Its Me, Ali Z !

OK, Everybuddy, its not Tuesday, but my assistant will not be here on Tuesday, so we are publishing today.

Thank you for sending your questions.  Uh, my Mom says some of you think I am a little harsh, so I am working on that, OK? 

Lets start with the Mountain Girl, KB, who asks "What do you think of my idea that it's my 'Year of the Bobcat'?"   I think any cat can only bring you good fortune for a year, the Bobcat is a strong, intrepid animal who knows exactly what to do in any situation.  Beautiful and exotic, 2010 shall be The Year of the Bobcat for whomever chooses it.  Good luck in your surgery this week, all of us Cats are rooting for you and your recovery. (Also K's whom we just read about!)

From Cloud the Wonderdog:  " Ali Z we luv you just the way you is!  Please answer me dis question, HOW LONG IS DIS WINTER GOING TO LAST??"  Technically, Cloud, it is exactly three months, from December 21st to March 21, in the northern hemisphere, June 21 to September 21 in the southern hemisphere.  Winter is defined as the time when the axis of the earth is pointed away from the sun.  Here in Minniesnowda where I live, its often from December 1st to April 1st Or Longer.  So, in other words, don't hold your breath waiting for warmth on your tummy!

The OP Pack asked "Why would Ali Z want to stay upstairs all alone when she could come down and let Stella entertain her."   Raowr!  Maybe its because the feeling of a big, wet, cold nose intruding onto my body parts really, really annoys me, maybe its because I hate being chased in the house, maybe its because she is big and clumsy and I would rather spend my days in quiet contemplation than to have that dog "entertain" me.  Uh, I hope that answers your questions.

Dennis the Vizsla asks in his unusual spelling: "hay ali z, why do trixie and tucker gang up on me laytly?"

Uh, Dennis, I haven't spoken to either Tucker or the beautiful Trixie lately so I can't really say for sure.  Perhaps it is their way of telling you that they are not really up for any of your freaky adventures right now and if they shoo you off, their chances of avoiding something scary are much better.  Just a guess, though!

Mango asks "Why does Momma insist that I should drink out of my water bowl after I have slobbered in it?

She says Oh, Mango, its your own slobber, just drink."  But I make sad face until she fills it with fresh water. I mean she wouldn't drink the water she spits out after she brushes her toofers, right?:"  Uh, Mango, I really can't speak for your Momma's personal habits, but if fresh water is very important to you, I think you should have it.  Just hold fast with that sad face, until you get just what you want.  Congrats on your second Mango Minster dog show!

The Handsome Joe Stains asks "Why does Cat Poo taste so good, we can't get enough of it?" 

OK, Joe, its true that many other animals, including dogs, eat poo because poo contains vitamins produced by the intestinal bacteria that the animal can't absorb through the intestinal wall.  So they get these vitamins by eating poo.  Dogs and some other animals also eat poo because it contains protein.  Dogs are especially fond of cat poop because it is very high in protein.

But, Joe, don't get the idea that this is OK for you to do, because it isn't.  Poop can contain many parasites, including giardia, coccidia, roundworms and whipworms.  Also clumping litter can cause you serious health problems.  So its best just to ask your Mom for extra protein and FORGET the Cat Poo! 

Thats all for today, Pups and Kitties, thanks for the questions and send some more for next week.  I should appear on my regular day.

Meow, meow,

Ali Zophia