Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Photo Fails

Hello, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. I like to pretend _________.

2. Why anyone wants to _________ is beyond me.

3. I have a lot in common with _________.

4. I tend to be optimistic about _________ but pessimistic when it comes to _________.


My answers are below in bold.

1. I like to pretend I'm good at singing.

(I'm one of those people who puts on concerts in my car and in the shower. As fun as it is to pretend, though, I won't be quitting my day job.)

2. Why anyone wants to spend time away from home is beyond me.
(This is obviously a bit of an exaggeration. It's not healthy to never leave your house, I do understand that. But, as I've mentioned more times than necessary here on my blog, I'm a major homebody. I'd pretty much always rather be home with my furbabies than anywhere else, so when I meet someone who enjoys traveling and going out on the town and that sort of thing, it boggles my mind.)

3. I have a lot in common with my dad.

(I also have quite a bit in common with my sister, and my mom, but my dad is the person I have the most in common with in the entire world. We have very similar personalities, as well as very similar interests. We read the same kinds of books, watch the same kinds of movies, share a plethora of hobbies, of course love animals, and you get the idea.)

4. I tend to be optimistic about animals but pessimistic when it comes to humanity.
(I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but I also feel like a lot of you might understand where I'm coming from. Our kitties, pups, and other animals offer nonjudgmental, unconditional love. Humanity, on the other hand, just isn't capable of that. That makes me have a lot of optimism around animals but not so much when it comes to my fellow humans. That said, you're all amazing, and it's other sorts of humanity this far more relates to.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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And now it's time for the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, hosted by none other than Melissa and Mudpie of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.

Today, our blooper queen Eddy went all out on the blurriness and just general blooperiness. See?

This is what happens when I get ready to take a picture of Eddy, and then she starts moving (as always), and then the camera and I start moving with her. The result is just all shades of blur.

Eddy hopes you enjoyed seeing nothing but the blur of her tabby self!

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today we have yet another flashback springtime Halloween doodle from our April A to Z Challenge a few years ago. This one stars not only my angle Rosie, but also a cat-o'-lantern, or three.

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is an add-on to our tip from yesterday, when we reminded you to keep doors closed and other obstacles in place to keep your furbaby safe from substances and areas with poison. Taking that one step further, if needed, child-proofing products can be your best friend even for the furry ones in your life. For example, do you have a curious kitty or puppy who has found ways to open cabinets and drawers? This can put a furbaby at risk, such as if those cabinets and drawers contain human medications, cleaners, or other toxic items, or even sharp or other dangerous objects. To prevent prying paws from opening cabinets and drawers, you can get child-proof, or pet-proof, locks that make cabinets and drawers difficult or impossible to open without dexterity, or opposable thumbs. There are also child-proof locks to keep main doors securely closed. This can come in handy if you have a kitty or pup who knows how to manipulate certain door handles.

We've mentioned this on here before, but also don't forget the usefulness of baby gates. They also make gates that are more specifically pet-proof, such as tall ones over which dogs and cats cannot easily jump. These can be used to block access to certain areas of the house to ensure your kitty or pup's safety. For example, you can use baby or pet gates to block access to the kitchen, especially if potentially toxic foods are being prepared. These gates can also be used to block off garbage cans, laundry areas, or other areas of the home where potential poisoning might occur.

Just as with a human child, our kitties and pups can get themselves into trouble. Consider all areas of the home where danger might arise, and then do your research on what you can do to best prevent emergencies from dangers such as accidental poisoning. Do your best to always be one step ahead of your kitty or pup, as difficult as that may be.

Thankful Thimble Thursday with a Blurry Nose Boop

Happy Thursday, friends! Thimble is of course more than ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful that's she's adorable even when a bit blurry. After all, she found out Eddy gets to share some bloopers for tomorrow's Pet Photo Fails blog hop, and so Thimble wanted to partake as well.

That's barely a blooper, really, especially since Thimble's bloopers are nowhere near as blurry as Eddy's. Even so, Thimble and I were trying to get a photo focused on her cute little nose. But, as you might be able to tell, her nose is actually the blurriest thing in that there photo. Of course, Thimble is still downright adorable.

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And now we of course have the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I like to pretend _________.

2. Why anyone wants to _________ is beyond me.

3. I have a lot in common with _________.

4. I tend to be optimistic about _________ but pessimistic when it comes to _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I mentioned yesterday how I almost chose a Halloween theme for this year's April A to Z Challenge but ended up going a different route. I did do a springtime Halloween theme a few years ago, though, and so I'm sharing some of those spooky doodles for a few days.

That's another rather tame one, especially considering some of the other doodles from this series are far more Halloweeny. We'll be sharing some of those extra wacky ones as well, though.

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Tip of the Day

In these last couple days of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're going to summarize some tips on how to help keep your furbaby safe from potential poisons. First, as obvious as it is, we're here today to remind you to use doors or other obstacles to properly block your kitty or pup's access to potentially dangerous products or areas of the house. For example, if your bathroom, laundry room, or utility closet contain dangerous chemicals, such as detergents, then keep their doors securely closed to bar your furbaby's entrance. Similarly, keep the door to your garage shut, in order to keep your furbaby away from gasoline, antifreeze, and other dangers that might be found in the garage. If you have a shed and your furbaby goes outdoors, keep the shed's door securely closed, especially if it houses fertilizers, pesticides, or other potentially toxic products. And don't forget to consider your garden, where toxic plants might grow, or where dangerous chemicals might be used. In such cases, monitor your furbaby while outdoors, and block your kitty or pup's access to the garden, such as with a secure fence. In short, consider all areas of the house and yard where poisoning or danger might arise, and ensure proper safety against said dangers.

Adventures with Astrid and Arthritis

Pup Astrid turned 12 in February. Though I'm grateful it took this long, I have to admit that Astrid has finally started to show her age. The main issue she deals with these days is her osteoarthritis. Her back legs have definitely become more stiff and weak. Her back right leg is the most significant problem, as she was born without that hip joint properly formed, back in 2017 she lost a toe on that foot to cancer, and in 2022 she had metal screwed into that knee to repair a torn CCL. Due to her congenital hip joint issue, that leg is also shorter than the other, which has been causing atrophying muscles for years now. And it really doesn't help that Astrid is currently at her heaviest, 85 lbs, which we'd like to reduce.

All of the above said, in the past few days, we've added a decent dose of gabapentin to the carprofen and Dasuquin Astrid already gets. Almost immediately, we noticed a great improvement in Astrid's legs and arthritis. Just this past weekend, my sister, my dad, and I all went on a walk with the pup. She always gets extra excited when my dad, her Pawpaw, joins us for a walk. On that beautiful day with her beloved Pawpaw, Astrid chose to go on a long walk, and her legs gave her little to no trouble at all.

One of arthritic Astrid's main issues, even on the new pain med regimen, is posturing to none other than poop. I try to help support her when I see her preparing to go. But, given the mess I found on her yesterday, she clearly fell while trying to evacuate her bowels in the back yard when I wasn't looking. Whatever tumble she took has caused her back right leg to bother her even more than usual, and so she's getting plenty of those pain meds and is getting breaks from walks for a couple of days to let whatever she did heal up.

Luckily, over the past few years, Astrid has developed an obsession with hanging out in the back yard. So, even when she gets breaks from walks to help her legs, she happily chooses to spend hours upon hours outdoors. When my sister or I do walk her, she'll often even pick a short walk so that she can scurry home, run inside, and go straight to the back door and her beloved back yard.

Don't worry, though, because ornery Astrid is still here. The pup still steals cat food, vehemently demands pieces of chicken, and just generally wreaks all sorts of havoc, just like she's always done. 

If her arthritic legs continue to decline, even on pain meds, we'll at that point give the Librela injection a try. We're hoping to put off that slightly more divisive arthritis treatment for a while if we can, as there are some potential side effects that are a bit concerning. But, should Astrid need more than just pain meds, we'll give other routes a try.

Old girl yet still very ornery Astrid wishes you all a happy Wednesday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip was about being cautious of the potentially poisonous bites of certain snakes and spiders. In a similar yet also different tip, we are today talking about those critters who contain substances that could be toxic if ingested by our furbabies. For example, there are certain toads that contain substances on their body that can lead to severe toxicity. Two of the most poisonous toads are the Colorado River toad and the Marine toad. A pup or kitty making oral contact with these toads can lead to nearly immediate side effects such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficult breathing, difficulty walking, and potentially death if left untreated.

Other critters that can poison a dog or cat if ingested include a butterfly or caterpillar that has eaten milkweed, which can be incredibly toxic to our furbabies. In addition to this, there are some caterpillars with hairs or other means capable of injecting venomous toxins, which can spell out trouble if a cat or dog puts the caterpillar in their mouth. Monarch caterpillars and a variety of moth caterpillars are some of those known to have the ability to inject toxins when threatened.

Even fireflies can have poisonous effects on a cat or pup if ingested. Though their less-than-ideal taste is likely to keep a pup or kitty away, if ingested, they can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal distress. For all of these reasons, especially if you are unsure of a critter's potential effects on your furbaby, simply do all that you can to prevent your kitty or pup's contact with or ingestion of bugs and other critters. As we mentioned yesterday, do your best to be aware of the types of critters in the area, and which ones can pose a risk to your pup or kitty. And, if your furbaby does come into contact with or ingest any bug of which you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian.

Tonks Tuesday with the Chair Thief

It's Tonks Tuesday. Today, the calico isn't sharing a photo with all that great of lighting. That said, I snapped it a couple nights ago, when Tonks stole the chair I was sitting in after I got up for all of one whole minute. She looked so adorable about her thievery, though, as you can clearly see here.

Tonks was looking right at me with the cutest look on her face, but as soon as I pulled my phone out to snap her photo she refused to make eye contact. Even so, you get the adorable gist above.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

One of the themes I almost picked for this year's April A to Z Challenge was something related to Halloween. I didn't end up picking that this time around, though I did a Halfway to Halloween, or springtime Halloween, theme a few years ago. All of the doodles starred my sweet angel Rosie and looked a little something like this:

A lot of the doodles from that series were actually way more Halloweenish than the one above. I think I'll share more of those over the next few days. This also reminds me that I'm way past due to draw more doodles starring my beautiful Rosie.

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Tip of the Day

As part of National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're now talking about the risk of poisonous bites your kitty or pup might receive from other critters. Depending on where you live, or where you might be visiting with your furbaby, you might find it necessary to be on the lookout for critters such as snakes and spiders whose bites can have toxic effects. When it comes to snakes, some of the dangerous ones include certain coral snakes and rattlesnakes. As for spiders, as most of you certainly know, black widows and brown recluses are among the most dangerous. Bites from such critters can result in any number of dangerous or life-threatening side effects, including cardiovascular shock, respiratory distress, neurological damage, and tissue damage, among others.

When outdoors, especially in areas where snakes, spiders, or other venomous critters are a known possibility, always monitor your furbaby and keep an eye out for danger. As needed, research the wildlife of areas you will be, so that you know what snakes, spiders, and other critters of which to be cautious. Of course, if your kitty or pup is bitten by a spider or snake, especially a known venomous one, do not hesitate to seek veterinary care. In many such cases, counteracting the venom in a timely manner is crucial.

Mancat Monday in the Sun

It was a crazy weekend and it's been a crazy morning. More on that later this week, but for now, here's a dose of adorable Evan in the sun.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is about the toxic gas known as carbon monoxide (CO). CO is not only dangerous to us humans, but also incredibly dangerous to our kitties, pups, and other animals. CO most often results from car exhaust, fire/smoke, and when generator systems fail. When a large amount of CO is inhaled, this can lead to cells in the body becoming deprived of oxygen. CO poisoning can thereby result in life-threatening effects on the cardiovascular system, neurological system, and other important systems of the body.

Needless to say, do all that you can to prevent both your furbaby's and your own exposure to CO. Set up CO monitors in your home, and ensure that they are always properly functioning. Of course also ensure that you have functioning fire and smoke alarms. There are all-in-one alarms on the market that detect fire, smoke, and CO. In addition to this, properly maintain any generators that you have, and do not use them if they are in any way malfunctioning. Also, of course, do not let your kitty or pup into a closed, unventilated garage where a car or other motor vehicle is running. CO can be a silent killer, so do all that you can to protect your furbaby, as well as yourself, from it and its deadly effects.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Adorable Eddy

Hello, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. _________ is my kryptonite.

2. _________ is the thing I misplace the most often.

3. _________ was when I realized _________.

4. I wish I had learned _________ sooner.


My answers are below in bold. I tried to keep my accompanying rambling to a minimum this week. I tried.

1. My furry family is my kryptonite.
(I would do anything for my kitties and pup.)

2. My cell phone is the thing I misplace the most often.
(My keys come in second place. In third place is the TV remote, which loves to disappear into alternate dimensions despite having just moments ago been sitting right next to me on the couch.)

3. Adopting Evan was when I realized that I always want to share my life with specially abled animals.
(There are indeed challenges to sharing my life with hind limb paralyzed, urinary incontinent, megacolon Evan. But it's all so worth it. He's beyond special. He's my little hero, as I've said many times before, and thanks to him I know I will always want to share my life with special kitties like him.)

4. I wish I had learned to do what I love sooner.
(I'm grateful for the degree I earned in college and all of the jobs I've had. That said, I wish I'd learned sooner that it's important to keep hold of my true passions and desires in life. I didn't enter a field related to my true creative passions, namely drawing and writing, and so they got put on the back burner for years. Now I'm trying to make up for lost time.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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You're ready for your Eddy fix, aren't you? We know you are. So, here's the adorable little girl. And her whiskers. And her adorable little snaggletooth.

Eddy and all of us wish you a happy Friday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I recently stumbled upon this witchy sort of springtime doodle from a couple years ago, so here you go.

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip regards none other than topical preventatives. First and foremost, always ensure that you are giving preventatives specifically formulated for the species at hand. Just one reason for this is that some flea and tick preventatives formulated for dogs are toxic to cats. Many such canine preventatives contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid, to which cats are highly sensitive. Pyrethrin/pyrethroid poisoning can result in excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty walking, or seizures, just to name a few. So, never apply dog preventatives on your kitty.

Also, be careful if your cat lives in a household with a dog who receives preventatives. In such a case, try to look for canine preventatives that do not contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid, or keep the dog and cat separated for a safe amount of time after application. Ask your veterinarian for information on how to keep both your kitty and pup healthy and safe, yet also protected from pests. It's also worth noting that some other forms of flea, tick, or other pest preventatives, such as sprays, may contain pyrethrin/pyrethroid. Always check the label, and only use products that you are certain will not harm your kitties or pups. Again, ask your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding a product's safety.

In addition, know your cat or dog's weight and select preventatives accordingly. Administering a medication intended for a cat or dog larger than yours could have negative effects for the furbaby. Also be aware of their age, as some kittens or puppies, for example, may not yet be of an age deemed safe for the application of some preventatives. What's more, also always take into consideration your furbaby's overall health status. If your cat or dog suffers from any ailments, always discuss with your veterinarian the safety of giving a preventative. While we of course want to keep our furry family members safe from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and all sorts of infestations, it is important that we do so safely.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Beauty and Bird TV

It's time for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop, and Thimble is more than ready.

Today, the adorable little tabby is yet again grateful that, well, she's adorable.

You'd probably like to see that cute little face closer up, wouldn't you? Well, here you go.

Thimble is also thankful for the window view she had in those photos. There were lots of birdies up in the trees, and she had a lovely time spying on them. So, it's her obvious beauty and enthralling Bird TV that Thimble is sharing for today's gratitude. And she hopes you all enjoy those things as well!

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Now, of course, we'll share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. _________ is my kryptonite.

2. _________ is the thing I misplace the most often.

3. _________ was when I realized _________.

4. I wish I had learned _________ sooner.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is one that relates to our previous tips on pesticides, but is also one upon which we failed to expand. The type of pesticide of which we speak today is none other than mothballs. Mothballs come in a variety of forms, and typically release gas vapors intended to repel or kill moths, or other pests. When it comes to our furbabies, mothballs can cause toxicity via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Dogs are perhaps the most likely to ingest mothballs, but cats are more sensitive to their effects. Old-fashioned mothballs are the most dangerous, as they contain naphthalene. More modern mothballs are typically formulated to be less dangerous to kitties, pups, and ourselves, but they can still pose risks. Mothball poisoning can result in vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or even failure of organs such as the liver or kidneys.

For the sake of your kitty or pup, it is likely best to avoid the use of mothballs altogether. There are alternatives to ridding your clothes or areas of the home of moths. Some of these methods may require more laborious cleaning and may indeed be more time-consuming than simply tossing in a mothball, but the health of your furbaby is well worth the effort. If you do use mothballs, though, of course ensure your furbaby's safety by keeping them well out of their reach.