Our cat, Sage, talks like a baby. She makes these tiny chirps and peeps that just kill me. We joke about how small she is depending on how little her voice is that day. Sometimes she sounds like she’s about an inch big. This Scottish Fold kitty is quite the baby talker too.
DIY: Suede & Leather Mouse Cat Toy
Some kitties really like the smell of leather. Here’s a simple suede & leather mouse you can make for your freaky little cat. Download the instructions and template—it’s the grey behind the directions. I’d make the mice out of some fun colors instead of boring brown. (The instructions call for punching the suede with holes and hand stitching, but I think if you have a good sewing machine and the appropriate heavy duty needle, you could sew this on your machine.)
You’ll need:
- about 8×8″ of suede
- some leather lacing
- a few jingle bells
- cardboard
- fiberfill or something to stuff the mouse
- good scissors
- 2 pairs of pliers
- good sewing machine & appropriate needle
–OR–
- sharp, heavy needle
- awl or finishing nail
- hammer
- scrap wood or a few magazines you don’t care about
- tape
- marker
Just One Dog
Year End Charitable Giving
This is the time of year a lot of people make their charitable donations to meet the December 31st deadline. Money is tight for so many including groups doing good work for animals. If you have some to share, consider these ideas.
One of our favorites is the Morris Animal Foundation. They fund research on curing companion animal diseases, including the Canine Cancer Campaign.
You might consider:
- pet food banks in your community (check for them at animal rescue groups, human food banks, meal-on-wheels)
- local private shelters
- municipal or county shelters–special funds for new buildings, spay/neuter clinics, etc.
- pet clinics for people in need
- off-leash dog parks (you’d be surprised how much at off-leash parks is provided by donations—fencing, water, trashcans)
We hope 2010 is a wonderful year for you and yours!
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Best wishes to you and the furred, feathered, scaled, or finned ones with whom you share your life. May 2010 bring your families health, harmony, and much joy. We’re looking forward to the coming year and hope you are too!