Tanner on Thursday

Hi, everyone - it's me, Tanner ... it's been so long since I've blogged I bet you've forgotten what I look like.  And that is just not acceptable (Tucker and Mom, are you listening)? 

So for those of you new to our blog, or even if you've just been missing the sight of my handsome striped face, this one's for you ...

Here's lookin' at you, everybody!  And to anyone in our neck of the woods ... be safe and stay dry!  It's some scary weather out there!

Wordless Wednesday 3/30/11 - #2

Finn today - 14 months old

Mom note:  I just thought Finn deserved two posts in a row - he's definitely getting the short end of the blogging stick lately.  Plus, he's just so gorgeous but it's really hard to get a good photo of him and I really liked this one.  

Wordless Wednesday - (a photo from the archives)

Finn - ten months old

50 Shelters - 50 States: Delaware

Hi, everyone!  MP here, and today our 50-50 Tour takes us to Delaware.  I've got some beauties for you today!

Meet Pinky!

Pinky is an adult female pit bull mix who was found as a stray and is currently in the care of the Kent County SPCA in Camden, Delaware while she waits for a new home.  Could it be yours?  Come on - how could anyone resist that face?  And I love the way her left ear and left side of her head is brown while the right ear and right side of her head is white.  I know looks aren't everything, but this girl is just lovely, and she looks pretty sweet to me! 

If you or someone you know is interested in making Pinky a part of their family, you can contact the Kent County SPCA at 302-698-3006, email them at info@kcspca.org or visit their website

And now ... meet Ares!

I have to admit - this was the easiest time I've had choosing a cat ... normally it's really tough for me - even harder than choosing a dog for some reason.  But this guy reminded me right away of our friend Admiral Hestorb  and I just fell in love with him immediately!  Now obviously, he doesn't look a thing like Admiral, but they both do a great job of rocking a hat!  

It's clear from his shelter writeup that someone at the

Purr-Fect Haven Cat Rescue is really fond of Ares.  They report that he is playful and affectionate, with lots of personality and a desire to be right in the middle of the action.  He's also been well-socialized to dogs, other cats, and apparently children as well.  In fact, this sweet guy got turned into the shelter after the kids in his family grew up and no one had time for him anymore.  How sad is that?!!!!!!  Apparently he hadn't been very well cared for in his previous home (imagine that!) and was surrendered with some health issues that the shelter has addressed and he is now in purr-fect health!   Ares is neutered, is FeLV, FIV, and heartworm negative, and current on all his vaccinations.  He's looking for a forever family that will really love him forever this time, and would like to go to a family that has other social cats (or maybe if you don't, Ares has a special friend at the shelter he'd like to be adopted with?). 

If you've been looking for a guy like Ares, or know someone who has, email the nice people at Purr-Fect Haven at this address:  purrfecthavencat@hotmail.com  Or learn more about Purr-Fect Haven here

And as always, if you want to see a shelter in your state featured, just send me a comment!

Sunshine, Blue Skies, and Balmy Breezes ... (otherwise known as the perfect spring day)

Happy Saturday, everyone!  It's me, Tucker ...

Yesterday was all sunshine and blue skies, with the added benefit of a lovely breeze that helped keep the sun from getting too hot.  (Unfortunately, yesterday was a workday, so we didn't get too much time to really enjoy it.  So I hope that this weekend will be more of the same!) 

You know, here in Tampa ... it's a lovely time of year ... right now.  But the truth is, we don't have spring like other places in the country have spring.  We don't have the whole daffodils springing up from damp green earth thing going on down here, although the azaleas are lovely right now. 

In fact, the "seasons" here often seem nonexistent, though a true native Floridian such as myself (a rare breed to be sure) can discern the difference.  But you do have to pay attention.  For example, our "spring" such as it is, can be rather short - sometimes it seems that as soon as we "spring forward" and start getting more hours in the day to do stuff like go to the dog park after dinner when it's still light out, Mr. Sunshine (and I don't mean Matthew Perry) seems to get significantly hotter ... and sometimes he gets so hot that he seems downright angry and almost as though he thinks we have misbehaved down here and he needs to punish us.  I can't figure out why, because I am always a very good boy, and though they're not as good as me, my brothers and sisters are pretty good, too. 

So Mr. Sunshine ... if you're listening ... we'd like to have several more weeks of this current weather, please.  And if you oblige me today ... I think it'll be a perfect day for cruising with the sunroof open ...

Have a beautiful day, everyone!

50 Shelters - 50 States: Connecticut

Hi, everyone ... MP here, with the latest 50-50 post.  We're back on the East coast today, in the state of Connecticut, and I'd like to introduce you first to Bruno ...

Bruno is a gorgeous young adult AmStaff mix who is in urgent need of a foster home or a permanent placement with a loving family.  Could it be yours?  Bruno gets along well with both dogs and cats.  Though no details are provided, his shelter writeup alludes to his having had a difficult past and it is stressed that in his new home Bruno will need the appropriate stimulation, lots of exercise, and most importantly, consistency, which, let's face it, is something that's important for all dogs, particularly rescue dogs.  They need structure and a routine to build their new lives upon.  For more information on Bruno, to request an application to adopt him or schedule a meet and greet to see this gorgeous boy in person, please email the kind folks at Meriden Humane Society in Meriden, CT at meridensociety@sbcglobal.net

Bruno sure looks like a doll, and deserves to have someone to call his very own.  Is that someone you? We hope so - and if not, we hope you'll spread the word about Bruno and help him find his way to his forever home!

And now ... meet Libby ...

Libby is an adult domestic shorthaired tabby with beautiful green eyes.  Her shelter writeup states that she is very affectionate and friendly ... and desperately seeking her own loving home and a family to call her own.  If you or someone you know would like to settle down on the couch with this sweetheart purring on your lap, please contact the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington, Connecticut at 800-452-0114.  You can also email them at info@cthumane.org or visit their website

Well, that's it for this installment.  Next stop ... Delaware.  See you next time ... and don't forget to send us a comment if you want to see a shelter in your state featured.

Wednesday Walk-About ...

So once a week or so, Mom & Aunt K. like to go out somewhere in the neighborhood after work, have a glass of wine, something yummy to eat, and just chat.  Fortunately for Phoebe, Cosmo, and myself, they say they always have a better time when the three of us are along.  Score!

Tonight we actually had a mission ... to pick up the glazed pawprint tiles we had made during the Christmas Block Pawty.  Mom figured we'd better pick them up soon ... or before we knew it it would be NEXT Christmas!  Time has a way of slipping past almost faster than we can keep up with.  So after Phoebe, Cosmo, and I had eaten dinner, we headed down to Hyde Park Village to Color Me Mine to pick up the tiles.

Color Me Mine is a place where you can go in and make your own handpainted pottery.  Sometimes when we walk by there on weekends, we see lots of little kids having birthday parties.  It always seems like they're having lots of fun!

Then we went to eat at The Wine Exchange, which is probably our most favorite dog friendly eatery.  (Mom & Aunt K. highly recommend the Athenian Pizza, the Chocolate Chip Fudge dessert, and pretty much everything else they've got going there!  Too bad we didn't get to take home a doggy bag!)

This fountain is right outside the back of Wine Exchange.  Mom forgot to take a picture of the front entrance!  (She says it is because the doggie entrance is at the rear because that's where the patio is.)



While there, Phoebe and I caught up on the Village news ...

 And we also noticed that there were some really cool drawings all over the sidewalk .... like this ...



Blue Moon happens to be one of Mom's favorite beers! 



This one of a koi pond was cool, too! 



Well ... this explains all the chalk drawings!  Who knew? 



Why, thank you ... don't mind if we do! 

And that's it for us ... we're off to bed soon.  We wish you pleasant dreams and hope to see you again tomorrow!

Jammin' for a cause!

Hi, everybody ... it's me, Tucker!  And I'm jammin!  Or will be very soon!

Ok, you're confused.  Let me back up a bit ...

So Mom is subscribed to a Crestie mailing list on Yahoo, called Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds .  She doesn't really post much, and the list is not that busy, but every now and then she finds out about something really cool.  Of course, when she does, I'm the first "furson" she tells.  And - of course when I find out about something great - all of you are the first ones I want to tell! So here it is ...

There is this company called Cesar Monkey Jammies that caters to Cresties, and other hairless, sparsely coated, or small breeds like Xolos, American Hairless Terriers, and Chihuahuas.  Now, as a full confession (and I hope that this is not TMI), I usually sleep ... well ... nekkid ... except for my furs (I even take my collar off) ... and so does Phoebe.  In the wintertime, Mom might keep a T-shirt or sweatshirt on us, but that's about it.  Frankly, I'm shocked and disappointed that I didn't know about these cool jammies until now!  I thought Mom was more on the ball than that ... I guess we need to sit down and have a talk. 

Well, anyway ... Cesar Monkey Jammies not only makes these really awesome jammies ... but they are rescue minded as well, which of course we love!  And right now, they're hosting a Jammie Giveaway to help Pelona, a Xolo who was rescued from a really horrible place (sounds kind of like a puppy mill) down in Mexico.  You can read more about Pelona here , or at a blog called Xolo Your Love (which I'm on my way to check out as soon as I finish here).  The drawing is this Sunday, March 27th, and here's how it works:

 Xolo Rescue League is sponsoring a ChipIn event and for a minimum donation of $10, you will be entered one time into the giveaway.  For every $10 donation (you can donate more if you want), you will automatically receive one entry into the drawing for your own cool jammies!  Now here in Florida, spring has sprung and all of that, and we probably have about another week max of reasonably nice weather before it gets super hot and humid, but I know a lot of you are still battling snow, ice, and cold ... and what better way to do it than snug and comfy in your very own stylish Cesar Monkey Jammies ... and it's all for a really great cause!

Here's the link:  ChipIn link 

I'll see you there!  And then after that ... I'll be dreaming of my new jammies (and a better world where dogs don't need rescuing because no one would dream of abandoning or mistreating them!)

New Season ... New Look

Hi, everyone ... it's me, Tucker!

Mom & I were talking it over last night and she agreed with me that it was time to change the template for my blog.  I picked it out when I first started the blog, but I'm not sure it's really " us."  We like this one better and hope you do, too.

Mom said she'll be back later tonight or tomorrow with the next post for the 50-50.

She's really excited to introduce you to Bruno and Libby, who are currently residing in shelters in Connecticut and need loving homes. 

Happy Spring!

Hi, everyone ... it's me, Phoebe!  Just popping in to wish everyone a Happy Spring!

Strolling and Sunning on Sunday ...

Hi, everyone ... it's me, Tucker!  It's been a nice, relaxing couple of days this weekend, and the weather has been gorgeous with blue skies and cool breezes.  Here in Florida, it won't be too very long before we're complaining about the heat and humidity, so days like this are really precious and it's nice when they fall on a weekend so we can really take advantage of them. 

The cat kids have been outside on the porch since early this morning, stalking lizards and doing cat stuff ... and Phoebe, Mom, and I just got back from a nice walk ...

Olivia ... relaxing.



Tanner - enjoying a nice stretch ...





Finn - watching Mom

Phoebe  - looking for squirrels ...

Phoebe and me ... relaxing on the wooden bridge ... 

 Phoebe and me - in front of the Garden Club gate ...



Have a restful Sunday, everyone ...

50 Shelters - 50 States: Colorado

 Good evening, everyone.  MP here ... and the next state on our list is Colorado.  I've got two lovely ladies for you to meet tonight ... and they're looking for loving homes.  They're both residing at the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter in Divide, Colorado. 

First up is Abby ...

Abby is a gorgeous two year old German Shorthaired Pointer.  She's housebroken and gets along well with other dogs, but typical of her breed, she's a very active girl.  She'd most likely excel in obedience and would love having a job to do.

And this stunning young lady is Brooke - a young dilute tortoiseshell girl with gorgeous green eyes surrounded by "eyeliner."  She loves to be up high, and is a quiet, but affectionate girl who always looks for attention from shelter visitors.  She'd prefer to be an only cat but might do well with a gentle, cat friendly dog.   

If you have room in your heart and home for Abby or Brooke, please contact the shelter at 719-686-7707

 

Sunning on Saturday

Hi, everyone!  It's me, Olivia!  And Tanner and I are soaking up the sun on the cat porch today.  I even caught a lizard and defended it against the boys, but then Mom took it away and let it go. 

Well, that's it for me - I'm gonna go see if I can catch another lizard without Mom noticing.

Hope your day is sunny and beautiful.

The End Justifies The Means

Hi, everyone ... it's me, Tanner. 

So this morning, Mom was all "Tanner!  PLEASE be quiet!  I'm trying to sleep!"

I have to say - I was pretty offended.  What, does she think I'm stupid?!!!  I could SEE that she was sleeping.  But she can't fix breakfast or let me out onto the cat porch when she's lying there with her eyes closed.  She needed to get UP and start risin' and shinin'!  If I had to speed that process along by using the bedroom window blinds as a xylophone and my body as the mallet, then so be it.  You know that saying - the end justifies the means? 

My point exactly!

 Have a great weekend, everyone! 

Doggie In The Window ...

Hi, everybody - it's me ... Phoebe!

And today - I decided to survey "my" office from a different vantage point.  Like this ...

The windowsill isn't very high off the ground - and I can jump up there all by myself.  So I did!

Now ... if you're wondering WHY I decided to jump up there all by my ownself ...

you might want to watch this video:

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! 

50 Shelters - 50 States: California

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!  MP here, and I raise a glass of green beer to each and every one of you!  The kids will be around later in the day to say hi, but meanwhile, I want to keep the 50/50 rolling so that I have some hope of finishing it in a reasonable amount of time. 

We're all the way out west today, in the land of the original Housewives!  And I do have some lovely animals to introduce you to.

Meet Luke!

Luke is an adult male Border Collie currently residing at the Laton Animal Rescue in Laton, California.

I must admit ... I've been on the lookout for a Border Collie or Border Collie Cross to feature.  I grew up with a Border Collie, one of the four wonderful dogs to populate my childhood and early adulthood, and therefore I have a great deal of fondness for the breed as a whole.  It goes without saying that this is a breed that is emphatically not for everyone - they're spooky smart, very drivey, and most of them have energy levels that are just off the charts, all of which makes them a poor choice for many people who might be drawn to their storied intelligence but who just don't have the time and energy to devote to keeping them both mentally and physically engaged so that they don't tear the house down or become neurotic.  Having said this, though, in their efforts to keep the dogs they love out of the wrong hands, I do feel that many devotees of the breed have somewhat overstated their need for exercise, be it mental or physical.  It is not necessary to have acres of land or a flock of sheep to keep a Border Collie content and well-exercised.  (Unless, perhaps, the BC you want is one that comes from working stock dog lines ...)  It does, however, take a level of commitment that the "average" dog owner may not be up to.  So ... those who might be interested in Border Collies in general, or Luke in particular, be cautious ... be realistic ... do your homework ... but don't automatically assume that you don't have what it takes. 

Now, about Luke ... his shelter writeup doesn't say how old he is, but it does say that he is not "overly active."  (It does bear mentioning that a laid back Border Collie is not necessarily equivalent to a laid back example of another breed with a less over the top energy level to start with)  He gets along well with other animals, loves children, and is just looking for some special person or family to belong to.  He's neutered, current on vaccinations, and is ready to make someone very happy! 

If you're interested in Luke, you can call the Laton Animal Rescue Center at 559-905-4063 or email them at Ambersdali@aol.com 

And for our cat lovers ... I give you this lovely girl ...

Meet Nala! Nala is an adult female Siamese (obviously) mix residing at the Tulare County Shelter in Visalia, CA .  Nala is about four or five years old, and has a sad story.  She and her brother Oreo and sister Simba were brought to the shelter after their owner died.  I can't find Simba on the shelter's website, so it appears she's been adopted.  Oreo is a big gorgeous tuxedo cat - wouldn't it be wonderful if someone could find space in their home for both Nala and Oreo?  If you or someone you know would like to make Nala and/or Oreo part of their family, please call the Tulare County Animal Shelter in Visalia at 559-636-4050.

Well, that concludes this installment of the 50/50.  As always, if you want to see your local shelter featured when I get to your state, just send me a comment!

Technical difficulties?

Hey, everybody ... it's Tucker again!  Our friend Sophie is having trouble viewing the video we put up.  (Sorry, Sophie!)  :( 

Anyway, it plays just fine for us so we are just wondering if anyone else is able to view it or not?

Let us know!

Thanks!

Lights! Camera! Action!

Well, we made it!  It's officially mid-week, and that's great!  I can't wait for this weekend!  I don't know what Mom has planned, but as for me, I'd like to hit the dog park, maybe go out for lunch, or do some pub crawling in honor of St. Patrick's day.  (I don't drink at all, but Mom does, though she tries not to "crawl" during the work week!)

Now, in other news ... I arrived to work with Mom today and imagine my surprise ... we have a new employee!  I'm not sure how much he's getting paid (and he looks awfully young to be working full-time, if you ask me), but his name is Baby B., and he is now coming to work most days with his mom, K., who works here with Mom.  So - I have a new co-worker.  Here's a short video Mom took of us playing together today. 

I think we'll be good friends! 

Have a great rest of your day everyone!

Tucker on Tuesday ...

Hi, everyone ... it's me, Tucker!  I haven't blogged in a couple of days, because between you and me, what with helping Mom at work, watching after the other kids (I am the big brother, after all!), patrolling the house and yard, well, I'll be honest ... I've been busier than a noseless dog in a butt-sniffing contest! 

I won't bore you with all the numerous responsibilities with which I am entrusted every single day ... so I thought, instead, that I'd post a couple of the pictures Mom took of us this weekend.  Hope you enjoy.

Here's Tanner.  Mom took it with that lomo thing she's so on about these days, and then put a sepia and oil painting filter thing over that.  I think he looks sort of funny because it looks like he doesn't have any ears.  Mom says he is pretending to be a Scottish Fold (they do have ears, but the way they are folded down they look more like owls than cats sometimes!)

This is Finn on the cat tree in the living room.  Mom used the same settings as on Tanner's photo above.  Mom really likes this one. 

Here's Olivia looking at Mom.  This one just has the oil painting filter over it. 

Here's me in one of the chairs at Mom's work.  It was taken on the lomo setting with an oil painting filter over it.  I think I look regal in this photo.



Me again - same settings as the picture above.



Here's Phoebe out on the balcony behind Mom's office ... sort of similar to the photo she took of me with the lomo setting and the oil painting filter over it.  Phoebe likes to look at the boats.  This one is now Mom's screen saver.  Should I be jealous?

Phoebe and me on the picnic tables outside Mom's office.  We had lunch out there on Saturday when Mom was taking a break from looking at storyboards.  (I don't know what those are, but they take a long time to get just right.)

Phoebe and I relaxing on our office bed.  (Don't we look alert?  Mom had a cookie she was holding up that we really wanted!)

Me ... chillin in the grass after our picnic. 

Me ... resting after some hard running.  See how long my tongue is?

This is what I call my "you WILL give me anything I want" face!