Another reason why I love my email buddies…. Norbert Rosing ' s striking images of a wild polar bear coming upon tethered sled dogs in the wilds of Canada ' s Hudson Bay
The photographer was sure that he was going to see the end of his dogs when the polar bear wandered in
It ' s hard to believe that this polar bear only needed to hug someone!
The Polar Bear returned every night that week to play with the dogs
Rosing is a wildlife photographer whose photos have been featured in National Geographic. Visit his gallery.
May you always have love to share,
Health to spare and friends that care.
Your friend,
Fisher
Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/atillavibes/
I love to get mail. Most exciting is when it comes to my post office in the form of a package. This time was not a surprise, though, as I was asked to review a new little book by Chronicle Books, released last month. The book? The Worst-Case Scenario Pocket Guide for cats!
We all know how curious cats can be. We also know cats are quite self-sufficient and have a lot of pride. In this instance, curiosity won.
Authors: David Borgenicht and Ben H. Winters, with illustrations by Brenda Brown
As soon as we opened the package, my first thought was, This really is a pocket guide – fine-tuned and pocket ready. That is when pride won over curiosity and I concluded the authors likely realized that we cats just do not do Worst-Case Scenarios, hence the small size.
In their introduction, the authors write of the new kitten who really is a fun and cuddly pet, but then…
They act as if they own us, or as if they are gracing us with their presence. And sometimes, they even become downright difficult, scratching new furniture, marking territory, coughing up hairballs….
What? This is not going well. Only after reading on did I realize they are writing about the WORST-case scenarios. I forgave them and continued.
First you will find instructions to get a cat out of a tree. Very interesting with a surprise solution. It is so remarkable I think my staff was considering chasing me up a tree just to try it. Curious, anyone?
Much of the book is about different scenarios that must get handled: getting rid of cat pee odors, catnip addiction, and dealing with a cat who is afraid of mice. OK, that is definitely a worst-case scenario! Take a preview look at How to Kitten Proof Your Home.
Many humans have their own ideas of how to handle these difficult situations, but at the moment of distress are they really going to think clearly? The book is a little gem for just such times.
With Brenda’s excellent illustrations and the author’s fine wit, the book is well laced with humor – somewhat dry humor, very similar to a cat’s humor. My favorite section is Things to Make Out of Hairballs. Just to give you an idea, sample suggestions are: make fake sideburns, make piano dampers.
Please visit Chronicle Books to find their neat giveaway for 2010. Chronicle Books also publishes The Worst-Case Scenario pocket guide for dogs.
As for me, I could go on and on but I think I am about to have my own worst-case scenario – the Nightmare Nap. That would be the dream about my staff trying to chase me up a tree so she can try their solution to get me out.
Your friend,
Fisher
Mambo Sprouts and Wellness® Natural Food for Pets have teamed up together to help our fellow critters and they need our help! Gather up your pet (or pets) crazy, cute photos this season and enter them to win some great Wellness products. Each time Wellness receives an entry, they will donate $1.00 (up to $1,000). The Grand Prize winner will get to choose which animal charity the money will go to. Now, how fun is that? This is a very generous offering!
Contest ends December 31, 2009
How to Enter: Tell them how you take care of your pet’s wellness – naturally. Enter your favorite photo(s) of your pet (or pets) along with a pet wellness tip. Click here for more entry information.
Prizes and other great stuff: Five (5) first place winners will receive a great gift package for natural pet food from Wellness®, worth $25. One (1) Grand Prize winner will get a $100 gift package — plus the special privilege of choosing the animal-related charity to which Wellness’ donation will be granted! Wellness will update Flickr daily with your photos, along with your tips.
Join in the fun for an excellent cause. Start sending your photos and tips now, and don’t forget to tell family and friends. Helping our fellow critters get a better start to the new year helps us all.
Learn more about Wellness Natural Food and Treat for Pets, too. I see some good noms there! What do you think your favorite natural food would be?
Creative Commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/piez/
“Inasmuch as there is ample evidence that many animal species are capable of feeling, we condemn totally the infliction of suffering upon our fellow creatures and the curtailment of their behavioural and other needs save where this is necessary for their own individual benefit.
“We do not accept that a difference in species alone (any more than a difference in race) can justify wanton exploitation or oppression in the name of science or sport, or for use as food, for commercial profit or for other human gain.
“We believe in the evolutionary and moral kinship of all animals and declare our belief that all sentient creatures have rights to life, liberty and natural enjoyment.
“We therefore call for the protection of these rights.”
Uncaged is at the forefront of a peaceful global movement to end animal abuse. Their momentum is growing as more and more people say ‘enough is enough’. Please join to protect animals by signing up and and by making a vital donation if you can.
You are invited to blog about this event. See more information at Bloggers Unite.
I love mail. It is really exciting is when it comes to me via the US Postal Service – sealed, stamped, delivered. I received a lovely letter signed “Dog Cat” (two different signatures, so I know it is authentic). These two creatures described their lives with the human companion over a period of five years. They tell me in the early stages everything was perfect. New home, new beds, new toys, and new experiences every day. Many of us can remember those days.
Then, they say things took a turn for the worse:
“In essence, our lives as pets have become pretty boring. We lay around, hoping that our human companion will reconnect with us, live a more joyful rich life with us, and get the most out of having us around. But, it hasn’t happened yet. That’s where you come in.”
That got my attention! They sent me a new book to read, Cat Lover’s Daily Companion, in hopes that I, as a very respected cat (thank-you very much) might ask their human to purchase for them so the spark can get back in their relationship. After reading this wonderful book, I am not only recommending it to their human, but to all of your humans as well.
Cat Lover’s Daily Companion is a richly bound high quality book written by Kristen Hampshire, Iris Bass, and Lori Paximadis, containing 365 Days of Insight and Guidance for Living a Joyful Life with Your Cat, brought to you by Quarry Books, members of the Quayside Publishing Group. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention there is a Dog Lover’s Daily Companion as well, but I have not read it. I would expect it to be just as delightful for dogs and their humans. Note to Dog and Cat: If your human happens to get the 2 books mixed up, your day may be a little more adventurous than you had anticipated.
The authors advise on best use of the book. Of course many will be compelled to read the book cover-to-cover as my staff did. But the real impact for both humans and pets comes about if they use the book as a daily reminder. The cat lover’s year is brilliantly formatted with days of the week and a weekends section. 365 days! All you have to do is make sure the book is readily available to your humans, lest they forget. Drag, push, or scoot it so it is within site. Do not overdue and become annoying. Always provide extra purrs and snuggles to show your delight. It’s a win-win situation.
Daily examples:
- Mondays – understanding your cat’s needs – example: Cat-Proof Your Home – don’t panic, it is for, not against
- Tuesdays – engaging cat tales – example: The Idiomatic Cat – concepts to remember
- Wednesdays – explore feline health – example: What You Can Catch from Your Cat – are you intrigued?
- Thursdays – ideas for cat-friendly home, crafts, and house tips – example: The Apartment Cat – never once does it suggest you have to do the dishes
- Fridays – Introduction to cat breeds – example: Oriental Longhair – you may find your looks are not the most unique, but you are still adorable
- Weekends – bonding, relationship building, and special occasions – example: A Cat’s Role in the Wedding – Oh, dear!
In my opinion, the best use of this book is for new pet- human relationships. Everyone starts out by falling in love with a puppy or kitty, but then many do not know what to do with them. I know, sad but true. If you are giving the gift of a pet, which is only recommended in very special circumstances, present this book as well. May your daily read and practice become addicting.
Your friend,
Fisher
