June is Adopt-A-Cat Month and we #GIVEACRAP !!

CELEBRATE ADOPT-A-CAT MONTH
 WITH WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER™
 BY SHOWING THE WORLD YOU
 #GIVEACRAP ABOUT SHELTER CATS!

Finally a campaign that is right up our alley!

 It speaks to Cody and I LITERALLY and figuratively !!

As long time users of World's Best Cat Litter (we have been using it ALL of Cody's 12 years with maybe one or two test runs of other litter that led us right back to World's Best, and I am fairly certain Angel Bobo used it as well), we are proud to voluntarily (which means we were NOT compensated to help spread the word), take part in their latest campaign where they are aiming to donate up to:

ONE MILLION POUNDS OF LITTER

TO SHELTERS ACROSS THE U.S.!!

HOW TO HELP DONATE 1 POUND OF LITTER
POST A PIC. #GIVEACRAP. HELP SHELTER CATS.

World's Best Cat Litter is  making it easy (and free) for you to help donate up to ONE MILLION pounds of litter to cats in need through their GiveLitter™ program. All you have to do is share the hashtag #giveacrap on your social media, along with a picture of your cat. For every post, they will donate 1 pound of their high-performance corn litter to one of their shelter partners.

Now go ahead,  click here to get your own frame, upload a photo of you and your kitty and share on social using #GIVEACRAP

Prepare NOW for Remember Me Thursday®

Causes to help promote the importance of adopting animals who are in shelters and for those with NOWHERE to go are in the limelight today, (we feel they should be EVERY DAY, but that's another matter altogether). Today is International Homeless Animals Day and Clear the Shelters Day.  While Cody WAS adopted, he was luckier than many other cats. He had an incredible foster Mother who loved and nurtured him, and helped influence the loving cuddle bug that he is today. Millions of other animals aren't as lucky as Cody was. Many are waiting in shelters for days, months, years and even their entire lives, to find their forever homes, and MANY NEVER DO.  While focusing on homeless animals today, it is also a good time to remind everyone that Remember Me Thursday® is right around  the corner! It's time to start preparing!! 

Remember Me Thursday® is a global awareness campaign that was created by the Helen Woodward Animal Center,  that unites individuals and pet adoption organizations around the world !!! The combined influence creates  an unstoppable, integrated voice for orphan pets to live in forever homes and to  not die waiting for them.

On September 28, 2017, the entire world will share the importance of pet adoption and shine a light on all orphan pets waiting in shelters and rescues. In 2016, people using #RememberTheRescue and #RememberMeThursday reached nearly 340 million people on social media.

It has been important to me for the past few years to participate in this special event, and I was honored when myself and a number of other bloggers were contacted asking if we would help spread the word again this year! (Whether I had been asked to or not, I ALWAYS participate in this important cause, so it is a no-brainer!!) 

In order to help us spread the word

 we were sent a box full of goodies which you can see below!!

We received the  items pictured above in exchange for agreeing to help spread the word about Remember Me Thursday. We  were not compensated monetarily for this post It is our pleasure to  only share information that we feel will be of interest to our readers.

This year there are some NEW PRIZES in the #RememberTheRescue photo contest which will run from September 1 through September 30th, (More about the prizes later!!!) For now:

There are 3 ways to enter:

• Post a photo of your rescue pet to Instagram with #RememberTheRescue AND #RememberMeThursday.
• Post a photo of your rescue pet to Twitter with #RememberTheRescue AND #RememberMeThursday.
• Upload a photo of your rescue pet directly to the contest website.

Join us on September 28th 2017!!!

Help get the entire world talking about pet adoption!

 Tweet, tag, post and share the beauty and life-saving significance of pet adoption on social media. Let’s honor the lost pets who ran out of time and bring awareness to the pets we can still help by working together and using our voices.

"Let’s take social media by storm for orphan pets!"

sign up here for reminders!

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!!

Cat News:Jackson Galaxy Foundation Initiative for Shelter Cats, “Cat Pawsitive” launches April 19

“Cat Pawsitive” teaches positive reinforcement to improve adoptability

The Jackson Galaxy Foundation will partner with shelters across the U.S. to implement Cat Pawsitive, an initiative that introduces positive-reinforcement training to shelters, beginning April 19.

Developed by Jackson Galaxy and a team of animal behavior experts, Cat Pawsitive is a positive reinforcement training program aimed at:

·         enriching day-to-day life for cats in shelters

·         building social skills

·         promoting the human-cat bond

·         improving “adoptability”

Three feline behavior experts hand-picked by the Foundation will lead the pilot program in nine shelters across the country, ranging from small, limited-admission private shelters to large, open-admission municipal facilities. The shelters will each participate in three webinars with the trainers and will have direct access to the team for consultations throughout the three-month program.

“Our goal with Cat Pawsitive isn’t just to keep cats in the shelter behaviorally and physically active—we’re also working to empower staff and volunteers to continue using positive reinforcement methods when the program concludes,” says Jackson Galaxy, star of My Cat from Hell on Animal Planet and Founder of his namesake organization. “This program will raise the public profile of cats, demonstrate their trainability and will serve as a model for organizations helping animals everywhere.”

Photo Courtesy of jacksongalaxyfoundation.org

Cats who are exposed to reward-based training methods gain confidence and experience reduced stress through clicker training sessions; soon they are building connections with staff, volunteers and potential adopters. Cat Pawsitive can help a shy cat learn to feel comfortable coming up to the front of her cage to meet an adopter, a feisty cat learn to play nice, and an outgoing kitty learn to give an endearing "high five" to his visitors to seal an adoption deal.

“We are thrilled to be working with organizations all over the country to show the world what can be done to step up the game, and improve outcomes for cats in shelters,” says Galaxy.  Cat Pawsitive will run from April 19 through mid-July and will conclude with an analysis of the program’s impact.

PARTICIPATING SHELTERS:

• Washington Humane Society/Washington Animal Rescue League (Washington, D.C.)
• Animal Care Centers of NYC ( New York City)
• Maryland SPCA ( Baltimore)
• Furkids ( Atlanta, Georgia)
• Cat Adoption Team ( Sherwood, Oregon)
• Anti-Cruelty Society (Chicago)
• Providence Animal Rescue League ( Rhode Island)
• Tabby Town ( Blasdell NY)
• SPCA of Texas ( Dallas) 

ABOUT THE JACKSON GALAXY FOUNDATION

The Jackson Galaxy Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that improves the lives of animals at risk by transforming the places they live and helping the people who care for them. JGF is led by the vision of Jackson Galaxy, who through his years in animal welfare, as an animal advocate, his work as a behaviorist and host of his globally popular TV show, ”My Cat from Hell,” has developed an unwavering commitment to help animals at risk and the people who work tirelessly to get them homes.

The Jackson Galaxy Foundation focuses on programs that drive innovation; promotes improved shelter design and construction; and provides “Elevation through Education”—increased knowledge that inspires and empowers staff, volunteers, rescuers and adopters to continually raise the bar for animals at risk.

More info about the Foundation’s programs and services is available at www.jacksongalaxyfoundation.org

#Sponsored: Help Purina Cat Chow Get More Cats Adopted by sharing YOUR Rescue Story! #MyRescueStory

This is a sponsored post, written by me on behalf of Purina.  Purina is not responsible for the content of this blog post.  All opinions are my own.

Today, Cody and I are proud to continue the theme of the month of June: Adopt-A-Shelter Cat! As probably nearly every one of you who reads this blog knows, the month of June is the PEAK of kitten season and shelters everywhere are bursting at the seams with adoptable cats!

As part of its “Building Better Lives” program, Purina Cat Chow has created an Adoption Drive with a goal to help at least 2,500 cats at 50 shelter partners – one in every state – find forever homes during the month of June.

Photo Courtesy of Purina Cat Chow

Purina Cat Chow plans to donate $75,000 to its 50 shelter partners to specifically support cat adoptions if cat people nationwide share their cat adoption or rescue story using the hashtag #MyRescueStory. 

  For every story shared, Purina Cat Chow will subsidize a cat adoption fee for a cat at one of its shelter partners up to $75,000.  Purina Cat Chow will subsidize the adoption fees for at least 50 cats, a donation of $30 per cat, at each shelter partner.  Each shelter partner will receive up to a $1,500 donation and be asked to put the donation towards offsetting adoption fees for at least 50 cats to help encourage more cat adoptions.

Photo Courtesy of Purina Cat Chow

Cody's Adoption Story

Cody was not adopted directly from a shelter, but he was one of a litter of kitties that were rescued and lived in a foster home run by a local rescue group.  Cody was blessed to have an amazing foster Mom, but not all kitties are as lucky as Cody was.

When I adopted Cody in July of 2007, he was the first cat that I had ever "adopted" in the traditional sense. My Bobo was found outside and that is how he came into my life. Cody was adopted at a local adoption drive sponsored by Petco. Adopting Cody a mere two weeks after my Angel Bobo crossed the Bridge was truly a special gift!

I apologize for the poor photo quality

"Tigre's" Adoption Story

For those who weren't reading my blog back in June of 2012,  I had attended an adoption drive in honor of Adopt- A- Cat month and became smitten with this guy:

"Tigre"

He and I bonded through eye contact and later cuddling:

 I could NOT leave him that day. Long story short, (and you can read the post for more of the details), I struck up a conversation with a couple of women who were looking at him and falling in love with him. They had no money on them that day, so I PAID THEIR ADOPTION FEE.  Seeing Tigre with his "Adopted" sign on his cage was one of the proudest and happiest moments of my life!!!

"Tigre" Adopted!!

While it killed me that I couldn't personally adopt "Tigre" for my home, it gave me an enormous feeling of joy to know that he would bring love to (and BE LOVED BY)  a wonderful family!

In that post I had written that I hadn't heard from the lovely women who adopted "Tigre" (who is now named "Smokey"), but that has changed. I have been sent a number of photos through the years and "Tigre" is now living a happy life and he is deeply loved!!!!

As we all know....ADOPTION DRIVES HELP!!!

In addition to Purina Cat Chow subsidizing the adoption costs for each shelter partner, Purina Cat Chow will also conduct a $25,000 shelter makeover at one of its partner animal welfare organizations to help improve the environment for cats awaiting a forever home.  Purina Cat Chow will announce the shelter receiving the makeover in early June.  In total, Purina Cat Chow may donate up to $100,000 to its 50 shelter partners.

 Every adoption story is special and unique!!! 

Following so many of you through the years and learning about how your cats were rescued has warmed my heart more than you could imagine,

NOW SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD

AND HELP PURINA HELP CATS!!

Please Share YOUR rescue story on Facebook or Twitter (feel free to film a QUICK video if you choose to!), using the hashtag  #MyRescueStory and  YOU can help kitties like Cody, and YOUR cats,  find their  furever home!!!

After you share YOUR rescue story be sure to visit www.catchow.com and read some wonderful stories posted there!

Celebrate Adopt-a-Cat Month with Imperial Cat! Exclusive Give-Away for YOUR Favorite Shelter AND for YOU!

June is Adopt-a-Cat month!

ENTER TO WIN A 

SMALL SCRATCH 'N BITS 

CAT SCRATCHER PACKAGE

TO BE DONATED TO

 THE SHELTER OF YOUR CHOICE!

Small Size for cages

 To celebrate these fabulous felines, Imperial Cat is expanding their shelter donation program to help support adoptable kitties while they try to find forever homes.

The shelter donation program is an easy way for all cat lovers to give back to your favorite local rescue organization. It is super easy! All you have to do is  go online and order a selection of Imperial Cat's Scratch 'n Bits corrugated scratchers or, the newest addition, a box of Cat 'n Around catnip toys to be donated to a shelter organization of your choice!! 

The Scratch 'n Bits kits include different sized packages of "Adopt Me" scratchers to comfort rescue kitties, relieve stress and promote adoption. The kit featured above is the "Small Size". Here are some other sizes that you can choose from:

Medium Size is also for cages

The large is perfect for Foster Homes
Or Cat Rooms!!

 The box of Cat 'n Around toys consists of 36 of the brand's popular catnip toys to help felines engage in fun playtime and show off their cuteness to potential future families. The Cat' n Around Cat Toy Packages start at $30 and include free shipping in the continental U.S., making it easy to donate!

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that 7.6 million animals enter shelters each year. Of those, approximately 3.4 million are cats. With your help, Imperial Cat wants to encourage adoption and help these deserving pets get adopted into a loving home.

For more information or to donate a Scratch 'n Bits or Cat 'n Around package today, please visit: http://www.imperialcat.com/adoptacat.php 

ENTER TO WIN!!!!!

Imperial Cat has generously offered an EXCLUSIVE give-away for the readers of our blog. One lucky winner will win a SMALL SCRATCH 'N BITS CAT SCRATCHER PACKAGE TO BE DONATED TO THE SHELTER OF THEIR CHOICE!! AND.....they will win a:

MEGA SCRATCHING PAD

FOR THEIR OWN CAT(S)

 (Sorry, but this is open to U.S. shelters only.)  Entering is easy! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below!  GOOD LUCK!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway









In full disclosure: we received no compensation for this give-away.

Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest: Please Vote for Dearborn, Michigan Shelter Volunteer, Sue Barna to Help them Win a $25,000 Shelter Makeover!

Purina Cat Chow has selected the Dearborn Animal Shelter as one of 50 cat-focused shelters    nationwide that it’s recognizing during its Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year  Contest.

  It is the ONLY

MIchigan Shelter

that was selected for the contest!

The Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest is honoring and thanking the volunteers who tirelessly care for cats as they await their forever homes and work

 to make their temporary shelter homes gentler, less stressful places.

Purina Cat Chow asked 50 cat-focused shelters – one in every state – to help identify and share the stories of the volunteers who clean the visiting rooms, foster cats and kittens, and spend countless hours simply petting the cats to keep them calm and happy.

 Each of the 50 shelters nominated one volunteer who works tirelessly

 to create a gentler environment for shelter cats.

Photo courtesy of the Dearborn Animal Shelter.
  Sue Barna, pictured with one of her own cat family members

From now until Sunday, March 15, the Dearborn Animal Shelter is asking the metro Detroit community, (and anyone else who would like to help!),  to vote for our shelter volunteer’s story (Sue Barna pictured above), at www.catchow.com, to help Sue Barna win a $25,000 makeover for the shelter cats. In addition to the winning makeover, four runners-up volunteers will each win a $5,000 donation for their shelter. Every participating shelter will receive a $1,000 donation, Purina® Cat Chow® Gentle Formula brand food and cat care supplies. 

“The Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest allows us to recognize the hard work and  dedication of one of our volunteers,” said Elaine Greene, Executive Director, Friends For the Dearborn  Animal Shelter. “Our shelter is excited and humbled to be the only shelter selected to represent  Michigan and now needs the community to vote for our volunteer so we can win the $25,000 makeover  donation from Purina Cat Chow.”

The Dearborn Animal Shelter plans to use the cash donation to create a gentler environment for cats. I was at the shelter last Fall and I cannot begin to tell you how much winning this prize

 would help them!!!

  

Photos courtesy of the Dearborn Animal Shelter
  Sue Barna, pictured spending time with shelter cats. 

The Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest will donate nearly $100,000 among the 50 participating shelters in cash donations, cat food and cat care supplies to lessen the stress for cats living in shelters while they await their forever home.

“Each year, millions of cats enter animal welfare organizations. The dedication and hard work of shelter volunteers are critical to these cats’ care,” said Sarah Johnston, Purina Cat Chow brand manager. “We want to recognize the volunteers who make sure shelter cats have a comfortable place to live, access to high-quality nutrition, and provide unconditional support

 while they’re waiting to be adopted.”

This contest is part of the Brand’s “Building Better Lives” program, an ongoing commitment to help improve the lives of cats through rescue, nutrition and adoption support. In three years, the Purina Cat Chow “Building Better Lives” program will donate nearly $600,000 to more than 100 local cat-focused shelters nationwide and help improve the lives of more than 86,000 cats.

To  vote in the Purina Cat Chow Shelter Volunteer of the Year Contest, visit www.catchow.com,

 click on the Building Better Lives campaign,

 click on see volunteers,

 click on Michigan and vote for Sue Barna.   

   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.

   About Dearborn Animal Shelter

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

Rachael Ray™ Nutrish™ Embarks on 16 City Tour to Capture the True Beauty of Shelter Cats! #ShelterCatsAreBeautiful !

"A picture is worth a thousand words"

Rachael Ray™ Nutrish™  knows this and is working hard to find homes for shelter cats by taking photos that showcase their true beauty!

Sixteen cities. One goal —

To capture the TRUE BEAUTY of shelter cats

Millions of cats enter shelters every year, where they're often quickly put into cages. They're scared, confused and sometimes even dirty. A photo is snapped and then quickly shared, to be seen by people looking to adopt. Unfortunately, these photos don't always capture the full beauty and personality of the cats. That's why Rachael Ray™ Nutrish™ is proud to partner with GreaterGood.org® and One Picture Saves a Life™. Together, they will travel across the country taking photos worthy of these loving cats who are simply looking for a second chance.

 The The Shelter Cats Are Beautiful Tour!!

Rachael Ray Nutrish will take the “Shelter Cats areBeautiful” tour to 16 cities

across the country and offer professional grooming and photography services to

capture the full beauty and personality of cats in need of adoption. The

program will also provide shelters with the necessary tips, tools and equipment

to groom and capture best possible photographs of shelter pets in the future.

This program helps celebrate the launch of Rachael Ray Nutrish‘s new line of

natural food for cats, which is now available in stores nationwide. Rachael is

dedicated to helping animals in need and donates her proceeds from the sale

of Rachael Ray Nutrish to help animal support organizations, which has resulted

in more than $6.5 million in donations to date.

“Unfortunately there are a lot of animals in shelters that need a home, which is

why I started my food for pets, Nutrish, as a way to continuously fund programs

that help animals in need,” said Rachael. “Every year, 8 million scared and

disoriented pets enter the U.S. shelter system hoping for someone to love and

care for them. With our ‘Shelter Cats Are Beautiful’ tour, I’m hoping we help

people see just how beautiful shelter cats are, with the goal of getting these

pets into loving homes more quickly.”

Rachael  kicked off the national tour with an event in New York City on July 11.

Then the “Shelter Cats are Beautiful” tour will continue throughout the summer

rolling through: Bentonville, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver,

Detroit, (As a Nutrish Brand Advocate, I am excited because I happen to work closely with the shelter that will be a part of the tour, and I am going to have an EXCLUSIVE visit there!, Will keep you updated as the tour date draws closer!!) Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and San Antonio are also a part of this tour.

You can keep  posted on photos of the kitties and exact dates of the tour by visiting the

  Shelter Cats Are Beautiful website!  (If the date and participating shelter for your city isn't there now, it will be posted soon!)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rachael Ray Nutrish.   As always, thank you for reading and supporting our sponsors.

It's National Hug Your Cat Day!

I know, I know if you have a cat you do this EVERY DAY,  but today actually is:

 "National Hug Your Cat Day!"

To send THIS greeting
to your cat loving furiends
click here

In honor of this special day, I am posting some of my favorite "hug" photos, beginning with my Angel Bobo and of course my cuddle-bug Cody!

Now go and HUG your cat and if you don't have one, consider adopting a cat  (June is ADOPT A  CAT MONTH) or volunteering at a shelter today to give some HUGS to some cats who are in dire need of some lovin'!

Cats And Hugs

It's a proven fact that hugs from animals and giving hugs to animals will lower a persons blood pressure. Pets have the ability to stimulate their caregivers by decreased stress. There appears to be strong evidence that having a pet can help a person lead a longer, healthier life.

"Choose Life for a CAT  today!"

The above was found on:

From http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/national_hug_your_cat_day.html

June is Adopt-A-Cat-Month-American Humane

Believe it or not, Cody was the FIRST cat that I adopted. My Angel Bobo was found as a stray, and gifted me with 18 glorious years. Here is the letter I wrote to Cody on his Gotcha Day in 2012 where I have been grateful EVERY DAY for having adopted him:

I want to thank you my precious Cody for helping to heal a heart that was broken. The day I found you at the PetCo adoption drive, my heart was hurting from having  to say goodbye to your Grandpa Bobo just two weeks earlier.

I thought maybe it was too soon for another cat.  That is, until I picked you up and you immediately curled yourself up against me, never making any attempt to move, I felt your heart taking over mine, I knew you were sent from the Heavens.

I can see why your first name was Prince, your Dad frequently reminds me of how I should never have changed it. You truly ARE our "Prince."

You entered your Dad's and my home when you were about 11 wks old.  You had such kitty swagger! You never hid, you strolled through our home with an air of ownership. You had the cutest little pot belly and a sturdy, solid frame. Such a  rough-and-tumble boy kitty you were! As a handsome mancat, you still are.

Cody was sooo small
nestled between these books!!

Your Dad and I would laugh when you would turn and look at us with the most inquisitive, intense stare, your eyes literally appeared to look through us, you never averted your gaze. We could tell you possessed the wisdom of the ages with that look, it is a look you frequently give us to this day.

Cody about 10 or so weeks old

You are patient, yet determined, tolerant, but no pushover, fearless and loving.

Thank you for the love, laughs and light that you bring to my world, your Dad's and of course your best friend's, Dakota.

As I used to say to Grandpa Bobo, "you MUST stay with Mama til you are at least 24!"

Thank you  for being the incredible kitty that you are, my special boy, I adore you.

Love, "Mom"

If you have been contemplating getting a cat, please consider ADOPTION first, (I have a Petfinder widget on the sidebar of my blog that has been there for the past few years which can help you find the purrfect cat for you.)  Petfinder has a list of Animal Welfare Organizations where you can find a shelter near you! You can also visit Petfinder right here

Enjoy this informative video that was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association last year:

Lucky Cats Paper Dolls-Maneki Neko-by Maggie Swanson

Many of you are familiar with the Legend of the Maneki Neko, but for those of you aren't:

From Lucky Cats Paper Dolls:

Literally translated as "the beckoning cat," a Maneki Neko is easy to recognize by its raised paw. This traditional symbol of prosperity originated in Japan and can be found around the world especially in shops and restaurants."

Illustrator Maggie Swanson has created a paper doll activity book  starring two of her own cats,"Tommie" and "Gracie" who are based on her own cat family. They are her "lucky cats."

Why?

 When Tommie was about 6 wks old he walked out of the woods by Maggie's house and "into her arms." She considers him to be a "gift from Mother Nature."

Gracie was adopted from the PAWS animal shelter in Norwalk, Connecticut where Maggie volunteers. She also has a blog: Sundays at the Shelter where she photographs and blogs about the "adoptables" that she meets there. Maggie considers Gracie to be her "reward" for all of the litter boxes that she cleans there.

I have to tell you, when I opened this paper doll book the illustrations are breathtakingly exquisite. In my opinion, they are too captivating to take out of the book!

Invite good fortune into your life with these adorable lucky cats!

The above photos are just a teaser of what you will find in this stunning and unique book.

You (or your little ones) can dress up Tommie and Gracie in Egyptian Pharaoh costumes, you can dress Gracie as a Geisha replete with a fan (for friendship, good wishes).

There are more than 40 costumes and accessories in this book that can be put on Tommie or Gracie, each costume has various "lucky" symbols such as:

• A cowboy costume with a lucky horse shoe
• A fisherman costume with a shark's tooth for protection and strength and a fish for abundance and faith.

There is a darling "gardening" outfit that comes with the meanings of various "lucky" flowers:

• tiger lily-wealth and prosperity
• golden rod-success
• clover-good luck
• cattail-peace and prosperity

Near the back of the book you will find a 11x17 poster featuring some of the most unique, captivating and colorful "lucky" kitty stickers that I have seen.

I feel that this is the sort of book that no review or feature can adequately do justice. You must purchase this book and EXPERIENCE it. The illustrations must be SEEN to be appreciated. It would make a wonderful holiday gift for children and adults alike! Who can't use a little good luck in their life? Children will be enthralled with the kitties and their costumes, while adults will be inclined to display the dressed up kitties in various locations in their home or office to encourage good luck!

It is geared for those in Grades 3 and up (ages 8 and up)

Maggie Swanson has illustrated OVER 100 children's books for many different publishers. Check a few of  them out here

You can purchase Lucky Cats Paper Dolls for the most affordable price of $9.99 on the Dover Publications website by clicking right here

Visit: Maggie Swanson Illustration here
Vist Maggie's blog Sundays at the Shelter here

ISBN 10: 0486486826 ISBN 13: 9780486486826

Calling all pet lovers! Nominate an animal shelter to receive a $10,000 grant from Purina ONE® beyOnd®.

Copy http://budurl.com/purinashinesalight, paste, submit. That’s it to help a shelter win $10,000 - that’s a lot of food and leashes for five minutes!

Submissions are accepted June 28 through July 30, 2012.

Purina, Cody and I strongly believe animal shelters play a very important role in our world. Not only do they provide essential services to animals in need, they also improve the overall health and well-being of our communities. Purina ONE beyOnd recognizes this and is shining a light on innovative shelters that are doing more than just providing care - they are changing people's perception of shelter pets from pity to praise as they find these loving animals forever families.

Please consider helping to spread the word today. There are thousands of deserving groups out there making a difference and they all deserve a shot. They can only be nominated if you let them know it’s available and it’s as easy as posting on your Facebook page or Twitter.

June Is "Adopt-A-Cat-Month"

There is nothing like loving a cat, there is nothing like being LOVED by a cat. The silky softness of it's fur between your fingers, the motorboat rumblings of a contented purr, the comedic cat calisthenics, the nuzzling nose bump "kisses", the feathery feel of it's boa-like tail swishing by your neck....there is nothing more soothing, more comforting or rewarding, especially if the cat you are loving is a rescue or shelter cat.

Cats seem to know when they have been rescued and they will live out every bit of their nine lives in gratitude, exalting your noble act and bestowing daily affection on you that cannot be compared.

American Humane and CATalyst Council Inc. have teamed up to sponsor "Adopt-A-Cat-Month. According to American Humane "approximately 4 million cats end up in shelters every year, including thousands born every spring and summer during "kitten season". "Your local shelter is brimming with cats of every breed, age and personality just waiting for a loving home. Whether you prefer young and frisky or mature and mellow, you're sure to find the perfect cat companion during Adopt-A-Cat Month!"







Jane Brunt, DVM and Executive Director of the CATalyst Council discusses why cats are America's #1 pet and how important it is to take care of them.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzkx0ve-IT8



Please adopt a shelter cat, the love, enjoyment, fun, comfort and satisfaction will last you all of your nine lives!