Attention Michigan Cats!! Put On Your Pajamas for a 48 Hr Adoption Event!!

It's National Cheesecake Day!!

I was so happy when I heard that

 today is NATIONAL CHEESECAKE DAY!!

It gives me a chance to show you THIS:

Cheesecake from the
BlogPaws Conference 2013

OR....

WOULD YOU PREFER 

A LITTLE OF

THIS???

Nibble gently Ladies!

I'm ticklish!!

Love, Cody

Book: Furry Paw, Middle Claw, A Novel By Barry Jackson

While making the rounds reading the many blogs I follow, I had happened upon a review of the book: Furry Paw, Middle Claw, A Novel By Barry Jackson. Admittedly I read PART of the review. Those who know me well, know that whenever I am in the midst of reading a book, about to read a book, or WANT to read a book, I will NOT read someone else's review in its entirety,  because I don't want their thoughts and opinions rattling around in my brain. What I DID know was that I HAD an intense desire to read this book!

I was delighted when the opportunity to read Furry Paw, Middle Claw presented itself, and I will tell you this, my sixth sense was right on target. My anticipation was NOT for naught. This book is a MUST READ.

I settled down to read it this past Friday night. IT HOOKED ME TWO PAGES IN. I had turned to my husband, a voracious reader, and said "you MUST read this book, you are going to love it." Let me say it again, that was TWO PAGES IN. A feeling of delight rushed through me, I was swept away by the sardonic, insightful, humorous  and lyrical writing style of Author Barry Jackson. I grabbed a fresh cup of coffee, put my feet up and made myself comfortable. I KNEW I was going to read this book until I finished it, in ONE night.

From Turn the Page Publishing: If you have ever loved, shed a tear or triumphed over heartbreak, you will identify with this story. Furry Paw, Middle Claw (released June of 2013), intertwines humor, spirituality and psychological insight that will offer readers a glimpse into their own hearts and souls.

Dean Parker is the narrator who leaves his loveless childhood in the South.

There were parallels in Dean's upbringing that rang true with my own. I felt as if someone had read certain parts of my heart and soul and published it in a book. In the interest of privacy in reference to my OWN life,  I will not go into further detail, other than to say I KNOW the feeling of being unwanted, not being "good enough", being told painful things as a child that remain with you forever. Let's leave it at THAT.

Like Dean, I had a grandmother (and in my case a father) who DID love me unconditionally. I feel that it was the genuine love that Dean's grandmother had for him that paved the way for what was to be a most rewarding and loving relationship with Melissa, whom he meets in Manhattan where he moved as an adult.

Melissa comes with "baggage" that Dean had NOT planned on. "An entourage of CATS!"

From Turn the Page Publishing: Dean struggles to assert his dominance amidst the furry chaos, but the cats aim their middle claws at Dean and challenge him for the title of "King Cat." When son, Craig, is diagnosed with autism, Dean observes the cats doing what no human can do-the cats pierce the veil of autism. Dean's grudging acceptance of the cats turns to wonder and gratitude as they become the glue holding the family together.

Furry Paw, Middle Claw beautifully describes the  enormous power that cats have over us. How their mere presence acts as a healing balm. Those who love and live with cats understand this. Simply stroking their fur, listening to them purr, and feeling their warmth, brings more comfort than one could ever hope to imagine.

It is important to know that this book "is inspired by TRUE events". It will cause all who read it to reflect on their own lives, it will make you laugh, it WILL make you cry. For me, it brought back some painful memories, the pain of parts of my childhood and the pain of losing a beloved cat, but I took comfort in reading the pages of this gem, knowing that SOMEONE out there understands!

We all have times in our lives where we are sailing along on smooth water, and just when you think you have it all "right", life throws you  curve balls. In the case of Author Barry Jackson and MANY of us, it isn't a curve ball we are "fielding", we are avoiding the powerful gesticulation of the "middle claw." That "middle claw" of life that says "F--- you! I'm gonna get ya." If we are lucky enough, we just might get to point it right back...in peace, self-understanding and the sense of victory that one feels when conquering the challenges that life puts in our way.

I give Furry Paw, Middle Claw, a Novel by Barry Jackson,  FOUR PAWS UP.....and there is NO WAY I would think of using that "middle claw."


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Despite the painful life experiences that served as the inspiration for this novel. Barry Jackson crams as much into life as possible and sees humor in everything. Barry is a CPA who served as Chief Operating Officer of several New York City law firms. This is his first work of fiction. Barry lives in Morristown, New Jersey, with his wife and son....and four cats.

ISBN 978-1-938501-10-4




I was not paid for this review. I was sent a copy of Furry Paw, Middle Claw for review purposes only.
 All opinions are my own.

VIDEO:Happy gotcha day!!

Today is a SPECIAL Day!!!

"Everything a cat is and does physically is to me beautiful, lovely, stimulating, soothing, attractive and an enchantment."- Paul Gallico, from "An Honourable Cat"

Cody, thank you for helping to heal my broken heart by choosing ME, six years ago today!! You are truly a special gift,  my feisty, cuddly, loving, fearless, food-obsessed, friendly, determined and tolerant boy!

It is an honor  to share my life with you!

Love, "Mom"

Caturday Cinema! Furry Friends Video! By Cat Forsley

HAPPY CATURDAY ALL!

A little while ago I was having a chat with my furiend Sammy from the delightful blog, One Spoiled Cat, and he told me about a lovely woman who makes wonderful music videos! Her name is Cat Forsley and she is super talented!

Well Sammy told me she was making a video of blogging buddies and he told me to send my photo in right away and see if I could be included. Guess what? I was!!! This video is too cool! Check it out because there are many other blogging buddies in it too!

Thanks Sammy for sniffing out this one!!

Oh and be sure to follow Cat Forsley's blog for MORE music videos and of course, visit my bacon-eating-buddy Sammy who is one of the kindest and most FUN cats in the Blog-o-sphere!

Love, Cody

Guess who came for a visit!!!

A few days ago I was pawing through my blog post comments and I got a comment from my dear furiend Nellie that made me quite worried!

It was on my blog post from July 17th 

Cody, Jo-Jo is driving me nustso, next Market day (Friday) can mes comes and visit yous?
Kisses
Nellie

After reading that angst-filled comment, I could NOT get Nellie off of my mind!!!!

How could a man cat say no???? I could tell from this photo and the blog post that Nellie wrote about it that she needed help....AND FAST!!

This is Jo-Jo!!
Click here to read the blog postthat Nellie wrote, 
no wonder she needs a break!
photo courtesy of catfromhell.wordpress.com

 I also felt bad for Nellie because I know her Mom is so busy with the marketplace

CLICK  HERE TO VISIT!

That I told her she could DEFINITELY come and visit me!!

Here are some photos from our visit, be sure to visit Nellie's blog to see some other GREAT PHOTOS!!

After we played dress up

We had a little snuggle time!!!

Then....

and then....

Don't let her fool you, we had a purrfect time!

I am hoping that Nellie comes back soon!!

Love, 

Cody

Cats!! ‘NAME YOUR OWN PRICE’ Cat Adoptions to End Soon-Promotion to help felines find homes fast runs through Saturday, July 27

"Tommy"
Photo Courtesy of Michigan Humane

The Michigan Humane Society’s limited-time “Name Your Own Price” cat adoption promotion, which has already found loving homes for dozens of cats and kittens, has been extended through Saturday, July 27. Act now for the chance to choose from many fantastic felines awaiting forever homes and name your price, at all MHS locations. Any chosen adoption fee will be honored. The regular MHS adoption process will apply.

“We have seen such a great response to this promotion that we decided to extend it until Saturday,” said CJ Bentley, MHS senior director of operations. “We have so many wonderful cats and kittens who deserve loving homes and the more quickly we find them homes, the sooner we can help more cats in need.”

"Woody"
Photo Courtesy of Michigan Humane

MHS cat and kitten adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping and more.

Visit any MHS adoption center today through Saturday (hours vary by location):

•             MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care: 7401 Chrysler Drive

•             MHS Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care: 3600 W. Auburn Road

•             MHS Berman Center for Animal Care (Westland): 900 N. Newburgh Road

•             Off-site at six PetSmart locations: Dearborn, Rochester Hills, Roseville, Taylor, West Bloomfield and Ann Arbor

•             Off-site at Petco in Sterling Heights: 13701 Lakeside Circle

For the complete list of MHS adoption locations and hours, visit www.michiganhumane.org.

The Michigan Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state. MHS works to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.

A Cat and his iPad-Semi-Wordless Wednesday

There's a new Prince in town!!

Book Review: "A Cat Called Ian", By Wolfren Riverstick

One of the many things I love about blogging, are the people that I have been blessed to connect with along the way. One of the ways that I have met some truly wonderful folks has been through my book reviews. Sometime in 2012 I was contacted by author Wolfren Riverstick (is that name not the BEST??!!), asking if I would be interested in reviewing his self-published book: A Cat Called Ian. If memory serves me correctly, Wolfren lives in the UK but he has a Michigan connection, I believe he has family here and that is how he first discovered my blog, but don't quote me on that!

Book Cover
Courtesy of
 www.crazywolfbooks.co.uk

Wolfren was supposed to mail me his book late last year, well," best laid plans," it didn't arrive until MAY of this year. SOME things are worth waiting for, and A Cat Called Ian is one of them

Wolfren's target audience for his books are children ages 9-12, but the lessons learned in A Cat Called Ian are lessons that the most "seasoned" among us could use some reminding of.

A Cat Called Ian begins with "The Boy" being cruel to his sister (Ellie). "The Boy" has a mouth that never ceases spewing vicious insults, which bring his sister to tears. "The Boy" also has a distaste for cats, particularly tortoiseshell cats.

After a particularly vile exchange with Ellie, "The Boy" takes off and ends up by a giant great white oak tree which is rumored to be haunted.

From A Cat Called Ian: Legend had it that the tree was haunted, perhaps possessed by evil spirits, although nobody knew for sure."  "The Boy" has always wanted to climb this tree, but had never attempted to. 

When "The Boy" attempts to take on the great white oak and climb it, an Alice-In-Wonderland -esque adventure ensues.

"When a young boy decides to climb the magnificent oak tree on top of Sunrise Hill he discovers that there is much more to it than first meets the eye. After mysteriously stumbling into the mystical world of Catland, the unruly ten year old is whisked into a courtroom where he is punished with the Sentence of Nine Lives in an attempt to make him change the error of his ways...."

"The Boy" is turned into what he loathes, A CAT, a tortoiseshell cat at that! In order to return to the mortal world, he has to repent for the multitude of evil things that he has done. The question is, will he?  You will have to read the book to find out.

I was surprised at how engrossed I was while reading A Cat Called Ian. It was a quick read, both in length (155 pages) and in the suspense that lies within its pages. I read it in one sitting which was just a few hours.

A Cat Called Ian is lively, imaginative, humorous, sensitive, fun and  packed with lessons about how to treat others, (as well as how to treat animals) and is a worthwhile read indeed!

Visit Amazon to purchase A Cat Called Ian or any major bookstore.

Visit www.crazywolfbooks.co.uk

IT’S A CHEESE AFFAIR! FANCY FEAST® LAUNCHES PINTEREST SWEEPSTAKES

Cats and people share many of the same tastes – a love of cheese is one of them! To celebrate, Fancy Feast^® Gourmet Cat Food launches its “Cheese Affair Pin to Win” Pinterest Sweepstakes today with thousands of cheese-themed prizes for winners.

The Fancy Feast “Cheese Affair Pin to Win” Sweepstakes gives cat lovers and cheese connoisseurs a chance to win cheese-inspired prizes, including cans of a new variety of Fancy Feast Delights With Cheddar Classic entrées, special cheeseboards and chalk sets, do-it-yourself cheese making kits, and a trip to New York City to attend a grand Cheese Soiree hosted by cheese expert Liz Thorpe.

“Cheese is more than an ingredient. It has the power to unite people…and their cats,” says Thorpe, author of The Cheese Chronicles and proud owner of two cats, Wilbur and Piper. “I am thrilled to be able to share my passion and knowledge of cheese to help bring people and cats together to celebrate mealtime in fun new ways.”

 

Photo Courtesy of Fancy Feast

“Cheese Affair Pin to Win” Sweepstakes

The sweepstakes begins July 15 and ends August 11. Fancy Feast will award thousands of prizes to consumers during the following Entry Periods:

·         1 p.m. ET July 15- 11:59 p.m. July 21: Can of Fancy Feast Delights With Cheddar Classic (70,000)

·         1 p.m. ET July 22- 11:59 p.m. July 28: Cheeseboard and chalk set and Can of Fancy Feast Delights With Cheddar Classic (1,000)

·         1 p.m. ET July 29-11:59 p.m. August 4: Do-it-yourself cheese making kit and Can of Fancy Feast Delights With Cheddar Classic (500)

·         1 p.m. ET August 5- 11:59 p.m. August 11: Trip for two to New York City to attend a Cheese Soiree and cooking class with Liz Thorpe (3)

Photo of what I received from Fancy Feast

To enter the Fancy Feast "Cheese Affair Pin to Win” Sweepstakes, please visit www.CheeseAffair.com. Follow the links provided to complete and submit the registration form. Click the “Pin It” button to pin the available image to one of your Pinterest boards.  Complete these steps during each entry period for a chance to win all four prizes. Limit one (1) entry per email address per Entry Period.

For cheese-inspired ideas and tips to use and share, including exclusive recipes, pairing ideas and other content co-authored by Thorpe, please visit www.CheeseAffair.com.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 8/11/13. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions, visit www.CheeseAffair.com. Void where prohibited.

Fancy Feast Delights With Cheddar Entrées

Delight your cat and share your love of cheese by serving Fancy Feast® Delights With Cheddar – a delicious gourmet cat food infused with aged cheddar to satisfy her savory side. And now Fancy Feast® Delights With Cheddar has four new varieties in the classic style she knows and loves. Please your kitten or adult cat with complete and balanced entrées in delicious flavors like salmon, beef, turkey or chicken, complemented with real cheddar.

·         Salmon and Cheddar Cheese Feast

·         Beef and Cheddar Cheese Feast

·         Chicken and Cheddar Cheese Feast

·         Turkey and Cheddar Cheese Feast

Fancy Feast Delights With Cheddar entrées are featured in 3 oz. varieties, and are available on store shelves nationwide.

About Fancy Feast® Gourmet Cat Food

The Fancy Feast Brand makes every day extraordinary with an exquisite selection of gourmet cat food entrees, restaurant-inspired feline cuisine, dry meals, and Fancy Feast Appetizers for cats. Fancy Feast Gourmet Cat Food is manufactured/distributed by Nestle Purina PetCare Company, a global leader in the pet care industry. Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestle Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A. -- the world's largest food company.

In full Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I am a member of the Purina Cat Blogger panel and received 4 cans of the new Fancy Feast Cheddar Entries and a cutting board. Sharing this information was strictly voluntary.

Cat Chat Presents A Book Review: A Forever Home For Athena by Marie Symeou

Hi everyone it's Cody! I thought that since I am a rescue cat, that it is only fitting that I present the book: A Forever Home For Athena by Marie Symeou to you.

I was just a little guy when Mom adopted me, I was probably around the same age as Athena was when she found her furever home.

Being a rescue cat isn't easy. When Mom and I sat down to read Athena's story, it brought back vivid memories for me. Being scared, wanting a home and a Mom of my own. Wondering what happened to my brother and sister. It made me remember the foster home that I was in with my wonderful and loving foster mother. I remember people walking by my cage at adoption events and my two siblings receiving more attention than me! Even Mom had them as HER first adoption choices but neither of them liked her. Only I did! It reminded me of how often we rescue kitties have to turn the "cute" into overdrive in order to be noticed!

It made me sad when I read that Athena and her sister, Lily, were cast aside like trash. Their Mama had died, they were starving, frightened and leery of humans. They didn't know what was to become of them. They found themselves in a shelter full of scary sounds and smells, hoping upon hope that SOME of the humans who came and visited would one day take them away and give them a special home of their own. There were some evil humans that visited that had "black lights" around them that Athena prayed would NOT take her away!




Athena sweetly and accurately describes what rescue kittens (and cats) are thinking and saying from when they are abandoned, until , if they are lucky, they find their furever home. She shares her fears, hopes and insight as to what it is like being a rescue kitty, and what it is like to live with the constant fear that even if she is adopted, will she be abandoned again?

Mom said it didn't surprise her that Athena is so wise. The name Athena is a Greek baby name and it means  The Goddess of Wisdom. In fact, Mom said that she first began reading Athena's Mom's blog, because of two things.

1. Mom minored in Philosophy in college (she isn't as clueless as she appears) and she was familiar with the meaning of the name Athena, she knew that Athena was the Goddess of Wisdom,  it intrigued her to find a cat on a blog with that name.

2. Mom has a "thing" for Tabbies (don'tcha know!?) My Grandpa Bobo was a tabby, and just what do you think that yours truly is?

A Forever Home for Athena is a sweet, touching and fast-read (only 49 pages) that anyone who has ever rescued/adopted a cat will be able to relate to. Kitties? You will appreciate it as well! Have your Mom/human/2-legger whatever you call them, pick up a copy by clicking here. 

Part of the proceeds from this book will be donated to 3 different animal charities.

FROM THE AUTHOR: Adopting the beautiful tabby kitten I have named Athena was the best day of my life and I wanted to share our story with others, mainly to raise awareness and the importance of adopting a pet from an animal shelter, rather than buying one from a breeder. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marie Symeou is an author, cat blogger, animal healer and animal rights advocate. Visit her at www.mariesymeou.com and her blogs, www.purrsfulloflove.com and www.catgoddessathena.blogspot.com

Mom and I were not compensated for this review. All opinions are our own. We were sent a complimentary copy by Marie Symeou to read and review.

Thankful Thursday for #Purina:Dearborn Animal Shelter Wins Purina Cat Chow Prize Pack and Grant Money

Purina® Cat Chow® Celebrates 50 Years

 by Helping Improve 50 Shelters

OH MY CAT my furiends! It's Cody and am I ever HONORED to present this post to you today!  As many of you know, I am one of a clowder of kitties who is on the Purina Cat Blogger panel and I happen to live in Michigan.

Well, one day I was reading my newsletter from Dearborn Animal Shelter and I discovered that they had won prize packages from my pals at PURINA!!!

Now, since I don't have thumbs, Mom had to hold and dial the phone for me when I contacted my furiends at the Dearborn Animal Shelter and told them who we are and asked if they could send us information that we could share with you! They kindly obliged!

Dearborn Animal Shelter Wins 

Purina Cat Chow Prize Pack and Grant Money

Two separate campaigns this year will help adoptable cats in local Shelter

 Purina Cat Chow is celebrating their 50 year anniversary by helping 50 shelters across the country, one in each state. The Dearborn Animal Shelter was the recipient organization in Michigan for two separate campaigns, securing products from Purina as well as grant money.

   

The first campaign took place in early spring in which shelters were awarded prize packs with a host of Purina products to select from based on the organization’s specific requests. Having more than 200 cats and kittens in its care, the Dearborn Animal Shelter chose items that were immediately helpful for its felines.  The prize pack included Purina Cat Chow Complete Formula Cat Food, Tidy Cats non-clumping litter, stretch and scratch cardboard stretchers, cat towers and beds and a cat tower/ scratching post.

    

In the second campaign, which took place in early summer this year, the Dearborn Animal Shelter was once again in the running for Purina’s help.  This time the community participated through online voting.  Based on a tally of these votes, the organization was awarded just over $1600 in grant monies.  Sandy Boulton, Spokesperson for the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter said,

 “Purina Cat Chow is a great supporter and friend to shelters like ours across the country who help rescued animals, including cats and kittens.  We are grateful for Purina’s generosity as a recipient organization while they celebrate their 50th anniversary helping others".

            The Dearborn Animal Shelter is located at 2661 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, and is operated by the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Phone (313) 943-2697 and online www.DearbornAnimals.org

You can also follow the Shelter on Facebook and Twitter. 

I am also pleased to share some kitties that are looking for their furever home right now, if interested contact the shelter at the numbers above:

"Lila"

"Narissa"

"Tripoli"

Winner of KeeKee's Big Adventures in Paris, France

Hi and happy Wednesday every furry! In the spirit of Wordless Wednesday, and because you have heard way too much from Mom and I the past two days,  there is NOTHING worse than more than 2 blog posts from one blog per day, ya know? But wait, I digress.....I am gonna keep the announcement of my winner  short and sweet!

Thanks to all who entered my give-away !!

THE  LUCKY WINNER OF:

as chosen by www.random.org

IS:

JULIA WILLIAMS

FROM THE BLOG

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

CONCATULATIONS!!!!

You will love this book!

Mom and I liked that you said

"you wanted to win because

you are between 4 and 7 in spirit!"

Please email my Mom

your COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS TO:

catchat at mi dot rr dot com

MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY TO HOLD WORKSHOP FOR FERAL CAT COLONY CARETAKERS ON JULY 31

Trap-Neuter-Return Program

will reduce the number of homeless cats and save lives

On Wednesday, July 31, the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) will hold a feral cat workshop for residents who want to help reduce the number of homeless cats and provide feral cats with much-needed care. This workshop will teach residents how utilize a “Trap-Neuter-Release” (TNR) strategy, which has proven to be the most effective and humane way of handling feral cats.

MHS’ TNR program gives individuals who wish to manage a feral cat colony near their home or place of employment the chance to provide the animals with vaccinations, sterilization and veterinary care. Caretakers will be trained on proper techniques and equipment to humanely trap feral cats and bring them to the Michigan Humane Society for sterilization and identification. The animals will then be released back to their habitat by their caretaker.

For those interested in becoming a feral cat colony caretaker and participating in the TNR program, MHS is hosting this required workshop on Wednesday, July 31, at 5:30 p.m. at the Michigan Humane Society’s administrative office, located at 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220 in Bingham Farms. Register online or get more information at www.michiganhumane.org/feral or call (248) 283-1000, ext. 127. An RSVP is required.

Providing a TNR service for feral cats is a critical component of lowering the number of unadoptable animals coming into shelters, as feral cats generally cannot be adopted into homes unless they are young enough to be properly socialized with humans. TNR is the best way to allow the cats to humanely live out their lives in their natural habitat, while preventing them from contributing to the pet overpopulation problem.

The Michigan Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state. MHS works to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.

CANYON CREEK RANCH® Launches National “BETTER WAY PROJECT” To Help Make a Difference In The Lives of Pets And The People Who Love Them

Natural Pet Food Brand Invites Pet Lovers to Share Ideas to Enhance the Lives of Pets

Have you ever had an idea to help make life better for pets, but didn’t have the resources to make it a reality?  Canyon Creek Ranch, a line of natural pet food, knows that many pet lovers desire to provide the best lives possible for four-legged companions in their communities, including helping local dog and cat charities, but may lack the funding and support needed to make a difference.

That’s why Canyon Creek Ranch has launched the Better Way Project, an initiative to help create a future that is happier, brighter and more positive for pets.  Whether it’s creating a mobile vet clinic for underserved communities, building a playground for shelter animals, or starting an online network for lost pets, Canyon Creek Ranch is seeking ideas that are innovative, make a positive impact on pets, pet owners and their communities and are practical to implement.  Pet lovers can visit BetterWayProject.com to submit, share and support ideas, some of which may be used as inspiration for projects that the brand will bring to life. 

Canyon Creek Ranch has committed a minimum of $200,000 in 2013 to bring up to eight Better Way Projects to life.  In addition to providing financial support, the brand may provide on-the-ground volunteers, product donations and other materials, depending on the scope of the project.

“As a passionate pet guardian, I am always searching for ways to enhance the lives of my two dogs to help them be happy and healthy.  For most of my life, I have also been dedicated to creating a better life for animals in my community who are less fortunate, such as shelter pets,” said Nikki Moustaki, pet expert and animal trainer.  “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to help spread the word about the Canyon Creek Ranch Better Way Project in an effort to help improve the lives of even more pets in communities across the country.” 

In 2012, Canyon Creek Ranch completed three Better Way projects: adding dog-friendly features to a public park in Orlando, FL; making a monetary donation to a dog therapy program in Iowa City, IA to help recruit new therapy teams; and renovating the cat area of a shelter in Salem, MA to create more open play areas. Videos and photos from the completed projects can be viewed on BetterWayProject.com.  

 “We recognize that many pet lovers have innovative ideas on how to make life better for their pets but may not have the resources needed to make these ideas a reality, which is why we created the Better Way Project,” said Paul Seal, Canyon Creek Ranch brand manager.  “Canyon Creek Ranch is committed to always searching for a better way of doing things to enhance the lives of pets.  This commitment begins with our line of natural pet food that features simple, recognizable ingredients for dogs and cats, and continues with the Better Way projects we are bringing to life in communities across the country.” –

Submitting a Better Way Project Idea

Pet lovers across the country are invited to share their ideas to enhance the lives of pets in their communities on BetterWayProject.com.  Submissions must include a name for the project idea; a written description of the idea, including the inspiration, how it is innovative and will help the lives of pets in your community; and either a link to a video (posted to YouTube or Vimeo) or up to five photos illustrating the project idea.  Either a video and/or at least one photo are required for each idea submitted.

Once a project idea is posted on the Canyon Creek Ranch Better Way Project website, other pet lovers will be able to show their support for an idea by clicking a “Support” button and sharing the project idea via a “Share” widget on their social media channels. Ideas will be considered by the Canyon Creek Ranch brand as inspiration for a project it will bring to life through funding, volunteers and additional resources. 

For more information about Canyon Creek Ranch’s Better Way Project, or to view current project ideas, please visit BetterWayProject.com.

About Canyon Creek Ranch

Crafted with pride at our facilities in Clinton, Iowa; Crete, Nebraska; and, St. Joseph, Missouri, Canyon Creek Ranch pet food offers multiple nutritious and flavorful dog and cat food recipes in both dry and wet varieties that have real meat, fish or poultry as the primary ingredient.  The Canyon Creek Ranch recipes are formulated without corn, soy, or wheat and have no added artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.  The line of Canyon Creek Ranch pet food is available at select pet specialty retail stores nationwide. Visit CanyonCreekRanch.com for more details.

Ooops SHE did it again!

My furiends, I am just beside myself. This is Cody and of course "SHE" leaves it up to ME to do HER dirty work!

A few weeks ago Mom reviewed Health and Nutrition for Dogs and Cats by David G. Wellock. 
There was also a give-away attached to this review.

GUESS WHO FORGOT?

YOU GOT IT!

Mom was so deeply engrossed with the moving of Dakota's blog that she TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT ME! THE COMPLETE AND UTTER NERVE!

The winner was supposed to be announced on July 11th! 

Tonight, Mom  FINALLY remembered!

I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE ONCE AGAIN FOR MY MOM'S INEPT WAYS!! It just dawned on me, on this one, I may have to cut Mom some slack. Last Wednesday night I developed a large boil type of thing on my mouth. Mom was busy Wednesday night and Thursday trying to reach the vet driving the vet crazy. As it turns out, it appears it is one of my allergy flare-ups, but this time it surfaced differently than it usually does and Mom was quite nervous. So, for this one I may give her a break.

Now, I FINALLY present to you the WINNER OF:

The winner is the GORGEOUS:

ABBY 

FROM

Please click here to visit her blog!!

CONCATULATIONS ABBY

AND THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!

Abby:Mom thinks she has your address, but I will check just to be sure!
Love,
Cody

Winners! #Purina Presents the “Purr-fect Times of our Lives” Photo Contest! on Cat Chat!

Hi my furiends! This is Cody and today I present to you the WINNERS of the Purina Presents the  “Purr-fect Times of our Lives” Photo Contest!

This was a tough one I gotta admit.  Mom enlisted the help of Dad and I when selecting the winners. There was much hissing, biting, scratching and clawing, because there were a few that we disagreed with Dad on. What we ended up deciding to do, was to pick the winners based on how closely they conveyed how they incorporate their cats into the special times of their lives.
When picking the winners we all agreed upon choosing the photos that showed the most AUTHENTIC cat behavior, not photos like my Mom makes where she just takes photos and puts in some holiday graphics. We thought that this would be the fairest way to go. We wish everyone could have been a winner but unfortunately we were limited to selecting just FIVE.

So, now, here are our FIVE WINNERS (in NO particular order! There was NO WAY we were gonna go THERE!).

Here we have the handsome and mysterious "Charlie"
who is the kitty of one of the "Queens of Cats" herself,
Catsparella!
Catsparella told us that this is how Charlie likes to celebrate Valentine's Day!!

Our next winner is the BEAUTIFUL "Kallie"
she is the kitty of Shari  from Mom2aCat
Shari says "This was from a family Christmas about 3 years ago. I made Kallie a collar of stretchy sequined elastic and white lace that had gold in it."

From Connie of Tails from the Foster Kittens:
"This is how we celebrate Christmas. We unwrap gifts and let the paper fall all over the floor as the kitties can have some fun playing in it...We also have fun getting them in the mood for Christmas by decorating the tree to amuse them." Connie puts CAT TOYS on their tree! Since she could only submit one photo we unfortunately aren't displaying the tree :( 

This one Mom thought was particularly unique.
This is  "Trent", he is the kitty of Colleen from
CRichmanFreebies
Colleen and her husband recently
moved to a glorious home that is over 100 years old,
(a farm house type of a home.)
Colleen said "here is Trent celebrating his new home!"
Mom particularly liked the sentiment
of  this one,  so Dad was over-ruled. 

Is there EVER a photo contest that
Glogirly 
DOESN'T WIN?
Last but not least we have her
delightfully delicious orange tabby
"Waffles"
showing his American pride on
the 4th of July
Glogirly recently submitted a video
of the flying orange tabby
to "The Friskies 2013"  video contest
and we would be surprised
if she WASN'T a contender!!
We wish her good luck!

WHAT ARE THE WINNERS RECEIVING?

CONCATULATIONS TO ALL
AND WE HOPE YOU
ENJOY YOUR PRIZES!!
THANKS FOR PAWTICIPATING
IN OUR CONTEST!!
LOVE,
CODY, CAREN
AND DAD TOO!!!