Seafaring cats

Here is a great post by the cat diaries about sea faring cats.

Do you believe that cats have magical powers?

Well they certainly kept the rats and mice away.

Sydney's favourite pet shops

Sydney has hundreds of pet shops, pet supply stores, pet accessories and even discount pet shops.

Which are your favourites? I like these two:

Mollycoddledpets

Oz Pet Shop

What kind of animals are you likely to meet in Sydney ...

I love knowing what kind of wildlife lives in Sydney.

I live above a gully so I have met ducks, butterflies, possums and sewer rats. The sewer rats are probably the most unpleasant rat I have ever seen. They are huge and nasty.

I have a kookaburra who comes to visit my courtyard and cat, ducks who visit the swimming pool and a huge collection of birds who scream outside the windows at dawn.

Do you know the wildlife in your area?

Here are some insects, bugs and other animals you may encounter.

Take your dog or cat on holiday ...

Ok, sometimes you need a pet sitter to look after your cat, dog, lizard or bird while you go on holiday for the weekend, month or whatever.

It's great to have someone pet sit and you don't have to worry about a thing.

But you also have the chance to take them with you. I'd say it's more likely that they'd accommodate dogs rather than cats because there is something about dogs. They tend to me more loyal in some ways and probably wouldn't run away.

I wouldn't dare take my cat with me on holiday. He'd flip out. But I have a friend who has a Burmese and he goes everywhere including on holidays with her. They've been on a train and camping and taken road trips, this is one unique cat. Do you know of cats so sedate and calm?

Here is a list of pet friendly accommodation. I am actually very impressed by this site, they have romantic, cheap and haunted options for Sydney stayz as well.

Take your dog or cat with you and enjoy!

Cats who change peoples' lives

I love cats.

Hemingway is feral and is like a tiger but has this incredible spirit and personality. Sometimes he is completely mad and then suddenly docile and he keeps life interesting. I know there are thousands of stories of people whose cats have literally changed their lives or circumstances or brought them some kind of value.

Here are some:

Cleo - a tiny black runt kitten who came into Helen's life in possible the worst time of grief and helped her and her son Rob heal. This book is a tearjerker and it is so interesting to read about the kind of cat Cleo is (was?)

Dewey - was literally abandoned at the library. And become the library cat. This cat touched everybody and as you can see from the website Dewey became the town cat. Vicki believes that Dewey had a sixth sense about people in need and came into hers at a very much needed time.

3 cats - This book is an incredible read about three different cats who literally seemed like Thea's babies. Each cat offered her something and the bond she developed with each of them and what she gained from them was really great to read.

Sissy the cat - Sissy helped a family through loss.

They had me at meow - the true story of a woman and the 30 cats she loved inside a feral cat colony.

And, Trim the seafaring cat who travelled with Flinders and Bass.

Most authors and people who have loved cats all say the same thing. Cats choose their owners. Hemingway licked my arm when I was trying to choose a kitten and I took him home. They come to you when needed - and while Hemmy is feral and probably less affectionate and doesn't sit on my lap, we have an incredible bond and I feel that my life is richer because of him.

There are hundreds of stories and books about cats and their owners. (Or masters!)

Please tell me your cat stories.

Rescued dogs generally need less training

And a whole lot of love.

Adopt a homeless pet. The Pedigree Adoption Drive is all about adopting homeless dogs.

And giving them happy endings.

http://www.pedigreeadoption.com.au/

Cupcake Day for the RSPCA

Get your mixers ready to help celebrate cupcake day.

Make or buy original cupcakes to bring along to support the RSPCA.

Bring along your cameras to send the most original cupcake pics to the RSPCA to win prizes and you can decide how much you want to charge for your cupcakes.

All proceeds go directly towards the RSPCA.

Come and buy some to eat and enjoy!

Why? Because we love animals

And we couldn't think of a better way to support this day by eating and enjoying cupcakes!

Monday 17th August 2009
From 2pm onwards

At:

Roundabout Ceramics

155 New South Head Road
Vaucluse
Tel: 02 9388 8955
roundaboutceramics@bigpond.com
http://www.anniesfineceramics.com/

We would love to see you there.
Come and enjoy the afternoon with us.

Impossible to take to the vet ...

My cat goes psycho when I try to take him to the vet.

He scratches and hisses, runs away and instead of taking a few minutes, it takes practically all day to get him into the box.

When i get to the vet, he attacks the staff, hisses and refuses to let anyone near him.

It's stressful and embarrassing and causes so much mishap. Hemingway has gotten stuck behind a computer and had to get pulled out. He has scratched a vet's neck really badly. He has been thrown out of vets.

So I have been looking for a solution for a while. I have been trying to find a vet who vaccinates at home and does not charge a ludicrous amount to do so.

I have been calling a few vets and have no response so far.

Does anyone know vets who offer this service for the same fee as it would cost to drag a crazy psycho cat against his will?!

With a click on this website

You can help feed abandoned and neglected animals

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Once you've clicked, you have given the value of .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. Think of the difference you are making with a single click on the site.

Socially responsible pet ownership ...

If you want to be a responsible pet owner and you also want to feel that you are contributing towards the care and ownership of pets, then this site is for you.

PetNet believes in educating owners, journalists and vets about pets.

They offer information about adoption, lost pets, pet friendly parks and beaches and pets in the city.

It's informative and it will help owners and anyone interested in pet statistics, breeds and choices to stay informed and socially aware.

It's a fantastic site.

Dating service for people who love dogs ...

If you love talking about your dog and you're single ...

Then this is the site for you.

It's probably hard enough finding someone who has the same interests as you, lives nearish you, is about your age and wants to date ...

... well if you both have and love dogs then this is the easy way to date.

It already shows responsibility and commitment and even if you don't find love on this site; you will find others who love and connect with their dogs as much as you do.

Teach your mutt manners ...

Mutts With Manners offers dog training and obedience lessons.

This is a great business name and website and also has testimonials from pet owners whose dogs have really benefitted from the sessions.

If your dog has barking or behavioural problems, or needs to be trained on walks or needs to learn how to stay at home while pet owners work, then Mutts With Manners is for you.

Mutts with Manners
Dog and puppy training in Sydney's Inner West and Eastern Suburbs
Call 0410 62 66 77 or 0410 MANNRS

Dereck and Beverly Joubert

An amazing couple who have worked in Africa for the past 20 years, filming wild life documentaries and educating viewers about Africa.

They have been high school sweethearts and gained notoriety when they filmed a leopard cup named Lightening and monitored her progress over 3 years.

Dereck and Beverly Joubert love Africa and the wildlife and respect the laws of nature. They have made films and written books about their experiences. Their books look amazing and they are explorers in resident for National Geographic.

This is Lagadema (Lightening) the leopard they fell in love with.

Meerkat Manor

Have a look at how incredible these meerkats are.

They seem to have an incredible connection with each other and are extremely smart. They battle against their predators, raise families and have such distinct personalities.

I think they'd make extremely odd pets and it looks like they have really sharp teeth. I have been watching Meerkat Manor for years and find them incredible.

Terminally ill bulldog saves his owner from a house fire

Scott's decision not to end his terminally ill bulldog's life has ended up saving his own.

Scott Seymour's dog, Brittney, awakened him with her barking early on Sunday in time for both of them to escape from his burning house in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The fire came two weeks after a veterinarian discovered the 9-year-old American bulldog had several cancerous tumors. Scott has had her since she was 6 weeks old.

The vet said the dog might not survive surgery, and Seymour ruled out chemotherapy, believing it would be too hard on Brittney.

Seymour said he could have had Brittney put down, but instead decided to give her medication to blunt her pain until death comes naturally, probably within a few weeks.

What an incredible dog and what an amazing story.

Urban Animals ...

Want or need news about your pets?

Or boarding options, the closest vet or the latest dog pillow?

Urban Animal Magazine is a funky resource full of information for residents in Sydney's Eastern suburbs, Inner West and the CBD.

I love that my favourite vet Animal Doctors, is one of the outlets listed in Urban Animal Magazine.

The latest issue (15 May) has info about pet products on the Internet, what's in those pet treats and whether 1 year in human years is 7 in animal years.

So if you live in Sydney, grab a copy of this great mag. I read a bit of it while waiting at the vet on Monday.

Ahh to be a cat ...

A blogging cat to be exact.

They have the life. Sunshine, fresh laundry, lying in beds all day and served food like on an airline.

It would be fantastic.

Want more cat blogs?

New Cat City Can a man who's never had pets and who is allergic to cats become a great "CatDad?" New Cat City chronicles Avram's cats, Arthur and Beowulf, from his first search for two kittens, and is loaded with great photos of his boys.

The PsychoKitty Speaks Out The PsychoKitty is Max, and he eats something called "Stinky Goodness" and lives with "the Woman" and "the Man."

BloggingCat.com Muddy (Prince MuddyPaws) is the author of this blog, which is loaded with photos of him and his buddy, Myst, and some other cats. Unless Muddy has opposable thumbs.

William of Mass Destruction posts from beautiful black William and his housemates, interspersed with loads of photos, make this an interesting and newsy cat blog.

Cat 'n' Dog Blog This blog is truly authored by cats and dogs.

Monkey Cats The Monkey Cats are Tomas and Tenzin, and they share equally in posting their blog, if not their food.

The Cat Room Max, Bonkers, and Miss Daisy live with "the Human," and an occasional visitor, "the lady with the creaky knees." CoolCatSites.NetThis site is loading with information and links for cat lovers. The center column is in the form of a blog.

Abbie the Cat Has a Posse Abbie writes her own blog with the assistance of someone named Martha. She must be a gourmet, because all the entries are food-oriented.

100 years from now
it will not matter the sort of house I lived in,
how much money I had in the bank,
or what car I drove,
... but the world may be different
because I hope I was important in the life
of the animals and creatures
of this earth.

How much is that doggy in the window?

Here's a great site to help you find that perfect doggy. This site brings registered breeders and buyers together.

With options like choosing the breed or size of the puppy, news and selling your puppy - as well as good advice for buyers ... they really do believe that education is the key to reducing the number of pets ending up at shelters

And they have an amazing blog packed with information.

Whatever puppy you're looking for, you'll find it here.

Pets are good for you ...

Owning a pet is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, fewer visits to the doctor, and a reduced risk of asthma and allergies in young children.

There may even be less absenteeism from school through sickness among children who live with pets.

We have to get up to walk the dog, have to leave the house to take dogs for walks and in my case have to buy cat food or go look for Hemingway!

Explanations for the association between pet ownership and human health include social benefits and emotional support. Numerous studies have shown that support from pets may mirror some of the elements of human relationships known to contribute to health.

However, conflict between health and pet ownership can arise. It seems that pet owners would disregard advice to get rid of a pet because of allergies, while there are older people avoiding medical care through fear of being admitted to hospital or residential care as this often means giving up a pet.

Also - vet bills are extraordinarily expensive - when Hemingway had an eye infection, it cost me so much money ... I had to open a savings account to ensure this never happens again.

People do not own pets specifically to enhance their health, rather they value the relationship and the contribution their pet makes to their quality of life. Greater understanding among health professionals is therefore needed to assure people that they do not need to choose between pet ownership and compliance with health advice.

Someone will always be happy to look after your pet if something happens to you, a neighbour or a young responsible teenager who you can pay for their time. And depending on where you live, you may be able to re adopt if need be.

Having a pet, worrying about a pet and owning a pet is so beneficial .... this is only one opinion.

What is yours?

a Lynx ...

You Are a Lynx

You are a quiet observer of the world around you. Your wisdom comes from listening carefully. You've always been extra sensitive and aware. And it's made it difficult for you to fit in. You see past people's outward personas. You are able to penetrate a stranger's soul. What you've learned about people is both beautiful and ugly. And you keep these secrets to yourself.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatbigcatareyouquiz/

Which pet is the right one for you?

So you have a pet or you're thinking about getting a pet ... but which pet?

Do you love staying home? Are you quite active and love getting up and going for walks or are you lazy? Are you social? Do you have a lot of free time to spend with your pet? Are you happy with walking a dog twice a day and taking him/her out on weekends? Do you have savings - because you have to consider food, vet bills and cleaning?

Are you patient? Puppies need to be trained. Puppies also need walks and a lot of attention. Dogs generally don't like being on their own. They will sleep with you, lavish you with love and attention and will follow you around ... they are fantastic company but they do need care.

If you like cleaning and are happy with something that's not cuddly, perhaps a fish would be a good bet. or a hamster, mouse or rat. Their cages/tanks need to be cleaned regularly and they need to be fed ... but they're very low maintenance. If you want a snake, you have to consider the fact that they eat baby mice which you will have to provide.

Pet birds are fairly easy. I clean out Molly Blue's cage once a week, feed her and clean out her water every morning, vacuum round the cage where she drops her **** and seeds. She's not cuddly, but she is entertaining.

Cats are fairly easy as well. I wash Hemingway every 3 months, de - flea him, I spend about $30 a week on him on food and I rarely have vet bills. He comes in to be fed, or to sleep on me when it is cold or raining or to sit by the heater ... so he is not the most social of pets.

What kind of pet would YOU be? (I'd be a pet dog.)

Can You Adopt Ace?

Hi, I'm Ace, a pure Australian cat.

I was born about 2 years ago and it wasn't my choice. But it happened and I'm here.

I was still a kitten when I got pregnant and I was dumped in a park in Leichhardt. I was rescued by a couple of students from Europe. They love me, feed me and give me everything I need - but the thing is they are going back overseas in 3 weeks. And they can't take me to their home country as it's very very very faraway.

I don't even want to go as I belong here.

Therefore I'm looking for a nice Ausssie family who will adopt me. My European parents have been trying to find someone for more than 3 months, but nobody seems to care, which makes the situation very very stressful.

I’m a very friendly, well behaved desexed cat with a great personality, who doesn’t need much. Therefore I would be very grateful for a new place to live as I don't want to end up in a cats and dogs home.

Because we all know they will put me to sleep.

And that's not fair, cos I'm so full of life and I've already managed to escape from hell once... :-(


Please write to: theacecat@gmail.com if you would like to adopt Ace.

Dear Dogs and Cats ...

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door:

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain
your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food.
Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however.

Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that
sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize
space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom!

If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered.

Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me FIRST, then go
smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

To all the people who visit and complain about our pets:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your
clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't hang out with drug-using people;
(7) don't smoke or drink,
(8) don't want to wear your clothes,
(9) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children

Cat Diaries

If my cat had a diary, it would consist of Hemingway writing things like Yeooowwll, pretend I have not been fed in days and decapitated another mouse head ... bliss.

Luckily I found Cat Diaries and can take comfort in the fact that Hemingway thinks he is human, thinks that everything belongs to him including anything in grocery bags and that all jumpers are his to lie on or tear up.

This is a great site for all sorts of cat info, competitions to win your cat food and cat facts, cat chat and cat hotels.

Give them everything they need ... right?

I love Pet Rescue

If you love pets, then what is the real need for getting an expensive new pet from a breeder when you can get and love a pet from Pet Rescue instead?

If you're in Victoria (Australia) that is there are a lot of pets who need foster care and some love because their owners have lost their homes, or the pets have run away or people have passed away and so there is a huge need for pets to be taken in.

If you're considering buying a pet, instead of spending thousands of dollars on a new pedigree, why not choose a puppy or older dog who needs a home?

You've only got to look at a few of these dogs and know you're doing the right thing.

If you've just adopted a pet, please let me know.

The Puppy Place

The Puppy Place, a site for seeing eye dogs and guide dogs is looking for donations.

They're also selling cookbooks to raise funds.

Pet News

A great pet news site,

All kinds of wonderful news items like a cat who can detect diabetes on breath and how breath can be a great medical way to determine health of people and looking at euthanising pit bulls, rather than putting them down automatically - they are considering looking at each individual dog.

I have found some great info on this site.

Raising green pets ...

and reducing their carbon footprints.

So what exactly is a Green Dog?

According to this site, you can minimise waste and make your pets more green by:

- making and using more natural food products
- using biodegradable packaging
- making recycled toys
- you can even make pet shampoos

Free dog obedience classes

City of Sydney offers free dog obedience classes in certain parks throughout the year.

The next group of classes start on the 28 February and they are run by Hanrob.

It sounds like a brilliant idea!

Off leash dog parks in Eastern suburbs and city

Click on this link to find some off leash dog parks in Sydney's Eastern suburbs and city.

It's great that dogs get to have a nice run.

DogTown

I was lucky enough to watch an episode on DogTown on National Geographic.

The episode was all about saving the Michael Vick's dogs - they were pit bulls who were brought up to fight for each other. Some were raped for breeding and had their teeth removed, some were used as bait. DogTown took in 22 of them and rehabilitated them so one day they could become pets again and loved again.

After watching this episode, I am incredibly grateful that DogTown loves dogs so much and put so much work into getting these dogs rehabilitated. The people who helped these dogs truly loved them and helped them find their worth.

Here is the Michael Vick's story - I am appalled by what this man did to his animals.

Dating service for pet lovers

If you love pets and want to find a significant other in your life ... why not try a dating service where you can find someone who loves pets as much as you do?

Must Love Pets is an American based dating site, where you can find someone who loves your cat and bird, or 12 rabbits or crazy dog as much as he/she loves you.

Here is one place where you can go on and on and on about your pet (within reason) . If you're looking for a friend or contact to chat about your pets with ... this is a great site for you.

And I am looking for something closer to home, so I can start making friends with people who I can talk about Hemingway and Molly Blue to.

If you have a pet site or pet blog, please send me the url so I can add links to this blog. I'd love to hear from you.

Have you got a pet blog?

I'd love to read yours and link it to this one.

I love reading stories about pets and I'd love you to come share your pet pictures and stories with me. I've always loved pets having owned finches, Maltese poodles, an iguana, a mouse called Khaya, several rabbits, silk worms ... and now have a cat and a bird (I'm thinking of adding a dog but am still deciding which) ... I think I preferred pets to people as a child and was always finding cats to cuddle ...

If you'd like to read Thea Welsh's memoir about her cats, their personalities and living with them ... you will really love reading this book. It's still one of my favourite books about having cats and falling completely in love with who they are.

Please send those pet sites and blog urls to me.

Bondi Vet ...

This Thursday at 8pm, I can't wait.

Dr Chris Brown is a gorgeous bachelor who lives in Sydney and works with pets all over Bondi, he seems so natural with animals and so at ease ... it will make loads of boys want to be vets.

Pet care tips from the RSPCA

Here are some of the basic rules for taking care of your pet:

• Provide your pet with an adequate balanced diet and ensure it has access to clean, cool drinking water at all times;
• Regularly exercise your pet according to its needs;
• Train your pet using kindness, treats and rewards – not punishment!;
• Provide appropriate housing and shelter for your pet;
• Keep your pet safely and securely confined, or in the case of dogs, on a leash unless in an off-leash area;
• To minimise boredom, provide your pet with lots of companionship and playtime, plus toys to keep it entertained;
• Protect your pet's health by taking it to a vet whenever it is sick or hurt, and make sure routine medical treatments (such as vaccinations and worming) are up-to-date;
• You may need to microchip your pet and register it with your local council so it can be returned to you if it becomes lost;
• Baby animals might be very cute but they can also be a lot of trouble, so desex your pet at an early age to prevent unwanted offspring;
• If your pet requires grooming, do so on a regular basis;
• Most pets need to be socialised with other animals and people, particularly at a young age so give your pet appropriate opportunities for mixing with others;
• Teach your family, friends and children how to interact with your pet;
• Make suitable arrangements for care of your pet while you’re on holidays – or take your pet with you!
• Respect the rights of non pet owners by keeping your pet under control while in public and by disposing of any mess made in public areas;

Remember, your pet depends on you to look after it.

Provide your pet with all the love, attention and care it needs and you’ll have a happier, healthier pet and a friend for life!

The most obedient dog?

Type a trick or request into the command box and watch this exceptionally obedient dog obey.

Interesting animal facts

Click on this site and the animal you are interested in finding more about ...
great dinner party conversation.

Why do people keep pets? Here's a page which answers this question.

I keep my pet cat Hemingway because I think he has an incredible soul and the house would feel empty without him.

My pet budgie is so happy and content and she has her own little personality.

I feel closer to the earth somehow ... there is a quote that goes "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."by Cicero, I'd like to add pet to that quote.

Tails of the City

Here's an exhibition for pet lovers on until 22 March 2009 and something I am definitely going to during the next week.

Tails of the City has photos, film and all kinds of things about pets because Australians are one of the biggest owners of pets in the world.

Practically every house hold has some kind of pet and 1 in 4 house holds have a dog - that's incredible!

Animal rescue

If you have pets or are looking for a pet to add to your home (and bring in some love, warmth and soul)

then have a look at this website and see if you can adopt one of these cats/dogs first. Paws aim is to help lost or abandoned animals in NSW, Australia and wants to help animals find homes rather than to be put down.

There are also options for those of you who want to volunteer or who are willing to look after a pet until a home is found for them.

It's a great site - please support them.

They update the site regularly and if you are looking for a pet, you are pound to find the perfect one for you on this site.

And when you go away for a weekend break or take your holidays ... that's when I come in.

Vets

I spent all of yesterday morning handing out my business cards at vets in my local area.

They really are fantastic places and everyone I met yesterday was so willing to help anyone who loves animals and pet minding.

Over the next few days, I am going to be handing out business cards and meeting pet owners all over the Eastern suburbs of Sydney.

I am also looking at parks and animal friendly places to walk your pets.

And here's a great site for you to have a look at if you feel like adopting an animal at the Sydney Aquarium!

Adopt an animal at Sydney Aquarium

Dog walking

A lot of people work full time.

Which means that a lot of dogs stay home and need walks.

That's where I come in ... let me walk your dog/s once or twice a day while you're at work. I'll take them out to parks or round the blocks so they're rested and content and you don't have to worry when you get home from work.