Hello all my furr guardians! I'm not even going to point out that it's been a LONG time since I've updated my blog, and for that I apologize.
BACON
This year did not start out well and I guess that kind of threw me off my game a bit. December 31st, (yes, that's right New Years Eve) I had to put my wonderful love of my life Bacon to sleep. He was SO young and it was something that even my Vet couldn't believe. He had renal failure and one night walked into my room making a horrible crying sound and when I turned on the lights his eyes were moving back and forwards very fast and he had obviously had a seizure. I hoped for the best and had him on fluids, medications pretty much anything and everything they suggested. Finally on December 31st I took him back to my Vets, (he came in just for me) and he told me that Bacon's test results were not good and that he wouldn't pull through. To say I was heartbroken would be such an understatement, (I'm crying now) he was a very special Boy and to only have him in my life for a year and half just didn't seem fair to me, but now I am just so thankful I had the privilege to have had him in my life even if it was way too short. My friends and family still tell stories about Bacon and I have him sitting on my bookshelf next to Blackjack with some of his favorite toys next to him. Just a reminder to cherish your wonderful furry friends each day because you never know when you may have to say goodbye.
LETTUCE AND TOMATO
In sadness eventually changes into happiness. It wasn't too long after I had to say goodbye to my wonderful Bacon boy until I was introduced to two ADORABLE kittens. Although I had never been the guardian of two kitties, (not since I lived at home with my parents) but these two were too cute to only choose one. In memory of Bacon I decided to name them Lettuce and Tomato and they are a each a ball of energy!!! Lettuce was SO tiny when I adopted her and could actually sit on top of my foot without falling off. They have VERY different personalities and now that they're getting older their personalities are really coming into shape. Lettuce is the small black kitty who is FEARLESS! She does what she wants and doesn't care if I'm obviously not happy with her. The other day I was making lunch and had some shredded cheddar cheese on the counter, wrapped in a paper towel with some heavy stuff on top of it just in case...well not too long after I shred the cheese I hear a "THUD" and I run into the kitchen...there I find my black kitty with orange shredded cheese covering her as she had a good old snack with the cheese that actually landed on the floor! I was upset at first, but then couldn't help but laugh. Tomato is a little more reserved, but he's a funny boy and seems like he non-stop talks! They are great kitties who keep me on my toes each day.
HALLOWEEN IS AROUND THE CORNER!
Yep, it's that time of the year again...HALLOWEEN! Although it is a ton of fun for us humans, it can be very dangerous for our beloved animal friends. Unfortunately dogs and cats are targeted each year on Halloween for a number of bad things. Black animals are the most targeted so you will want to make sure to keep your black kitties and pups indoors. It's also a very good idea to keep your pets in a bedroom with the door closed...the temptation of a constantly opened door and the non-stop strangers arriving on their doorstep can be a bit too much for our furry friends. Always remember that chocolate is poisonous to our furr friends and shouldn't be available to them at any time. If for some reason your pet does get into chocolate you can call the ASPCA's poison hotline at (888) 426-4435. I know it's temping to slip your friend a treat especially when they are staring at you with those "no one will know eyes" here are a couple of recipes that you can make for your furry friends that not only taste good, (to them) but are healthy and safe for them.
Tasty Cat Claws
(makes 18 treats)
1/4 cup warm water
5 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons soft margarine
1 tablespoon cod liver oil
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup soy flour
1 tablespoon cod liver oil
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup soy flour
Tricky Treats for Dogs
(makes 14 treats)
2 cups water
3/4 cup canned applesauce
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats
3/4 cup canned applesauce
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats
A TEDDY FISH TANK FOR YOUR KIDS, (THE HUMAN KIND)
I came across this ADORABLE solution for any of my furr guardians who also have children who would like to have a fish. Fish tanks can be too big, or may not go with the theme of your children's room, or maybe your child loves plush animals AND fish this is a great combination.
A Teddy Tank - Fish bowl snuggled into a teddy bear.
Just think how much your children will love to watch their new fish swim in their cuddly Teddy Tank! If you keep fish in the tummy bowl you will be glad to know that when you remove the inner tank for cleaning, you can wash Teddy as well. Kids will get a kick out of feeding fish through Teddy’s mouth. There are other uses for the bowl as well. Store jelly beans, colored rocks or marbles, pennies or peppermints. When you purchase the Teddy Tank you will get everything you need, except the fish! Set contains an 18-inch plush Teddy Bear, 10 second voice recorder to record a personal greeting, a one gallon bowl and an LED soft glow night light. You also get 8.8 ounces of acrylic gravel, Velcro bow, a plant you can use in the fish bowl and of course the fish net. You can also choose other adorable animals if your child is more into monkeys than teddy bears.
http://www.teddytank.com/
CAT SCRATCH - DJ TURNTABLE FOR YOUR CAT TO "SCRATCH"
Now THIS is cool, not only because I have a lot of friends who enjoy playing music, but because...well...it's just cool!!!! I think Lettuce would LOVE this...I always thought she would be a great DJ.
This cardboard cat scratcher by Suck UK would be the perfect gift for your hip-hop loving cat owner friend or a great addition to any cat's studio for that matter. Elaborate details and clever design make this a unique and humorous cardboard cat scratcher. Watch as your cat "scratches" the vinyl and play with the spinnable and posable tone-arm. Of course, for those who wish to be true to the genre of hip-hop must purchase two of them because, in hip-hop, turntables always come in 2's.
http://www.amazon.com/Suck-UK-SK-CATDECK1-Scratch/dp/B006YR6EK8/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1351205273&sr=1-1
TOILET BOWL PET WATERER
You know it's come to my attention that pets sometimes prefer drinking water out of a CLEAN toilet as opposed to a bowl of water...believe me, it's pretty common. I thought this was a really funny alternative to the actual toilet bowl. Not sure if your furr kid(s) would go for it, but it's still a funny and cute item.
This is one of the most unique pet waterers we have come across resulting in a rather humorous conversation piece. You can use any 2-Liter bottle as a reservoir making this waterer practical as well.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L54F4M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=c0106-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004L54F4M
UNDERWATER DOGS
My friend and wonderful pet photographer Seth Casteel has released an awesome book featuring his underwater pet photography. These images are not only great, but funny at the same time. You will see Bulldogs, Labradors, Retrievers, Boston Terriers and more taking a dip in a body of water. This would be a great coffee table book or heck, with the holidays coming up a great holiday gift. You should take a look at the book, it's worth it!
http://www.littlefriendsphoto.com/index2.php#!/home
PRICE INCREASE
I always hate doing this, but I haven't had a price change in a good 4 years and with gas prices increasing and just the cost of doing business sky rocketing I thought it was time for a slight price increase. The prices for dog and cat visits will only increase $1.00, and our overnight visit price will increase to $75.00, (from $70.00). These prices will go into effect after the 1st of the year, so your holiday bookings will be prices as usual.
HOLIDAY BOOKINGS!!!!!!
Well my friends, it's getting to be that time of the year again...THE HOLIDAY ARE UPON US! I just wanted to send out a friendly reminder to please book early, we fill up very quickly around the holidays and hate to turn our friends away.
Well, I guess that is it for now, but I will try my hardest to keep these blogs going. I want to thank you for being a part of the extended Silicon Valley Pet Nanny family and allowing us to care for your wonderful kids. Until next time give your kids a big hug from all of us and have a happy and SAFE Halloween.
