It's Adopt A Shelter Cat Month: Share a Photo of your Kitty BFF to Win! #AdoptYourBFF

Hi all! It's Cody and as many of you know, I was adopted. I did not live in a shelter, I had a foster Mom, but I was adopted just the same!

Mom and I love helping to spread the word about June being Adopt A Shelter Cat Month and when our dear friends at the ASPCA contacted us asking if we would help spread the word about their latest contest, we said OF COURSE!!

The ASPCA as teamed up with Fifth Harmony star Ally Brooke, to help spread the word that in the month of June the shelters are usually bursting with kitties and we all want to see them be adopted!

Cats have always been a huge part of my life. My cats love me in the most beautiful and unconditional way, and now I want to return the favor by encouraging everyone I know to take part in Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. My cat, Bobbi, was my very best friend. Please consider opening up your heart and home to a shelter cat in need. Your new BFF could be waiting for you right----Ally Brooke

You can help them out! Snap a photo of your favorite rescued cat (they would love to see you in the pic, too!) and share it on Twitter or Instagram tagging the @ASPCA and using the hashtag #AdoptYourBFF. They want to get as many people as possible sharing how great their kitty BFF is with the world to encourage others to adopt. As a bonus, they will choose their most favorite photo post to win a special prize pack, including a gift card from francesca’s and an ASPCA T-shirt autographed by Ally Brooke! P.S. if you live in L.A., the ASPCA is urgently looking for kitten fosters – please visit ASPCA.org/FosterLA to sign up. Good luck!!

#ASPCA150 Days of Rescue Give-Away Winner!

THANKS  TO ALL

WHO ENTERED

 OUR GIVE-AWAY FOR:

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

TO THE LUCKY WINNER

LISTED BELOW!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's National Pet Day! Join #ASPCA150 Days of Rescue! World-Wide Give-Away!

On Sunday, April 10^th,  ASPCA celebrateD its 150^th anniversary, and in honor of this important milestone, they are launching 150 Days of Rescue, a nationwide action campaign that seeks to unite the country in making a difference in the lives of homeless and abused animals. Animal lovers are encouraged to visit ASPCA.org/150days and pledge their time between April 10 and September 7 to help animals in need, with the goal of reaching 150,000 actions for animals in 150 days. Ways to participate include volunteering at a local shelter, donating, fostering, adopting a shelter pet, etc. Animal lovers who log their good deed will also be given the opportunity to nominate their favorite animal shelter to receive a grant prize of $150,000! What better way to celebrate National Pet Day!! 


FROM PETDAY USA: "National Pet Day was founded in 2006 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert,Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige, to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home in shelters and rescues all around the globe."

If having a soul means being able to feel love, loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.
~James Herriot

Courtesy of PetDayUSA

WORLD-WIDE GIVE-AWAY!!! 

Our friends at the ASPCA

 are giving away this

 PAWESOME GIFT PACK
TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!!!!

ASPCA 150TH BEACH BALL

ASPCA 150TH FRISBEE

ASPCA 150TH TOTE BAG

ASPCA 150TH BEACH TOWEL

ASPCA 150TH LUGGAGE TAG

 World-Wide Give-away

 is open to EVERY ONE!!

  Ages 18+   Entering is easy-peasy, just enter on the Rafflecopter below! Good luck!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Most "Precious" Message In Honor Of Poison Prevention Awareness Month

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: As we approach the end of Poison Prevention Awareness Month, (which frankly should be EVERY month),  we would like to repeat a post that we did back on April 17, 2010, when we were brand spanking new to the world of blogging. 

It is one thing to write about the perils of certain toxins after searching on the internet, it is another thing ENTIRELY  to have an email sent to you, begging and pleading to share a little boys' heart-breaking story. It was this little boy, (Zack Flewelling),  (who is now a man), who begged his Dad to contact me. This post is a TRUE STORY, and addresses how hazardous houseplants and flowers can be to our feline friends. When one hears a story that impacted someone else, it brings it that much closer and takes on an entirely different meaning.

 I had been contacted by Zack's Dad in April of 2010 asking me if I would share his "message", I was  happy to do that  then and am happy to do that now.

 After I first posted this in 2010, I posted it again in 2015. It is now going to be a yearly tradition. I am sure when Zack sees this post repeated, he will be thankful that this special message from his cat "Precious" lives on.

(This year I added an infographic from SheKnows )

Zack and "Precious"

It is hard enough to lose a pet when it passes of old age, it is another thing entirely to have your pet die suddenly at the still vital age of 7, which is how old Zack Flewelling's cat "Precious" was when she died suddenly just a few weeks ago.

Zack Flewelling, age 12, possesses a caring and sensitivity at his young age that many much older than he will ever attain.

Back track to approx. April 11th when Zack's Dad, Jerry was relaxing at home, while his wife (Jennifer), and kids ran to the store.  He noticed Precious meowing more than usual, not in a "feed me" kind of way, it was more like a "low growling". When Jerry went to scoop her up "she was like water, there was nothing to her, she was totally limp and very cold but aware."

They rushed her to the vet where they discovered that Precious was in renal failure. The vet also wanted to know if Precious had gotten into any rat poisoning or "was there anything else she could have ingested"?

When the doctor left the room Jennifer's eyes spotted a bulletin board with a sign that said "DANGER! Easter Lilies are toxic to cats and dogs" Her heart sunk. They had had an Easter Lily plant on their table for a week now which they had paid no mind because Precious ate the houseplants "all of the time". Jennifer called Jerry at home and had him photograph the Easter Lily with his cell phone. Sure enough, many leaves were gone and there were teeth marks in them, Precious had "eaten it, and a lot of it".

Photo Courtesy of the ASPCA

The Flewellings and the vet tried everything, but there was nothing that could save Precious, she passed early the following morning.

When I spoke to Zack who is devastated by the loss of his dear "Precious", there was no hint of anger, just a young man with a thoughtfulness and depth beyond his years. When I asked Zack what the message was that he wanted to relay about Precious, he said, "I want an article to be put in the paper to let people know that plants do not come with "warnings" like other dangerous things do", he continued, "there are many poisonous plants out there, Easter Lilies and tomato plants", just to name a few.

Zack is right, there are literally hundreds of plants that are poisonous to both cats and dogs, and on most lists these plants are not identified by a photo, which makes it that much harder to know which plants are safe and which are not.

Infographic From SheKnows

Zack said that "his mission now is to spread the word to other cat owners (and dog owners as well) that plants should come with a warning", (as well they should, or they can be researched online or  at the library or bookstores, to find out if they are toxic to animals). Zack would "love to spare anyone else the pain" that he is experiencing after having lost his beloved cat, Precious,  by making them aware that toxic plants exist and to keep them away from cats and dogs.

Zack's cat may have been named "Precious" but Zack, with his unselfishness and caring for others, by wanting this message relayed for the safety of their pets, is quite "Precious" himself.

FOR A LIST OF TOXIC AND NON-TOXIC PLANTS FROM THE ASPCA CLICK HERE


****NOTE:if you suspect your animal may have ingested a poisonous plant or other poisonous item the symptoms can range from seizures and foaming at the mouth to vomiting and coma. DO NOT WAIT FOR SYMPTOMS TO APPEAR. Immediate medical attention is necessary.


THE ASPCA 24-HOUR EMERGENCY POISON HOTLINE IS 888-426-4435 (There is a $60-something  fee payable via credit card)

Poison Prevention Awareness Month for Humans and Their Pets

The ASPCA just released their list of  the TOP PET TOXINS OF 2015,  which inspired me to share portions of a post that I did on this important topic last year. Mine is based on real-life experience and it is definitely worth repeating. Also on February 29th, 2016 our friends at East Side Cats did a timely post addressing a Medication Error   that is worth a look as well!

March is  Poison Prevention Awareness Month, and throughout this month, you will more than likely see a number of bloggers stressing the importance of knowing what items can be harmful to your pets and humans as well.

Our friends at Cat Wisdom 101 did a marvelous post last year about cleaning products that can be hazardous to your cat, there is also a wonderful infographic  that recently appeared on Catster:

Infographic Courtesy of Catster

Today I want to share my own "real life" story about medicine that happened to me last year.

There are a few times during the year that Cody takes Prednisonol for his allergy flare-ups and I keep his meds in the kitchen cabinet. For a while, I used to keep my blood pressure medication in the same place.

The year before last, at around 11pm I had gone to give Cody his pill, after I gave it to him I had a panic attack that was overwhelming, it suddenly hit me that I didn't know if I had accidentally given him one of MY blood pressure pills instead of HIS meds. The bottles were side-by-side, I had been distracted and was quite tired, and I couldn't remember which bottle I had grabbed.

I went into full blown panic mode. I called my vet screaming into the phone after 11pm that "I had poisoned Cody!!" Being the calm angel that he is, he immediately told me to call the ASPCA Pet Poison line 1-888-426-4435 (there is a $65 fee but it is worth EVERY PENNY!) They also have a Pet Poison phone app that you can download here.

When I called, the person on the other end was calm, she had me tell her exactly what I thought I had given to Cody, the name of the meds, dosage, etc., (if you ever have to call the Poison Hotline (and I pray you don't), here is the info you will need to have on hand:

• The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
• The animal's symptoms.
• Information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure.

Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Please note: If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the APCC.

 As it turned out, I had NOT given Cody the wrong pill by mistake and thankfully if I had, it would not have killed him. The woman I had spoken to on the Pet Poison Hotline  had said the most it would have done was make Cody  sleep more than usual, and she told me what other symptoms to watch out for.

I learned a valuable lesson. From that moment on, I moved MY meds into MY medicine cabinet where they belong, and Cody's meds are separate. I had forgotten I had the Pet Poison Hotline number on a magnet on the fridge, in my panic, my mind had gone blank.  I don't know what I would have done without that hotline number that awful night, it was an experience I pray I don't have to re-live again. Please keep the number  handy so you don't have to panic as I did!

GREAT LAKES ANIMAL WELFARE CONFERENCE COMING TO BATTLE CREEK OCTOBER 19-20

Registration is now open for the region’s largest animal welfare conference

The 2015 Great Lakes Animal Welfare Conference (GLAWC) will be the region’s premier educational and networking event for animal sheltering and veterinary professionals, animal control agencies, rescue groups, and individuals interested in saving more animal lives. The Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare (MPAW) has joined with the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers (MAACO) to offer this two-day event. The 2015 Great Lakes Animal Welfare Conference will be held October 19-20 at FireKeepers Hotel and Casino in Battle Creek. The conference is presented by the Petco Foundation, Merck Animal Health, the ASPCA, and Nestle Purina and Petfinder with generous support from the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Paw.Org

“This conference is the perfect opportunity for those working in, or interested in, animal welfare to gain and share knowledge on how to better care for, serve and save animal lives,” said Ann Griffin, MHS Special Projects Manager. “Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and discuss new trends and best practices in a relaxing and fun setting.”

This year’s conference features more than 40 sessions and a certificate course. A wide variety of sessions will include information on animal behavior, animal handling, fundraising and much more.

“It’s great to be able to bring this specialized training to animal control officers statewide,” said Andy Seltz, Vice President of MAACO. “It’s a perfect opportunity to come together and share ideas that will ultimately raise our collective abilities to better serve the animals and people in our communities.”

For the list of sessions, registration fees and hotel information for the 2015 MPAW-MAACO GLAWC Conference, and to register online, visit www.mpaw.org or call (248) 283-5635.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel is located at 11177 E Michigan Ave in Battle Creek.

The Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare (MPAW), founded by the Michigan Humane Society in 2004, is a collaboration of animal welfare organizations from around the state with a goal of working together for the good of the animals in Michigan.

MAACO is a not for-profit organization registered with the State of Michigan dedicated to the enhancement of the profession of Animal Control Officers in the State of Michigan by establishing professional standards, training and practices, for the control and care of animals and the protection of the public health.

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.

A Most "Precious" Message About Plants That May Be Toxic To Cats

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: As we mentioned on Monday, we are in the midst of Pet Poison Prevention Week. Keeping with that theme, we would like to repeat a post that we did back on April 17, 2010, when we were brand spanking new to the world of blogging. 

This post is a TRUE STORY, and addresses how hazardous houseplants and flowers can be to our feline friends.

The "boy" mentioned in this post, (Zack Flewelling), is now a teenage, handsome young man.

 I had been contacted by Zack's Dad in April of 2010 asking me if I would share his "message", I was  happy to do that  then and am happy to do that now.

 I am sure when Zack sees this post repeated, he will be thankful that this special message from his cat "Precious" lives on.

Zack and "Precious"

It is hard enough to lose a pet when it passes of old age, it is another thing entirely to have your pet die suddenly at the still vital age of 7, which is how old Zack Flewelling's cat "Precious" was when she died suddenly just a few weeks ago.

Zack Flewelling, age 12, possesses a caring and sensitivity at his young age that many much older than he will ever attain.

Back track to approx. April 11th when Zack's Dad, Jerry was relaxing at home, while his wife (Jennifer), and kids ran to the store.  He noticed Precious meowing more than usual, not in a "feed me" kind of way, it was more like a "low growling". When Jerry went to scoop her up "she was like water, there was nothing to her, she was totally limp and very cold but aware."

They rushed her to the vet where they discovered that Precious was in renal failure. The vet also wanted to know if Precious had gotten into any rat poisoning or "was there anything else she could have ingested"?

When the doctor left the room Jennifer's eyes spotted a bulletin board with a sign that said "DANGER! Easter Lilies are toxic to cats and dogs" Her heart sunk. They had had an Easter Lily plant on their table for a week now which they had paid no mind because Precious ate the houseplants "all of the time". Jennifer called Jerry at home and had him photograph the Easter Lily with his cell phone. Sure enough, many leaves were gone and there were teeth marks in them, Precious had "eaten it, and a lot of it".

Photo Courtesy of the ASPCA

The Flewellings and the vet tried everything, but there was nothing that could save Precious, she passed early the following morning.

When I spoke to Zack who is devastated by the loss of his dear "Precious", there was no hint of anger, just a young man with a thoughtfulness and depth beyond his years. When I asked Zack what the message was that he wanted to relay about Precious, he said, "I want an article to be put in the paper to let people know that plants do not come with "warnings" like other dangerous things do", he continued, "there are many poisonous plants out there, Easter Lilies and tomato plants", just to name a few.

Zack is right, there are literally hundreds of plants that are poisonous to both cats and dogs, and on most lists these plants are not identified by a photo, which makes it that much harder to know which plants are safe and which are not.

Zack said that "his mission now is to spread the word to other cat owners (and dog owners as well) that plants should come with a warning", (as well they should, or they can be researched online or  at the library or bookstores, to find out if they are toxic to animals). Zack would "love to spare anyone else the pain" that he is experiencing after having lost his beloved cat, Precious,  by making them aware that toxic plants exist and to keep them away from cats and dogs.

Zack's cat may have been named "Precious" but Zack, with his unselfishness and caring for others, by wanting this message relayed for the safety of their pets, is quite "Precious" himself.

FOR A LIST OF TOXIC AND NON-TOXIC PLANTS FROM THE ASPCA CLICK HERE


****NOTE:if you suspect your animal may have ingested a poisonous plant or other poisonous item the symptoms can range from seizures and foaming at the mouth to vomiting and coma. DO NOT WAIT FOR SYMPTOMS TO APPEAR. Immediate medical attention is necessary.


THE ASPCA 24-HOUR EMERGENCY POISON HOTLINE IS 888-426-4435 (There is a $65 fee payable via credit card)

Kitty Kisses and A Party!!!!

Hi every furry! It's Cody!

In honor of Valentine's Day being tomorrow, I wanted to share the most adorable video that our furiends at the ASPCA shared with us. The video features cats from their adoption center being paired with their potential adopters. The video features the ultimate sign of feline affection, the "slow blink", which is also known as "Kitty Kisses!" Enjoy!!!




Along with the “Kitty Kiss” video, the ASPCA will  be hosting a “Cutest Couples” social media photo contest celebrating the love people have for their pets. They are encouraging people to submit adorable photos of themselves with their pet, or a pair of pets using the hashtag #ASPCACutestCouples.

Also, for the one or two of you who might not  know, my furiend Summer is having a Valentine's Pawty today!!!!! I am on my way over and you should join me! You can visit her here!

I'm gonna get my sexy on and see what lovely lady cats I can meet  there!

See you there!!
Love, Cody

Join the #ASPCA Holiday Trivia Twitter Party Tonight! #SantaPaws: RSVP to win prizes!

RSVP HERE!

Help the #ASPCA and help stop cruelty to animals!

As many of you know, April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty month and the ASPCA is requesting that we all help spread the word!

There are many ways that you can become involved: (click on each link for more information!)

FROM THE ASPCA:

Get Involved

Top 10 Ways to Fight Animal Cruelty
Help crack down on animal cruelty in your community.

Learn How to Recognize Animal Cruelty
Learn how to spot cruelty so you can take action.

Help Animals in Your Own Community
Volunteering at your local shelter is a great way to make a difference in the lives of animals.

To learn more about how you can help the ASPCA and animals in need, visit them online here

ASPCA presents MEET YOUR MATCH Dating Show!

June Is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

"June is busting out all over"....the shelters are full to the rafters and are busting at the seams with kittens and cats!!  According to the  ASPCA June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. We agree that that should be the theme every month, but since every Spring an enormous number of kittens are born, we think it is great to raise awareness to please, please adopt a shelter cat! You will never regret that decision, your heart and your home will be over flowing with furry love, that is the BEST gift that you could give  to yourself and others.

Kitties from Kitty City I last December
Photo taken by Caren Gittleman

I want to remind the folks in Michigan that Kitty City II is having their GRAND OPENING  starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 1 through  5 p.m. on Sunday,  June 3.  Adoption fee of $59 includes spay or neuter, vaccines and health check.   All cats are from Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills or Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue in Waterford.

Kitty City II-White Lake

Kitty City II is identical to the original Kitty City at Pet Supplies Plus in Bloomfield Hills.  Both are free- roaming, cage free adoption centers, designed by Addy Shattuck, that enable kitties waiting for new homes to watch the birds outside through floor-to-ceiling windows, lounge in miniature arm chairs, and enjoy the soft breeze of an overhead ceiling fan.  Shattuck designed each Kitty City with plenty of perches for cats to climb, soft beds for sleeping and concealed litter boxes for privacy.  At any given time, each Kitty City is a temporary home to 20 or more cats.

Kitty City II-White Lake Michigan

 

Event sponsors include

  California Natural and Holistic Select

On Sunday, June 3 customers can bring their cats and dogs to a pet health care fair from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. that includes free wellness exams and reduced cost vaccines, feline leukemia tests and microchipping provided by Union Lake Veterinary Hospital.  They will also be treated to a free barbecue lunch from noon to 3 p.m.

As a special treat I will be volunteering Sunday, June 3rd starting at 11am and there is a super great rumor that Pam from Pet Blogs United will be joining me! How great will that be? I get to FINALLY meet her in pawson!! I was telling Pam that with both of us living in Michigan it is pitiful that we have to cross the country to meet at BlogPaws! Heck, we live 30 minutes apart for Pete's sake! I am hoping she is there Sunday because it will be great to meet her!

So, if you are in the SE Michigan area,  stop by and enjoy the GRAND OPENING of Kitty City II, come and meet  Pam and I, bring some friends and help to give these deserving babies their furever homes!! 

Kitty City II is located at:

  Pet Supplies Plus in White Lake Twp.

 6845 Highland Rd.

For information, call 248-889-4131 or go to www.petsuppliesplus.com.  


HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

PetSmart Charities’® EMERGENCY RELIEF waggin’® vehicle ASSISTS hundreds of CATS in Madison County, Florida

FROM CAT CHAT: I cannot begin to tell you how devastatingly upsetting this hot-off-the-press news is that was just emailed to me on behalf of PetSmart Charities.

I know a number of bloggers have featured Caboodle Ranch on their blogs,  there were many times that I attempted to connect with Caboodle Ranch  in an attempt to  feature them on Cat Chat, and ironically they never responded. Now I am happy that they didn't.

When I first learned about Caboodle Ranch and how it seemed to be a kitty utopia for unwanted/neglected cats and viewed their charming cabins, I NEVER expected to learn what was sent to me below.

I am sick to my stomach and my heart is breaking for these poor defenseless babies.

HERE IS WHAT I WAS SENT TO SHARE WITH YOU:

PetSmart Charities has dispatched three of its Emergency Relief Waggin’® vehicles, each stocked with $80,000 worth of crucial supplies, to the scene of an alleged animal hoarding situation in Lee, Fla. Hundreds of cats and two dogs are in need of emergency assistance and medical care after being discovered in an overcrowded and unsanitary cat sanctuary known as Caboodle Ranch. The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®)is the lead agency in this rescue.

As a result of an investigation spanning more than a year, a search warrant was executed Monday morning for the removal of the animals. The ASPCA is collecting additional evidence on the property for the investigation. The founder of Caboodle Ranch has been arrested and multiple animal cruelty charges are pending.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the cats were living outside in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with various medical issues that were left untreated. Many of the cats exhibited various signs of neglect and appear to be suffering from upper respiratory conditions and eye infections, among other medical issues. Several cats were in critical condition and responders discovered numerous deceased cats on the property.

The 53-foot PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief Waggin’ trailers and their 48-tons of cargo departed the PetSmart® Distribution Centers in Newnan, Ga. and Ottawa, Il., bound for the scene, where animal-rescue teams will operate an emergency animal shelter. The vehicles are stocked with crucial supplies, including pet food, wire crates, plastic carriers, litter, litter boxes, bowls, fans, a generator, a battery charger and lights to aid the animal rescuers on scene.

"PetSmart Charities also dispatches a team of specially trained volunteers to the scene,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “The volunteers are able to unload supplies and set up the temporary shelter very quickly, enabling on-the-ground rescuers to immediately attend to the animal victims. We are happy to be able to assist in this way to help give these cats a second chance at finding a lifelong, loving home.”

“This is a tragic situation,” said Tim Rickey, senior director of the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response team. “Caboodle Ranch was clearly overwhelmed with hundreds of cats in dire need of medical treatment, and the sanctuary had no adoption program or any spay/neuter efforts to effectively manage its current population.”

The PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief program is funded by donations. Members of the public can support the program by making a donation online, by email at gifts@petsmartcharities.org or via phone at 623-587-2826, to help more pets like these find the loving homes they deserve.

About PetSmart Charities

Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $165 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).