Saturday, January 31, 2015

Breaking! Hallmark Channel #KittenBowl News!



Faraday: Knowing how you all appreciate my keen, timely, and incisive reporting --

*off-screen groan that sounds suspiciously like Allie*
 
Faraday: *discreet cough* --we're bringing Sunday's Report to you early today.

Ah...you might have heard a little something about a Kitten Bowl airing on Super Bowl Sunday. You know, this Sunday? As in just hours away?

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/kitten-bowl
From hallmarkchannel.com/kitten-bowl
You've probably noticed a lot of buzz about it on social media. You know, with fellow pet bloggers and on places like your Facebook feed?

So it probably won't come as any surprise that the Hallmark team promoting the Kitten Bowl has been a bit busy these past few days.

Photo: Hallmark Channel, #KittenBowl 2015
They've been on Ellen. They've made the rounds: The Late Late Show, People, HuffPo, even the Wall Street Journal.

Yesterday, Hallmark Channel brought a mini Kitten Bowl to New York City, and here with riveting, on location color commentary, is my big brother, Maxie.

*crickets*
 
Faraday: *stage whisper* That's your cue, Maxie...

Shameless product placement: Hallmark's Wacky    
Cats Party Hat, available for a limited time at Wal-Mart.
The purrfect way to root for #TeamCat at #KittenBowl!
Maxwell: Dood...wait. Tell me again why you get to wear the Reporter hat and I have to wear this one?

Faraday: *eyeroll* It's called product placement, Maxie. You're doing fine.
Can we get on with the report please?

Maxwell: But, uh...the hat...

Faraday: It's a party hat, Maxie. Seriouslies! Everyone parties on Super Bowl Sunday. You'll fit right in, trust me.

Our fans are waiting. Can we get back to the report, now, pleeease?

Maxwell: Yeah...um. Well...

*clears throat*

We're coming to you live from Times Square where - mere hours ago - at this very spot, twelve kittens descended on the Big Apple in a big way.

Yesterday morning, Kitten Bowl host Beth Stern, along with a dozen key players from both teams, pawed their way onto the sets of Good Morning America, The Today Show and MSNBC's Morning Joe, to name a few.

And - BREAKING NEWS - some of them are going to have to miss the game today...
due to ADOPTION.

Faraday: That's right folks, you heard it here first.

Five kittens are not going to make it to the Big Game Sunday, because ...

in a blitz move no one saw coming ...

these kittens won the hearts of three GMA staffers, along with GMA co-anchor Lara Spenser!



And - captured live, on the spot - one lucky Linebacker made his way into the home of Morning Joe's host, Mika Brzezinski:


Concatulations to these five kittens and their new owners! Looks like they'll be watching the Kitten Bowl from the comfort of their new forever homes.

We call that a WIN for the Home Team!

ADOPTION! SCORE!
Hallmark Channel's Pam Slay told us, "The rest (of the NYC kitten bowl team) went home to North Shore Animal League America where they will likely be adopted (this weekend) as part of North Shore's huge national shelter partner outreach."

True, that. In fact, our hometown Wayside Waifs is a participant in the Kitten Bowl watch parties, hoping to take home the big prize. What big prize, you ask?

Pam: "Hundreds of animals will find fur-ever homes because of this effort. Hallmark Channel & North Shore teamed up to provide the shelter who adopts the most animals out with a $5000 grant and tons of gifts for the families who adopt!"

Makes us proud our mom works for the company that's made the Kitten Bowl possible.

Last year, Jefferson Parish in New Orleans won the big prize. We wonder who it will be today?

Are you planning to watch the Kitten Bowl on Super Bowl Sunday? The game to watch begins at 12 Eastern, 11 Central - mere hours away, on Hallmark Channel.

Caturday Funny

So what are we doing showing a *cough* dog video on a cat blog?
Watch the second :30 spot to find out.

This is a regional Super Bowl ad that will air on Colorado and Arizona tomorrow during the game.

The one that follows? Priceless.



***
BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards

Guess what? 
We messed up!  
Today's the last day to nominate!

Please take a moment to submit your favorite blogs in categories like:
Best Dog Blog
Best Cat Blog
Best Blog Post
Best Cause Blog
Best Blog Photo

We've been doing it with all our favorite blogs.
Iit's a great way to let them know how much we appreciate all the heart and love they put into their posts!

CLICK HERE to go to BlogPaw's nomination form.

(We'd be honored if you chose us. The information you'll need to nominate us is HERE)

Inspire Your Heart with Art

In honor of the National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day:


Truly, is there anything more graceful and artistic than a cat in motion?

***
 

Friday, January 30, 2015

Allie's Fashion Faux Paws

Allie: Be sure to remind your humans that Ugly Sweater Day was in December.

*look of disgust*
You're not seriously planning to go out in public looking like that, Mother.
...Mother?

Oh, Fashion Police! We have an emergency on our paws...!


***
BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards

BlogPaws is seeking nominations for the blogs you think are
Best in Class and deserving of recognition.

Please take a moment to submit your favorite blogs in categories like: Best Cat Blog, Best Blog Post, Best Cause Blog and Best Blog Photo.

CLICK HERE to go to BlogPaw's nomination form.

We'd be honored if you chose us. The information you'll need to nominate us is HERE.

I know I speak for all my fellow bloggers when I say that having a judging panel consider all our hard work, bringing you articles that educate and entertain means so very much.

But the best thing? If we win, we win for our shelters, too. Each award brings hundreds of pounds of food to the winner's shelter. And that's the best part of all.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

When Toys Go Bad

Maxwell: Well hullo, pink toy.


Maxwell: What do you mean, "play with me"? Have you seen how possessive Allie is? She's whup my fuzzy butt if she caught me doing any such thing, she would.


Maxwell:  Wait. Is that her coming down the stairs? Quick, hide yourself!


(Uh, dood, can you say incriminating evidence?)


***
BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards

BlogPaws is seeking nominations for the blogs you think are
Best in Class and deserving of recognition.
http://www.atonkstail.com/p/2015-nose-to-nose-awards.html

Please take a moment to submit your favorite blogs in categories like: Best Cat Blog, Best Blog Post, Best Cause Blog and Best Blog Photo.

CLICK HERE to go to BlogPaw's nomination form.

We'd be honored if you chose us. The information you'll need to nominate us is HERE.

I know I speak for all my fellow bloggers when I say that having a judging panel consider all our hard work, bringing you articles that educate and entertain means so very much.

But the best thing? If we win, we win for our shelters, too. Each award brings hundreds of pounds of food to the winner's shelter. And that's the best part of all.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Wednesday's Waif: Marci

"Pleased to meet you! My name is Marci, and as you can see from my photos, I'm a beautiful, longhaired silver Himalayan with gorgeous blue eyes."



"I'm not actually from Himalaya, though. I came to Wayside from another shelter that was out of space.

In just a short time, I've become pretty popular at Wayside.

I'm a pretty outgoing girl. You see, I'm what they call a Leader of the Band. That means I scored high in valiance and sociability during my Felineality test. So if you're looking for a confident cat who loves people, that's me!

I do tend to get a bit overstimulated and can nip, so I should not go to a home with young children. Also, my previous shelter said I shouldn't live with dogs or other cats. However, I've spent some time around other cats here at Wayside and got along just fine, so possibly I could live with another cat-friendly cat.

You can ask one of our wonderful adoption counselors for more details. Speaking of tails, I have one of the floofy-est tails here at Wayside! Also, my long, luxurious locks tend to get a little matted, but I don't mind being brushed. In fact, I love it, because it's another way we can spend time together.

If you're looking for an affectionate, beautiful kitty with a great purr, please come to Wayside and meet me, Marci!

Love,
Marci"

Marci's available at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs!

http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Pet_detail_cat_new&petid=24769712


***
BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards

BlogPaws is seeking nominations for the blogs you think are
Best in Class and deserving of recognition.
http://www.atonkstail.com/p/2015-nose-to-nose-awards.html

Please take a moment to submit your favorite blogs in categories like: Best Cat Blog, Best Blog Post, Best Cause Blog and Best Blog Photo.

CLICK HERE to go to BlogPaw's nomination form.

We'd be honored if you chose us. The information you'll need to nominate us is HERE.

I know I speak for all my fellow bloggers when I say that having a judging panel consider all our hard work, bringing you articles that educate and entertain means so very much.

But the best thing? If we win, we win for our shelters, too. Each award brings hundreds of pounds of food to the winner's shelter. And that's the best part of all.

The Great Meowdini

Allie: The Great Meowdini will now read your mind, Pink Toy.


You...want...
You want to be chased and tossed and chewed on!

(...what do you mean, "no"...?)
***
BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards

BlogPaws is seeking nominations for the blogs you think are
Best in Class and deserving of recognition.
http://www.atonkstail.com/p/2015-nose-to-nose-awards.html

Please take a moment to submit your favorite blogs in categories like: Best Cat Blog, Best Blog Post, Best Cause Blog and Best Blog Photo.

CLICK HERE to go to BlogPaw's nomination form.

We'd be honored if you chose us. The information you'll need to nominate us is HERE.

I know I speak for all my fellow bloggers when I say that having a judging panel consider all our hard work, bringing you articles that educate and entertain means so very much.

But the best thing? If we win, we win for our shelters, too. Each award brings hundreds of pounds of food to the winner's shelter. And that's the best part of all.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

'Toon Tuesdays



*** 



_____
Toon Tuesdays feature animal (and sometimes human) humor created by the peeps over at Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) - where our mom works, too!




Monday, January 26, 2015

Kitten Bowl Contender?




Faraday: look Allie, a perfect block with my right leg. Think the Kitten Bowl is ready for this kind of athletic prowess?

Allie: the Kitten Bowl is football, Brat.

Faraday: *scoffing noise* I know that. Why do you think I've been practicing my scissor kicks and my nutmegs all winter long?!?

Allie: It's American football, Faraday, not soccer. You're on the wrong continent again. (But then again, your head usually is a continent away.)


Allie: On second thought...I'd hate to deprive the European Kitten Bowl of such talent.

Maybe you should move overseas.
Today.
I'll help you pack.



Maxwell: Dood, I'll miss you. (Can I have your wand toys?)

***

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Anna

"Wow - what a year it's been for me!

I was left at Great Plains by someone who determined they could no longer care for me. I was very, very scared at first."



"Fortunately for me, I was brought to Great Plains where they took enough time with me to let me begin to trust humans and learn that they are really pretty nice too!

The staff and volunteers here at Great Plains have spent a lot of time with me ensuring that I know how to be a "proper" pet. In doing so, I have become very strongly attached to Adam. He's the black kitty in the photo, sitting behind me - can you see him?

For the first few months we were together we never ever left each other. We would cuddle together and just comfort one another during the stressful times. Because of this strong attachment, the folks at Great Plains have promised we'll be only adopted out together.

When we found that out, we had a little kitty party!! I just know that we will be terrific pets for the right family that will be patient with us while we get accustomed to our new surroundings.

Just know that you'd get twice the kitty kisses, twice the purrs and twice the gratitude for giving us our forever home.

See you soon,
Anna"

Anna and Adam are awaiting their forever family at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA, today!




http://www.greatplainsspca.org/

#SundaySelfie Instructions

Allie: Mother, you need to bring the camera much closer for a proper Selfie. Trust me on this.




(Seriously, what is it with the cats giving photostyling direction lately?)

***




We're entering this in the Sunday Selfies blog hop, hosted by the kitties over at The Cat on my Head.

Head on over and see all the other great entries!



Saturday, January 24, 2015

Caturday Photohunt: Dream

This week's word from the "52 Snapshots of Life" Photohunt is Dream.  


Wonder what sugarplums are dancing through their heads?

***

Friday, January 23, 2015

We interrupt our Fangs...

...for a very special bulletin:
Today is National Pie Day

Allie: *whispers* If I eat my pie in secret, maybe the calories won't find me....


If only it worked that way, girlie. If only!

***

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Thursday Trivia: A cat may look at a king


Okay, so be honest.
When you saw the title, how many of you said, “Well, duh...”?

An early in-print use of the phrase.
Image: Wikimedia Commons


As you well know, cats will look - and go - just about anywhere they please. Which, of course, explains why cats were used to express this proverb's particular meaning.

The Oxford Dictionary defines it this way, “Even a person of low status has rights.”

The McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms expounds a bit more on its meaning:
"No one is so important that an ordinary person cannot look at him or her; everyone has the right to be curious about important people.”

Personally, we prefer the original.  What a succinct and elegant way to sum up this concept!

Like many such phrases, its exact origin is unknown. But we did trace its first known use in print to a compilation of proverbs by John Heywood, back in 1562.

And, correct us if we're wrong, but it sounds as if Mr. Heywood's interpretation back in the day might have been a bit different. And not exactly socially acceptable today:

“Some hear and see him whom he heareth nor seeth not
But fields have eyes and woods have ears, ye wot
And also on my maids he is ever tooting.

Can ye judge a man, (quoth I), by his looking?
What, a cat may look on a king, ye know!

My cat's leering look, (quoth she), at first show,
Showeth me that my cat goeth a caterwauling;

And specially by his manner of drawing
To Madge, my fair maid.”
~ John Heywood, The Proverbs and Epigrams of John Heywood, 1562. 

We think we prefer Oxford's take on it.



___________________
Sources:

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2002.
The Proverbs and Epigrams of John Heywood, BiblioBazaar, 2008.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Wednesday's Waif: Chairman Meow

The chairman here has now been in a shelter environment for over a year, first at Great Plains SPCA and now at our sister shelter, Wayside Waifs. 

We featured him back in October, so this is a reposting. 

Because we think it's high time Mister Meow finds a home of his own!

"Hullo everyone and thank you for your prompt attendance.
This meeting will now come to order!
(I've always wanted to say that - MOL!)"


"I'm Chairman Meow, and I've recently made the trek from Great Plains SPCA in Independence over to my buds here at Wayside.

Allie vouches for these folks, and I have to say, they're real stand-up peeps for sure. I've got my own room here, and the ladies are kinda sweet on an orange moggie as handsome as me. I'm loving all the attention!

I've been told that they're working hard to help dispel all those nasty rumors that come along with being an FIV kitty. I'm not sick, just slightly immune-suppressed. So (I can't believe I'm about to say something nice about a V-E-T here, but...) all I really need is a nice annual checkup.

Oh and a cushy indoor gig, too, please. That way I won't accidentally run into a kitty out in the 'hood who has a kitty cold I could catch!

Won't you come hang out with me so I can ply you with my mancatly charms and winning ways?
I just know we'd be purrfect for each other!

Purrs,
Chairman Meow"

Mister Meow is hanging out at Allie's Alma mater, Wayside Waifs -- just waiting for you to fall in love with him!

www.waysidewaifs.org



National Hugging Day

Maxwell: I figure now's a good time to get in some practice.


Anyone need a hug?

***
Doods! Guess what?

Did you know Momma & I share the same blood type? Cool, huh!
Pets need blood banks too, and this month is National Blood Donor Month, so Momma's talking about it today over at Catster (click pic to see!).

http://bit.ly/1JfEWJD

 

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

'Toon Tuesdays: Funny But No




*** 



_____
Toon Tuesdays feature animal (and sometimes human) humor created by the peeps over at Shoebox Greetings (a tiny little division of Hallmark) - where our mom works, too!




Monday, January 19, 2015

A Good Day to Serve Your Local Shelter

Did you know that today is the national MLK Day of Service?

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service's web site, this day was set up as a part of the President's national call to service initiative.


Here is what their web site has to say about it:

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.

The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative."

As passionate animal advocates, we would love to see this include an increase in the number of people who choose to volunteer at their local animal shelters and rescues.
Just think about what you could do if you spent an hour today at your local shelter.

Katie loves a good, rousing game of mousie, but it's hard without a human.
She'd love it if someone would visit her and toss it around a bit!


Did you know simply petting and playing with dogs and cats is important? It's called pet enrichment, and this type of socialization helps ensure they're comfortable ariund humans and ready to move into their forever homes.

Serena wants you to know how grateful she is for fresh food and water.


You can walk a few dogs in an hour. You can fill food and water bowls, or take photos for your shelter so they can show these adoptable sweethearts on their website. You could even shoot a few seconds of video and post it to facebook to show how very lovable these animals are, and deserving of their very own homes.

What do you think? Just an hour, given on this national day of service?
Kitties like Justin would be ever so grateful.

An hour of service? How about an hour of cuddles and adorable kittenness?

And so would we.


Sunday, January 18, 2015

Sunday's Sheler Sweetie: Harvey

"Boy, what a difference a few months can make! When I came to Great Plains, I was one very frightened kitty."

 
"It took several months of some very dedicated volunteers and staff members working with me to show me how humans are friendly and loving.

One of the volunteers gained my trust by feeding me baby food. It wasn't long before I came along and really enjoy humans when they are polite and gentle with me.

One thing you should know about me is I absolutely love to take care of other kitties. Since I've been here at the adoption center, I have grown to love two younger lads in my room with me. I bathe and love them all of the time.

I am just so happy I was given a chance for a wonderful life and now I'd like to share it with you.

Will you be my hero?"

You can check Harvey out right here in this video, hanging out with his BFFs!




Harvey's available for adoption today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA!

http://www.greatplainsspca.org/adopt/adoptable-cats/


#SundaySelfie Critique

Maxwell: No momma, you're not framing the selfie quite right...tilt the lens down 7.3 degrees...

(dood, we think you've been hanging out a bit too much with Papa lately...)


***




We're entering this in the Sunday Selfies blog hop, hosted by the kitties over at The Cat on my Head.

Head on over and see all the other great entries!



Saturday, January 17, 2015

Caturday Photohunt Joyful/Shelter

This week's Whistlestop Photohunt word is "Shelter" and the #52Snapshots word is "Joyful".

We present to you one joyful former shelter kitty, playing with her PINK Wand Toy:

Our former Waif, ecstatically enjoying her pink fuzzie!

***
http://www.glogirly.com/2015/01/tv-trip-to-tell-truth-cat-edition.html