vintage cat cartoon!

"It still remains a question whether man adopted the cat, or the cat adopted man."

Just ask Disney. "The Great Cat Family" was a Disneyland episode in 1956, and now you can find it on YouTube. There's two parts; I'll link to the first bit,with its charming portrayal of an early Egyptian using every fishy wile to make a new cat friend. Oh, and check out the kitty tomb with its mummified mice. Wow.

Enjoy.

Happy New Year, dear readers!

chinchilly

This morning it is 33 degrees out. And I am thinking of chinchillas.
Remember Ajax the chinchilla, mentioned in yesterday's post on alternative petstyles? I am always tickled by the way they look - like a portly cockney bunny rabbit with ears squashed by a bowler hat. " 'Ello guvnor."

But I've never known one or been around one. That's why I am delighted to have found a site titled The Sounds Made by the Chinchillas. (Sounds like The Flight of the Conchords.) This is a German-to English site filled with pictures and cute tales, and yes, lots and lots of QuickTime files of chinchilla noises. I could listen to a sleepy and content baby chin for hours, I think.

the nyt takes on different petstyles

Say you live in New York City. An exciting and vibrant place, to be sure, full of opportunity -- but short on living space. Your condo or apartment absolutely won't let you have a dog or cat, but after a long day in the big city you dearly want a small friend to cherish. What do you do?

The New York Times asked that question of a few citydwellers in that boat, resulting in a piece called The UnDog and the NonCat. You'll meet Pounce, the Holland lop-eared rabbit who behaves well unless he needs to chew; Swami and Odin, two small friendly parrots; and Ajax, the chinchilla, whose nocturnal habits dovetail into the work schedule of his people.

It's good to see other pets get some face time. By the way, I decided to see what else the Times had on tap for pet articles, and did a search. Here's an article on CuteOverload (you haven't seen that already have you?). And a nice couple who test drove pet-having by getting a fish.

Good Thoughts of the Day

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.

-Ben Williams

A dog is the only thing
on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.

-Josh Billings

If you think dogs can't count,
try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.

-Phil Pastoret

the famous people kitty jackpot

Oh boy, wait till you see what I have today. How about a long series of photos depicting famous people and their cats?

Yes, I thought you'd like that. There's Freddie Mercury and Bohemian Rhapsody; there is Sean Connery, in a bathrobe, with a kitten, I kid you not; Giorgio Armani with what looks like a high-concept cat; and Keith Moon driving around with his!

Good job indeed, The Catalyst.

These are some "relatives" of ours. They are both Pekingese, with the white one being a relatively unique color.

that rabbit? with the pancake on its head?

You know those photos somebody will toss into a thread occasionally - "I have no idea what you're talking about so here's a (animal of some sort) with a (food of some variety) on its head?"

I always thought it was cute and random, some wacky tossaway catchphrase, but should have figured out it had a specific source. Catchphrases usually do.

The source's name was Oolong, and he was the original bunny with a pancake on his head. The pet of Japanese photographer Hironori Akutagawa, Oolong showed early on a willingness to park thingies on his noggin while Akutagawa took playful shots. Many, many things. Akutagawa called it "head performance." It was a hit, and continued for the rest of Oolong's quite long life.

Oolong died at the age of eight and a half. Akutagawa has a new bunny now, named Yuebing, that he is training for new head performances. If you'd like to keep up, here's Oolong's and Akutagawa's website (Japanese only, though!). Wikipedia will help you learn some more.

As we go into the New Year I like to think that sometimes we should just stop what we're worrying about what we're doing and check out a bunny with a pancake on his head.

New Year's Pet Safety Tip

It's almost time to celebrate the start of a new year. Hopefully things will be better in the new year then they were around the world in this one. With celebrations also come tips on how to make sure your pets are safe this coming new year's eve.

Balloons and confetti are fun party decorations, but they can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested. Keep an eye on your pets when they're around these items or move them to an area that is not decorated.

New Year's is typically a noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises frighten some pets and can cause them to react in ways that are uncharacteristic for your furry friend. They might run off, bark more often, and act defensive by biting or attacking people and other pets. Even the friendliest pet can show signs of aggression and violence when they are spooked by loud noises. Keep your pets in a separate room, away from noisemakers, music, and other loud sounds that may startle them.

Also, watch out for other common holiday decorations such at plants, Christmas tree water, decoration hooks, Styrofoam, ornaments, and tinsel. All can cause problems if chewed on or swallowed by your pets.

Happy and safe new year to you and your pets!!

merry christmas! with a surprise visit from robin and finchy

Hooray! Yesterday being Christmas Eve, we had a fun mix of not-a-lotta-people able to make it in because of the snow, holiday last minute busyness, and the appearance of Robin and Finchy! Because, you know, they had to make sure we were keeping our end up.

Robin evaluates the road conditions. Believe me, this was much the best way to evaluate the road conditions.


And he had to figure out the copier.

And the scanner.

We all got home safely to begin our holiday festivities. My warmest Christmas wishes to you all!

everybody loves kitties

Image: thanks, Wikipedia Commons.

This is a fragment of a thousand-year-old Chinese painting called "Monkey and Cats." The artist, Yi Yuanji, was famed for his realistic paintings of animals. Hear how he came to specialize in them: he was expert at portraying flowers and fruit, but ultimately felt he would never be a true master, and so turned his hand to subjects that the masters of old had never tried.

He ended up being known for his gibbons, and would wander in the mountains for months studying them. However, this gentle kitten-cuddling fellow has been identified as a macaque. The happiness and delight on their faces makes for the perfect image of holiday joy. Share your love with everyone regardless of specie!

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Pet Haven Blog.

Canines Battle Bed Bugs

Canines Battle Bed Bugs in New Business Venture

Bed Bug Finders, LLC announces the launch of a new business serving Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. It's a business that was created to help homeowners and businesses deal with the ever-growing bed bug population in North America.

The detects bed bugs by using highly-trained dogs. They are quickly
able to seek out these difficult to find pests.

Bed Bug Finders, LLC is only a bed-bug detection company; it is not an extermination company. The company will work with any extermination company to remediate bed bugs by identifying their exact location.

The dogs find the exact site of the specific infestation within minutes.

This saves customers a significant amount of time and money. For instance, dogs can search the average hotel room in less than two minutes. Many times the solution is fast and easy and may simply call for throwing out an old clock radio or book to resolve the problem.

The company's approach is to perform a "search and destroy" process and not a "spray and pray" approach when it comes to the detection and remediation of bed bugs.

The members of the canine team are more than 96 percent accurate when it comes to locating bed bug infestations. Often, the company will use two canine members to verify the infestation making its accuracy nearly 100 percent.

"life is short. eat more dried, petrified cow faces"

Such is the wisdom - and I don't think any dog would argue - of Hugs, AKA The Edgar Winter Dog. Named after the rock legend with a similar lack of pigmentation, Edgar rocks quite a bit of star attitude his own self.

I suspect he had that going on before he starred on Animal Planet's game show, Who Gets the Dog? He's now happily residing at the home of online magazine Ape Culture, where he makes with the snappy coments in his bio like so:

Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Lassie, although if I were her I'd leave Timmy in that damn well. He's nothing but trouble.

You should read it. It's sassy. Ape Culture is, too (if you're traveling this holiday you may appreciate the SkyMall Haiku). Plus, this is yet another great story about a deserving animal finding a forever home.

pawprints in the snow

One of my neighbors let a cat outside. I hope kitty found a dry place on my porch to rest its feet.

Poll - Pet Owners Not Cutting Back

According to results published in a recent Petside Poll, a majority of those surveyed say they are not cutting back on expenses when it comes to their pets.

Of those surveyed, 85% say they are not cutting back due to economic pressures, even as most surveys are showing that consumers are cutting their expenses overall.

Predictably, lower-income pet owners are twice as likely to have had to make cuts as higher-income owners (11% vs. 20%).

Among the 15 percent reducing pet-related expenditures, cutbacks can be drastic. Half (54%) stated that they are deferring routine visits to the veterinarian, while one in five (21%) are also putting off vet visits for serious problems. One in four (27%) are even considering giving up their pet due to financial difficulties.

The most common cutback is buying fewer toys and clothes for their pets, followed by switching to a cheaper type of food. This can be a tough thing to do for many, as cheaper pet foods mean cheaper quality, and could lead to an unhealthy pet in the long run.

Nevertheless, in spite of the economy a good number of pet owners plan to include their pet in holiday festivities this year. 43 percent of animal owners plan on purchasing a gift for their pet this season. Canines also have an edge over the felines when it comes to owners expecting to buy a holiday present for their pet (48% vs. 28%).

the resilience of cats

. . . (and to be fair, other animals) is brought home to me by this bit of news footage from Akita, Japan. Seems a bookstore staffer found a little hurt kitten, and a vet found that kitty's back legs needed amputating. Terrible misery, right? Somebody needs to tell the kitten that -- it seems happy as can be. The video's on this page. (In Japanese. Can anybody translate?)

But this is not an isolated case. Miss Kitty of Colorado Springs has two on one side and races about quite nicely, thanks bunches. And Gracie was born in Kansas with only her back legs, not that she seems to notice.

Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

Poll - Pet Owners "Talk" To Pets

The Associated Press and Petside.com just released a poll taking a look at the relationship between pets and their owners. Topics range from lighter matters -- like whether or not people think they fully understand what their pet says -- to a serious investigation into the impact of the economy on pet care.

According to the Poll, 67% of those asked say they can comprehend their pet's own language. 62% say their pets understand what they are being told.

Dog owners were most likely to say that their pet understands them as compared to cat owners (though cats are sneaky!).

home for the holidays redux

Just thought I'd give another little reminder shout: Home 4 the Holidays is up to just under 770,000 pet adoptions, and still wants to make it to one million by January 5 2009. There's over 3500 shelters to choose from, so one is handy!

One meellion adoptions. (Spot the Ren and Stimpy reference.)

Endangered Turtles Arrive in CT Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., is now home to four sea turtles – Charlotte, a juvenile green sea turtle, and three loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings. Their arrival marks the first time in more than three years that the Aquarium has had sea turtles on exhibit.

“All seven species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened,” said Don Harrington, interim director of Fish & Invertebrates at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. “The turtles’ arrival here has given us the invaluable opportunity to educate our visitors about the plight of sea turtles and how they can help these wonderful creatures.”

Charlotte came from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island , Ga. , on November 23. She was found stranded on Cumberland Island , Ga. , and taken to the center last January. Her shell and hind flippers were covered with barnacles, and she had been struck by a boat’s propeller. A CT scan and MRI revealed a fracture or break in her vertebrae and a compressed spinal cord, which partially paralyzed her intestinal tract and hind flippers. The paralysis prevents normal movement of her gastrointestinal tract, causing gas to accumulate, which makes it difficult for her to dive. As a result, she floats with her rear end up.

Though Charlotte has been deemed non-releasable, there is a chance that, with long-term rehabilitation, she could recover and possibly be released back into the ocean in future years. Until then, she is serving as an ambassador for her species while staying in “ Stingray Bay ” on the main exhibit floor. Charlotte is the first sea turtle the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has placed in an aquarium.

“It could take years for Charlotte to regain specific biological functions needed for release back into the wild. We needed to find her a home, so that we can continue to take in more injured turtles,” said Dr. Terry Norton, D.V.M., veterinarian and director of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. “Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration was a good fit for Charlotte . We knew the aquarium would provide her with a good quality of life and would use her story to spread awareness of how common boat strikes are.”

The three loggerhead hatchlings arrived on October 28 from the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores . One was rescued from its nest three days after hatching after showing signs of sluggishness. Another was found on a beach with a flipper injury, and the third was rescued from its nest before Tropical Storm Hanna arrived. The abnormally high tides created by the storm would have flooded the nest.

The loggerheads will be raised here until they are ready for release into North Carolina ’s waters in one to three years. In the meantime, visitors can see them in a new exhibit on the Aquarium’s main exhibit floor, opening tomorrow.



About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut .

SEA TURTLE FACT SHEET
Green Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles get their name from the color of their body fat, which is green from the algae and sea grass they eat. Their shells are usually dark brown in color and heart-shaped.
Males and females look the same until they mature, when males’ tails grow longer and thicker.
The green sea turtle is the slowest growing sea turtle, taking up to 40 years to mature.
The largest hard-shelled sea turtles, they can weigh up to 500 pounds and have shell lengths of up to four feet.


Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Loggerheads get their name from their large head size. Humans’ heads would have a diameter of three feet if it were the same proportion as a loggerhead’s.
They are primarily reddish-brown in color. Males have narrower shells and longer and thicker tails than females.
Full-grown loggerheads are between two and a half and four feet and weigh 170 to 350 pounds on average.

a cat and snow poem

On a Night of Snow
by Elizabeth Coatsworth

Cat, if you go outdoors, you must walk in the snow.
You will come back with little white shoes on your feet,
little white shoes of snow that have heels of sleet.
Stay by the fire, my Cat. Lie still, do not go.
See how the flames are leaping and hissing low,
I will bring you a saucer of milk like a marguerite,
so white and so smooth, so spherical and so sweet -
stay with me, Cat. Outdoors the wild winds blow.

Outdoors the wild winds blow, Mistress, and dark is the night,
strange voices cry in the trees, intoning strange lore,
and more than cats move, lit by our eyes green light,
on silent feet where the meadow grasses hang hoar -
Mistress, there are portents abroad of magic and might,
and things that are yet to be done. Open the door!

elizabeth's snow day

This is why your friendly Curator is not at the day job.
(It's not the snow, it's the thin sheet of ice under it.)
Stay safe and warm everybody!
x

color me...catly

This post actually started as a response to something Robin&Finchy's mom TaraM wondered yesterday. . . the precise language of cat tails. Their default position seems to be straight up, while Elizabeth's is madly lashing. Upon investigation it seems that the boys want food and lovin', while Elizabeast would like to do battle with the world. Or me. Whatever's handy. She's not picky. (But her ears are never down in aggressive position - so she's playing.)

I found all that out here at Cats International. But on the way there I found an article on what your cat's color says about his personality. Do I buy it? Not totally, but this is what it says about black kitties: "They are often at once both friendly and stubborn. They are sociable, both with people and other cats, but insist upon maintaining independence." Well, that would be our Sal - the lovely on the monitor in my profile photo - to a T. Why don't you have a look and see what your kitty's pelt spells in destiny?

Outdoor Pet Hazards

When your pets are outside, remember that there are plenty of outdoors objects and chemicals that are harmful to your pets. Here is a list of the most common ones from the ASPCA.

*Algae (can be found in ponds or other bodies of water. Certain forms may be hazardous).
*Antifreeze/Coolant
*Fences or gates. Pets can run away if fences are old and they find an opening. Pets can also get stuck in those openings and possibly get wounded or even strangled.
*Deck Lattice - Same as for fences
*De-icing salts. Some formulas may contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets if ingested. Wipe your pets paws after going for walks in areas where there might be salts. Also, look for pet-friendly brands for your home.
*Compost, particularly if moldy.
*Oil
*Pesticides
*Fertilizers
*Swimming pools and hot tubs. Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools, even if they can swim.

seasonal reminder: how to give to a hungry, homeless pet!

Boy, this is a fast holiday season, isn't it? Christmas is a week from tomorrow. . . !! Which is why I was grateful for a timely reminder about Banfield's Season of Suppers, the holiday pet-meal-on-wheels being run alongside Meals on Wheels. Press release here. Find your local Banfield here.

Up where I live and work now, my favorite coffee shop drew my attention to a another local holiday pet food bank through Dooley's Dog House, in Kirkland WA.

And now I'm off to brave the snow on the way to work. Keep yourself and your pets warm and safe, everybody!

Christmas Hazards for Pets

Christmas is almost here, but be sure to take precautions with your pets. And if you are taking your pets with you to visit relatives, make sure to look for potential hazards at their homes as well. Here are some of the common things to watch out for during the holidays.

- Holiday plants. Christmas rose, holly, lilies and mistletoe are all toxic
- Ribbons. Placing one around your pets neck for "decoration" could cause them to choke
- Fire salts. Contain chemicals that are harmful to pets
- Spun glass (angel hair). Can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts
- Christmas tree water. Stagnant tree water or water containing tree preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.
- Decoration Hooks. Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.
- Styrofoam. Can cause your pet to choke if swallowed.
- Ornaments. They may look like little toys to cats and dogs. Unfortunately, they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.
- Tinsel. Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!

Pet Haven Contest Winner

Thank you to all 29 people who entered this giveaway courtesy of The Pet Haven blog and PetSmart.

The winner is
... grannyvon who will enjoy using the kit on their pomaranian who sheds a lot.

I appreciate everyone's visits!

the elizabethan collar

Alas, my friend's dog Dudley, of the goofy appearance and tiny brain, had to have part of a sore tail removed. This meant he had to undergo a spell in the sartorial splendor of The Elizabethan Collar. Named after the large starchy lacy ruffs worn in England around the time of Queen Elizabeth I (16th c.), they are a means of keeping your pet from chewing and licking where they must not.

Frankly, I just wanted an excuse to post these pix because they made me chuckle. But as it happens, I found very useful instructions on how to make an emergency collar. (Tip: Margarine might fit your cat.) Plus, just for sheer joy of discovery, here's a page on Elizabethan cosmetics -- don't try these at home.

Common Pet Household Hazards

Many common household items can be lethal to your pet if ingested. Here are some of them:

anti-inflammatory medications, acetaminophen, cold/flu medications, antidepressants, vitamins, home insect products, rat/mouse traps and bait, bleach, diet pills, disinfectants, fabric softener, lead, lighter fluid, mothballs, solvents (paint-thinners, etc.), flea & tick products that are meant for the skin, drain cleaners, potpourri, oven cleaner sprays, lime/scale remover, fly bait, detergents, and tobacco products.

Happiness Is....

purchase that purr

What could a cat make you buy? Almost anything, if you're me -- but anyone will admit they work like a charm for selling comfort, warmth, softness, even fun.
But how about the safety of a motion detector system? A dishwasher? A car? Huh? Well, I've found a thoughtful, entertaining and well-illustrated page that lays that all out for you.

jealous doggie!

We've often noticed here at the Museum that when we're playing with Elizabeth and trying to lavish affection on her, Cash the dog is right there yowling and sticking his nose in, wanting to know why for we play with the little pointy animal and not him.
We laugh and say, "Look at that jealous mutt."
Well aha! Thanks to the razor-keen eye of our dependable Doug, I can now relay scientific proof that our dog is trying to run us through the emotional wringer.

Ask them to do a trick and they'll give it a try. For a reward, sausage say,
they'll happily keep at it. But if one dog gets no reward, and then sees
another get sausage for doing the same trick, just try to get the first one to
do it again. Indeed, he may even turn away and refuse to look at you.

So says this report from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, based on a study from The University of Vienna's Clever Dog Lab. In controlled circumstances, dogs were put in pairs and asked to shake. When both got rewards, hunky dory; if one got a reward and the other didn't, well, disapproval was made known. I must admit I couldn't help but laugh at this observation:

One thing that did surprise the researchers was that — unlike primates — the
dogs didn't seem to care whether the reward was sausage or bread.

*ahem* Dogs? You mean like they'll eat anything dogs? You think they care?

Anyway, Doug's citation here. The university of Vienna's Clever Dog Lab here!

Foods Harmful to Pets

Most of us know the common people foods that are harmful to pets, but the ASPCA has listed several that you might not have known about.

Avocados
Chocolate
Coffee (all forms)
Onions & onion powder
Garlic
Grapes/Raisins
Macadamia nuts
Alcoholic Beverages
Moldy/spoiled foods
Salt
Gum, candies or other food sweetened by xylitol
Tea leaves
Raw yeast dough

Be sure to store these foods where your pets can't find them!

where does everybody get these old photos anyway?

. . . and how much fun is it to go to flickr.com and search "antique+photo+cat"?
Lots.

CT Votes for Animals

"Animals don't vote. People do." This is the statement from the newly formed Connecticut Votes for Animals, Inc. It is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization, dedicated to lobbying for animal friendly laws and educating the public about animal-related legal issues.

The intent of CT Votes for Animals is to serve as the political arm of the state's animal protection movement. Their mission roles include:

*Serves as the political arm of the state’s animal protection movement.
*Advocates pro-animal policies.
*Educates the public regarding animal protection issues.
*Rallies an engaged public to support passage of animal-friendly laws and the defeat of proposals harmful to animals.
*Safeguards the interests of animals by making their well-being a priority for our elected leaders.f

Membership in the organization is open to anyone for a yearly fee of $25.

Top 10 Surgically Removed Things

Interesting list from the Petplace.com of things that are most commonly removed from pets via surgery. These indigestible items can become lodged in their stomach or intestine requiring the surgery.

The number one item on the list surprised me, as my pets play with them all the time.

Top 10 Surgically Removed Items
1. Socks
2. Underwear
3. Panty Hose
4. Rocks
5. Balls
6. Chew Toys
7. Corn Cobs
8. Bones
9. Hair Ties/Ribbons
10. Sticks

south african cat myth

From The Golden Bough, the classic 1922 compendium of world myths by Sir James George Frazier, in which we are reminded yet again just how utterly important cats are. . .

A tale told by the Ba-Ronga of South Africa sets forth how the lives of a whole family were contained in one cat.

When a girl of the family, named Titishan, married a husband, she begged her parents to let her take the precious cat with her to her new home. But they refused, saying, “You know that our life is attached to it”; and they offered to give her an antelope or even an elephant instead of it. But nothing would satisfy her but the cat. So at last she carried it off with her and shut it up in a place where nobody saw it; even her husband knew nothing about it.

One day, when she went to work in the fields, the cat escaped from its place of concealment, entered the hut, put on the warlike trappings of the husband, and danced and sang. Some children, attracted by the noise, discovered the cat at its antics, and when they expressed their astonishment, the animal only capered the more and insulted them besides. So they went to the owner and said, “There is somebody dancing in your house, and he insulted us.” “Hold your tongues,” said he, “I’ll soon put a stop to your lies.” So he went and hid behind the door and peeped in, and there sure enough was the cat prancing about and singing. He fired at it, and the animal dropped down dead. At the same moment his wife fell to the ground in the field where she was at work; said she, “I have been killed at home.”
But she had strength enough left to ask her husband to go with her to her parents’ village, taking with him the dead cat wrapt up in a mat. All her relatives assembled, and bitterly they reproached her for having insisted on taking the animal with her to her husband’s village. As soon as the mat was unrolled and they saw the dead cat, they all fell down lifeless one after the other. So the Clan of the Cat was destroyed; and the bereaved husband closed the gate of the village with a branch, and returned home, and told his friends how in killing the cat he had killed the whole clan, because their lives depended on the life of the cat.


Well of course they did. (See Chapter 66 of The Golden Bough for this story.)

tiny terrier, big skies

Her destiny was made in the streets of Rome. She was a starving young orphan. He was an Italian builder of airships (think zeppelins) between the two World Wars.
He was walking by. She sat up and begged. And that is how Col. Umberto Nobile found Titina, his staunchest ally and fellow explorer, who would be by his side all the way to the North Pole and through years of disgrace.
Titina, a fox terrier, was with Nobile on a historic 1926 flight across the North Pole. Nobile had designed and built the ship, called the Norge; the expedition's commander was Roald Amundsen, who was not thrilled to have a small dog along. Yet Titina got a respectable amount of fan mail and drummed up interest in the adventure.
Unfortunately, her next big trip with her master in 1928, in which the airship Italia crashed in the Arctic with loss of lives, left Nobile's reputation in ruins for the rest of his days. Yet Titina never wavered in her devotion. Read an excellent article about her in the Jan/Feb 2006 BARk Magazine here.

Givaway - Grooming Essentials Kit

Last week to enter!


The Pet Haven, along with PetSmart, is giving away a Grooming Essentials Kit - a $100 retail value.

Here's what it includes:
8 oz. deShedding Shampoo
8 oz deShedding Solution
FURminator deShedding Tool (Medium)
TubNub Bath Brush
Super absorbent microfiber towel

This is a limited edition kit that will be sold in stores during the holiday season. FURminator Bathing Essentials Kit includes the FURminator deShedding tool. The kit also comes with a special deShedding shampoo and bath items that create a spa-like experience for pets and their parents.

The contest runs through December 14th...that way you should get it before Christmas.

It's simple and easy to enter. Just leave a comment with your email or website (so I can contact the winner), or post an anonymous comment and email me your info. I would also appreciate a link anywhere on your site back to The Pet Haven - www.the-pet-haven.blogspot.com....though it's not a requirement to win the prize.

I will then use a random number generator to determine the winner.


Then, leave me a comment that

glenn gould and his dog nick

Glenn Gould (Canadian, 1932-1982) was a brilliant and unusual pianist, probably best known for his 1955 recording Bach: The Goldberg Variations. (He had a habit of vocalizing, humming and "la la la-ing"as he played, which I always found charming. You may see an example of that here.) There is a lot to know about this gifted soul, but look what I found - he had a dog named Nick when he was a child. What a sweet photo! Child prodigies need loyal friends - looks like he had one.

Thanks, Wikipedia Commons.

gatitos

Look, it's a little snippet of vintage Sesame Street. A couple of observations about kittens, in both English and Spanish: and now I know the Spanish for "kitten" is "gatito."

"Something Doesn't Belong?"

from the blue rider with love: girl with cat

Ah. I do love a Franz Marc (1880-1916) now and then. This is his oil painting Girl with Cat from 1912 (thanks, Wiki Commons).

Marc was a major figure in the German Expressionist art movement known as Die Blaue Reiter, "The Blue Rider," named for a painting by Wassily Kandinsky, another major member. The group's aims included the expression of spiritual truths in their art and the use of color symbolism. Marc was very fond of that last. Roughly put, Marc associated blue with spirituality and male energy, and red and yellow with female energy - yellow also meant joy. Red, a color of earth and matter, also eventually developed a meaning of motherhood. And isn't that a charming red cat wiggling babylike in a happy girl's lap?

I wish his life had been always that happy. He was a soldier in WWI and was on a list of important artists to be withdrawn from battle, but was killed before he could be gotten out. What a waste.

Here's a bio of Marc from the Guggenheim.

Deer Tries for Revenge on Hunter

After the hunter thought the two shots he put in the deer were enought, the deer came to life and attacked the hunter.

The deer eventually died, but not before sending the hunter to the hospital with a slight concussion and cuts to the head....cuts that took staples to close up.

The entire article is a quick read and you can't help but root for the deer.

bunny style

I found this likeable story from the British designer Paul Smith on Anecdotage.com:

In the early 1980s...I was on a train with a friend and I was daydreaming out
the window. He said, 'What are you looking for?' And I told him that I was
looking for rabbits, because if I saw one before my fashion show, I knew the
collection would be good. A week later, he sent me a toy rabbit for good luck.
Then he must have told someone, who told someone else, and now I receive between
six and twenty rabbits a week. I have about 18 cartons of toy rabbits in my
warehouse in Nottingham.

And what have lucky rabbits inspired? See Paul Smith's designs here. And can you spot the rabbit reference in this interview?

Singles Ad

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (xxx) xxx-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting..

And who was this ad for??





Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society...

winter. bunny. monday. game!

Yes, it's the first of December and it's Monday, so I rather think I'll bring you a cheering game.

This is another serene little gem from Ferry Halim's Orisinal site. The goal - bells fall from a winter sky, and the little bunny needs to leap up from bell to bell for maximum score. (Just keep clicking up!) And if you fall? Just try again. That's the beauty of

Winterbells

Skin Health

For those of us who experience the cold winters every year, we know how our skin can get dry and itchy. Your dog's skin struggles with cold weather, overheated houses, and low humidity, too. Here's how to help keep your pooch itch-free:

*Brush your dog often. Even shorthaired dogs need help sloughing off dead skin cells. Brushing stimulates circulation and kicks up production of natural moisturizers from oil glands.

*Shampoo less often. Experts warn that weekly baths remove much-needed lubricating oils.

* Use a pet shampoo. Keep your own shampoo, even the gentle one, on the shelf, and use a moisturizing doggie-formulated one.

*If dry skin persists, take dog to the vet. Itching can be a sign of something more serious, such as parasites, hot spots, allergies and more.

"the cat asleep, well buttoned into its fur"

This is only the briefest of lines, one of a piquant handful scattered throughout Tin House's edition of The Journal of Jules Renard. Renard (1864-1910) was a French writer. He's not known well here in the States, but his personal journal is considered by many in the know as one of the greatest autobiographical works of the twentieth century. He sought absolute honesty of observation and style, and was unsparing not least of himself. He knew Sarah Bernhardt and Toulouse-Lautrec, and met Renoir. Still, he found it worthy to notice. . .

"The scorn of a cat for the calf that pursues it in a meadow."
"The vitality of the cat, who appears so lazy. His ears and his eyes are always at work. He has within him prepared leaps, and, under him, ready claws."
"The quail plays with little stones and thinks it is singing."
"Bouquin's dog barks every evening, not at the moon - there isn't any - but at mystery. He renders his homage to God."
"The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat."

I wish I could read French so that I might enjoy more of his work. Learn more about Jules Renard via Answers.com.

Ear Health

The most common cause of infection cats and dogs is ear mites, which create a large amount of very dark brown itchy debris. Most ear mite treatments require multiple doses. Veterinarians carry options that are effective in just one – although the ears will need to be cleaned several times. Although cats are the natural host and carriers of ear mites, dogs can be affected too, so all contact pets should be treated.

Dogs, particularly floppy-eared ones, commonly get yeast and bacterial infections in their ears. This is generally an overgrowth of microorganisms that are normally present in low numbers in the ear canal; these are not directly contagious to other animals.

Some other causes of infections in dogs and cats are excess moisture in the ears (swimming, bathing, excessive grooming from another pet), and skin allergies.

Common signs to watch for:

Scratching or rubbing of ears and head
Discharge in the ears
Ear odor
Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Pain and tenderness around the ears
Shaking of the head or tilting the head to one side
Changes in behavior such as irritability and depression


Key points for ear health:

Have your veterinarian show you how to safely clean ears
1 – 2 times per month and after swimming/baths clean your pets’ ears to help prevent infections
Check floppy ears at least once per week for any of the common signs listed above and contact your vet if any of those occur
Only use pet ear cleaners or others as directed by your veterinarian, you may damage the ears with at-home remedies
Check with your veterinarian about medications for ear infections


(Info from the Wellness Food Brand e-newsletter)

woof! copyright 2008

You know, my friend Doug is about the best surprise researcher ever - I go out to get the cable bill and the catalogs, and there's an envelope from him holding something excellent for the Museum.

Which is how I know about Woof! Writers on Dogs, a new book by Lee Montgomery (an editor at hometown literary magazine Tin House), published by Viking Books earlier this month. Woof! is a collection of essays by writers on the dogs they've loved and who loved them, as best as everyone could.

Here is the original review that Doug sent me. (Hope it stays up for a while. I hate that when newspapers retire their clips too soon.)

Here's Woof! at Powells.com.

Thanks, Doug!

happy thanksgiving everyone!

(Our model: the young Miss Elizabeth, dreaming of evil deeds I'm sure)

He blinks upon the hearth-rug,
and yawns in deep content,
accepting all the comforts
that Providence has sent.

Louder he purrs, and louder,
in one glad hymn of praise
for all the night's adventures,
for quiet, restful days.

Life will go on for ever,
with all that cat can wish:
warmth and the glad procession
of fish and milk and fish.

Only-the thought disturbs him-
he's noticed once or twice,
the times are somehow breeding
a nimbler race of mice.

-- "On a Cat Ageing," by Alexander Gray.

May your cats -- and dogs, and ferrets and bunnies and iguanas -- have every tasty dream come true for Thanksgiving. We here at the Museum are thankful for every one of you!

name that puppy (after a river)

This is my friend's brother's new puppy. Puppy needs a name. The twist is that Puppy's name would ideally be a river, as previous dogs were also named after rivers - and did I recall which? No. Though I think Shenandoah was one. It's a blue heeler if I recall, so I suggested "Danube." Oh come on, you would too!

After that I got kind of puckish and started throwing things out like "Po" and "Yangtze" and "Billabong." Suggestions anybody?

While you're here, check out this website I found of animal names. Pretty all-encompassing.

More Pet Holiday Tips

As families all around the country start pulling out their favorite holiday recipes, and shopping lists, and decorations, it’s easy to overlook one hairy detail: the family pets. Between vacationing out-of-town and readying the house for a veritable invasion of friends and family members, it is really no surprise that pets feel left out, but more than that, the general upheaval of the holidays can be a dangerous time for cats and dogs.

Nationally recognized veterinarian Dr. Bernadine Cruz, DVM, and one of the resident veterinarian advisors on MyPetCareTV.com, encourages pet owners everywhere to add “pet safety” to their holiday list and check it twice.

Year-round every room in a house can pose a potential threat to pet health when human foods, cleaning products, insecticides and rodenticides, and medicines meant for people are left out where pets can get into them. During the holidays inattention to things left unattended can double. Everyone is busy, caught up in the celebration of good food and good company: house guests may unwittingly allow the dog into a room he is usually forbidden to go, or feed the cat a “treat” to which he is allergic. The holidays bring out so many more potential hazards to pets than we may think. Pets may ingest tinsel, ribbons, and string, harming their digestion and intestinal tract. Especially harmful is fertilizer used in the water of Christmas tree stands which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

To pass the holidays in celebration, companionship, and good health, Dr. Bernadine Cruz and MyPetCareTV.com offer these tips to add to every pet owner’s list:

· Remind houseguests not to feed the pets human food, especially fatty foods and candy.

· Restrict pets to “safe areas” or outdoors during dinner parties when you are too occupied to watch them.

· If you have not already, install child safety locks on cabinets that contain cleaning supplies, paints, and medicines. Even hand soap and toothpaste can harm dogs and cats.

· Try to give your pet some focused attention each day to keep her or him calm, relaxed, and less likely to misbehave.

· Be sure pets wear identification tags at all times. That includes indoor pets, because with the hustle and bustle of having visitors, pets can wander outside without their owners being aware of their escape.

· To protect curious pets, be sure to keep candles safely out of the reach of paws, whiskers, and tails.

· Pets, especially dogs, tend to eat first and think later. A dangling, shinny tree ornament or holiday table decorations may be more than your pet can ignore. A nibble of a plant can lead to an upset stomach or worse. Decorations can lead to an obstruction in the digestive tract and require a visit to the veterinary emergency room.

Many people include their pets in holiday travel. Dr. Cruz suggests to keep the following tips in mind when traveling with the family pet:

• Pets should always wear identification when traveling indicating their permanent home and where they are visiting. Owners should also have a copy of their pet’s medical records, vaccine history, and a picture of the pet in case they are separated.

• If you are traveling by car with your pet, plan ahead to insure that you can find hotels that accept pets. AAA can usually direct you to these establishments. Be sure to bring your pet’s usual diet and water. You don’t want “traveler’s diarrhea” to put a damper on your road trip.

• If traveling by air, try to get a direct flight. Losing your luggage is one thing, but it could be a disaster if it is your pet. Check the expected temperature of your destination airport. If you need to have your pet travel in the cargo hold, bitterly cold temperatures may not be tolerated by your pet. We have all seen luggage carts stranded on the tarmac or sat in a plane for hours while it is delayed. Your pet could become fatally hypothermic.

• Though you may be welcomed with open arms when you go visit, your pet may not be. If you are staying with friends, make sure your pet is welcome.

• If you are staying at a pet-friendly hotel and you need to leave your pet unattended in your hotel room, place a “do not disturb” sign on the door. You do not want housekeeping to accidentally let your pet out. Be sure your pet is a good neighbor and does not bark excessively. Bring along an extra sheet for your pet to lounge on.

Thanksgiving Day Pet Tips

Reduce your dog’s regular food portions during the holidays through the less-active winter months. Consult with your veterinarian before downsizing to determine the right portion.

* As a rule, don’t feed pets holiday treats or leftovers. Some foods such as chocolates, uncooked bread dough and macadamia nuts can actually be life threatening.

* Instead of human foods, give your dog treats specifically for canines. Training reward-type treats are especially good, because they’re typically bite-sized and individually very low in calories.

* Be sure to tell your guests not to feed the pet. If everyone at a holiday party sneaks even a little food to the dog, it can quickly add up.

* Even though things get hectic during the holidays, try to stick with your dog’s normal routine of outdoor play and walks.

hometown help for hungry pets: season of suppers

Tis the season to share, with people and with pets as well. As I break out the Museum staff's favorite canned food (Wellness, if you must know, mostly the pink labels and whatever that green label flavor is) I think of a recent invitation to share. I'll let the blurb tell you the skinny:

Banfield has teamed up with the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA)
for a national pet food drive called Season of Suppers. Banfield hospitals
across the nation are collecting pet food at their locations and donating it to
their local MOWAA program to feed pets of those senior citizens that already
receive meals. Go to your local Banfield from now until December 31 to make your
donation!

Where IS your local Banfield? Look here and see.

Hmm. . .I see there's one in Federal Way and Puyallup, and if I were back in Portland OR I'd go to one on NE 82nd Avenue. Bet there's one near you!

the artist's dog...in action

Remember the quotes yesterday about the cat as inspiration and support?

Today I bring you: the dog as muse.


Mmmm. Bread.

Studio-prop bread - but real and fresh and smelling oh so delicious.

And you may see the resulting painting - which doesn't have Cash in it, but a grateful little sparrow - here.

Dogs Rule the World?

I saw an old Jerry Seinfeld bit, and he wondered how aliens looking down at the world perceive our hierarchy. We walk our dogs and pick up after them in little bags that we then carry with us.

The aliens are looking down and thinking the dogs must be the rulers. Why else would someone walk behind them carrying their poop for them in bags?

a cat classic is republished

Even in the dark ages the cat was the friend of the intelligent man, for the
sorcerers and alchemists were the philosophers of the period and those who
persecuted sorcerers and cats were the philistines. In our day the cat is as
essential to the literary workshop as he was formerly to the alchemystical
laboratory.

As a writer I cannot help but agree. And I'm pleased to say that this comes from a learned yet fascinating book I have quoted before: namely, Carl Van Vechten's The Tiger in the House, recently reissued by the glory that is The New York Review of Books Classics.

It is perfectly possible (a fact which I have proved scores of times
myself) to work not only with a cat in the room, but with a cat on one’s
shoulder or in one’s lap. In a draughty room, indeed, the cat makes a superior
kind of paper-weight! Cats, to be sure, love to play on tables with loose papers
and pens, but a little care will keep them from doing damage, and how welcome is
the soft paw tap on the pen with the look of surprise that invariably follows,
to the tired writer.

You may find this and more thoughtful jewels of philosophy and history on Bartleby.com, or you may really wish to purchase this fine book for your own. Which I plan to do.

flittens?

Or, winged kittens - winged cats are a particularly rich kitty myth. (Look up "winged cats" in Wikipedia for a boatload of misapprehensions. Check out this page of "Mewingham Manor" for flittens.) But me, I think I'll do just fine with the bitty "wings" marking one of the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee: Miss Enid.

And that being said, I need to do some much-needed adding and improving to my Favorites list: so Fin and Whicky, you're both on there at last!

Kitten Training

We always see stories on training your new puppy, but how about kitten training? Petside.com's article on kitten training gives some quick tips for training you new pet.

For instance, kittens learn quickly, but also tire quickly, so don't spend too much time during one session, or they may start resenting any type of training.

Check it out!

"Sweet Dreams"

We should all be so lucky as to enjoy such a peaceful rest.

an estonian cat

(Image courtesy of the artist via Wikimedia Commons.)

How's it hangin'? I like to think of this as the new fine-art version of those "Hang in there" kitten posters, remember those? But Estonian artist Nerva has way more in his repertoire than that. You could be waving at the moon, jostling for next place, or you can be that dog denying everything. Nerva's art website is one of the most interesting I have ever encountered - he's thought of everything: what color is your room? what size do you need? square or landscape? And you can find art to fit.

These are jolly, warm little prints that make me feel affectionate. What do you think?

Nerva's website here.

Real-Life Furby Rediscovered

primate species that looks like a living, breathing version of the Furby electronic toy has been found alive in the forested highlands of an Indonesian island for the first time in more than 70 years, scientists announced Tuesday.

Three specimens of the pygmy tarsier, a nocturnal creature about the size of a small mouse, were trapped and tracked this summer on Mount Rorekatimbo in Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi, Texas A&M University reported.

Check out the entire article for more about the find.

pets on coins

I wish the US would put pets on coins.

Isn't this a beautiful chicken coin? It's from Latvia. And I have found a place on the web called The Coin Zoo, where you may look up coins by animal - "cat" will get you such gorgeous moneys as the Isle of Man's 1-crown Maine Coon Cat and Turkish Cat coins. Mm, I would never spend them. (Click on the little camera to see pictures from your search results.)

A Singapore 10-dollar rabbit, anybody? Polish 2-zlote knight on horseback? Wait till you see the results for "lion". Although for the life of me I don't know why the Coin Zoo's main page includes a listing for the Congo's John Paul II 1-France Set. Pope? Zoo? Zoo? Pope? Am I missing something?

Preparing Pets for Winter

Here on the East Coast, the cold is starting to make it's way into our daily lives. Just as people prepare their homes and cars for winter, so should they keep their pets in mind when the temperatures drop.

Cats are very susceptible to the cold and can freeze if left outdoors. Therefore, keep felines inside during especially cold weather. Also, stray cats have a tendency to hide under car hoods to keep warm. Bang on the car before starting it to warn any cats.

According to ASPCA, more dogs are lost during the winter because they can easily lose their scent on snow-covered terrain.

Salt-covered pavement and cold walkways can wreak havoc on dog paws. Wash their paws after coming in from walks to remove any salt and ice.

Just as you shouldn't leave your pet in a hot car, the same is true for a cold one. A vehicle can act as a refrigerator and your pet could freeze to death.

If you bathe your pet during the winter, make sure they are thoroughly dry before going out in the cold.

Antifreeze is sweet-smelling to pets and can attract inquisitive animals. Antifreeze is a lethal poison for pets. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle and don't leave any bottles where pets can get to them.

Pets should have a cozy spot to sleep away from drafts and the cold floor. A blanket or filled pet bed can be comfortable to your pet.

Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean that all the fleas that were incubating inside are dead yet. Be sure to keep an eye out for flea infestation even in the winter.

possibly everything you needed to know about the guard dog

Today on a leisurely Sunday I have for you a scholarly, but readable discussion of the dog's role as spirit guardian in old cultural ways. In Bob Trushaw's article, "Black Dogs: Guardians of the corpse ways," he examines the ways in which dogs' long and first closeness with humans has given them responsibilities past the earthly.

It's intriguing. Read here.

artist feature: crispypaintings

Time we had that talk

All I wanted was a cupcake. So we went to Verite/Cupcake Royale in Ballard a couple of weeks ago and got half a dozen - along with my newest art crush, Chris Pavlik.

The magic and mystery made manifest in a meditative mirage

I wrote him to say his colors were romantic, and that his work was Romantic with a capital R. Those clear, clean pigments and intermixing of nature with the heart and soul's puzzlements struck me as close to Caspar David Friedrich. (If he'd had a sense of humor. Which the Romantics rarely did.)

It's only polite to pretend not to notice

Explicit exceptions to implicit rules

I love those rabbits. I love this work.

Check out a wide variety of it at Crispypaintings.com.
All images copyright the artist with kindest permission.

Reverse Sneeze

The first time my dog made that noise...the one where it's not quite a sneeze, not quite a gag, not exactly a cough, but something in between.....I wasn't sure what to think. But, it only last a few seconds and he was fine afterwards.

The phenomenon is known as a reverse sneeze. No one is really sure what it happens, but it could be from allergies or sometimes an even more serious condition. But if it happens infrequently, there isn't much to worry about.

This Pet Place article is a good place to find some more information on reverse sneezes, including ways to get your dog out of them if you are worried or if they are lasting a while.

Only one of my dogs, the one with all the allergy problems, gets this condition on a regular basis. What experiences have you had with the reverse sneeze?

Are Fish Easy Pets?

As a life-long fish keeper, the answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. First, there are the differences between fresh-water set-ups versus salt-water. Having a salt-water tank is much more time consuming and high maintenance then fresh water set-ups.

For those looking for less maintenance, fresh water is by far the choice to make. The advantages to a fresh water set-up is that once the initial set-up is completed, the daily maintenance of the fish are basically just feeding and checking to see if there are any problems with the fish.

By looking for problems, I am referring to checking for unusual behavior, looking for any damaged fins, and checking for any signs of disease or fungus. By observing your fish for a few minutes everyday, you'll start to see what their "normal" behavior is, so that you can spot abnormal behavior. Plus, isn't the point of having a fish tank is to have something to enjoy everyday anyway?

Freshwater Fish also need weekly and monthly maintenance chores. Once the tank is established (i.e., been running for more then a couple of months), you still need to stay on top of checking the water quality of the aquarium. By water quality, you should check the PH level weekly (the amount of PH varies based on what type of fish you have) and the ammonia level (ammonia, even in small amounts, can be fatal to fish). Water softness/harness can also be a factor is you are keeping fish that are sensitive to the amount of harness (dissolved minerals) that are in the water.

As for monthly chores, the tank filter media should be cleaned or replaced at least once a month. Partial water changes are also of importance. An aquarium is an enclosed environment. Fish are excreting waste in the same water they are living and breathing. There is also decaying food in the tank producing ammonia. It is for this reason the tank water must be changed approximately every two weeks. When changing the water, a water conditioner must be added in order to remove any chlorine and other items in tap water that are harmful to fish. These conditioners can be found in most pet stores where fish are sold.

The good news is that once the tank is established, this type of maintenance routine is much lower in comparison to having other pets. If you enjoy a crisp, clean aquarium, then it is worth it to take these steps. If not, it could cause more problems down for your tank, making it higher maintenance.

When all is going well, then fish become an "easy" pet. But when problems occur in the tank, and your fish start to die, there is nothing easy about that!

gin the dog: "it walks! . . . backwards!!"

My friend Doug turned me on to this phenom taking place earlier this year on Britain's Got Talent: a dog who lives to dance canine freestyle, named Gin. Here's a joyous bit of the show introducing Kate Nicholas and her gifted dog:



It's worth it just to see that look on Simon Cowell's face.
As it happens, Gin almost never got to dance for Simon, as this article will explain: she got into some poison by mistake a while back, but all is very well indeed now. In fact, Gin was so kind as to "interview" with Britain's The Mirror. Read it here.

Happy Veterans Day

A great time to reflect and remember all those who gave us the freedoms we enjoy.

"a warlike mouse came down"

. . . to the water to take a drink, and upon being accosted by a regal frog, let him know this:

The mouse, speaking haughtily, said: “I am Crumb Snatcher, and my race is a
famous one. My father is the heroic Bread Nibbler, and he married Quern Licker,
the lovely daughter of a king. Like all my race I am a warrior who has never
been wont to flinch in battle. Moreover, I have been brought up as a mouse of
high degree, and figs and nuts, cheese and honeycakes is the provender that I
have been fed on.”

And pride goeth before a fall, with a short wet trip on a royal frog in between. For the full story of The Battle of the Frogs and the Mice (from The Golden Fleece's chapter on The Life and Labors of Heracles - it's a crazy story Heracles hears from some robbers. Courtesy of Bartleby.com.)

Bread Nibbler struck the first blow. He fell upon Loud Crier the frog, and overthrew him. At this Loud Crier’s friend, Reedy, threw down spear and shield and dived into the water. This seemed to presage victory for the mice. But then Water Larker, the most warlike of the frogs, took up a great pebble and flung it at Ham Nibbler who was then pursuing Reedy. Down fell Ham Nibbler, and there was dismay in the ranks of the mice. Then Cabbage Climber, a great-hearted frog, took up a clod of mud and flung it full at a mouse that was coming furiously upon him. That mouse’s helmet was knocked off and his forehead was plastered with the clod of mud, so that he was well-nigh blinded. . .

Common Pills Not to Give Pets

When our vet first suggested giving our dog on over-the-counter medication for his allergies, I thought - wow, you can give dogs human stuff? But, there are some common human medications that you should never give your pet, according to Petplace.com.

1. Aspirin. Aspirin toxicity (salicylate toxicity) is poisoning that occurs following the ingestion of aspirin or aspirin-containing products. Aspirin can be especially dangerous when mixed with other drugs such as steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There is a much higher risk of toxicity. Aspirin interferes with platelets, which are responsible for helping the blood to clot. Disruption of platelet function incr eases the amount of time it takes the blood to clot in cases of wounds or lacerations. Spontaneous bleeding may also occur causing pinpoint bruises to appear in the skin and on the gums (petechiae). Aspirin toxicity may cause gastrointestinal problems, respiratory difficulties, neurological problems, bleeding disorders and kidney failure. Gastrointestinal problems are common in dogs.

2. Ibuprofen is a popular and effective over-the-counter medication available to treat pain and inflammation in people. For dogs, ibuprofen can easily exceed toxic levels. The most common cause of ibuprofen toxicity is a well-meaning owner who tries to alleviate pain in his dog by administering a dose he thinks is adequate without knowing the toxic dose. The initial toxic effect is bleeding stomach ulcers. In addition to ulcers, increasing doses of ibuprofen eventually lead to kidney failure and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Symptoms include poor appet ite, vomiting, black tarry stools, vomiting blood, abdominal pain, weakness and lethargy.

3. Acetaminophen . Common brands include Tylenol®, Percoset®, aspirin free Excedrin® and various sinus, cold and flu medications. Dogs most commonly receive toxic amounts of acetaminophen because owners medicate them without consulting a veterinarian. They also consume tablets that are dropped on the floor or left around. Dogs are less sensitive to acetaminophen than cats. For example, a 50-pound dog would need to ingest over seven 500 mg tablets in order to suffer toxic effects. In the cat, one 250 mg acetaminophen tablet could be fatal. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic amount of acetaminophen, (one pill or more), contact your family veterinarian or local veterinary emergency facility immediately.

el gato. el humongous gato.

Well, it's by Botero, so what did I expect.

The sculpture was bought by the City of Barcelona in 1987, and is called "The Cat of Raval" for its current location in the historical El Raval neighborhood. Here's someone's tourist movie of approaching the Big Cat:

Why such an exaggerated style? Every artist synthesizes the world they see in their own way. In Botero's case it started with a childhood in Colombia and the many Baroque churches in the area. Here's a website on Botero to help you learn more.

That's a fine cat, any way you look at it.

from a year ago: cats in iraq

All the veterinarians were gone, so nobody could spay and neuter them. They only needed to hear a bomb blast once before they weren't surprised by the sound any more. Yet their vulnerability and need for care and love helped humanize the experience of reporting the War in Iraq.

Read "What Cats Know About War," by John F. Burns, from The New York Times of October 14 2007.

the surprisingly big world of the dog stamp

Yesterday I happened to see some images of dog breeds that have been on stamps and thought, "Why, those are quite attractive. I remember liking my bookmarks made of cat stamps. There must be many such." (cough) You think? Wait till you see the dog-stamp-collecting link I'm going to give you in a second here.

But first, did you know that the first dog on stamps was the Newfoundland, in Britain in 1887? And that subcategories (such as Dogs) of stamp collection each have their own hobbyist study unit? They're listed at the American Topical Association. (A subject, in a stamp, is called a "topic".)

But wait! You want to see beautiful dog stamps? You want to see if your dog is listed? (Ours is.) Well go here and seek alphabetically by dog.

Clown Loach Profile

One of my favorite fish, and one of the oldest in my aquarium (I've him him for almost five years), is the Clown Loach

The clown loach is an active schooling fish that is best kept in small groups of three to six fish. It will tolerate tankmates of other species, although docile species may become agitated by the constant activity of this fish. The clown loach may alarm its owner by lying on its side or back — while resting — appearing to be dead. This is normal clown loach behavior. It also makes audible clicking sounds in the evening, especially when feeding.

Because it is not a territorial fish, the clown loach generally poses no threat to its tankmates. However, the clown loach may become entangled in nets. This species can live for as long as 20 years in the home aquarium.

Provide a soft substrate because the clown loach likes to nose through the substrate to find tidbits of food to munch on.

The clown loach will accept most commercially prepared flake, freeze-dried and frozen foods. Its diet should be supplemented with small live foods, such as Tubifex worms, bloodworms and brine shrimp. This fish also loves snails. If you ever took home a live plant and ended up with a snail infestation, this is the fish that will take care of the problem.

a dogs in lit post

Every so often I stumble upon something utterly out of the blue....

as when a search for "puppies in literature" brings me to the blog Vulpes Libris, "A collective of bibliophiles writing about books," and more specifically this post on dogs in literature. There are books written of here of which I'd never even heard -- Timoleon Vieta, Come Home?

I do so appreciate finds like this. I'm sure you will too. Plus you have to love their header logo.

A New Puppy in the White House

In a historic speech following his election win, Barack Obama announced that his two daughters have earned a new puppy that will join them at the White House. This will follow in a long line of presidents who have had pets over the years.

No word yet on what kind of dog.....

Web Vet

Although nothing can take the place of taking your pet to a vet when there may be a problem, there are plenty of informative websites available.

One relatively new site, is Webvet, which is dedicated to giving pet owners all the news they can use. The site hosts the latest news and advice on topics ranging from pet weight loss to acupuncture for ferrets. WebVet does not diagnose, suggest treatment or editorialize but rather provides news, information and fact-based education to pet owners.