Adoptable Cat: "Athena" Please Adopt Her in Honor of Cody's 12th Gotcha Day!

Hi dear friends!! Today, is Cody's 12th Gotcha Day and in honor of this special day, it is extremely important for us to feature a certain beautiful adoptable cat named Athena.

I stole this photo from the Paws for Life Rescue Website

I first met Athena at the Petco located at 29335 Orchard Lake Rd in Farmington Hills, MI over a month ago. It could easily have been TWO months ago, and for the life of me I cannot figure out why she hasn't been adopted.

The first time I met her, she was eager to stick her paw out of the cage and play with me. She has the most charming personality. She is precious.

Photo stolen from https://www.adoptapet.com/paws-for-life-rescue/pet/athena/

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO ME?

Today, when I went to Petco to pick up cat food for Cody and some dog treats for Dakota, as I walked through the doors of Petco I prayed that Athena would NOT be there. But.........there she was. She was in a different cubby but it was her. I mentioned to the salesperson at Petco that I was shocked that she was still there, the salesperson said it wasn't the same cat, (puhlease....I know my cats)... I remember her being there because each and every time I would go in I would stop and play with her.  (this is the 4th or so time I have seen her over at least a 2 month period of time),  IT IS DEFINITELY  HER. I remember her name because of our blogging friend Athena, and because I LOVE her name.

It was ironic that I went there today.  Lately I have been getting Cody's food elsewhere, but today,  (this blog post was written on Saturday, July 27th and Cody was adopted on July 28th, 2007),  it is 12 years almost to the DAY that Cody was adopted. He was also adopted from a Petco in Farmington Hills, but at their former location further down the road.

Cody and I on his adoption day at Petco on July 28th, 2007

Cody has brought me nothing but joy for the 12 years he has been with us (well, he CAN be a pain but we adore him) and in honor of Cody's 12th Gotcha Day it would mean the WORLD to me if this sweet girl would be adopted too.

ABOUT ATHENA:

Photo stolen from https://www.adoptapet.com/paws-for-life-rescue/pet/athena/

My Story

Hi ya! My name is Athena. I was born in November 2017. I am a beautiful short-haired kitty with white and brown tabby markings. I am young, playful and full of life. I love to play with toys. I love to climb and perch atop the cat tower. I will chase kitty wands and pounce on feathery toys, but when I'm not playing, I am ready to settle down for a comfy catnap. I always use a litterbox like a good girl and I am ready for the home of my dreams. You can come meet me at the Petco store in Farmington Hills any time its open. I'll be there waiting to fall in love with you. Adoption fee: $60. Adopt a pair: $90. Fee includes testing, deworming, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip and 30 days of free pet insurance.

YOU CAN FILL OUT AN

 ADOPTION APPLICATION HERE

And....you can also meet Athena at the Petco Adoption event on Saturday, August 3rd at the Petco at 29335 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, Michigan (just south of 13 mile road). Not all adoptable animals will be there, so once again if you are interested in Athena you can fill out an application here  or visit the Petco on Orchard Lake Rd ASAP to meet her in pawson!!

Photo stolen from https://www.adoptapet.com/paws-for-life-rescue/pet/athena/

WHY DIDN'T I ADOPT ATHENA?

Believe me, I came close. History almost repeated itself...almost. I had to stop myself. Years ago our Vet felt it wouldn't be a great idea for us to adopt a third pet for a couple reasons: 1) he was afraid it would disturb the unique dynamic that Cody and Dakota have 2) financial. I just don't think we could afford a third pet, especially now. Both boys are 12 years old. Dakota now has hypertension and Cody is on Pred for a cough he has had for a few months (he hasn't coughed since being on Pred). Our Vet trips have become much more frequent, and at this time, and at the stages of both of their lives, I am afraid it wouldn't be fair to anyone. Not to Cody, Dakota....or even Athena. I am not sure how they would feel about a third pet, plus our condo association rules are no more than 2 pets per unit.

If I can help Athena find a home and right on Cody's 12th Gotcha Day no less it would be the most beautiful thing EVER!!!! 

If you are in Southeast Michigan, won't you consider adopting Athena? If you can't then, would you please share her? I don't care about sharing MY post...just simply share HER. You can click here for her page at the Paws for Life Rescue 

You can also call Paws for Life at: 248-906-8752

Cody and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!!
Happy Happy 12th Gotcha Day to my special cuddle bug!!!!

Petco is "Turning Our Back On Artificial Food"

No, I am not being paid to share this, and I am hoping I am not going to be in trouble for sharing verbatim what Petco posted on their site. Petco has always been our "go to" Pet store because Cody was adopted at an adoption drive there in 2007, now we have another reason to love them!

November 13, 2018:

Since joining Petco as CEO earlier this year, I've seen first-hand just how special the bond between people and pets can be.

Here at Petco, pets are unquestionably part of our families. If you're reading this letter, chances are you agree. My 10-year-old lab, Yummy, is 75 pounds of pure love and I would do just about anything to keep him healthy, happy and by my side, tail wagging, for as long as possible.

I'm proud to lead a company that's been putting pets first for more than 50 years. And when you love pets as much as we do, you always want to do more. To be better.

That's why we're introducing new standards for nutrition at Petco.

Today, we're making a commitment to not sell dog or cat food and treats with artificial colors, flavors or preservatives – making us the first and only major retailer of pet food to take a stand against such ingredients. We'll start removing products that don't meet our new standards in January 2019, and complete the process by May.

We're raising the bar and stepping out ahead of the industry. Not because it's an easy thing to do, but because we believe it's the right thing to do.

Our goal is better health and wellness for the pets we all love. And setting new standards for nutrition is just the beginning.

Because at the end of the day, we believe if it's good for pets, it's good for us.

Learn more at petco.com/betternutrition. And thank you for joining us on this journey.

 

Ron Coughlin, CEO of Petco

Learn More About Petco's Commitment

Simple Solution is the PURRFECT Solution for Cleaning Up Nasty Pet Messes & Odors!

First, this is NOT a sponsored post.  Back in May I entered a contest on our friend Emma's blog (My GBGV Life), and I won!  The prize was a sampling of Simple Solution Pet Cleaning Products. Receiving the products in no way made me obligated to blog about them. I CHOSE to blog about them, (one product in particular), because of HOW HAPPY I am with the product that I tested.

The above photo shows the products I won, and boy were they generous! These are full-sized products!!

I entered the give-away because I had depleted my supply of   pet cleaning products and the products I HAD been using I wasn't particularly thrilled with.

I was happy to read on Emma's blog that Simple Solution products are available at Petco, sadly, when I  searched online to see if they are available at my local Petco, (unless the website is incorrect), they aren't. (I DO plan on re-checking at the store to make sure that is correct and if the products are not available there I intend to speak to a Manager about getting them ASAP because I LOVE THEM!)

THE PRODUCTS I RECEIVED WERE:

• Simple Solution Odor Destroyer
• Simple Solution Urine Destroyer
• Simple Solution Hard Floor Stain &Odor Remover
• Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover

I was most excited to try the Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover because conveniently, after I had found out I won the contest, Cody provided me with two nasty stains (one in my office and one in my bedroom) that I actually saved (as disgusting as that is), for a few weeks while I waited for the products to arrive.

STAIN ONE IN MY BEDROOM

Using the Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover was super easy. You just spray the product on the stain, wait a bit and blot off. The below photo is one that I took after just using the product ONCE. (I could go back and use it again, but it worked so effectively that it was not necessary  to repeat the step)

Now it was time to test

STAIN TWO IN MY OFFICE

After once again just using the product one time, here is the after photo....(I used my T-stick to show where the stain had been because I couldn't find it myself!)

I WAS SOLD!!!

Simple Solution Extreme Formula Pet Stain & Odor Remover, USA Made, 32 ounces

• DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE TOUGHEST ODORS & ORGANIC STAINS- Simple Solution pet Extreme stain & odor remover is 3 times stonger (vs. the leading mass brand) to eliminate tough dog and cat odors and stains.
• PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH FORMULA – Extreme Stain and Odor Remover is a professional strength formula of Pro-Bacteria™ and enzymes to break down and eliminate stains and odors.
• WORKS SPECIFICALLY FOR PET ODORS AND ORGANIC STAINS – Safely and quickly removes dog and cat urine, feces, and vomit on carpet, upholstery, bedding, fabric toys, clothing, or other water-safe surfaces in your home
• NEW PATENTED MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPRAYER – Now designed with a new patented 3-in-1 nozzle sprayer (Foam, Mist, and Stream).
• MADE IN THE USA – Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover is proudly manufactured in the USA.

When I was online I noticed they also have this product available for those of you who just have CATS. It is called, Simple Solution Cat Extreme Stain & Odor Remover. In the event I cannot find these products in MY local Petco, Simple Solution products are available on Amazon and a couple of other online retailers.

I didn't review the three other products that I received because as of now, I haven't had a reason to test them For me, the way the Simple Solution Extreme Stain & Odor Remover works so effectively, that is reason enough to purchase ALL of their products! I have yet to have any pet mess cleaning product work after just ONE USE.

I would like to thank my friends at My GBGV Life for having hosted this wonderful give-away and for informing all of us about the great products that Simple Solution has! I would also like to thank:

for sending me all of these wonderful products!!! Now I am completely ready for any "presents" Cody decides to bestow upon me!!

THANK YOU!!! 

Petco Foundation "Love Changes Everything Campaign" Invites Pet Adopters to be Part of the World’s Largest Photo Mosaic of Adopted Pets and Their People

Courtesy of the Petco Foundation

PETCO FOUNDATION TEAMS UP WITH

 MUTTS FOR “LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING” CAMPAIGN 

PROMOTING PET ADOPTION

Campaign Invites Pet Adopters to be Part of the World’s Largest Photo Mosaic of Adopted Pets and Their People 

While Aiming to Raise $3.1 Million to Save Animals

  
The Petco Foundation, a leading animal welfare funder, is teaming up with award-winning artist and creator of the heart-warming MUTTS comic strip, Patrick McDonnell for the annual “Love Changes Everything” campaign in an effort to raise $3.1 million to support lifesaving animal welfare work nationwide.

When asked if I would participate by helping to share this marvelous campaign, it was a no-brainer that I would say a resounding "YES!!" Why? Because Cody was adopted from a Petco adoption drive back in 2007,  as a result, Petco is our pet store of choice! 

The “Love Changes Everything” Campaign kicked-off March 3 – 4 with a National Adoption Event Weekend in participating Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores, (just like the one I adopted Cody from!) and runs through April 1 (which just happens to be Cody's birthday!!) 

  But there’s more!!
this year pet adopters can join the Petco Foundation in creating the world’s largest mosaic mural of adopted pets and their people. Adopters submitting photos at petcofoundation.org/snaplove will be eligible to win daily prizes,  including a $100 Petco gift card, a signed MUTTS print, and a coupon for a bag of WholeHearted Pets pet food, PLUS a $500 grant award for eligible adoption organizations!  

Here’s the link for submissions:

 http://love.petcofoundation.org/

The above photo, albeit AWFUL, is the very first photo of Cody and I that was ever taken. This was taken at the Petco Adoption drive that I adopted Cody from, back on July 28th, 2007. Cody was such a tiny kitty!  

The mosaic, powered in partnership with WholeHearted pet food, will come to life in New York City’s Union Square Park on Sunday, March 25 from noon to 4:00 PM at the All for Love Adoption Rally featuring adoptable pets from more than twenty New York area animal welfare organizations. Attendees can meet MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell, pose for pictures with the famed MUTTS characters Mooch and Earl and participate in other fun activities centered around celebrating pet adoption.

“Patrick McDonnell has been a champion of pet adoption for years, and we are thrilled to join forces again with MUTTS to promote pet adoption and raise funds to help animals across the country. We hope our Love Changes Everything’ campaign, along with this mosaic mural, inspires everyone to join the lifesaving movement by adopting, donating or volunteering. With six adopted pets of my own, I can confidently say that the love of an adopted pet does change everything,” said Susanne Kogut, president of the Petco Foundation.

Courtesy of the Petco Foundation

Animal lovers can support the “Love Changes Everything" campaign by making a donation in any Petco, Unleashed by Petco store or online at petcofoundation.org/love. Anyone who makes a donation of $10 or more will receive a limited-edition tote bag featuring MUTTS artwork specifically designed for the "Love Changes Everything" campaign.

To learn more about the “Love Changes Everything” campaign and the photo mosaic, please visit petcofoundation.org/love. To learn more about Patrick McDonnell and his commitment to promoting pet adoption, watch Episode 6 “Shelter Me: Hearts and Paws” hosted by Kristen Bell and featuring MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell online at ShelterMe.TV or visit MUTTS. To learn more about WholeHearted pet food go to WholeHeartedPets.com.

About the Petco Foundation
At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life. Since 1999, we’ve invested more than $200 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through our Think Adoption First program, we partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we’ve helped more than 5.5 million pets find their new loving families, and we’re just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit Earns $25,000 from Petco

Story submitted by Dearborn Heights Resident Stephanie O’Dell

Three Detroit-area animal organizations shared $80K from Petco

Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) earned $25,000 from Petco Foundation’s Holiday Wishes Campaign, thanks to a beautiful story written by a Dearborn Heights Mom about her one-year old son with down’s syndrome and his love of their adopted cat, Guinness.

Laurie Buhr, FAMD Board president, accepted the check from Petco Foundation.
Photo Courtesy of Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit

Stephanie O’Dell submitted the entry that detailed the love that her four-year-old cat, Guinness, had for her son, Kellen, even when she was first pregnant.  Once he was born, the baby and cat became inseparable.  The cat sleeps with her son every night and is his constant companion.

Stephanie, Kellen and Guinness O'Dell
Photo Courtesy of Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit

“My life was full before my son was born,” O’Dell wrote in her story.  “Since he has arrived, I can't tell you how much I love watching their relationship grow and flower. They truly are best friends, and I can't imagine what my son's life would be without Guinness. I look forward to many, many years of my boys spending time together and learning.”

O’Dell was a volunteer at FAMD with her sister, Michelle, for 12 years before her son was born.

“Stephanie is a great example of how families come together around their animals,” said Elaine Greene, executive director, FAMD said. “We see this so often with the 1,700 animals we help get adopted each year.”

The Petco Foundation’s Holiday Wishes campaign, in partnership with Petco, awarded a total of $80,000 to three local Detroit-area animal welfare organizations, including Detroit Bully Corps ($5K), Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit ($25K), and Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan($50K) at the Detroit Petco store.

The three organizations were selected as a winner from more than 5,000 stories that were submitted by animal adopters across the country, which celebrated how their adopted pets have changed and enriched their lives. The Petco Foundation selected more than 50 organizations from the pool of 5,000 submissions as winners. 

To contribute to the holiday campaign for FAMD, visit www.metrodetroitanimals.org.

About FAMD

After 22 years of nurturing more than 47,300 animals, the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit have embarked on the “Raise the Woof” public phase of their “Building a Home with Heart” capital campaign to construct a new Animal Adoption & Education Center at the site of the former Dearborn Amtrak station on Michigan Avenue. Construction begins this Summer.  FAMD is located at 2661 Greenfield Road, Dearborn.

About the Petco Foundation

At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life. Since 1999, we’ve invested more than $170 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay/neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through our Think Adoption First program, we partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we’ve helped more than 5 million pets find their new loving families, and we’re just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: We admit we are partial to Petco because Cody was adopted there in 2007 at an adoption drive that was taking place. Cody and I are so grateful to Petco for bringing us together. The story above  is yet another reason to love Petco!!!! 

Itchy Pet? Your Pet Could Have A Food Allergy: Infographic Courtesy of Petco

Click to enlarge

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.

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!!!

#Purina Presents the “Purr-fect Times of our Lives” Photo Contest! Show us how you celebrate with your cat!

We all have special events in our lives, everything from graduations, to weddings, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, house warmings, special accomplishments, anniversaries, the list goes on and on!

As cat lovers, Cody and I know that many of you like to include your cats in these special events, after all they ARE a part of the fur-m-i-ly aren't they?

When my step-daughter got married last summer she included her dogs in the celebration, why not include CATS? The most recent issue of Purina PURR provided tips on how to incorporate your kitty into your wedding!  How much fun would THAT BE!?

Not getting married right now? No problem! There are MANY occasions where you can photograph your cat helping you celebrate! Read on!

Here is the FUN PART! The Contest!

BEGINNING NOW....submit photos of your cat(s) celebrating any special occasion! Once again a "special occasion" can be whatever YOU want it to be! Did you have a July 4th pawty? Did your cat(s) pawticipate? That's a special occasion!  Was your cat a part of any family celebration, Cody and I wanna see!

What's in it for YOU? Well, have a look!

Unfortunately due to the prize pack that is being offered, we are sad to say our International friends cannot pawticipate because the items can't be shipped overseas and some of the items are not available or redeemable (as in the coupons) overseas, we deeply regret this.

 So, U.S. FURIENDS HURRY AND SEND YOUR PHOTOS to  Cody and I at:

catchat at mi dot rr dot com

***IMPAWTANT!!***

your COMPLETE NAME

AND MAILING ADDRESS

MUST BE INCLUDED

ON THE EMAIL 

OR IT WILL BE

DISQUALIFIED

The contest is OPEN NOW and has a super QUICK deadline! Cody and I need your photos by NO LATER THAN THIS FRIDAY, JULY 12th AT 5PM EASTERN TIME.

Guess what? There are GOING TO BE FIVE WINNERS which will be announced MONDAY, JULY 15th!!!

NOW GET PAWTYING and send Cody and I your photos TODAY!!

Good luck!!

In full disclosure: Cody and I were not compensated for this post. We are proud members of the Purina Cat Blogger Panel and happily agreed to share this info with all of you!