Sugarcat

So I just found out one of my cats, Sam, is a diabetic. I was only vaguely aware that cats could be diabetics. Now I'm going to have to learn to give him a shot twice a day. Since we also have an asthmatic cat that needs an inhaler twice a day, I figure how hard can this be?

Pets are really something and an incident like this (Sam went into ketoacidosis, an often fatal-for-cats diabetic shock and is actually still in the hospital as I type this, making a remarkable recovery) makes you conscious of how much company they really are. When I'm at my desk, so is Sam, sprawled next to my lap top, his watchful eyes occasionally opening to see if I'm working or just shopping online.

Animals are a comfort. They are a source of unconditional love. They don't care if you're having a bad hair or you haven't brushed your teeth after eating garlic or that you're still wearing your pajamas at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. They love us the way we should love each other. Except I don't think jumping on someone when they walk through your front door to see if they're carrying food will ever catch on.

I can't imagine not having pets. No matter how many litter boxes I have to clean or vet bills I have to pay. They're just great additions to life. Do you have pets? I'd love to hear about them.

Cuteness overload!

I'm sure everyone who knows me is sick of hearing about the two new kitties we adopted over the weekend, but to them I say suck it up. Jack and Finnegan are awesome cats! As you can see, they get along great with each other and are doing their best to make friends with our other cats. (Yes, Finn is missing an eye. Early life was unkind to him.)

I realize not everyone is in a position to adopt, but if you find yourself wishing you could when you can't, I would encourage you to make a donation to your local no kill shelter.

These guys have certainly made our lives more interesting. Do you have pets? Where did they come from?

When Fido Wants to Go Trick or Treating...

OK, first of all, do you actually know anyone whose dog is named Fido? I don't. So where did that cliched name come from? Anyway, I digress...

I'm fairly certain Bailey would never go for this. But we're dying to dress him up like a hot dog next year, and take him for a walk during the Trick or Treat hours, along with our baby. Next year will be Baby's First Halloween, and he/she will probably be the ubiquitous pumpkin, just because it's cute.

And we think it would be cute for Bailey and Baby to go trick or treating together. We just need to convince Bailey to go along with it.

So what say you...Halloween costumes for pets, yay or nay?

Where's My Hassenpfeffer?

Here's a little something to kick off your Tuesday with just the right amount of cute and cuddly.


Of course, you may prefer a cuddle of different variety. As for me, I'd have to try both! Would you go to one of these restaurants?

(10 points if you know what the title of this blog references.)

What your dream pet says about you...

Since the Fictionistas are big pet lovers, I thought this little quiz might be fun. Plus, I couldn't come up with any else to do. lol Besides, unlike most quizzes, the answer - for me anyway - was surprisingly accurate. That rarely happens with me and internet quizzes.

If space, money or regulations weren't an obstacle, which one of the following would you absolutely like most as a pet?

1. Dog
2. Cat
3. Ferret
4. Monkey
5. Horse
6. Tiger

No peeking below until you've made your choice!

This is NOT scientific, meant only to help you take a closer look at you in a very unsophisticated manner. This activity has been used successfully to facilitate discussions around self understanding in therapy groups.

Please accept what fits for you and reject what doesn't... be honest though.

Our pets tend to reflect our personalities. Here's what your choice suggests about you and how it impacts your relationship:

Dog. You're faithful, loyal and trustworthy or you'd like to be. You tend to stick around even if you're been beat down or pushed around. You can become aggressive when cornered, but you're generally harmless and make up quickly after a quarrel.

Cat. You're quite aloof and ever curious. You love the companionship of your partner, but on your terms. You're meticulously clean and like things orderly and routine. You definitely like to be in control.

Ferret. You are a detective of sorts. You love to get at the root of problems. Therefore you're a fun partner when it comes to finding lost items, but one to be nervous around if you're trying to keep a secret.

Monkey. You're high spirited and constantly chattering. You're inquisitive, assertive and like to be the life of the party. At times your partner might find you annoying while at other times you're just what's needed to add humor to a dull day.

Horse. You're strong and loyal with just a tad of a wild streak. You respond well to a gentle hand and tend to flee when spooked or afraid. Hanging out together with your companion is your preference over being alone. And though basically cooperative you can be competitive too.

Tiger. You are enamored by beauty and love to feel powerful. You're a bundle of energy and at times lash out in fury. Being alone is not a problem for you, on the contrary at times your companion has to entice you to doing things together.

Can you guess which one I picked? Which one did you pick? Was the asnwer correct?

I'm Thankful for...

As I'm sure you've figured out by now, we're having a Theme Week here at Fictionistas. Mel's thankful for tweezers, Kristen's thankful for butter, and Rhonda had a long list of things she's thankful for.

I, for one, am thankful for my new little doggy, Bailey!!!! We just adopted him on Saturday, he's awesome.



Awww, isn't he cute? :)

I'm also thankful for leftovers. Here's a yummy recipe to help you use up your extra turkey:

Thanksgiving Chili

1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp olive oil
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 can solid-pack pumpkin
1 can crushed tomatoes
1/2 can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp orange juice concentrate
3 cups cubed cooked turkey breast

Sautee onion, yellow pepper, garlic, oregano, and cumin in oil until veggies are tender. Stir in beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, broth, water, brown sugar, chili powder, pepper, and orange juice concentrate, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add turkey and heat through.

Makes 8 servings.


Happy Thanksgiving, y'all