Category: Pets

Earning My Stripes

I volunteered for an extra shift at Tallahassee Animal Services this afternoon to help with the monthly rabies vaccination and micro chipping clinic. To start off on the wrong foot I was thirty minutes late–apparently I’d read the directions incorrectly, so by the time I arrived everything was set up and people were already in line with their pets.

After a quick orientation I was placed next to the folks standing in line to help answer questions, provide assistance, and direct traffic. Mainly I held stuff: leashes attached to excited dogs, carriers containing nervous cats, one with a pair of ferrets, and a car seat with a precious baby girl inside. 

I’d expected to be nervous around the larger dogs, but for the most part all the pets were well behaved. A couple had to spend time in the calming area because it was too darned exciting out in the fray.

The most exciting part of my afternoon was being peed on by an English bull dog. Yep. I was standing there holding his leash so his owner could complete the necessary paperwork when I felt this wet warmth on my ankle. Of course then he tried to cover up his pee, so he kicked dirt all over me. Oh, I also stepped in a steaming pile of poo. 

If I tell you I had fun will you think I’m crazy?

Peace, people!

  

Volunteering at Tallahassee Animal Services

My second shift as a volunteer at Tallahassee Animal Services went well. We were really busy this afternoon with a great many potential adopters coming through the cat lobby. 

So far, I have resisted the urge to begin adoption procedures, but I find myself being a cheerleader for certain cats. There are several who’ve been at the center since I first signed up to volunteer.

One of my favorites is a pretty adult female named Kandy. She’s got such a sweet personality and loves to talk. Another is Margarita. What a gorgeous darling! She’s also an adult cat with a friendly nature. 

Then there’s Peter Parker. He was surrendered by his owner who became too ill to care for him. Peter loves to be petted, but is nervous about coming out of his kennel. He needs a loving, stable home.

Of course kittens are all the rage, and they’re awfully cute. One sibling pair, Paul and Newman are so playful. I doubt if they’ll still be at the shelter next Wednesday. And that’s a very good thing.

Remember, adopt, don’t shop!

I’m a really lousy cat photographer, but this is Newman. he liked me. He’d love going home with his very own human.

Kittens

I had my first two hour stint as a volunteer at Tallahassee Animal Services this afternoon. I had first date jitters, I was so excited.

First, I have to give props to the extraordinarily organized and thorough volunteer coordinator at Tallahassee Animal Services, Grayson Walters. Ms. Walters conducted a top notch volunteer orientation and followed up today with a great tour of the facility and suggestions on how to best help out during my two hours onsite.

Of course once I saw the kittens I pretty much forgot everything Grayson said. It was like, “Oooooooohhhhhh kitties!” I did manage to fold and put away a load of laundry and sweep under the kitty dorms before I allowed myself to take a few of the cats out for some interaction.

There’s a pair of kitten siblings, mostly black, with beautiful white chests and socks, named Frito and Dorito, that I fell in love with. Holy cow! They are so cute. I honestly couldn’t tell them apart, but one was on the shy side, but loved being cuddled and the other was full of curiosity.

I’d show photos, but I left my phone in Grayson’s office so no pics this week. I promise I’ll do better next time. Instead, I found this message on Pinterest. I think it’s appropriate.

Pretty please? Adopt an animal from your local shelter.

Cat Protective Services

Two cats
live in
our home,
Two cats
who never
venture
outside.
One is black,
the other
black and
snowy white.
However,
the stern cat who
meows
incessantly
from the
patio’s French
doors is a
watchful visitor.
She makes
certain that
the captive
cats (for
that is how
she views
them) are
well loved
and cared for.
She represents
Cat Protective
Services.

  

Volunteer Gig

One week from today I will begin volunteering at Tallahassee Animal Services. I’ve passed the interview process, attended an orientation, and even successfully answered a brief quiz. I’m so ready!

Lately I’ve been dreaming about the cats I’ll be working with. Cats and kittens of all sizes visit my subconscious, demanding love, food, and care. In my dreams I also feel I am responsible for naming them: Vader, Anakin, Katniss, Four, and Tris. Okay, I read way too many young adult and scifi novels. 

Sometimes in my dreams the cats carry on full blown conversations with me. We discuss their days and the people they saw come through the shelter since my last scheduled visit. These cats have a lot of hopes and dreams for their futures. I sure hope I can help them with that.

Peace, people! 

sample cat

Lightning Strikes

We’ve had some incredible thunderstorms move through our area this past week, but tonight’s was over the top. It made me so thankful to have a roof over my head. 

Of course it also scared the crap out of our younger cat, Patches who scurries for cover at the first rumble. Our big girl, Scout, isn’t bothered by thunder. She and I enjoy snuggling together during storms.

And then there’s this….

http://youtu.be/_BAepxjMxh0
Peace, people.

Cat Dreams

chittering softly
sleeping kitten stirs in dreams
paws prepare to pounce.

who knows what she hunts
behind tightly shuttered eyes?
mew! she cries, sweet dreams.

Great Philosophers of the Cat World

“I nap; therefore, I am.”–DesCats

“Vini, Vidi, Dormivit”–Felinius Caesar

“I regret that I have but nine lives to enjoy my leisure.”–Meowthaniel Hale

“Give me treats or give me naps. Either way I win.”–Patches Henry

“All the world’s a ball of twine, and all the men and women our minions.”–Willmeow Shakestail

“Cats just want to have fun.”–Kitty Clawper

“The catnip stops here.”–Hairy S Truemeown

“Chase after butterfly; leave alone bee.”–Mewhammad Alley Cat

“Try not. Purr or purr not, there is no try.”–Furrda

“Catnip. Why’d it have to be catnip?”–Calico Jones 

Anonymously Yours

In response to the Daily Post’s Daily Prompt:

Write an anonymous letter to someone you’re jealous of.

Dear Pampered House Cat,

I want the life you have:  
Sleeping all day, anyplace you’d like. Carousing all night, chasing imaginary mice.
Claiming a lap, making it your own.
Purring when petted, knowing you belong.

Yes, dear kitty, I’m jealous of you
Sincerely,
Anonymous (but you know who.)

 
Peace, people! 

Past Life

I was a cat

In a prior life

Of this I am

Certain.

I can sleep for

Hours.

Love napping in the

Sun.

I’ll allow a little 

Petting

Just don’t get too

Rough.

My claws are

Sharp, but I keep them

Sheathed

Don’t annoy me

Too much or 

I might show my

Teeth.

No one knows my

Thoughts;

Those I keep

Hidden

Behind my Mona Lisa

Smile

I’m still just a

Kitten.