Here she is rolling in it!
She loves everyone and will play with anybody and anything. What a nut. A truly loveable cat!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Playful Georgia is at it again!
This playful kitty is all about making every day as much fun as possible. While not all cats are sensitive to catnip, Georgia seems to be especially so. It's her favorite thing to do, although chasing other cats is high on her list as well. Some of them return the attention, and others just run to another room and wait until she's "calmed down."
Here she is rolling in it!
She loves everyone and will play with anybody and anything. What a nut. A truly loveable cat!
Here she is rolling in it!
She loves everyone and will play with anybody and anything. What a nut. A truly loveable cat!
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
In Memory of Miss Tiffany
Tiffany was a gorgeous orange Persian mix I rescued in 2003 from a hoarding house. I got 40 cats out of there that day and Tiff was probably one of the many mama kitties. Half of the cats had to be put down immediately due to disease, deformities and suffering. Of the 20 I took home, about 5 died somewhat soon afterward, over the next couple of weeks.
Tiffany, in her prime
The rest were adopted or simply stayed with me. Then the older ones passed on, one by one, leaving only two: Tiffany and Rufus. You can see Rufus on my rescue site, here: http://www.hipaws.com/aboutcats2.html. He's the pale orange one with 6 toes on front. He's quite the cat, and so was Tiffany.
Sadly, she showed up positive for FIV two years ago. Not sure why, as none of the others did. So she ended up getting her own room, but she was lonely in there. So I agreed to take in others like her so she would have roommates, and soon she was living with another FIV cat, and two with leukemia. All of them died, too, of course, but Tiffany was the ultimate survivor.
I'm not sure how old she was, but she was not a young cat when I got her. My best guess is that she was close to 15 but it wouldn't be a surprise if she were 20. She was always a good eater, and because she had lost all but a few teeth, she had mostly canned food, with occasional meat morsels, cut small. She couldn't do dry kibble toward the end.
Yesterday she had not touched her dinner from the night before, and did not show any interest in eating her breakfast now. I knew her time was close, then. And later in the day, when I went to check on her, there she lay, by her bowls. I just wish I had checked sooner. There was nothing I could have done, except to soothe her and say goodbye as she exited this life...
Thanks to everyone who sent sympathies. Yes, she will be missed for quite some time. She was a gorgeous girl, and so sweet.
Tiffany, in her prime
The rest were adopted or simply stayed with me. Then the older ones passed on, one by one, leaving only two: Tiffany and Rufus. You can see Rufus on my rescue site, here: http://www.hipaws.com/aboutcats2.html. He's the pale orange one with 6 toes on front. He's quite the cat, and so was Tiffany.
Sadly, she showed up positive for FIV two years ago. Not sure why, as none of the others did. So she ended up getting her own room, but she was lonely in there. So I agreed to take in others like her so she would have roommates, and soon she was living with another FIV cat, and two with leukemia. All of them died, too, of course, but Tiffany was the ultimate survivor.
I'm not sure how old she was, but she was not a young cat when I got her. My best guess is that she was close to 15 but it wouldn't be a surprise if she were 20. She was always a good eater, and because she had lost all but a few teeth, she had mostly canned food, with occasional meat morsels, cut small. She couldn't do dry kibble toward the end.
Yesterday she had not touched her dinner from the night before, and did not show any interest in eating her breakfast now. I knew her time was close, then. And later in the day, when I went to check on her, there she lay, by her bowls. I just wish I had checked sooner. There was nothing I could have done, except to soothe her and say goodbye as she exited this life...
Thanks to everyone who sent sympathies. Yes, she will be missed for quite some time. She was a gorgeous girl, and so sweet.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Our Newest Kitty Has a New Friend!
After adopting DaLinda, now named Georgia (because that's where she came from), we rescued another black kitty a few weeks ago. We think he was dumped at a well-known store parking lot, possibly by someone who had to move away and couldn't take him with them.
A lot of people also have the notion that cats can "go wild" or somehow learn to survive on their own. Coupled with a belief that a shelter is the worst place to leave a pet, these poor animals often end up in some pretty unhappy circumstances.
We named this one Ebony. It was immediately obvious that this is no ordinary stray cat. He's very friendly and was approaching people entering the store, as if to ask for food and attention. According to clerks inside, he'd been there for several days and was trying to get inside the store.
His diet consisted of weird things people would throw his way, so he was very hungry. I bought him a can of cat food, but didn't have to use it as bait. He came to me right away and went willingly into the pet taxi I always carry with me. Then I opened the can and we took off for home.
Georgia and Ebony
He is now a happy part of our little family (of 47 cats and 3 dogs) and has made a close connection with Georgia, above. They hang out and play together quite a lot. I checked with animal control a few times and no one has ever asked about a lost cat, so I guess we're keeping him. They'd have to fight me by now anyway... he obviously was not being cared for properly... no ID tags, not neutered, etc. But he has all that now!
A lot of people also have the notion that cats can "go wild" or somehow learn to survive on their own. Coupled with a belief that a shelter is the worst place to leave a pet, these poor animals often end up in some pretty unhappy circumstances.
We named this one Ebony. It was immediately obvious that this is no ordinary stray cat. He's very friendly and was approaching people entering the store, as if to ask for food and attention. According to clerks inside, he'd been there for several days and was trying to get inside the store.
His diet consisted of weird things people would throw his way, so he was very hungry. I bought him a can of cat food, but didn't have to use it as bait. He came to me right away and went willingly into the pet taxi I always carry with me. Then I opened the can and we took off for home.
Georgia and Ebony
He is now a happy part of our little family (of 47 cats and 3 dogs) and has made a close connection with Georgia, above. They hang out and play together quite a lot. I checked with animal control a few times and no one has ever asked about a lost cat, so I guess we're keeping him. They'd have to fight me by now anyway... he obviously was not being cared for properly... no ID tags, not neutered, etc. But he has all that now!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Newest Cat at our Shelter - Thanks to Twitter!
When we first heard about this kitty in an online post at Twitter.com, we couldn't resist helping her. She was stuck in a high-kill shelter in Georgia and only a year old. Because she's black, her chances of escaping the needle were slim... unless someone stepped forward to give her a home. Black animals typically are not adopted as readily as other colors and breeds, so they often are the first to go.
We weren't the only ones to speak up to save her life, but somehow, we got chosen to be DaLinda's new home. And we feel so honored to have her here now. It was a long ride from Georgia to Nebraska, and the weather wasn't being very nice at the time (recall the flooding in Atlanta), but she finally made it here, to her new home.
We gave her a new name right away, since she has left her old life behind and begins a new one here... plus, calling her Georgia will always help us to remember where she came from.
Don't laugh... we've rescued over 1,000 cats. If we don't give them names that help jog our memories, we'd never remember their histories. We'd be looking them up in our notebooks all the time. (See other cats we have rescued, here: HiPAWS.com.)
She's not brown, but she is our Sweet Georgia Kitty.
We weren't the only ones to speak up to save her life, but somehow, we got chosen to be DaLinda's new home. And we feel so honored to have her here now. It was a long ride from Georgia to Nebraska, and the weather wasn't being very nice at the time (recall the flooding in Atlanta), but she finally made it here, to her new home.
We gave her a new name right away, since she has left her old life behind and begins a new one here... plus, calling her Georgia will always help us to remember where she came from.
Don't laugh... we've rescued over 1,000 cats. If we don't give them names that help jog our memories, we'd never remember their histories. We'd be looking them up in our notebooks all the time. (See other cats we have rescued, here: HiPAWS.com.)
She's not brown, but she is our Sweet Georgia Kitty.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Importance of Pet Toys
By Joseph Devine
Although you may give your pets toys because you just like to watch them play, providing your cats and dogs with toys is actually very important. Playing with a fun toy can provide your animal with both physical and mental exercise, and both of these are key to maintaining good overall health in your cat or dog. This article will provide an overview of cat and dog toys as well as show why this type of entertainment is a key component of your pet's well-being.
Perhaps you only see your cat when you feed him, because otherwise he's hiding underneath your bed. However, providing your kitty with a toy can help him come out of his shell a little bit and want to play. A device that you can use to get your cat's attention, such as a string with feathers on the end, may help her interact more with you as well, promoting a stronger bond between you and your pet.
Cats also tend to get bored at home alone. You might realize this when you see tufts of carpet pulled up or eaten while your kitty was playing while you were gone. Giving your cat a toy can provide a beneficial alternative that may distract your cat from eating carpet-saving both her stomach and your flooring. Also, kitty towers give your animal a place to scratch on, rather than destroying your possessions. Noisy toys that can move without your help, such as balls that roll around, can entertain your furry friend without you having to be there.
You might have heard someone complain about a puppy chewing up their entire house: the wiring for the internet or phone line, the siding or the moulding, the sofas or table legs. Sure, a puppy requires a ton of attention and time to train it into a well-mannered dog, but you can help it stay happy and entertained by providing it with toys other than your furniture.
Yes, it might annoy you to no end, but giving your dog a squeaky toy can make it so happy that it ceases its destruction of your loveseat. The squeak can give your dog mental stimulation, and it makes the pet feel like it is in control because it is the one causing the squeaking. It is easy for dogs to get bored at home alone, so you want to give them safe, fun alternatives to chew on.
If you have a retriever, you may want to invest some of your time and money in teaching your dog to fetch properly. Some dogs love frisbees, while others tend to gravitate towards tennis balls. If your companion is rough on his toys and goes through them fairly quickly, you may want to think about getting retrieval dummies used by actual dog trainers. They are usually thicker and able to withstand more playing time than a simple squeaky newspaper.
Of course, you probably can't be with your furry friend 24/7. However, giving them toys can provide mental stimulation as well as physical exercise as the pet chases its toy around. Another great way to make your pet happy is to give it delicious, 100% natural pet food. A wonderful source of this beneficial food can be found at Flint River Ranch today.
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Pet-Toys&id=2780121
Although you may give your pets toys because you just like to watch them play, providing your cats and dogs with toys is actually very important. Playing with a fun toy can provide your animal with both physical and mental exercise, and both of these are key to maintaining good overall health in your cat or dog. This article will provide an overview of cat and dog toys as well as show why this type of entertainment is a key component of your pet's well-being.
Perhaps you only see your cat when you feed him, because otherwise he's hiding underneath your bed. However, providing your kitty with a toy can help him come out of his shell a little bit and want to play. A device that you can use to get your cat's attention, such as a string with feathers on the end, may help her interact more with you as well, promoting a stronger bond between you and your pet.
Cats also tend to get bored at home alone. You might realize this when you see tufts of carpet pulled up or eaten while your kitty was playing while you were gone. Giving your cat a toy can provide a beneficial alternative that may distract your cat from eating carpet-saving both her stomach and your flooring. Also, kitty towers give your animal a place to scratch on, rather than destroying your possessions. Noisy toys that can move without your help, such as balls that roll around, can entertain your furry friend without you having to be there.
You might have heard someone complain about a puppy chewing up their entire house: the wiring for the internet or phone line, the siding or the moulding, the sofas or table legs. Sure, a puppy requires a ton of attention and time to train it into a well-mannered dog, but you can help it stay happy and entertained by providing it with toys other than your furniture.
Yes, it might annoy you to no end, but giving your dog a squeaky toy can make it so happy that it ceases its destruction of your loveseat. The squeak can give your dog mental stimulation, and it makes the pet feel like it is in control because it is the one causing the squeaking. It is easy for dogs to get bored at home alone, so you want to give them safe, fun alternatives to chew on.
If you have a retriever, you may want to invest some of your time and money in teaching your dog to fetch properly. Some dogs love frisbees, while others tend to gravitate towards tennis balls. If your companion is rough on his toys and goes through them fairly quickly, you may want to think about getting retrieval dummies used by actual dog trainers. They are usually thicker and able to withstand more playing time than a simple squeaky newspaper.
Of course, you probably can't be with your furry friend 24/7. However, giving them toys can provide mental stimulation as well as physical exercise as the pet chases its toy around. Another great way to make your pet happy is to give it delicious, 100% natural pet food. A wonderful source of this beneficial food can be found at Flint River Ranch today.
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Pet-Toys&id=2780121
Friday, March 27, 2009
Plan For Your Pets
By Al Sinden
“Do you know where your children are?” is a familiar line if you’re a ‘Boomer.' Most of us in that generation know the answer(s) to it, but it’s our children’s turn to answer it today.
Or is it?
If you have a pet or pets, have you made plans for what will happen to those pets if you are unable to care for yourself or them and have to go into a hospital or a physical rehab facility or nursing center?
As we grow older, things beyond our control happen more frequently. Our beloved pets are alone and at the mercy of whoever is available – if anyone is. They might go without food or water for days in some cases. In the worst cases, someone may turn your beloved pet over to animal control, put it out on the street, or otherwise evict it or them.
Plan for your pets' welfare...
Talk with your friends, family and veterinarian about what you would like to see happen to and for your furry, feathery or finny family if you become unable to care for them any longer. You may have friends who are willing and able to take one or more of your family into their home. Be sure you let them know about any special needs or ‘behavior problems’ before something happens to you.
It’s not fair to ask someone to take responsibility for a pet that needs routine (and possibly expensive) medical care or deal with a cat or dog that is not careful in its bathroom habits, unless you have discussed those needs and problems to give the person who will foster them an insight into problems they can expect.
Put it in writing...
Put all instructions for your pet family in writing. If you have more than one pet involved, ask one of the people on your list to take the added responsibility of being the “pet wrangler” who will see that each pet goes with the appropriate person. Add the names and phone numbers of every person who agrees to become responsible for each loved little friend, including a description of each pet to avoid confusion and mistakes. Give a copy to:
Finally, keep a copy in your wallet or purse AND post another copy on your refrigerator.
Following the above procedures will help assure that your furry, feathered or finned friends will be properly cared for, whether as ‘foster kids,’ or as members of a new family.
“Do you know where your children are?” is a familiar line if you’re a ‘Boomer.' Most of us in that generation know the answer(s) to it, but it’s our children’s turn to answer it today.
Or is it?
If you have a pet or pets, have you made plans for what will happen to those pets if you are unable to care for yourself or them and have to go into a hospital or a physical rehab facility or nursing center?
As we grow older, things beyond our control happen more frequently. Our beloved pets are alone and at the mercy of whoever is available – if anyone is. They might go without food or water for days in some cases. In the worst cases, someone may turn your beloved pet over to animal control, put it out on the street, or otherwise evict it or them.
Plan for your pets' welfare...
Talk with your friends, family and veterinarian about what you would like to see happen to and for your furry, feathery or finny family if you become unable to care for them any longer. You may have friends who are willing and able to take one or more of your family into their home. Be sure you let them know about any special needs or ‘behavior problems’ before something happens to you.
It’s not fair to ask someone to take responsibility for a pet that needs routine (and possibly expensive) medical care or deal with a cat or dog that is not careful in its bathroom habits, unless you have discussed those needs and problems to give the person who will foster them an insight into problems they can expect.
Put it in writing...
Put all instructions for your pet family in writing. If you have more than one pet involved, ask one of the people on your list to take the added responsibility of being the “pet wrangler” who will see that each pet goes with the appropriate person. Add the names and phone numbers of every person who agrees to become responsible for each loved little friend, including a description of each pet to avoid confusion and mistakes. Give a copy to:
- Each person who will be involved in your pets' welfare
- Neighbors or friends to whom you may have given a key to your house or apartment
- Your family members who will be looking after your apartment or house
- Your landlord – if you have one
- Your veterinarian
Finally, keep a copy in your wallet or purse AND post another copy on your refrigerator.
Following the above procedures will help assure that your furry, feathered or finned friends will be properly cared for, whether as ‘foster kids,’ or as members of a new family.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Having a Baby... Time to Get Rid of the Cat?
Children and Pets,
By Al Sinden
If you’re thinking of getting rid of your pet because you’re expecting a baby, please think again. Pets can be an important part of a baby’s first years. Children can form deep bonds with pets that provide many enriched experiences that enhance their growth and development.
Emotional & Physical
Pets provide a touchable, huggable warm living body to cling to in times of physical or emotional pain. In times of family upheaval such as divorce, sickness, death, or even job loss, children need that extra comfort of a warm, affectionate body.
Why?
Adults tend to concentrate on the immediate problem. Children are often unwitting sufferers as the adults around them go through major life adjustments. They fail to recognize that children, even babies, are very aware of the emotional atmosphere around them. The presence of a much-loved pet provides a safe and secure place for the child to feel their own emotional distress without further disturbing the already distracted adults.
Personal Development
As they grow, children develop personal responsibility by learning to properly interact with, feed and care for pets. They learn that animals, like people, can be irritable when they don’t feel good. Children learn the value of being gentle at those times.
Supervise child-pet interactions to assure neither child or pet is injured or mistreated in any way if your child is under age three. (If you’ve ever had tiny, exploring fingers remove a hunk of your hair, or lodged painfully in your eye, ear or nose, you’ll understand that tiny fingers can easily cause pain and discomfort!)
Physical
Pets can teach children how to play and romp, then take time out for a rest. Children can learn how to laugh as they play with their animals.
Running and playing is good exercise for both pet and child (it’s good for adults, too).
Children and pets go together very naturally and can help teach many of life’s lessons. The only time you should consider getting rid of a pet is if a slightly older child consistently causes deliberate pain or injury to a pet. Then, for the sake of the pet, get it out of harm’s way and IMMEDIATELY get long-term help for the child.
By Al Sinden
If you’re thinking of getting rid of your pet because you’re expecting a baby, please think again. Pets can be an important part of a baby’s first years. Children can form deep bonds with pets that provide many enriched experiences that enhance their growth and development.
Emotional & Physical
Pets provide a touchable, huggable warm living body to cling to in times of physical or emotional pain. In times of family upheaval such as divorce, sickness, death, or even job loss, children need that extra comfort of a warm, affectionate body.
Why?
Adults tend to concentrate on the immediate problem. Children are often unwitting sufferers as the adults around them go through major life adjustments. They fail to recognize that children, even babies, are very aware of the emotional atmosphere around them. The presence of a much-loved pet provides a safe and secure place for the child to feel their own emotional distress without further disturbing the already distracted adults.
Personal Development
As they grow, children develop personal responsibility by learning to properly interact with, feed and care for pets. They learn that animals, like people, can be irritable when they don’t feel good. Children learn the value of being gentle at those times.
Supervise child-pet interactions to assure neither child or pet is injured or mistreated in any way if your child is under age three. (If you’ve ever had tiny, exploring fingers remove a hunk of your hair, or lodged painfully in your eye, ear or nose, you’ll understand that tiny fingers can easily cause pain and discomfort!)
Physical
Pets can teach children how to play and romp, then take time out for a rest. Children can learn how to laugh as they play with their animals.
Running and playing is good exercise for both pet and child (it’s good for adults, too).
Children and pets go together very naturally and can help teach many of life’s lessons. The only time you should consider getting rid of a pet is if a slightly older child consistently causes deliberate pain or injury to a pet. Then, for the sake of the pet, get it out of harm’s way and IMMEDIATELY get long-term help for the child.
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