It's National Coffee Day!!!

EVERY day for me is National Coffee Day, but every year on September 29th, the rest of the Nation decides to join me!  Click here to see where to get "deals and freebies."

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I have been a coffee lover since I had my first sip of coffee when I was a child. Well, I THOUGHT it was coffee! In reality, it was a mug of warm milk that my Grandmother "flavored" with a tiny bit of coffee. To me, it WAS coffee and I felt oh so grown up!  I was HOOKED!

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I love EVERYTHING about coffee, the taste, the smell of it brewing, EVERYTHING!

I have laughed and cried over a cup of coffee, read fabulous books, had intense conversations and no conversation at all with a cup of coffee in my hand. I have started and ended meals with coffee. Come to think of it, I have started and ended relationships with it too!

I drink coffee all day, and well into the night. I can have a cup of coffee before going to bed and sleep like a baby. (There is a long-standing argument as to which has more caffeine, coffee or tea? Most believe it is coffee....WRONG...there is MORE caffeine in tea which is why my Urologist forbids me drinking tea because of my kidney stones. But...that could fluctuate depending on how strong you make your coffee.) 

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I am not a coffee snob.  I will pretty much drink all types, but I do have a couple of rules.  NO INSTANT COFFEE!! NO DECAF!!! None!

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My love of coffee is so strong, (pun intended), that I have an entire Pinterest board devoted to it. Some of my  favorite cat-related coffee pins are shown above and below.

You enjoy while I go make a fresh pot of coffee!

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Last, but not least, one of MANY  coffee collectibles that are hanging in my home:

You can see more of my coffee pins, both cat-related and non, by visiting my Pinterest board!

So, tell me, are YOU a coffee freak? What's your favorite way to drink it? Mine is just with powdered creamer, some sweetener or sugar, nothing fancy......and....get ready because International Coffee Day is October 1st!!!

Drink up!

My Office Romance

He even has his own bed...........

Now, now...who did you expect??????? 

I recently took on a second job, (part time, working from home), and couldn't be happier. While I tend to do my "main job" (blogging), from the dining room table, my second job involves a lot of speaking on the phone. Whenever I am going to be focusing on my second job, I head into my home office, which is quieter, and obviously somebody else appreciates the quiet too.

The other day while I was working, I was so engrossed,  I never noticed that Cody had entered the room, (he has his own cat door). I turned, looked, and saw my adorable kitty boy staring at me.

It doesn't get any better than this!!

Reflecting

Found the quote on Pinterest
Not sure who originally said it

Cat Cards, SqueakNSnap and Cat Toys!

Hi and Happy Friday all!

A few weeks ago our friends over at 15 and Meowing had a pawesome giveaway and we won!!! The main prize was the   Squeak N Snap   , which I had heard about and desperately wanted to try!

What is SqueakNSnap?

The concept is genius, and using the SqueakNSnap is a breeze! It is super easy to use. Most of us who photograph children and pets know just how hard it can be to get them to look at the camera. SqueakNSnap is a cute little bear, with a button hidden in his belly, that when you plug the end of the cord that comes with it into your iPhone or Android phone headset jack or hole (with the camera app OPEN), each time you squeeze the bear's belly, it makes a squeaky (hence the name) sound. The "squeaky" sound is nearly guaranteed to capture your child or your pet's attention. With each "squeak" the camera "SNAPS!!" a photo!! Brilliant!! No more struggling to get the attention of your child or pet, they will automatically look in the direction of the camera, (most of the time!)

 The only glitch that I thought of is, if you have an iPhone that came out BEFORE the new 7, the SqueakNSnap will work. Apple has removed the headphone jack from the new iPhones, but I have a feeling that SqueakNSnap will come up with something to compensate for that.

Here is Cody's reaction when he first heard the "squeak"

I will say that Cody wasn't as interested in the squeaky sound as I had expected him to be, but it worked super well with Dakota (I think dogs are just more tuned into that "squeaky" sound).

I will use the SqueakNSnap until I get the new iPhone. One thing I learned is your first instinct is to keep squeezing the bear's belly to get the attention of your pet, but each time you squeeze, the button in the bear's belly, the SqueakNSnap  takes a photo. (I had about 20 of the same photo until I realized that, because stupid me was too lazy to read the directions FIRST before trying it.)

Dakota is my more reluctant "model" and it worked like a champ to get his attention, I definitely recommend SqeakNSnap if you have a hard to photograph pet or child.

Not only did I win the SqueakNSnap,  Ellen generously  included those hilarious "greeting" cards shown above, along with   two handmade cat toys! That was sooo sweet of her!! If you read the cards above, do you think that Ellen is trying to send Mom a subliminal message? Hmmmm.........

Cody particularly enjoyed the toys!

Check out the video below that shows just how much of a great time Cody had with the toys that Ellen had made! It is only 48 seconds long, be sure to watch around the 47 second mark!  Cody pounces on the toy, does a somersault, and lands smack dab in his bed!! He could NOT have orchestrated that better!


Thanks so much Ellen and kitty family!!!!!!  I am going to have fun trying to get Dakota and Cody to look at the camera more, I am probably going to frame those cards because they are too hilarious to part with,  and Cody will continue to have a blast with his toys!

#RememberMeThursday "Shine a Light and Save a LIFE" #RemembertheRescue

Hi every furry and human! It's Cody, and I am here to tell you that today is a most impawtant day. It is the day when we honor the millions of pets who lost their lives without the benefit of a loving home, and shine a light on the millions of healthy pets who are still awaiting adoption.

Animal lovers across the planet will honor these loving babies

 by lighting candles on the exact same day.

I am a rescue kitty.

I was blessed that I had an amazing foster mother and was adopted by my Mom at a young age, but things could have been different.

Today I want to acknowledge animals who weren't as lucky as me and pray for those who are still waiting to be adopted. May they all find loving homes.

Courtesy of Remember Me Thursday

#REMEMBER THE RESCUE CHALLENGE

Courtesy of Remember Me Thursday

TO SEE OTHER WAYS
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
CLICK HERE

"Oh to Be a CAT" (Wordless Wednesday)

Cody Afternoon of Sept 20th, 2016
Amazing Tree from Pet Tree Houses

Want to Woo a Wench? It's Meow or Talk Like A Pirate Day!!

WANT TO KNOW

HOW INTERNATIONAL

TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY BEGAN?

READ ABOUT IT HERE!



It would not be right on
International Pirate Day
for me NOT to repeat the
catabulous photo made for me by
Mr.Puddy !!!

We be so glad you stopped by on International Talk (Meow) Like a Pirate Day! We be goin' t' have so much fun goin' around visitin' all o' you! Can't wait t' see what fun you be havin' today! Are thar certain games that you like t' play today? Tell us 
about them! Love, Cody and Caren


Join us over at Speedy's for MORE PIRATE DAY FUN!!!

Detroit Lions First Home Game of 2016

Hi all this is Cody! I am at the keyboard because Mom is still sick, but she gave me all that I need for this post.

Mom is super sad because today is the first HOME game of the Detroit Lions 2016 football season, (their first game of the season was last week and they won!!)

Because Mom became so sick after her trip to New York and is on antibiotics, this is the FIRST HOME OPENER FOOTBALL GAME in approx. six years that Mom will miss. Dad is going though!

So, I am sharing Mom's latest page that she colored a few weeks ago, she thought it would be perfect for the Lions!!

Now, should the season not go as Mom and Dad hope that it goes, there is always THIS football team that Mom can follow.

I don't know about you, but I think the last photo is much, much better!!  What do YOU think? (For those not in Detroit, there actually IS a Cody High School here!)

Anyway, Mom will be cheering for the Lions from the couch and is hoping Dad has a great time. She will try and not be too sad.

Good luck Lions on the 2016 season!!!!

YOUR Cat Can Be A Calendar Girl (Or Boy!!) The Cats of 2017 Calendar!

For the past few years Cody has been honored to be a part of the Cat Blogoshere Planner/Calendar that "Mom Paula" from Sweet Purrfections painstakingly puts together each year.

Click here for all photo requirements and details!

This calendar is a MUST-HAVE for ALL CAT BLOGGERS!! I have always used an editorial calendar but NONE are as comprehensive, as fun to look at, or as well put together as this one!

There is TONS of space to write important notes that you need for your blog by each date. You know how some folks wonder how the rest of us know about certain holidays and others feel as if they are out of the loop? Well, when you have this calendar you will know about most (if not all) important events that pertain to cat bloggers and you can plan your blogging schedule well in advance.

Also, other calendars don't have THE MOST ADORABLE CATS OF THE BLOGOSPHERE featured in them!! It is so much fun to turn the pages and see the cats (as well as blogs) of our friends and we often meet new friends too!

Mom Paula needs approximately FIFTY more photo submissions within the next TWO WEEKS. You can find all of the guidelines by using the link I posted under the photo above.

If you are in doubt as to how to put together your own collage, NO WORRIES!! I had sized mine incorrectly for this year, but Mom Paula is more than patient and accommodating, she fixed it and already has put my collage together and here it is!

Doesn't it look great?

Now, don't miss out!! Due to the arduous task that it is to make The Cats of 2017 Calendar the deadline is strict!! Hurry and submit your photos today!!!!!

"Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will be right here waiting...for you"

15 Years Later...We Remember.... 9/11

Thank you for remembering with us today

hold your loved ones close

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Vote For ArtPrize Entry from Michigan Artist Which Features 300 Animals From Michigan Humane Society (Caturday Art)

We haven't participated in the Caturday Art Blog Hop that is hosted by Athena and her wonderful Mom, Marie,  in quite some time, mostly because we don't usually post on Saturdays, and because things have been kind of crazy at "Casa de Cody." When Michigan Humane contacted me yesterday with this story about this incredible artist, I think you will agree that this HAD to be a part of the Caturday Art Blog Hop, even if it is not the traditional kind of a post that would be seen there.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Humane

 BIRMINGHAM, MICH. ARTIST WEATHERLY STROH
 LETS THE DOGS, CATS – AND OTHER PETS –
 OUT AT THIS YEAR’S ARTPRIZE Oil painting entitled “300” features animals
 from Michigan Humane Society

Artist Weatherly Stroh is preparing to enter her first ArtPrize competition, and she hopes her piece will go to the dogs – and cats, rabbits and birds – by raising awareness for homeless pets. Stroh’s piece is a 5-ft by 15-ft collage of portraits featuring homeless animals from the Michigan Humane Society. Along with the painting, Stroh’s entry will feature a time-lapse video showing the creation of the piece. ArtPrize 2016, held in Grand Rapids, Mich., runs from Sept. 21 through Oct. 9.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Humane

“We are grateful to Weatherly for this unique partnership, which allows us to celebrate the positive impact of our beloved companions through a work of fine art,” said Michigan Humane Society President and CEO Matthew Pepper. 

ArtPrize is an annual creative competition attracting artists from around the world. It has both a juried vote and a public vote. It is free to the public, who are encouraged to vote via social media or email, and takes place at locations throughout the city.

“My goal in creating ‘300’ is to highlight the sheer number of homeless animals that pass through the Michigan Humane Society’s doors each day, as well as the amazing work they do to find these companion animals forever homes where they will receive a lifetime of love and care,” said Stroh. “I started by photographing 300 homeless animals, which gave me a close-up look at just how much time and financial resources go into their care and adoption.”

Stroh’s painting will be displayed at the Richard App Gallery at the City Water Building, located at 1101 Monroe Ave.  Visit weatherlystroh.com or artprize.com for more information and details on casting your vote. To vote for Stroh’s piece, use vote code 62651.

Born in Detroit in 1974, Weatherly Melchers Stroh comes from a long lineage of artists including sculptor, Julius Melchers and American Impressionist painter, Gari Melchers.  Continuing in the family tradition, Stroh is an oil painter and sculptor specializing in animal portraits and landscapes. Stroh’s work can be found in a myriad of public and private art collections both in the United States and abroad. A class member of L. Brooks Patterson’s 2013 Elite 40 under 40, a 2013 MI Great Artist finalist, and the 2014 MI Great Artist winner, Stroh currently works out of her studio in Birmingham, Mich. As an advocate for all animals, a portion of the proceeds of her painting sales goes to the Michigan Humane Society.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Humane
Weatherly and her dog Kenai

The Michigan Humane Society is the largest and most historic 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 its care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values. For more information, visit michiganhumane.org.

For more fabulous art entries visit Athena and Marie's blog right here!

#PurinaPartner " Meet Punky the Perfect Dog and Companion" #MetOnPetfinder

This is a sponsored post, written by me on behalf of  Nestle Purina®  and PetFinder. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Petfinder's 20th Anniversary.  Cat Chat With Caren and Cody only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

For the past 20 years, Petfinder has worked to ensure that more adoptable pets find their forever homes. Since 1996, Petfinder has helped facilitate more than 25 million pet adoptions through its shelter and rescue member organizations.


While neither of my pets were found on Petfinder, for many years I have had the Petfinder widget displayed on the right hand side of both of my blogs which displays a daily "Featured Adoptable Pet". Since I am in Michigan, the pets that you will see featured on my Petfinder widget are always pets who are located in Michigan.

I have been blessed to know some pets who have been found on Petfinder, because  I have family members who have found their furever friends there! I am a huge fan and advocate of the work that  Petfinder does. Yes, this is a cat blog, but today we are featuring a DOG!! Yes! A DOG!! Why? Because one of my favorite dogs in our extended family, who was found on Petfinder, and was given a furever home, is Punky!!

"Punky" Photo Courtesy of Bill Stern

PUNKY'S STORY AS TOLD BY HER DAD,
 (my brother-in-law, Bill)

I was looking for a dog for my daughter on Petfinder. I wanted a little dog that was hypoallergenic, great with kids and friendly. I found a little Bichon-Poodle mix that seemed perfect. However, she was in the pound about 30 miles from where I was working. I took care of my business and drove quickly to the Westland dog pound. Unfortunately, another couple beat me. The staff made me wait across the room while this other couple played with her. They left, saying they'd think about it. When it was my turn, I played with her and found her to be lovable and friendly. I told the staff that I wanted her. They called my vet and checked me out. I then paid the adoption fee and we went to my car. Our new dog jumped in and off we went. It turned out that she not only was house broken, but knew to sit on the passenger seat when I put the car in Park. On the way home, I took her to the assisted living home to visit my father and she 'hit it off' with the residents. My daughter took her for a short time, but Punky liked my house best and bonded with me. She has been our companion for 8 years and is perfect.

"Punky" Photo Courtesy of Bill Stern

I can vouch for Punky being "perfect." She always runs to the door to greet everyone who enters and gladly accepts scritches, petting and loving. She often accompanies her "Dad" Bill, to work, she goes for car rides, family trips and recently had her FIRST trip on an airplane! She traveled  all the way to Denver to see her human brother and HIS family, which includes their dog, Baxter. Punky handled the trip like a pro!! Punky has brought much happiness to Bill, his wife, kids, grandkids and the rest of the family. Adopting Punky was the PERFECT decision!

Like my brother-in-law Bill, and his adorable dog,  Punky, more than 25 million pets and millions of pet parents can claim that they #MetOnPetfinder since the site was established in 1996 – that’s an average of 1.2 million pets per year who have found their forever homes via Petfinder and Punky is just one of them!!! That's a lot of happy pets and pet people!!


HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Petfinder is asking pet parents, pet lovers and pet advocates to join the celebration and its effort to donate $200,000 benefiting 20 shelters and rescue members. To make this donation possible, Petfinder is asking animal lovers to help generate one million views of its #MetOnPetfinder anniversary video, by October 24, which shows how adoptable pets have transformed the lives of their adopters.

When the one million views goal is met, 20 Petfinder shelter and rescue members will each receive a $10,000 grant from the Petfinder Foundation to help continue to transform the lives of the pets in their care and cultivate more lifelong relationships! 

As part of the celebration, Petfinder families, advocates, partners and fans are encouraged to share their Petfinder adoption stories on social media by using the hashtag #MetOnPetfinder. 

Petfinder encourages more people to consider adoption when adding a pet to their family. By removing barriers within the adoption process, Petfinder’s goal is to make the pet adoption process easier by connecting people with pets, just like Bill and Punky were connected!!! 

Get Social With Petfinder

Facebook: Petfinder

Twitter: @petfinder

Instagram: @petfinder

About Petfinder  

Petfinder is a leading online resource for pet adoption, education, awareness and advocacy. It strives to promote the advantage of adopting pets and make it easy to connect people with adoptable pets. Petfinder’s searchable online database of animals that need homes is updated daily and includes a directory of nearly 13,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Petfinder also includes a library of free pet-care articles to help keep pets in their homes. Since 1996, Petfinder has helped more than 25 million pets find forever homes. Petfinder joined the Nestlé Purina family in 2013.

About Nestlé Purina PetCare

Nestlé Purina 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. 

Michigan Pet Adoption:‘MEET YOUR BEST FRIEND AT THE ZOO’ ON SEPT. 16 & 17

Event has placed more than 23,000 homeless animals into loving homes since 1993

 Thinking of adding a new furry friend to your family? The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) and the Detroit Zoological Society invite you to the fall 2016 Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo, where nearly 1,000 adoptable animals will be waiting to become someone’s BFF! The event, which will take place on Friday, Sept. 16 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., has found homes for more than 23,000 animals since it began in 1993. Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo is presented by Purina and sponsored by PetSmart Charities, Premier Pet Supply and Farmers Insurance.

Photo Courtesy of Gabi Vannini

“With nearly 1,000 adoptable animals from around the state in one place, there is no better place to find a four-legged best friend than at Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo,” said CJ Bentley, MHS Senior Director of Operations. “Whether you’re looking for a cuddle bug, an exercise buddy or a mix of both, you’re sure to find a wonderful companion.”

Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from 35 animal welfare organizations including the Michigan Humane Society will be available for adoption. All dogs and cats will have received a medical check-up and age-appropriate vaccinations.

The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak. There is no charge for admission or parking for the event, which takes place under large tents in the front parking lot. The event does not include admission to the zoo.

Adoption fees and policies are set by each participating group and not by event hosts or sponsors. Animals will be adopted only to qualified homes. Adopters must present a driver’s license or state ID card. For health and safety reasons, please leave current pets at home.

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. For more information, visit www.michiganhumane.org or call 1-866-MHUMANE.

Labor Day 2016

You won't find any laboring

going on around here!

Happy Labor Day and be safe out there!!! 

Grab some nip, kick back and relax!