REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND: ANGEL PARADE

You've taught me so much. 

 I've watched how you live,

how you chase after life.

You inspire me to greater things. 

                         

(Unknown)

Doogie Howser PhD

                       Inka ("Girlfriend")

TIM

...to lay...my sorrow...aside

And give you this last gift, this greatest gift.

Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.

(excerpt from "The Greatest Gift" by Karla M. Bertram)

In honour of Miss Sweet Praline, there is a party in Remembrance of  all the Furry Angels at FLOOF AND FUR

REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND: IN HONOUR OF OUR BELOVED ANGEL "GIRLFRIEND"

For this special Remembrance Weekend in the Cat Blogosphere, we are honouring our very special girl, our beloved "Girlfriend" who passed into kitty heaven on October 14, 2009.  "Girlfriend" and I were best buddies, as you can see from the picture above.  We always slept together and sometimes "Girlfriend" made herself extra comfy and used me as a pillow.  "Girlfriend" was a big part of our blog and this weekend we decided to run some of our posts from the past that included her.  So below this post is
THE BEST OF "GIRLFRIEND" MARATHON in 4 different  parts.  We hope you enjoy it.

Please stop by Three Tabby Cats In Vienna to share in this Weekend of Remembrance and light a candle for all our beloved Angel Kitties who have passed on. 

REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND: THE BEST OF "GIRLFRIEND" MARATHON (PART 1)

DO YOU SUFFER FROM HAIRY PAWS?

TOO SHY TO GO OUTSIDE, SHOPPING, OR TO THE BEACH?

CONTACT THE MOBILE WAXING UNIT...

Cloon: Hello Audience, here I am in-studio with special guest and Feline Esthetician "Girlfriend". Welcome "Girlfriend".

"Girlfriend": Thank you very much.

"Cloon": Now, tell me about this surprising fact that many cats suffer from hairy paws...

"Girlfriend": Well Cloon, most felines are quite secretive about this because of the humiliation factor. But I'm here today to tell them that it's okay to come out of the closet and seek help.

Cloon: What are the actual statistics for theese one?

"Girlfriend": A shocking 30% of felines suffer from hairy paws. And Maine Coons are over-represented in that category.

THE AUDIENCE GASPS IN ASTONISHMENT. CLOON POUNDS HIS LITTLE PAW FOR "ORDER IN THE COURT".

Cloon: We have a film clip to show the Audience. Please cue the presentation. (The Assembly Line Elves start up the projector.) Rolling... For those at home, please see second photograph above.

Well Audience, there you have it. There's the proof. Now "Girlfriend" is going to give us some more information about "The Mobile Waxing Unit".

"Girlfriend": So Felines there's no need to panic about the situation. My mobile spa, which incidentally doubles as an ice cream truck, will come right to you. You will jump into the back of the truck and be transported to another time and place (metaphorically speaking of course, we're not kidnapping you or anything). My theme for my mobile spa is Zen Gardens. In this healing space, special recordings of chirping birds play in the background. There are many plants and a DVD plays "Mousies" on a big screen TV. I start each session by a Zen Meditation, deep breathing exercises and of course some of the highest grade premium organic catnip available. I use only the finest French waxing strips for the hairy paws. After the waxing is complete, you are treated to a complimentary ice cream sandwich (Cloon has an overstock from Costco). Remember Cloon likes to multitask, so he will be selling various ice creams out of the front of the truck. I think drumsticks and popsicles are also available. Now remember, the Spring Special is $19.95 (includes all 4 paws and the ice cream sandwich). We will be taking before and after photos for the purpose of advertising. (All Felines will be asked to sign an agreement for disclosure.)

SO FELINES, NOW IS THE TIME TO RECLAIM YOUR SOCIAL LIFE. DO NOT LET HAIRY PAWS HOLD YOU BACK ANY LONGER. CALL 1-800-WAX-JOBS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT OR COME OUT TO THE CURB WHEN YOU HEAR AN ICE CREAM TRUCK PLAYING THE "MACARENA" IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD...

Originally posted April 29, 2009

THE BEST OF "GIRLFRIEND" MARATHON (PART 2)

EAVESDROPPING 101: A SEMINAR BY "GIRLFRIEND"...
50 FELINES ATTENDED A SOLD OUT WEEKEND WORKSHOP ON "EAVESDROPPING ON YOUR HUMAN". They crowded into the new bedroom of "Girlfriend" (still not venturing far in the residential move). What follows is a brief media clip of the event:




"Girlfriend": Does everyone have their Starbucks Beverage? Ok then, let's get started, we have alot of material to cover this afternoon.


1) First of all, I need everyone to assume the correct eavesdropping position (see above photo for details). Ears back and out...Cloon (My helper today) will be making his rounds through the Audience checking for proper technique.


2) Next and this is a VERY IMPORTANT POINT...Whenever you hear your Human's voice in a conversation, stop what you are doing immediately and go sit as close to your Human as possible. Even if you are "under blankie" it is imperative that you come out of hiding and take a position near your Human.


3) When Humans are on the telephone speaking with another, this is an excellent time to get good information. Felines can either go right up to their Human and nestle in or take more of a clandestine position in the same room.


4) When your Human has company over this is another opportune time to get good information. Go and sit between your Human and their guest and put your ears into the correct eavesdropping position.


5) Store all juicy information you eavesdrop on in your memory banks and burn it in real good. You never know when the information will come in handy.


Testimonial from a previous feline attendee: "I observed my Human on the telephone in his office, so I jumped on the desk and laid by the keyboard with my ears in the proper eavesdropping position...That's when I heard the words, 'I'm going to take him to the vet because he is still squinting with his eye.' So, I then used the power of my Third Eye to heal my eye and avoid the vet visit. In my case, this information was priceless. So, I definitely recommend "Girlfriend's" seminar. And it's a good excuse to gets a free Frappuccino as well...
-T.I.M.

FELINES FOR JUST $149 YOU CAN ATTEND A FUTURE SEMINAR OF "GIRLFRIEND'S". "EAVESDROPPING ON YOUR HUMAN" INCLUDES YOUR FAVORITE STARBUCKS BEVERAGE AND SELLS OUT WELL IN ADVANCE, SO BE FOREWARNED...

Originally posted on August 12, 2009

THE BEST OF "GIRLFRIEND" MARATHON (PART 3)

"GIRLFRIEND" BEGINS INTERWEBS ROMANCE WITH MYSTERIOUS FELINE
(Pictured Above) ON "PLENTY OF BIRDIES.COM"...
What follows is a Messenger conversation intercepted by the Interwebs Security Division of Clooney Credit Canada (AKA Cloon)...

Hummingbird ("Girlfriend's Messenger Handle): Oh, dear...I'm rather inexperienced at this...

Seagull (Handle of Mysterious Feline): Don't worry Kitten, I'll take you under my paw...

Hummingbird: Well, on your profile, you said you really liked birdies... Is this true?

Seagull: Absolutely! I likes to sit real still likes a statue and observes them...

Hummingbird: Wow, I've never given that a try... Do you make that "special noise" when you observe them?

Seagull: Well, when I'm in statue position, I only does the "silent meows"...But if I'm just doing a regular observation, I makes the "special noise"...

Hummingbird: Wow, that's fascinating! Do you have lots of windows to observe birdies from?

Seagull: I do in fact. It's a bird-lover's paradise over here... So, what are you wearing right now?

Hummingbird: Oh, dear, I'm not entirely comfortable with that question... Well, my fur coat, I guess...

Seagull: I live for num-nums. Do you have num-nums at your house?

Hummingbird: Yes, we do but I prefer the tuna. If my Human uses a can-opener on anything and I hear that air escaping the can, I come out of hiding...

Seagull: I gots an allergy to tuna. Do you have any kibbles in your bowl right now?

Hummingbird: Yes, I do. We have "free feed" over here at my house.

Seagull: Really? Is that a fact?... I thinks you may be my
soul-mate...When can I move in?

Hummingbird: Oh, dear...we just met...I think we're moving too fast...

Seagull: Come on kitten, live a little, will ya? All we have is today...

Hummingbird: Well, can you send me a better picture of yourself first, that one is a little dark...

Seagull: That's what you get from canine photographers...they'z not very skilled at using the right settings...Ok, I'll see what I can do here...Bye for now, my little Kitten...

Hummingbird: Bye Seagull...

Originally posted on July 21, 2009

THE BEST OF "GIRLFRIEND" MARATHON (PART 4)

BABUSHKA CAT SELLS HOT DOGS ON PICKET LINE

I'z Cloon's cousin from Old Country. I'z gets call from Cloon real late in night. Sayz takes airplainz to Canada to setz up hot dogs stand and makes moneez from strikingz elves. Cloon (blesses heez little heart) says I'z can takes some of profitz to buys num-nums to takes back to Old Country. I'z very excitable for good opportunities like theese one. I'z not let Cloon down. I'z makes, how you call it, "attracteeve" hot dog cart and "tantalizeeng" hot dogs. Cloon says puts some specialz ingredientz in sauerkraut, makes elves go bathroom. Then he getz toons for them using "premises" at Headquarters. Cloon is excellent businezz man! I'z takes Cloon some num-nums to picketz line to keep up heez strength and staminas. I'z never seen "Dalmation Private Eye" before. Cloon says theese one, how you call it, "Von Ice" soundz like Elvis. I'z love Elvis. We listenz to Elvis in Old Country. Cloon says I'z can takes a picture with "Private Eye" for souvenir. I'z better get goingz, I'z has lots of works ahead of me.

"Yer extra specialz, I'z puts extra sauerkraut on your hot dog. You vant to buy one?"

Originally posted on March 13, 2009

FRIDAY FUN

Wordless Wednesday - Baby Neytiri & "Ducky"

TUNNEL TUESDAY

TUNNEL TUESDAY:  TAKE A LOOK AT THEESE ONE!!!

Well hello there felines.  So I goes to my "tunnel" in the wee hours of the morn and what do I find?  A frog farm!!! Can you believe it felines!  My tunnel has again worked its magic and now I has some frogs to watch over and keep me occupied.  I'z gonna have to do some research on the interwebs about what to feed frogs, how to take care of them and how to make the habitat for them.  Is anyone out there a frog expert?

Join me every TUESDAY felines for other magical and mysterious appearances in my "tunnel".

I DREAM OF (EASTER) BUNNIES...

When I was a kitten, my favorite toy was "Carrot", I carried it around everywhere and I even took naps with it...

One day I had a dream...

Today, being Easter Sunday, I wondered what it would be like to be a bunny...

I look like I might make a good bunny in this photo because I have white, fluffy fur that is soft like a bunny rabbit...

I checked out the "bunny ears" very carefully, giving them a good sniff...Pink is my favorite color, so I decided to be a "good sport" and try the "ears" on...

If I was a bunny, I would bring Clooney LOTS of Num-Nums today and I would visit all other kitties bringing them PLENTY of treats and Num-Nums...


(However, I'm going to stick with being feline because I don't really enjoy the bunny ears too much!)

Our "Easter Chick" wishes everyone a Happy Easter!

EARTH DAY MESSAGE WITH CEO CLOON

 Hello there Audience.  It's CEO Cloon here with an Earth Day message.  I wanted to share with you the ways I have decided to help the Earth:

1)  I eat my Num-Nums off the same plate every day

2)  I recycle my Num-Nums cans

3)  I play with the same toys over and over...(theese can get quite boring, but I digress...)

4)  I am trying to invent a "green" Clooneymobile that runs off catnip fumes or marmot droppings (more on theese one at a later date...)

5)  I'm planning on painting Headquarters "green" (the Assembly Line Elves will have to do this at night when my Human is sleeping so there are no objections...)

and:

6)  I want to raise awareness for tiger conservation...(Don't you think my CEO outfit looks similar to a Zoo Official or Wildlife Officer?)

So without further delay, I'm going to tell you all a little story about tigers...First of all, are there any tiger fans out there? Can I see a show of paws? Excellent, excellent...all paws in the studio Audience are raised. Well, I have some very exciting news...Last year, my Human went on a Tiger Walk at the Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin's Zoo) where she spent time with this little lady above, a 2-year-old Sumatran tiger named Kaitlyn. 

Kaitlyn was born in Indonesia and some of the Big Cat Handlers from the Australia Zoo went to her and started to care for her when she was just 2 weeks old.  When she was 3 months old, she was brought back to the Australia Zoo along with her brother Bashii and her sister Maneki.  According to her zoo profile, she is the "troublemaker" of the group but my Human said she was very well behaved on the walk. 

The walk took place early in the morning before the Zoo opened. My Human was met by Ben, one of the Zoo Photographers, and taken in a little cart to the tiger enclosures and walking trails at the back of the Zoo. She met up with 3 Big Cat Handlers (Dave, Shane and Kassie) and the beautiful Kaitlyn.  My Human got to spend over half an hour walking with the tiger, holding her tail, patting her back and having some excellent photos taken of the two of them together. She said the tiger was interested in smelling grass and trees, watching birds and lying in mud. One of the Handlers found the tiger the above stump/tree root which occupied her for a bit. 

Since my Human is a cat lover and also has been fascinated by "big cats" all her life, she said this Tiger Walk was one of her dreams come true and one of her most memorable life events. My Human is also a big fan of Steve Irwin and the Irwin family and to be able to spend time with a tiger at his Zoo was also very special. She said that the Handlers were all very nice, professional, loved working with tigers and are very involved in tiger conservation. In fact, the cost of the Tiger Walk went straight back into tiger conservation. 

Now gather around even closer felines...I've got something very sad to tell you all. Tigers are critically endangered and there are fewer than 4000 left in the wild. And for our lovely Sumatran tigers like this little lady, there are fewer than 400 left in the world.  If the tigers aren't helped now, they will face extinction within the next 10 years. So, perhaps more of us felines and our Humans can spread the message about tiger conservation.  More information is available at:  

Australia Zoo Tiger Conservation Projects

In closing, I leave you all with:

...for the Earth, the world events, the tigers, the kitties who need purrs for health...and finding loving homes and for the Easter Bunny to bring you plenty of Num-Nums (tip: leaving out fresh lettuce and carrots may increase your chances)...

Almost Wordless Wednesday - O' Birdies, Where Art Thou?

Waiting...

Still waiting...

O' BIRDIES, WHERE ART THOU?

TUNNEL TUESDAY



TUNNEL TUESDAY:  IT'S AN EASTER CHICK!!!

Well hello there felines.  So I goes to my "tunnel" in the wee hours of the morn and what do I see?  There waiting for me is a Baby Chick!  Can you believe it felines?  We were all very excited about having an Easter Chick visit us!  We all took turns spending time with the little one...but then "Ducky" claimed the chick as his own and took the little guy under his wing.  He said something about "strength in numbers"...When the chick gets older, "Ducky" will show him the ropes around Headquarters like dusting, using the fax machine and easy bake oven.  He will become the "Assistant to the Assistant to the Secretary".  But for now, he will just enjoy his "chickhood".  Has anyone else had any Easter Chick or Easter Bunny sightings yet?

Join me each TUESDAY felines for other magical and mysterious appearances in my "tunnel".

Wordless Wednesday - Don't Call Me Larry...

TUNNEL TUESDAY

TUNNEL TUESDAY: TAKE A LOOK AT THEESE ONE!

Well hello there felines.  So I goes to my "tunnel" in the wee hours of the morn...and what do I see?  There waiting for me is my very own stethoscope!  Can you believe it felines?  Theese is most excellent as now I have my own personal  Doctor's equipment to perform house calls.  If anyone needs my services, please let me know and I'll be there pronto!  Neytiri is getting ready to try the stethoscope out on "Ducky".  He's waiting patiently in the bed pan for some medical attention...

Join me each TUESDAY felines for other magical and mysterious appearances in my "tunnel".

Nautical Knot Sunday

Ahoy there mateys!  It's Captain Curly Toes Cloon joined by First Matey Beauty Neytiri and Deck Swab "Ducky".   Welcome to Nautical Knot Sunday for our maiden voyage of the "Cat's Paw Cat Toy" from Island Time Pet Toys!  We won theese fabulous nautical cat toy in Shell's Auction.  When I first saw theese item, I knew I had to have it.  So I took out my American Express Gold Card that my "tunnel" had produced for me one Tuesday and immediately set about to place a bid.  But then in the process, I gave my Human the "googly eyes" and she bought it for me instead.  (Note to felines: "googly eyes" are a great way to gets things from your Human.)  The nautical cat toy just arrived in the mail theese week from Captain Dave at Island Time Pet Toys.  So sit back felines and enjoy the voyage.  Me First Matey will be around shortly with the popcorn shrimps.  And let me know if you need me to steer the boat closer for any photo ops with dolphins or sharks...Ships ahoy!

Ok mateys, theese is when I first spied the fabulous piece of string...arrr I mean the nautical cat toy!

Then I gots me paw ready for some action and positioned it accordingly.



Then me fine little mateys, I reached out to scoop the jingle bell and give the string the bitey!  Oh, how I LOVE string!

Here I am with the jingle bell and the monkey's fist knot giving it a very close inspection...

Then me First Matey decided to model the "lanyard" around her paw for all of you in the Audience. 

Oh how I recommend theese one!  It has all of the fabulous elements together in one package!  String...jingle bell, string...monkey's fist knot...string...lanyard...string...

Thanks for joining us on our voyage, mateys!  Careful when disembarking...Pirate "Ducky" has just swabbed the deck and it may be a bit slippery...

Calendar Girl

"I love, I love, I love my little calendar girl...Yeah, sweet calendar girl"...

Hello there Audience.  We want to share some exciting news with you all...Our friends Miss Kitty and her Dad Egmont from A Cats Golden Years have chosen the winners for the 2nd Quarter of their Calendar Bookmark Photo Contest and Neytiri's photo won a spot for the month of May!  Here is the link to see the announcement and posting as well as the official calendar pictures with Quincy and Maui the other two winners: Calendar Bookmark Contest.  Please visit their blog to see the details of the photo submission requirements for the upcoming 3rd Quarter Calendar.  Miss Kitty's Dad Egmont does such beautiful photography work (ie: the wonderful calendar bookmarks) and perhaps your fantastic feline will be one of the upcoming calendar months if you submit a photo...We thank them for the contest and this opportunity for the wonderful keepsake of Neytiri!

"Yeah, yeah, my heart's in a whirl...I love, I love, I love my little calendar girl"...