Monday, February 29, 2016

Cat Book Review: Homer:The Ninth Life Of A Blind Wonder Cat by Gwen Cooper


 Writing this book review was hard for me on a number of levels, one of them being an intense emotional involvement with Homer. You see, the first book that I had ever reviewed was Homer's Odyssey   by Gwen Cooper.  When Gwen had contacted me back in 2010 after connecting on Twitter, I was terrified. I had never reviewed ANY book and it was with extreme fear and trepidation that I embarked on the task.  Since then, I have reviewed all of Gwen's books:Love Saves The Day, and Cody had the distinct honor of appearing in Kittenish,  (which was created with the intent of enabling those of us who felt helpless watching the horror of the Nepal earthquakes and the devastation they caused for humans and animals, to do something meaningful.  By purchasing a copy of Kittenish readers helped  the victims of the Nepal earthquakes and their animals).

When Homer passed in the summer of 2013, I was one of millions who were more than heartbroken to hear the devastating news. Homer was the first blind cat I had ever heard of,  and I relished following his  full and amazing life. (Homer was 16 when he passed.)

Gwen Cooper and Homer, Photo Courtesy of Gwen Cooper





Through Gwen's ability to write and touch our souls, I learned about the trials and tribulations of sharing one's life with a black cat, AND a cat who was blind to boot.

I knew that reading:

Cover Photo Courtesy of Gwen Cooper

Was going to be bitter sweet. Yes, I cried. You will too,  As Gwen mentioned in the foreword of Homer:The Ninth Life Of A Blind Wonder Cat, "there were many wonderful times with Homer during those four years after Homer's Odyssey came out, and you'll read those stories here. But there were also some hard times when we lost him, and I wasn't sure I could bear to go through them again."

I wasn't sure if I had the emotional strength to read the sequel. I am glad that I did.

FROM HOMER:The Ninth Life Of A Blind Wonder Cat


The life, loss and legacy of the world’s most-beloved blind cat…
The odds had always been stacked against Homer, the blind kitten nobody  wanted. But destiny took a hand the day he met Gwen Cooper, and with the publication twelve years later of the international best seller Homer’s Odyssey, Homer went from beloved house cat to world-wide star. He became the scourge and darling of the reporters, photographers, videographers, bloggers, and radio hosts who clamored to meet him—dragging his hapless human behind him as he greeted fame with his usual joie de vivre and occasional “catitude.” He became a spokes-cat for the cause of special-needs animals everywhere, and eventually the wise older mentor to the new special-needs kitten who would enter his and Gwen’s lives.
New "fur-sib" Clayton, watching Homer
Photo Courtesy of Gwen Cooper
 Most importantly, Homer taught those who loved him best how to live and die with courage and joy—and left behind a rescue community of “Homer’s Heroes” that continues to save countless lives in his name.
By turns humorous and tender, this beautifully written, 115-page sequel concludes the adventures of Homer the Blind Wonder Cat—the fearless feline who proved that love isn’t something you see with your eyes, that even the smallest of creatures can make a big difference, and that true love lives forever.
What Can You Expect When Reading Homer:The Ninth Life Of A Blind Wonder Cat by Gwen Cooper:
"first and foremost, this is a book of stories-stories about a cat who rose from obscurity to fame, who was promoted from barely tolerated baby brother to adored "big kid," and who continues to save the lives of other animals to this day, simply because HE lived and his story was told."

Jackson Galaxy and Homer
Photo Courtesy of Gwen Cooper
Gwen met Jackson Galaxy on the "cat circuit" and became fast friends. The odds are virtually all of you reading this review have struggled with end of life decisions that inevitably we all must make with our pets. It is the most devastating part of living with and loving a pet. Jackson Galaxy offered sage advice to Gwen during Homer's final months that are words that will offer comfort to all of us who have and who WILL face these decisions.  "Taking care of someone means putting them before you. And that means you , in this moment, don't matter. Your sadness doesn't matter....you're a parent with only one job. You have to listen to Homer...."
Yes, I relived the passing of my Angel Bobo, and the tears I shed while reading Homer:The Ninth Life Of A Blind Wonder Cat  were not only for Homer but for my Angel Bobo too. Bobo was 18 when he left this earth, Homer was 16.
Gwen has a style of writing that is raw, real, HUMAN. She takes you on a journey into her life, into her soul, into her heart.  As a result, you will relive some painful moments in your own life with your pet(s). But that's ok. It's necessary, it's LOVE.  The animal, human, pet parent bond we have with our fur babies is profound and deep. There is an element of comfort derived from reading a work by another pet parent who understands that bond. SHE LIVED IT.
 While Bobo wasn't a "special needs" kitty, I rescued him and he NEEDED ME, WE NEEDED EACH OTHER. When he left, a part of me left with him. Reading about Homer brought my Bobo back to me, if only for a few hours. The gift of  the memories of his love warmed my soul. My tears were cathartic. 
Homer's  Gift To Gwen:
"The greatest gift Homer left me with when he left me for good was fresh evidence every day---every single day---of the innate goodness of most people, even when news headlines make it far too easy to conclude otherwise."
"In a very literal way, Homer's passing brought life in its wake. There are countless animals alive today because of Homer's loss...even in his physical absence, Homer's spirit hasn't gone anywhere....as much as I know that if I could wave a magic wand and undo Homer's death, I would do so in a heartbeat---in a nanosecond--I also know that I would never trade any of the things I have in my life today because I loved Homer, and also because I lost him. Not for worlds."
From the blog post I did on August 26, 2013 when I learned of Homer's passing: Homer, THANK YOU for being a most AMAZING YOU, Gwen, thank you for sharing Homer with the world and teaching the public that not only do BLACK CATS make wonderful pets, but BLACK CATS, BLIND CATS and any cat with a disability is just as able to give and receive love as any cat can.
"Homer Licking Chops"
Photo Courtesy of Gwen Cooper

"Eras much gato, Thou wert plenty of cat."



 Purchase links may be found at www.hihomer.com. 
FOLLOW HOMER ON SOCIAL MEDIA

AND NOW ON INSTAGRAM!!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:GWEN COOPER is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat; the novels Love Saves the Day and Diary of a South Beach Party Girl; and the crowd-sourced collection of cat selfies, Kittenish. 100% of the proceeds from which were donated to support animal rescue in Nepal following the 2015 earthquake. She is a frequent speaker at shelter fundraisers and donates 10% of her royalties from Homer's Odyssey to organizations that serve abused, abandoned, and disabled animals. She also manages Homer's ongoing social-media community, which reaches nearly two million cat enthusiasts and rescuers around the world each day.

Gwen lives in Manhattan with her husband, Laurence. She also lives with her two perfect cats--Clayton the Tripod and his litter-mate, Fanny--who aren't impressed with any of it.




In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of Homer:The Ninth Life of a Blind Wonder Cat in exchange for my always honest review. 




Friday, February 26, 2016

Lucky CuddleMuff® Winner!!

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for:



HUGE CONCATULATIONS
TO THE LUCKY WINNER
LISTED BELOW!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



For the one or two of you who don't know
 Annabelle and her fursibs,
 she has a blog too! It is called:

CLICK HERE TO VISIT!!!

Monday, February 22, 2016

It's Easy To #MakeHeartsHappy With A Gift From Personal Creations!

Almost as much as I love cats, I LOVE personalized gifts! I think it stems from having a first name with an unusual spelling. I love how my name is spelled (Caren with a "C"), but as a child, teenager and even as an adult, there were and ARE MANY times I feel left out!

As a child, I remember being jealous of my friends who had pencils and other items with their names displayed on them. Girls had barrettes that featured their names, there were all sorts of items, that with no internet when I was growing up, one of the only places to purchase personalized items was a local store. Needless to say, there never was, (and still aren't), items with "Caren" spelled with a "C".


So, when my new friend at Personalized Creations, (an FTD company),  emailed me about a campaign that they were having called #MakeHeartsHappy , after viewing their website, I jumped on board! The original "ask" was that I create a romantic dinner for my husband for Valentine's Day...well...I cook nearly EVERY DAY, and in our house, while we celebrate Valentine's Day, we don't make a big deal out of it. My husband's birthday happens to be in February and I decided to choose a personalized gift for him for his birthday instead.

I was offered the chance to choose any item that I wanted from the Personalized Creations Kitchen Gifts Page and while I lusted after mixing bowls, treat jars, mugs, platters, etc., etc., etc., for myself, I gathered myself together and continued my search for the appropriate gift for my husband.  When my eyes fell on the Coffee Time Kitchen Clock I knew that because I could PERSONALIZE it, it would make the perfect gift!!



Isn't that just the cutest!!?? Outside of our pets, our family, and sports, (probably not in that order for my husband, HA!!),  my husband and I ADORE COFFEE!!! We make a minimum of two pots per day, let me correct that, my husband is the primary "coffee-maker" in our home. He doesn't cook anything except oatmeal, but he makes a fabulous pot of coffee, which I am blessed to wake up to every morning!


Courtesy of 


 No single serve little cup thingies for us, we tried those and drink way too much coffee for those to be practical. We take our coffee much too seriously!!! I even have one of my pinterest boards that is dedicated to my love of coffee! The Coffee Time Kitchen Clock was the PERFECT way to thank my husband for the countless pots of coffee he has made, and to show him just how much it is appreciated!

When I presented his gift to him, he couldn't have been happier!



 The oversized numbers make it easy to see the time, since we are "old" we need that!! It uses 1 AA battery (not included).

Made of wood with keyhole.

You can personalize with any name up to 10 characters ("'s" is not automatic and must be entered if you want it to appear) and 2-line message up to 8 capitalized characters.

Measures 12"W x 9”H.

I was impressed with the total "look" and feel of the clock. It is solid, sturdy and non-obtrusive on our wall. I have had it up a couple of weeks now and my husband and I both love it!  (My ONLY complaint, is one of the clock "hands" was sticking out just a tiny bit when it arrived), but it is no big deal. The clock works beautifully and looks great in our kitchen.


I think it is just sooo cute that it says "Lenny's Coffee House" I LOVE IT!!

Why Personal Creations?

Personalized gifts stand out from others.

They are SPECIAL! Personal Creations will handle all of the details, you don't have to worry about a thing!

They offer over 10,000 gifts to choose from!
Items ship in 1-3 days

When thinking of a gift for someone you want to make feel special and happy, a gift from Personalized Creations is the way to go!

February, "the month of love" is rapidly coming to a close, but there is still time to "Make Hearts Happy" with a gift from Personal Creations! Bookmark them for birthdays, showers, anniversaries, graduations, Easter, "just because gifts", the list goes on and on!!

I couldn't be happier with the gift that I got for my husband, he loves it and that not only makes HIS heart happy, but it makes MY heart happy too!! (Now....about those personalized mixing bowls for me.....)

VISIT PERSONAL CREATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

PINTEREST 

In full disclosure I was not compensated for this post. I was sent a personalized kitchen clock and I agreed to help promote this worthwhile campaign!

Friday, February 19, 2016

Thank you and Happy Birthday to the Cat Daddy of the Cat Blogosphere!!!!



Thanks for keeping those  "daily linkies" up and running for us!

THANK YOU for keeping us up to date on
our special events, and giveaways, and contests
and for telling us sometimes sad news
that we should know about

We couldn't do it without you!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!



SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR MO:
(P.S.:we are still waiting for you to add "follow by email" to your blog)



Monday, February 15, 2016

Cat Product Review and Give-Away: YOUR Cat will LOVE CuddleMuff®!


Having blogged for over 6 years now, it is highly unusual for me to reach out to a brand asking to review their product. There have been few exceptions, and the CuddleMuff is one of them!

I had seen the CuddleMuff featured on a few blogs, and the second I saw it, I KNEW it was a product that Cody would LOVE!

Cody, as is the case with most cats,  loves to sleep on surfaces that are plush, cozy, soft and comfy, CuddleMuff meets ALL of his criteria and MORE!
Photo Courtesy of CuddleMuff
CuddleMuff® in muff form.
 Fasten ends to create muff-like shape.
 Front and back remain open for easy access or quick escape for your pet.
The CuddleMuff that Cody received is the exact one that is featured in the photo from the CuddleMuff website above.

CuddleMuff  is made SPECIFICALLY FOR FURNITURE USE.  Thus far it has  provided Cody, and will provide YOUR furry family member the chance to enjoy their own safe, cozy haven while remaining in the same room as  the rest of the family!

Cody hasn't had his CuddleMuff long at all, (less than a month), so unfortunately I was unable to take any photos of him using it in the way it appears above, but that in NO WAY means that he LOVES it any less! It took him maybe three or four days until he gravitated to it, once he discovered how soft and cozy it was, he has been there every day since!


You can see from my photo just how soft, plush and cozy the CuddleMuff is!

It is advised that when you first introduce your cat to the CuddleMuff that you use it in the OPEN FORM as shown in the video below.

As suggested in the above video, I put Cody's CuddleMuff on one of his favorite places to sleep, the couch! One of many things that I love about the CuddleMuff is that it PROTECTS AND SAFEGUARDS my furniture from tons of cat hair that is shed wherever Cody sleeps, it also protects the furniture from wear and tear and other soiling!

 If you have a more anxious cat,
 it also helps to alleviate pet anxiety!


When CuddleMuff is used in its intended "muff-like shape", your cat has a  haven that swaddles him/her and allows him/her to feel safe and secure.  You also have the option of using it open as Cody is doing for now, or partially closed, as shown in the photo below.

Photo Courtesy of CuddleMuff
For big cats or different options, just Velcro your CuddleMuff® at one end instead of all three.

CuddleMuff is also great for SMALL DOGS!!!


Travel with your pet?
As you can see,  CuddleMuff is completely PORTABLE!!! Whether your cat simply "travels" from room to room or goes across the country, The CuddleMuff can go along for the ride!! Your kitty will enjoy his/her "home away from home" in hotel rooms, car rides,  even trips to the dreaded "V-E-T!!"

To learn more about The CuddleMuff visit their ABOUT page



The CuddleMuff is 100% Polyester, DRY CLEANING BY A DRY CLEANER IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. If not laundered properly, stuffing may bunch. (If gentle machine washing, roll muff up tight and tie it closed at both ends, and at middle during washing and in dryer.) TIES ARE INCLUDED. Can also dry flat. If hand washing, wash and dry flat. (As I mentioned above, Cody has only had his CuddleMuff for a few weeks, so using it in the proper "muff-like" form and laundering has not been necessary thus far.)

 Cody and I are as thrilled with the CuddleMuff as I anticipated him being! I couldn't be happier with how well made it is and how SOFT and cozy it is! I am waiting for CuddleMuff to make one of these for humans! I'd be all over it!!

As promised, in our Valentine's Day post this is DAY TWO of our TWO DAY GIVE-AWAYS and our friend at CuddleMuff, Cody and myself, want YOU to be as comfy cozy as HE IS!!


CuddleMuff is offering ONE OF OUR READERS who RESIDES IN EITHER THE U.S. OR CANADA the chance to win a CuddleMuff of their own!!! (A $39.99+ value!!) Our apologies to our International readers but shipping for the CuddleMuff is only available in the U.S. and Canada. Entering is SUPER EASY...just enter on the Rafflecopter below!!! Good luck!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway









In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a CuddleMuff in exchange for my always honest review.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Day One of our TWO Day Valentine's Day Give-Aways!

Cody and red hearts
done by Glogirly
Text and big heart
done by Cody

Happy Valentine's Day my furiends!!!!! I don't usually post on Sundays, but when I do, it's Valentine's Day and it is DAY ONE of my TWO DAY GIVE-AWAY for YOU!!!

Day One is a WORLD-WIDE GIVE-AWAY!!!

Late in 2015 Mom and I were  contacted by a sweet lady named Lucie who has a lovely shop on Etsy,  and she has a website too! Mom and I were  flattered because she found our  blog all the way in  Valašské Meziříčí in the Czech Republic!!!!

·      Quirky hand-painted stainless steel jewelry
 and jewelry stands

The above photo are the earrings that Mom chose to feature on the blog
 
(she received ONE pair of earrings, but she took two different photos for you).
Visit www.Cinkylinky.com and Cinkylinky on Etsy!!



The jewelry that is in the shop is "Whimsical stainless steel jewelry"

Kitties, you won't believe it, but there are only TWO people in the shop, where Lucie works? Just Lucie and her husband Petr!

FROM PETR ON ETSY:
Lucie has always been very good at painting, and when she was fourteen she started to make wired jewelry. She combined beads, stones and semi-precious stones for her friends, whilst also making some extra "pocket money" at her friend´s Mom´s shop by making and selling hand-made products.

The idea to start a business came in 2004, when we were students here in the Czech Republic and wanted to go to Greece during the summer break. We were poor, and could certainly not afford an expensive "holiday". However, we could afford the journey itself, so we bought the tickets, packed our bags with a lot of wires, beads and two pairs of pliers and, after a forty hour coach journey from the geographical "Heart of Europe", we made it to the original "Heart" of European philosophy and culture. We ended up on the beautiful island of Paros, slept on the beach and sold our jewelry to other tourists. On good days, we were able to leave our bags in a bush and go to a restaurant for a lovely Greek meal. Sometimes we even traveled to surrounding islands. It was a great summer, and, when we came back, we were full of enthusiasm for more "good days" - something we knew now was possible. Here in the Czech Republic we found more shops to ally ourselves with, and things started to "roll up".

Then Lucie came up with very funny hand-painted copper birds with wired legs. They were a great success and, because they were very much of a "novelty", they sold so well that we could never make enough of them. At that time we started to go to summer music festivals and craft shows, meeting our customers face-to-face. This was a great joy, especially because some of them had already become familiar with our designs and became our "regulars". 

Photo Courtesy of  CinkyLinky.com


Then we changed from copper to stainless steel, a material which enchanted us with its amazing qualities and characteristics.

We started to sell jewelry because we wanted to enjoy our summer holiday. However, soon it became more than that - making jewelry, and everything associated with it, became a passion we could not live without.

We still bring our designs to customers at craft shows and music festivals and cooperate with local handmade shops. Now, thanks to Etsy, we feel blessed to be able to bring the results of our work to people all around the world.

Petr (2014)



Kitties wait til you see all of the earrings and other adorable items on their website and in their Etsy shop! If you didn't get your human anything for Valentine's Day, you can make up for that right now! When Mom was looking at the site she saw a DARLING cat shaped earring/jewelry holder  that I bet your human would love, and many other items as well!

Photo Courtesy of Cinky Linky.com

Mom LOVES her earrings and they have all sorts of different kinds! There are of course cat earrings, there are also ladybugs, woofies, fish, even LIZARD earrings!

Mom and I thank Lucie for Mom's beautiful earrings and guess what? YOU CAN WIN TOO!!!!! Lucie has generously offered THREE OF OUR READERS WHO LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD the chance to PICK OUT ANY PAIR OF EARRINGS for themselves!!!! (an approx $20 value).

Entering is easy!! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below and good luck!!!! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway














In full disclosure:We were not compensated for this review/give-away. Mom received one pair of earrings in exchange for her always honest review.


Friday, February 12, 2016

Kitties! I am a victim of BODY SHAMING!!!

Hi my furiends!! It's Cody! Today I am somewhat upset, make that hissing angry!! You see, I cannot begin to tell you just how INSULTING AND DISRESPECTFUL my Mom was to me the other day!

It all started the day before she went in for her procedure (had the insult occurred the day after, I could have blamed it on the anesthesia, but alas, no such luck for my Mom.) The insult was made when she was TOTALLY in her "right mind", (whatever that is, but that's another story all together!)

Mom had looked at me while she was working on her computer. I was staring at her because it was time for my midday repast and I was wondering just WHAT was taking her so long to tend to my needs, when suddenly, she BURST OUT LAUGHING. SHE KEPT LOOKING AT ME AND LAUGHED AND LAUGHED AND LAUGHED.

I waited to see just how long it would take her to let me in on the joke.

She then proceeded to tell me that the way I was sitting made my body shape look EXACTLY like....ready for this? 

A PEAR!!!!

Observe my expression and you will see just how upset I was by that disgusting comment.

Kitties, can you tell that I was NOT amused?

Has this woman taken a look at HERSELF in a mirror lately? Obviously NOT!!   I bet when they wheeled her in for her procedure, they had WIDE LOAD emblazoned on the hospital gurney!!!!! 

Then, to add insult to injury, Mom said because I am chewing everything I can get my paws on (from envelopes, to the leaves on my cat tree, to plastic, you name it, I'm all over it), my mouth is so swollen that Mom said she had to EDIT MY PHOTO to make me look DECENT!!!! THE NERVE!!!

Mom went into the Super Photo App that many others are using, then she went to Ribbet for some more tinkering.

Kitties, I ask you, am I not PERFECT just the way I am? Must I endure these insults and disrespect? Have YOU ever been insulted in such a callous way?

I hope on Mom's next procedure that she passes stones the size of LAVA ROCKS spewing from ALL of the Hawaiian volcanoes!!!

Now...if you will excuse me, I have a treat dispenser just waiting for some action...from...ME!!!

Love, Cody


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Off to get "Stoned!"

OFF TO HAVE LITHOTRIPSY NUMBER 8, 9 or 10?
CAN'T REMEMBER
BUT WHO'S COUNTING!?




For those that Google "Lithotripsy". They mention "shock waves" which makes it sound like nothing. The "shock waves" are transmitted by being under anesthesia and your kidney is lined up with a machine that PULVERIZES your kidney, which translates to YOUR SIDE...

 2500 times

 (No, I am NOT kidding). Sometimes you are fine after, sometimes you are  bruised, sometimes not. Other times they hurt like.......


Each one I have had has been completely different than previous lithos. The nice part? You get a FABULOUS "nap."

CATCH YOU ON THE REBOUND!!!





Sunday, February 7, 2016

#SuperBowl50 Why I have "Carolina In My Mind" (My apologies to my friends and family in Denver)


Why do I have "Carolina In My Mind?"

Now, don't get me wrong. I am STILL a Detroit Lions fan, but since the Lions are home playing with their wand toys and eating kibble, my kitty heart (and the heart of my Mom), beats for the pawesome Carolina Panthers!!

For those people who know my Mom well, they know  that before Mom lived in Michigan she lived in Cleveland, Ohio for 35 years.

During that time, Mom was a die-hard fan of the Cleveland Browns. For those that have some knowledge of sports history, you know that not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES, the Denver Broncos denied the Cleveland Browns a chance to be in the Super Bowl. (For some, like my Mom, "The Drive" and "The Fumble" STILL hurt!!) They were some of the most (if not THE MOST) painful losses in Cleveland sports history.

Those are some HUGE reasons why Mom says that no way will she ever be pushing for the Denver Broncos to win ANYTHING. BUT...Mom feels torn because she has friends and family that live in Denver, (but the Denver family wasn't born and raised there so that makes her feel better).

This year we also have a  a niece and nephew who are ACTUALLY AT THE SUPER BOWL !! (but they are from Detroit).  Mom says, and I agree, that she has to go with her heart (and I have to go with my fellow felines, because they are PANTHERS!!).

There is yet another, HUGE reason why Mom and I are "pro Carolina", Mom has a dear, dear friend who she has been friends with  for approximately 15 years who WAS born and raised in N.Carolina and still lives there, (she even sent Mom a Carolina Panthers T-shirt to wear during the game!) Mom's friend is so excited about the Panthers being in the Super Bowl, and Mom and I are ecstatic and thrilled for them as well!! The Carolina Panthers had one heck of a record this season and they COMPLETELY DESERVE to win THE ENTIRE BOWL OF KIBBLE!!!

So....may the best team, (THE CAROLINA PANTHERS), 
 win Super Bowl 50 and good luck to all!!!



Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Groundhog Day:Hey Mr.Groundhog! When is WINTER Gonna Start?

I have always had an issue with Ground Hog Day which is celebrated in the U.S. and Canada.  Supposedly, if the groundhog emerges from his burrow and sees his shadow, that means there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, then we will have an early Spring.

Here in Southeastern Michigan we haven't had much of a winter. Sure, we have had frigid temps but nothing like the norm. Snow? "Fuget about it!" we have barely had any. I find myself WISHING it would snow so that it feels like WINTER! My fear this year, is that we will have BLIZZARDS IN JUNE!!

Why do I have an issue with Groundhog Day?
Because Spring begins March 20th (some years it  begins on  March 21st),  if you do the math, that is SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER regardless (slightly more).  Then, depending on where you live, Spring NEVER starts until after April 14th, (in the Midwest we have had a number of significant snowstorms the first week of April!)...thus making Groundhog Day and the skewed opinion of the Groundhog useless.
Found on Pinterest, it was pinned by someone else from Found on britsintheus23.blogspot.co
Found on Pinterest, it was pinned by someone else from Found on britsintheus23.blogspot.co



THERE IS A SOLUTION!!





 You want an

accurate prediction?

Ask a Cat!!

'Nuff Said!!

Monday, February 1, 2016

My Pet Pledge for 2016! Make Yours and Enter To Win at Purina PureLoveForPets.com ! #Sponsored

This is a sponsored post, written by me on behalf of  Nestle Purina®  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the  Purina Pet Pledge Campaign 2016.   Cat Chat With Caren and Cody only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.



Here we are, a month into the New Year, and if you are like many people, the "resolutions" you made for yourself have fallen by the wayside. That is why I prefer to use the word "intentions" or even better, the word "pledge."  A "pledge" is a "solemn promise or undertaking". For me, promises are serious business, if I make a promise I will do my UTMOST to keep it, much more than a resolution or an intention.

This year our friends at  Purina want to keep all of our favorite four-legged family members in mind as we make our  pledges! With February being "The Month of Love" , it is the purrfect time to make a pledge to our furry family members! 

What is MY Pledge?
See this cute guy?

That's Cody, and Cody is NOT holding a cat toy. Cody is holding Dakota's BALL. A DOG BALL! Why a dog ball? Well, long story short, I had come into the living room because I felt sorry for Dakota, (I felt he wasn't being active enough), and I started throwing one of his balls to him. Dakota had NO interest in it...but....CODY DID!

I felt so guilty! Nearly every night after dinner Cody goes into the bedroom hoping that I will tear myself away from the computer, even for just 15 minutes and play his favorite game in the world. We call it "The Silly Game". What it boils down to is Cody likes to play with his favorite wand toy, (the one with the furry little mouse on the end, that you all know of quite well!). HE LOVES THAT GAME! For quite some time I would play EVERY NIGHT. Then, as many of us do, I started being "too busy." I would say "Not now Cody, Mama has work to do", or "maybe tomorrow Cody", but then tomorrow comes and it is the same thing again. I know, I am an AWFUL kitty Mama. I am sure you have all been there at some point yourselves so don't point a paw at me!  It got me to thinking,

If my baby can make the time for ME, as he always does, even when I am just resting on the couch, the LEAST I can do is to make the time for HIM....I can take 15 minutes as many days a week as he wants to play, and PLAY WITH HIM. He won't be here forever, we all know too well how fast the time passes. I must savor each and every moment that I am blessed to spend with him. My pledge is to take the time at LEAST once a day and play that "Silly Game" with Cody. If it is important to HIM, it should be important to ME.


 Our friends at Purina, Cody and I are  encouraging everyone to make a Pet Pledge for 2016 – it can be anything, from spending more time with your pets each day to pampering them with new toys or accessories, and anything in between. Once you’ve made your Pledge, visit PureLoveForPets.com and share it with Purina! While you’re on the site, play their instant-win game to win a prize box or their grand prize – all geared to help you keep that Pledge:


Cat Prize Box– Cat Furminator, Kitty Hammock, toys, other cat-related accessories! Visit PureLoveForPets.com to see ALL of the prizes!
Photo Courtesy of Purina



Cat Grand Prize – Deluxe Cat Tower
Photo Courtesy of Purina



Because this is a cat blog we are focusing on the prizes that CATS can win. There are DOG PRIZES AS WELL! They include a Dog Prize Box – Dog Furminator, Kong toys, other dog-related accessories!!!

Dog Grand Prize – the Deluxe Dog Crate---is AMAZING!!!

to check it out
 and to check out
 ALL OF THE 
PAWESOME PRIZES!!!

The Instant Win game will  run through Wednesday, February 17. In addition, PureLoveForPets.com will also feature information and tips on different Pet Pledges you can make and how to help keep them throughout the year. There are coupons there too!


I made MY pledge AND played the Instant Win game as well, it couldn't be easier!!! Be sure to head over there yourself!!!!!

I shared my pledge with Purina and all of you, now tell me, in a comment below, what will YOUR PLEDGE to your pet(s) be?

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!!

About Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is a global leader in the pet care industry. NestléPurina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.


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