Friday, September 18, 2020

MARCY'S ANIMAL BLOG- THE GOOD WILL AMBASSADOR FERAL FELINE!


 My name is Sammy!  And I am, and will ever be a Feral Tabby Feline!  I have quite a story to tell you!

The life of a Feral Cat is not an easy one!  I was born in a chicken coop a bit south of Brighton, Michigan!   I'm 3rd generation of a Feral Cat Community on a dirt road near a Golf Course! I think I'm about 6 years old.

The farmer who owned the chicken coop says we Never Ever bothered the chickens! The farmer joined the "Feral Cat Program"- which means the State will neuter and spay the cats for free.  The Vet then nips the top of the left ear so that animal control knows not to "put us down"!  You see, we are suppose to be "rodent control"  (yuck!), so if anyone turns us in we get released back to where we were found!

Now about the Humans I have kinda, sorta adopted!


First I'll give you a bit of MY family History! About 10 years ago my momma cat made friends with my  Humans.  This was before I was born!  They named her "Killer Senior Momma" because she was such a good hunter!  The man Human had all these chipmunks all over his yard!  He would point to a hole the chipmunk just ran into and yell "Get 'em, Killer. Get 'em!"  Killer Momma Senior would jump into the hole and try to pull out the chipmunk and chase it, but most of the time she couldn't reach it!

Then a year later one of our relatives also showed up and was named "Killer Jr."  Killer Jr. was very sweet and social and would follow the Humans around on their many walks! Then- all at once both Killer Momma Senior and Killer Jr. were never seen again!  The Humans think the coyotes got them! The coyotes can be heard howling all the time in the backyard forest! Very Sad!

Now- On To MY Story!

4 years ago I came to the Humans back yard. They would try to feed me and pet me, but I would have none of it!!  One day their Granddaughter Payton was there.  There's something special about her,  She seemed to understand me!  The Humans call her the "Cat Whisperer"!  I let her pet me!

After that I slowly got to know the Humans!  They were both allergic to me!!  That didn't stop the Lady!  She took one look at me and fell in Love!


I decided to let them get to know me a little!  They would feed me whenever I came to visit!  I was very skittish at first.  In order to survive I've learned to be very careful of every one and every thing! 

You see, I'm Not a hunter!!! I was born to  be a Feline Diplomat!  I have huge talons but will only occasionally kill a grasshopper or spider!

I am a very large Feline-  16 1/2 pounds of Love and Cuddles!



Here I am, napping on my Human's deck rail, waiting for them to wake up and feed me! I'm here most mornings at about 06:00 !

I am indeed an outdoor Feral Feline- but love to eat, snuggle, and nap with my Humans whenever possible! I can tell when they need affection!  


Sometimes my Female Human spends a lot of time on her computer!!  It's my job to tell her when enough is enough!!

I sleep between 12-16 hours a day!  So- when I am with my humans I need to spread the love as best I can!


This is my Male Human!  Interestingly enough, he didn't believe animals belong inside!  He was raised on a farm and always thought animals belonged outside only!  Plus, he's allergic to me!  But I can tell that he's really in need of a snuggle sometimes!  And as you can tell, he likes the snuggles!



Sometimes my Human Lady thinks she can fool me by taking that dang computer into her bedroom! 
She Can't!   It's Cuddle time!! (Note the determined look on my face!)

I have a schedule of sorts!  By 06:00 I'm napping on my Human's rail waiting for Breakfast!  Now for cuddle time and sleep! Sometimes I'll visit the different neighbors!  One neighbor has lovely patio furniture I use for a little nap!!  One time I used my big paws to open their back door and went to their son's bedroom!  After finding me they fed me treats and put me outside!  My Male Human was a bit embarrassed!  All the neighbors know who I sort of belong to!

Another neighbor (who also has comfy furniture on their porch) found me napping one day on their porch..  They called me boots until they found out who I belonged to. I sit by their door until they feed me something!  And I really like playing with their new puppy!!

And then there's my 7 p.m. routine!  There are lovely neighbors who also have felines! At just about the same time each day I visit!  Their cats will sit by the door and wait for me!  I know they are expecting me so don't want to disappoint them! 

Now- about two years ago the farmer who owned the chicken coop sold the farm!  He sold it to a couple who have a  Labrador canine!  That has ruined my backup living situation when my Humans are traveling! So- the neighbors with the social cats are willing to look after me while the Humans are away! This will mostly happen in the Winter!



                                          I have no idea why we felines like boxes so much! 


As you can tell by this picture, I'm under stress!!  As I've mentioned, I am NOT a Hunter!  I try not to bother any of the critters!  That includes mice, chipmunks, squirrels, and birds!  (My Male Human who was raised on a farm thinks I'm not very smart because I refuse to kill! )  But my Female Human understands me! Now back to the picture!!  I'm begging to be let inside!!  Why?


I was being dive-bombed by this bird!!  Both birds and squirrels like to taunt us non-hunters! I don't know why!


So that's my story! Yes, I'm a Feral Feline, an Out Doors cat, and a Snuggle- Companion-Ambassador to all the Humans in my area- but especially to MY Humans!  I'm Loved, obviously Well Fed,  looked after by MY Humans and their community as well!

What more could a Feline Good Will Ambassador ask for ?!

Sunday, September 13, 2020

MARCY'S ANIMAL BLOG! A RESCUED PUP- LIVING THE GOOD LIFE!!




My name is Macie!  Some say I'm a Mutt!  But I'm not!  I'm a MIX!  And this is my story!

When I was a baby something happened to my litter and pack!  I don't know what!  But by the time I was12 weeks old I was a rescue puppy- looking for a forever home!  

No one knew for sure what my breed was! 
 
My humans found me!  They didn't seem to care about the "breed"!  They were told my name was "JOY" but I wouldn't answer to that! The Humans decided on a new name!  And that was fine with me!

They added me to their family pack! Since then I've been a loyal companion for my Humans!  

They Love me and I Love being with them!  What better life could a Canine want?!



Here I am as a puppy on their boat! Pretty cool, don't you think? 


I Love stretching! 


When my humans have to travel, Auntie M comes to stay with me!  She's always surprised how easily I can "chill out"!  I Love looking out the window and watching the World go by!

Along with being a Great laid back Companion  I am also an observer.   I watch the neighborhood, and watch over my family! No- I'm not a "guard" dog, because I'm not at all aggressive!  However, I do alert the family about the goings on in the neighborhood!



There used to be a cat that lived with us!  His name was Mikee! Auntie M said he looked just like "Puss in Boots"! He always wanted to sneak my food!!  (Maybe he Was Puss In Boots! )  




 Auntie M always takes me for long walks!  See how she threads my leash?  That way I know not to pull on the leash but walk right beside her!  She always tells me what a great walking companion I am!



I'm pretty comfortable sitting where ever!   I just love watching what's going on!  I only get excited when my Humans or Auntie M comes to visit!  Those are my "special" people!


  Here I'm Watching Auntie M sweeping the floors!  It makes her smile to see the way I sit on the stairs!                      


Beach time is always a great time for me!!  As long as my Humans aren't flying somewhere, they bring me along on their adventures!


Sometimes Auntie M would bring her Granddaughter to visit!  The little girl was kind,  But I always felt just a little bit shy!


Auntie M's rule is to NOT sleep with the Canines and Felines she watches over!  However,  I would sneak in and carefully place myself on the bed as she slept!  She was always surprised in the morning that I somehow got up there without waking her up!!


My Female Human always makes sure I look pretty!  I have lots of stylish scarves!!



I've always enjoyed the Winter!  I often roll in the snow to give myself a snow bath!   Here I am watching a herd of deer that were in the woods!


On cold Winter days Mikee, Auntie M, and I would chill out in front of the T.V.!   I guess you would say Mikee and I were House Mates of sorts. Mikee was hit by a neighbors car and crossed the Rainbow Bridge, so my "Puss in Boots" is gone.  About that time my Humans were staying in town much more, so it made the loss easier.


I continue to keep company and walk my Humans whenever I can!.  And my Female Human always make sure I am groomed and pretty! I've never minded the scarves!! Sort of Classy, don't you think?!


As I've gotten older I Love sunning!  As you can see, there's more grey on my nose!  I'm now 10 Years Old!                                                             


Because of the Pandemic my Humans are certainly home more!  This is fine with me!! Since I'n now a Senior Canine I probably "chill out" a bit more.  More Human companionship and chilling?  Life Is Good! 

 Thanks for listening to my Story!  Every Canine and Feline should be as Lucky as I am! 

 If you're thinking about adding a Fur Companion to your Human Pack,  please consider looking at your Animal Rescues and Humane Society!  

There may just be one Furry Friend who will give you companionship and unconditional Love! And you, can give it a life of safety, comfort, and Love in return!

What more could a Canine or Feline ask for!!

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

MARCY'S ANIMAL BLOG- GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A BELOVED FUR FAMILY MEMBER!

    


Most of us who have had beloved fur folk as pets have experienced the loss of one.  It's heart felt and gut wrenching!  Animals grieve the loss of one of their own as well!

This was Ellie, Golden Retriever shortly after her fur companion passed away.  Her humans were afraid she was also going to pass!  Ellie's grief was profound!  Pictured her is my Granddaughter, Payton- at the time just 3 years old.  I asked her to come and comfort Ellie, because she was so sad.

I was touched and amazed at the care and compassion that little 3 year old showed the grieving Ellie- and how much Ellie responded to her touch and Love!  Ellie went on to live several more years!

For us humans, we feel the loss as well!  How do we fill that void?  Another pet, perhaps?  We each handle grief in our own way.  For some, the happy memories sustain them.

I believe that if there's a heaven, our fur family members are there also!  I saw a little cartoon that made me smile!  I hope that's how I'll see my beloved "Daquiri Shih Tzu"  again!



I have no special words of Wisdom to impart on the subject of grieving a Fur Family Member.  

Hugs to all who have suffered loss, and a Special Tribute to all the Fur Folk who gave us Unconditional Love and Companionship!  For the time they were here we were Blessed Indeed! 

Until next time, Dear Readers, Hug your Fur Folk a little longer, play with them just a little bit more, and send them the feeling of gratitude we all  have for their devotion.

Saturday, September 5, 2020

MARCY'S ANIMAL BLOG- THE BABY FRENCH BULLDOG SURPRISE!!




 My name is Kilo!  I'm a baby French Bulldog!  Yep- I'm a Frenchie!! This is my story!  I have to start the story happening before I came to my family.

The young girl of the family wanted a puppy!  She gave her parents a Power Point Presentation on why she should have a puppy! Not bad for an 11 year old!  Her parents said "No".

Then the man of the house and his son went on a cross country flying trip!  The son was saying the little girl really should have a puppy!  The Father agreed.



On their way back home they stopped in Indiana- and picked me up!  I was 9 weeks old! I spent the first night with the Father and Brother in a hotel room, cuddled up in the brother's arms!  Then we flew to where I would have my forever home and my little girl!  I spent most of the flight curled up on the brother's lap!


When my girl first saw me she cried- so was so excited and happy! The brother was happy that she was happy!


                       

                  She couldn't believe she got her wish!  And I was happy she liked me! I curled up in her arms and took a nap!


                       The Mama of the house loves snuggling, I love snuggling!  A whole family of snuggle people! Perfect!


I started exploring my new home.  There are 3 cats in the house!  I'm not sure about felines.  I got into trouble right away!  I thought the larger one's tail was a chew toy! I got batted in the face quick for that one!  This is me fleeing the scene!


We babies need lots of naps!  I know they have a nice bed for me, but sometimes I just stop in the middle of playing  and take a snooze!  Here I am in the Cat's toy box!!


                    I Love chewing on sticks!  And sometimes rocks!  But sticks are my favorite!!


                                                I like helping the Mama with the dishes!


                              My Girl takes me everywhere!  Here I am at the beach!


                                 My girl is a good teacher!  She taught me to sit on command!


                         I can shake hands!! I'm pretty small for my age, but I can still learn quickly!



This is the Mama!  I snuggle with her at night.  And she takes care of me first thing in the morning!


I Love my human family!  I Love my Girl who wanted me so badly!  I'm happy!

Some say that since I'm a Frenchie, I'm playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible! I agree!!

Thank you for letting me tell you my story!  Since I'm just a baby I'm sure that Auntie M will keep you updated as I grow up!

I think you'll probably hear from me again as I grow and learn!  I know I'll have more stories about me and those illusive cats in the house! 

                    So, until next time, do what my little girl did!   WISH FOR A PUPPY!!

UPDATE:  Auntie M says I'm one of the most strong willed pups she's ever met!  I guess she's right, I'm Stubborn- and strong!  But she loves me just the same!  I'm a bit older now.




My Girl and her Mama have been gone to Ski camp!  I'm a bit depressed from missing them, but they're coming home today!  I hope they are ready for lots of puppy kisses!!

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

MARCY'S ANIMAL BLOG- "ZOE"- THE PUPPY MILL RESCUE DOG !!




My name is "Zoe"- pronounced Zoey.  I'm a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier!  My story started off pretty badly!

You see, I was born in a puppy mill!  There were dogs everywhere- over 90 adults and puppies where there! We had really bad living conditions!  Our coats were terribly matted!  Many had feces stuck to them for a long time!  Almost every one of us suffered from some sort of medical condition!

Poodles and Wheaten Terriers were there- and dogs that were a cross breed of the two called "Whoodles"! There also were several cats and at least two litters of kittens!  None of us were very well taken care of!

One day, when I was about six months old people came to see how we all were being treated!  They were shocked at how neglected we were!  They found me in the stall of a barn! We were taken away and given medical attention!  I had never had much interaction with humans!  So I was skittish and shy!  I didn't know what to think of it all!

Some of us went to the Humane Society and some, like myself, went to a Wheaten Terrier Rescue for adoption!

And so my life began as a rescue pup!  I became very attached to the female human who adopted me.  I have to say- I'm shy by nature and extremely insecure.  I just never had any socialization before!  I'm now almost 7 years old!  We're still working on some behavior issues, but I'm doing better, a little bit at a time!


 

When my humans go away Auntie M comes to stay.   Even before she lets me out of my crate she closes the bedroom doors.   She's learned that though I love her,  I tend to go hide under the bed when my humans aren't here.  With the bedroom doors closed  I lay at the end of the hall instead!


Another place of refuge is my crate!  And I love my stuffed toy!  It's the same color as me!  Maybe it reminds me of all my brothers and sisters I lived with the first six months of my life.

I have a few "quirks"- I would say.  I have an unbelievable startle response to any loud noise!  Every time my male human puts the foot rest down on his lazy boy chair I bark! I also get really concerned if any human is on the floor!!  And let's not even talk about thunderstorms!  Those are the worst!

Still- in all, I'm adjusting pretty well.  Slow but sure.  When Auntie M walks me I stay right by her side, just as she likes!  When she visits I am happy to greet her!  When she says "Sit for Loves"  I immediately sit down!  



Just this week Auntie M tried to get a picture of the two of us!  I didn't really want my picture taken!  But there I am, looking bigger than life cause I tried to lean forward and away!  Camera shy!


You can tell I'm feeling pretty comfortable and secure here!  I'm ON the bed, not UNDER it!



One of my "things" that I do- I don't always eat!  When my humans go away, I don't eat for a while.  Nor do I eat when we travel!  BUT---  when my female human makes a yummy meat dish she lets me eat a few pieces along with licking the plate!  That's the best!

So that's my story.  I had a rough start to say the least- and it's taken a while to adjust to living with humans.  But I've bonded very closely with my female human.  She lets me know when I'm out of line, but is oh so gentle when she does it!  I have a Wonderful life now! I'd say my life was saved when I was taken from the puppy mill - and again when I was adopted!

If you're thinking of adding a Canine or Feline member to your family, Please look at your local Humane Society or Rescue Agency first!   You may just fall in Love!