An Old Cat And A Young Boy Form A Purrfect Friendship

 When I first met six year old Lenox five months ago I felt I was looking in a mirror; he was a reflection of my first grade self - inquisitive, carefree, friendly, and unique. It was love at first sight and I think he felt it too but those feelings didn't manifest completely until

 Lenox found his new "name tag" on his desk one morning. My note of explanation stated that since I couldn't be with him all day that his new pal, Alex, would take my place all in the hopes that Lenox would be on his best behavior.

In case you haven't heard, Alex is a child psychologist and a wanna-be Dr. Phil in the cat community so he sent a Build A Sign bumper sticker to me in the hopes that I would give it to Lenox fur keeps. See, Lenox is a wonderful boy and all but he's not been so wonderful with his desk name tag. After sending several name tags to the trash, Alex felt it was time for a cat-tur-vention with (you guessed it) Alex at the helm.

As it turned out, Alex was the purrfect psychologist and wanna-be Dr. Phil for young Lenox and (applause, applause) the "Beware...I am watching you" bumper sticker is still intact! And do you know what else? Lenox has been an exemplary little first grader ever since!

You would think that Alex would wipe his paws and furget about his successful cat-tur-vention and about Lucas but that's not his style. Instead, Alex continues to send weekly notes to his favorite first grader and Lenox is always happy to correspond! 

Who would have thought that a cat (and his amazing human, Hilary from Feeling Beachie) would become a first grader's watchful friend fur life? I think it is amazing how Alex, Hilary, Lenox, and myself have made such impact on each others lives all because of Blogville!

P.S. Be sure to read Hilary's side of the story by clicking here!  

Royal Treatment Fit For A King Charles Named Vincent

When we walked into Penny the King Charles Cavalier's house on Friday we found a darling boy named Vincent sleeping in her kitchen. No doubt he was dreaming about his much loved humans who chose to put Penny in charge of his care for a few days.

What he didn't know was that Penny hired her dog walker, April, to comfort him with a big hug

and to take her and her guest out for a sniff

followed by a synchronized tour of the neighborhood.

Penny also employed her other dog walker, Amos, and their coon hound, Daisy, to walk along with him.  

And because Penny was such a thoughtful friend to Vinny, she was the first to get a treat and Vinny didn't mind one bit because

he knew his humans chose the right caretaker for him---Penny! 

Has your pooch ever taken care of  friend while his/her owner was away? If so, how did your pooch make his friend feel safe and relaxed? I'd love to read about your stories so please share!

Daisy, Who Won 'The Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest'?

Daisy, can you believe that your pretty picture attracted 16 captions and 7 comments for this week's the Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest?

Of course I can! hound dogs attract a crowd just like bees are attracted to honey, you know.

Yes, of course, hound dogs do have a ruff life, don't they?

Yes, and choosing the silliest caption was the ruff-est thing I've ever done (besides wearing this embarrassing attractive headband, that is)! 

So, which caption explained how you felt about your headband, anyway? 

All of them were pawsome but the Jenner pack seemed to "get me" when they said -

"April showers bring really embarrassed hound dogs!"

That's a really good choice, Daisy! I liked that caption too! 

Congratulations to the Jenner pack and congratulations to all who pawticipated because this contest wouldn't be any fun without YOU!

Daisy's Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest

What's missing from your picture, Daisy? 

Some water for your pretty pink flower? 

No thank you!

Some pink nail polish to complete your spring look? 

Not today, please.

Then how about a silly caption instead? 

Sounds like fun to me!

Alright then, Daisy, let's ask your friends to write a silly caption that describes your flowery look and 

whoever writes the silliest caption will---

• receive a silly gift from me in the mail

• be added to my SILLY SATURDAY HALL OF FAME on my sidebar and you'll be envied by all of the residents of Blogville.

And the details of the contest are -

•  To play along you must follow my blog. When captioning, please tell me if you are following me via GFC, e-mail, or RSS. I will follow you back too!

•  Caption the silly photo.

•  Enter as many times as you wish.

•  Come back to check out your silly competition throughout the day.

•  Contest ends at NOON (EST)  - SUNDAY, 4/10!

• The silly winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon (or sooner if Daisy wakes me up on time)!

NOT GOOD AT WRITING CAPTIONS?

DRAWING A BLANK?

Then VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAPTION!

Patrick The Pit Bull Receives Outpouring Of Love After Owner Tossed Him Down Trash Chute

Have you heard about Patrick the Pit bull who was thrown into a trash bag and then tossed down the trash chute? Well, if you haven't then I will catch you up on his amazing fight to live right here.  

I apologize in advance for not having the time to write this post on my own and I credit this post to www.nj.com and www.newjerseynewsroom.com. for bringing Patrick's story to the forefront.

"On the day before St. Patrick's Day, a 1 year old red pit bull mix was found in a trash bag at the bottom of a Newark apartment building garbage shoot. Mark A. Ortman, the employee at the Garden Spires apartment complex who found Patrick in the trash compactor, had seen the dog earlier on the building's 19th floor, tethered to a stairwell. He later learned the owner of the dog was Kisha "Red" Curtis.

.
Patrick, as he was later named by the Humane Society, was brought to the Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls where he received immediate care.

Patrick was treated by specialists that determined he was severely anemic and malnourished. This was an extreme case of cruelty and people all over the world have been contacting the hospital to make donations and ask about his status which has been posted on Patrick's very own Facebook page. Doctors say that if Patrick continues to improve and recovers completely, the Humane Society will arrange for his adoption."

If you want to follow Patrick's story, send him some stuffed toys, or send money to support his cause please click on the Facebook link above and/or the Garden State Veterinary Specialists link.

What a remarkable outpouring of love this little guy is getting! Isn't he the sweetest dog considering what he's gone through?  

Thankful Fur 3 Friends Thursday Blog Hop

What is Thankful Fur 3 Friends Thursday? Well, Daisy, Buster, and Henry are glad you asked because they have all the answers!

• For starters, Daisy, Buster, and Henry want to meet new friends and they heard that blog hops are the way to do it!

• If you are a brand new follower be sure Daisy, Buster, and Henry can see your face at the top of the page (via Google Friend Connect) because if you do that then your face will be seen right here next Thursday!   

•  Remember, if you are one of the first 3 friends who publicly follow our blog TODAY you will be seen right here next Thursday!

• Be sure to leave a comment requesting to be featured next week ALONG WITH permission to snatch a photo from your blog OR you can email one to us. 

•  Last but not least, YOU MUST follow our blog and we will follow you back! We promise!

Don't furget...you can grab the linky code below to go right under your blog post!

So without further adieu, let us introduce you to 3 of our newest friends who are:

1. Gardening with Wyatt, is a blog about a dog and his garden. Wyatt is a 2 year old Airedale Terrier. He lives in Oregon with his Airedale sister, Stanzie.  Wyatt likes to be outdoors with his family and loves helping with the chores in the garden. He is especially good at digging, pruning and pulling the big blue tarp around the yard. Mostly, he just excels at being cute and making everyone laugh.  Everyday is a happy day for Wyatt!

2. The author of I Love My Dog and My Music has been an entertainer, an opera singer, and a teacher for 43 years.

She has also owned several dogs throughout the years but for now the only dog she has is Emma (pictured above) who was once a stray. Emma's blog mom believes she found the smartest dog ever and because of that she thinks Emma could become a classical singer with just a tiny bit of practice! 

3. Meet Avalon (nickname: Lion), a 10-year-old Turkish Van cat named after the Mamoru Oshii movie with the same name. Apart from being the star of his own online cartoon series (Avalon Cat Cartoons), he's also an actor. His first movie appearance in the horror film The Strangers Outside.

Wordless Wednesday

George The Lad's First Barkaholic Counseling Session

Dr. Daisy: Hello, George! I'm so glad you've made yourself comfortable on my therapy couch while you waited for me to start your first official Barkaholic Counseling session. As your trusted Barkaholic Counselor of Blogville, I must say that I am impressed that you completed your first step towards a bark free life: admitting you have a problem.

The clock is ticking so let's get started, shall we?

Dr. Daisy: Now, George,  when did you first realize that you were addicted to barking?  

George: The first time I heard an accordion play!

Dr. Daisy: Is barking making your humans and neighbors unhappy?

George: Not at the moment!

Dr. Daisy: Do you think you have to bark in order to protect your turf or your humans?

George: Might do that when I get older but not right now!

Dr. Daisy: Is barking affecting your reputation?

George: When folks and furiends watch the above video of me singing an Irish tune they will think I have a very fine reputation indeed. I am a world-class singer, you'll see!

Dr. Daisy: Have you ever felt remorse after barking?

George:     No! Why would I?

Dr. Daisy:  Have you been sent to the dog house as a result of your barking? How did that make you feel?

George: Dog house? I live in the house!! My house is my dog house ; )

Dr. Daisy: Do you feel most comfortable with other barkaholics than with non-barkers?

George: We are not a barking breed as such so only non-barkers love to spend time with me!

Dr. Daisy: Do you crave barking at a definite time daily? When?

George: No, well, sometimes if the other dogs won’t play with me.

Dr. Daisy: Have your humans recommended any no-bark products to help you kick the habit?

George: No, but all they have to do is stop playing that damn accordion music!

Dr. Daisy: Have your loved ones ever organized a barking intervention in your behalf? If so, what was the result?

George:   Not as yet.

Dr. Daisy: Do you bark to escape from boredom? 

George:   That would be telling but when my humans are out its up to me to do what I please, right?

Dr. Daisy: Do you bark alone? Or do you have barking buddies?

George:   The dog next door barks sometimes but I’m not interested in what she’s taking about!

Dr. Daisy: Our session is over already? My goodness, time sure does fly when you're having fun, doesn't it, George? 

                                                George? 

                                                George!!!!

                                                George!!!!!

Fur goodness sakes, George! Wake up! That pillow was meant to be decorative NOT for sleeping! No pillows will be on the couch at our next appointment, okay?

What "In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb" Means To Me

If you are familiar with the poem, In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb, you know it is referring to the piercing windy March weather giving way to dear and calm month of April but in my case, I think of the weather as a reflection of life circumstances. In other words, I think of the piercing, cold temperatures of March to the trials of every day life while the calm temperatures of April remind me of the outcomes of those trials. 

And speaking of trials, let me remind you

of Sal Esposito, was summoned to appear in court on March 23, 2011 because the court thought Sal was a human rather than the handsome Boston-area cat that he truly is. After much deliberation, Sal's name was scratched from the jury pool never to be summoned to court again.

Do you see how Sal's trial led to a purrfectly calm outcome?  


And speaking of trials, do you remember when I

got in a horrific car accident in mid-November of this year? As for  me, I will never forget that my precious Kia Spectra was pronounced dead two days afterward but at least I was alive although I was bruised and humiliated.

But there was light at the end of the tunnel a week later when we purchased a very cheap and very cosmetically damaged 1999 Geo Tracker that got me from Point A to Point B until mid-March due to mechanical issues. Because the repairs were more costly than the cost of the Geo, we opted to be a one-car family until

we remembered that a friend of ours had an older Honda who needed a new home at a reasonable price. We couldn't believe that this handsome vehicle had been waiting for us for years and all we had to do was to negotiate payments and then drive it home. We feel very blessed to have a reliable vehicle that is roomy enough for Daisy and a few of her friends, groceries,real estate signs, etc! 

So here's another example of another gloomy trial that led us to a peaceful ending! 

What about you? Have you had a gloomy March that changed for the better in April? I'd love to read all about it! I love reading about positive outcomes! 

And The Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest Winner Is....

Baxter and Amos were pleased that they attracted the attention of 13 pawticipants who wrote such silly captions about them. They were even more surprised that Frankie Furter put on the dog by sending in not one but three captions! That's a Silly Saturday record, fur sure! Not only that, but one caption was so popular that he received TWO votes and I can understand why because he wrote -

"This is the first time I have ever slow danced to Ke$ha."  

 And the genius behind that silly caption was Cheeseboy! So, congratulations, Cheeseboy, for helping us understand exactly what Baxter was thinking about when he greeted his pet sitter. Thank you for pointing out that no matter what a dog's size may be, they still love to dance with humans! 

As always, please congratulate Cheeseboy for winning a Silly Saturday Certificate, a Silly Saturday prize, and the honor of being inducted in the Silly Saturday Hall Of Fame!

Brotherly, Snuggly Love

 

What can I say? Buster is 8 pounds heavier than me and 3 years younger than me but none of those differences matter at all because he's my brother. Sure, he barely gives me any room to sleep but he's a dream come true! Just don't tell Buster about this post or else he'll get an even bigger head, okay?

Happy Sunday to All (and don't forget to add a caption to the Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest by noon today),

Henry

Baxter Wants Your Caption, Please!

 

In Baxter's case, actions truly speak louder than words when he greets his pet sitter, Amos, at the door  but if our 140 pound bullmastiff pal, Baxter, could express himself in words, what would he say? 

Here's your chance to speak for Baxter and if your words are silly enough you will ---

• receive a silly gift from me in the mail

• be added to my SILLY SATURDAY HALL OF FAME on my sidebar and you'll be envied by all of the residents of Blogville.

And the details of the contest are -

•  To play along you must follow my blog. When captioning, please tell me if you are following me via GFC, e-mail, or RSS. I will follow you back too!

•  Caption the silly photo.

•  Enter as many times as you wish.

•  Come back to check out your silly competition throughout the day.

•  Contest ends at NOON (EST)  - SUNDAY, 4/3!

• The silly winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon (or sooner if Daisy wakes me up on time)!

NOT GOOD AT WRITING CAPTIONS?

DRAWING A BLANK?

Then VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAPTION!

Wordless Wednesday

Why Cats Prefer Drinking From Goblets, Mugs, And Bowls

It's no secret that I love to hunt for deals at yard sales so when I found this vintage milk glass goblet I was thrilled because I thought it would be the perfect flower pot or candle holder but when Buster took one look at my vintage find I knew what he wanted - a vintage water bowl - and he loves it to this very day.

It's also no secret that I am not a coffee drinker but I do like a warm cup of tea in the evening so I was happy to find an oversized coffee mug at yet another yard sale. While preparing my tea that evening Henry jumped onto the counter to investigate. Within minutes, Henry was drinking water from my his water bowl and I lost out on my evening tea!

Let me ask you, have your cats had a thirst for your goblets, bowls, and mugs? And did you sacrifice your favorite finds for their pleasure? Did you ever buy a cat-specific water bowl only to find out that it wasn't your cat's style? Let me read about your watering hole woes because I am sure it will be purrfectly interesting! 

And The Winner Of The Silly Saturday Contest Is....

Thanks to all who pawticipated in the Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest because without you I would never understand why (or how) Daisy rearranges our her pillows soon after we arrange them to our liking. As it turns out, Daisy's two feline elves (Henry and Buster) have been doing the rearranging all along without as much of a meow as a giveaway! If it weren't for 

Maddy and Owen's skillful diagnosis of the situation, I would've had to live with an unsolved mystery. So, thank you, Maddy and Owen, for saying-

"I just found them this way...I think the cat might have done it for me...Remind me to thank her when I wake up!"

Thank you for pawticipating in this really fun (and really silly) Silly Saturday Photo Caption Contest! I appreciate that you've taken a few minutes to get your sillies together for this contest! 

Please congratulate Maddy and Owen for a job well done and please do yourself a favor and follow their blog because as newbies they have a really cute and entertaining blog for all to enjoy!

Can You Explain Why Daisy Rearranges Our Pillows With A Caption?

 

Does your dog rearrange your pillows soon after you've neatly stacked them at the head of the bed? And if so have you ever asked your dog why the bed has to be made THEIR way instead of YOUR way? I've asked Daisy for an explanation but all I can get out of her is a blank stare.

Maybe you can help me understand what dogs are thinking when they build their "nest" by captioning this photo. Please help and if your caption is the silliest of all you will -

• receive a silly gift from me in the mail

• be added to my SILLY SATURDAY HALL OF FAME on my sidebar and you'll be envied by all of the residents of Blogville.

And the details of the contest are -

•  To play along you must follow my blog. When captioning, please tell me if you are following me via GFC, e-mail, or RSS. I will follow you back too!

•  Caption the silly photo.

•  Enter as many times as you wish.

•  Come back to check out your silly competition throughout the day.

•  Contest ends at NOON (EST)  - SUNDAY, 3/27!

• The silly winner will be announced tomorrow afternoon (or sooner if Daisy wakes me up on time)!

NOT GOOD AT WRITING CAPTIONS?

DRAWING A BLANK?

Then VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAPTION!

Welcome To Our Thankful Fur 3 Friends Thursday Blog Hop!

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What is Thankful Fur 3 Friends Thursday? Well, Daisy, Buster, and Henry are glad you asked because they have all the answers!

• For starters, Daisy, Buster, and Henry want to meet new friends and they heard that blog hops are the way to do it!

• If you are a brand new follower be sure Daisy, Buster, and Henry can see your face at the top of the page (via Google Friend Connect) because if you do that then your face will be seen right here next Thursday!   

•  Remember, if you are one of the first 3 friends who publicly follow our blog TODAY you will be seen right here next Thursday!

• Be sure to leave a comment requesting to be featured next week ALONG WITH permission to snatch a photo from your blog OR you can email one to us. 

•  Last but not least, YOU MUST follow our blog and we will follow you back! We promise!

This blog hop is not only for new friends but current friends as well so don't be shy! Introduce yourself, make new friends, and have fun! 

Don't furget...you can grab the linky code below to go right under your blog post!

 So without further adieu, let us introduce you to 3 of our newest friends who are:

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1. Meet Amber-Mae, our 4-year plus, purebred American Golden Retriever who lives far, far away in Malaysia with her humans and her son River and daughter Megan-Joy. Besides being a caring mother of two, Amber-Mae has been trained in obedience, agility, fly ball & canine freestyle. She is also a budding actress and has been in a  Johnson & Johnson's Savlon Soap commercial for India 3 years ago but it did not air. This year, she was hired to act in two local films entitled 'Flashes' & 'Crossings'. Even though Amber-Mae is famous she is still the same goofy and quirky dog who hasn't let fame get to her paws head!

2. From left to right are two adorable pug friends of ours, Chewy and C.L.O.V.E.R, who live just north of us in Canada! Aren't they sweet? They have a lot of hobbies such as playing frisbee, swimming, eating, and squishing themselves into one very tiny dog bed for naps!

3. Meet Buddy, the eldest (and Leader) of the Six Mousekateers of Five Oaks Manor. When Buddy isn't napping or keeping his eyes on his 5 kitty siblings (Rowdy, Tegar, Smokey, MikiCato, and Princess) he manages to find the time to write entertaining blog posts that make us smile and laugh often!