Miscellany

 

 

 

It’s been fairly quiet around here the last few weeks. Of course, for house cats, that is an ideal situation. While the temperatures have soared outside, reaching 100 degrees, or close to it, on most days, the nine of us have snoozed comfortably in our cool, climate-controlled enclave.

There have been just a few things of interest around here lately to share. Our local Humane Shelter, the Elmore County Humane Society, put out the word that they were running really low on dry dog food. Well, since He and She are at capacity and cannot lighten the burden by adopting a dog from the shelter, they did what they could by donating some food. Here’s our little Jetta loaded down with kibble. You may not be able to tell, but they snuck a bag or two of kitty food in as well.

When they delivered the food to the shelter, they found that the supply had gotten as low as three bags before the call for help went out. Thankfully, the community has responded and their needs are being met. He and She have made donations in the past, but plan to do so on a more regular basis in the future. This is a great way to help out homeless animals in need if you aren’t able to bring one home with you.

Here’s another interesting thing we wanted to share. While He and She are out on the Harley Davidson, they see many unique sights. Usually, they see several other people out enjoying toys of their own. This past weekend, they spotted this:

Bamajama says it is a Morgan Roadster, and they all thought it was pretty cool.

Here’s another toy the owners decided to take out for a spin!

 

And, lastly, this may not be the most interesting picture, ever, but we wanted to share with you the trick we are playing. Almost every day when She comes home, She finds some different item on the rug in the bathroom. One day, it was a pair of flip flops from the closet laid atop the hand towel which was pulled down from the rack and neatly folded. Sometimes it will be a piece of jewelry we’ve purloined from the dresser, or a stray sock from the laundry room. We are trying to see if She can guess what kind of message we are trying to send her.

Lately She has been making a strong effort to be more physically fit, so the tennis shoes have gotten quite a work out. We acknowledge that. However, we added the fuzzy slipper because we don’t want her to forget to put her feet up and relax with a kitty in her lap now then, either!

Lilah

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Adopt a Dog Month

You may think here at The House of 9 Lives, we are all about cats.   For the most part, that is true, however, “He” and “She” really love all animals.  They have plans to add other species to our family, but work schedules make that hard right now.  Of course, we cats are pretty independent and self-sufficient.  If they are gone for 12-14 hours a day, we manage to take care of ourselves pretty well.  That might not be the case with the goats and donkeys and sheep and other animals they would like to have.

 First on the list will be a dog (or, two).  The main reason they haven’t had one before now is that we don’t have an area fenced so a dog could run free.  While “He” and “She” aren’t quite ready to add another member to our household, maybe you have been considering it.   And, what better time to consider it than October?  In case you are unaware, October is The American Humane Association’s Adopt a Dog Month. If you feel you can provide a safe, loving environment for a dog, please consider your local humane shelter first.  Even if you have your heart set on a purebred dog, there’s a good chance you can find one there.  Statistics show that 25% of all animals in shelters are purebreds.

Also, remember, we can all help control the homeless pet population by spaying and neutering. 

Thanks for listening to my public service announcement, and I leave you with a picture of Morgan – she came to visit us this weekend and really enjoyed running and playing at The House of 9 Lives.

 

Who wouldn’t love a dog like this?

Alley

This Little Piggy Went to Market

Yesterday while out running errands, “He” and “She” had a unique experience.  While in the parking lot of a local shopping center, “She” spotted a girl holding a pet with a pink harness and leash.  “She” was very surprised when she realized the pet was in fact a pig!  “He” immediately stopped the truck and they jumped out to talk to the girl with the pig. Now, there’s a sentence you don’t say everyday!  Anyway, the little black and white pig’s name is Willby and he is 4 weeks old.  The girl said she had only had him for two weeks.  It was quite an experience – unfortunately, “She” hasn’t yet learned rule one of bloggers: Take Your Camera Everywhere!

Also on yesterday, “He” and “She” visited the local Humane Society to drop off some donations.  While there, they met Dee Dee, a sweet little black dog, and Scarlett, the office kitty, who had a great story of survival.  “She” is not usually allowed inside the shelter, because it is so hard for her to see the various animals that need homes.  “He” and “She” continued to talk all afternoon about “Simon” who was a lilacpoint kitten with blue eyes.  However, they both realize they are in no position to provide a home for any more pets. Whew!  I was glad to know that! It’s plenty crowded here, already.  They have decided they will just do what they can to help support the homeless animals at the shelter.  We here at The House of 9 lives hope our readers also do whatever you can to help support your local shelters.

Hopefully all those animals will have homes soon.  Having a home is a wonderful thing.  Speaking of home, I wonder if Willby said “Wee, wee, wee” all the way home?

Barny

Be Kind to Animals – Everyday!

I’m Flirt! I’m excitable! I’m happy to be here!

I really have an important subject to tell you about.  May 6^th through the 12^th is Be Kind to Animals Week! Who knew? I’m an animal, and I didn’t even know about this, but it sure sounds like a great idea! 

There are so many ways to be kind to animals! One of the most important ways is by controlling the homeless animal population.  If you have a dog or cat that is not a show animal, spaying and neutering is the best thing you can do!  There are many benefits to your pet, such as:*

• Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
• Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
• Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
• Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.
• Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
• Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
• Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle.
• Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
• Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.
• Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.

*(Per the Humane Society of the US website)

Also, please don’t let your animals roam! Your pet has no defense against a car. If you love your pets, protect them and provide them with the boundaries they need!

 

Wow, those poor animals which are  left to fend for themselves! We were all lucky to be taken into a home where we are cared for.

Hey! I have an idea! Why just have a Be Kind to Animals “Week”? How about “Be Kind to Animals Everyday”!  That’s how it is around here! 

I’ll be sure to be kind to the animals around here, although, Blossom does sometime present a real challenge to my good intentions!  Please be kind to the animals you encounter.

I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers (until now) –
Flirt