Petopia

Cat Lovers Know: Cats Have All the Tricks to Drive You Crazy

Here's a post guaranteed to make cat lovers laugh out loud: Ways to Drive Your Human Crazy written by 3 cats at about.com:cats. Here's an example ( and my cat's personal favorite trick):

The 3 a.m. Wakeup Call

In the wee hours of the morning, go to the furthest place from your human's sleeping place and wail loudly and pitifully. When he or she finally gets up to investigate the problem, assume a sleeping position and keep your eyes tightly closed. Wait 15 minutes after your human returns to bed, then repeat. Caution: Do not repeat more than three times. You want your slave--err, human, well rested in the morning so she can wait on you all day.

Read the post for ten more ways. Of course, if you own a cat, I think you will be familiar with most of these. . . And if you've had enough and are looking for "cures" for their bad behavior you may wish to try one of these books: Psycho Kitty: Tips for Solving Your Cat's "Crazy" Behavior or Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems.

Blender Pets: Here's an Original Pet Photo Concept

I have to confess that, as much as I enjoy looking at photos of cute pets, I find that sites that offer up dozens and dozens of these to be uninspiring. Occasionally though I come across a site that has pet photos with a clever, original theme. CutewithChris.com is a good example: he offers Blender Pets.

As you might deduce from this photo of a "blender dog" (Virginia, Master of disguise), these are all photos of pets that blend into their background. Visit the site for more Blender Pets and if you have one of your own you can submit it to Chris for consideration. Clever concept and great photos -- do you know of any similar examples?
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Related reading:
Bad Cat: 244 Not-So-Pretty Kitties And Cats Gone Bad
Pawfiles: Portraits of Dogs: A Bark and Smile Book

What Dog Are You? Revealing Your Inner Pooch

Here's a book that answers the burning question: If I were a dog, what breed would I be?

Do you have the face of a Shih Tzu, with the personality of a Poodle, and the voice of a Siberian Husky? Take the three easy quizzes in What Dog Are You? to learn what dog, out of 100, best shares your physical features, traits and quirks. These quizzes are fun as well as revealing. Learn more at the authors' website.

And if you always thought you were more comparable to a cat, watch for their next book: Discovering Your Inner Feline, coming soon. . .

Surfing Cat

Who says cats don't like water?

Peruvian surfer Domingo Pianezzi rides a wave accompanied by Nicolasa, the cat, at the San Bartolo beach in Lima, Peru, January 31, 2008. Nicolasa has taken to surfing since she was introduced to it a month ago. Sometimes the cat sits at the front of the board and sometimes on his shoulder. When they are done the cat swims toward the beach (there's a photo to prove it) where, you will be happy to know, she is wrapped in a towel to dry off. See more photos of this story at Reuters.

This would be my kitty's worst nightmare. She gets upset if I accidentally spray her with a drop of water when she sits at my feet in the kitchen as I'm preparing her dinner. How does your cat take to water?
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If you'd like to understand your cat better, read: Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?: 101 of the Most Perplexing Questions Answered About Feline Unfathomables, Medical Mysteries and Befuddling Behaviors.

 

Goats At Work at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

60 goats have been hired to eat the brush on the Getty Center's 100 acres. This should help protect the Center from wildfire threat and the goats can have all the brush they can munch for free! No trucks, mowers, chainsaws and human contractors needed. Seems to me like a perfect (and cheaper and greener) solution.
photo credit: J. Emilio Flores for The New York Times

Aging Pets Require Special Attention

There are an estimated 45 million aging, senior pets and there is a new website that focuses on their specific needs: petboomers.com. Initial articles cover topics like health conditions and behavioral issues in aging pets. The site is produced by Merck Publishing Group.

They have also published The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health which helps owners care for their pets at all ages and stages of their lives, and can help people recognize changes associated with aging. This resource is based on The Merck Veterinary Manual, the best-selling reference used by veterinarians for more than 50 years, but is written in everyday language that all pet owners can understand. And you know that we can all use a bit of extra care as we get older. . .

And, finally, here's a video by Marty Becker, DVM that explains five common health conditions in aging pets.

Zoo Signs: Using Humor to Get Your Attention

I guess it is just human nature that we tend to ignore signs and we also seem to lack manners and common sense as well. So what's a zoo keeper going to do to get our attention (and hopefully compliance)? Some resort to humor and these signs are two of my favorites. You'll find more signs online, at zuzafun.com for example.

Rescue Ink: Tattooed Men Add Spice to Animal Rescue

The Rescue Ink site sums it up like this:

You take a look at us, and maybe your first reaction is to cross to the other side of the street. We're not a gang, vigilantes or a social organization, but we do have that certain "in your face" style when it comes to animal abusers. Rescue Ink is all about zero tolerance when it comes to animal abuse and neglect.

With bodies covered in colorful art and nicknames like "Batso," "Mike Tattoo," and "Big Ant" you wouldn't be surprised to hear that this group has generated lots of attention -- and animal rescue groups need all the help they can get. Take a look at their upcoming events and you can see that this is a busy bunch of fellows. They have a number of programs including: Companion Outreach Services, The Feral Cat Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) Program, and they man a rescue hotline.

Please support their efforts by volunteering or by buying some cool Rescue Ink stuff. You can visit the official Rescue Ink MySpace page for more information.

I wonder if their talent agent is fielding any offers for an interesting reality show?
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Related reading:
Ink: The Not-Just-Skin-Deep Guide to Getting a Tattoo
The Tattoo Encyclopedia : A Guide to Choosing Your Tattoo
Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish

Pet Horoscope: May 2008

A Taurus Sun opens the month with sturdy self-assuredness. (“You talking to me??) On the 22nd, the Sun moves into Gemini to spark any pet’s playfulness.

TAURUS   (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
The planets signify a time for reflection followed by swift action; A time to plan and implement action for future projects.. or at least another meal. Taurean pets are on a mission, but can be diverted by a new thing in their dish.

Read all the rest of the signs here.
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If you want to gain astrological insight into your dog's thoughts, moods and behavior you should read Dog Stars: Astrology for Dog Lovers. Cat lovers who read Vivian's Original Cat Astrology will learn how different vibrations of the planets influence each cat's personality, resulting in some cats becoming homebodies and some wandering gypsies.

The Senior Dogs Project

Of all the unwanted dogs who find themselves relegated to a shelter, the future is bleakest for the older dogs. It's another example of the disadvantage of age in our culture: how is a mature dog supposed to compete for attention (and adoption possibility) with the cute, cuddly puppies? For this reason some shelters will euthanize older dogs quicker to make room for younger, more adoptable dogs.

Many of the older dogs end up at a shelter because the owner's life has changed and the dog has become an inconvenience. Too many people merely "dispose" of their dog as easily as they dump their old television.

On a brighter note, there are some, like the Senior Dogs Project, who make a special effort to help ameliorate this problem. They offer excellent reasons to adopt an older dog and hundreds of inspiring stories and photos of people who have adopted older dogs and provide current information on the special care that older dogs need. If you are planning to adopt a dog, learn more about senior dogs and consider making one of them your choice.
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Related books:
Your Older Dog: A Complete Guide to Helping Your Dog Live a Longer and Healthier Life
100 Simple Secrets Why Dogs Make Us Happy: The Science Behind What Dog Lovers Already Know