SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!

On my way home this morning, I saw two dead kittens who had been hit by cars on a remote stretch of road, where they had evidently been dropped. They looked to be no more than 3 months old. It breaks my heart that these little guys never had a chance. I only hope there aren't litter mates still nearby having to fend for themselves.

I get angry when I see abandoned animals. There is no excuse for it. There are low-cost spay and neuter clinics available. All one has to do is call their local Humane Association or animal shelter. In Tennessee, there are several mobile clinics that travel to neighboring counties, as requested. If one can show need, it can be done free of charge.

It is unbelievable how many dogs and cats are being abandoned today. Whole litters of puppies and kittens turned out. Pregnant, old, young, large and small. Even more are being euthanized because the shelters are full. There is no need to bring more animals into the world when there are so many available for adoption. The 3 little girls in the photo are waiting for a home. They were abandoned.

Please, spay and neuter your pets!

Traveling With A Pit Bull

I just got back from visiting my youngest son and took my pit bull, Gremlin with me. Her experiences with riding in the car had previously been to the vet or the lake. I was a little nervous about the 2 hour trip and staying away from home for several days. My worries were unfounded. She had the entire back seat of my car to herself, didn't mind being tethered to the seat belt and slept or watched the traffic during the trip. She was the perfect house guest. She didn't mind when we went out and left her alone in the house and didn't bother anything. I am very proud of her.

I took her because I wanted her to meet a 9 month old lab mix named Smokey. He was abandoned at a drive in market when he was just a few weeks old. I saw him last August when he was about 8 weeks old. Boy, has he grown! I think he's a horse pretending to be a dog. He needs some training, but he is sweet and eager to please. He and Gremlin had a ball together, but she wasn't used to playing with a dog bigger than she is. She needs a dog friend and Smokey will be a great playmate. He will be coming to live with us in April.

I still get angry when I hear another "all pit bulls are bad" story. I own a pit bull. I know what they are like, how they behave and how smart they are. Pits love people. Our veterinarian says Gremlin is a perfect example of what a pit bull can be when loved and treated well. I think I will always have a pit bull, now that I live with one. They are remarkable dogs and great companions.

Welcome Sabrina!

Yesterday I adopted Sabrina at PetSmart. She is a small, solid black cat. Sabrina had been at PetSmart for over a month and had been there even before Miss Kitty got sick and had to be put to sleep. We have always had more than one cat, at one time we had four.

Sabrina is a different cat now that she's here. She was so happy checking out the rec room and laundry room yesterday. She has the whole couch to herself and has lots of room to roam around. Even a window ledge to sit on and watch the birds outside. She will get to come upstairs in a few days after she has had time to acclimate. I am introducing her to Randy slowly. He's not pleased with me right now.

I got a nice email from the lady who had rescued Sabrina last year. It seems Sabrina's owner had left her at the apartment complex when they moved. She didn't get along with her rescuer's cat, so they took her to the New Leash On Life shelter where she ended up at PetSmart. I think I'm lucky to have found her.

A Gift for Gremlin

A few years ago we rescued a stray female American Pit Bull Terrier puppy. She was about 5 months old at the time and was starving. She has turned out to be one of the greatest dogs we have ever had and loves everybody. She gets along with our old retriever mix, Briley and both the cats. We have spoiled her rotten.

Last week I bought her a pink leopard print nylon martingale collar. It's a little more girly than the black martingale she's been wearing. I got it today and it is really nicely made and should withstand her strength when she walks with me. The collar was made by Big Doggy Bling and you can get all kinds of collars in a wide variety of designs. http://www.etsy.com/shop/BigDoggyBling

Gremlin loves her girly new collar!

I'm a Cat Lady!

I've always been an animal lover and have adopted or found homes for many stray cats and dogs. Right now there are 2 onery cats and 2 dogs in my pack. It breaks my heart to see the photos in the local newspaper of the adoptable cats and dogs in the area. Two weeks ago I noticed the New Leash On Life rescue organization needed volunteers to help care for the cats they have at the local PetSmart. I went Friday night to learn the ropes and I think I'm really going to enjoy this. I start this week, two mornings a week I'll be feeding and cleaning the kitty condos for the kitties waiting for their forever homes.