Scratchings-and-Sniffings

The Dilemma of the Second Class Pet

It's not dogs. Dogs are first class all the way. Except on airplanes... and I don't get how we pet parents ever get comfortable putting our dogs in cargo. If my dog can't fly with me, she's staying home with the pet sitter or going to doggie daycare, or, I'm driving to my destination. But, that's just me, maybe.

It's not ferrets. I think ferrets are third class citizens and may need a whole post of their own. Happily, however, we are making strides with ferrets. They will rise in the ranks and join cats as second class citizens, over time.

Yep, I said cats. There are more cats in family homes than dogs...but, cats still get short-shrift in healthcare. Mostly by their pet parents. The veterinary world knows the importance of regular checkups, vaccinations, diet, and eldercare... and they are intent on sharing that, but... cat parents don't seem to want to listen. Cats just don't get sick...I guess.

Steve Dale mentioned a bit about this at the recent BlogPaws, where he keynoted on Saturday. For those of us involved in responsible pet care, what he shared isn't news. It's just sad. For those pet parents not involved in responsible pet care (those who love their cats to pieces, just as we do, but seldom take the cat to the vet and even hesitate to get the required rabies vaccine every year...) the news that you are putting your cat's health at risk for something as 'silly' as dental care, may seem outrageous.

Wordless Wednesday: Catching Some ZZZZzz's

BlogPaws - Is It Really Over?

Yes, Dorothy, there is a BlogPaws full of fun, excitement, people, pets and lots of other things. And yes, it comes and goes so quickly - much like other things in Oz!

Do you feel like you made a trip to Oz? BlogPaws can be like that. You wait and plan and talk about it all year long and then... it happens...and then, it's over. And you're wondering, "Is that it? Can it really be over?"

Well... yes and no.

BlogPaws isn't just a thing of afternoons - it's a thing of now, today...and tomorrow and next year. It's a thing of wonder where dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets, guinea pigs and more gather to help their people make friends. <<< Understand that the pets don't need help making friends, they can do that all by themselves. However, the people seem to need a little guidance and bringing them together in an educational setting once a year, to hug, kiss, and laugh, is a prime part of what BlogPaws is about. All the pets are very thankful...cause, the rest of the year, that stuff is all up to them.>>>

BlogPaws Disaster Response Network

BlogPaws has a Blogger Disaster Response Network... did you know that? It was created with Dr. V (Pawcurious) and World Vets - to help victims in disasters; that would be pets and animals, and, vicariously, their people.

In response to the terrible tragedy in OK, the BDRN is on duty! Here's what's happening and how YOU can help, via the collective voice that is the pet community. I truly believe that as a community WE have a responsibility to do what we can TOGETHER as a group, to make things happen. In this instance, to raise funds because we know the brands will be all over this disaster, sending supplies and food and such... but the veterinarians on call, the shelters, and the people, need cash, too. 

Help if you can. Share with everyone you know. Be a part of the solution...

Wordless Wednesday: The Tattle-tale

Wordless Wednesday: Spring Snow Storm

No You May Not Guest Post On My Blog

I know you're all getting these - emails from random folk asking to guest blog on your blog. I wouldn't mind so much, there's a certain flattery in being approached to share someone else's writing, but... 99% of the people asking to post on this blog are not even associated with pets. And the other 1%, who are associated with pets, somehow (sometimes just by showing an infographic they created about the pet community), aren't qualified to be a guest blogger here.

Is this happening to you? What does it mean? Could it mean:

• People think we're stupid? I mean, really... why would I allow a random person I don't even know to post on my blog, especially when they're not a pet person?
• People think they're ... way better writers or promoters, than they are? "I write for these sites and I'd be happy to write for you, for free!" Sure you would...
• People think it's okay to insult other bloggers because, after all, my little blog needs the extra help and all. 

Wordless Wednesday: Dogs Play Hide and Seek!

Wonder if anyone is actually seeking our little Olive?