Felines & Kitties & Cats....Oh my!

OK....I am officially very busy with my cat-sitting service. Some of the cats are new to me, some I have cared for many times and some only once before. I am so passionate about cats. They are with me 24/7 and yet I learn something new about them every day. They are still a mystery to me and worth all the time and effort I put in to getting to know how they tick. I enjoy every minute of it except where I step in something that I didn't see before I turned the lights on. Yah, that happens. It's not a CATastrophe, it just means that I should start carrying extra socks for me in the cat-bag. Note to self......more socks.

I have always said that a home to me without a cat seems empty. That's because I have never lived a moment of my life without one. And to prove it even more, I am caring for a house without a cat in it and I find myself wanting to pick up the plants, hug them and whisper sweet nothings in their leaves. The house is beautiful but it feels empty to me.

Getting back to the cat-bag, I try to replenish the goodies every month or so.

I have toys, nip, treats, comb & brush, nail-clippers, baggies, can-opener, a scoop, note cards, a pen, cat-hair brush, a book, appropriate calling cards, & my camera.

 Everything is organized. Now if I could just keep my own purse in this condition that would be a miracle.  I can't find anything in there!

Did I mention that I met the most beautiful cat that actually took my breath away when I laid eyes on her? She is a mix of Asian breeds and once you look at her all else fades away. She is spectacular and she knows it! Oh yes, you will meet her soon.
Did I mention that I met the sweetest little soul with three legs and a big heart? You'll meet her too. You will love her funny face.

I'm having a great time with the tuxedos and now that I have extra socks in the bag I have no fear of what may lay quiet in the dark. All kitties do that once in awhile. Eat slow kitties....eat slow.

Off to kitty-sit......

Hugs, Deb

One year anniversary

Thank you all for making this first year of blogging so much fun.

I have shared ups and downs , laughed my head off at some of your posts, learned from the experts how to face getting older and been inspired by all of you. I have loved getting to know you, been WOW'd by your beautiful homes and it's been so much fun meeting your cats, dogs & bunnies and hearing all about their antics and why they drive you crazy. I've enjoyed jumping the hurdles with you. 

It's been a roller-coaster of a year and you have helped me get through it all. Now that Spring is right around the corner, 

I look forward to Easter celebrations with you. It's my favorite time to decorate and I'm itchin' to start.

There will be a give-away to celebrate my one year of blogging and if you can be patient, I will announce that very soon. I just need to get through this week.

My cat-tip-for-the-day is to enjoy your time with your cat. There is nothing they love more than to have you all to themselves. It beats out any toy on the market. If you follow my blog you know how much I love cats. I couldn't live without them and now I spend my days caring for and loving many cats that are left at home while their owners travel. I love my job, couldn't be happier and love sharing it all with you.

Looking forward....

Deb

On a sad note, little Annie fromhttp://keas-fur-family.blogspot.com/ passed away today. I'm so sorry for your loss, Kea. Rest in Peace, Annie. We will miss you.

A good mug of 'Jo'

If you love to cook and enjoy blogs that have some great, easy recipes do drop by http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/ to visit with BJ. I have just made her veggie soup and it was delish. My daughter left with a container filled and Gary & I enjoyed a big bowl at dinner. Now don't get upset, but the dog had some too.HAH! HE LOVED IT!  She always cooks the most delicious looking food....you get fat just looking at her blog. Oh, but I love it. And, she's so funny. You'll be a follower, I just know it.

It is coffee day with my friends, Bobbi & Martha. After visiting the tuxedos & picking up keys for the weekend cat-sitting,  I will brush the cat hair off and drop in to my favorite bookstore to enjoy a great coffee with the ladies. This pic was taken 2 years ago but that's them.....my coffee-lovin'  friends. We don't change much.

 Bobbi, Martha & me.

We do this often just to catch up. It's a positive thing & I recommend it highly!


Hugs, Deb

Thank you

Thank you to all who have commented on my last post. There will be no funeral for Russ but a gathering at his favorite pub to toast him and bid him farewell. He had good friends and we will miss him very much.

His dog Chevey, an 8 year old German Shepherd, is now at the local animal shelter being cared for by the staff. No one in the family has stepped forward to take her as she is a large dog that still needs some training around strangers. Russ lived alone with Chevey and he was her world. Our local shelter has only 5 dogs there now and a large staff of mostly women. Chevey will be looked after well and in time I hope and pray she will be ready to be adopted out. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and she will surely need some grieving time before being put up for adoption. I am hoping that being with other dogs and having regular walks with the staff will help her through the next couple of months. Please keep her in your thoughts and I will keep you posted on how she is doing.
                              

             Cat/Dog-tip for the day....Grieving
We all know that pets will grieve the loss of an owner. Just like humans, the loss of a loved one will affect you mentally and physically.
In Chevey's case, we expect that she will mourn the loss of Russ and perhaps not want to do much of anything right now. It is our job as humans to help these animals through this sad time in their lives by taking baby-steps with them to get back on track. Just like with  people, animals need to have friends and loved ones surround them during their first few days and give them extra attention. Walks, good food, treats, inter-action with other dogs, kind words and lots of petting will help them through. The staff at our shelter know what to watch for during this grieving period and a caring Veterinarian is available to them if needed.


hugs, Deb

Unexpected....

We are feeling sad today because a friend of Gary's has passed away. He was a father of 2, a business-man, a mechanic, a dog-lover and owner and he loved to ride his motorcycle. Russ died of a heart-attack at 50. He was a good man and we will miss him.

A reminder to us all to eat right, exercise & enjoy every day.


Rest in Peace, Russ.
hugs, Deb

Helping cats and dogs in Egypt

Please drop by the blog called Cat Chat to see how you can help the animals that are suffering from the unrest in Egypt. http://opcatchat.blogspot.com/2011/02/please-help-animals-of-egypt-guest-blog.html

I must find Mr. Ed to give him his vitamin.

Then off to see my tuxedos.

hugs, Deb

Home again, home again....jiggady, jig & news on Charlie.

The snow is disappearing......good riddance!
The temperatures are up for now.........Yah! I heard today they will drop overnight.....Blah!

I'm really anxious to see the grass again and walk with my dog in my shoes instead of big boots. I hate boots!

Lily had her appt. with Dr. Bruce today. She is always so frightened, not knowing what to expect.
She is very much a home-body; seldom even goes outside on the deck in the summer unless I am out there. To put her in the car *gasp* and drive her to the vet is a nightmare for her. I keep her right beside me and talk to her softly. When we arrived the waiting room was full of dogs but they were well behaved and she just kept quiet. Dr. Bruce took a look and said "let's see if we can take this off" *yikes* but Lily was so good and she just sat very still and he removed what he thinks is a wart. He'll test it and let me know otherwise.

So, she is home now with her wart gone and she will sleep off the trauma of the day after a bite to eat. She is a bit of a drama queen in the car, you know.

Such wonderful news for Charlie the cat without ears and a nose. He has found a forever home. See the latest article written in the Daily Echo....
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/8850552.New_home_for_Voldemog/


Have a wonderful life, little Charlie.

I had such fun with my 3 tuxedo's today. Well, 2 actually...Rosie doesn't play with me. She is ticked that mom is away.

Lola played hide & seek

Otis played and then wanted a back rub...which he got.

Rosie keeps her distance so I respect that. She can get quite hissy if I don't and I'm no fool. 


Hugs, Deb