Gigi's First Christmas went off with a bang!

She was very interested in all the decorating and goings-on, observed from the couch of course.

However, when the tree went up, she claimed her spot and stayed there. Eventually, in order to make her more comfortable, I put the carriers under there, just so she would have a cozier spot to lay and stay warm. She stayed under the tree all day and all night until I actually went to bed, when she would join me there.

Her Petpets (2 other cats I adopted to keep her company and help with any depression for having only a human companion) were very curious whenever she disappeared into one of the carriers.

Note: It's a good idea to remove the carrier doors as these boxes are way too small for any accidental, lengthy stay.

Merry Christmas Gigi!

Adoption

Gigi the day she came home

Shortly after I lost Tigger, I decided to adopt again. I checked out my local shelters through Petfinder. Best service ever.

It has a great search engine by location, age, sex, length of time in the shelter, etc.

WELL worth the effort. I specifically wanted to find a pet that had been in the shelter the longest. I knew there would be difficulties getting those pets adopted out.

Originally, I was looking at dogs as I hadn't had a dog in so long and really wanted to be able to go for walks with him or her.

However, I found a listing of a cat who had been in the shelter for 4 years! I really thought this was an error, I mean, why would they hold a cat for 4 years? It didn't make sense, but when I was ready, I drove the 30 miles to the shelter to find out.

It turned out that this little Torby female, named Gracie, had been part of a hoarder situation, living in a cage on the porch with several other cats. They were all confiscated, and it took 4 years for the Humane Society to get custody.

During that time, they were only allowed to perform those medical procedures that were meant to keep her alive. Meaning, they couldn't alter her.

She became very depressed and bitter during her time in there. She developed anorexia, she refused to eat, she became malnourished, her teeth rotted. They pulled all of her teeth except 6 on her bottom jaw. All her uppers and rear teeth were gone.

When I went to meet her, she paid absolutely no attention to me. She wanted only to go back to her cage. But I didn't care. I wanted to get her out of there. She was severely underweight, her ribs, hips and shoulder-blades were poking out, her fur was thin, she had absolutely no fat cover.

I had to wait, but I went back the following week to pick her up and take her home.

It was a little hard, I had to finagle some tricks to get her out, and keep her out of her depression, but she is now a very happy little kitty. She has gained 2 lbs and is a very healthy 6 1/2 lbs. She eats without being finicky. She goes in and out of the back yard, and always come back to nap beside me. I've renamed her Gigi (short for Good Girl.) And she's the most curious and fun little kitty I could imagine.

Gigi Today

Tigger

In August 2016, I had to put my dear cat, Tigger, to sleep. He had thrown a blood clot that lodged in his arteries, blocking blood flow to his back legs.

It was an utterly devastating decision to have to make, as I'm sure any loving person knows, if not first-hand, by word-of-mouth and empathy.

Tigger was a very loving, cool little dude, who just loved to cuddle and hang out with me.

Having been abandoned as a younger cat, when I found him he was pretty desperate for a home. He already had some issues to deal with: food allergies, dog attacks, neurosis, and was trying to find a caring home to move into. He came upon my house, and at the time I already had 2 other cats and didn't want a third. However, I took pity on him as it was the dead of winter and the entire bottom half of his body was furless due to the food allergies. I brought him in, much to the disgust of my other cats, and the rest was history.

When he threw the blood clot, I knew immediately there was something wrong. I took him to the vet and we were seen right away. After the exam, the small, very sad and sympathetic speech ended with, "the treatment is about 30 days long and is EXTREMELY painful for the cat. The success rate is very poor, and there is a very strong likelihood it will happen again within the next 12 months. I really recommend euthanasia."

I made the decision, and it was very tough. But he's on the other side of the rainbow bridge now, and I KNOW he is doing great.

RIP Tigger. You will always be my best little buddy.

Jazzard

EXPENSIVE TASTES

Ever have a cat her nose up to a new luxury bed you went out and bought special for them?

Or a dog who hogs YOUR bed and refuses to set a paw on his own?

Yep, every owner has most likely had this issue. Your favorite pet wants to lay on your old ratty T-shirt instead of a nice, new, fluffy bed.

Try this next time: For a couple days, sit on the cushion yourself! Too simple right? Well, our loving companions don't know how much money you spend on a comfy couch for them. All they know is that if it smells like you, they must be safe and secure.

Shop the Luving Petz Store for a full array of pet beds, cushions and condos.

HOLIDAYS AND YOUR PETS

Holidays are a great time for family; parties, dinners and great gatherings. This can also be a great time for pets as well, if they aren't forgotten.

Every pet has different needs, sometimes they love the company and will hang right in the middle of the festivities, participating in the interaction with all their humans or sitting and watching all the activities from a safe corner. Other pets, just like humans, can't handle all the activity and may need a quiet room to be in while the biggest crowds are in the house. Other times, when their humans are shopping or visiting other friends, they may be left too long by themselves.

It's important to remember the pets are very much like small children; they rely on their humans completely and really don't understand when they are left alone, or made to do things they don't like.

Compassion, love and understanding is needed for our loving companions, especially during these extremely busy times of the year.

PETS IN THE HOUSEHOLD

Early in the 20th century, the majority of Americans considered cats and dogs as workers; they were herders, mousers, protectors. They worked on farms and ranches. They hunted, they retrieved.

But, as Americans began the move out of the great Plains and wilderness into the big cities, they had a choice to make; bring the dog and/or cat, or abandon them. Fortunately, enough people brought their smaller animals with them and soon dogs and cats became the pampered family members we know today.

Chocolate is a NO NO

Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. While each specific animals will react differently depending on their body weight and tolerance, any amount can be lethal.

The problem with the chocolate humans eat is that many times it is combined with something pets may find irresistible, like peanut butter.

Keep these candies out of the reach of your pets, just as you would keep cleaning products away from toddlers.

If your pet does consume chocolate, call your vet or the nearest pet emergency center for instructions.