6:24 PM Looking for a new furry family member? How to be prepared. Pt 1 - Making the decision

The Holidays are a time for the celebration of personal culture via the practice of giving gifts.  Each year many homes hope to make their households brighter with the addition of a furry friend.  Whether the new family member is for a child or an adult; a surprise gift or a planned addition, it is important that potential new pet parents consider some questions before they start their search for the perfect furry friend.

The first question you must ask yourself is whether everyone in the household is on board for the new pet.
Giving pets as gifts is so fulfilling.  There's nothing like getting that surprise pet you've always wanted.  But it is also important that everyone in the household from Mom to Dad to the oldest and youngest sibling agrees that the new pet is a good idea.  Sadly, rescues take in gift pets on a regular basis because one or half of the household wanted that precious furry friend, but the others in the home weren't happy with the idea.  Soon resentment can set in and the pet is being sent away for one of a plethora of excuses.  Our rescues are already too full.  Please make sure everyone wants and will love that pet so you aren't the one sending your gift to live in a rescue.

The second question is whether you are going to purchase or adopt your new pet.
As a fervent rescue supporter, I have to say that I hope you choose to adopt.  I'll delve further into why below.  But as an American who is very proud of my right to choose, I do realize that not everyone wants to adopt.  Some people prefer purchasing a puppy or kitten from a breeder.  And because of that, I will also discuss the items to consider when a family wants to purchase a puppy or kitten.  I find it even more important that people who purchase their pets are informed of the pitfalls and expenses of buying without doing some research.

Adoption vs. Purchase
What is the difference between adopting and purchasing from a breeder?  There are vast differences.  When you adopt, you can always have the piece of mind that you have saved a life.  Even when you adopt from a no-kill shelter or rescue, you are assuring that some animal somewhere wasn't euthanized for crowd control in a city shelter.  How is that possible?  Well, when you adopt direct from a "kill" facility, you are tackling the problem directly by making room for one more soul.  But did you know that many rescues receive their adoptable animals from city shelters ready to euthanize?  Yes.  There are groups of people out there who walk city shelters to choose animals to save on a regular basis. There are also city shelters who post their scheduled euthanasia lists for rescues to come to their facility and take however many they have room for.  Sometimes, when transportation is available, animals from city shelters are even sent across the US to safety.  So you see, even when you are adopting from a no-kill rescue, you are still making room in a city shelter somewhere for another pet to live and find a forever home.  In part two of this series, I will offer some tips on where to look and what questions to ask a rescue when looking for an adoptive family member.

When you purchase from a pet store, you are more often than not paying for a manufactured pet.  There are always exceptions, but most of the stores who offer puppies for sale receive their stock from distributers.  Distributers purchase their stock from Puppy Mills.  These Puppy Mill breeders may very well be USDA approved, but they are not regulated very well and they are filthy operations.  It has been proven that Puppy Mill dogs are less healthy due to the breeding and raising conditions.  Recent claims have come to light that certain chain pet stores have knowingly sold sick puppies to the public.  And claims have been made that the AKC registration papers that come with those puppies are fraudulent.  Several states are beginning to enact legislation against Puppy Mill breeders due to the horrific scenes so familiar with raids on these kinds of operations.

The Today Show ran a brief informative story about why Puppy Mills are so disliked.  Some of these images are very sad, but you should see them if you plan to purchase a puppy.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

For a more frank video on the conditions of Puppy Mills, please watch the HSUS's video Puppy Mill Rescue in Tennessee.  The animals in this video were bred and produced puppies to sell through the newspaper or over the internet.  It is very possible you will be purchasing a pet bred in these conditions when you answer that Craigslist ad for either kittens or puppies.

And lastly, the most recognized pet store to have known Puppy Mill associations is Petland.  There are many other pet stores who sell in this same manner, but Petland is the largest chain known to purchase puppy mill animals at this time.  One of Petland's former employees discusses his issues with their practices in this interview.  Earlier this year Animal Planet produced an investigative report on Petland.  Below is a video precluding that broadcast.



It is true that you will likely adopt a puppy mill animal from a rescue anyway, but you can be assured that the rescue will be up front with you about the origins of the animal, and it will have received proper medical care before being put up for adoption.

Purchasing from a Breeder isn't a guarrantee that you'll be sold a healthy pet either.  There are responsible breeders out there who will never sell you a sick pet, but more often than not, the breeders you will have easy access to are not those responsible breeders.  I will discuss how to go about purchasing from a responsible breeder in Part 3 of this series.

Adoption vs. Free
You've seen advertisements for free puppies or kittens on Craigslist or you've seen someone giving them away out of the back of a truck in a parking lot.  But is free really free?  Not so fast.  In Part 4 of this series, I'll break down some of the costs of veterinary care and do a side by side cost comparison between Free and Adoption.

2:32 PM Characters of the Nov 21st Adopt a Pet

Adopt a Pet events are often filled with interesting characters whether they be animal or human.  Some of us fall in love, some of us meet our matches, and there's almost always at least one character who gives us a reason for a good laugh.

Meet Lynx and Lorax.  These two boys are around 4 months old and they are just about the sweetest boys ever.  They've always been together and their foster hopes they can be adopted together.  Every once in a while we have some great kittens who defy logic as to why they are passed over each week for adoption.  Efah was one of those.  These two are our current head scratchers.  We're working on ideas to get them better PR so they can find a home soon.

This funny little face belongs to Nibbles.  Nibbles is quite an interesting story.  First we thought she was a He.  Oops.  Sorry Nibbles.  Then she just decided to stop growing.  She came down with the basic sniffles and worried the bajeezus out of us as she stayed under 2 lbs for quite a long time.  Then all of a sudden she decided she wanted to fight to live after all!  She began fighting the crud.  And she started growing.  She still has sneezy remnants here and there, but otherwise she's bright and happy.  She's also rather inquisitive.  She's quite literally one of our miracle kitties.  When Nibbles gets a home, I think we're going to celebrate.

This is MK, short for Mama Kitty.  She's trouble.  Why is she trouble?  MK is trouble because I adore Torties.  I have two.  If I could possibly have more cats, I'd have another tortie.  Frankly, I'd probably steal MK!  This tortie has a personality to die for.  She is super sweet and calm.  And let's not forget she's beautiful!  She's also a Manx, which means she doesn't have a tail.  She just has a little stub.  MK was very popular at this adopt a pet event.  She charmed three different people to take her home, but none of them were quite ready for a cat.  I hope somebody takes her home very soon because she is far too sweet and dignified to stay in the foster system for long.

Meet Trouble #2.  This is Hurricane.  And from what I'm told, his name fits.  His foster reports that whenever you hear a crash or bang, you can bet Hurricane is standing right next to the problem.  His sister, Cyclone doesn't play with him much, in fact, she often looks on at his hijinx in horror.  But that's not all Hurricane is about.  He is also a purring machine!  And he loves to cuddle.  He needs a family who will play with him a lot and who doesn't mind cleaning up after the storm in between cuddles.

11:48 AM Homecoming

I've been away from this blog for far too long.  To tell the truth I've been cheating on this blog with Facebook.  I used to be one of those people who could write essays upon essays at any given time.  But Twitter and Facebook lured me in with their short bursts of updates on real life.  I could even post pictures there!  At least on Facebook.

But I miss my blog.  I miss the real substance it allows in my postings.  So I'm making a concerted effort to revive this blog.

For a while, this blog will be mostly about the foster cats.  I'm going to continue to try not to bog this area down with politics or news.  I'll save that for my Facebook statuses.  But eventually I'd like to get back to gardening and I'd like to get back to blogging about food.  I really need to start documenting my costuming again as well.  Since my focus in life is the cats, though, the focus on the blog should be on the cats.  I'll also likely document my struggles in keeping my ailing dog healthy in her last days on Earth because that is another thing my life revolves around right now.

If you've stuck with me through the dry spell, thanks!  If you are new to the blog, welcome!  And if you are stopping by just to peek, I hope I can keep your interest.  For now, the only thing left to say is, look out blogosphere!  I'm back!  Prepare for kitties!!!

11:44 AM Being honest about Life and Soul

Over the last several weeks I have watched the drama over the "Ground Zero Mosque" grow to a ferver that is quite scary.  One could argue that the issue is solely about respect for those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, but when you put the facts together about the location of the building and what the building will actually be used for, a person can see that the building will neither be a "Mosque", nor on "Ground Zero."  And so I am confused and angered over how much absolute hate has spewed over the building of a community center which strives to ease relations between Muslims and Non-Muslims.

Over the weekend, another Islamic Community Center has come under fire.  I first heard about the opposition to the Mufreesboro community center late last week on NPR.  People in the community have become emboldened by the opposition to the community center in NYC and so they think they have the duty to stop this center's expansion. I ask, what does this have to do with feelings over 9/11?  Absolutely nothing.  The attack on this center is strictly based upon prejudice against the Islamic faith.  The followers of Islam are being punished for events in which they had no part.  For attitudes they preach against.  Not only are they being falsely accused, but they are being denied their constitutional rights.  And, as of this weekend, they are being terrorized by fire and gun shots.

Last night, a prominent pastor in my own city weighed in on his opinion of Muslims.  And it was Ugly.  The generalizations and vitriol and even denial of his own faith's history were truly astounding.  Last night they made me angry.  Today, they make me cry.  Today, they make me afraid.

When pockets of anger and hate have action behind them, who is next?  Mob rule says that the law doesn't really matter.  "What is right," is all that matters.  In this instance of upset over spirituality and morality, who is to say what is, "right?"  This is precisely why we have the Constitution.  The laws of our land spelling out our freedoms are the only thing we have that can save us all from lynching each other.  How scary is that to think that in our own country, people could be shot or burned or worse for their beliefs?  It wasn't so long ago that it was happening to Jews and African Americans.  Will we allow the same thing to happen to Muslims?  There once was a time when even Catholics were looked on with mis-trust.  President John F. Kennedy was put through the ringer over being catholic.  Many people would not vote for him because of that.  Can you imagine an America who didn't have JFK as a past President?  I can't.

Many of my fellow Americans live in the comfort of being a member of the Christian faith.  I was raised a Christian and nearly all of my family is Christian.  Some of my family are heavily involved in their church homes.  I am so proud of them.  I love them for their faith.  I love them for their honesty.  I love them for the care they take for their communities.  They are the kinds of Christians that I wish everyone could be.  And I have to say that I am lucky enough to have some close friends whom I respect and love for their faith as much as my family.  But a lot of America is not Christian. 

There are so many different faiths out there and Americans exercise their right to choose where they belong spiritually.  Unfortunately, there are those of non-Christian faiths who are afraid to be honest about their lives.  They live and work alongside you.  They are your friends, your mentors, you children.  And they are afraid.  Some are afraid of your look of disappointment.  Some are afraid of being mowed down with a laundry basket full of tracts.  Some are afraid of being physically harmed.  Some are afraid of losing their jobs. Some are afraid of losing their families.  All for their faith being different.  Does this sound like a certain culture we are fighting to free from oppression?  Does this make you sad, angry, feel as though something must change?  It makes me all of the above.  And it tells me that the time to stop the hate is now.  And I can no longer stand by and simply be angry over the wrongs being committed if I am not honest with the entire world about my beliefs.  So that stops now.

Most people who know me well have an inkling of my beliefs.  There are online communities and thus people all over the world who are semi-anonymous to me who know absolutely what I believe in, but I don't openly speak about my beliefs to most people - even my family.  I don't like disappointing my family and, frankly, I never thought it was anybody else's business.  But dedicating my life to fighting religious intolerance sort of makes it everyone's business, so here goes:

I am a Pagan.  I have been a semi-practicing Brighid follower for 4 years now.  I've been interested in the mythology and lore of various pagan cultures for as long as I can remember, but as I became an adult and experienced life in all its pleasures and disappointments, I came to a point where I was finally able to understand where I belonged and who I really wanted to be.  And while I don't always understand, or even like, some of the people in my Pagan community, I realize that I am not alone, this is pretty standard with all faiths.  We all have our "crazy" elements.  And so all I can do is keep my nose clean and present myself to the world in a respectful manner in hopes that some day I won't feel like I have to hide who I am to be taken seriously.  Some day I won't wish I had stayed closeted so that I'm not harassed over my beliefs.  And so that when I stand in opposition to those who spew hate and vileness against others who are "different," I am respected enough for people to listen to me when I talk.

And so now I ask you, everyone who is reading this, to be honest about your beliefs.  To stop Allowing these hateful people to take away our dignity.  This includes those of you who are Christian and are appalled by this display of threats.  Don't let the American Terrorists turn this nation into a nation of hate.  Stand up.  Stand against intolerance and ignorance and hate and Terrorism!

10:54 AM Politics that make me angry

I don't like to include politics on this blog.  I usually reserve that for my Facebook or my personal journal.  But I heard something disturbing on the Diane Rehm show this morning that made me a little sick and as I was posting to Facebook, my thoughts just ran too long, so I'm posting it here.  I do not intend on making this blog political.  I just can't Not say something about it.

Diane Rehm quoted portions of  this statement by David Frum this morning.  I hope you will all read it.  It is not very long.  I have never followed Frum's career, so I don't know if he is speaking truthfully, or if he's looking to lay unwarranted blame, but his statement makes me Very angry.  I don't care what party you belong to, when you are making decisions about MY LIFE (as healthcare is about my life) You'd Better Be Voting With Your Consciense and NOT a Talking Head!  If this statement has any truth to it, those who voted because of "the marbles" need to be made to answer to  every person in America who would have lost healthcare this year due to pre-existing conditions, or lifetime limits, or whatever the Insurance companies would have come up with next if the bill hadn't been passed.  I can't fault a person voting with their conscience.  If a person truly believed that the healthcare bill is horrible and they couldn't vote for it, then that's how they have to vote, and I have to respect that.  But let's be clear, Talk Radio is not the lawmaking representative of Any Single American.  The body of elected officials are.  If an elected official can allow Talk Radio to bully them, then they do not deserve to represent America.  Or at least that's not the kind of Democracy I want to be a part of.  I want my elected officials to listen to what I have to say, not some entertainer, and let's be clear, Talk Radio hosts are in fact entertainers.  There are very few "just the facts" radio hosts left anymore.

What's really sad is that Fromm lost his job today because of his statement.  Seems his conservative employer doesn't like it when he steps outside the ranks to share his opinion.  I thought it was the Democratic party who was supposed to be slaying people for dissent.  News flash:  It's all over, people.  It doesn't matter what party you belong to, politics is so polarized everyone is behaving badly.  And since we've not been keeping each other in check, we've allowed the pot to simmer over into real violence.  What the hell are these people thinking sending death threats to Congress?  When these people are caught, they should be tried as terrorists.  Because that is exactly what they are.

We've been fighting terrorism across the world and have increased security to keep it from coming here to destroy us, but we've neglected to notice that we're raising up our very own terrorists right her on our own soil.  Freedom of Speech and Freedom to Demonstrate are wonderful things that come along with living in this great country.  But violent and threatening acts are not part and parcel of either of those rights.  Violent and threatening acts are punishable by law.  I hope these terrorists are caught soon and are treated as an example.  This kind of behavior is not acceptable.  In this country, we have means to work our our differences.  We do not lower ourselves to civil war.  On Facebook recently Pugs of the radio show Pugs and Company said, "The right really needs to control their fringe elements..."  I agree, except I'd extend that to say that we all really need to control our fringe elements.  The way I see it, we all have our crazy extremists who could blow up at any time.  Just because the liberal fringe element is not active right now does not mean they have hung up their hats.  

Now that the healthcare debate is over and the bill is signed, I urge all of America to stop reacting, start thinking logically,  and try working together.  We have a lot of things we need to work on in order to come out of this economy ok.  I hear the Mortgage and Immigration issues are next on the table.  None of us will serve the country well if we take an entire year to disagree on either of those issues only to just vote party lines because we feel like voting party lines.  There is real work to do, let's please be diplomatic.

11:25 PM Hello Spring Showers!

A funny thing happens when people are caught inside a grocery store as the bottom falls out of the sky.  Some people hover around the doorway thinking, "this is Texas, it'll slow in a minute or two."  Others will make the mad dash to their cars, scurrying like mice caught in the kitchen when the light comes on.  And then there's the folks who came prepared.  They saunter out of the store with their jackets and umbrellas... and all the time in the world.

I happened to be one of the ones unprepared.  The rain bega almost exactly as I was checking out at the register.  The moment I heard the downpour a little voice inside my head said, "oh Fuck!"  I couldn't even remember which aisle I parked on!  So I sat outside the door under the awning with a few others who couldn't make up their minds whether to wait or make the dash-and one lady whose lovely husband went to get the car for her.  Eventually, I decided I couldn't wait any longer.

It's been a while since I've been caught in a cold Spring rain without at least a rain jacket.  This time I was also in sandals.  I ran as hard as I could with my little cart and I still ended up soaked.  I even slipped out of my sandals a couple of times on the way.  Soaked and dishevelled the groceries were placed in the car.  And then I sat myself in my seat and watched the others making the same decision I did. 

One by one they flew by trying to reach their vehicles.  Each with their own style.  There were those making the frantic dash the same as I did, zig-zagging through puddles with their eyes only on the prize-shelter.  There were also those who had resigned themselves to being soaked, so what was the hurry?  But my favorite of the evening was the balding older man who had wrapped a plastic grocery bag around his head.  He was one of the ones taking his time.  Because as long as his head wasn't getting wet, the world was going to be ok.

You wanna know what the really funny thing is?  I had Both a rain jacket and a giant umbrella in my car.  I just got cocky about what the clouds would do.  Lesson learned.  In a state famous for the statement, "if you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes," meteorological arrogance will get you kicked in the ass.  Thanks, Texas.  I'll likely not forget that for a long while.

9:14 PM Household pictures

Efah being silly in the grocery bag. I'm telling you, the paper bag has always been the favorite toy in this household.

This is the one picture I got from Nimue where she isn't dodging my camera. I had to be quick. She dislikes the flash. And she's a smart cookie.

Sweet Taquita Banana. She's like a pretzel.

And Roz and Maizy are enjoying some couch lounging time. They are Both in my spot, but they're just so precious there together, I left them alone.

Lord Dunbar relaxing in his kingdom. Not from his Tower of Power, but from his favorite chair with his favorite afgan.

And the pretty pretty princess Nabisco. Mere moments from this photograph Efah hopped in my lap and plopped down right on top of her. She got really mad. He didn't care.