My Favourite Stray

Last September, I wrote about a stray cat that I took to the OSPCA. While volunteering at the centre for the past few months, Wesley (as he now named) and I have become pretty close. Although I'll miss him terribly, I'm happy to report that he is now available for adoption. You can read the update on Wesley here, on my other blog, Take Me Home.

Update: On Monday (the 2nd), my Wesley, along with 15 other cats, was moved to a shelter that's low on cats ... in another city ... I'm sad ... and, obviously, getting far too attached to the animals at the OSPCA.

Crafty Roadkill

Yes, the animals are dead, on the side of the road, but harvesting their body parts for jewelry, clothing and art is just wrong -- who buys this stuff? Please check out this story, and tell me what you think.

Worms in the Compost

I've posted briefly about worms in my compost before, but am really interested in finding out the answer to this question:

Why do they congregate under the lid and around the rim when it rains? Are they escaping the moisture-laden compost, or are they trying to get in? When I discover them there, I'll leave the lid off for half an hour, and when I return, they've all magically disappeared (though I have been known to encourage them into the bin by lifting them over the edge with a leaf or small twig).

I wrote an email to Worm Digest in October, but they never responded. Darn worm people -- don't they understand how important this is?

Does anyone know the answer?

On My Way to Starbucks ...

Every day, at 6:00 a.m., I drive to the local Starbucks to grab a coffee. I've been doing this for well over eight years, so am missing my morning routine while Starbucks undergoes renovations. In those wee hours, the town is quiet and the houses are dark -- the only movements are a few drivers making their way to work, and the wildlife making their way back home for the day.

One morning, as I drove along the road in front of the grocery store, a deer dashed out in front of me. I slammed on my brakes, and skidded to a halt only a few feet from him. He did a bit of a slip slide dance before racing off toward the parking lot. I kept thinking about him all day because I knew there was fencing all along the back of the store, barring his way to the forest.

Another morning, I noticed that the garbage can I'd put out front the night before was missing. I stood on the driveway for a moment, wondering who the heck would want to rip off a full can of garbage. It was a mystery that would be best solved after a coffee, so I hopped into my car and headed toward Starbucks. About ten houses down, I spotted my garbage can -- overturned, with bags ripped open and garbage strewn across the road. I picked up the slimy mess, shoved the can into my trunk, then took it back to my house. I envy the determination of the raccoon who rolled that garbage can down the street, and can only hope that the rewards were worth it.

Vacationing and Pets

I can never truly enjoy my vacations to their fullest because I'm always stressed out about what to do with my cat, Meeko. The kennel didn't provide the human contact she needs, nor did staying home with daily visits from a neighbour (after arriving home after that particular trip, my cat peed in our luggage while I was removing the clothes, making her thoughts about being home alone pretty clear). Last year, my sister and her husband took care of Meeko. Although a near-perfect solution, it meant they couldn't go up to their cottage while we were away. This weekend, I had a great idea -- hire one of my friend's older daughters to live at our house when we go away next time. I hope she isn't allergic to cats.

Anyway, this got me thinking about vacationing and pets, and I found this wonderful website that lists pet friendly top ten lists. Here's just a a few:

Top Ten Pet Friendly Hotels

1) La Quinta Inns & Suites
2) Holiday Inn
3) Red Roof Inns
4) Candlewood Suites Hotels & Resorts
5) Motel 6
6) Studio 6
7) Howard Johnsons
8) Novotel
9) Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
10) Westin Hotels and Resorts


Top Ten Pet-Friendly Beaches

1) Fort DeSoto Beach, Florida
2) Dog Beach, California - Pet Friendly Rentals
3) Del Mar Beach San Diego, California
4) Cape San Blas, Florida
5) Carmel City Beach, California
6) Hunting Island, South Carolina
7) Fort Funston State Park, California
8) Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, Oregon
9) Ft. Fisher State Recreation Area, North Carolina
10) St. George Island, Florida


What do you do with your pet(s) when you go away? Do you stress as much as I do?