Samson's First Cat Post!

"Samson"
(C) Allen Pearson

Hello! My name is Samson. Meow! Yes, I am Noah’s little brother except I’m not that little. Meow! I’m a big cat. A Maine Coon who knows how to stand proud! Meow!

I am new to Noah’s home as you may already know. Meow! I moved in on Sunday afternoon, June 17, 2018. Meow! At 3-years-old, I am well-educated in the art of being a pawsome cat! I am well-versed in the skills of living with a dog. My skills have come in handy with Noah though he's really a good guy.

Meow! Yes, I’ve been hiding for the past few weeks. Meow! I’m a bit shy and wouldn’t you if you moved into a home with a big black dog like Noah? Hiss. Meow? He’s a great guy but I didn’t really know that when I moved in. At first, he looked like a big black dog ready to eat me! I had no idea he’d been raised with cats and his humans just didn’t have one for a while due to caring for ill parents. 

"Samson"
(C) Allen Pearson

Speaking of Noah, so far, MEOW, he is really great! He smiles at me often and usually goes his way to catch up with Dad. He loves to hang out with Dad which makes me wonder….

The lady who adopted me is just meowingly pawsome. She should be inducted into the “Bestest Cat Mommies in the Universe Society!” I love her to no end! MEOW! She lets me crawl up onto her lap and cuddle and paw her and head-butt her and kiss her and, meow, well, you name it. She is the greatest! I have found cat heaven! P-u-u-u-r-r-r!

I’m still not too sure about the tall skinny guy. I understand many humans aren’t too sure about him either! MEOW! MEOW! Purrs. But, the dog stands by him and says he the greatest. He gives the dog the bestest, a new word I learned, of whatever he wants! Meow! Paws, why is it he rarely wears shirts except on Sunday mornings? He seems nice enough. Purrs, it will a bit longer before I love on him like I do Mom but I am Moms cat. meows.

Mom and Dad have given me a nice place to live. I’ve gotten lost twice trying to find my food but that’s because I was new here and a bit afraid. If I heard something, a noise of any kind, I would scurry to a place to hide. One morning, Dad was up early and he was coming up the steps about the time I finished eating and was going down the steps. He scared me so I took off like a flash of lightning. I heard him tell Mom later that I nearly gave him a heart attack! Meow… hee hee... Oops...sorry Dad. I’m still a bit afraid of him but not as much as before!

I have been having lots of fun watching the hummingbirds fly up to the feeder on the sunroom window. These birds fly so fast and they use these long stick-looking things to get stuff out of this red plastic thing. Dad says they get their food from those things. Not sure how that works but they are the most beautiful birds.

Dad has a bunch of containers and pots on the deck he likes to fill with flowers. The other day he sat out there for a few hours cutting off the dead flowers and cleaning up the deck. I like watching him through the storm door window but I have to admit, I'm not sure why he does what he does. Maybe that's why I can't figure him out-  meow. 

You'll see me around as Noah has agreed to let me write a few blog posts every now and again. 

"Samson"
(C) Allen Pearson

Welcome Samson! My New Cat Brother!

"Samson"
(C) Saving Future Feral Cats

WOOF! BARK! ARF! WOOF! oh, uh, er, maybe I should say MEOW! PURR!! to welcome my new little brother Samson to the family!

Last week, my humans took an afternoon drive to Annapolis, Maryland to visit a cat who'd been rescued by Saving Future Feral Cats (SFFC) of Stevensville, Maryland. Mom had been looking for a cat for quite awhile when she came across this pawsome fella on Petfinder! I didn't know she was looking for another cat until she came across this guy!

"Samson"
(C) Saving Future Feral Cats

If you remember, I used to have a cat brother! His name was Haydn! He passed away from cancer a few years ago but since my humans were in the midst of caring for their ailing parents, it really wasn't practical to adopt a cat during that time. So Mom waited.

Now that Mom's settled into her new schedule around the house and working for our church, she can adopt a cat and take care of it too! WOOF, er, sorry, MEOW- I just get so excited.

Samson is a shy guy at the moment. It takes him awhile to adjust to his surroundings and then comes to get to know his humans. He has lived with dogs and was fostered with a most pawsome dog in Annapolis! So, he's versed in how great we dogs are so I do not need to chat or convince him of that! MEOW!! He is around 3-years-old and like my previous brother, a Maine Coon cat! He looks like a raccoon from the back but don't tell Mom I said that! MEOW! HISS!

Paws, I welcome Samson to the family with open paws and tons of doggie lovin's to go with it. As time goes on and we get to know him better, I will be writing more about him ... hey, I might even allow him to write a post or two! Meow... we'll see about that one! WOOF!!

Paws, Barks, Meows, and Purrs to pawsome humans at Saving Future Feral Cats! The organization typically doesn't work with cats the age of Samson but we are thankful they rose to the call and helped this fella to find us! WOOF!

WELCOME HOME SAMSON!!

"Samson"
(C) Saving Future Feral Cats

Network Blogs Service Closing Soon! Subscribe by Email

"Noah!"
(C) Allen Pearson

Barkingly, I received an email a few days ago alerting me to a change coming with Network Blogs. As of Wednesday, June 6, 2018, they will be discontinuing their services for blogs using their services.

"from The Dog's Paw" uses Network Blogs to link our blog posts to social media such as our Facebook pages. We will be manually sharing posts until we determine a good service provider.

PLEASE NOTE!

(C) StoryBlocks, Used by Permission

Also, those who found our blog by Network Blogs will no longer receive posts by email. If you are receiving our email through Network Blogs, pawlease visit from The Dog's Paw and subscribe by email. The link to subscribe by email is positioned on the left side of my blog.

BARKS and WOOFS! Don't worry, I do not share your email information with anyone at all. We pawingly respect your privacy. 

WOOF!

Pawlease note, Network Blogs provides other services which may be of interest to you and are not closing. Please visit their site to learn more. Woof.

(C) Storyblocks, Used by Permission

Prepare for Remember Me Thursday! Join us!

Used by Permission, Helen Woodward Animal Center

It all started in 2009. I was adopted by a goofy skinny human I often refer to as "Dad" and a most pawsomely beautiful human who is the most pawfect dog mom! We began life together on a cold winter evening in December. Dad said I was his Christmas present that year and the bestest ever!

I am blessed more than many other dogs which were not adopted. After roaming the North Carolina hills as a stray, PetConnect Rescue saved me. My humans taught me about being a dog in a home and being the best dog that I've become.  I wish all dogs and cats would have the same blessings.

A few years later, In 2011, I started writing my blog as "Dulles Dog" but soon changed it to "from The Dog's Paw." I had so much fun writing about my adventures and learning to live with my new humans, I wanted other dogs to find humans to love and their "Forever Homes!" BARKS! And, humans to find these most pawsome dogs and love them.

Barkingly, as my humans would love to have a yard full of big dogs like me, its really not an option for them so he photographs, and I allow him to write, to help other dogs and cats in need of "Forever Homes" and loving humans to find them!

To support my passion of finding dogs and cats humans to love and "Forever Homes" I came up with the idea of my weekly column "Friday's Friend." Each week I share friends from seven local dog and cat rescues who need "Forever Homes."  Barkingly, dog and cat adoption is an on-going theme with the articles I write for the Fairfax County Times every week.

Since not everyone can write a blog post or for a local newspaper, you can share your love of your pet on social media and the pawsomeness of adoption. On Thursday, September 28, share a photo you and your pet with a sentence or two about how you find them on your social media. Share your pawsome experiences using #remembertherescue.

Barkingly, you can participate in a competition with prizes where you share a photo of your pet and a story about adoption at Remember The Rescue Contest. Contest runs through September 30.

Used by Permission, Helen Woodward Animal Center

Noah's Houndisms: Presciptions Medications and Those Over-The-Counters

Noah's Houndism's

Did you know that many medications that humans take can be poisonous and even deadly to their dogs or cats?

Many humans will take their pills by the bedside or on the couch or wherever is convenient for them without regard to the possibility dropping of a pill on the floor for their beloved pet (or even child) to find.

Barkingly, before you know what's happened, your pet has found the pill and swallowed it.  Not good.

Humans, be sure to take your pills at a safe location, like over a sink or a table so you'll see the dropped pill.

  

The 5 Things You Must Have Ready Before You Bring Your Cat Home

 "Louis"
(C) Emily Parker, All Rights Reserved

Thinking about adopting a kitty? Great! I guarantee you’re in for a purrfect time. But are you prepared? Over 3 million cats are sent to shelters each year. There are many reasons why an owner gives up their pet, and one of them is that the owner wasn’t prepared to own one. Some people get pets for their children, while others get one out of impulse.

A pet isn’t like an expensive pair of shoes, though. You need a lot of preparation before you adopt. Before you head over to the shelter, there are some things you need to look over if you want to make sure you and your cat will be purrfect (okay, I’ll stop!) companions.

Are Your Finances Prepared?
You may think a cat won’t cost you too much. After all, cats are low maintenance, right? Not exactly.

You’ll have to feed your cat each day, and while a can or two of cat food isn’t too much at first, it adds up. You’ll need toys to keep kitty occupied. You’ll go through gallons of kitty litter. And don’t forget about the vet bills! Even if your cat is healthy, you’ll need to have checkups, and if the cat isn’t spayed or neutered, you should get on it.

All these costs, while not expensive individually, become stressing on your bills once they combine. In fact, your first year with kitty can end up costing you a grand! To some, that’s not too much, but if you’re struggling to make ends meet, owning a cat might not be good for you. So make sure to check your budget, and find out if you’re prepared.

Are You Ready for a Kitten or a Cat?
Before you bring kitty home, consider if you want a kitty in the first place. Many pet owners want kittens only. There are a few reasons for this. Some just like the cuteness a kitty can give them, and others like to start their relationship with a cat when they’re a baby.

But some people aren’t ready for kittens. Many pet owners may give up their kittens once they grow up, or because the kitten is too mischievous. So if you’re not ready for to handle a kitten, or if you don’t want an adult cat, don’t adopt.

Is Your Landlord Ready?
If you own your home and aren’t going anywhere, you don’t need to read this. But if you’re living in an apartment or other rental space, make sure, without a doubt, that it’s okay to bring your cat home. Many apartments will require pet deposits if you want to own a pet. Talk with your landlord, pay the pet deposit if you must, and get the paperwork that secures you owning a cat.

Also, you need to think about moving. Cats (and dogs) are abandoned all the time because their owners had to move, and their new space wouldn’t accept pets, even if the renter provided testimony after testimony that their cats wouldn’t ruin an apartment.

So if you’re planning to move soon, you may want to hold off on adopting a cat until you can be sure everything is a go!

Is Your House Ready?
Before you bring your cat home, you should have a look around your house. Even if you think your home’s a good space for your cat, there may be dangers you won’t notice until it’s too late.

Cats are curious, and you know what they say about curiosity and cats! They’ll get into things they aren’t supposed to, eat foods that they can’t digest, and jump straight into danger! Before you adopt, you need to make sure your home is cat-proof. Here are a few tips:

• Are there any electrical cords within paw’s reach? If your cat bites into one, it can seriously hurt her! Hide any electrical cords before bringing kitty home.

• That cord coming from your blinds may appear to be harmless, but your kitty could strangle on it. Keep it bundled and away from your cat.

• Do you have any foods or plants that may be harmful to your cat? Most pet people should know that people food usually isn’t meant for cats, but many underestimate the danger. Chocolate, especially dark, can cause seizures, and milk can cause digestive problems for some kitties. Hide anything that may be toxic to your cat.

• Do you have a designated scratching place ready? Cats need to scratch their claws, and if you don’t have a pole or other toy prepared, they may tear up your house. And don’t you think about declawing kitty!

Is Your Schedule Ready?
Many adopt a cat over a dog because they think it’s low-maintenance. They don’t have to take too much care of their cat; the cat does its own thing and ignores the humans. However, that’s a costly mistake. While cats do need less care than their canine companions, they still need plenty of attention! You’ll need to prepare its meals, give it baths, have some playtime with it, and give it lots of head pets!

Of course, some cats need more attention than others. You’ll have kitties that are always in demand of attention, and then you’ll have cats that couldn’t care less if their owner is gone or not. When adopting, consider how much time you can dedicate to your cat, and look over all the cats’ personalities. And if your schedule is so tight you can’t give any time to your cat, you may want to hold off until your schedule’s clear.

This post isn’t to discourage you from owning a cat; not at all! My cats mean the world to me, and I hope yours can light up your life, too. But you need to be ready when you bring home a cat. Many sheltered cats are there because their owners weren’t prepared. They don’t need their second chance ruined by another ill-prepared owner! Plan it out, and make sure your cat has the pawsome life it deserves!

About the Author:

Emily Parker is a cat-parent to 2 lovely cats, Gus and Louis. Her website, Catological, helps cat parents love their cats better by providing recommendations for the best cat products, as well as in-depth, science-backed how-to articles.

A Dog and A Human Look Alike!

"Noah, I hear dogs and their owners often start to look like each other."

"Oh no."

"What?"

"I'm the better looking one, you know."

"Well, I'm not exactly ugly."

"No, for a human, your not bad.  It's just, I'm a dog.  I'm a handsome hound with beautiful shiny black fur, brown soulful eyes,a nice long tail and a personality that's just IT! And, well, uh, I'm not sure I want to look human." 

"Uh, gee - Thanks!"

"Woof! Now, if we are talking about YOU starting to look like me................"

"Noah and Allen"
 (C) TGR Pottery

HAPPY VERNAL EQUINOX!

"Flowers for You"
Used by permission, GraphicStock

At 6:45 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, March 20, Vernal does his thing- the Equinox!! WOOF!!  It only gets better from here!  BARK!!!!

Since tomorrow is my "Friday's Friend" posts about dog and cat adoption, I wanted to be sure to send you your flowers in time to celebrate!

Happy Spring!!

Noah's Houndisms: Spaying and Neutering!

arf! This is embarrassing.  And, not a topic I like to talk about.  woof.  All I can think about is OUCH! and, well, a little less fun in my doggy life.  Of course, that might be a good thing-

Why? There are way too many cats and dogs without humans to love them and a home for them to live.  They end up in shelters waiting for a human to come by and take them home.  If that doesn't happen, and if a rescue doesn't come by and take them until they find a home, then they, well, you know- it's not a good thing- sorry, I can barely say it much less write it because I was really close to being there once myself.  An estimated 2 million animals are put down each year as they can't find a home.

Used by permission, GraphicStock

Spay/neuter is an effective and humane way to save animals’ lives. Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are common surgeries veterinarians perform to stop animals from having accidental, surplus litters.

The treatment can be done as early as 6 weeks old.  Visit your veterinarian for more details.

 

 

Love Your Pet Day

WOOF!! This should be a fun post today- pawticularly once my human reads it-  HAPPY LOVE YOUR PET DAY!!!  WOOF!!!

Tomorrow, February 20, is "Love Your Pet Day!"

You should take time every day to love your pet.  Whether it's taking time before and after school or work, you must do this to ensure the happiness of your pet!!

After all, they've done many things to make your life great! We help you maintain better health which includes lower blood pressure and stress relief, and we love you unconditionally!

Barkingly pawsome, is the pet who has loved you through thick and thin- I paw that you celebrate this day by:

• Taking the day off and spending it petting your pet.  If your pet is not pettable then take the time to pet your friends pet after watching your pet or whatever it is you do with a pet that is not pettable- maybe keep it company for a few more hours than usual.

• Give us an extra treat of the best treats you have for us.  At least two. Maybe three.  My human tries to watch my weight but it won't hurt a few extra treats once, especially on "Love Your Pet Day!"

• Give us an extra hug. This one, you have to be careful and be sure your pet likes this- if they show an unhappiness like trying to pull away, stop or don't do it.  I don't mind a hug for a few seconds but not an eternity!  WOOF!

• However you celebrate the day, be sure to spoil your pet in a way they would greatly appreciate and love!

WOOF!!!!

"Love Your Pet Day"
Used by Permission, GraphicStock

Friday's Friend: Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

HAPPY FRIDAY!! My friend "Cat Lady" who does a fantastic job caring for rescued cats, stopped by to visit me this week.  These cats are so fortunate to have her and her group of volunteers with PetConnect Rescue caring for them.  

Along beside her came Nicholas!

"Nicholas"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

"Cat Lady" shared with me, "Noah, did you know that in the south, orange cats are called "money cats"? They're considered good luck and are said to "bring" their owners money!"  ARF??  No, I didn't know that! 

"While we can't promise money," Cat Lady continues, "but if you adopt Nicholas you will be very lucky indeed!  He is super affectionate, sweet, and loves everyone," said Cat Lady.

"Nicholas"
(C) PetConnect Rescue

Unfortunately prior to Nicholas's rescue, he was hit by a car and he endured a fractured pelvis and cage-rest healing. He's better now and ready to start living his 8 remaining lives. 

Nicholas is neutered, healthy, and up-to-date with vetting. He's leukemia/FIV negative. As of February 4, 2015, Nicholas is 6 months old. 

Nicholas is a cuddly wonderful boy who loves to be brushed and petted - and you'll love petting his thick soft fur. What a win-win! 

If you would like to meet Nicholas, please complete the PetConnect Rescue Adoption Application and an Adoption Coordinator will contact you.

Want to learn more about cat adoption, please visit, PetConnect Rescue Adoption Process.

Friday's Friend- Returns January 9, 2015

I hope you had a wonderful New Year's day and excellent time with your dogs, cats and human friends!  WOOF!!!!

Arf??  You don't have a dog or cat?  Uh, you are missing out on one of the best parts of being human- adopting a dog or cat and having them be part of the family!  WOOF!

Every Friday, I paw a column titled, "Friday's Friend" where I feature dogs and cats from local rescues who are looking for their "Forever Home!"   I paw about their skills and talents and provide a link where you can learn more and pawsibly adopt one or learn about other pets the rescue may have for adoption.

I have been pawfully busy this Christmas - New Year's season helping my human celebrate and with some huge projects.  I didn't think I'd have much time to write.

Friday's Friend will return on Friday, January 9, 2015.  I paw to have dogs and cats from Lab Rescue, Operation Paws for Homes, PetConnect Rescue and Washington Humane Society.

If you work for a rescue and would like to participate in Friday's Friend, please see our page about it!

Twas The Barks Before Christmas-

Its Christmas Eve and all through the house the only creature stirring is me.

 I am wandering about the house- looking for my humans.  

Am sure they went to the Christmas Eve service at church.

Dad's sister came by to say,

"let's go hear what Pastor Billy has to say 

on this wonderful Christmas Eve-"

"Used by Permission, GraphicStock"

The house isn't decorated much this year- 

we have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, 

a few nutcrackers- that's it.

For Mom and Dad have had a rough year and are a bit tired.

While they are gone, I look through the house with care.

Don't want to ruin any surprise they may have for me here-

I know they have Christmas decorations stored somewhere-

Probably in the dark basement-

I will sneak down and see what I can find-

Barking loud to scare off the spiders

when all of a sudden,

There rose such a clatter,

I looked to see what was the matter-

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons,
Kevin Dooley

Over in the corner, 

shiny lights and bulbs,

balloons and candy canes, 

and Christmas decorations galore.

I will take these up and out-

to see what I can do to make my human's shout.

A Christmas Tree, ornaments, 

white lights, colored lights,

All surely to delight,

As I pull them up and out of the basement.

I call my barkingly pawsome friends,

Lulu, Chase, Coal and Junior,

and my meowingly pawsome cat cousins:

Max, Zoey, Fancy, Buddy, Cassie, and Shelley

to help me make the Christmas special.

We must rush, for we have not much time.

We hustle, we bustle, we paw, we purr,

We bark, we scratch, 

No need for human tools

in this pawsome bunch!

The cats cousins have strung

the chimney and the house with care-
garland, stockings, candles,

Poinsettias, red and white,

and Christmas lights galore, 

a Nativity centers the space. 

Coal and Chase have run the yard,

Lulu and Junior pulling on the lights

all the trees and bushes done,

with nothing left untouched.

The cat cousins crawl across the 

top of the house while my dog

buddies hand the lights to cover

every nook and cranny of the house

with beautiful Christmas lights-

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons,
Jim, the Photographer

A Nativity dawns the front yard. 

We all stop in sudden silence and quiet,

not a purr is said nor is a whine or bark,

we humble ourselves around the cradle,

of the Baby Jesus,

we bow to honor Him who was born and the reason

we celebrate this Christmas season.

I hear their car coming... sounds like they are laughing,

must have had a great evening,

spending it at church,

with Dad's sister and many friends,

We scamper and run to the house 

and to the family room we go.

Cousins and all.

To hide ourselves and pretend,

we've been asleep and 

don't know at all,

the Christmas decorations on the front yard.

They drive right past the house!!!

Arf??  Meow??

They turn around and come back

only to drive by again,

BARK!! MEOW!!

We try to let them know. 

They come back and are surprised,

to see the house all aglow,

with Christmas cheer!!

Dad, his Sister and Mom,

All surprised at our decorating gift to them!

Credit: Flickr Creative Commons,
Karol Franks

We wish you

the Merriest Christmas!

from all of us at

"from The Dog's Paw!"