
Of COURSE this is a holiday weekend, but I am hoping
to get her into rescue first thing next week.
Just say a prayer I can keep her going that long.

Of COURSE this is a holiday weekend, but I am hoping
to get her into rescue first thing next week.
Just say a prayer I can keep her going that long.
Mimi Ausland is very much like another other ordinary 13 year old girl. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, going to movies with them, swimming and biking. But underneath that cute facade lies a teenager who is anything but ordinary. Mimi has also been featured in newspaper articles, on radio and television, and even has been a guest on Oprah Winfrey's and Ellen DeGeneres's shows.
What makes this young girl so special? Well, for starters, Mimi could hardly wait until she turned nine, because that was the minimum age to volunteer at the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) in Bend, Oregon. She didn't stop there, though. Mimi raised the bar by donating kibble to the shelter, then raised it even further, when she founded freekibble.com, and freekibblekat.com in April of 2008. With the addition of corporate sponsors, Castor & Pollax, an Oregon family-run pet food manufacturer, followed by Canidae, and Dogtime Media, at the present time over 1,200,000 meals have been served to hungry dogs and cats in 12 animal shelters across the U.S.
I was honored to be granted an interview with Mimi Ausland, and found that she is a seasoned veteran to interviews. But underneath it all, Mimi Ausland is still a sweet, "normal" kid, untouched by her sudden rise to fame. Learn more about Mimi's background, as well as her hopes and dreams for the future. Mimi has had a love affair with animals all her life. Today the world of animal lovers has a love affair with Mimi Ausland.
I started out looking for some place patriotic to go seeing it is Independence Day coming up…a favorite holiday in spirit if not in celebration for all cats. After all, isn’t it about us? We are independent! But once again, I got myself turned around… Can anyone help me?
Find Full Find Chey Rules here.
Need More Cats?
Bad Kitty Cats Festival of Chaos
It's been huge fun looking at the unusual names while sorting through entries for the Cutest Cat Contest, and some stand out as so popular, I've had to number the entries with duplicate names. Thus far we have 3 Chesters , 2 Sashas , 2 Callys, 2 Callies, and a Cali. We have a Bird, and a Mew-Mew, an amusing combination.
I've personally had two female cats with male names. We had Figaro (who became Figaroa after giving birth to a litter of 5 kittens), and Arthur, whom I smuggled into the house under the guise of being a male. My Angel cat Shannon was the only cat to my knowledge who actually had a street sign named after him (he was also named after Shannon park, where my daughter found him.)
Read the featured article to see how other people name their cats, then tell us how you arrived at your own cat's name. Your comments are welcome.
The second was a press release concerning the New York City Housing Authority Pet Policy, which went into effect May 1, 2009. It's ironic that the NYCHA goes almost directly against the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals goals.
Then, there's Governor Schwarzenegger's recommendation to shorten the "kill reprieve" period for cats and dogs in California animal shelters, which is more directly related to the current economic climate. However, the net results are the same:
How about you? Have you been directly or indirectly affected by our current economy? Vote in the poll, then post your comments below. I'm also interested in seeing your advice for others who may be faced with having to give up their cats.
I am quite thankful for my good friends like Skeezix! I am pleased that the Woman got me a photo of him that is personally autographed just for me! And all proceeds went to charity. I have decided to lie with my photo in the sun and wish it were a picture of Latte. Sorry Skeezy–Latte is my husband.
I am also thankful that there are apparently people out there who think I need to whiten my teeth. Yes, the spammers. Most cats would be a bit miffed about this I know, but as I have a tooth, well I am thankful that that is not like common knowledge.
What are you thankful for?
Ah relief! Finally I know who the Senator from Minnesota is! The weight of wondering is gone from my shoulders. You have no idea how this uncertainty has been plaguing me!
Certainly I have had emails from all sorts of people wanting to help me with my problems. I can get relief from impotence–but you know as a spayed female I’m not certain that is a big deal. I can get mortgage relief. As I do not actually own the house I live in that is also not a big deal.
I can get relief from stomach pain, taxes, and scholarships. Why if I can even find a veterinary program near me. I’ve considered being a veterinarian. After all, who better to work with cats? However, it seems that veterinary schools are specist. This pains me.
Someone has told me about a natural face lift and I have decided to file that information away until I am older. After all, you never know. I am pondering homemade tomatoes. I have heard that hijacking sales is a good way to make hundreds a month. Perhaps then I will not have to contact the person about the homemade tomatoes as I can purchase mine from the market…
I am amazed at all the helping hands there are. I am fatigued just going through all the problems I didn’t know I had.
The physical beauty of the Russian Blue is complemented by its loving, quiet disposition. Although shy in nature, Russian Blues are affectionate intelligent, and playful with their human companions. They get along with children and other pets, making them a fine addition to a family. If you are a single household, the Russian Blue will fit equally well, as he can entertain himself while you are gone and welcome you with his smiley face when you return.
This smiley-faced Russian Blue Beauty is Sass Bucket, now retired from breeding. You may submit your own Russian Blue cat's photos by using the Photo Submittal Guidelines.
Photo Credit: © Aunt Elliecat
I love to make biscuits on Momma and she says she is getting used to having biscuits every night as she watches some television. She says she will get fat, I make so many biscuits.
She complains when I drool on her though. But sometimes I get so happy making biscuits on her that I forget to swallow and I drool all over the place. She does not like it when I drip on her. Sometimes I do that. Sometimes I do that on her head in the morning. She really doesn’t like that.
I do not know why. I am just so happy!
A: The About.com Cutest Cat Contest Picture Gallery, that's what. At the time of this posting, there are 240 cats entered, with three dozen more remaining to be added to the gallery. Why the odd number of legs? One of the contestants has only three legs, but I guarantee, you'll never be able to spot which one it is. Pictured here is Kelpie one of the latest entries, who is joining all the way from So. Africa.
Photo Credit: © Patricia Smyth
There is still time to enter, but don't delay. The absolute deadline for entries is Sunday, July 5, 2009, at midnight PT. Please read the rules carefully, along with the instructions for sending, then send me all the information requested in the entry form. To help ensure acceptance of your photos, also read the article on common entry form mistakes.
The 4th of July, Independence Day in the U.S., is the most traumatic day of the year for cats. If you live in the U.S., unless you pack a tent, hiking boots, and your cat, and take off for the high country, it is unlikely you'll spend a fireworks-free 4th of July. As with many of our traditional holidays, people tend to forget the meaning of "Independence Day," but concentrate their celebration on "bombs bursting mid-air" and barbecues. Although many municipalities don't even allow the "safe and sane" fireworks anymore, people still seem to find the not-so-safe kind. In my neck of the woods, some fools take the "bombs" literally, as they explode one M-80 after another. These can be devastating to human sanity, to say nothing of the poor cats' nerves. My veterinarian tells me that the 5th of July is the busiest day of the year for shelters - no doubt because of the number of pets running away in fear. Please take these tips into consideration as the holiday approaches.Must Reads:
Top Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors
Natural Remedies for Stress in Cats
Minimizing Stress and Anxiety in Your Cat
I am still here in some old photos (hello Woman!) enjoying the sun. The Woman had an invite to show her photos at a photography fair but she said no, she didn’t have anything that was sale quality. While I realize she has little talent, I can’t imagine that she didn’t even want to try. What is up with that?!
While I am ranting, I would just like to point out that I am not pleased…not pleased at all by the fact that people are finding me by the search “How to Steal Food.” As if I ever!
With the passing of my 19 YO Shannon, I found myself for the first time in several decades missing a "sunshine boy" in my life. I pleaded with my husband to let me adopt another red cat, but he was adamant, saying "I couldn't so that to Bubba." I finally convinced him by reasoning that two kittens would keep each other company and stay out of Bubba's hair. Six months later, we welcomed Jaspurr and Joey into our family, and it worked out even better than I had thought.
That was only one of the 10 reasons why two kittens are better. If you're one of those diehards who need more proof, see the Two Kittens Picture Gallery. You may submit your own "two kittens" photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information. Please use "Two Kittens" as the subject of your email.
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Unless one has personally experienced having a terminally ill cat, it is very difficult to know what to say or do to support a friend in that position. The new "cat dad" who emailed me this question found himself in that dilemma with two separate friends, a woman whose cat is terminally ill, and a male friend whose cat had recently died.
I have been blessed, both with friends online and "in real life" when my Shannon, shown here, was terminally ill, and later with Bubba. Several kindnesses stick out in my memory in Shannon's case. The night Shannon was PTS, my next-door neighbor, Sandi, drove me to the vet clinic, then gave me a generous shoulder to cry on. My online friend, C.H.U., composed a memorial symphony for Shannon. Later, my husband donated to the U.C. Veterinary Medical School in Shannon's honor.
While "Let me know if there is anything I can do?" is kindly meant and received, more specific offers (and actions) are much more meaningful. Read my suggestions for giving meaningful support to a friend in need.
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
More About the Loss of a Cat
Knowing When To Let Go
Dealing With Loss
Helping Children Deal with the Loss of a Pet(Vet Med Guide)
Camie’s Kitties were the first cats to guess where I was hanging out. Derby clued everyone in that I was in the US but Camie’s Kitties got the answer:
You are at Chateau Laroche otherwise known as Castle Loveland in Loveland, O-HI-O.
Tavi, Cody, Camie, Miss Jade and Gracie
Eric and Flynn had this to say:
Darn! We are too late. Mum just found it by looking through Castles of the United States.It says:
‘Chateau Laroche is the work of one man, Sire Harry Andrews, who started building the castle in 1929. Most of the stones from which it was constructed were carried in buckets from the nearby riverbed. Mr. Andrews would on occasion let someone else do odd jobs such as mixing mortar, but he laid every stone himself. Some bricks used in the building of the castle were made by pouring cement into used milk cartons and removing the cartons after the cement had hardened.’
That was a lot of hard work for one man!
Indeed it was, wasn’t it? I guess some of the men who were part of his “knights”, an organization he founded, actually helped out and keep the castle up. It continues to be private property but they give tours and have a little video about the history. It’s rather interesting.
Parker, who is from O hi O also knew where I was so it must be pretty famous!
And to the kitties who suggested I was at White Castle–after the Woman’s experience there I knew to stay away from White Castle! Daisy was hoping I was at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, but I am not sure that Harry Andrews was any beauty but he did sleep there…
Albert seems to be part Maine Coon because he is so enormous. He weighs 25+ pounds and yes, he is fat ... many people refer to him as "Fat Albert" but not in front of me because I defend him. When he was a kitten, he was abandoned in an empty apartment and left to starve to death. Luckily, he was rescued and placed in a shelter. A friend of the family told us about him and how much he looked like our other tuxedo cat, The Cuteness. We ended rescuing him immediately.
I think the reason why Albert is so huge is not only because he is part Maine Coon, but also because he almost starved to death; any food he eats seems to cling to him even though
. . .read moreAlbert had a number of factors going for him as a Cat of the Week choice. First, I am a sucker for a rescue story. No cat deserves to be abandoned - ever! Second, because Debbi's love for her cats comes through with every word. And third because he's just so darned gorgeous. You may submit cat photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information. Please be sure to indicate in the email subject which gallery you want your cat's picture to be featured in. But not this one. This one is strictly my choice.
Anyone who has every tried to give a cat nasty-tasting liquid medication knows that it is not always easy. My colleague, Janet Crosby, DVM, Guide to Veterinary Medicine, demonstrates alternatives, such as mixing the meds with a small bit of food (be sure to ask your vet first.) She also shows how to handle a large, resistive cat, to make the process easier on both the cat and its human caregiver. The cat in this video is Oliver, our editor, Bonnie's cat.
Photo Credit: © About.com
Helpful Reading on Medicating Cats:
How to Give a Cat Liquid Medicine
How to Pill a Cat
Quick tip for dispensing multiple small pills to cats
I could live in a castle like this. Um hum. It looks like me don’t you think? Think of all the ham hunting parties I could hold in a place like this. Yes. I do think this is a perfect home for a cat like me! At the very least it’s a nice resting spot. I mean when they sent me out with my fine geographical knowledge to look for the South Caroline Governor I had no idea what a trip it would be. And now that he can’t make up his mind where he was, I am hopeless lost!
Find Full Find Chey Rules here.
Need More Cats?
Bad Kitty Cats Festival of Chaos
Look! I got an award from the Kitty City Gazette. Now I can just hope that they don’t go printing nasty stories about those things I do that I shouldn’t…like run off to Argentina and not tell anyone where I am and expect everyone to look for me…
Look it’s my new cousin, Snickers. I realize there is no real family resemblance but I think he looks rather chasable don’t you think? Any way he’d get very excited when the Woman would bark at him. I know–my human is weird.
At any rate, I have something very frightening and disconcerting to tell you. Sensitive cats beware. My human has been discussing it on facebook so I know others are concerned about this.
The Woman read in a cookbook suggestions on what to do with LEFT OVER desserts. Can you imagine. And you know what was worse? There was not one suggestion to allow your cat to finish it off! No wonder that person had left over desserts. I think we all need to purr for this poor misguided writer, don’t you?
Cats! It is time to stand up and call your human. Make them talk to their congressmen and their senators. There is a healthcare crisis in the US and it affects all of us.
Yes, all of us! Did you know that many cats do not get proper health care in the United States? And of those who do, do you have any idea that the vast majority have something stuck in their behind to see if they are sick?
How undignified. I think every senator and congressman should be subjected to the same indignity! If they had to have that stick shoved up their bum, I have no doubt that such a crisis would not exist in this country! Heck–the doctors would refuse, because do you really want to see your local politician with his pants down?
Oh wait. We keep hearing that many of them have been caught that way. Well never mind. It’s time to stand up and demand that your people demand a change in pet healthcare in this country.
Now, having said that I think I need a nap.

Hurricane Ike
We didn't get to see Kelsey this trip, she was with herNext .......Oklahoma
Arthur napping in one of the desk chairs
