Synchronicity - A Tale of Four Dogs

I have a very wonderful story to share.  I know this blog is called, "The Very Best CATS," but this dog story is too good not to share.   It is a bit lengthy, but I think you will enjoy it.

I found out what the ending, or maybe I should call it the beginning, of the story was a couple of weeks ago.  And boy, did it make me happy. 

Jack on a walk.

It started about a month and a half  ago week when I was taking my dog Jack out for his afternoon walk.  Jack is a mini schnauzer and a rescue dog.  Many of you all ready know that.  We adopted him from a non profit shelter in our local area named Miranda's Rescue.  He was five at the time.  Not that that matters.  But since then, Miranda's has had a very special place in my heart.

Actually the story starts about seven weeks ago at a Pet Fair that I did at a place called The Farm Store.  The Farm Store hosted a day fair to raise money for our local non profits.  They had many representatives of pet food companies there giving out free samples of their products, as well as artisans selling their wares to help raise money, and many of our animal organizations were there giving out information, and some even had animals to adopt.

So I wanted to meet the owner of Miranda's Rescue because we got Jack from them.  I introduced myself to Shannon Miranda, and talked to him a little about adopting Jack, and let him know how Jack was doing.  During our discussion, he told me they had 2 more mini schnauzers at the rescue right that needed to be adopted.  I just filed that away in my head, knowing we were not in a place to adopt any more animals. 

OK, back to my walk with Jack a few days later.  So we are walking past a house where I know two other mini schnauzers live.  The owner of the home, JoAnne,  is outside, and she sees us walking toward her, just down the street a bit.  She calls me over and asks what breed of dog is Jack.  I tell her and she tells me she has one now, that she just had another one die maybe a week earlier.   She told me her little one, Lily Belle, is lonely now, and asks me if I know anyone that has mini schnauzers that need a home.  I couldn't believe the question.  Yes, I knew.  I told her about the two I heard were at Miranda's Rescue and I urged her to call them right away.

And she did.  As soon as I left, she called.  When she went to the rescue to see the dogs, one had all ready been adopted, and she took home the second one.  She named him Otis.  Otis and Lily Belle are getting on very well together.  I cannot tell you how happy that made me feel, knowing that somehow I was instrumental in helping Otis get a new forever home.

Lily Belle and Otis.

Lily Belle on left.

Otis on the right.

 The synchronicity of it all was amazing.  What a great feeling it is to help out an animal in need.  And to make a few humans happy in the process too.

But this story gets even better.  A week or two after JoAnne adopted Otis, her sister-in-law was visiting and after seeing Otis, decided she wanted to adopt a dog for her husband.  So she went down to Miranda's Rescue also, and adopted Angel, a dachshund/corgi mix.   Angel has found a very happy, loving forever home, from what my new friend JoAnne has told me.  That makes my heart happy.

The Man With the Magic Voice

OK, if you have not seen this video, it is amazing. This man has the magic touch, or should I say the magic voice. This is a must watch. It is just too sweet.

Scientists Sign Declaration That Animals Share the Same Awareness With Humans

I just read a great blog post on the blog, White Wolf Pack. It is about an international group of prominent scientists that have signed The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness. This declaration proclaims their support for the idea that animals are conscious and aware to the degree that humans are. The list of animals includes all mammals, birds, and even the octopus.

This is so exciting to me. I have felt this to be true, but there are way too many people that seem to take animals for granted in many ways. If this information is shared more widely, maybe we can start to make a shift in human consciousness regarding our treatment of animals.

 This post is very interesting, as well as informational. I highly recommend taking the time to read it.

Territorio de Zaguates and Unique Breeds

Please take a look at this video. It is so inspiring. It is about a pet adoption agency in Costa Rica and shows how they have increased shelter adoptions by the way they are promoting the animals there. It is a great idea. Truly inspiring.

God Made a Dog

We here at The Very Best Cats love cats and dogs. And we came across this video this morning that we wanted to share.

 If you love dogs too, this is a must watch. Very touching.

New Designs At Meow Meow Bow Wow Gifts

I have been busy lately, creating new designs for my Meow Meow Bow Wow Gifts, gifts. Designing cat and dog related images is my most favorite way of using my creativity. I am inspired by the beauty of all animals, but mostly by my relationship with my very own pets.

This design is a vintage image from one of my favorite artists,  Louis Wain

This is design is sooooo Tiger, my cat. 

I know there are people, like myself, that like CATS and Dogs.

And some prefer DOGS and Cats.

If you are looking for a special gift for a cat or dog lover you know, take a look at my store,  Meow Meow Bow Wow Gifts. You may find something you like there to fill that gift need. All designs made with love!

Pet Food Safety and the FDA

I found this video and felt it was very important to share. It was on  the Animal Rescue Site website under articles and news.  I have been reading, currently,  about chicken jerky products that have been coming out of China that have been having serious consequences for many dogs.  It would devastate me if I gave poisinous food to my cats, that made them seriously ill, or killed them.   As animal guardians, we need to be able to find out as much information as we can about harmful foods and treats that are being sold and are not taken off the store shelves before we feed them to our cats, dogs,  or other companion animals.

This video will give you information about the FDA's role in being a watchdog for our pets'  foods.  And advice on what can be found on their website to report possible problems that they may not be aware of right away.  Please watch this.  It is very important for you and you pets.

***If you suspect that your pet is becoming ill due to eating a certain food or treat, the very first thing to do is call your vet.

 The next thing to do would be to report the problem to the FDA. Go to www.FDA.gov and click on the tab, Animal & Veterinary. On the right side of the page, you can find, Recalls & Alerts, and How to Report a Pet Food Complaint. Once there, you can find the phone number for your state coordinator, or you can file a report electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal. You will be asked specific questions about the product and the symptoms that your animal may be exhibiting. The more information you are able to provide, the better. The video says all complaints are looked into.

For Jack

The Very Best Cats Blog was started as a cat blog. But since we adopted Jack, our schnauzer, one year ago, I do include writing about dogs once in a while. I saw this on the web and I just wanted to share.

Tiger and Motor are still the heart and soul of my life. But Jack has wiggled his way into my heart as well. He makes my life happier because he is a bundle of love in gray fur. Jack is always by my side. And though he takes more care and time, I wouldn't have it any other way. On two different occasions, he collapsed and was unconscious and I thought he was going to die. Those were sad and difficult times for me, and now I keep my eye on him whenever I am around. He is my buddy. Now I know how other dog guardians feel. He is a part of my family. So this is dedicated to my Jack, who helps me see the world in a new way everyday.

Long Time Away

It has been 2 weeks since our last post.  That is a long time for The Very Best Cats to stay away from blogging.  Here is a quick recap of our last weeks.

While I was away visiting mt husband's family and helping him with business, my sister took care of Tiger and Motor so they could stay in the home.  A much better situation than staying in a kennel.  All was fine with the boys.  She came and spent time with them on each visit so they could get some love time in.  We are very thankful for her help.

At the same time, Jack stayed with his Aunt Joyce aka, his day sitter.  She takes very good care of him.  Actually her husband would like to adopt Jack he likes him so much.  That won't happen as long as I am around.  I'm too attached.  If you don't remember, this is my husband's dog that I seem to take care of quite often.  He's my good buddy so it is OK.

This morning when I woke up, I had Tiger and Jack on the bed with me.  We just hung out there together for a while.  Then when Jack jumped off the bed, he started coughing/choking.  Didn't seem very unusual except he started falling over and I knew, from one time before this, that he couldn't breathe.  His whole body went limp and I knew I had to do something quick.  I didn't remember exactly what we did the time before.  I know my husband held him up under his front legs to expand his chest area so I did that.  I just kept holding him, and I tried different positions, but the under the front legs hold seemed to work the best.  Then I just held and rocked him for a while.  Within 5 minutes, he was OK enough to walk and keep his balance.  Now he is back to his old self again.  Right now he is sleeping, glued to my leg as I write.

It was a scary part of my morning, and I was on my own with him.  I don't know what I would have done if he did not respond right away.  I'm just grateful that he did.

So that was our last 2 weeks.  I am back to work tomorrow after having 2 weeks off of vacation time.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this last week with plenty of time to hand with all my boys.  I will miss that. 

We hope everyone has a wonderful sunday.  We will do our best too. 

Scene from the Studio

Thursday night, I was working in my art studio, and all the boys came to visit. First, they have to fuss at me to get me to stop what I am doing. But because I was putting together orders to ship from my bead store, they finally decided to settle in. And this is what they all looked like together. Motor is on top of the climbing furniture, Jack is laying in what used to be Motor's bed. And Tiger is sleeping outside in the catio. That is one of his favorite places, no matter what the weather. It was a very peaceful time with them all.

One Nation Under Dog

I just got through watching an HBO special named, "One Nation Under Dog:  Stories of Fear, Loss and Betrayal."  When I saw the commercial promo for this show, I was not so sure it would be good for me to watch.  My husband thought I would like it so he DVRed it for me.  I don't think he knew what the show was really about.  Otherwise I know he would have not recorded it for me.

So I am hanging out with Tiger, Motor and Jack, trying to find something decent to watch on TV.  Couldn't find anything so I decided to try the special.  In my head I am thinking, "I can turn this off at anytime if it is too sad for me."  But there is another part of me that knows, once I start watching it, I will not turn it off.

I cried through practically the whole show.  Part of the special showed a husband and wife making the decision to euthanize their dog because it repeated bit people.  The next part was a monthly grieving group for people who have lost a pet, telling their stories of how their lives have changed and how much they miss their pet companion and friend.  Another part was a rescue at a puppy mill where the owner really neglected the dogs and left them without food and water in awful conditions.  The last part was about dogs being abandoned by their guardians, being brought to shelters, some of them being rescued, others being left to be euthanized.  That was heart breaking.

I am a person that is very sensitive to any and all types of injustice, abuse, neglect, abandonment, and in the case of animals, euthanizing them just because there is no more room in a shelter.  I could go on and on about the need to spay and neuter cats and dogs, and the need for people to educate themselves before they bring home a pet, and then decide they do not want it anymore.  A pet is not a piece of furniture that you just dispose of when you get tired of it. 

That was my little rant.  I'm done now.

I am signed up to go to an orientation presentation at one of our local animal shelters.  This is to start volunteering there every couple of weeks.  At first I thought it was a good idea.  I love animals.  This way I can be around them more and help the shelter try to get them adopted.  My husband has all ready talked to me about no more pets for us.  In my dreams, I think I would like to live on a ranch and rescue as many animals that needed care and shelter.  I all ready know taking care of 3 animals is time consuming enough.  So the ranch idea is really just a dream.  At least for now.

But back to volunteering.  I'm not sure I can do it.  I don't think I am strong enough to be able to witness the homeless animals in the shelter, waiting to get adopted.  It will break my heart.  I don't feel I am strong enough emotionally to work at the shelter.  The HBO movie showed footage of animals in cages at a shelter.  They looked very sad to me.  And I would be very sad too.

I think I will find another way to help homeless cats and dogs.  Raise money and donate it to an organization all ready established like the Humane Society or the ASPCA.  I think my efforts would be better used that way.  That is one thing the HBO special really brought home to me.  And a lot of other things to think about.       

  

Tiger and Jack

Just a couple of new photos of the kids, Tiger and Jack, hanging out on the bed together. Often times, Jack just looks like a messy mass of fur. But this photo was taken right after he was groomed. He is a little less messy than usual. The reason for the shirt is because he is constantly scratching and biting at himself. We have had him almost a year now, and we have tried our best to figure this out for him. We've spent lots of money on different products. We try them once, they don't work for him, we add that product to our collection of other products that didn't work for him. We have tried changing his diet. Still, no change. Back to the reason for the shirt, if we don't cover his sides, he will scratch himself raw.

In these photos, Jack has his Halloween shirt on. No, this photo was not taken in the fall. We just have a limited selection of shirts for him. Right now, while I am writing, he is sleeping next to me with his "Mommy's Little Monster" shirt on. Of course, my favorite.

Not much new with Tiger and Motor. Right now, they are sunning in their catio. They are both doing well. I get to spend the day by myself with them today. I love days like this!

Handspun Yarn from Cat and Dog Fur

To continue on with the same theme as my last post, this is blog post by Judy Kavanagh.  Judy spins pet fur and makes it into yarn that she then knits into scarfs, sweaters, etc.  I thought you might be interested in what she does.

"Wear your best friend wherever you go with yarn made from brushings from your pet cat or dog. Pet fur makes a lovely fluffy yarn with a halo like angora and is very warm for its weight. I can spin your pet’s fur into yarn for you to knit, crochet or weave, or I can spin and knit it for you into mittens, a hat or a lacy scarf.

Cocoa and a scarf made from her fur

What kind of cats and dogs have good fur for spinning?
The main requirement is that the fur is soft and long enough to spin. A minimum length of about 1 inch is required, otherwise the yarn sheds a lot and may be prickly.
Many kinds of dogs have good fur to spin. Some suitable breeds are Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Malamute, Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, American Eskimo and Great Pyrenees but any dog with a long, soft undercoat is suitable.
Long or medium-haired cats provide the best fur among cats. Breeds such as Persian, Ragdoll, and Himalayan have long enough fur to make excellent yarn. But even short-haired cats can provide fur, although it will take a long time to collect enough to spin.

Note that the colour of a pet’s undercoat may be different from the outer coat colour. A calico cat may have a grey undercoat, for example.

How much fur do I need?
Not as much as you might think. Even 1-2 ounces of fur can be blended with wool to make a pair of mittens or a hat.
A sandwich bag stuffed full of fur weighs about half an ounce. A grocery bag of fur weighs about 8 ounces.

Golden Retriever and Merino Wool mitts

Why do you sometimes blend the fur with wool?
I cat blend dog and cat fur with about 50% fine wool to give added strength and elasticity and to create more yarn if you have a small quantity or fur. I can spin dog fur without blending it with wool but if it is knitted it may sag not bounce back into shape after it’s stretched. This may be fine for a scarf or throw, but may not be suitable for a hat or mittens. 100% cat fur will felt itself and become stiff and hard so it is not recommended.

Does pet fur yarn smell?
No, although dog fur can be very smelly, I wash it several times before I card and spin it. All yarn is washed after spinning as well.

Zippy the Siberian Husky getting combed

How do I collect the fur?
The best fur is collected by brushing or combing your pet. You want the soft undercoat of your pet’s fur, rather than the stiffer outer coat (if your pet has one). Many breeds of dogs, such as huskies, shed their undercoat in a short period of time during the summer. This is the perfect time to collect fur for spinning. Washing your dog before you brush may encourage the fur to shed and also makes for cleaner and less smelly fur. Throw away any really dirty or short bits of fur.

You may also have your dog clipped. The clippings will include both inner and outer coats and you (or I) will have to sort the fur and pick out the stiffer and thicker guard hairs, unless you don’t mind a prickly yarn.
How do I store the fur?
If possible, store the fur in a cardboard box or paper bag, rather than a plastic bag, to prevent compressing the fur. This is especially important with cat fur as it will felt very easily if compressed. However, if you find the fur has felted, I can usually separate it again for spinning.

How do I wash my mittens/hat/scarf?
Wash it like you would wash any fine wool. I recommend you hand wash your items using mild dishwashing liquid in hot water. Rinse in the same temperature water. Roll up in a towel to absorb extra water and then dry flat on a towel.

Can you dye my dog or cat fur different colours?
Yes, cat and dog fur can be dyed just like wool.

If you are interested in having Judy spin your pet's fur for you to knit or crochet, please check out her blog:

Judy's blog,  http://www.jumaka.com/spinning/spinningblog.html

I Really Should be Working

You know that saying about looking like your pet? This is my husband and our dog Jack.

What do you think?