Merry Catmas, Hoppy New Year, Happy Holiday's everyone!

What a crazy year! But ending it on a happy note... George the cat lost at Edmonton Airport was found! Yay! Just thought I mention that if you haven't heard :)

Wishing all the furry cats, dogs & small critters & their humans a wonderful Christmas, New Years & Holiday season - whatever you celebrate.

May your holiday be filled with love, food, family & fur- friends of all kinds! 

oh, I was purring the whole time, if you were wondering.

UPDATE! George the cat may still be alive!

Wow good news & sad news. Update that George the cat lost at Edmonton airport may still be alive! The sad news is the little black/white cat found was a female...so someone still lost their fur baby & a life of an unknown cat was lost :( sigh...when will these airlines every learn!?

In the meantime lets all hold out hope that George is found soon, it gets really cold here in Canada & very cold in Edmonton.

Here is the latest article on George:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2011/12/02/edmonton-george-the-cat-not-dead.html

Did they think of checking ceilings? I hope so, I hope the people on the ground are on the look out for George, I want you to be safe, warm, well feed for the Christmas holidays back with your mom where you belong.

All us cats  & humans are praying for you George! We may just have that Christmas miracle after all.

A tribute to Jack & George. Cats lost by the airlines

First my thoughts & love go to the pet parents of Jack the Cat lost at JFK & to George the Cat lost at Edmonton airport here in Canada.

My mom is deeply saddened for both as  we had been pulling for their speedy recovery & return home. Coincidentally they had been lost within a month of each other at different airports by different airlines, Jack with American Airlines & George with Air Canada. 

Both accidents could have been avoided no doubt with proper & swift action by the airlines. American waited to notify Jack's mom & waited to long to do something about it in my opinion as well as in the opinion of others. They also apparently dismissed suggestions of where to check for him...ceiling! (secure area blah blah blah...) Come on we are cats! Where do you think we will be? We take cover/hide in unfamiliar territory because we are scared & just want our moms! (or dads).

By the time Jack was found 2 months later, or should I quote "rescued himself" (he fell through a ceiling tile in the customs area), he was emaciated, underweight & had horrible skin wounds as a result - later all this damage would prove to much for this brave boy to be able to heal. Jack the cat left our world in early November with his pet mom Karen Pascoe by his side & the wonderful vets in New York who worked tirelessly to save him. In the end Jack was surrounded by love & really that's all us cats want in the end.

Jack's Facebook page is still up & committed to saving other cats (incidentally the search for Jack turned up countless other stray cats at the airport which the group went on to save & re-home!) You can like, support & become FoJ's (Friends of Jack).

Karen has also started a movement called Jacks the Cat's Law to get airlines to change their ways.  Pets are not luggage & need to be treated as living, feeling beings. This law would require airlines to properly track animals & have a better response time if they go missing. In a perfect world no pets would ever go missing or fly cargo, but until that day comes we all need to make as much change in this industry as possible.

You can sign the petition for Jacks Law here:

http://www.change.org/petitions/create-jack-the-cats-law

George the cat, please like his Facebook page , was lost shortly after Jack, but unlike Jack didn't have as much publicity. Apparently poor George escaped twice from his carrier? Ok, luggage handlers really? Then the airline tried to blame it on a missing bolt from the carrier. Dropping a carrier may also cause a bolt to go missing?? Sorry if I have little faith in that theory, if I was a betting cat...you get my drift.

George's pet mom Vanessa Summerfield & rescue groups did their best to help find George, the airline did the standard stuff, food, traps etc...& apparently ground crew had even seen him around. Unfortunately the cold Canadian weather wasn't feeling benevolent & poor George was found frozen to death :( I am so sad & my mom once again has tears in her eyes.

Us cats are very strong & resilient creatures believe me, but what these cats went through is beyond most of our healing capabilities even with humans help.

I would like to think that Jack was there to comfort George in his final moments & to guide him over to the rainbow bridge. I hope that these deaths were not in vain & that all you wonderful humans will continue to fight for better regulations so we never have to read about another "Jack" or "George" ever again.

If you live in the US you are lucky enough to have an alternative option called Pet Airways where pets fly in cabin. Check them out here: http://www.petairways.com/ I hope one day they decide to branch out in Canada.

Pawnote:

Horrible tragedies like what happened to Jack & George occur more than you think. Here is a recent example of a couple who is suing Air Canada for losing their cat - the point is not the money but to get Airlines to recognize & change their ways. Go get em! Couple sues Air Canada for losing their cat

Spinner asks his animal friends to take their picture to help animals in Japan

Everyone knows I am a ham, I love to pose, love to be in pictures & love to help out my fellow animals whenever I can. Now, combine all that & you have a winning combination! 

I love nothing more than being the center of attention, but I really love using the spotlight to shine it on a good cause & right now I am asking all my animal friends (pet parents as well since it requires your assistance) to take 3 very simple steps to help out the surviving animals in the Japanese evacuation zone who are in DESPERATE need of rescue.

These animals had been left behind after the earthquake & Tsunami that struck Japan months ago. We all know of the radiation from the nuclear reactor, evacuation & the horror that ensued for people & animals. The people were told to leave their pets, that they would be allowed to return - guess what the Japanese government lied.

There are many wonderful groups trying to save these poor creature who were left to starve to death, alone in fear, but the Japanese government was & still is trying to stop the rescues. There are terrible stories of what is happening to the animals & the government is now trying to hide this & worse.

It makes me so sad & my mom very very upset. Can you imagine leaving your pet to a slow, cruel death? Worse, can you imagine that there are people who can save them & a government who won't let them?

1) Write a note saying: 

" PLEASE SAVE OUR FRIENDS LEFT BEHIND IN THE FUKUSHIMA 20 KM EVACUATION ZONE! THEY ARE ALONE, STARVING & DYING & NEED HELP!"
 

2) Take a picture of your pet with the note

3) Email the picture to Nancy at:  nancy@hachiko-coalition.org 

That is all! 3 easy & free steps to become a voice to help those animals left behind & become part of this amazing online petition which will be sent to the Japanese government & Emperor. 

These animals have no voice so all of us everywhere all over the whole world must speak. I am praying everyday for my furry friends & those kind humans doing this wonderful work.

 My picture is on the Hachiko Coalition Facebook Page & yours can be to!

Visit this page, "like" it ,  get your humans to send that picture in & TELL EVERYONE! 

They have hundreds of photos being sent in but need thousands!!

More information on the ongoing efforts to save the animals can be found 

here: http://hachiko-coalition.org/

The world is watching Japan! 2 legged & 4 legged alike, the energy we are sending is building up & we will not let these animals be forgotten - ever.

My Favorite books edition!

I have had a long hiatus as they say, mom was super busy these past few months so I had to find something to keep me busy & out of trouble. Have you missed me? I know mom has, but I made her very proud by picking up some of her favorite animal books & giving them a read.

Idle minds make for idle paws or something like that, so here is my  list of  favorite books that are true life stories as told by their humans. As I have heard mom say a few of these are told by people who never had a wonderful feline in their lives before. Cat converts is what I like to call them, I mean how can one not love kitties?

The great thing about these stories is how they will resonate on different levels with animal lovers. It is also nice to know that there are many humans out there that care deeply for their pets & wish to share this love with others.

Some of these books are not currently in book stores, but  can be ordered on-line & I have included links to ensure you can get your paws, or hands, on them.


Oh, the books are listed in no particular order & are all wonderful stories that I hope you will enjoy!
  
Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper is not just a must read because the hero Homer is a wonderful black cat (we love black cats!), but because he is a wonderful, heroic, eyeless black cat! A beautiful tale of a generous human soul who rescued this abandoned kitten & never gave up on him. Homer's story is one of bravery, courage & love - simple. It will make you  laugh, cheer & think about adopting a cat that may be considered "Un-adoptable". Mrs. Cooper has brought lots of much needed attention to blind/disabled cats & donates a portion of  book sales to blind cat rescue. 


Since I am a cat with a disability - ability, I think anytime a person puts a positive spin (no pun intended) on why special needs animals are worth loving it's worth sharing.  


Dewey The Small - Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Viki Myron is a wonderful story of a tiny kitten who was left in a library book return slot on the coldest night of the year in a small town in Iowa, a certainly horrible & tragic fate to have befallen such an innocent little creature. Viki, who was the Library Director finds the kitten in time & Dewey becomes the library mascot. He helps Viki survive her own personal trials & becomes a light of hope for the small town & its people during some of their most difficult times. Dewey spreads his warmth, love & uncanny understanding of when he is needed to the people of Spencer for 19 years. Of course his story goes world wide but the fame never goes to his head. My mom cried at the end of this one. 


Of course since I am cat I know that our magic never ends,  I know Dewey is looking down, proud of his legacy & message. If you have a special feline in your life, go to above link & enter in the contest for a chance to have your story published.  


Cleo The Cat Who Mended a Family by Helen Brown is an astounding story of little black kitten that comes into the life of a family who is torn by tragedy & literally saves  them...be prepared for a very emotional story that will no doubt have you shedding a few tears. It has been compared to Marley & Me but  it definitely stands out on it's own with a story that will have you amazed as every page is turned. Again this little cat comes at a time when she is needed & continues to guide the family for nearly 23 years. 


There is apparently a movie in the works & production  begins at the end of 2011...I can already see mom crying.


Under the Paw Confessions of a Cat Man by Tom Cox is a book that will have you laughing with familiarity. That is what you need especially after you have read a few books that gave you a good cry right? Cat's, we are always thinking of our humans.

The title sums it up, a cat man, real men love cats etc... a very funny look at a closeted cat lover who eventually lets the cat out of the bag. He finds his cat loving  soul mate , more cats & they high tail it out of London for more rural surroundings.  Life, laughs & cats ensue. A story delivered with that lovely charm & stellar humor the British are known for. Read it & pass it around to some male friends to see which one is secretly under the paw...


Tom has written another book called Talk to the Tail which I will need to get my paws on next...oh crazy cat man we love you!


A Snowflake in My Hand by Samantha Mooney is an unique story, or set of stories based on her experience working at a famous Animal Medical Clinic in New York. It is a beautiful account of her time with the special cat patients who faced some of the worst illnesses at the hospital. Written from the perspective of a care giver who demonstrates true compassion & love for each cat that crossed her path. It is a short read & one that you will not wish to put down. A wonderful homage to those cats that were patients & who clearly were never forgotten. Any human who has had to deal with a pets illness will appreciate the kind soulful reverence.


May all animals be treated with respect, love & kindness in life & in their time of need.

Buckley's Story by Ingrid King is a wonderful gem of a book. A story of a sweet little Tortoiseshell cat with a deformed hind leg that teaches her human about life, letting go & getting through challenges with perseverance & joy. Buckley is diagnosed with heart disease after coming to live with Ingrid & her other cat Amber, which allows for these life lessons to happen. For any human who has had to deal with their cats illness & loss it will strike a cord. As a cat what I appreciate most is the that the soul level connection between human & animal is given respect, as is the lessons that we try to teach our people every day. It is a pleasant & profound story of love that can touch anyone who is open to it.


Mom suggested I mention Ingrid's blog The Conscious Cat which is a great place for info on feline health, lifestyle etc..worth checking out.

A Cat Named Squeeky by Vic Reskovic is a honest, warm, loving look at a couple who reluctantly adopts a stray cat that has been hanging around their neighborhood. They didn't know where she came from but they knew she was homeless. They eventually adopt her, because really there was no alternative once they fell in love. Squeeky stayed for 19 years. It is a nice, light read about the relationship between cat & humans who never knew what they were missing until a cat came along (Love these stories!).

It goes through Squeeky's final days & gives an honest look at the sorrow felt by her humans at the loss of this cat who wandered into their lives. It is alright to grieve over the loss of a pet & as the book says...the pain diminishes a little every day but never really goes away & that is OK as it reminds one of how much you loved them.


The author leaves us with the Rainbow Bridge Poem & a final postscript on the startling realities of just how many millions of homeless cats are out there. 

A Cat Named Darwin by William Jordan is a different read from most of the other books & one that was intriguing on many levels. The story of a stray cat (you can see a theme going here) who is very reluctantly adopted by a Biologist. It is a story of one man's clear disconnect from the animal world & understanding of the human/animal bond. With Darwin's impending death due to illness, the author becomes aware that this cat is much more than just an animal. He begins to learn & grow from their relationship to embrace more compassion towards his fellow creatures. This author presents an interesting honest story even if you don't agree with all his actions or thoughts...the way I see it Darwin taught him to be a more compassionate human & that is a mighty important lesson if you ask us cats.

Tatianna Tales & Teachings of my Feline Friend by Linda Mohr is a story of the kind of unconditional love that happens often between human & animal. This story embraces that bond & is told from a very personal place which is great, as most people will be able to relate to what Lindas experiences. From a cats perspective, it's not that surprising as we know when we are needed & what to do to comfort our human parents. If you have lost that special cat or dog, this is story that confirms you are not alone - the bond we have with you humans never goes away it just becomes less physical & more spiritual once we move on.


Last but far from least is the Norton Trilogy by Peter Gethers


OK, I am a pretty fantastic cat but I give credit where it's due & Norton the Scottish Fold is an  awesome member of our species! I mean this guy had a clear agenda while here on earth & touched thousands all over the world with the help of his human Peter Gethers.


We do suggest reading them in order:

The Cat Who Went to Paris, A Cat Abroad, and The Cat Who'll Live Forever

I won't go into to much detail on each but will sum it up by saying the story goes something like this:

Man, self proclaimed cat-hater becomes a cat lover upon receiving a Scottish Fold kitten whom he names Norton. Norton goes EVERYWHERE with his human & becomes a world traveler & celebrity (surprised? You won't be).


Norton is this guys dear friend & they share an unconditional bond of love & understanding that many people are amazed at. Norton is one cool cat & almost dog like in some situations - which you may not believe, but trust me us cats are secretly laughing when we read this stuff because to us, its no surprise. 

The books will make you laugh, keep you on the edge of your seat & make you cry (the last book had mom sobbing...sorry mom).

Norton stays in the best hotels, eats at the best restaurants, has his company requested by none other than Anthony Hopkins & most importantly teaches his human enormous life lessons about taking chances, love, enjoying life to its fullest while on earth & learning to let go. 

This is me with the last in the series, exhausted, a little sad, but happy I had to the chance to read his story. Norton you are a cat that I would have been proud to have called friend & I know your story continues to bring joy to all who read it.


Happy reading!

Visitors

Well it's been a crazy few weeks, storms, earthquakes & humans...not necessarily in that order. Most would think a cat would react differently for each, but I am not most cats.

So here is a photo essay of my reactions to each, my mom was very surprised at my particular reaction to that crazy electrical storm (one of African Plains magnitude only seen on the plains of the Serengeti is what mom said). Most pets were likely hiding, nervous or both. Me...I kept my cool. I think the electricity in the air balanced me out ...

Not soon after this relaxing evening I had a visit from a human friend Josh who asked his dad to stop by every time they walk by the house...yes Josh says "Cat! Cat!" & his dad is required by Spinner law to stop so his son can spend some time  with me.

Aww isn't he cute? That means both of us....

Lastly, I had a visit from a feline friend who found his way to our backyard, he would come to the screen door asking when I could come out to play. Unfortunately I don't go out but it didn't stop us from talking & staring at each other. He was very nice & would sit for hours on the back patio. Mom tried to get a pic of him & succeeded with this single one before he got a little shy & left... It's been a few days since I saw him so hopefully he is safe at home. I did tell him to feel free to stop by anytime he like though.

Do you want to hold my hand?

Yes, mommy please hold my hand....or paw

Or, if i may just use your lap while you work?

Or, when I am bored I will find a nice new box to try out? I would ask no flash though as it makes me look like I have laser eyes!

That is it for now folks, I have some serious napping to do somewhere where I can't be found....Happy Fursday!