And this, my dear friends, is why I refer to my housemates as The Others!
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| Afraid to go inside! |
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Others
And this, my dear friends, is why I refer to my housemates as The Others!
A Village of Good Samaritans
Gumdrop and Candy are two sisters waiting patiently for their forever home. Their story is one of so many stereotypes, even though they are each beautifully unique.
If there’s one more thing I know, black cats have the cards stacked against them in this world. If they are out on the street, they are least likely to be rescued. If they are in a shelter, they are least likely to be adopted. And if they are in a “high-kill shelter”, well…guess who’s put in line first. There are different reasons people have for not choosing a black cat, from misguided myths to the idea that the cat is “too plain”. As for that last idea, have you ever seen the sheen of black fur as sunlight streams down upon it?
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| Gumdrop |
They were found, along with another sister and their mother, when they were barely newborns.
Mom and babies were outside, battling the elements that only an area like Chicago metropolis in winter can offer.
Mom had been someone’s pet, a person who had not spayed their feline beauty.
There would be no doubt that a cat outdoors during peak mating season would end up with a litter. With no tag or microchip, there was no way to return Mom to her owner.
Then there was the weather to endure. The girls were fortunate, they had a great mama who nourished them and protected them from the harsh weather as best she could. Just the same, they were sick with the usual upper respiratory illnesses common in kittens from outdoors. There was a kind Samaritan who found them and notified the local rescue group. Then there was a kind Samaritan Couple, who took them into their home to foster. The rescue group, Almost Home Foundation, covered all the expenses of spaying Mom and the vetting of all of them. At this point, your average kitten would be adopted.
Mom and babies were outside, battling the elements that only an area like Chicago metropolis in winter can offer.
Mom had been someone’s pet, a person who had not spayed their feline beauty.
There would be no doubt that a cat outdoors during peak mating season would end up with a litter. With no tag or microchip, there was no way to return Mom to her owner.
Then there was the weather to endure. The girls were fortunate, they had a great mama who nourished them and protected them from the harsh weather as best she could. Just the same, they were sick with the usual upper respiratory illnesses common in kittens from outdoors. There was a kind Samaritan who found them and notified the local rescue group. Then there was a kind Samaritan Couple, who took them into their home to foster. The rescue group, Almost Home Foundation, covered all the expenses of spaying Mom and the vetting of all of them. At this point, your average kitten would be adopted.
The first few months were difficult for them, however; illnesses seemed to plague them. The poor babies just hadn’t had a chance to build up their immune systems. Then the foster home was hit with a bout of ringworm, initially not showing in another foster they’d taken in and only recognized once it had a chance to spread - a typical scenario for this fungus. The girls ended up in a vet’s office, where they were treated. The foster home had to temporarily suspend fostering, to clear the possibilities of spreading this obnoxious, but generally not serious, germ. Here came another kind Samaritan – the vet – who offered to hold the kittens at his office until they were fully well. No other foster home need risk contracting what the first foster was now clearing their home of.
During these first months, many of the vaccinations the babies needed had to be suspended until they were healthy. After the Good Samaritan Vet, they were finally up-to-date with all vaccinations, spaying and microchipping. It had taken much longer than the standard schedule to bring them to this point. And now brought yet another element for them to weather – finding a foster again. They would spend a month entertaining the vet and his staff, bringing smiles to his office, before they would finally have a home again. One sister, Licorice, found her forever home right where she had started, with her foster family.
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| Gumdrop |
The other two, Candy and Gumdrop, came to my home when I heard about their circumstances. There was no way I could turn my head, especially knowing they were living in an office – no matter how kind the vet and his staff, it was not a home. And the vet had important work to do! I’ve fostered many cats and kittens and been a proud “parent” to a few as well. If there’s one thing I know about cats…black cats are, simply put, awesome.
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| Candy |
If there’s one more thing I know, black cats have the cards stacked against them in this world. If they are out on the street, they are least likely to be rescued. If they are in a shelter, they are least likely to be adopted. And if they are in a “high-kill shelter”, well…guess who’s put in line first. There are different reasons people have for not choosing a black cat, from misguided myths to the idea that the cat is “too plain”. As for that last idea, have you ever seen the sheen of black fur as sunlight streams down upon it?
Just as with so many living things in nature, what lacks in color or “pop appeal” is made up for in other ways. For black cats it is personality, hands down. And so is the case with Candy and Gumdrop.
They practically ooze personalities that would melt your heart and bring endless joy to your days. They are uber-snugglers who make your dreams at night so much happier. They are sociable with all other pets – cats and dogs alike. Yet, they have been in my home for a very long time…they are black, they are sisters who are so attached they must stay together, and of course now they are no longer “cute” little kittens. Three big strikes against them for adoption. This is what it has taken up to this point, how many kind and caring souls, for the sake of two kittens. One more Good Samaritan is needed, someone to give them a forever home.
They practically ooze personalities that would melt your heart and bring endless joy to your days. They are uber-snugglers who make your dreams at night so much happier. They are sociable with all other pets – cats and dogs alike. Yet, they have been in my home for a very long time…they are black, they are sisters who are so attached they must stay together, and of course now they are no longer “cute” little kittens. Three big strikes against them for adoption. This is what it has taken up to this point, how many kind and caring souls, for the sake of two kittens. One more Good Samaritan is needed, someone to give them a forever home.
You won’t hear me complain about fostering these sisters for their lengthy stay here, I’ve been blessed by them. And I don’t say that just because Candy is sitting here, supervising. Yes, she wants their story told, and explained completely. And she wants you to know just how terrific she and her sister are, how wonderful black cats are, and how much headache you can save yourself and your home if you adopt a cat who is past adolescence! I have to go now, she really wants some major snuggle time (or is it me?) – please spread the word that cats need to be neutered, kept indoors, and loved. Please consider your pets' safety and health today in the midst of holiday festivities. Please spread the word to consider black cats and dogs.
And please consider Candy and Gumdrop.
=^..^= Happy Halloween! =^..^=
And another pair of black siblings, also dreaming of their forever home...Crystal and Laser
And another pair of black siblings, also dreaming of their forever home...Crystal and Laser
Candy and Gumdrop, Crystal and Laser, are available through www.almosthomefoundation.org
And the Winners Are...
Baby Boo-Boo and Spirit!
Again, thank you to all who submitted photos of their precious pets - Caren at CatChat (seriously, is Cody puckering up in that photo?); Hailey and Lala at HaileytheDog.com (loved the Halloween theme!!); Jackie, Donna, Terri, Darryl, Laurie - proud mom to Baby Boo-Boo, and Priscilla - proud mom to Spirit!
I'm amazed at the beautiful photos we received! And such wonderful kitties and doggies. They're all winners, in my book, I'm glad I didn't have to make any choices!
Winners, I will contact you by email, you can choose which of the beds you would prefer and it will be shipped to you.
Congratulations, Baby Boo-Boo and Spirit!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
I Want You...
With a few hours left to vote yet, we've got Spirit in the lead for dogs, and Maggie in the lead - by a whisker! - for the cats...They need you to vote!
See below, for yesterday's post - and all the wonderful photos!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Hey, Good-Lookin'!
It's time to vote! Just place your choice of one of each - one dog and one cat - in a comment below this post. You can vote each day. It's going to be fun to see which of these show-stoppers wins the fantastically-fleecy blankies! I think you'll agree with me, these babies are all terrific!
Voting begins now...and ends Saturday, October 30th, at midnight. Hmm, that'll make it officially Howl-o-ween!
The contest began as an idea for how to share some thoughtful donations sent to me by a wonderful woman who quilts and sews. See Say Cheese The prizes are ideal as kitty beds, or blanket and lounging pads for dogs.
And now our contestants: Enjoy!
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| Cody |
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| Dakota |
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| Dakota and Cody, in conversation |
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| Ethel Rose (formerly JLo) |
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| Baby Boo-Boo |
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| Charlie in the tree (really!!) |
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| Hailey |
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| Lala |
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| Gizmo |
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| Maggie |
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| Rocky |
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| Spirit |
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| Good Alice |
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| Bad Alice |
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| Deuce |
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| Motley |
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| Bubbas and Tiger |
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| Triton in the pumpkin patch |
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| Xena and Frankie |
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| Sasha |
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| Jimi |
OK....VOTE!
Thank you to all who submitted photos of your loving pets - you're awesome!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
K9 Cuisine
Here's yet another way to feed shelter pets... K9 Cuisine has offered to donate 5,000 pounds of food for shelter pets, next week, if they reach their goal of 5,000 fans on Facebook by Sunday. 5,000 pounds!!
I referred to the Iams holiday programs in Monday's post as a simple, yet important way to contribute to the welfare of our homeless pets. This opportunity, through K9 Cuisine, can be done by anyone (how about everyone?!) and very quickly.
All you have to do is "like" their page on Facebook, to help them reach that goal. It's not far-fetched; as of right now there are already over 3,000 fans. As an added bonus, you can be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card, just by leaving a comment on their site about what you're doing to spread the word.
So what are you waiting for? Head on over to K9 Cuisine on Facebook and add your "like" to the tally.
Let's get those needy pets some nom-noms!!
http://www.k9cuisine.com
10/30/2010 Update: We all did it!! K9 Cuisine's site hit 5,000 fans by this morning - Saturday - a full day before the deadline. Way to go!!
Our Friends
Photos are coming in! Wow, what a fantastic-looking bunch of furries we are here! Keep sending them in, they'll be posted - and voting will be - tomorrow...
We have a few photos for you today already, for specific reasons. These are pets who certainly don't need to win a pet bed, but are worth being included in our great club of furries! So today, we dedicate to them. No votes, just admiration. Becky Sorrentino sent in a photo of her beloved bird, Jenny, in memoriam. Becky pointed out, we often forget just how many different kinds of pets there are!
Kim Stauss, the wonderful artist who made the pet beds we showed in Photo Contest, considers her pets and her children's pets should not be part of the contest, because as she put it -- they already have all the Kimmy blankies they could ever want! She shared with us her family's beautiful, lovable pets...
Kim's poochie, Nemo, is a pint-sized best friend! He's a real sweetheart, all loving and usually goes with her wherever she goes. Don't you just want to squeeze him?
This is Kim's kitty, Sophie - purrrrrrfect! A beautiful little girl, friend for Kim and Nemo alike. Look at that fur!
Kim's daughter, Lindsey, rescued Nyles. Here's what she told me:
This is Kim's daughter Leslie's kitty, Nala. As Kim put it, "this is little Nahla...She travels in the car all over the darn country with Leslie!!"
Is that a beautiful feline, or what?!
And last, but not least, Kim's son and daughter-in-law's dog, Daphne. Kim told me this story and I couldn't believe it. Thank god for people like Carissa, to make up for the crazy people in this world! Carissa is a teacher and she found out about Daphne thru one of her students who knew the dog was living neglected in a basement and begged Carissa to go get her!
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| RIP Jenny |
We have a few photos for you today already, for specific reasons. These are pets who certainly don't need to win a pet bed, but are worth being included in our great club of furries! So today, we dedicate to them. No votes, just admiration. Becky Sorrentino sent in a photo of her beloved bird, Jenny, in memoriam. Becky pointed out, we often forget just how many different kinds of pets there are!
Kim Stauss, the wonderful artist who made the pet beds we showed in Photo Contest, considers her pets and her children's pets should not be part of the contest, because as she put it -- they already have all the Kimmy blankies they could ever want! She shared with us her family's beautiful, lovable pets...
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| Nemo |
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| Sophie |
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| Nyles |
"This is proof there is life after being in a puppy mill. This is my daughter's rescued pom named Niles. He was beaten, shaved and yes...tattooed.He has an airplane tattooed in his groin. He still has great fear of certain things but is in general a very happy little doggy :) It took the people who fostered him a year to be able to pick him up and touch and hug him...now he is a hug addict as you can see :)"
Lindsey - give him a hug from me!
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| Wrigley |
Another of Lindsey's pets - Wrigley. As Kim describes, "This is Wrigley! He was found roaming the streets of downtown Atlanta as a little puppy, along with his mother and brother. Lindsey adopted him at the Saturday pet adoption at a Petsmart in Atlanta about 4 yrs ago. When she got him he had mange so bad he hardly had any hair. Now he is healthy and his coat just shines :) He is an incredibly calm, gentle, and loving dog. He eats his food one kibble at a time and often leaves half the food she gives him in his bowl and just kind of munches on it throughout the day."
Look at those froglegs!! I love it!
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| Nala |
This is Kim's daughter Leslie's kitty, Nala. As Kim put it, "this is little Nahla...She travels in the car all over the darn country with Leslie!!"
Is that a beautiful feline, or what?!
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| Daphne |
"My daughter in law rescued her out of a neighbor's basement. They had gotten her and had no idea how to care for a dog and when she got to be too much for them they were starving her in their basement!!
Now my son and the dog are best buddies. she goes fishing with him all the time and she even has a life vest for swimming!! "
Thank you, Becky and Kim, for sharing your pet friends with us!
CindyLu ^'..'^
Thank you, Becky and Kim, for sharing your pet friends with us!
CindyLu ^'..'^
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Recall: Nature's Variety Instinct, Rabbit Formula
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| Nature's Variety |
A voluntary recall has been issued by Nature's Variety for select bags of Instinct Rabbit Meal Formula, Grain-Free Kibble Diet for cats.
This recall involves two particular date codes, two particular sizes, of the Instinct Rabbit Meal grain-free formula. Nature's Variety has discovered these may include small pieces of ground sorghum, which poses no health risk to cats if ingested. However, the company feels that these packages, with the potential of containing this ingredient, do not uphold the high standards of quality and integrity by Nature's Variety. As such, anyone who has a bag of this food as listed below should immediately stop using it and return it to their retailer for a refund.
The two particular codes/sizes recalled are:
UPC# 7 69949-60385 6– 5.5 lb. best if used by 09/28/11
UPC# 7 69949-60381 8– 12.1 lb. best if used by 09/29/11
Thank you to my friend Gail, for the heads-up!
Say Cheese :)
Ready for your glam shots?
Oh, oh, oh!! Happy Dancin' here!!
Today a box came; this strange man left it at the door and drove away in a truck. That usually means Mom does a happy dance. But noooo! It was for me! Okay...for me and The Others, but I get first pick.
A nice lady that Mom knows donated some beds to us, she wanted to make sure we'll be warm enough now that the weather is getting colder. Brrr, she's so thoughtful! And you know what? She sent a bunch! She knows all about the foster girls who are living here, and thought it would be a good thing to make their stay (it's turning into a long one) as comfortable as possible. She can't adopt them, but she found another way to help them.
Her name is Kim (not Mom, another Kim), and it turns out she's a real artist with sewing. She makes quilts that people are amazed with, they love them so much. And she has some of her prize quilts in showcases. Wow!! Mom can barely get a thread through a needle. Sorry, Mom, but it's true. Needless to say, we're quite impressed.
So...back to the blankies. Miss Kim says they're "nothing", she just "threw them together". Well, that might be true for a professional sewer and quilter, but let me tell you - they're awesome! We all tried them out, and right off the bat they got the Candy Seal of Approval. Candy is the comfort queen around here, she always knows THE best spots for comfy snoozing, so you know they're great kitty beds. I tried out a bigger one, and it's so soft and comfy to lounge on.
Now. Here's the thing. I want to share these with you. Mom told me sharing is very important and it makes you a good dog. So, I was thinking...who should get one? Well, I swear I can't pick, so I have a fun idea - thanks to a follower here, Mary, who suggested we include photos from readers. How's about this: a photo contest!
Anyone who wants to, send Mom a photo of your pet - dogs and cats, we love both here. Then Mom will post all the photos on Friday, and everyone can vote for the winners in the comment section. We can have a winning kitty and a winning poochie! What do you think?
I can't wait to see some photos of my doggies friends - and kitties friends - and show off how great we all are. Yeah, there will be one who gets a blankie, but hey - we're all winners, right?
Just send your fabulous photos to me, the email address is above (under my own glam shot!) by Friday. Tell us a little something about your pets, if you like.
And Mom says, no...I don't get to be in this contest. Sigh...
CindyLu ^'..'^
p.s. - Yep, it's that simple. Email photos of all your pets, one of each, and they'll be Famous on Friday! Then everyone can comment to vote on who they think should be the winning dog and the winning cat. Winners will be announced on Saturday!
Some examples of Kim's quilt work:
The kitty and small dog beds are made by Kim Stauss, of Racine, Wi. If you are interested in her work, please message her at Kim Stauss on Facebook, or email tennismomkimba at AOL for more photos or information.
Oh, oh, oh!! Happy Dancin' here!!
Today a box came; this strange man left it at the door and drove away in a truck. That usually means Mom does a happy dance. But noooo! It was for me! Okay...for me and The Others, but I get first pick.
A nice lady that Mom knows donated some beds to us, she wanted to make sure we'll be warm enough now that the weather is getting colder. Brrr, she's so thoughtful! And you know what? She sent a bunch! She knows all about the foster girls who are living here, and thought it would be a good thing to make their stay (it's turning into a long one) as comfortable as possible. She can't adopt them, but she found another way to help them.
Now. Here's the thing. I want to share these with you. Mom told me sharing is very important and it makes you a good dog. So, I was thinking...who should get one? Well, I swear I can't pick, so I have a fun idea - thanks to a follower here, Mary, who suggested we include photos from readers. How's about this: a photo contest!
Anyone who wants to, send Mom a photo of your pet - dogs and cats, we love both here. Then Mom will post all the photos on Friday, and everyone can vote for the winners in the comment section. We can have a winning kitty and a winning poochie! What do you think?
I can't wait to see some photos of my doggies friends - and kitties friends - and show off how great we all are. Yeah, there will be one who gets a blankie, but hey - we're all winners, right?
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| tcindylu@yahoo.com |
Just send your fabulous photos to me, the email address is above (under my own glam shot!) by Friday. Tell us a little something about your pets, if you like.
And Mom says, no...I don't get to be in this contest. Sigh...
CindyLu ^'..'^
p.s. - Yep, it's that simple. Email photos of all your pets, one of each, and they'll be Famous on Friday! Then everyone can comment to vote on who they think should be the winning dog and the winning cat. Winners will be announced on Saturday!
Some examples of Kim's quilt work:
The kitty and small dog beds are made by Kim Stauss, of Racine, Wi. If you are interested in her work, please message her at Kim Stauss on Facebook, or email tennismomkimba at AOL for more photos or information.
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CindyLu's Muse by Kim Thomas is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
