Pet of The Week!

Photo of Woody, courtesy Elyse W.

This week's Pet of The Week comes from my future cousin-in-law, Elyse! She is an avid cat lover, too, and she deserves some serious props after rescuing her two cats and giving them an incredible, loving home!

Below you'll find her story.

"I found Woody- as in the cowboy from Toy Story- (and his brother Buzz) huddled together outside my neighbour’s basement window when they were around 8 weeks old. We brought them home that night and didn’t look back.

Photo of Buzz, courtesy Elyse W.

Woody is obsessed with what we have lovingly dubbed as ‘tummy time’. He will lay right beside you on his back, spread eagle, and demand you rub the round bit of his tummy (with your arm in-between his back legs – strange I know but he loves it). He is a tabby-minx cross, so he doesn't have a tail. He also loves the smell of residual chlorine water from our hot tub, the smell of sweaty hot yoga clothes, and loves to help make the bed."
Courtesy Elyse W.

Animal of The Week!

This week's featured animal is Puddecombe, rescued and being cared for by Calgary's Meow Foundation. He was found severely dehydrated and was possibly hit by a car, yet he has soldiered on. But he needs our help; if the Meow Foundation can raise $3000, then a local Calgary company Follow Your Light will match the $3000 to cover Puddecombe's medical expenses of $5000. 

Please visit The Meow Foundation's website here to donate to Puddecombe!

The Meow Foundation holds a very dear spot in both Thomas and my hearts since we adopted our littlest kitty, Bella, from them. Bella has brought so much light and love to our lives and we are better people because of her. She is the most cuddly, beautiful little ray of sunshine and, for humans like ourselves who will not be having children, animals like the ones that we have been so fortunate to bring into our lives are our children forever.
There are many tragedies in the world that people can get behind and I support that fully. However, we must also remember how to be compassionate to the animals that be often take for granted. They become part of our families and capture our hearts, yet there are so many animals out there that are subjected to terrible, unjustified cruelty; abandonment, abuse, etc. when all they have to offer us is unconditional love. I wonder what the world would be like if we adopted the same compassion that our animals carry for us and had that for all living things.
 Don't let this cruelty happen; do something about it! Whether that means donating, volunteering, fundraising, or becoming directly involved with any cause that strikes you- the more we build compassion, the brighter future we build for ALL living things on this fragile, precious Earth.

"World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion."

- The Dalai Lama XIV

Pet Of The Week!

Image courtesy of Brenna J.

This week's Pet of the Week comes from my sister Brenna about one of her cats. Both Brenna and I pulled a bit of a one over on my Dad... well, twice... and both brought home cats without him knowing. Thankfully, he was a pretty good sport and we never had to worry about my mother being opposed to it as she had done the same thing to him when they were first married!

Below, Brenna has submitted a paragraph about why Boo is our French Onion Soup Saturday Pet of the Week!

Image courtesy of Brenna J.

"I never realized how much animals help to heal until I got Boo; she has been my
snuggle buddy through some pretty dark times. I truly believe that animals can sense
our different emotions and cling to us when we need them the most. I’ve had Boo since
she was 5 weeks old and, although she was too young to go home, I took her anyways and
now she is now just about 3 years old! Boo is half Siamese and half tortoise-shell, meaning that she is loud, in charge and, man, does she have “tortitude”! For those of you who don’t have tortoise-shell cats, “tortitude” is a certain attitude they carry: they are loud, talkative and
very sassy! 

Boo’s favorite things to do are: sit on the ledge of the bath tub during my bath time, chasing my other cat Moe around the apartment, chasing/playing with the laser pointer, eating strawberries, raspberries and salmon and, of course, napping! Boo brightens my every day, she has snuggled me through many ups and downs, break ups and new beginnings and I’m pretty lucky to have a cat like her!"

Courtesy Brenna J.

Pet of The Week!

Image courtesy of Shannon J.

I guess I wouldn't describe horses as pets per se, since they become more like a friend and confidant than a pet....

"Can you ever really own a horse?" - Jeff Winger, Community

My sister and mother have horses: my sister's horse Ricky Bobbie and my mother's horse Gucci. Both horses have provided them with a sense of healing, love, learning, and... of course... exercise!

Below, my mother has submitted a picture and excerpt about her horse, Gucci. My mother grew up on a farm in rural Alberta, and has had horses since she was little, so when she got Gucci, it brought back memories - especially about her Dad, who unfortunately passed away before I was born (the man was born in 1899!)

Image courtesy of Shannon J.

"She's good karma for me; she makes me calm - sticking to one thing at a time - and she teaches me more than I teach her. It feels so good to have a horse again, especially in such a beautiful part of the country and at such an awesome stable with awesome people; I have new members of my family out there.
Her stable name is 'Gucci', but her registered name is 'Only If You Ask.'
My husband really encouraged me to get a horse; I never thought I'd have one again! I'm so grateful that he did- I didn't realize how much I missed it until I had a horse again. It was my childhood passion, and I am so grateful that my husband encouraged me to go for it!"
- Shannon J