Sweet little George lost his life defending children from two pit bulls earlier this year in New Zealand. The community was so touched, they erected a statue this week to honor the brave Jack Russel Terrier.
Animal Wall Paper Stickers
There are some great wall paper stickers out there. Now, don’t you go running for the exits! These are not the surface designs that were popular in the 60’s & 70’s. Nor are they cutesy kids stuff. These are from hip designers in Denmark, France, and the U.S.
These cats are pretty fun. There’s also this kitty with his zig-zaggy tail. You can get more realistic cats to adorn your walls and maybe surprise your animals. Our Sage would be pretty alarmed to find more black cats lurking around the
house besides our Raven.
Cats not your thing? How about this stunning gold fish. I love this guy. Or a koi pond? You can have some Keith Haring’s barking dogs too.
Availability in the U.S. may be a problem, but keep your eye out. Some companies offer designs in a removable form too, so adding some fun to your home doesn’t have to be a permanent commitment. Pretty nifty!
DIY: Make A Sisal Rope Cat Scratching Post
I don’t know if it’s because Fall is here, but I’m in a Do-It-Yourself mood. Here’s an excellent tutorial on how to build your own sisal scratching post for your feline friends. There are lots of really useful tips and clear instructions. (Update: The creator of this tutorial suggested googling for 3/8 Brazilian sisal rope to find good sisal for your post.)
You can also apply much of the advice, such as recommended base size for a post, to making a cat tree—check out these other posts on how to build your own full cat tree and how to build this monster cat tree. Your kitties will love you and you’ll love how much money you can save!
Connecticut Dog Given Order of Protection
Riley, with Brian and Mary Ann Reynolds and daughter Briana Carilli.
After allegedly kicking her ex-husband’s six month old dog with both feet, Cassandra Reynolds was ordered to have no contact with the Golden Retriever, Riley. The judge issued the order of protection under Connecticut’s new law called “An Act Concerning the Protection of Pets in Domestic Violence Cases”.
Pets are often victims in domestic abuse cases. Abusers use threats against pets to control their human victims. And abusers follow through with those threats to punish their humans victims. Agencies across the U.S. are realizing domestic violence, child abuse, and animal cruelty are often closely linked and where there is one form of violence, there may well be the others. Police, homeless shelters, and animal control services are learning to recognize and respond to the signs of animal cruelty, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Read more about the studies mentioned in the New York Times article—The Abuse of Animals & Domestic Violence: A National Survey of Shelter for Women Who Are Battered and Animal Welfare & Domestic Violence. Learn more about what can be done for victims of domestic violence who fear for their pets from the book Safe Haven For Pets: Guidelines for Programs Sheltering Pets for Women Who Are Battered(pdf), by Frank R. Ascione, Ph.D. Check if your community’s shelters and animal welfare agencies are cooperating to help victims of domestic violence and their pets.
DIY: Sew A Pet Bed
Want a nest bed for your cat or dog similar to the Big Shrimpy Nest Bed pictured above, but don’t want to spend so much? Check out this excellent tutorial from Lori Marie at Pretty Little Things on how to sew an attractive and easy pet bed. You can adjust the size to fit your pet.
Don’t be intimidated! If you have a sewing machine, you can do this. And with all the gorgeous fabrics out there or by repurposing something you already have, your pet bed can be a lovely addition to your home. Not to mention a comfy place for your pet!
Check out this other DIY pet bed made from an old sweater.