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.  

Finn on Friday

I took this photo of Finn the other night and as you can see he was giving me his best house panther stare.  In fact, he was staring at me so intently that I couldn't help but wonder if he was trying to tell me something.  (Though usually he is more the type to just open his mouth and TELL me ... he's a big talker ... rather than try to get me to understand what he wants by using mental telepathy.)  

Then I realized ... he must have been telling me that it has been WAY too long since I have posted a picture of his handsome self on the blog.  Point taken, Finney.  So this one's for you!

Mom!  It has been WAY too long since I've been the subject of a blog post!  People love me!  What is wrong with you?  Take my picture NOW!

It's amazing to me to think that sometime in the middle of January, my little "kitten" will be turning three years old! Time sure flies - it's honestly hard for me to remember when he wasn't here, and as much as I was sure that the last thing I needed was another cat (or anything else with fur for that matter), the simple truth was that he needed a place to belong, and as hard as I fought it, he sure has stolen my heart.  Maybe it was how hard we had to work, along with our wonderful vet Dr. G., to get him well.  Or maybe it was because, after I took him to what I thought would be his forever home on a Friday evening and then got a call on Saturday morning that I needed to come get him because he wouldn't come out from under the bed, he came running when I softly called the name that I hadn't meant to christen him with, proving that a once-VERY-feral kitten could learn to trust.  Or maybe it's because he's just so darn sweet that there was no way I could resist him.  Whatever it was, I sure love you, monkey, and I'm so glad you're my "kitten." 

In Training

Looks like someone is in training to be a backup watch-cat. 

You might also like:  It Was A Dark And Stormy Night ...

Back in Black 2 Comment-A-Thon is counting down!!!

So ... the Back in Black 2 Adoption Event sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society is coming to a close ... 

and so is Finn's COMMENT-A-THON!

As both the event and the comment-a-thon wind down, I'd just like to thank all of you who participated by commenting, and an even more special thank you to those who passed the word along on your own blogs, or on Facebook or Twitter.  Thanks to your help, we have already reached our goal of 100 comments (117 to date with three days to go).  So THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to ALL who participated in any fashion, but an especial thank you to SNOOPY, Jeanne, Chloe, and Ladybug , Cathy Keisha , Barb & The Daily Gs , Oui Oui and the Gang at Twinkletoe Tails , Dash , Carl, KC & The Giggleman Kitties , Everyone at The Cat Blogosphere , Marg's Pets , and Random Felines!  Finn can't thank you enough for putting the word out and helping him reach his goal! As a reward, he thought you might like to see some of my favorite pictures of him some of his favorite pictures of himself!  

Lounging on the cat tree! 

Chilling on the cat porch!

Practicing his house panther stare! 

Safely enjoying the sun in the back yard!

 

The (baby) House Panther sleeps ...

Also - if you haven't commented yet, there's still time - all comments entered by or before midnight (EST) on May 31st will be counted, and the randomly chosen winner will be announced on Friday, June 1st! 

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!

Back In Black 2

Hi, everyone!  It's me, Finn!  

And I just wanted to remind everyone that May is Back in Black 2 ... a national adoption event promoting the adoption of black dogs and cats, sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society.  You can learn more about the event, and Best Friends HERE! 

Obviously, as a black cat, this is an event very dear to my heart.  Black cats are awesome, as anyone who has ever known and loved one can attest, and I am sure black dogs are awesome, too, even though I don't personally know any.

The last time Best Friends had this event was back in August of 2011, and we tried to do our part by holding a COMMENT-A-THON and this time around we'd like to do the same!  

So leave your comment here ... and if, on May 31st, you are the one randomly drawn, you can win a $100 donation to the rescue group or shelter of your choice!  It's pretty easy - just leave us a comment telling us who you'd like to receive the donation in your name if you win, and you're entered!  One caveat:  there have to be 100 comments (or more)!  So leave your comment today! 

Meanwhile, check out some of these "black beauties" available for adoption at Best Friends! 

This is ORLANDO!

Photo Credit:  Best Friends

Orlando is described as "wiggly, bouncy, and happy" by the Best Friends staff.  He is also reported to be very food motivated so he would probably love to learn tricks.  Orlando is cat friendly, but might prefer to be an only dog.  He is afraid of children.  Do you know of someone who is looking for a big, friendly guy like Orlando to give them lots of love and maybe be their new partner in a dog sport like agility or Rally-O?  Tell them to contact Best Friends and ask to meet Orlando!

If felines are more your cup of tea, then you might want to meet Lady Opal!


To me, Opal looks like the feminine version of my good pal, Spitty, and who knows?  Perhaps a full-time partner in crime might be just what this confirmed bachelor and ladies' man needs?  Listen to what Best Friends says about Lady Opal:  "Opal doesn't have any self-esteem problems.  She likes for you to pet her.  But if you fuss over her too much for too long she may start giving you 'diva attitude."  Um, excuse me, but does that sound like Spitty's perfect other half, or what? That lush midnight black fur?  That piercing diva stare?  This is Spitty's soul mate, I'm sure of it!

 Happy Tuesday, everyone, and don't forget to leave your comment telling us which organization you'd like to get the donation if you're the winner!!! 

Formerly Feral Friday with Finn

Hi, everyone - it's me, Finn. And I just have one thing to say.  Black cats rule! 

Take that, Olivia!

TGIF, everybody! 

Word for the Day Wednesday

Hi, everyone. It's me, Olivia. And my word for the day is UNHAPPY.  

Allow me to illustrate ...

This is me. This is me UNHAPPY.

Why am I UNHAPPY, you ask? 

Well, if you must know, it's because all I was trying to do was to relax on the dining room chair which is my one of my favorite under the radar places to snoopervise from, when my privacy was rudely interrupted and my top secret cover blown by my stupid little brother!  

So - I am UNHAPPY! Spitty, isn't there something that YOU can do to help?  A royal decree of some kind you can issue? A Diva such as myself can only take so much aggravation, and I am at the end of my rope!

XOXO,

Olivia 

P.S.  If you haven't already entered our Orijen giveaway provided by MrChewy.com - you can do so HERE!

Finn on Friday

Hi, everyone - it's me, Finn!  

It's a beautiful spring morning here in Central Florida, and if my mom didn't have to go to that JOB place, Olivia, Tanner, and I could go outside on the cat porch to stalk lizards and take long, luxuriant sun baths. 

Like this ...  

But since she DOES have to go to the evil JOB place, I guess I will wrestle with Tanner for awhile, and then go tease Olivia for another while.  I might spy on the goings-on in the backyard from the big window in the mudroom.  Then, I'll probably just hang out on top of the cat tree in the living room and take a nap or something.  

Like this ... 

When I want some sunshine, I'll open the blinds a little. And then if I get too hot, I'll close them again. Because I'm smart like that.  And you'd be amazed at how dexterous my little black paws are. I'm telling you ... if I had thumbs, I could rule the world.  In fact, thumbs or no thumbs, I just might do it anyway.  You watch! 

Happy Friday, everyone! 

Oh, and P.S.

If you haven't already commented to win a free bag of Orijen, in the giveaway we're having sponsored by MrChewy.com - you can do so HERE!  A winner will be randomly drawn on March 31st! 

The World Outside

One of the best things I ever did (for myself and my cats) was about a year and a half ago, when I  enclosed an approximately twelve by twelve by eight foot area of my back deck for the cats.   Prior to moving to my current home about six years ago, I had a townhouse nearby that was unique in two respects:  it had a small fenced yard that was perfect for letting the dogs out on late nights and early mornings AND a six by six by eight screened patio that Olivia, then the only cat, greatly enjoyed.  I couldn't really tell you why I waited so long to create this new enclosure, which the cats access from the french doors off my bedroom, but I wish I had done it years ago.

Prior to doing so, however, I had satisfied the cats' desire to be outdoors with my desire to keep them safe by outfitting them with harnesses and taking them on leashed strolls around the fenced backyard. All the cats really enjoyed this, but PE (post enclosure), we got out of the habit, I guess because of my own laziness and/or the belief that the cats didn't really need to go out on leash anymore since they could go out in the cat safe enclosure basically anytime they wanted, so long as I was home to keep an eye and ear out for any trouble.  

Last weekend, though, it was so nice out on Saturday that I decided to give each cat a turn about the yard (while the other two watched most enviously from the mudroom window).  Of course, it wasn't until I was about to bring Finn out for his turn that it dawned on me to grab the camera.  Needless to say, they all three had a great time, and I have promised them that I'll be much more diligent about making sure that they get this opportunity more frequently from now on.  

God made the cat in order that man might have the pleasure of caressing the tiger. 

- Fernand Mery 

Hey, what kind of scratching post is THIS?  

Tiger no.  Panther ... YES!  

Always take time to stop and smell pose in front of the flowers.

I am a house panther - see me stalk! 

Finn - Cat of Mystery

Finn has always seemed, to me, to be a bit mysterious, right from the start in fact, from the morning I arrived at our old office building early one morning to find him lying at the edge of the parking lot so emaciated and still that I thought he was dead.  He was so weak and depleted that I was able to get within inches of him before he startled awake and ran, in a disturbingly unsteady fashion, away.  After he had been devouring the food I set out for him for a day or two, however, he seemed much stronger, and gave me quite a run for my money trying to trap him.  Not to brag or anything, but I've trapped more than a few feral cats in my day, and in Miss Olivia's case since she would NOT go in the trap for love, money, or canned tuna, I had to corner her under a building and trap her with my all-but-bare hands, nothing but a flimsy hand towel between my flesh and her angry kitten teeth and flailing kitten claws.  In that case, though, I was far more afraid of the spiders, rats, or whatever else might have been under that building besides myself and a very dirty kitten than I was of Olivia biting or scratching me. 

But I digress ... 

The thing about Olivia, and Tanner two years later, is that they were somewhat known quantities.  Their mothers were feral cats who had made our office building and environs their home territory, and between the squirrels, mice, and birds they were quite adept at catching, and the food that I and another cat-lover in an adjoining office building set out for them, they made out ok.  I worried about their health, about them getting hit by cars or contracting a disease due to being unvaccinated, but at that time our county did not have a viable feral cat TNR (trap-neuter-release) plan in place, and I didn't want them to end up at a shelter where they would almost certainly be put down. I would have trapped them eventually and gotten them spayed, and vaccinated, but before I could do that I realized that one of them, Olivia's mother, was pregnant, and I didn't want to cause her any undue stress that might cause her to miscarry.  Tanner's mother was a similar story. 

Finn, though, was a puzzle.  As far as I knew, there were no more feral cats in the immediate vicinity, and definitely no pregnant females that I had seen.  So to have this four month old, completely feral, kitten show up totally alone - no mother, no siblings - was bizarre to me.  I half wondered if he hadn't escaped or wandered away from someone's home somewhere and just gotten lost and disoriented, but his behavior was clearly that of a feral cat, so I quickly ruled that out.  

Even more of a puzzle is how he ended up staying here ... when I was so crystal clear on the fact that I didn't want or need another cat and did everything short of rent billboard space trying to find him a new home.

Then again ... it is very difficult not to fall in love with a kitten, particularly one so small, vulnerable, alone in the world, and so obviously in need of someone to love and care for him.  And boy do I love my crazy kitten, who is no longer a kitten now that he's turned two!  But being that he's not only the youngest cat but the smallest by a considerable margin, he still seems like a kitten to me. He's also a very different cat than they are, in almost every way.  

He fetches, for one.  And begs for mushrooms from my pizza.  And likes french fries.  And refuses to let me clip his hind toenails.  And purrs his whole-body-vibrating purr as soon as he sees me.  And runs to meet me at the front door, just like the dogs do.  And watches TV.  Every animal is an individual of course.  Even those of the same age and breed and gender.  Even siblings.  But Finn is different in a different way, if that makes sense, which, I realize, probably doesn't.  

And as much as I love Olivia & Tanner ... and I do ... Finn will always claim a very special part of my heart as his own.  And I will always wonder just exactly where he came from ... and how he found his way to me.  I like to think that maybe he knew he would be safe here, and loved, and cared for.  And maybe, just maybe, he knew that even though I thought I didn't want another cat, if that cat was HIM he would be exactly what I needed.  

Finn says: "I know all ... but my little cat lips are sealed!  (Unless there is food involved!)"

MP Maintenance Post

Hello, everyone.  First of all, for those of you who have emailed to check up on me/us, I appreciate it.  Please be assured that we are all alive and well, although my back is still giving me some trouble (I was in a pretty serious car accident back in my twenties ... yes ... eons ago ... and every now and then I'll wake up stiff and sore for no reason I can determine but was told back then that this would happen and the doctors I've consulted have seemed to be of the same opinion.  Oh, well ...)  Also, my laptop seems to have breathed its last, and while my friendly computer doc reassures me that my data is safe, it is probably not worth repairing it as its several years old.  So I'm trying to determine what to replace it with, but meanwhile except for my phone I am internet-less while at home, and this is my busy time of the month at the office (which is where I am now, although about to depart, as T&P are giving me some pretty serious "Hey, Mom, let's get the heck out of here so we can go home and have dinner!" eyes right now) so I haven't had the opportunity to post anything at work either.

I did draw a random winner for the Scout's Chip-In raffle, which I realize I am tardy in announcing, but will do that perhaps tomorrow or Monday when I have a bit more time.  But for now, please know how much I appreciate everyone who donated or was kind enough to spread the word on their blogs or Facebook pages.    

I also have a review to do which I will also get to in the next couple of days. 

Meanwhile, I leave you with this recent photo of Finn, taken the other night when it actually got down into the high '20s here in Sunny Florida.  

NOTE:  This was a quick picture snapped after I decided to put one of Tucker's too-small sweaters on Finn for my own personal amusement.  I hope it amuses you as well, but in case anyone is wondering, Finn was most decidedly NOT amused.

Hope all of you are doing well.  I greatly appreciate the well-wishes and all the nice emails I've received.  I hope to get back to posting regularly and also visiting everyone else very soon!