Holiday Baskets for the Homeless

The winter season has arrived.  As if thrusting frozen daggers, brisk winds stab you through your worn and dirty clothes, seemingly clear through to your bones.  Your usual favorite spots for resting are only hardened more by the onslaught of cold wintry weather; concrete, even the wooden benches, might as well be iced steel.  Your daily walks wandering through town in hopes of a purpose are shorter now.  The legs stiffen from the cold, making it difficult to go far. Disapproving glares are increasing as you try to borrow a few moments of warmth here and there inside shops and food joints.  Passersby on the sidewalks only stare briefly now, as they rush toward their destinations.


You try to not think about what you once had.  The house, the car, the job, the wardrobe, the gadgets ... and the family.  When the memories angrily force their way to your conscience, you push them back. You tell yourself a story, or sing, anything to change the thoughts in your aching head.  You try to not think about the lives of those people in the cars waiting at the stoplight.  But those thoughts invade, just the same.  Are they going to or coming from their job?  How nice is their house, how warm and full of furniture, food, family?  Is that woman going to stop off at the mall on her way home, browse through racks of clothing and then take home a few new items?  Is that man going home to park the car in his heated garage, kiss his wife, ask what's for dinner, and enjoy the aroma of her cooking?  All those people driving in cars will probably be eating something delicious tonight, filling themselves with all varieties of good foods, perhaps drinking a glass of wine or having a beer.  They'll go to sleep tonight in a soft bed, with layers of covers, and wake in the morning to walk barefoot to the bathroom for a hot shower.  Then they'll eat breakfast, drink some hot coffee, and get dressed up in clean clothes to go about their day.


You stop those thoughts, admittedly repeatedly throughout the day, because you know there is no purpose to such fanciful thinking.  Not with this life you have now.  You must be practical, pragmatic; you must tend to securing whatever little you can from this day.  And so you head to the shelter, that dreaded place where you will at least get a cot to sleep on, inside a building sheltered from the wind, cold, and possibly snow.  Or you head for the soup kitchen, again dreaded, but at least there will be something to eat there.  This is your life for now.  You have cried, you have mourned, you have bitterly shouted to the heavens for answers to your questions of why you must be so tormented now, what you can do to make this misery stop.


There is but one bright spot in your life, literally one.  Your dog.  He has been your constant companion through this horror you are forced to call your current situation.  He has been your loyal friend and confidant.  He has never wavered in his adoration for you.  His respect and love, his bond with you, have been all that have kept you from going over the brink, from signing off on life, from completely giving up. Others may call you foolish, but you keep him with you.  You will keep him with you always, forever, and regardless.  And when you score that bit of something ingestible, there is no doubt that he'll get half, maybe more.  As far as you're concerned, he deserves at least that much.  You only wish you could  give him more.                             

The Pongo Fund, award-winning local organization

According to Pets for the Homeless, anywhere from 5% to 10% of homeless folks have furry friends (and in some areas, as much as 24%).  Reading an article about the UC Davis School of Vet Medicine, and a program offered by the student-run Mercer Veterinary Clinic, prompted me to consider this.  The Vet Clinic is requesting donations for help in filling holiday baskets for pets of the homeless.  That struck me - Holiday Baskets for pets of the homeless.  I recently wrote in Feed the Kitty about the need for donations of pet food, in addition to the needs of their humans, to assist those who are struggling in these hard times and have a pet.  I hadn't even thought of those who don't have a home, yet their pets are certainly in need as well.


Pets of the Homeless, an organization with locations throughout our country, as well as in Canada and Australia, coordinates with distributors, volunteer collection sites, veterinarians, donors and volunteers to provide food, vet care, blankets and crates for those without a home.  Across our country, in fact throughout much of the world, there are organizations, businesses and food pantries that collect and hand out food for such pets.  I'm  not aware of many, though, yet the need is great.


Although I'm  not familiar with the organization, it seems to be a great one, and certainly based on a truly caring mission.  The website is fantastic; there you can find the locations of collection and distribution sites, various ways you can help (there are quite a few!), and suggestions for how you might approach local businesses to request they get involved.  And kudos to the students at Mercer Clinic, for their tradition; this year they plan to fill 130 baskets for homeless-but-loved pets!


I can't think of a more important thing to do this holiday season, than to donate or volunteer on behalf of pets who don't need to be adopted, they just happen to not have a home.


Do you know of a program in your area?


For more information about these programs, please visit:
Mercer Clinic Holiday Pet Baskets, Bay Area, California
Pets of the Homeless, US, Canada and Australia
How You Can Help
National Coalition for the Homeless


                                           There but for the grace of God, go I.  (John Bradford)


photo source: www.petsofthehomeless.org
                      

Heading into the Holiday Season

There are some who welcome the winter season...


and then there are those who plunge right into it!

We Have a Winner! Holiday Hop for Pets Giveaway

Whaddaya mean, I can't have any more?

Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving, to all of you who are sitting in your p.j.'s (or underwear), watching football, and wondering if you should get up and raid the frig....again!  Or maybe you're sitting with your feet in a bucket of water, taking aspirin (or Xanax) and wondering if blitzing all those stores was really worth the pain!

In any event, I hope you all had a wonderful day, blessed with a bounty of food, family and friends.  We enjoyed our day immensely; food seems to be one of our highest priorities here!  We stuffed ourselves to the gills, enjoyed each other's company, and just felt good being Americans.  We feel very blessed; even in difficult times, there are so many things to be grateful for!  


Now the Holiday Season is here!!


and speaking of...

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The Giveaways for the Holiday Hop for Pets have now ended.  It was fun!  We got to meet a lot of new friends (Hi, there!), and everyone is hopeful for winning some of the great prizes.  What a great way to start the holiday season!

We Have A Winner!
We tallied up all the comments, follows, tweets...marked them all in the order they came through, giving each a consecutive number; then we headed to Random.org for an Integer Generator.  

And the winner is...
Gus, of accordingtogus!  He's the lucky winner of a personalized, handpainted, pet portrait ornament!  You will receive either an ornament, or a gift certificate - your choice.  Gus, for the ornament, you'll only need to provide Becky's Art Studio (BecArt ) with one or more photos of what you would like painted, and the finished product will be sent to you (free shipping) upon completion. Congratulations!!


Thank you, everyone, for your participation in our giveaway.  It means so much to see you all here, to get to know some of you we never did before, and to be blessed with the friendship and loyalty of those we already knew.  


More News:
And guess what?!  CindyLu is happy dancin' over here - she won the prize in Layla's giveaway!  Actually, it's more than "a prize"; it's a bunch!  Check it out here - The Life Story of Miss Layla.  Layla's really beautiful, isn't she?  And you have to see the video of her picking CindyLu!


Now...head on over to those other blogs whose giveaways you entered into, see if maybe you struck gold!  Good luck!!




photo source:  Todd Hilitbran, Photobucket

Thankful Fur Different Yet the Same

chihuahau play pool

Hey, Mom!  I want to play this!

CL

Thanksgiving Thankful Fur ...

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are thankful for YOU!
Wags and purrs - 
CindyLu, Chester, Chandler, Rascal, Bo and Gumdrop and Candy

The Story of Me

To celebrate Minna Krebs' Gotcha Day, bloggers all over are presenting their own Story of Me.  It was her brother's idea, as a way to honor her special day.  He must be one smart pup!  And as a present, she and her mom will be donating $50 greenpapers to a winner's animal charity of choice.  That's one really awesome Gotcha Day celebration!  Happy Gotcha Day, Minna Krebs!!

And so...
I'm sure the whole world celebrated the day I was born.  I was a bit too groggy, wobbly, and vision-impaired at the time to notice.  And I'm sure I was my Mama's pride and joy, too.

From what I hear, I had a few siblings, and I was the littlest one.  Mom's daughter Liz had been wanting a puppy for a long time and kept thinking about a Chihuahua.  No offense to anyone out there, but I'm ultimately cuter and greater!  BOL  Anyway, she ended up visiting her friend, who actually was the mom of my mama (stay with me here).  I guess I had her at cuteness.  She fell in love with me, and the rest is history.

Okay, maybe a little spooky here, but check out those bows!

When Liz first brought me home, Mom wouldn't talk to Liz for two whole days.  There was something about how she'd already discussed that it wasn't a good time to bring another furry into the house, too much going on, pets are a serious responsibility, blah, blah, blah.  So she was firing mad about what Liz had done.  But you know, by the end of the second day I'd totally worked my charm on Mom.  Hook, line and sinker. That's all I'll say.

As a toddler.

I was a really dinky pup, and couldn't control my legs very well at all.  That's not the case anymore; I watched and practiced everything (well, almost) that the cats did, and now I'm almost as good as them.  I can jump up onto things, leap over things, and run around the house with the best of them.  It was crucial that I learn their skills, I knew it would come in handy for my ultimate dominance.  But initially, I was quite pathetic.   My back legs were like floppy stuffed-doll legs!  And there were those times I bravely attempted what no little, nonathletic pup should, and crashed to the floor.  Thankfully, I have a very hard head!

There was quite a long muddling over what my name should be.  The first one suggested, Chewbacca, frightens me at the thought.  How dare they even utter that!  And worse yet, Mom laughingly suggested Bushman.  I guess that's the name of some famous ape that used to be at a zoo here.

Bushman

Now that's really over the top.   But, looking back at my baby pictures, I guess I can't blame them.  Still, I honestly don't know why they just didn't think of Princess, or Queen, and go with one of those.  Humans.  I don't know if I'll ever understand them.  Eventually, though, Liz suggested CindyLu, talking about how I looked just like Cindy Lou Who from the Dr. Seuss books.  Mom was alllll over that one; her favorite author is Dr. Seuss.  (I know, don't ask).

Possibly related

So there it was, my name.  CindyLuWho, or CindyLu for short.  I do have some striking similarities to her, and I even have the super-long eyelashes and stand the same way.  And from what I hear, people think she's cute, so...


It didn't take me very long, if I do say so myself, before I trained everyone to obey on command, or by the wiggle of my tail.  Sometimes, though, I still have to discuss things with them.  They are slow, I have to have patience.  As for the other furries in the house, I adopted Chester (the big lug), and Chandler, Rascal and Bo (all kitties) as my brothers.  And we've had two foster-sister girls here for a long time now, so I watch over them.  They're cats, but hey, everyone is under my dominion.  Oh, and I insist  to go on car rides; it's a great way to keep tabs on what my humans are up to.




As for interests, well....I like to eat whatever someone else is eating.  That has a particular appeal to me; forget putting it in my bowl even - just let me eat from the cats' dishes or Chester's bowl or the peeps' plates.  Oh, and snackies from the litter boxes, yum!   I love going for walkies, and expect to be carried back home if I get too worn out.   Hey, these are funky little legs I'm working with here, people!  I also love to chase the cats, roughhouse with Chester, play in snow, eat treats, sleep with Mom, and my stuffie.  He's really worn out, and falling apart, but I love the little bear.  I can't wait for the snow to come!

Got snow?

Now, as for dislikes...hmm.  Well, I'd have to say I really dislike that nasty beagle down the street.  And I'm not alone; you can hear all the dogs in the neighborhood barking at him when he walks by their house.  And I don't like when Chester steps on my paw, but he's forgiven 'cause he's just a big ol' lovable oaf who doesn't mean it.  I hate it when the cats' claws get stuck in my fur, and I wish they wouldn't stick those things out when I attack them.  I don't like your regular dog food, it's disgusting.  Beneath me.  And I don't like when people can't understand what I'm saying.  What are they, deaf?

Tricks and special qualities?  I don't do tricks.  Ok, maybe sit, and for a really good reason I'll dance - but it has to be a superfantastic treat or forget it.  I talk, in syllables just like the words, which I guess is something.  The problem is - water, hungry, outside - all two syllables!  So I'm training Mom on "fresh water" (which is what I'm getting at anyway), "hungry, food, I want some food" and "go out for walkies".  That seems to work better.  She has to learn these things; I decide when I want them, so she's gotta understand what I want!

All in all, I've been a lucky girl.  I was born in a warm house with a family, I adopted my own family, where I live with lots of love (and good food) in a warm house.  I've never had to know what many doggies suffer through.  Other than all that, I'd have to say I'm really happy I have my family.  I've got plenty of brothers, and the foster sisters, to play or snuggle with.  I love the humans, too, and can't imagine my life without them. And I think they're really happy to have me around, too.

And yes, I come running if you call out, "CindyLU Hoooo!'

CindyLu ^'..'^

Giveaways End Tomorrow Night!

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As I mentioned earlier in the week, you can "hop" around to as many blogs as you wish - and don't forget to enter their giveaways, too!  All blogs listed below are offering something, and all are part of the hop.
Just in time for the giving season, we've got a great giveaway that will impress your pet-loving friends and family (if you don't keep it for yourself, that is!)  CindyLu has mentioned it here, as we had purchased one for her.  We actually purchased one for each and every one of our pets.  We love these!

Handpainted by BecArt Studio

This is an ornament that is handpainted by Becky, the artist of BecArt Studio.  She painted this from a photo of CindyLu.  It is a watercolor painting, about 3" x 3", with a name or word (like "Woof!") created on the back, three-dimensionally in wire.  It comes with a ribbon attached for easy hanging on your holiday tree, or even for around the house all year round.

by BecArt Studio

by BecArt Studio

We love ours - they're so cute!  The paintings are absolutely fabulous; Becky does a superb job of capturing the uniqueness of each one in her painting.  Although she has many talents, we personally love her paintings the best. An artist who is a pet-lover, is the best artist in our book!


To purchase this ornament, a gift certificate for holiday gift-giving, or to see what else BecArt has to offer, please visit her website at BecArtStudio or BecArt on Etsy. 
The ornaments are $25 each, only $20 if purchasing more than one. A handmade giftbox is included for free. (An unbelievable steal - compare with others on Etsy!)

WIN!!

One lucky winner will receive an ornament with a painting personally created for them!
A gift certificate will be mailed, if preferred, for gift-giving.

For a chance to win:
Entry - Visit BecArt Studio website, then comment here (just below the blog hop list) on what your favorite item is.
For extra entries:
-Become a follower of BecArt Studio's blog via Google Friend Connect
-"Like" Becky Sorrentino Studio on Facebook
-Follow her on Twitter @BecArt Studio on Twitter and tweet 
  "Win a handpainted ornament created by @BecArtStudio on http://cindylusmuse.blogspot.com" 
  (1 per day)  Then leave comment here verifying each tweet.


Giveaways end at 11:59pm, EST, on November 25th.
Winner will be chosen by Random.org, and will be announced here once determined.


Note:  I did not receive compensation for this review; opinions expressed are my own.

This is a bloghop:

Catty Chuckles

This is great!!!

You Want Me to Do What?

This guy is trouble for the rest of us!  Show-off!!!
CindyLu ^'..'^

Wordless Wednesday - Our Thanks , Sarge

11/22 No Thanksgiving at Home

Win a Pile of Dog Toys

How about a little bit of presents under the tree for your dog?  How about a mountain of presents?





Okay, so technically the drawing won't be until January 3rd, but Boycott Boring Dog Toys is offering an amazing contest!  Until the Final drawing, one winner will be chosen each day to receive a toy from the company's great collection of Kyjen dog goods.  These are some really fantastic toys, check them out at www.kyjen.com  

Then, on January 3rd, a random drawing will be held to determine the winner - of 171 toys - one of each from their entire line!

So, you have a chance each day to win a toy, and if you don't - you still have a chance to win 171 of them.  This is awesome!  And for those who think they just couldn't possibly handle getting 171 toys at once (I'm sure their dogs aren't even agreeing) there is the most important opportunity to donate some of them to your local shelter.  With so many dogs having to spend the holidays alone in cages or kennels, what better way is there for you to begin the New Year??  

And, undoubtedly, you have friends and family with dogs who would love to try these toys.  And that, of course,  is if you don't just keep them for yourself!  (ahem...your dog)


To enter, just click the image on the left.





Thanks to Two Little Cavaliers for letting us all know about this one!

Disclaimer:  I received no compensation for this post; I will, however, be entered into a different contest for bloggers, for a chance to win in that version.

Crazy Cat Love

Oh...the things we do for their benefit...
This should bring a chuckle!  Happy Monday's-almost-over!

Sears and LG for the Holidays

                                  Okay, got a question for you.  What do you call this building?

If you're from Chicago, chances are - Sears Tower.  It may have been renamed the Willis Tower, but Chicagoans, loyal to the bone, still prefer Sears.  And anyone who's ever owned a Sears appliance can tell you, there's nothing else like them.  It's a name you can trust, and depend upon.  Chicagoans like that. There's another great company, LG; the products I've had with that name are simply the best.

Why talk about that building?  I have some great news to share!! DoggiesandStuff has just informed us all about a special offer by the great companies of Sears and LG. I wrote awhile back about the great need these days, of people and their pets, for food assistance.  In the post I referred to a holiday program in the Chicago area, whereby grocery shoppers can drop their donations into bins right after they checkout.


That program, Dominick's Finer Foods And ABC7 Holiday Food Drive, benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository, an awesome and expansive effort endorsed by the city of Chicago that assists those in need. It began in 1978, and by 2004 had become a model for food banks.
The Food Depository has helped countless families in time of need.

Greater Chicago Food Depository

 Sears and LG will donate $1 for each view of their video - to the Greater Chicago Food Depository!








                                                                 Please - Watch this video!!  
You can easily and painlessly help to donate toward the assistance of those hurt by these times.  Perhaps you'll make a holiday a little brighter for a family hit hard.  Here is what you can do:

-Watch the video, and comment on it.
-Spread the word to friends - 
Share the link on your Facebook
Tweet about it, share link on Twitter
Embed the video on your own website for your readers
Send an email to your contacts with the link

It's horrible to have to go hungry at all; during the holidays it hurts even more, knowing others are sitting down to wonderful feasts with their families and friends.  It's sad.  A moment of your time can make a difference!


Thank you to Doreen, at Doggies and Stuff, for alerting us to this opportunity!

Sunday Stroll

Sundays are good for a leisurely stroll


Don't forget to check out the Holiday Hop for Pets Giveaways!

Sunday Play

Sunday...a great day for playing



Don't forget to check out the Holiday Hop for Pets Giveaways!

Snuggle Sunday

Here's to snuggling on Sunday!


Don't forget to check out the Holiday Hop for Pets Giveaways !

It's Caturday!

I came across this, and it had me in stitches.  Cats are so expressive!



...I'm off to work now...

Don't forget to check out the Holiday Blog Hop for Pets Giveaway, link is in upper right.
And today is the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop - lots of blogs listed below to meet!

Happy Caturday!

Friday Fun Furries Balloons!

Amazing canine feats, Guinness World record winners - our Best Friends are so cool!


Happy Friday!  Party time!!

Holiday Hop for Pets Giveaway Has Begun!!

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As I mentioned earlier in the week, you can "hop" around to as many blogs as you wish - and don't forget to enter their giveaways, too!  All blogs listed below are offering something, and all are part of the hop.
Just in time for the giving season, we've got a great giveaway that will impress your pet-loving friends and family (if you don't keep it for yourself, that is!)  CindyLu has mentioned it here, as we had purchased one for her.  We actually purchased one for each and every one of our pets.  We love these!

Handpainted by BecArt Studio

This is an ornament that is handpainted by Becky, the artist of BecArt Studio.  She painted this from a photo of CindyLu.  It is a watercolor painting, about 3" x 3", with a name or word (like "Woof!") created on the back, three-dimensionally in wire.  It comes with a ribbon attached for easy hanging on your holiday tree, or even for around the house all year round.

by BecArt Studio

by BecArt Studio

We love ours - they're so cute!  The paintings are absolutely fabulous; Becky does a superb job of capturing the uniqueness of each one in her painting.  Although she has many talents, we personally love her paintings the best. An artist who is a pet-lover, is the best artist in our book!


To purchase this ornament, a gift certificate for holiday gift-giving, or to see what else BecArt has to offer, please visit her website at BecArtStudio or BecArt on Etsy. 
The ornaments are $25 each, only $20 if purchasing more than one. A handmade giftbox is included for free. (An unbelievable steal - compare with others on Etsy!)

WIN!!

One lucky winner will receive an ornament with a painting personally created for them!
A gift certificate will be mailed, if preferred, for gift-giving.

For a chance to win:
Entry - Visit BecArt Studio website, then comment here (just below the blog hop list) on what your favorite item is.
For extra entries:
-Become a follower of BecArt Studio's blog via Google Friend Connect
-"Like" Becky Sorrentino Studio on Facebook
-Follow her on Twitter @BecArt Studio on Twitter and tweet 
  "Win a handpainted ornament created by @BecArtStudio on http://cindylusmuse.blogspot.com" 
  (1 per day)  Then leave comment here verifying each tweet.


Giveaways end at 11:59pm, EST, on November 25th.
Winner will be chosen by Random.org, and will be announced here once determined.


Note:  I did not receive compensation for this review; opinions expressed are my own. CindyLu did, however, receive one (pretty awesome-looking) personalized ornament. 

This is a bloghop:

Loose Lips Sink Ships

Shh...CL here, I'm dyin' to tell you about the giveaway!  It's just absolutely exploding from me.  Okay, so I'm not the best at keeping secrets.  But I'm so excited, what can I say?  Mom gave me stern orders to not say anything, but I figure a compromise is ok.  Those are good things, no?
So, Mom's away from the computer, and real quick before she gets back here...

A clue

I'm not the only one looking forward to this big bloghop - and no, that's not Mom there.  That's all I'll say.

Remember, tonight at 12:01 EST.
Gotta scoot,
CindyLu ^'..'^

Whacky Wednesday Whack the Gator

I'd have to say, this was my favorite over the past week.

Truly amazing!





CindyLu says that cat must be a cousin of Rascal! (just ask Chester )

Moose Love

Calling all cat lovers!  Actually, just one will do, one without a lot of feline furries at home already...

Moosie's story here

My good bloggie friend Brian (yeah, I'm a dog, he's a cat - so what?!) has asked for some serious help to find a new home for poor Moosie.  Please read, consider, pass the word on, anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.  She sure deserves a loving home!

Desperate call sent out to help Moosie - and here is her story:

Moosie is a floofy 12-year old girl and she is looking for a forever home.  Her Mom left for the Rainbow Bridge. Transportation via Continental Airlines can be arranged at no cost. She is being cared for by Becky, her Mommy’s sister-in-law, but really needs a home of her own or she will have to be transported to a shelter.  There are just too many cats at Becky’s house, which is way too stressful for sweet Moosie. 




If you or someone you know can help, please contact me (or Brian directly)...Moosie's story
We're rooting for you, Moosie! 


Licks and snuggles,
CindyLu ^'..'^

Monday Mania of Course

Nothing like Mondays.  Just the word wears me down, I think!  Nah, not really.  My sincere apologies for having been awol over the weekend; I can't even begin to list all that was keeping me from this blog! But...we're baaack!  And with a phew (haha) things to cover...

First of all, thank you to all for your comments and your visits; I truly appreciate you all!  And welcome, new followers!  You've joined us at a great time, I think.  Although the next few weeks will be extremely hectic, with the holidays keeping us all busy (and I have school, too!), there will be some really great reasons to take a break from the madness and enjoy a blog post or two...or many.  

Shh...it's a surprise, but there is going to be a special blog hop this coming week, especially for the holidays! In case you're a new reader and not familiar with blog hops, it's where a bunch of blogs all connect together, with a listing contained in each of all the other blogs.  You can visit as few or as many as you like from that list.  It's loads of fun, there are so many different kinds of blogs out there, with information, entertainment, whatever suits your fancy.  This blog hop will be all pet-related blogs, with a special twist.  

The holiday blog hop has a special theme - giveaways!  Each blog on the list will be offering a prize (or more), and it will require only something simple to enter (maybe becoming a follower, or commenting, etc).  'Tis the season of giving...and our blogs will be giving!!  Presents before the holidays even hit!! Between getting something really great for yourself (or pets), or for a fantastic gift for someone else, this is a fun time you won't want to miss.  

CindyLu has picked out what she wants to offer for our giveaway...and absolutely can't wait to show you. But you'll have to wait until Wednesday night.  No peaking.   


And finally, I have been remiss on something that's really totally exciting.  Don't ask me how I managed it, but anyone who knows me personally wouldn't be surprised I suppose.  A short while back, I entered a contest On PBU's blog, Pet Blogs United - just had to make a comment about what you would choose.  I never gave it a second thought - I never win anything (yeah, I'm one of those people) so it's not like I was checking on the results.   Still...I missed the post, I even missed the email sent to me!  D'uh!!

Check these out!!

Here's the exciting news:  I won!  I won!!  CindyLu will be getting a spankin' new, fancy-dancy, pretty for a princess collar!!  She and I were both dancing!!  It's handmade by Doggie Stylish, and we're absolutely thrilled and honored.  You'll be seeing her in it when we get it, I promise.  She's going to be excited to show it off, I'm sure.  Thank you, PBU and Doggie Stylish!


Well, Monday's pretty well spent, so enough of the craziness.  I think we're caught up now, just remember to check in this coming week, get your bid in for winning!




Question mark image by UncleBeef, photobucket.com

Big Red Dogs

The ASPCA has posted this on their blog, and I just had to share it with you...an extremely serious subject, although treated with humor I think it gets the point across!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Tags: The Daily Show: Big Red Dogs, COMEDYCENTRAL

Thoughts?

Feed the Kitty

The cornucopia, a goat's horn overflowing with harvest.  A symbol of our Thanksgiving holiday.  A reminder to be grateful for what we are blessed with.  Definitions of cornucopia refer to an abundance, inexhaustible or overflowing store, a copious or abundant source; antonyms include deficiency, inadequacy, insufficiency, undersupply.

The cornucopia has been a symbol since as early as the 5th century; it originated in Greek mythology. The god Zeus was raised on the milk of the goat Amalthea, whose horn was broken off while they played.  Zeus, feeling bad, returned her horn to her with special powers that would grant any and all wishes for whoever had it.  Abundance.  Inexhaustible supply.  The horn of plenty.

So the cornucopia is certainly nothing new or modern.  It is one of those things that are steeped in history, tradition, stories and various versions of its use.  And this Thanksgiving, many families will adorn their tables with a cornucopia, perhaps not thinking much of it.  My wish this year is that many do; that people seriously reflect on all they do have, despite these hard times we've been experiencing, and be grateful for those blessings.

I also hope that the antonyms - deficiency, inadequacy, insufficiency, undersupply - are considered this holiday season.  True, one should be aware of this all year round, but the holidays are always such intense seasons, the need becomes even greater.  For every one thing I have to be grateful for, there is someone else who is without.  And just acknowledging that doesn't go very far, although it's a start. There are so many ways to help, both people and animals, and most really don't require much effort, time or money.  But they mean the world of difference to those on the receiving end.

For pets, there will be, in fact there have already begun, holiday programs to help collect more funds, more supplies, for the shelters and rescues who are working so hard to find homeless pets a home for the holidays.  Their need is great.  It always is, but during these recent times, they've been bombarded with additional pets, and yet have struggled with less funds than in the past.  Donations have been more difficult to come by.  Yet these animals still need to eat, still need their vaccines, still require funding.

The major reason the shelters and rescues have been so bombarded by additional pets in the last 2 years, during this recession, has been due to owners who have been forced to turn their pets over (or turn them loose).  No matter what your views on whether those who cannot afford a pet should have one, that doesn't matter a lick if a family with a pet suddenly loses job, home, savings, car....and we all know how very real this nightmare has been these days.  What does this family do?  When they can no longer even afford to care for themselves, they know they certainly cannot afford care for the pet.

There are many more others, though, who are silently suffering great financial struggles.  They may still be in their home, they may still even have a job; but with the rising expenses across the board in our daily life, and the cutbacks in income and benefits, they too are facing a serious decision.  Many of these visit their local food pantries, among other options for help with their situation.  These food pantries have seen an historical increase in patrons and need; it's the sign of our times.  They, like shelters and rescues, are in desperate need of donations of food and supplies or money.  Many also accept pet food!

So add one more way that you can do something positive this holiday season, to help your neighbor and to help pets.  Check out this link to the national Feeding America program, you can find where one is in your area, or check with your town.  A friend of mine regularly donates to the local pantry.  When she shops for her pets, she buys extra, and that goes to the pantry.  Here in the Chicago area, grocery stores set  up big bins for shoppers to drop in their donations right after checkout - what could be easier? There are even pantries that have sprung up specifically for pets.  By enabling someone in need to obtain food for their pets, it helps them to keep their pet, it helps the shelters by lessening the number coming in to them, it helps us all.  "It takes a village".  And we are all part of the village.  And so are our pets.

Zachary Wilson

If you think you can't make a difference, consider 10 year old Zachary Wilson of Orlando, Fl.  At 9, he visited a local shelter, saw pets crammed into cages, and was told by the shelter worker about how they were inundated with so many because of people who have had to give up their pets.  He went home and started a pet food pantry!  Through this past year, he has helped feed 10,000 pets, hopefully keeping them with their families.  Zach, you're my hero!

May there be a true cornucopia for you and your loved ones this season; may all our pets be blessed as well, and be warm, safe and fed in their own homes.


Sources: The Free Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Wikipedia
Image source: photobucket.com, by RobinDF129

Friday Fun Furries Duet

This link was sent to me, I hadn't been aware of the sequel...even if you've seen it before, it's one that just doesn't get "old"!  What a performance.  Enjoy!

Veteran's Day 2010

Pets for Patriots is an organization with an awesome idea - matching up homeless pets with military members.  The joys, companionship and love that pets provide promote health and well-being for their people.  Who better deserves all a pet can offer than those who have given so much of themselves for our country?  Pets for Patriots states that "We're determined to make the joys of adult pet ownership achievable and affordable for the men and women of the U.S. military."  Their movement is growing across the country, with major support from our great animal welfare organizations.

You can learn more about the project, and what you can do, at www.petsforpatriots.org

And to all those who have served for our great country, we say Thank You so very much.  You are our heroes.
Warm Fuzzies, Purrs, and Paws to you!

Source of all videos -Youtube; credits contained within.

Watch Out Joey's Coming!

Important news!  Awhile back, we heard about Joey, this dude who's on a mission to stop animals from having sex.  Yeah, you heard  read right.  He's trying to do something about pet overpopulation, I referred to an explanation of how this happens in Don't Forget Your Garden - there's a great link to a lady who helps you understand it.  You gotta give this guy credit.  He's really out there!  He's been asking for help, and set up a website - HelpJoey.com - plus a bunch of other places like Facebook and Twitter.  
This guy means business!




So now, ASPCA has just announced that they think what he's doing is really cool, and he's not just joking around; they're joining him in the fight to stop the nasty.  This is going to be big-time!!

To all of my friends out there, if you're doin' the deed, watch out - Joey's comin' for ya!!
(for more details on what they're planning for you - We've Joined the Fight. )  This is serious!!  What next, the National Guard??


CindyLu ^'..'^

Wordless But Stalking Wednesday

Talk about being "cattish" -

We Did Something Today

So, Mom got a message on Sunday from her oldest daughter, Becky, with a cryptic subject line..."We did something today..."  She seemed really curious, and a little nervous, so I stood right by her while she opened the message and read it.  She gasped, then shouted out, "WooHoo!!".  Then she seemed all mushy, with "ooh"s "oh, my"s.  By this point, I was really wondering what it was all about, so she showed me -

This is apparently what a cousin looks like

Mom excitedly told me, "Look, CindyLu - you have a cousin!!"  Turns out, Becky and Mark got adopted by this guy, all just because theyy visited the McHenry County Adoption Center to say Hi to the doggies there.  I was in shock.  I've never even had a cousin before, and I don't even know this guy.  I really think they should have consulted with me first.  Just saying.  (Don't tell them, but I'd have told them to bring him home fast!)

The shelter said this guy's name is Milo, his old mom brought him in there because she couldn't take care of him.  Wow, she must be sad.  He's only one and a half years old, and he likes everybody.  I'll bet he's going to love me!!  Anyway, they filled out all the papers and stuff, met some really nice people there, and then drove home - with lots of goodies for him and information for them to be good pet parents.

There was a stop at the store, to pick up some things he might need, like food and bones, then finally to his new home.

Once at the house, he got a tour of where he'll be living now.
He even got a bone!

All the excitement made him really tired, so he finally relaxed and took a snooze.

All refreshed, it was time for a first visit to the park.

Vedder

To celebrate a new life, they gave him a new name, Vedder.  Mark's really crazy about someone called Pearl Jam.  

Becky and Mark are going to be happy; they both grew up with animals, and have felt lonely without any.

I think Vedder is going to be happy, too, don't you?

As for me...I just can't wait to play with him!  Happy Gotcha Day, Vedder!
CindyLu ^'..'^