See Beautiful

We are pleased to be joining the See Beautiful blog hop today, along with Sugar the Golden Retriever who is generously donating $1.00 to See Beautiful's non-profit of the month, St. Anne's Center - Lantern House PET AREA for everyone who joins the blog hop today.  Isn't she awesome?

I've learned a lot of lessons from my animal companions over the years ... 

Lessons in loving passionately and wholeheartedly even when you know the heartbreak of loss is waiting, unseen but keenly felt, down the road ...

Lessons in patience, when trying to communicate in a loving way with creatures who don't speak your language ...

Lessons in the joy that is yours when, through that patience, you forge a close and loving relationship, and a shared language, with another creature ...

Lessons in tolerance, when blending together animals of different species, personalities, and life histories into a harmonious family unit ...

And perhaps most of all, lessons in being aware that the many precious moments we share with them are, when strung together, the individual pearls in a luminous necklace of memories that help to in some small part sustain us when they have gone on ahead ... 

As one of my personal heroes, Ferris Bueller, was wont to say, "Life moves pretty fast ... if you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it." 

Our animal friends are masters in the art of never forgetting to stop and look around.  They can spend 30 minutes intensely sniffing a single blade of grass.  When they feel the sun warm on their heads, they never fail to raise their heads skyward, schedules and deadlines be damned ... the better to soak in the blessed, healing warmth.  They love passionately and unreservedly, with no thought for any day of reckoning or loss that may be waiting somewhere beyond the horizon.  That may well be because they aren't capable of the foreknowledge of death, but I choose to believe that it's also because they would rather focus on sucking every possible drop of joy and beauty out of the present than on pointlessly worrying about the future.  

For these reasons and so many others, the two dogs and three cats I am so privileged to share my life with are beautiful beyond all words to me, and it never fails to amaze me that one of the reasons I'm so lucky to have them is because the beauty I see in them, that is all too obvious to me each and every day, was somehow not recognized by others.  Which is those people's loss, whoever and wherever they might be, and my inestimable gain.  

So this post is for Tucker, for Olivia, for Tanner, and Phoebe, and Finn ... 

My sweet and beautiful friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart for enriching my life each and every day with the beauty of your love, companionship, and abiding affection.  I can't imagine what I could have done to deserve it, but I am forever grateful, and although I know you will never read these words, I hope you somehow feel my love for you all, as I feel yours for me.  I believe that you do.  

Friday Maintenance Post

TaDa!  It's me, Olivia! 

I heard that my presence had been requested, so here I am! And I have OODLES of news!  Plus, I have a full day of sunbathing, napping, and grooming my furs planned, so let's get to it!  I've got things to do! 

1) Finn's Comment-A-Thon for Back in Black 2 - we have 13 days left and 78 comments to go!  So please leave your comment today, if you haven't already.  If you are the randomly chosen winner, we'll make a donation in your name to the rescue group or shelter of your choice! 

It will make Finn really happy to reach his goal this year, and even though he's a bratty little thing completely lacking in the proper respect for a calico princess such as myself, his comment-a-thon is for a good cause, so I feel I have to support him, even though I TOLD Mom that we did NOT need another cat around this house.  Of course, I told her that when she brought Tanner home, too, but she didn't listen then, either.  Sometimes I think she needs a refresher course in Catonese.  Cause the woman doesn't do half of what I tell her, so maybe she just doesn't understand?  Ah, well.  That's a post for another time.

2)  Did you know that our friends over at William of Mass Destruction have opened up their own store?  I mean, it looks to me like the human is trying to take credit for it, but it's definitely William, Caroline, Russell, Olivia, and Gracie's store.  After all, whose pictures do you think these are?

William

Gracie

Russell

Caroline

Olivia

PHOTO CREDIT TO THE HUMAN AT William of Mass Destruction

You may not know this, but reading William's (and Caroline's, and Russell's, and Olivia's and Gracie's) blog was one of the things that convinced Mom that we should have OUR own blog.  So we are forever in their debt in this regard, and it's one of our favorite blogs to read every day.  I'll tell you one thing, though ... I think that Caroline is a little bit of a hussy.  She's always flirting with Spitty, as if I NEEDED any competition in that department!!!  That boy's already romancing half the lady cats in the Blogosphere.  In fact, if it gets any worse, I might have to consider whether there's a handsome mancat out there who might be more steadfast in his affections.  Do you think William would want to go out on a date with me?  

Anyway, their store is called Feline O' Mine and their stuff looks really cool.  Plus, it's been tested and approved by all the gang at William of Mass Destruction, so it's gotta be great!  We're going to have Mom help us pick out some stuff this weekend and then we'll be reporting back about it!

3) Mom has been SUPER stressed out lately with all these food recalls.  And you might not know this, but some of the food that was recalled was for cats, even though it wasn't as widely publicized.  So she was pretty happy yesterday when she got an email from K9Cuisine.com (they have cat food, too).  I was reading over her shoulder and the email said that because of the recent recalls, they are offering a 15% discount on certain foods that have NOT been affected by all the recalls.  Those brands are Pulsar Grain Free, Horizon Legacy, Darford Zero/G, Fromm, and Orijen.  All you have to do is enter the coupon code SWITCHFOOD to receive the discount, and any orders $50 or over receive free shipping!

Phew!  I'm exhausted!  I feel a nap coming on! And I know just the sun puddle I want to take it in!  

Have a great weekend, everyone! 

And don't forget to leave your comment HERE!

Olivia's Opinions - # Who Knows in an Ongoing Series

Hi, everyone - it's me, Olivia!  And my Opinion for today is that since it has been THIRTY THREE WHOLE DAYS since I last got to post, I am going to post a BUNCH of pictures today, because really - who knows WHEN I will get another chance!!!!  What with my mom constantly putting things like work and socializing with friends before blogging, and all my siblings stealing my thunder, it's a wonder I get any blog time at all, and frankly, that is just NOT acceptable!  

And so ...

Lately, one of the things Mom has been obsessed with is her new friend, Pic Monkey.  It's a photo editing site that replaced Picnik, and while Mom was sad to say goodbye to Picnik, she is really loving Pic Monkey!  It can take just about any photo and make it better, which for Mom is good, because even though thanks to her photography class, she now at least knows how to hold her camera correctly, I'm not gonna lie to you ... Mom is no Ansel Adams.  

Now, take the photo below for instance.  It's - well, this is probably a poor example, because this is a STUNNING photograph.  Then again, it IS of me!  Mom took this photo several months ago - (you can see I'm not wearing my new blue leather collar with the rhinestones) but it's always been one of her favorites.  No arguments from this corner. 

But see how this same photo is improved with our new pal Pic Monkey's help!  With a quick adjustment to the sharpness and clarity, my eyes look even more jewel-like than they did in the previous photo, and you can see more of the detail in my beautiful calico furs! 

 

This one has the Orton effect on it.  Don't I look dreamy?

This one is cross-processed with blue.  

While this one is cross-processed red ... I like how it makes my eyes look gold and makes my red calico furs really pop!  

This one is the HDR look ...  

And this one is daguerreotype.  See how old-timey I look?

Mom says she can't quite decide which one of these looks is her favorite.  I say they all look fabulous.  Which one is your favorite?

Olivia's Opinions ... #5,431

Disclaimer:  This is not my five thousand four hundred and thirty-first post in this series.  For one thing, I haven't even been alive on this earth that many days, and we haven't been blogging NEARLY that long.  But I  chose that number at random for two reasons.  #1 is that I couldn't remember what number I was on.  #2 is that I have a LOT of opinions, and I like to voice them ... loudly.  It's true - ask anyone. So it's entirely possible that I could have HAD this many opinions ... even if I haven't posted them all here.  I would have to have my own blog AND a full time staff for that, and Mom says we don't have enough green paper to hire anyone.   

WHATEVER!

My Opinion for today (call it whatever number you want, I don't care) is that just because Mom asks me to look at her so she can take my picture ... 

doesn't mean I have to listen.  I wasn't feeling in the mood for a photo shoot for one, and for another, this shot shows off my new collar!

P.S.  Mom was trying to be "artsy" again and I guess she did SOMETHING to the original photo because now it looks all vintage-y or something.  Whatever - you can still see my collar ... isn't it pretty? (And now Phoebe and I match!)

XOXO,

Olivia

P.S.S.  Plus this photo shows that my one ear is calico patterned and my other ear is white.  Something you may not have known about me before! 

Olivia's Opinions

Mom note:  K-9 Cuisine.com is my go-to site for online ordering of necessities for the crew, and they don't just have food.  They carry supplements, treats, chews, and toys as well.  But as usual, the best part was the box.  Too bad tomorrow's garbage day and Olivia's cat-stle will be gone!

Hello out there ...

It's me, Olivia!  And I've really missed all my Blogland 

friends lately ...

Have you missed me?

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

And this is what we like to call a bad picture two cats on a bed.  (As well as proof that Olivia and Tanner ARE capable of being in close proximity without a certain spoiled brat/drama queen Olivia getting all bent out of shape.)

World Cat Day!

Kitties (and pups!)  It is I, Olivia!  And as you can see ... I'm spending World Cat Day curled up in this nice basket!  (Tucker & Phoebe use it for their toys, but since they had taken all their toys OUT and scattered them around the house, I figured they wouldn't mind if I took a nap in here!)

So ... I'll be honest ... I'm not sure who said that today was World Cat Day, but I would like to give that person a nuzzle with my little pink nose ... the kind I save for my mom when I am being particularly sweet and lovable.  Because, let's face it ... EVERY day should be World Cat Day!  The Thumbed Ones should spend their days in a never-ceasing praise fest of all things cat!  

Should they wish, they could start with me.  There are many things about me that are worthy of praise, not that I'd be so egotistical as to enumerate them here.  Besides ... this basket is awfully comfy and just the right size for an afternoon nap.  

Mee-yawn! 

Olivia's Opinions

Hi, everyone ... it's me, Olivia! 

And my opinion for today is ...  I'm going to relax on the porch and do absolutely nothing. 

Why?  Because I can!

Olivia's Opinions - # Who Knows in a Continuing Series

Happy Monday, everyone!  It is I, Olivia.  And my Opinion for today is ... 

if you are having fun on the catio and don't want to come in for breakfast, is perfectly permissible to just stand there in the doorway and not move.  Allow me to demonstrate.

Olivia's Opinions

Happy Monday, everyone!  It's me, Olivia!  And my Opinion for today is ...

MOM, ENOUGH WITH THE FLASHY THING ALREADY!  YOU'RE HURTING MY EYES!

50 Shelters - 50 States: Georgia

Hi, everyone!  It's the MP, here to continue our 50/50 Tour.  We're in Georgia today, and just look at these peaches I have for you to meet!

This is Scooter! 

Isn't he just adorable?  Now, I must confess ... I grew up with Beagles (a few different family members had them), and am the proud aunt of a lovely Beagle girl, S., who belongs to my best friend J.  So I am a bit partial to these guys.  But in all honesty - who WOULDN'T fall in love with Scooter?!!!  This guy is reportedly very affectionate and wants to be a lap dog.  He is neutered, housebroken, and crate-trained, and gets along well with cats and other dogs?  Potential adopters, though, should be aware that no matter how well-trained they might otherwise be, Beagles are scenthounds, and often, aptly, termed "a nose with legs."  They will follow their nose to just about anywhere, including right into oncoming traffic.  So if you adopt Scooter, make sure to keep him on a leash when not in a securely fenced area!

Can you offer Scooter a loving home?  He's waiting for you at the Humane Society of Griffin-Spalding County

So give them a call at 770-229-4925 or email them at catsanddogs4you@yahoo.com

And here is a little girl who is just going to melt your heart!  Meet Fanny!

Fanny is a lovely longhaired calico girl who has had a rough time of things.  As a kitten, she fell victim, as many cats and kittens allowed to roam around outside do, to a car engine.  Her leg was broken in two places and she lost an eye.  Now, as a young adult, she is waiting at the Barnesville Lamar County Humane Society in Barnesville, GA, for her luck to change.  This is one little girl who has certainly earned her happy ending!  If you or someone you know is interested in making Fanny a part of their family, they can call 770-468-1409 or email blchumanesoc@bellsouth.net

A Day of Thanksgiving ...

Good morning, friends.  It's me, Olivia.  And I've been thinking ...

Earlier this week, I posted about how Mom forgot my birthday .  And to be honest, I still wish she hadn't forgotten.  On the other hand, though, I also know that it's not presents that make a birthday or other holiday special.  The most important thing, not just on birthdays or holidays, but every day, is that we have people to love, who love us, and I have that.  And even though Tanner and Finn do bug me sometimes (like about 23 out of every 24 hours), I wouldn't really want them to move away.  Well ... sometimes.   

Anyway, the point is, now that my righteous indignation over my forgotten birthday has faded, I realize that I'm a very lucky girl indeed.  So instead of thinking about ways to get even with Mom for forgetting it, I'm going to GIVE  a present to one of my new friends! 

All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what your favorite birthday or Gotcha Day present has been, and I'll put you in the hat (really I'll use one of those randomizer things) to receive a very special present from yours truly.  The present will depend upon who actually wins, since I wouldn't want to send cat treats to one of my woofie friends, or vice versa.   

Well, have a restful Sunday, everyone  ...

Me, with my favorite brother ...

50 Shelters / 50 States - Florida

Happy Saturday, everyone!  MP here ... continuing the 50/50 in my home state of Florida. 

And in this case, it wasn't hard to decide to choose a dog and cat from a shelter right here in Tampa.

Meet Buddy ...

How cute is he?!!!!!!!!!  Buddy is currently residing at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay .  He's a two and a half year old male terrier mix.  He's also housebroken, neutered, and, unfortunately, heartworm positive, but has already started his treatment, and is available for adoption immediately.  Frankly, it's about all I can do to stop myself from going down to the shelter tomorrow and adopting him myself.  I might, though, take a drive down there and see if I can meet him in person and find out some more about him for a followup post. 

While I'm at it, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay also has many other lovely dogs available for adoption.  Here are just a few of them: 

Tink - 4 year old female Beagle mix

Rugby - 11 month old male Shepherd mix

Roco - 1.5 year old Tibetan Terrier mix

And now for the felines ...

Meet Sherlock! 

He's a two year old male domestic longhair - and although the information on his profile page is a bit sparse, one look into this guy's striking face makes me want to get to know him better.  What a gorgeous boy! 

And he's not the only one ... the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has dozens of wonderful cats just waiting for loving homes.  Here are just a few more ...

Saber - male domestic shorthaired tabby

Molly - 2 year old female calico domestic shorthair

Sanga - 2 year old female domestic longhair

Any of these beauties can be seen at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay at 3607 North Armenia Avenue in Tampa.  Their phone # is 813-876-7138 or you can email them at Ben@humanesocietytampa.org

And a HUGE thank you to Krista Sparkman of Krista Sparkman Photography for donating her time to take photographs of the animals at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and help them be adopted. 

P.S.  Exciting news ...  I was THRILLED to learn, earlier this week, that Ares, the sweet boy profiled in the last 50-50 post has been ADOPTED!!!!!!!!!!  Not that we had anything to do with it, but we're very excited just the same, and are planning a followup post on Ares, hopefully to include an interview with his new adoptive mom, in the next week or two.