Happy
Howlidaze
2004
Faith, Phoenix and Stormie Viscusi
When Christmas greetings from the sisters arrived, no question about it, I had to borrow them as cover girls. Hard to believe now, life was not always so merry and bright. Mama V. is putting a few lines together about their histories. You may recognize them from the Furkid Funfair pages, including the wedding, which I will finish up ... one of these years ... really.
Phoenix looks about as happy as last year's Scoopy the bearded reindeer.
Scoopy's bell is hidden here, nevertheless, the antlers appear to match. Hmmm ... Santa Paws' secret backup team?
C'mon, it's not that bad
From Lael, "Rusty wasn't too bad to work with but Lulu Belle, well, she was another matter." Lulu is a feral rescue, getting her out of hiding is a major accomplishment all by itself ~ catching this pose qualifies as a miracle.
TheBub in bibs off to do the P. Bunyan thang ~ we are fully enjoying the wood stove, haven't had any kind of fireplace for years.
Emma has a new pair of antlers in red (sorta wearing above). They could almost pass for devilish horns, perfectly fitting her total dedication to mischief. Stand by, the official ho-ho-ho shoot is coming up shortly ... make that ha ha ha, AAAAAAAAck.
Christmas is on a kitchen counter, the only spot safe from first-Christmas curiosity.
Snow Peeps, fake gift wrapped in foil, Styrofoam balls tied in fabric ~ all would be sooooo tasty ...
So would my trolls ~ always a big part of Christmas. Said to be good luck for traveling, little did they know. I still take at least one along on every trip.
to all creatures, great and small
I need more pics. And even though the page title is HOWLidaze, all festive critters are welcome as well as any holiday topic, not necessarily howl related.
MarthaJones1@aol.com, subject line: Howlidaze ~ don't forget IDs
Bahia and Habibi appear in live nativity scenes in the Des Moines area. Bahia loves her friend Joy's Christmas cookies. Of course they're probably not good for her but who doesn't misbehave this time of year?
Watch where you hang that mistletoe!
Screech and Lumpy, another of Helen's rescued orphans, are still babies and have no clue they're raccoons. They have their own house outside and also revel in family time, especially with Kayleigh. They'll be released in spring, at home and continue to be cared for but they will be wild.
Santa Paws dropped by a tad early.
What might this be?
I don't know but this one's MINE
A bowl of white stuff, I like it
I like MINE better
Why don't I have any white stuff?
Mmmmmm, gooder and gooder
What IS this thing?
Oh phooey,
I'd rather chew on a stick anyway
~~~
Saw a dog on TV going beeeeezerk over a coconut.
Left one whole, sawed one in half. The whole was supposed to be for Shug but Scoop ended up with it. Nobody managed to crack the whole ~ half shells were scraped clean in about 45 minutes.
I'm taking MINE in the house
Oh no you're not said Mean Ol' Mom ~ I believe the raised paw is somewhat of a flip-off gesture.
Coco on guard duty
Coco's Cousin Magnolia Belle
From Lois: I had a bag of dog food sitting on the floor while I was doing the tree. Nolie sat in front of that bag for at least two hours. She had food in her bowl, but she wanted what was in the bag. Once in a while she would lie down and every now and then she would paw the bag, but she never ripped it open (surprised me).
Santa Woody
Woody's pet Ian made up this special ditty ~ set to the tune of Jingle Bells
Woody Dog, Woody Dog,
Woody all the way!
Oh what fun
It is to run
When Julie says, "Go play!"
Ohhhh
Woody Dog, Woody Dog
All that I can say
Is I wonder what Old Santa Paws
Will bring on Christmas Day!
One of Ian's co-workers has written a first verse
Dashing through the house,
Is a blur of Woody Dog,
Anxious as you please,
Sweet little Woody Dog
Bouncing up and down,
Scraping at the doors,
Oh what fun I'll have today,
After seeing Santa Paws!
Then comes the chorus again ~ if you have an idea for a second verse, dash on over to visit Woody: http://www.woodythewestie.co.uk/
Woody was having so much trouble looking after Ian and Julie in the run up to Christmas (why do humans get in such a panic?), he had to call in logistical support 26 days early! For the complete report and pics on new sister Gemma Lea, click on "This Christmas" (top of Woody's home page menu).
Christmas Pie Elf
From camera bug
Marilyn, "Everybody looks forward to Aunt Ju-Ju's Christmas pie delivery! Well, maybe except Bud." Judy makes Dixie's Doggone Delicious Pie almost every year for her dogs and Marilyn's. Judy's real nephews and niece want to know when Auntie will be visiting for the holidays. For now they're pestering me to make one. Dang, does look rather tasty.1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cup Bisquick®
2 eggs
Preheat oven to 400º. Cook meat, drain. Spread in a greased 9-inch pie plate and sprinkle with cheese. Stir remaining ingredients until blended. Pour into pie plate, do not stir. Bake 30 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool and cut into wedges. Store in refrigerator.
DDD Pie is one of quite a few critter treats featured in Bite This!!, a collection of favorite recipes (for two-legged types too) from animal lovers and friend of Baytown Humane Society: http://baytownhumanesociety.org/ann_cookbook_orderpg.htm In my not-so-humble opinion ~ and I do know cookbooks ~ Bite This!! beats any other fundraiser I've seen. Most recipes are quick and easy, many are unusual and the whole presentation, including basic info and handy charts, is outstanding.Send your pics, more the merrier: MarthaJones1@aol.com, subject line: Howlidaze ~ don't forget IDs
http://crossstitch.about.com/library/freepatterns/motifs/blmotif_snowflake.htm?nl=1
Scoopy loves
snow
http://www.therealmartha.com/ScoopDemento/index.htm
(from last year)
While you're rummaging around in the fridge trying to make room for holiday overload, if you happen to find a jar of mayo that's seen better days, throw in a small scoop of dry dog food and stir to coat. Pure delight ~ gone in 30 seconds.
And close-ups when I'm done with overall fussing ~ always room for one more foo-foo
Instead of a people
present, most animal nuts will be thrilled with something for
their babies. Or, make an in-name donation to animal welfare. That goes for birthdays,
memorials, any of the usual gifting events, and definitely Mother's/Father's Day. Do
yourself a feel-good too by volunteering to scoop poop or any number of shelter activities
ideal for working off holiday pigging.
Under very
few circumstances is an animal suitable as a gift. Holiday hoopla is not the
time for introducing and focusing on a new family member. Wait until the novelty wears off
the toys and life is back to normal. Exceptions would be adults-only homes. Still, choice
is up to the individual (or couple) ... beauty in the eyes of the beholders (on both
sides) and all that love at first sight stuff. You might consider offering to cover
adoption/vet fees.
For a twist on
an old Dear Abby letter, "I would really appreciate one of my grandkids taking me out
for a movie or an ice cream cone" ~ offer to walk the grandfolks' dog, or take
Sweetums for a nail clip ~ maybe even spring for the whole beauty works.
Speaking of seniors, and that's as in old fart(ette)s, no way anyone still in school could even begin to comprehend the first line.
Shopping-for-seniors tips from the Utah Cowboy
Remember the good old days when you could stop off at any market and find a carton of cigarettes decorated in pretty Christmas pictures?
Today if you tried that, folks would ask if you're trying to kill off your loved ones. The other day I heard a man ask his elderly mother what she'd like for Christmas. Her reply, "Coffee." I'll be darned if he didn't buy her a pair of three pound cans with a couple of expensive mugs. What a great idea! Gifts don't have to be complicated, they can also be useful. How about a box of groceries for the elderly, or even a case of toilet paper, or paper towels? Hey kids, we ain't near as hard to buy for as you think. Heck, I know of very few senior citizens who don't have prescriptions of one kind or another. Fill one for a couple of months, then fill it again for Valentine's Day. We're easy to buy for. Grandpa loves socks and underwear, and so does Grandma. You don't need to spend a fortune on something we can't use. My mother and father loved to fish, so every year my brother bought them both a fishing license for Christmas and they were elated. Use your head for something but a hat rack, sit down and think for a minute. Would Uncle Ted rather have a tie that he'll never wear, of a pint of Jack Daniel's? If I was Uncle Ted I'd rather have the pint.Would Aunt Rose rather have a Vegematic or a manual on hang gliding? Neither, Aunt Rose would rather have a anti-virus program for her computer, or a ream of printer paper, or new ink cartridges.
How about a gift certificate from the friendly neighborhood store, or local restaurant/bar?
I sure wish gifts were as easy to buy for others as they are for us. Forward this on to your kids and grand kids, maybe they'll take the hint.
Floyd A. Jenson, http://www.utahcowboy.com
When I asked about quoting the old cowboy, he added: I was reminded that people who can't get out also love postage stamps.
Going along with the stamp idea, from Sue: I have a reminder binder with plastic sleeves which contain greeting cards for all occasions. A friend goes further, making one for her mom every year, very thoughtful and well-received. Likewise, long-distance phone cards.
Phone cards are also great for students and the military.
More memories for us larval geezers: http://www.websbysusie.com/Christmas2004/
Critter holiday danger warnings
The customary high toxicity alarms (chocolate, poinsettias, etc., etc.) have been downgraded to varying degrees of digestive upset. On the other paw, sugarless chewing gum, macadamia nuts, raisins, bread dough, and coffee are now labeled potentially lethal. Use common sense about leaving goodies within reach, and overindulgence in general.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: http://www.apcc.aspca.org/.
Also, be careful with the turkey carcass and ham bone. Don't make all that wonderful holiday garbage any more tempting. Normally mild-mannered animals can decide to bolt if the outside world starts looking pretty good compared to the strange goings-on at home. Scavenging would be first on the list of new adventures.
Very sweet doggie Christmas greeting: http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=WP13281245
Hilarious, even for dog people: http://www.fluffytails.ca/christmas.asp ~ Kitty sisters Iris and Fern on how to assemble and decorate a Christmas tree
Where in the White House is Miss Beazley: http://www.whitehouse.gov/barney/# ~ Christmas from First Dog Barney's point of view
More holiday critters: http://www.therealmartha.com/HolidayCritters/index.htm ~ Includes links to holiday pages past, Scoopy's good pic and the last time I passed for an angel
Pet store greed: http://www.therealmartha.com/ChristmasPups/index.htm ~ Send to the unenlightened
Lots more animal pages: http://www.therealmartha.com/CritterIndex/index.htm ~ From funnies to touching to the major issues
Operation Military Care K-9: http://uswardogs.org/id40.html ~ Make it Christmas all year for those positively astounding dogs and their handlers, they're doing more to protect our lives and freedom than nearly anyone could come close to imagining. Remember your local cop teams too.
Swiped from ASPCA newsletter:
- Never let your dog off leash in snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Canines may lose their scent in winter weather, and can easily become lost. In fact, more dogs are reported lost during this time of the year than any other season, so make sure yours always wears proper identification.
- Provide your companion animal with a warm place to sleep, far away from drafts and off the floor. Dog and cat beds with a warm blanket or pillow are especially cozy.
- Please keep cats inside! Felines who spend time outside can freeze, or become lost or injured. And some outdoor cats seek the warmth under the hoods of cars—so if there are any such kitties in your neighborhood, remember to bang loudly on the hood and wait a few seconds before starting your vehicle.
- Wipe off your dog's legs and belly when she comes in out of the elements. This will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that could hurt your dog should she ingest them when licking her paws. Puppies can't handle the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be more difficult to housebreak during the winter.
For more cold weather pet-care tips, please visit the ASPCA online.
I questioned "may lose their scent" so I asked Helen, "Yes, and no, it depends on wind speed and temperature. Optimum scent ability occurs on sunny windless days. Blowing snow is a killer, we have had many searches in near- to full-blizzard conditions. Twice the dogs were right on, and once a woman was found dead not more than 500 feet away from her nursing home after the snow melted. The dogs couldn't find her scent once they got away from the home. Again, it totally depends on the conditions at the moment. What does the ASPCA think avalanche-search dogs do, read maps?"
That's why I asked, back to Helen, "Any dog, ANY dog, uses scent and tracks whatever he or she needs to track. Granted, conditions play a part in it, but the weather changes. More importantly, dogs can't breath in blowing and drifting snow when it covers their kennels and dog houses. Scent in that instance isn't an issue."
Also, from Helen, "Be aware that frostbite can occur within minutes. Snow or ice will form on the coat and seep to the skin. Warm the animal up slowly and check the skin. If discoloration or lack of color is noted, get to a vet."
Back to me ... recently watched a report about a 10-year-old who froze during a major storm. Plenty of people and dogs searched, then they cleared away a ton of snow, all except one pile by the front door. When it melted, the body was found. Why would anybody let a kid out in weather that bad? Children, the elderly, infirm and animals must be protected from themselves.
Apologies for the negativity. Few can think straight this time of year, better to suffer a reminder than heartache.
Lighten up now with the following song-fest, and don't miss the oldie goldie chuckle at the end.
Walkin' in a Doggie Wonderland
Dog tags ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening.
It's yellow not white - I've been there tonight
Marking up my winter wonderland.
Smell that tree? That's
my fragrance.
It's a sign for wand'ring vagrants
Avoid where I pee, it's MY property!
Marked up as my winter wonderland.
In the meadow dad will build a
snowman,
following the classical design.
Then I'll lift my leg and let it go Man,
So all the world will know it's mine-mine-mine!
Straight from me to the fence post,
flows my natural incense boast:
Stay off of my turf, this small piece of earth
I mark it as my winter wonderland.
On the twelfth day of Christmas I looked at my poor
tree,
12 cats a-climbing
11 broken branches
10 tinsel hairballs
9 chewed-through light strings
8 shattered ornaments
7 half-dead rodents
6 fallen angels
5 shredded gifts
4 males a-spraying
3 missing Wise Men
2 mangled garlands
and my 12 cats laughing at me
Cats' Top 10 Favorite Christmas Songs
10. Up on the Mousetop
9. Have Yourself a Furry Little Christmas
8. Joy to the Curled
7. I Saw Mommy Hiss at Santa Claus
6. The First Meow
5. Oh, Come All Ye Fishful
4. Silent Mice
3. Fluffy, the Snowman
2. Jingle Balls
1. Wreck the Halls!
Two more 12 Days of Christmas
On the twelfth day of Christmas my
human gave to me:
Twelve bags of catnip,
Eleven tarter Pounce treats,
Ten ornaments hanging,
Nine wads of Kleenex,
Eight peacock feathers,
Seven stolen Q-tips,
Six feathered balls,
Five MILK JUG RINGS!
Four munchy house plants,
Three running faucets,
Two fuzzy mousies,
And a hamste-e-er in a plastic ball!!
On the twelfth day of Christmas my
kitten gave to me:
12 minutes purring
11 broken knick-knacks
10 well-chewed ribbons
9 furry hairballs
8 midnight frolics
7 soggy cat toys
6 piles of cat poop
5 ... headless ... mice
4 shredded chairs
3 feathers
2 vet bills
and 1 toppled over Christmas tree
Cat Toy Bells
Dashing through the house,
And jumping high and low,
We chase a catnip mouse,
As fast as we can go.
The mouse is old and worn,
And we bit off its tail,
What fun to rip the stuffing out,
And leave a catnip trail!
Chorus:
Oh, cat toy bells, cat toy bells,
Ringing loud and clear.
Oh, what fun, to play and pounce,
When Christmas time is here!
I found a fuzzy ball,
That jingled when it bounced,
I rolled it down the hall,
And when it stopped I pounced.
The ball stayed where it lay,
I'd tired it out at last,
And then it tried to get away,
But I was much too fast!
Chorus:
Oh, cat toy bells, cat toy bells,
Ringing loud and clear.
Oh, what fun, to play and pounce,
When Christmas time is here!
Meowy
Catsmas, Yappy Howlidays, and a Snippy Neut Year!
Swiped from http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NeuterNeuterLand/
The sterile version of "Deck the Halls," co-authored by The Neuteress of the
Night and her dogmommie sidekick
Fa la la la la, la la la la
'Tis no season for litters' folly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Dream we now of spay and neuter
Fa la la la la, la la la la
'Cause we know that sterile is cuter
Fa la la la la, la la la la
My gift to you ~ a little stress relief, just in time!
Guard it with your life as they are very hard to come by, especially the round ones. This indispensable item will help you become more efficient in every way. Don't we all say, "I'll do that as soon as I get A Round Tuit"? Now you can accomplish everything you've been putting aside.
(~.*)
