Category Archives: Pets
Medicating Pets
I’ve medicated dogs, I’ve medicated cats, and I’ve medicated turtles.
They are all aware and after the first dose immediately catch on to what’s coming.
And they all cotton to various ruses within a try or two. . .
Yes, even the turtle.
I would say that in terms of potential injury to the applier of medication, cats can be the worst. Sharp fangs, incredibly twisty and strong for body size, and those fangs carry potential infection. Dogs don’t like meds, but are less likely to retaliate on a loved and trusted one.
Turtles? After the first few oral doses, if they start clamming up, it is damn hard to get them to swallow anything. You have to irritate them to the point that they get angry and open up and hiss and snap, and try to get a syringe of fluid spritzed into the mouth. Sigh.
I hate it when a pet goes from “hey, Daddy’s here!” state, to, “Oh, No, Daddy, don’t do that again” state. But, that’s part of the responsibility, eh?
And I’ll be recognized as good Daddy again some day. 
Muggy, Smoky West Coast — Keep Your Pets Hydrated
Dunno about you, but I’ve been downing liters of water, unsweetened lemon juice, cold green tea, and, um, OK, a beer now that the clock is ticking into the evening hours. . .
What about your pets? Make sure they are hydrating, too. Especially with cats, it may take a bit of effort, but make it fun, and they’ll drink.
Fortunately our cat has a well-established drinking routine, and seeks us out for mutual hydration.
Choco and Yumi Capture the SPCA’s ‘Ask Me About My Cats’
Our SPCA adult rescue Choco with Yumi — we got Choco from the Burnaby SPCA in August 2005.
I just went upstairs to get a drink and there they were, with Yumi wearing her SPCA “Ask Me About My Cat(s)” T-shirt
Cat Gets in on Turtle’s New Sunning Box
I built a sunning box for our slider Midori so she can be safely left out on the balcony for periods of basking, which is essential to turtle health. Choco the Cat got into the action, too, but didn’t last too long in the heat.
Note: While we love Midori, and have cared for her for 24 years, we do NOT recommend turtles as pets. Some reasons here in a post on my old blog.
Rice Lake Trout Release
When Yumi and I headed up to Trout Lake for a ramble, we had no idea we’d run into a event. Chatted with folks from the Seymour Salmonid Society, Freshwater Fisheries Society, Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society, and more.
Yumi releasing a trout
Lots of cool fungi on the Rice Lake loop
And a cuddle with the furball when we got home
Power Naps & Productivity
Choco the Cat demonstrates how power naps boost productivity.
Cat Finds Sunshine on Below Zero Day
A spot of sun in front of the fireplace is a great place to be when it’s -3C out : -).
Aging Cat Still Displays Amazing Sensory Skills
The sensitivity and prescience of the average house cat boggles the mind.
I just spent 45 minutes banging around in the kitchen making oatmeal, choco chip, sesame cookies, while the cat slept in my office in the basement. She did not stir.
Last batch of cookies out of the oven, I fed the turtle in her sun lamp-lit corner of the living room, turned around, and there’s the cat sitting by her dish. Sheesh.
You know the rule, Daddy, feed one, gotta feed the other!
Life is Rough, Eh? Meow…
Life is rough. Here it is, 8:45 on Sunday morning and I’m exhausted.
Finally got the humans up, ordered a bit of soft food and a wee bowl of diluted juice from a can of water-packed tuna on the side, had a group cuddle while they nursed their first coffees…
And I still have the whole day ahead…. I think I’ll have a snooze.
