Enjoy this short and sweet video from dd63abc.
It is always a delight for me to meet an animal lover in real life or on via the Internet. CatwomanCatera may only be a screen name to me, but I have found over the years that I have known her, that this lady is a true protector of homeless pets who have miraculously "found" her and who wiggled their way into her heart.
Always willing to foster those in need of re-homing, CatwomanCatera does a stellar job in helping them to find forever homes with those she trusts. If she cannot re-home them, she makes a commitment to them by making them part of her own family.
Take Pei Pei, for example. An abandoned tiny mixed breed Shar-pei/ Pit Bull , CatwomanCatera worked tirelessly to adopt her. To learn the entire story, read the article on Animal Hubbub which I wrote 10 months ago. Pei Pei is now almost a year old, and has matured into a beautiful, happy dog with the tender loving care which she received.
Recently, a friend of CatwomanCatera's family, whose youngster insisted on pulling on the ears and poking the eyes of this seven year-old Boston Terrier named Bubbles, gave the dog to Catwoman for safety's sake. Bubbles is now being fostered by CatwomanCatera who hopes that she will be able to return to her original home in the future. However,I know that this adorable pooch will never have to worry about having a loving family who will dote on her.
I saved the "awww factor" for the end of the story. According to CatwomanCatera who lives with her family on 1/2 acre of land, "they have seen their fair share of everything that hops, scurries and digs". About a month ago she discovered that a momma bunny decided to make her nest in their back yard.
One of the babies accidently got separated from its mother. Catwoman snatched him up to save him from her cats. Naming him Mika, after the singer, Mika, she described the baby bunny as quite the talker. She fostered the little one to save his life.
Now that is a serious "awww", don't you think? My hat is off to CatwomanCatera for all she does to help animals. Let's give her a round of apaws by leaving a supportive comment.
Consumers whose pets were affected by tainted pet food, will be compensated by a fund set up by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc, and five other companies which have been sued for damages. They have asked a U.S. Judge to approve a 24 million dollar settlement. These funds will will permit consumers to recover up to 100 percent of their money damages.
Those consumers must be able to document their claims, according to attorneys for both sides, stated in papers filed this past Friday with the U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman, in Camden, New Jersey.
Reports received by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from consumers whose pets were injured by from these products, contained information stating that approximately 1,050 cats and 2,200 dogs died as the result of eating contaminated pet food, according to a statement made on February 6.
According to court papers, over 100 lawsuits were filed in the United States and Canada following Menu's initial product recall in March 2007. Over 180 pet food and treat brands manufactured by 12 different companies were eventually recalled.
Ingredients made in China which were used in the manufacturing process of the 180 brands of pet foods and treats, contained melamine-tainted wheat gluten putting the animals at high risk of kidney failure and death.
However, the FDA never released information about precisely how many pets were affected, but it received over 17,000 pet-owner complaints.
The settlement document does not reveal how much each of the recalled product companies will have to pay. Upon approval, the settlement will be widely publicized with a web site and a toll-free number provided in order to distribute information about how to make a claim.
Of course, no matter what the financial settlement may be, it will never never heal the hearts of those who have experienced the pain and suffering of the needless loss of their beloved pets.
You can read more about this decision by visiting: Tulsa World and
Gina Spadafori's blog, Pet Connection.
What are your thoughts about this pending approval? Do you think that it is fair? Please share your feelings with a comment.
Doc: Kim's beloved angel Siamese Cat
Memorial day is a special time in which we honor our brave soldiers who gave their lives in battle to keep our Country safe!
Today is a also a day in which Animal Welfare organizations may choose to commemorate it by holding a special event.
Transport Animals is one of those organization. Read about what they are doing to commemorate Memorial day by air lifting homeless animals from several locations to save at least 200 puppies and kittens from euthanasia. Watch their heart compelling video, and read the entire story
If you are moved by their incredible work and wish to donate to the cause, or become a sponsor for the event, please email JenniferRowan@TransportAnimals.com
Several months ago, as I tossed and turned, sleep evading me, I grew more and more frustrated. As a last ditch effort I strolled into the living room and turned on the TV, hoping to catch an infomercial which always lulled me to dreamland.
As I switched channels, a fascinating show in progress caught my eye and kept me riveted to the screen. Sleep? Who needed it anyway!
This fascinating program featured a story about prison inmates learning to socialize and train homeless dogs to prepare them to be suitable for adoption to loving families.
The prisoners lived with the dogs 24/7, bonding with them through feeding, grooming, teaching basic commands and playtime. Some inmates were working with dogs that previously were considered unadoptable.
I was fascinated as I watched the unfolding story about the deep relationships which developed between the inmates and canines and the powerful commitment to the welfare of these formerly "unwanted" dogs which the inmates were willing to make.
The dogs' dilemma seemed to perhaps parallel the lives of the inmates and touched a very deep compassionate place in their hearts as they opened to their canine charges.
While the stories ended happily with the dogs finding forever homes, the inmates felt a huge sense of loss as the dogs were given to their adoptive "parents" in a closing ceremony at the end of the dog's training period.
The good news, however, was that the inmates received other dogs with which to "foster" and train. I wanted to find out more about the canine and prison inmate program.
Much to my delight, I came across an article, Puppies Behind Bars, yesterday. Featured on Petside, one of my favorite pet oriented hangouts on the Internet, once again I was riveted to my screen. The story discusses how dogs are being specifically trained to become service dogs for the disabled and bomb detection canines for law enforcement. This is being done through programs offered by seven prisons in NY, NJ and Ct.
I highly recommend that you go to Petside's web site to read their featured article about this amazing program. Learn all about the training program and the types of dogs that are suited for this work. I know you will find the Puppies Behind Bars video fascinating.
Personally I think that the program is a wonderful opportunity for inmates to work closely with these dogs and ignite that compassionate and tender spot in their hearts. Perhaps it will give a whole new meaning to their lives knowing that they have had a hand in helping others. What was your reaction to the story? Please do share your thoughts with us after your visit to Petside.
One of the things I personally enjoy about "blogging" is meeting the most fascinating people on the Internet. Networking and building community is one of my favorite past times. I was thrilled to receive this little "award" the other day from one of the horse bloggers with whom I have connected.
Mrs Mom who blogs at OhHorseFeathers & Related Twisted "Tails" was gifted by Pony Girl, of ponygirlridesagain with this adorable graphic, and in turn, MrsMom passed it forward.
Making new friends who share common interests is very exciting. Finding folks who love animals and contribute to the body of knowledge about them and make a difference in the lives of animals, is very satisfying to me.
Thanks, MrsMom. I am proud to add this award "banner" to my blog.
Have you met folks on the Internet who share your interests? Have you met any of them in real life? Leave a comment and let us know how the Internet has impacted you.
Rob LoMonaco and Left Eye Shaking Hands
This heart warming story arrived in my email box yesterday afternoon. It touched me deeply when I read about these profound acts of kindness and love in the midst of violence and aggression. I was compelled to post it as it was not only inspiring but at the same time provides animal lovers an opportunity to reach out and help.
Airman Asks for Help Bringing Buddy Home
By: Ann Fisher
The Columbus Dispatch
April 30,2008
Rob LoMonaco needs donations to bring to the U.S. this dog he befriended and named Left Eye while in Afghanistan. 
In an e-mail interview that spanned three days and roughly 7,000 miles, I finally had to ask the tough question: Why should Americans care about a pair of mongrel dogs in Afghanistan?
Hey, you know I'm a sap, but I figured someone out there would ask, so I did it first.
Rob LoMonaco's response was open and kind: Help the dogs that helped them stay sane. And if that doesn't work for you: Help him and a fellow serviceman stay sane when they return by helping them help the dogs.
A New York transplant who now calls Pickerington home, LoMonaco will return to Ohio in September from a one-year tour that included five months in Kunar province in northeastern Afghanistan.
He was one of 10 U.S. soldiers, airmen and Marines among roughly 100 Afghan national army troops stationed at the base there. Lo-Monaco is in the Air Force, a
team trainer who works with Afghan logistic officers.
He and his American colleagues all grappled with the isolation every day, the long convoys and the overall stress of overseas military service.
LoMonaco also was lucky enough to find a true friend over there, a dog he named Left Eye. Now, he wants to adopt and bring her home but needs our help to pay the roughly $2,500 cost of travel and quarantine.
He met Left Eye when she was just born.
Her mother, D.O.G., already was a favorite among the previous team of Americans, who had trained her for security.
In November, she gave birth to four puppies: two boys and two girls. Afghans adopted the two boys — they don't get pregnant — but left the girls, who eventually attached themselves to the base cooks, one of whom was LoMonaco.
Left Eye with her sibling named "Turd"
"Whether it was training them, or watching them play, they were an excellent way to detox from a 10-hour convoy mission," he told me in an e-mail.
As much as anything, the servicemen admired the mother, who was killed in January by Afghan soldiers as she tried to protect one of the Americans in a tragic misunderstanding.
In February, the next shift took over and gladly took over the care of the two girls, but LoMonaco missed Left Eye, so named for a spot below her left eye. "I quickly realized how attached I was to the dog and felt I had left a friend."
He started looking into the adoption process and learned about Tigger House, a group that will arrange such things for servicemen and women.
But the cost was beyond his reach.
Then he heard that neighborhood children had dangerously taunted the two puppies, which are mongrels and therefore worthless by typical Afghan standards. Wild dogs are common there and often threaten children in the region, LoMonaco said.
He and the soldier back at the base who had taken over care of the pups decided they had to do something. "Both of us did not want to be 'kicking' ourselves when we got home and for the rest of our lives that we did not try."
After reading their story, I felt likewise. Let's help them bring home their buddies.
Visit: For more information and to view adorable videos
Update: May 4
With the money that has been raised so far the dogs will be moved to Kabul tomorrow! Then, they will move to Pakistan later next week, where they will stay until the end of May. Updates will follow as they are posted.
These acts of kindness restore my faith in humanity and our ability to really make a difference in the lives of needy animals.
What reaction did you have when you read this story? Leave a comment and let us know.
I love hearing stories that talk about the very special bond between animals and their human caretakers, (who are often referred to as their "human parents").
I bet if I had the opportunity to be able to speak personally with this adorable pooch she would have a lot to say about her wonderful life, surrounded by the many species, including cats, horses and the other variety of critters with whom she shares her loving home.
Livinginavandown's adorable "Chug", (a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pug) Ziggy Stardust, was one of the more fortunate dogs who received the gift of adoption from a Shelter to which she had been surrendered. Her owner considers her to be one of the best investments she has ever made by bringing this loving pooch into her heart and home.
Ziggy Stardust has made it perfectly clear to her human mom that she considers herself to be a "big dog" while she carefully watches over her "mom". She is ever so protective of her during those special times that they share while Livinginavandown is out enjoying "our Earth Mother". Ziggy Stardust proudly wears the beaded necklace given to her as a gift. It makes her feel so darned feminine.Isn't she precious?
Have you ever had the opportunity to adopt a shelter dog? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience.
EllieMae: A St. Bernard Puppy purchased from a reputable breeder. She is adorable and treasured deeply, by Vicki, her owner.
Several days have passed since I watched the Oprah Winfrey special program airing the frightening facts about Puppy Mills. The program left indelible images on my mind of the suffering and neglect that these baby animals experience and still continue to haunt me.
Oprah's show was deeply touching and informative. It was a vehicle which will hopefully will serve to educate the public about the plight of pet store puppies and kittens. The show focused on several stories, which brought to light the horrific lives which Puppy Mill dogs and cats, considered only to be livestock by their owners, must endure.
Most of these breeding animals produce at least two litters a year, while at the same time are imprisoned in wire cages, not ever having touched their paws to the ground and are devoid of human compassion, a gentle loving touch, or the proper medical care and nutrition that they need.
The shocking fact that Oprah disclosed on the show is that 95-98 percent of puppies and kittens for sale in pet stores have been obtained from these mills. Is it any wonder that these puppies and kittens often are very often sickly and unsocialized?
The follow up message that Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States made, is compelling. He said,"The puppy mill industry will thrive as long as consumers are kept in the dark about the “mass production” of purebred and designer dogs. With your help, we'll shed light on the cruelty of puppy mills and put them out of business for good. We can't do it without your help!" He urged animal lovers to remain committed to stopping the business of Puppy Mills.
You can view clips of the show by visiting Oprah's Past Shows.
What steps can you take as a concerned animal lover to help put an end to Puppy Mills?
Please take a moment to watch the video,When Dogs Bite, The Story of Penelope, A Puppy Mill Dog, uploaded to You Tube by reckless1962 and visit The Dog Liberator
Dog lovers will simply adore the recently released re-mastered two disc- Platinum version of the classic Disney movie, "101 Dalmatians." Chocked full of interactive games, bonus features and other exciting goodies, this fabulous film is a must see!
I was on the edge of my seat as I watched the unfolding story of the adventures of these spotted pooches. All my emotions were ignited as I became completely immersed in the story line. I laughed, I cried and I must admit that I even got scared when the frightening villainess, Cruella De Vil, stole the 15 Dalmatian puppies from their tranquil home, along with another 86 spotted sweeties, stashing them away in a secret location to fulfill her dastardly plan to turn them into a fur coat for herself. Could you imagine such a horror? Yikes! 
But the fabulous Twilight Barkers network take action. I won't spoil the plot for you, but I have to say they are an impressive gang.
This is a wonderful movie that the entire family will enjoy. And for you cat lovers out there, you will get to meet a purrfect hero!
While the movie may be considered entertainment for children, this brilliant restoration of the art work and sound track of the original version, makes "Disney's irresistible tale leap off the screen" and will equally appeal to adults.
For a preview of this amazing film just to pique your interest, you can enjoy these delightful clips of the movie by visiting: Meeting and Meeting Two . More at: The Plot and The Plot Two
In celebration of the release of the film, we are launching a two week long contest for our readers. Grab your creative hats, enjoy yourself and get involved. Winners will be announced on the blog, and will also receive a copy of the "101 Dalmations" DVD. You can create an icon that you feel represents the story, or grab a picture from the web which enchants you. You can even use a photo enhancing program that will let you put spots on your pets and submit the pictures. Let your imagination soar. I found some adorable photos that will put spots in front of your eyes.
Can you imagine? A Dalmations stethoscope cover!
Do you have a dog or puppy that could become the 102nd Dalmations? Or. . . you can write about what you loved the most about the film. Submit photos to Kneadstoknow@aol.com, or leave text comments on this entry. Get your friends involved by sharing the link to this entry. We can have a lot of fun with this.
The contest closes on April 17 so get those entries in! Please include your email address with your submissions, so winners may be contacted.
Good luck to everyone!
Some of the more frequently used expressions in the English language have always been a source of interest to me. I get a kick out of how some of them have evolved over the years.
The expression, "raining cats and dogs.", is one of course, that sparked my interest. My imagination could run away with me when I envision how this might appear. But I have to say that I am really not happy with the picture that comes to mind. I mean, the thought of huge numbers of kitties and doggies falling from the sky, just does not float my boat. So naturally I was compelled to research what might be the source of such an odd, but common weather-related description of a heavy rainstorm.
One of the most common ones I found was related to how, in times of yore, many houses of the period were constructed with thatched roofs in which domesticated cats and dogs would take shelter.
If the rain was sufficiently heavy, the animals might have been washed out of the thatch or take shelter quickly in another more suitable place so, if one stretched the imagination, it could appear that it was, in fact, raining cats and dogs.
Another possibility could be attributed to when, way back in history, the streets of British towns were poorly constructed and as a result in a heavy downpour, the poor cats and dogs who were living in the street could easily drown, with their bodies floating down the street appearing as if they had actually fallen from the sky, similar to the "rain of frogs." .
If your curiosity has been aroused, you can read more about the etiology of this very common expression by visiting Raining Cats and Dogs written by Michael Quinion
What do you think about when someone describes rainy weather by using this expression? Leave a comment and let us know.
