Saturday, February 28, 2015

{52 Snapshots}: Purple + Photohunt!


Mom: Look, Faraday! A purple brush! 

That covers both this week's #52snapshots theme ("purple")
and Saturday's Photohunt ("brush").



Cool, huh?

Faraday: Seriouslies, Mommy. That's  Wand Toy, not a brush. And it's clearly lavender.
                 Reeeealies. *eyeroll*


(Tell us how you really feel. Don't hold back, now.)


***
For more photohunters, check out the blog hosting it: the Whistlestop Photohunt.

And for more {52 Snapshots} visit the Lazy Pit Bull, and search #PBSG and #52Snapshots on your social channels!










Friday, February 27, 2015

Allie's Fashion Faux Paws

Allie: The Fashionable Feline understands the need to stay fit and trim.
(Especially after this year's holiday season...!)


Arm reaches are good for toning the biceps and triceps. Flabby arms are soooo passé.


And I have always found a cushy mouse is a great motivator for a set of intense abdominal crunches. Don't you?

Slimmingly yours,
Allie

***

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Faraday's Thursday Trivia

Faraday: Since Mommy's been kinda busy lately, I told her I'd take over today's Trivia.

Grand Canyon photo: John Kees via Creative Commons 3.0

 On this day in history, the Grand Canyon was officially made a National Park.

(See mommy? No crazy stunt in sight. And you were worried I'd do something "rash". Pffft.)

Woot! Class dismissed!
Anyone up for some climbing???

***

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

One Word Wednesday





GOTCHA.

***

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

World Spay Day 2015

 
According to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated 6-8 million homeless cats and dogs enter animal shelters in the U.S. every year. Only about half of these animals are adopted.

That means 3-4 million animals lose their lives on an annual basis in the U.S. alone, due to pet overpopulation. And the HSUS tells us that the majority of these animals who are euthanized are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions.




photo: freephotobank.org
And it’s not just in the U.S. – this is a worldwide problem. Globally, pets who are sentenced to roam the streets due to overpopulation are often brutally killed as unwanted pests by local authorities.

Once again, the HSUS:  "In addition to being inhumane, these methods are not an effective long-term solution to street animal overpopulation. They may also accidentally harm the environment or kill other animals in the community.

The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way.

Spay/neuter is a permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for cats, dogs, and rabbits. When we spay or neuter pets, feral cats, and other street animals, we ensure those animals and their offspring will not add to the millions of already suffering animals."

World Spay Day is dedicated to encouraging organizations and individuals in the United States and abroad to support the spay/neuter process to help bring this problem to an end.

Spay/neuter is a simple solution, a simple process, and it can have a profound impact on the animal population. Help reduce the number of animals who suffer and die each year by being a part of the solution— spread the word: promote spay/neuter!

(originally published February 25, 2013)
_________________
Header photo: Flicker, via Theen Moy, Creative Commons


Monday, February 23, 2015

'Toon Tuesdays on Monday

Why on Monday, you ask?
Because it really is National Dog Biscuit Day, and because tomorrow's reserved for something special.

(Besides, we like to shake things up every now and then. Just for fun and stuff.) 



*** 



_____
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!




Sunday, February 22, 2015

#SundaySelfie: Allie's Turn




Our girlcat's resting up after her dental this week. 
Those teeth are pearly white!


***




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, February 21, 2015

Photohunt: Faraday wants his WHEELs back

Faraday : *grumble* Mommy took my wheels out of the kitchen.


Seriouslies.
It's not like we've had any real snow.
So why does she need all that "traction" anyways?!?

Who knew she was that selfish.

(Someone please send sorts. Faraday's seriously out of them.)

We're participating in this week's Saturday Photohunt, hosted by the Whistlestop Photohunt blog. In case you were wondering, today's theme is wheel.

***

Friday, February 20, 2015

National Love Your Pet Day

Doesn't this "holiday" strike you as a bit odd?
Seriously.
I mean, that's a given ... right?
 
Sadly, many of us know people for whom this is not the case.
Pet owners who, frankly, shouldn't be.
I'm not going there today.

Instead, I want to look at us.
Animal advocates, people who love their pets. People whose pets are family.
How might we spend the day?

Consider: we're not immune to the more minor moments of neglect.

Which one of us hasn't ended up so entangled in the tyranny of deadlines and family stresses that we don't do much more than ensure clean litter, fresh water and decent food?

How often have we passed hurriedly by, with a brief pat on the head or scritch behind the ear, promising "...later..." ?

This is the perfect day to slow down - even if for a brief moment.



Remember: pet ownership is a good health choice.

It can increase longevity.
It can reduce the risk of heart disease.
A purr's resonant frequency can actually promote healing.

So take a moment to snuggle. Take your dog for a walk - yes, even in the cold.
Work that red dot or mousie wand toy long enough to make even Faraday feel he's conquered his prey.

There's a term for that: it's called Pet Enrichment.

Because time spent with a loving pet is time that's beneficial to you both.


***

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Wednesday's Waif on Thursday: Paws Scaggs

"If you are looking for a very loving and loyal forever friend, then look no further!"



"Hello, my name is Paws Scaggs, and I am so happy that you took the time to read a little more about me.

I am a female tan and black tabby who has the sweetest face, don't you think? I'm also declawed on all four paws. Kinda hard to believe I was found as a stray, isn't it.

While here at Wayside I've found that one of my favorite things to do is sit in my person lap and show them all the love I have to give. I'm very affectionate. They say I give the best head butts and cheek rubs.
My time as a stray has made me a little wary of other cats, so if you don't mind, I'd prefer a home where I'm the only 'apple of your eye.'

I've really loved my time here at Wayside, but I've been yearning for a place to call home. I'm hoping that home will be with you!

If you are wanting a completely loyal, loving, lap-sitting love bug, then I am the kitty for you!

I know that my person is out there and I will just keeping on hoping and wishing till I see you come through that door.

Love a thousand times over,
Paws Scaggs"

Miss Paws is available at Allie's Alma Mater: Wayside Waifs.



http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Pet_detail_cat_new&petid=24712933


The Siren's Song

Maxwell: Pink Wand Toy, you are not subtle, are you?
 

Maxwell: Then again, Allie's upstairs asleep...

4...3...2...

::::chomp::::


Yeah, didn't take long.

***

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday



Warm Winter Tuxie.
(Our dad's dad painted the art behind Allie. Isn't it pretty?)

***

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

'Toon Tuesdays: Overheard at Hallmark



*** 



_____
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, February 16, 2015

Monday's Guilt Trip.

Faraday: *raises paw*

Hey Mommy, remember me?
The Baby of the Fambly?

The one you've been, like, ignoring for, like, ever, since Maxie came home from the vet an' stuffs?

*sniffle*

Not that I'm trying to make you feel guilty or anythings.

***
 



Sunday, February 15, 2015

Maxwell's Thunday Thelfie

Maxwell: Tho...what do you think? Am I thtill a Thtud Muffin?




(as you can see, Maxie's still getting the hang of only having lower fangs....!) 

***




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!



Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Shiloh

"Sorry for all the alliteration in today's header, Faraday says to blame his mom, but I'm too nice for that!

Hey, just two days ago it was Black Cat Friday!  Think my forever family was out looking for me? Hope they find me SOON!

I was just wondering...

Might you be looking for a friend to snuggle with?
Do you want to hang with a kitty who loves being petted?"



"Wow, hey, that's me! I'm here looking for a new family, after my last one was forced to move and couldn't take me with them. I really like the comfort of people (both big and little!!) and miss hanging out with them ere so much.

I'll be honest - I'm not the bravest guy on the block. I'm getting used to the staff and volunteers here, but all the new people coming and going can be a little scary.
It's hard to tell if a stranger will be nice or not.

Outside scares me; I'm definitely an indoor-only kitty. Dogs scare me too, so no please? No doggie housemates?

I do love other cats though. If you have any other kitties, I'm sure we'd get along great!

And kids! Did I mention that I like kids?!?

Other than hanging out with you getting petted, I also really like chasing toys and critters on the ground.

Won't you give me a chance? If you introduce yourself slowly, I'll warm up to you quickly and I'm sure we'll become the best of friends.

Patiently awaiting your visit....
Shiloh"


Shiloh is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA - today!





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




Saturday, February 14, 2015

Does the Tooth Fairy Visit Cats?



And if so, do you think she'd find my teeths,
if Momma put them in our cat tree?




I sure hope so, cuz there they are. Momma said to wait til I felt more like my old self.
I bet you've guessed by now - I had oral surgery. It was a bit more involved than the average.

Momma says she'll spare you photos of the sutures. Our vet told Momma and Papa not to look. He said they might freak if they did.

They removed bone from my upper jaw, too, but it's not in my box. Uh, I don't think.

Momma & I spent Friday evening on the floor.
Friday night was kinda rough. I had a bit of trouble metabolizing the anesthesia. And I was bleeding a bit, too. Momma curled up on the floor next to me and held me for hours while I shivered uncontrollably. It wasn't a lot of fun.

One Sick Puppy Kitty

Maxwell is doing much better now, but he was doing that "I'm in pain" purr while shivering, and he was on Buprenorphine for days.

His tooth problems stem from the fact he was so sick as a kitten. For almost half a year, we fought infection after infection: both upper respiratory and in his ears. Our vet told me he's seen so many cats with this kind of health history lose their teeth to Juvenile Onset Gingivitis once they reach adulthood.

He also said Max would be toothless by age 5 because of that.  
(Psst! Guess what? I turn 5 on April 14! And I still have ten teeth left!)

But his gums - they're always inflamed. I treat them daily with a gel that kills the bacteria, to try to reduce that inflammation. And each February, he gets his teeth cleaned.
And each year, he loses one or two. Or twelve.

We cannot emphasize strongly enough that Pet Dental Health is a lifetime thing, and not just for older cats.

Maxwell: Hey does the Tooth Fairy pay for kitty teeth in wand toys, you think?
I sure hope so.


Faraday grabbed Momma's cell phone and pawed this pic of me on Sunday night while I was under the Influence.
(In case anyone wonders, kitty morphone tastes awful. Blech.)

So ... I gotta ask.
Do I look any different to you?


Will you still love me without my fangs?


It's not that I'm vain, really. (But I did have a handsome set, don't you think?)
________ 

We'll have a fair amount of "throwback" Fangs on Friday, because we have loads of Maxie photos we haven't yet shared with you. We assured him he would always be our Valentine, with or without teeth.  :-)

And we are beyond thankful he's beginning to return to his normal cheerful self.

Thank you all so much for your kind words on Wednesday when we mentioned he'd had surgery. 
This one was a bit tougher than past years, and we're happy it's behind us now!

Friday, February 13, 2015

Blame Someone Else?

Faraday: Seriouslies, Mommy.


I had nothing to do with the pile of regurgitated cat grass.
Or all the stuffs knocked off the bathroom counter.
Or the *cough* fresh bag of flour tortillas with the ginormous hole nommed in the side.

'specially not that last one. 

Whyever would you blame me for anything?

...on the other paw, you did see yesterday's post by Allie. Right?



Thursday, February 12, 2015

Pondering.

Allie: I hear tomorrow is National Blame Someone Else Day.


Hmmm... That sounds like a holiday Faraday would make up.
Maybe I'd better set a few preemptive counterattacks in place.


Just in case.

***


Wednesday, February 11, 2015

One Word Wednesday

Pounce.


***
This photo was taken a few weeks ago.
Maxie had surgery on Friday - he'll tell you all about it in a special post this Saturday.
(He has photos and everything.)

Wednesday's Waif: Buddy

Meow friends! My name is Buddy, and I am very handsome male tabby cat."


"I came to Wayside because - well, unfortunately my previous person passed away.
And though I've enjoyed my time here at Wayside, I'm really ready to find my new forever home.

I am hoping it is with you!

I am a ten year old, easy-going guy who'll stick right next to you while you are watching a movie or cheering on your favorite team. And please don't let my age put me off. I'm mature enough now to let go of those silly, kitten-headed things like chewing on your iPad cord or ricocheting off your forehead at 2 in the morning.  That's a GOOD thing - wouldn't you agree?

 My felineality is sidekick, and that means I'm Good Company: I  love attention (hey, I give and receive it!), but I am also okay with solitude.

I'm ready to be a steady companion. So come on down so that we can start our new life together! Love,
Buddy"

Buddy's available at Allie's Alma Mater: Wayside Waifs.


http://www.waysidewaifs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Pet_detail_cat_new&petid=21441440



***

Tuesday, February 10, 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, February 9, 2015

Missed Opportunities.

Faraday: "...he intercepts the ball...!"

 

"...aaaand the crowd goes WILD...!"


I so shoulda been in the Kitten Bowl.

***

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Sometimes a girlcat just has to step in.

Allie: It's not that I don't trust your skills at keeping Faraday away from the chocolate photo shoot, Maxie.



It's just that... well, he did talk you into wearing that hideous hat

Sometimes a (less gullible) girlcat has to step up and shoulder the responsibility. 
Besides, I'm multitasking here. 
Mother, be sure you get my best side for today's #SundaySelfie, now.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

{52 Snapshots} Week 6: Create

The word for this week's {52 Snapshots of Life} photo challenge, hosted by the Lazy Pit Bull is "Create."

Maxwell: Momma created chocolate candy this weekend for her food blog, Herb & Legends.


I stood guard to keep Faraday the Paws of Mischief away.

...no, I'm not bitter about The Hat Incident last weekend. Why do you ask?


***
For more {52 Snapshots} visit the Lazy Pit Bull, and search #PBSG and #52Snapshots on your social channels!


Friday, February 6, 2015

Faraday's S.O.S.



(somekitty's getting his teeth cleaned at the vet - right this minute!)

Faraday's First Fridays

Welcome to my monthly Advice Column. 
These gems of Wit and Wisdom are for Felines Only. 
No Humans (or Big Sisters) Allowed.



Lesson # 513: Limber Up Before Grooming 


First the jaw...

...and then the tongue.

Class dismissed.