Pet Health

Heidi came to us as a “young mother,” a sad situation that plays out too many times here in Oswego County. Her babies all found wonderful homes. But Heidi is still in need of a home of her own. She is a sweet girl, friendly and playful, and used to other cats, dogs and kids.

OK, so I’m sort of a manly guy, if you know what I mean. I adopted this cat, George, thinking he would add to my manly image – plus I just love cats; how aloof and independent they are – like me. So far, so good, except that when George (who is huge and tough looking, like me) sits on my lap he insists upon sort of kneading the blanket that I put on my lap for him.

On a happier note than last week, we have been thinking about pet toys, especially free ones. We have all had the experience of buying very cool, very expensive toys for our furry friends only to have them be ignored, disdained even. Like when you give underwear to a teenager who was expecting something electronic.

Goldilocks is not only beautiful, with her long golden fur and swishy fluffy tail – she has personality to spare – the Miss Congeniality of the cat world. She’s a hugger, cuddler and lap sitter. But, her favorite spot is riding around on your shoulder.

Peaches is a super friendly (and we really aren’t exaggerating) young lady, all ready to go to her forever home. She’s fine with other cats, dogs, and little kids, even bratty ones. She loves chasing little balls around. She’s sleek and elegant and playful and has just a ridiculously long tail along with a very ladylike little meow.

We love this time of year – the garish decorations as much as the tasteful ones, hearing The Little Drummer Boy for the billionth time, the shopping, especially for our pets, the food, the parties. And, speaking of parties, here we go being the party poopers again going on and on about holiday dangers. But somebody has to do it.

Just when I thought I had more than enough to worry about someone just told me that some cough drops are dangerous for pets. Ahem. Cough drops?

Cassady is a super friendly teenager, good with her foster mom’s little yippy dogs and her other cats. She is also very affectionate toward people, so much so that it’s hard to take her picture because she wants to just give you little cat kisses. So you have to trust us that she is truly very pretty with a little half bob tail.

My grandchildren, ages 2 and 3, are coming to visit in a few weeks and my new dog, Sheba, has never met them before. They have been around their own dogs and are not afraid of them but I am a little worried about Sheba, who has never been around any children.