Wordless Wednesday

You can biggify this if you want to count teeth or checks!

Its Me, Ali Z!

Hello all you Kitties and Pups!  Its been a busy week and we have lots of mail to answer so lets get started!

Kira the Beawootiful and Zoolatry both asked me almost the same question this week.  One asked if I was going to become the new Ann Landers of the Pet World and the other asked me if I was going to be the Dear Abby for pets. 

My answer is this:  it all depends on you felines and canines out there and how much you like coming to me with your questions.  It would make me very happy to be able to help you,  and if you like my help, I am here to stay!  I have been accused of being cross, and being a grouch, but I am really not.  I may be just a tiny bit short tempered, but most of us cats are.  I do my best when it comes to your letters.

Max of South Africa had a complaint about my advice last week.  His original question was How Can a Dog give a Kitty a compliment.  I guess my advice was hastily given.  I said he could stroke the kitty and speak kind words or get her some good sardines.  He wrote back and said he could do NONE of those things.  However, I happen to know that Max is a highly trained, performing dog, so I am certain he could learn to gently stroke  a cat.  Even Stella can do that if I allow her to get close enough.  But chasing the cat, no, Max, no good!  That is not a compliment to a cat, its terror to be chased by a big dog.  Let quiet and gentle be your bywords, Max, and you can perhaps slowly learn to show affection to a cat. 

Mango wrote asking me if  Scary Cat was redundant.  Mango, this made me almost laugh, that you are saying all cats are scary to you.  I happen to know you are a huge Mastiff dog who should fear nothing!  Perhaps you are writing in jest, are you?  Do write again, Mango.

Dennis the Vizsla writes (in his own unique style) if we are going to be "sindikayted like deer abby or doctor fill".  This will take quite a while to determine whether we will be able to do it, legal matters and such, but as soon as I know, I will let you and the rest of our readers know!  Thank you for asking, Dennis.

 Khyra the Siberian Husky wrote:  How would you solve a problem like Khyra? 

Hmmm, Khyra, this was a very difficult question for me, and since I know you are a very good friend of Stella's and our Mom, I asked them what their response would be.  You should be most happy to know that they said You are the perfect You, and shouldn't be changed in any way at all.  So that will be my response to you although it might be nice if you could learn to spell better.  Thanks for writing and do write again.

The Happy Heelers wrote concerning Callie their deaf girl who is a heel biter and does fly-byes and is considered the family pest. 

To the Heeler Mom, I have sent your letter on to Dr. Steve and I hope by now you have heard from him regarding this problem.  Myself, I am just not certain what to say about it, except perhaps  Callie will grow out of this, especially if you find a way to express your displeasure with her behavior, not with herself. Good luck and thanks for writing.

The Army of Four wrote asking: "Why doesn't the new blog header include you?  Hmmmm? Doesn't seem quite fair to me. Play bows, Zim"   Probably Zim, because it isn't my blog, its Stella's and she allows me to post on Tuesday, and I have a nice picture on the sidebar.  I showed her your letter and she mumbled something to the effect of "That'll be the day".  So I may get it on someday, I think thats what she means, don't you?  Thanks for thinking of me, and do write again.

Cloud the Wonder Dog asked me "why don't cats wear clothes?  You never see people dressing up their cats. Why is that?" 

Oh, well, Cloud, you know cats come into this world with beautiful coats that are just right for their bodies. Beautiful fur, beautiful colors.  They are lithe and graceful and clothing would only interfere with their wonderful abilities to leap, climb trees, and even run.  Don't you see dogs who feel limited in movement with clothing?   Thanks for the question, I hope I answered you. 

(Cloud now has his own Question/Answers on Monday on his blog and if you would like a rat terrier's point of view, please go visit him).

This is getting very long!  Thanks for all your letters, I love to read them, and will be glad to help with any problems in any way that I can.

Meow, meow,

Ali Zophia

A sad story and a scary story!

Hi all you Pups and Kitties:

Here is a picture of our dear friend Spencer whose life has ended.  He was old and full of troubles and ready to go.  He spent the last two weeks of his life on his Grandma's farm, where he was as happy as he could be, then he was helped to be on his way.  He was wrapped in his favorite quilt, and buried in a favorite spot by the river.  So long, Spencer, we will met one day at the Rainbow Bridge  and play zoomies again.

Yesterday, my Mom and I went for a walk in the afternoon.  We have a special walk we like to go on and when we start getting closer to home, we are near our library and court house.  Yesterday as we began getting near these buildings, a huge dog, my Mom thinks its part Newf and maybe Rotti, came bounding up to us, pushing us and being rude.  We tried not to be scared, but we both were a little, until the big oaf started doing Play Bows with me.  Then he would stand in front of my Mom so we couldn't get past him, she would shove him and take a few steps, but it turned out he was good natured enough and didn't want to hurt us.  But as we got to crossing the street, his partner came, and it was another very, very big dog, like a giant Chow and it was aggressive.  Then when this dog got a little aggressive, so did the goofy friendly one.  I went down on my back in submission because I am no fighter and especially not of two dogs who are so much bigger than me.  Just at that time, a small older woman came with a stick and leashes, and my Mom helped her get the Chow type leashed, she went to take it home and Goofy just followed right behind!  Whew!  We were both very relieved at that and felt good that it worked out all right.  I don't know what would have happened if the lady hadn't come for the dogs.  My Mom can't imagine how this tiny woman who looked like 90 pounds could manage a dog that we are sure weighed as much as she or MORE!  We were told some time ago by our neighbor who lives next door to these dogs, that they came from China, but we are not sure about that.  We have never seen them out on the street before so I expect they never get walked or exercised.  Not a good life for such big dogs.

Alls well that ends well!

Kisses, and happy Sunday to you,

Stella

Some Important Dates Coming Up!

This is a picture of me, when I was in the Slammer a year ago, for the months of July, August and September.

When my Mom came dog shopping, she told them she wanted a girl dog, medium size, with a good disposition.  The girl there told my Mom that I had a good d isposition when I came but as the months
went by, I got sadder and sadder.  That was all my Mom needed to hear.  She said "Thats my dog, I am taking her home with me."

She did it, too.  She said I was a rough girl and needed lots of workings to get better, and I have!  Now I walk on the leash nice, and I try not to get too excited when company comes, and I am good to everybuddy.  I am still very scared of storms though, and my Mom is going to get me a jacket like Joe Stains wears for next summer.  Thats gonna be nice.

So what are the important dates you want to know about?  The first one is October 3rd and that is my third barkday!  Yes!   Then the second date is October 9th and that will be my First Blogoversary.  One whole year of blogging!  That has been so much fun to blog and to meet all the dogs and kitties that are my good friends now.

Who would have thought a year ago when I was getting sadder and sadder, that I would have all of these pals to write to everyday. 

So get ready!  We might have some special fun on those days, we will have to think about it a little and make a plan or two.

Thanks to everybody on this blog list who has been so furry special to me over this last year! If anyone wants to know what present I want for my barkday, I want a human boy about 8 years old.  I played with one in the park one day and had the most fun ever and knew then I wanted one of my own.

Kisses,
Stella

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

And the Tortchure never ends!

Its me, Ali Zophia !

Hello Kitties and Pups!  I hope you are all ready for another Q&A session with me.  We got quite a few letters last week, so lets get right to them.

Our first from The 'Splorin' Wolfies  who rather impertinently asked me "Why are you going to your lawyer this time?"  *I normally probably would Not answer this question but I am highly excited by certain events that may lead to the syndication of our blog.  Stay tuned for further developments!

Max Dog of South Africa asked me "What is the best way to give a cat a compliment."  * Many Cats, Max, are quite satisfied with stroking and kind words, however, I say you can't beat a tin of fine Norwegian sardines.  Thanks for writing, Max

Here is a difficult question from Mr Darcy who asks  "I think cats must love dogs as cats leave little packages of deliciousness for dogs to snack on while going for walks.  So why do they pretend not to like us when we're face to face?"
* Are you referring to what many call, Tootsie Rolls, Mr. Darcy?  Most cats are quite meticulous about digging a hole and burying this matter, so I wonder if it is really Cats who are leaving these, uh, packages you are referring to?  If you found them in a litter box, thats quite another story.  I don't think many cats are good at pretense, so they probably are fearful of your size or your impulsive behavior.  I don't think its dislike as much as it is fear.  Thank you very much for writing.

Gus, Louie and Callie, The Three Happy Heelers wrote and asked "You think Dr. Steve can fix the little Red one (Callie)?  She is a total pest.        * I have utmost confidence in Dr. Steve's abilities and I feel that if you were to describe the problems you are having with her, he would do his utmost to help her.  Let us know how this works for you and take care!

We always have to choose letters to include and its quite difficult.  Our last letter is from Martha and Bailey Basset who ask "Can we send you our problems too?"    *Of course, Martha and Bailey, I would be happy to read and offer whatever opinion I might arrive at, for your problems.    Please write again.

And finally, an opinion from Sue at the Portugese Water Dog blog.  Sue says "Ali Z we think you are one scary cat.  You have an answer for everything and you don't take any nonsense from anyone."  *I am sorry you think I am scary, but really, what more could you ask for from a giver of advice?  Thanks for writing, Sue.

Thats all for this week, friends, please keep your letters coming, I enjoy attempting to puzzle out the solution to your problems, whether they be big or small.

Meow, meow,

Ali Zophia

Monday,Monday!

Happy New Week evfurry buddy!

We are starting out with a rainy day, and I hope it doesn't carry on for many, like other folks around the USA are getting.

Our friend Ann sent us this letter today where we can help do a good thing:

THANK YOU one and all.


Your voting every day, each week has helped keep our LITTLE BITSY in the "top 30" for the Cutest Dog Contest for seven weeks now.

Now Week # 8 has started (contest runs Sunday through Saturday each).

So, please: keep it up, keep voting, every day.

We want LITTLE BITSY to make it to the semi-finals, then the finals, then NUMBER ONE Cutest Dog!

And with your help we can do it.

It only takes a minute to click on the link and vote daily.

Any winnings she may receive will support the Charlie Powers Memorial Animal Rescue Fund in Brevard, North Carolina.

Thank you!

All you have to do is look at my sidebar, see an orange background and a picture of a cute little dog named Bitsy.  Click on it every day and vote for this little girl who will give all her money earned to the above Rescue Fund, which is just the best thing.  You are welcome to take the Reminder too to put on your sidebar.  Vote evfurry day!

Those of you who liked the Loon picture can look at it again and this time click on a You Tube Sounds of the Loon.  My Mom always thinks of these things too later, but she has it up now and you might like it.  Maybe Princess Eva and Brice will give it a listen.

Kisses!

Stella

Minnesota State Bird!

No, its Not the mosquito, despite what you may have heard!  Yesterday the Three Happy Heelers were out in their lake, and they saw a loon but it was very different from our Common Loon.  So I said I would show them a picture of ours!  Isn't it a beautiful bird?  Besides that lovely black and white, it has red eyes!

If you want a few facts about our Common Loon I can tell you some things.

 Like, most birds have bones that are hollow and light, but Loons have solid bones.  The extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food, and they can stay underwater for up to five minutes.

Because their bodies are heavy relative to their wing size, Loons need a 100 to 600 feet for a "runway" in order to take off from a lake and once they do, they can fly up to 75 miles an hour!

The Red in the Loon's eye helps it to see under water. 

One last thing, scientists think Loons can live for 30 years or more, probably more here in Minniesnowda because they are protected.

I just love all birds, but especially the Loon, because at night it makes a most scary and haunting noise! 
Here is a link from You Tube that is supposed to have the Loon's call on it . Give it a listen and see what you think!

Thank you to everyone who has told me how much they love my new blog design.  Ann of Zoolatry does a great job and she is fun to work with!

Happy Sunday everybody!

Kisses,
Stella

All Dressed Up!

Good Morning!  I am sure you noticed the "new look" on our blog today and we have Ann at Zoolatry to thank for it!  She even provided us with a watercolor picture of myself!  Thank you so much, Ann, your talents for web design are just amazing.  We click on just to look at it and admire the style and colors!

We have something else important to talk about this morning and that is, voting for the Picture of the Month at the DWB Bone Zone .  Now Mango entered a picture of me, when Ammy and I were doing quite a bit of singing and you can vote for it if it is your favorite. 

My Mom, got all excited, and entered a picture of Hero and his pal Tagpi.  This picture was taken by Hero's Mom of the two of them getting a big drink after a play session. Hero is a beautiful rescue dog with a heartwarming story you should read.  Hero's family is in military service in the Azores.  His pal Tagpi was left with the family temporarily when his family was relocated.  They are best friends and Tagpi will be sent to his family as soon as they can find an airplane big enough to hold him!  Anyway, I think its a great photo and I love both Hero and Tagpi so please vote for them if it is your favorite.  With all respect to Mango, I must say its mine!

You have until September 26th to cast your vote.

Again, big thanks to Ann and the Zoolatry kitties who, I know provide her with much assistance!

Oh, I have a pun for Ammy who likes jokes like I do:  A jumper cable walks into a bar and the bartender says, OK, I'll serve you, just don't start anything!  Haw, haw!

Happy Weekend, and don't forget to vote for the Photo of the Month!

Kisses,

Stella

Watercolor Portrait of Stella

Fall and Winter!

Hi Pups and Kitties! Yesterday we just did a wordless Wednesday about snowtime coming. Its at least a month away, I'd say, but sometimes we get snow in early October. Its OK, with me though. I do get tired of it when its been here for what seems like half a year, and it never seems to want to go bye-bye. But mostly it makes me feel frisky and very happy!

As this picture shows you, I love to stick my snooter in the snow and mostly I go around with a ring of snow around it.

Jake and Fergi (Two Special Wires) wrote and said they love it too, but they love the fall when they can jump in the leaf pile. Thats fun too, you guys!

Mr Darcy says he has never seen snow! I can't imagine that! Yes, it does get very cold, sometimes not until December but it gets anywhere from 20 to 40 degrees below zero Farenheit. We take very short, very fast walks then!

The OP Pack said the Farmers Almanac is predicting a very bitterly cold winter for the midwest. I wonder if that includes the Upper Midwest. You guys are south of us and should get balmy winters (haw, haw!)

Hamish asked me if I had a winter coat? I almost always do, very heavy and warm, but then I blow it in the spring and my Mom spends her days vaccing and sweeping it up! Hamish also said he finds a wee dram of whiskey helpful too, as the nights draw in. That is something I have never had, Hamish, and doubt that I ever will. But if it warms you, it sounds good!

All the Sibes wrote and said Yeah, bring it on! Khyra doesn't get much snow but she really loves it and spends the winter complaining she doesn't get enough snow. We try and come up with schemes to send her some, but so far, no go!

Princess Eva and Bricey say NO! because their Mom won't come out and play with them when it gets deep.

We think about it, because you have a certain amount of time to get out and get the yard cleaned up, any painting done on your buildings, make sure your snow shovel and such are in good condition. Its time to go to work!

OK, no more winter talk and we will think of something else for tomorrow.

Kisses,

Stella

Just thinkin' on Wordless Wednesday

Its Coming!

Its me, Ali Z!

Good morning Kitties and Pups: Thanks for stopping by! I only have time today to devote to a special friend of all of us, Max Dog of South Africa. I have an appointment with my lawyer this morning and can't be late!

If you will recall last week, Max Dog was concerned because he was having terrible nightmares of being attacked in his garden. I suggested that he find a qualified hypnotist to assist him in his dream life.

I am appalled to say that I had forgotten one of our own most qualified pups to help him and that of course, is Dr. Steve of the Washington Woos. I know if you contact Dr. Steve (any of you pups or kitties who need help beyond the words that I can offer, medical assistance of one kind or another.) Dr. Steve has helped out many of you, and I know that he can help Max.

This week Max wrote me, kind of puzzled, as to an expression his Mom uses. She apparently says "Why can't cats fly in the middle of July?" when she is asked for a reason why Max can't have something he wants.

Max, I am totally puzzled as to the meaning of this except for the fact that lots of mothers get harried and busy during their day and simply do not have time to explain everything. So they just invent a nonsense phrase like this just to Shut You Up! So when she says it, Max, I would suggest you just say to her, "knock it off with the nonsense phrase and tell me the real reason."

See what she says to that, Max!

Now I have to go, but I urge all of you pets with medical issues to contact Dr. Steve and with

community relation issues, contact me, Ali Z!

Stay well and get advice when you need it!

Meow, meow,

Ali Zophia

Books with Stella's Mom!

This is a blog takeover today because I saw a book review!

Groucho Marx said: "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, its too dark to read."

There is a review from Sunday's New York Times for a book called Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know here .

One thing that interests me the most is that Stella likes to look at my face and a little part of the review says that "An important variation from wolf behavior, dogs will look into our eyes. Though they have inherited some aversion to staring too long at eyes, dogs seem to be predisposed to inspect our faces for information, for reassurance, for guidance." This interests me because I am not a very chatty person with my pets, oh, I do talk to them somewhat, but Stella spends lots of time looking at me and she gives me the sweetest most loving face to face looks I can imagine.

I wonder if you all talk to your dogs a lot? This book says dogs love baby talk because it is different from the other sounds they hear and its just for them.

A friend who had a pair of cats said they followed her husband around constantly because he never stopped talking to them.

Perhaps because I am a deaf person, I really love silence. I don't like television, radio, people talk sound on all the time because I can't differentiate it. It becomes all one big blur of noise! Maybe both Stella and I need some baby talk! lolol

Cheers and hugs,
Jo, Stella's Mom

Something Else thats New!

Hi you Pups and Kitties!

Here is a picture of my Khyra Pup that she sent me way back when we were just new friends. I am going to tell you more about this later.

Thank you all for letting me know what you thought of me moving to the woods and hanging out with the deer dogs! Eleven of you said YES and ten of you said Not Such a Good Idea. So there was some real enthusiasm for this and just as many who had big questions about it. Hamish said maybe my fantasty was just taking over my thinking and he is probably right. I just haven't got a way to go there and my Mom was saying its a big, big deal to move somewhere you don't know. So for now, we stay here in my little bitty fenced in backyard, smelling the bunnies who are out stomping around.

But here is another thing and its about the little Khyra dog up above! My Mom likes to knit things and she bought some Husky Yarn . So she says its half Siberian Husky and half sheep yarn all spun together. She says she doesn't know what she is gonna knit with it but here is what I think! I think she is going to knit us a Sibe of our very own. I don't know how she would do that, but she can do almost anything she makes up her mind to do. Won't that be wonderful!

I am glad that yesterday Steve of the Washington Woos said he thought that Huffle is the best cat in the whole world because I agree with him there. None better than Huffle and she is of course, an honorary Husky herself! Say! Maybe my Mom should knit her a little Siberian yarn sweater, then she would have a Husky coat to wear when she gets cold! Oh, such good ideas today!

Todays an all day rainy day for us, so I think I need a nap. Happy weekend to evfurry buddy!

Kisses,

Stella

Oh, deer me!

I have been looking around, and I finally found the perfect place for us to live at. Now don't think I just was hasty about this, no, I thought about it for a long time. Mom's friend Mary sent her these pictures and this is it for me. Woods, free to roam with NO LEASH and lots of other big dogs to play with. See if you don't agree with me! My Mom just says, no other 4 leggers in the house though! We can live with that!

Ali Zophia: We have had some comments about Ali Z being some kind of advice giver, like Dear Blabby or something similar. I don't think it started out to be that way. She just never has much to say on her blog except to complain about me, Stella, and so I am happy for her to get off THAT subject. So she will answer things and comment about what people write to her, and believe me, I TRY to keep her fairly nice about it, but as you know, its not always possible. If she gets too mean, we will just have to give her the boot. Certainly, don't let her hurt your feelings because, lets face it, she's a CAT! (No offense, please, Huffle!)

I will take her out in the woods to our new home and she can mean-mouth those BIG dogs, she will see how that might work. heh, heh!

Let me know what you think about the place I picked for us to live. I think I will love it!

Kisses,
Stella

I got an award!

Look here Pups and Kitties! This is an award from my good pal Hoover the Battery Powered Dog. Thats not Hoover on the Award, that is Daisy the Pit Bull who commissioned this award

to be made by the Purple Hatter, who is keeping busy these days.

Thanks very much for this, Hoover, you are a class act yourself!

Now, who are the Class Acts, I want to give this too?

Hamish Westie is the first I can come up with.

Khyra is very classy.

Lorenza is all the time classy.

Fergi is, oh I just love her.

Lets give one to Evil Queen Natasha of the Thundering Herd. She is evil but very classy about it.

Lets give another to Woody, the Bull who is battling to regain his health. Maybe it will cheer him up. He is soooo pretty!

Thats six, that should do it. The rest of you, all know what Class Acts you are, help yourself to this award and say it came from Stella, Hoover and Daisy!

Kisses,

Stella

Its Me, Ali Z!

Hi Kitties and Pups:

Its Tuesday again and we got a lot of mail this week. Thanks to almost all of you who write. Lets look at it, shall we?

The Army of Four int the person of Ammy wrote telling me about an after dark walk she and Stormy took with their Mom. She was upset because a cat ran out of nowhere and kept running at them, then stopped and hissed at them. Ammy said she was ready to do bodily harm to the cat but her Mom stopped her.

Ammy, I personally feel it was too bad that Zim wasn't along with you because he would not have been afraid and would have known how to make friends with the cat, which it sounds like Stormy might have wanted to do. I'm sorry the cat scared you, but I am sure it intended no harm to two large dogs! Thanks for writing!

Dennis the Vizsla wrote saying I had a positive influence on his sister cat Trouble. He said She has taken down one of her Catwoman posters and put up an Ali Z poster in its place. Dennis has an interesting writing style and this is what he further said "Of korse she did not tayk the wun ware she taypd her own hed over catwomans hed it wuz a different wun but still this is a positiv step!"

Dennis, I am most happy that Trouble is looking for positive images in her life. Give her a rub for me and thanks for writing!

Maxdog in South Africa says he is having nightmares "I dream about huge monster cats who prowl my gardens perimeters. The dream extends to owners not 'controlling' them and they then take me out . I then have to submit to a cat! Is this some sort of post-kitty-kat-traumatic stress disorder?

Ah, Max, I am very sorry this is happening to you. My advice to you, would be to seek out a qualified hypnotist who could work with you, and help you to sleep better. This is serious enough to require more than just a word or two of advice. Let me know if you can find someone who can help you. Thanks for writing!

Cloud the Wonderdog wrote about cats who wag their tails. Cloud said: Why do you cats wag your tails when you are mad? I think it means "I am happy and want to play with you, Cloud!"

But apparently it don't! This is body language 101. How can you mess up something so simple?

In other words, You're doing it Wrong!

Thank you for writing, Cloud, but I must begin by telling you, there is NOTHING simple about the messages a cat's tail sends. All animals communicate with their tails. Dogs and wolves hold their tail up high when feeling confident, down between their legs when frightened. A cat's wagging tail means various things, each wag is slightly different. If the cat is at ease, she will give some nice little flicks with her tail, if she is agitated, she will whop her tail back and forth.

Did you know that domestic cats are the only felines who can hold the tail vertically while walking. So you see, you can probably assume that your cat will never want to "play" with you. Dogs play rougher than cats like, they like quieter more thinking type games than you pups do.

Thats just the way life is.

Scout 'n Freyja wrote saying "We is thinkin' that it is high time the kitties an' the doggies make peace wif each others. Make hearts not growls and hissings."

Scout and Freyja, some cats are able to make peace in their homes with dogs. For instance, myself, I live upstairs much of the time avoiding Stella, but lets face it. Since time began the cat and dog have been enemies and its not likely to change anytime soon, would be my guess. Nice thought though. Thanks for writing.

Some Opinions:

Wilbur says You are right about the brain thing. The only thing the furry beast can think about is food and peeing on everything!

Huffle says " You are always so very wise, Ali Z"

Sue said "Stella must have her paws full dealing with you." (Stella? Paws full? Me? I don't think so!)

Thanks to all the writers and thats all for this week.

Meow, meow,

Ali Zophia

Outer space things!

Hi Pups and Kitties and Bi-ped Pups:

A friend of my Mom's sent her this url for some very interesting looks at what things in outer space compare to. I am just a little interested in it, but I am betting some school kids would find it fun to look at. Just click on Earth and see how much fun you will have.

This is a picture of me sitting on my porch and I might spend some more time doing that if it stays nice out.

We are sending you all good wishes for a nice Holiday weekend and I have to send good wishes to my pal Hamish in Scotland who had a fall and hurt his foot. I hope it is all better today, Hamish! Ohhhh say, this is the kind of thing Hamish would just love to look at, he loves science of all kinds. Take a look, Hamish and all the rest of you!

Kisses,
Stella

Two Things!

Hi Pups and Kitties: Today is special because me and my Mom are splitting this blog. We each have something special to say. You know my friend Huffle (who is also a furry good friend to Ali Z) is celebrating her 500th post! She and her Mom are having a little thing going where she will earn money for every comment that is made to her blog and the total will be given to the Kitty Shelter where Huffle's Mom found her. One comment will get the donation, but only one per blogger, so don't bomb them, but do send this out to every one you know so Huffle (who is an honorary Huskey!) will have lots of money to give to his former home! Huffle is just such an excellent girlie we want her to have the pleasure of giving lots of her Mom's money away. Except we want Mom Huffle to have enough left to buy Huff a new parsley pot. (Isn't Huffle just gorgeous in her new shiney pink bow?) The rest is for my Mom!

Hi, this is Jo, Stella's Mom and I was asked by Kat at
Washington Woos to tell her if I liked the new book that Ludo and his Mom sent me. I used to just say, This is a good book, you will like it, and thats it. But this time I want to tell you some

things about it.

Amazing Gracie is the name of the dog that Dan Dye adopted after his dog died. She was going to be put to sleep by her breeder because she was an albino, partly blind and totally deaf Great Dane. (He named her Grace Dane, is that cool or what?) Dan and his pal Mark Beckloff, had bought an old Victorian house that was falling apart to refurbish while they were waiting for their right jobs to come along.

Gracie had lots of dietary problems and wasn't eating right, so Dan began baking cookies for her that were full of good nutritious things, and eventually they opened a bakery, where they sold these excellent dog treats to customers. Gracie was the official greeter, taster and PR person. You have heard of Three Dog Bakery, haven't you? There are also Mark's dogs, Dottie and Sarah and their relationship.

The book is full of heartwarming stories about how Gracie got the other two dogs to like her, how she fell in love with the Boston Terrier next door (remember she is a Great Dane!), her slippery road to the PR business, her being a Mom to a new Dane puppy, and the end of her story.

Its a wonderful lesson in seeing that the pick of the litter isn't always the very best dog, sometimes the loser of the litter is and Gracie was that!

So, it is an inspiring book, the two young guys now have bakeries all over the USA and overseas too. It is also very amusing and you will get lots of laughs out of it.

I looked on their website and they are offering a free book with a $50 order, so if your dogs like these treats, you can get a book in the bargain.

So thanks to Ludo and his Mom for sending this book, I enjoyed it and would be happy to share it with anyone on the list ( on this side of the pond!) who would return it when they finish it!

Kisses,

Stella and her Mom

Fairly Wordless Wednesday

Trying to talk to Ali Z.

Not easy.

Kisses,

Stella

Its Me, Ali Z!

Hello Kitties and Pups:

Its Tuesday and that is my day to blog. I must admit I kind of like it and enjoy reading the comments I get.

Here is one from Beckett who says Stella always leaves the impression that she is a goody-goody fourpaws. Is she really as angelic and well-behaved as she likes to think she is?

Uhh, compared to you, she probably is angelic and well behaved. However, if you are a cat, she never misses an opportunity to chase me (which I hate), to snatch any goodies Mom gives me (like a little piece of ham which I love), or just intimidate me with her size. However, I have discovered I am smarter and faster than she, so I don't get so scared of her anymore.

Cloud the Wonder Dog wrote: Why are cats so hard to get along wiff? I live with a cat who thinks she is the Queen of the Universe, but she shows contempt for me and even my Mom sometimes! Why are you like that and why can't you be friendly all the time like dogs?

Cloud, this is a very difficult question to answer. Did you know at one time in Egypt cats were

worshipped? All cats have memory of this and some more than others. So when your cat Boomer (she may just hate her name) thinks she is Queen of the Universe, she knows that once she was worshipped and would prefer you and your Mom do the same. As for all of us cats becoming very friendly like dogs . . .that will be the day, Cloud!

Hamish the Westie: Thank you for your advice but I will never trust a cat again, remembering the bloody nose one gave me almost 10 years ago.

Hamish, you really must try to forgive and forget this incident. The cat who did this to you might have been terrified of you. 10 years is a long time to be carrying this grudge against cats.

I would suggest some hypnosis to try and get rid of this bad memory. I hope you can do it.

Wilbur of Washington Woos had this comment: Furry beasts are funny. Funny in the brain, in that they don't have any brains.

Wilbur, I have to disagree with you a little. Dogs all have brains, except they are very teeny, tiny ones, telling them to eat, play and sleep. That is about it and they must draw our pity for that. Cats like you and I ,Wilbur, we have had to adjust to life with them and its not a bit easy.

Our last commenter is the eminent Joe Stains who says he thinks Martha and Bailey (who had nice comments about our last post)are "kissing up" with Tuesdays being really rough days on the blog betweens CATS and Tanner.

Joe, while we enjoy most of your blogging, its apparent that your brother Tanner (Doofus) could give Tuesday blogging a bad name. Our blog is sensible and well-read but Tanner is a whole other story. So Joe, I say you are half right! However, I do think that saying Martha and Bailey are kissing up is rude in the extreme and I will offer them an apology in your name.