Thinking About a New Pet?

Choosing and naming our cat, six years ago, was completely out of my hands. The former wasn't difficult for my daughter because, at the time, Meeko was the only kitten available at the OSPCA. As for the name, I suppose it could have been worse.

I've always felt that choosing a pet is all about connecting with the animal -- you just know that this is the one for you (or she's the last of her kind at the shelter). But there is help out there. Here's a site that helps you decide what breed of dog or cat would best suit your family, your home and your lifestyle.

And naming your pet? You could, as my daughter did, go the Disney (Pocahontas) route, but you might also want to check out a list of most popular pet names in the U.S. and Australia.

Gone Fishing

We used to have fish -- in a five gallon tank, I believe. The fish were lovely to watch, though I always felt a bit sorry for them as they swam around and around, imprisoned by four glass walls. That is, I felt sorry for them until it came time to clean the tank. Then I felt sorry for me.

I was rather fanatical about keeping the tank clean, so I bought a sucker fish. He was a great little housekeeper, mouthing his way silently along the glass surface. As he grew and grew, never complaining about his lot in life, I became quite fond of him. Over the four or five years that we had the tank, fish would die, only to be replaced by others. But that sucker fish -- he just kept doing his job.

When the last fish died, I decided my tank cleaning days were over. The sucker fish still thrived, so when a local fish store offered him a new home, I gladly dropped him off. Okay, not so gladly. Do you know, I actually cried when they slipped him into his new tank? Man, sometimes I just get too emotional.

I'll never venture back into the world of fish and aquariums, but I could surely be tempted by some of these:

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I'm not too sure how this works, but wouldn't it freak out your friends when they came to visit? And think of the convenience when it comes time to dispose of the dead fish (Note: we always buried our fish. Flushing seemed so ... so disrespectful).

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This aquarium is suspended from the ceiling. I have no idea how you'd clean it, but I don't recommend it to anyone living in an earthquake zone.

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This is the coolest aquarium. Impossible to clean, but so much fun for the fish. Hmm ... can fish even have fun?

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You know how fish don't like it when the side of their tank is tapped? With this, what happens when you have a party, and everyone is setting down their glass? Your fish would most likely become nervous wrecks, cowering from the creatures hovering over the table.

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All pets are high maintenance in one way or another, or at least, they should be. As much as we love 'em, there will always be aspects of their care that drive us nuts. With my cat, Meeko, it's the 5:00 a.m. wake up call she gives me. She'll begin kneading my head if knocking things off my bedside table doesn't work. That's still better than sticking my hands into a fish tank, and cleaning poop out of the gravel.

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?

Christmas Gifts for Animal Lovers

Last year, I wrote about Christmas gifts for dogs and cats. I thought it was time for some useless gifts for the animal lovers in your lives:

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This doormat is so cute, but it's almost book-length so all your guests will most likely get frostbite while reading it:

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In an effort to appeal to every taste and interest, Monopoly games have gone wild :

Of course, there's one for cat lovers too:

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I make my own cards and tags, and these would be great to add to those I make for animal lovers:

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I do not for a moment believe this item will stop my cat from lounging on my mouse, desk or keyboard:

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While searching for these nifty items, I came across some more wonderfully useless stuff for cats and dogs, so I'm going to post those some time soon.

Fate of the Animals

The History Channel's documentary, "Life After People", gives viewers an idea of what might happen to our world if humans suddenly disappeared -- forever. I find this sort of thing fascinating, so much so that I based my fantasy books Key to Aten and Return to Aten on just such a premise. Of course, in my books, some humans did survive -- the reading would have been terribly dull without a few people sprinkled about.

Back to the documentary:

If you get a chance, do watch it. It's a bit frightening to discover how nature would cover up all traces of our existence, and interesting to know the fate of the animals.

What People Want

It's interesting and helpful to know what brings people to my blog, so occasionally I check the search terms readers use. By far, the most common inquiry is "how to get rid of stray cats". That search will take them here and here (Note: the second link is far more useful). I had no idea there were that many unwanted cats in the world. The worst search string is "how to poison feral/stray cats". It's so upsetting to know that people are actually considering this option. I do not, under any circumstances, condone poisoning an animal.

Disheartening as it is to discover that people are looking for ways to kill an animal, I'm happy to report that many folks are looking for ways to help sick pets, feed bunnies living in their backyards, or ideas on how to keep their pets entertained.

A few other memorable searches:

"What to do when dog eats thong"
I have no idea. In fact, I can't recall ever using the word 'thong' in my blog.

"Wearing fur for bugs"
???

"Alcoholic names for pets"
This is searched quite often, so don't be surprised if you meet a Chocolate Martini or Bloody Mary next time you visit the dog park.


I hope that no matter what brings readers here, they will return to share some of their own stories and comments.

Update July 8, 2008: Yesterday, someone discovered my site with the search "is rabbit safe to eat from the backyard". I wouldn't recommend it. I don't think the rabbit would either.

This is What Happens When You Let Your Mind Wander

I'd always been curious as to why zebras hadn't been domesticated. Other than the jail house duds, they look pretty much like horses, so wouldn't it be handy to saddle one up before making the long trek across the African plains?

After a bit of research, I've discovered that zebras are near-impossible to tame, and their body shapes are different from horses, making them difficult to fit a saddle. I kind of like the fact that zebras have successfully maintained their freedom.


On the other hand, why did anyone even consider domesticating a Madagascar hissing cockroach? They can grow to three inches long, are wingless, live up to three years, and make great pets for young children. I just can't imagine bringing a cockroach into my home.


As pets or tools (and let's face it, we do use them), animals play important roles in our lives. And yet, many people continue to abuse them. Do you think they'll revolt one day, take over the world before we completely screw it up?

Animal Myths

In my last post about composting, Raggs wondered if it was true that a worm would survive being cut in half (apparently not). That got me thinking about other animal myths.


Frightened ostriches bury their heads in the sand

Not true. This myth may have started because, from a distance, it's difficult to see their tiny heads as they peck at the dirt.


Touching toads will give you warts

Although the toads may have bumps, touching them will not cause a breakout of warts. This reminds me of two things:

1) When my mom was a little girl, she was told if she buried a cut potato in her yard, her wart would disappear. Amazingly, this advice turned out to be false.

2) If you get the opportunity, watch the hilarious Australian "documentary" Cane Toads: An Unnatural History. It details, in comedic fashion, what can happen when an unnatural animal is introduced into a new environment.


Bats are blind

Strike "blind as a bat" from your vocabulary -- not only do bats have exceptional hearing, they can also see.


Black cats bring bad luck

I have no idea how this superstition began, but I do know that my local pet adoption centre won't sell any black cats in the weeks preceding Halloween. I don't even like to think of the reasons why they have to take this precaution.


By the way, that's a picture of my cat, Meeko.

Furry and Feathered Moms

Mothers in the animal kingdom are so under-appreciated -- they probably never get a Mother's Day card. So let's salute the hardworking furry and feathered moms of the world.

Pet Consumerism

I can never get enough of the weird and wonderful products available for pets:

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I wonder if this dog house comes fully landscaped?

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This is a great idea! I live two houses down from a walkway, and my next-door-neighbour's dog goes nuts every time someone walks along it. Although I'm not sure if being able to see what's on the other side would stop the dog from barking.

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Actually, this cat bed would make a great salad bowl.

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I don't know -- yes, many dogs are overweight, but shouldn't they be outside in the fresh air and open spaces?

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I know what my cat would be saying if I bought one of these Meowlingual Cat Translators: "You're an idiot."

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On Friday, I'm off to Vegas for four days with five of my girlfriends to celebrate our [gulp] 50th birthdays (that's a lot of numbers for one sentence). I've been friends with these women for 30 or more years. Despite knowing everything there is to know about me, they still love me. Go figure.

Crazy Cat Picture

A long time ago, I shared my life with a black and white cat named Strider. I always thought she was a perfectly normal cat -- until I picked up this photo of her (playing in a shoe box) from the developers way back in 1985. For a close-up of that crazed but cute furry face, click on picture to enlarge:


Strider

Working With Animals

I've decided to volunteer at my local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals -- if they'll have me. One reason I haven't done this before is I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle seeing the homeless animals on a regular basis, but I've visited quite a lot recently and survived. Did you know that you can volunteer to socialize with the cats? How purr-fect! Like a Walmart greeter of the animal world.

There are so many dedicated folks out there -- volunteers and those who have been trained and educated to work with both pets and wildlife. There's a North American website called AnimalWork.org. It’s a job-matching site for all jobs related to animals, like training, grooming, veterinary medicine, caretaking, retail and zoo positions. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be paid for doing something you love?

Can You Stand It? Another Happy Ending

Last November, two-year-old Bear, a black lab mix, disappeared from his Nova Scotia home during a snowstorm. His owners, Arie and Jackie Levering, searched the area; and notified neighbours, animal control and the veterinary hospital.

Ten long weeks passed without Bear, and the couple soon gave up hope, believing the dog had either been hit by a car or attacked by coyotes. On January 23rd, the vet phoned with news that Bear had been found.

David Lewis, a government employee, was in his truck when he spotted a dog crawl out from the woods. Mr. Lewis figured the dog was lost, so opened the door and Bear jumped in. At the veterinary hospital, it was discovered Bear had two broken legs, a crushed pelvis, and lost two-thirds of his body weight. Some of the fractures had fused, so there may be surgery in Bear's future.

The Leverings believe Bear may have been hit by a snowplow, but have no idea how the injured dog survived for two months in the dead of winter. One thing they do know for sure -- they're glad to have Bear home with them.

A Happy Ending

In November, I promised Nuclear Toast a story with a happy ending. I think this news qualifies:

Last August, Brenda Hemsing drove from San Diego to Wetaskiwin, Alberta with her two dogs, Cocoa and Jake for a family visit. While the family was away on a day trip, the dogs escaped from the fenced-in yard. Cocoa was found, but Jake, a three-year-old German shepherd-collie cross, eluded capture, and Ms. Hemsing returned home without her beloved pet.

Fast forward five months: A seemingly well-fed Jake is found camping out under an abandoned bus in Ponoka, 36 kilometers from Wetaskiwin. Ponoka residents supplied blankets and food to the dog they'd named The Squatter, but grew concerned when temperatures plummeted to minus 40.

Lured into a humane live trap with the promise of food, Jake has been rescued, and is now booked on a flight back to San Diego. And the warmer weather.

Strange Bedfellows

Just a quick post today because I'm busy catching up on my scrapbooking. A bit of background on that: three years ago, my husband gave me a digital camera, and I immediately ceased having pictures developed. About a year ago, he bought a photo printer, and it took me another year before I decided to learn how to use it. So I've been busy these last few weeks, printing off photos then putting them, along with my memories, in a scrapbook. I've worked my way up to mid-2006. Almost there.

Today is all about the cute and unusual world of animal friendships:












Awwww. So if these animals can get along, why couldn't my two cats, Chowder and Meeko ever see eye-to-eye? Okay, back to my own photos.

All I Want For Christmas: Part II

We can't forget about the cats on our Christmas lists, can we? True, my cat would be more than happy to find a piece of string in her stocking--as long as it came with a promise from me to wave and pull the string for hours on end. Surely, there must be other items out there we can spend our money on to indulge our feline friends:

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I've seen these crackling cloth sacks in the store, and wondered if they'd amuse my cat. Would love to know if anyone has purchased one, and whether or not your cat played with the sack.

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I admit, my cat wouldn't be too excited to find this under the tree, but it works for me. It's amazing how everyone else in my family tip-toes around the vomit until I come home, then they point it out to me upon my arrival. This sign would save them the trouble.

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In the comments of my Winterizing Your Pet post, Raggedy Angst asked how to keep an stray cat warm during the cold months. Here's the perfect gift for the cat who won't come in--if you want to spend about $155.00.

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If you live in an apartment, hiding the kitty litter box can be a real problem. I think this litter box in a planter is a great idea. Now, all you have to worry about is where to hide the planter.

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We all get gifts that make us wonder, "What the hell were they thinking?" But I figure this little item would make a great toy for your cat to bat around the house.

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Merry Christmas to all the critters in (and outside of) your home.

All I Want For Christmas: Part I

I've covered useless dog products, so seeing as it's Christmas, I thought I'd check up on the cute, not so useless products out there.

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At first glance, I thought this was rather gruesome, but it's actually a fetch toy. It's for people who like to laugh at their dog, I suppose.

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The other day, I drove by a woman walking her dog in the freezing rain, and I wondered if the dog was cold, and how long it took to dry off once they arrived home. Suddenly, I realized that I was wrong about dogs and clothing, and how they should never come together. Raincoats for dogs makes perfect sense.

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I like these--environmentally friendly poop and scoop bags, and cat pan liners.

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This toy sucks up the slobber, and since I'm now a cat owner and no longer used to drool, this is the perfect hostess gift to bring along when I visit a friend with a playful, drooling dog.

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And because there are so many useless products for pets, I had to include at least one:

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And Now for the Good News

Just some good news for all you pet owners out there (and now that I think about it, "pet owners" sounds wrong, doesn't it? Would pet companions be better? Pet slaves? I'm open to suggestions). Anyway, on to the good news:

People who have pets live longer and have fewer heart attacks.

I think having kids might cancel out this benefit. So play it safe--have twice as many pets as you have children.

Popcorn and Handkerchiefs

I can't imagine why I willingly sit down and watch bad things happen to good animals, but I am, admittedly, a sucker for a heart-wrenching animal flick. Here's a list of my top four tear-jerkers:

OLD YELLER (1957)

The death of a devoted pet is bad enough, but having to kill that pet is unimaginable. And watching all this on the screen? Nuts. Yet, a couple of years ago, I sat my daughter down to watch this classic. I've probably scarred her for life.

BAMBI (1942) and DUMBO (1941)

These animations deal with losing or being separated from one's mother. Boy, that Disney guy sure knew how to pull our heartstrings--two more tear-inducing flicks. Dumbo may have been what initially turned me off circuses.


BORN FREE (1966)

It's been over 40 years since I first saw this film, yet even humming the title song can still choke me up. Unlike the other movies listed here, this one was based on a true story, and that makes it even more poignant. If I cry over a lioness leaving home, how the hell am I going to deal with my daughter going off on her own?


Come to think of it, I haven't see a good, bawl-your-eyes-out animal movie for a long time. Any recommendations?

Winterizing Your Pet

Up here, in the land of drastic seasonal changes, winter will soon be upon us. Snow, ice, chilling winds--man, I can hardly wait. Fortunately, I'm able to come into the house when I'm cold, put on the appropriate number of layers while I'm outside, and blast the heater when I'm in the car. Pets can't voice their complaints, so rely on their owners to keep them safe from winter's woes.

CATS

I don't have to worry about my cat as she only goes into the backyard, with me, on warm, dry days. Cat owners, who do let their cats outside, should be aware that:

Cats seeking warmth under vehicle hoods can be killed by the fan belt once the car is started. I once believed this to be an urban myth, but it happened to a friend of mine (and to his own cat). He described the result as "kitty catchatorie". Cat owner or not, always bang on the hood before starting your car.

Cats like the taste of antifreeze. Not a good thing. Clean up any spills immediately.

If you must keep or let your cat outdoors in the winter, make sure they have a secure place, protected from the wind and the wet.

DOGS

Now, dogs have to go outside (unless there's a stupid dog product called "The Doggy Litter" that I missed). Some dogs tolerate the cold well, but for those who favour warmer weather, then a dog coat might be just the thing. Yes, I know this goes against what I preached in my Dapper Dogs post, but as long as the owner isn't trying to make a fashion statement, I think it's okay.

If your pet is outside, check on him often because conditions can change suddenly. If you keep your dog outside all winter (brrr!), give them adequate shelter and a supply of fresh water.

Leaving a dog in the car during the winter months can be just as dangerous as it is in the summer months. A car holds the cold, acting like a refrigerator, so is potentially deadly.


I know you keep your pet safe, but perhaps your neighbour doesn't. If that's the case, why not print off this post and stick it in his mailbox? Anonymously, of course.