, and also for those who do live in grape country, be sure to never feed your furbabies grapes or raisins!

Labor Day Lazing

We want to wish all of our friends in the United States a happy Labor Day! We hope your day is relaxing and free of, well, labor. And to any and all of our friends anywhere in the world, happy Monday!

For me, and I believe for many others out there, Labor Day edifies that summer really is coming to an end. By Labor Day, most schools have already gone back into session. In my town, Labor Day is also the last day the local swimming pool is open. If the swimming pool closing its metaphorical doors doesn't signify the end of summer, I don't know what does.

Laze away, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's autumn pet safety tip relates to those leaves, sticks, and other debris that ends up on the ground this time of year. Though they might seem harmless, it is possible for even simple fallen leaves to pose a variety of risks. If your pup or kitty is accustomed to chewing on or ingesting leaves, sticks, acorns, and other bits and pieces that frequently fall from trees during the autumn, for example, then medical issues could result. There is a chance that your cat or dog could end up with gastrointestinal distress if they eat leaves and the like. In worst case scenarios, ingestion of large amounts of leaves, sticks, or acorn material could lead to perforation or obstruction of the bowel.

Another similar risk might come from sharp leaf stems or sticks. If your furbaby is playing out in the yard where leaves are thick and obscure what's beneath, for example, then it is perhaps possible for them to sustain injuries to the eyes, legs, or other areas of the body. This might occur if a stick or leaf stem scrapes or pokes them while they are walking or playing in fallen leaves. In order to prevent injuries and other potential medical emergencies, you can try to keep on top of picking up leaves, sticks, and the like in your yard, so that dangers are less likely to lie in wait. It is also, of course, important to monitor your kitty or pup while they play in the yard or make their way on walks. This way, you can try to help them stay safe from injury from autumn debris on the ground. Of course, though, despite our best intentions, sometimes furbaby emergencies still do occur. If anything of the like occurs, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance.

The Snoopervisor's Sunday Selfie

Evan had planned on giving you a selfie of his full handsome face today. However, he takes his job of snoopervising the neighborhood very seriously, and so when the neighbors showed up outside without his express permission, he had to give them his full attention. Thus, this is the slightly distracted selfie Evan has to share with you all today.

Happy Sunday, friends!

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Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle is a new one, but if it looks slightly familiar it's because it's a new and improved recreation of a flashback doodle we shared recently.

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Tip of the Day

Today's autumn pet safety tip is about none other than snakes. Depending on your location and the types of snakes, it might be baby snake season, or it might be the time when snakes are prepping for hibernation. In such cases, more snakes might very well be out and about and therefore pose a risk to furbabies and humans alike. Of course, not all snakes are dangerous. However, some snakes could indeed pose a risk or could be venomous. The types of snakes that are around of course depend on the area in which you live. So, it might be wise to a bit of research on the types of snakes in your area, and to also research which ones are dangerous to animals and humans. All in all, though, if in doubt, monitor your furbaby when they are outside to ensure that they don't run into any snaky danger. If you do see a snake, remove your kitty or pup from the area, especially if you know the snake is dangerous, but also if you are unsure of the risks it might pose. If your cat or dog is bit by a snake, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care to help ensure that no toxic reaction or infection results.

Caturday Art

Hello and welcome to our late Caturday Art post! Luckily, I just finished what should be the last busy week at work for a while. It's also a three day weekend here in the US, thanks to Labor Day being this upcoming Monday. I'm excited to get ahead again on our blog posts, on my doodles, and all that jazz. Our Caturday Art for today is another flashback, but after this long weekend and thanks to things finally slowing down at work, more new doodles will finally be coming your way. For today, though, does anyone remember this one from last year?

In case you were wondering, there are indeed more cat-o'-lanterns coming your way.

Happy Caturday, friends!

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Tip of the Day

Today's autumn pet safety tip is about those mushrooms we often seeing growing all over the place this time of year. The honest truth is that the majority of mushrooms that we see growing outside don't pose a huge risk to our furbabies. However, a small population of them are a real danger. What's more, it's often difficult to distinguish between the different types of mushrooms, especially if you don't know all that much about these fungi. Therefore, especially if you aren't familiar with types of mushrooms and the level of risk they pose to your furbaby, do be sure to monitor your furbaby when they are in your yard, on a walk, or anywhere mushrooms are growing. Prevent your kitties and pups from gnawing on and ingesting any mushrooms, so as to ensure they are safe from any hazards certain mushrooms might pose.

Friendly Fill-Ins

Hello and happy Friday, friends! We're here and ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. Please join us if this sounds like fun to you! My co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. _________ is more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

2. One should take time to _________ every day.

3. I hesitate to _________ because _________.

4. Is it time for _________ yet?

My answers are below in bold.

1. Animal Crossing is more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

(Animal Crossing is a silly and mindless little video game. I'm not even sure how to describe it, but you create a character who sets up a home in a little village inhabited mostly by anthropomorphic animals. You can do things like decorate your little home, go fishing, catch bugs, go shopping, and all that jazz. There are even extra fun and weird little things to do during the major holiday seasons. It's a weird game and insanely silly, but I honestly find its cuteness and mindlessness rather fun and relaxing.)

2. One should take time to relax every day.

(I'm not always the best at remembering to take moments to relax, but when I do, I do notice just how much it helps me. Take even just 5 minutes for a quiet breather, or take the time to read, to watch TV or a movie, to play a game, or to do whatever it is that relaxes you. Even when life gets busy, or more like especially when life gets busy, we sometimes just really need a moment or two to relax and recharge.)

3. I hesitate to sit on my couch because I seem to be allergic to the new cleaner I used on it.

(Weird answer, I know, but this is very fresh and current in my mind and so I went with it. I regularly do a full clean of my living room couch. After all, there are seven animals in my house, and one of them has urinary incontinence. I used a new cleaner on said couch this past weekend. It's a brand I've used before, it seemed like it would be a harmless one, and I liked its fresh scent. But, after sitting and even napping on the couch, I ended up with full body itching that ultimately turned into full body hives. I'm actually heading to see a doctor this morning because the hives will not go away and they are very itchy. I'm just glad none of the kitties reacted to the cleaner, as especially Thimble is prone to having allergic reactions to rather random things.)

4. Is it time for the weekend yet?

(Oh, it is? Great. Monday is also Labor Day here in the US, so it's a three day weekend, which is nothing short of a godsend.)

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.

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Who's ready for an Eddy fix? You are? Good, because we've got one for you.

Can you see that snaggletooth sticking out? Isn't it so cute? The answer is yes, yes it is.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

As part of our autumn series of pet safety tips, we recently mentioned keeping school supplies out of your furbaby's reach. In addition to this, there are further potential dangers that might pose a risk especially as the weather cools. One such hazard is, as you all certainly know, antifreeze. Without going into the chemistry of it, coolants such as antifreeze contain components that are highly toxic to cats and dogs. At the same time, it also can smell or taste sweet and enticing to our furbabies, making it all the more dangerous. For such reasons, try to avoid all emergencies by simply keeping antifreeze, and other similar products, hidden away where your cats and dogs cannot reach.

We'll also mention one more toxic group of products that is often more commonly used once the weather cools. We're referring to rodenticides. When the temperatures outside start to lower, critters like mice might very well try to find ways to enter our homes in order to find warmth. This might result in some people using rodenticides. However, these products can be highly toxic to our furbabies. Not only is it dangerous if a cat or dog finds and ingests the chemical itself, but they can also become sick if they ingest a rodent that has eaten the rodenticide. All of that being said, it is likely best to avoid using rodenticides altogether, to ensure that your furbaby is not affected by them at all. Of course, keep in mind that snapping mice traps can also pose a risk, especially if they contain  enticing cheese or peanut butter and are somewhere that your furbaby can potentially access. One safer option is to look into using humane mouse traps, such as catch-and-release types. Of course, it is still wise to place these somewhere hidden away to avoid complications with your furbaby.

As lovely as autumn is, it can still pose risks to our kitties and pups. As the seasons change, think of any and all new products that you might be using. Then, consider how such products might affect your furbaby and their health, and then only use and store them in manners that keep your furbaby safe.

Thankful Thimble Thursday

For hopefully the last time, it won't be until this weekend that we share our poem for Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge. Things at my workplace should be much calmer and quieter this month, which should mean more time for my fun hobbies, like blogging. This weekend is even a long one thanks to Labor Day, and I can't wait to catch up on some of my favorite things.

Now, we're of course participating in Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

As always, Thimble is here to share some gratitude. What is this tabby girl thankful for today?

Thimble is not only grateful for window views, but also for the fact that it's been feeling just a tiny bit more like autumn lately. It's only 80°F here instead of 90°F, and we'll take it. Anything that inches us closer to autumn makes us happy.

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

1. _________ is more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

2. One should take time to _________ every day.

3. I hesitate to _________ because _________.

4. Is it time for _________ yet?

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Since we've reached September, we're all excited for autumn and are therefore doing a series of autumnal tips. Since autumn means the beginning of the new school year, yesterday we mentioned keeping school supplies out of your furbaby's reach. Today's tip also relates to those furbabies potentially affected by a new school year starting up. School starting up can mean a new routine, which can include a cat or dog suddenly being home alone more often, or for longer periods of time. For some furbabies, this type of change in their routine can lead to anxiety, which can in turn lead to destructive behavior, increased vocalization, and other behaviors that are out of their ordinary.

There are some potential ways you can help combat a cat or dog's separation anxiety, such as that which might result from the start of a new school year. First, you can try to introduce changes to your furbaby's routine slowly. If you are a teacher or have children with whom your cat or dog is used to playing, then leading up to the school year, transition your furbaby to being home alone by going out of the house more often slowly over time. In addition to this, you can set up interactive toys to help keep them busy when their humans are away. Of course, ensure that any such interactive toys are safe and will not cause any harm to an unattended furbaby. You can also try using diffusers with synthetic pheromones that can potentially help a cat or dog feel calmer. All of the above being said, in some cases, the safest thing might simply be to ensure that your cat or dog is kept secluded in a safe area where they cannot harm themselves, or the house. This might mean keeping them contained to a safe room or a crate of a sufficient size while you are away from home.

What's more, if your cat or dog does display signs of anxiety that do not relent, it is of course wise to discuss this with a veterinarian. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that there is not an underlying medical reason for anxiety in a cat or dog. Once medical issues are ruled out, anxiety in a cat or dog might require medication, which can help calm them or help balance out their mood and behaviors. Anxiety can lead to an unhappy and unhealthy furbaby, so if you notice any signs of anxiety in your cat or dog, do not hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian, and to implement anti-anxiety techniques to help your furbaby feel happy and healthy.

A Rainbow Bridge Birthday Bash

Today we're having a bit of a birthday bash. And whose birthday is it? It's angels Rosie and Sammy's birthday!

That there is actually a photo of Rosie and me from one of my birthdays years in the past. I believe it was taken 11 years ago, on my 21st birthday. I remember it was taken when I was on a break between two of my college courses on my birthday that year, and so I stopped by home for a snuggle with Rosie. My sweet calico Rosie was never huge on being held, but she still always gave me enough patience to squeeze a hug out of her. I loved my Rosie hugs. I would love to give her a hug for her birthday today.

Now, how about a childhood memory with both of my birthday angels? I shared this same memory last year, but it means a lot to me and so I'll share it again this year.

That there is a photo from the olden days. On the left is Rosie sitting with my sister, and on the right is Sammy sitting with me. I remember Rosie and Sammy keeping my sister and me company so many times as we read, did schoolwork, watched TV, and as we simply grew up. Also, I am indeed wearing an eye patch in the photo above, in case you had or hadn't noticed. That eye patch was thanks to a childhood eye condition. I remember feeling a bit insecure about that eye patch, but I never minded wearing it around Rosie and Sammy, because they never judged.

My angels Rosie and Sammy were born on September 1, 1993. My family adopted them when I was just 4 years old. Sammy only lived to 5 years of age, sadly, due to an undetected heart condition. Rosie, however, lived to the wonderful age of 21.

Though I wish my angels Rosie and Sammy could have lived forever and that they were still here with me, I won't feel sad today. I'll feel happy that these two angels filled my childhood, and my adulthood, with more joy than I can ever begin to express.

Happy birthday, my sweet angels! I love you forever!

In case you were wondering, we do know for a fact that Rosie and Sammy's birthday was September 1. That's not a guess, but an actual known birth date. I always loved that that was their birthday. Autumn is my favorite season, and I start celebrating it on September 1. Rosie and Sammy have always been my autumn angels. I also may or may not like to think of the Halloween season starting somewhere around September 1, so they might as well be my sort of Halloween angels as well. I'm perfectly fine with that.

Now, feel free to join us as we party. Come on inside and have some tasty treats, toss around a toy or two, and even have yourself a healthy dose of catnip.

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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. What do we always say? It's better to be safe than sorry.