Pets aren't disposable!

Tia has been putting in some serious time at the shelter this week and last week. Many of the animals have been adopted but there are still 10 dogs and 15 cats! There are a lot of kittens that will be available for adoption soon and there are some very loving and cute adult cats too. Tia said this morning she gave a bath to the sweetest pit bull ever. He was licking her face the whole time she was scrubbing him down and very politely waited for treats after. She was laughing while telling me about how he was fascinated by the kittens playing in the front room and just wanted to lay there and sniff the kittens while his tail wagged like propeller. Then there are all the cats that reach out with their little paws for petties and attention. I guess I can’t get mad at her for leaving me at home when she’s volunteering. Also, I don’t like cleaning up cat poop.

According to Tia, the reason there are suddenly so many cats in the shelter is because someone turned in their two cats. They brought these two sweet cats, one is 7 and the other is 11, to the shelter because they are PCSing and “can’t” bring them. Pardon my French, but that is bull shit. Tia would never leave me behind, ever. She made a commitment to me when she adopted me! It really angers me that someone would just ‘abandon’ their cats just because it might be inconvenient to make the arrangements to bring them with you on a PCS. Also, you’re in the military…so you know you’re going to be PCSing a lot. If you’re too lazy to care for your pet then don’t get a PET!!! Grrr…the reason there are so many animals in shelters is because some people think pets are disposable. We are not. We are living and loving parts of your family. So, thank you and cheers to those who care and are responsible.

I know I’ve mentioned it before in my previous blogs, but IT IS HOT! It has been over 100 degrees for almost two months now and I feel like my paws are melting into the cement. I’m actually thankful that Tia shaved me a few weeks ago, and now that I’m growing out a little I’m thinking it might be time for a trim. I’ve been getting these things called ‘hot spots’ where I get really dry and itching skin from all the heat and dry air. Tia got me some aloe spray that feels AMAZING on my tummy and paws! She sometimes puts it in the fridge and then it’s like an icy refreshing spritz of awesomeness. 

Ahh. I’m glad though because on Saturday Tia and I are flying to Florida to see her parents for 10 days. Apparently it’s only in the 90’s down there and there is even rain. I haven’t seen a good rain since May…bleh. I admit that I am a little nervous about the flight but Tia has assured me that it will be ok. She even bought me a diaper to wear in my carrier. Yes, a diaper! This woman just does not trust me when it comes to my body fluids. It is this blue wrap that just goes over my ‘masculinity’ and its washable. I don’t mind it that much but it’s just sooooo embarrassing! I’ll include the information on it here so you can see what sort of embarrassment I’ll be subjected to during my security screening.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and if you can, volunteer at your local shelter. There are hundreds and thousands of animals in need of your care and love, if only for a few hours!

The Four Day Weekend and Puppy Pads

       I don't like being left alone in the house. I don't really think any dog actually enjoys being left alone; but when Tia and Dave start putting on their shoes and grabbing their keys, I freak out! Although they do a great job of walking me and letting me outside, I tend to show my disdain for being left alone by peeing and pooping on the carpet. So, now when they go somewhere I am confined to the kitchen area where my disdainful reactions are easier to clean up. Apparently though its not easy enough because Tia bought me puppy pads. Puppy pads!? How demeaning! I am NOT a puppy...but they smell pretty good and I got lots of praise from Dave when I peed on it instead of the floor. I guess they aren't too bad...I know that they aren't gone for long, but to me it seems like forever and I would much rather make a little napping nest on Dave's pillow than sleep in the kitchen. How can I properly protect the house and yard if I am not comfortably rested? Over the past few days I have taken it upon myself to escape my tile floored prison and make myself comfortable on the king sized bed. The first time I managed to move the baby gate just enough to sneak between the wall and the gate. The second time I nudged the garbage can and crawled under the couch. I felt it was appropriate considering today is Independence Day...I was just celebrating my freedom.

       Sadly, today is the last day of the long holiday weekend and tomorrow our guests leave and Dave has to go back to Army stuff. His mom and cousin have been here all week and it was sure nice having some other people to rub my tummy and tell me I am cute. I was upset when they spent 6 hours at the water park because taking a dip in cool water in all this heat sounded amazing. However, I changed my mind when they started talking about wave pools, water slides, and sunburns. I'll just stick to my weekly baths and occasional romp through the sprinkler. Tia has been having to water at least twice a week since we haven't seen any real rain in almost a month. The grass is so crispy I'd rather walk on the hot cement during our outings. Bleh. That pretty much sums up the weather over the past few weeks. Bleh.

    Another thing to say 'bleh' to is the recent Michael Vick news. I have many things to say about Michael Vick but none that are appropriate to put into writing. Grrr....I need to chew on my squeaky toy for a minute. Ok, I feel better now. Sigh, the horrible news is that he was awarded the BET Subway Sportsman of the Year award and given a contract with Nike. Has everyone forgotten what this man did? He was responsible for the torture, death and outrageous cruelty to innocent dogs. I encourage you to boycott BET, Subway, and Nike for their support of this criminal and pathetic excuse for a human being. Our country is about freedom and justice for ALL, including innocent animals. I hate to think that my owner is fighting for a country that all too quickly forgets the crimes and character of a man just because he is a rich athlete. Vick has not 'paid for' or even shown remorse these horrible acts of violence. I know people make mistakes and forgiveness is divine, but sometimes you have to take a stand against immoral and unrepentant celebrities who think that their money keeps them above the law.

      I'll step off my soapbox now.
      If you want to support the cause you can join this facebook group:
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/NO-WAY-Subway/173935239336924

Celebrate your freedom!
Toby