The cats are always amazed by the lights of the Christmas tree (which you can see reflected in the window behind Noel and Stella in this picture from 2013). K8 caught them watching the twinkling from a safe distance. Nine, of course, was climbing the tree, doing his best to undo all the wonderful decorations that everyone was putting up.
Don’t forget to celebrate the shortest day and longest night of the year (Winter Solstice) next Friday in the Northern Hemisphere. We will start to gain a bit more daylight every day from the Winter Solstice until the Spring Solstice in June.
I can not imagine a life without cats. Happy Caturday.
DOGDAZ HOLIDAY LIST TO KEEP THEM SAFE
Here is a list of what to be careful of this holiday season for your cats and dogs and rabbits and guinea pigs and potbellies and ferrets, and…..
Bones – Small turkey and ham bones can lodge in the throat, stomach and digestive tract requiring surgery to remove. Also, the fats and gravies that you may add to your pets’ food can cause diarrhea and vomiting (and ultimately pancreatitis (Yuk!)).
Christmas Trees – These create a whole realm of dangers for your pet. Poorly secured trees can fall on rambunctious pets as the runaround or try to climb them. Pine needles can cause GI irritation and perforation. Sharp or breakable ornaments should be kept well out-of-the-way of curious mouths and paws. Christmas trees may contain additives and preservatives, which leach into the water and can be toxic if ingested. Tinsel, yarn, and ribbon can cause linear foreign bodies (get wrapped up throughout the intestinal tract) and create a blockage and/or possible perforations.
Electrical Cords – These are always a hazard to curious kittens and puppies but the extra lights and decorations this time of year is even more tempting. Make sure that all electrical cords are in good condition and out of reach.
Holiday Plants – Many plants can be poisonous to your pet. The holidays add a few more to that list and include mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies, and holly (the berries are especially toxic).
Lost Pets – The holidays make it easier for pets to sneak their way out of the house with the extra guests and visiting friends going in and out. Be sure to keep identification on your pets and keep them contained in a bedroom or behind a gate if you are expecting a lot of foot traffic through your front door.
Sweets– Holiday candy can cause GI problems and become toxic once ingested. Chocolate is one of the most common causes of toxic reaction in pets. The darker the chocolate the worse it is. Do not place wrapped boxes of chocolate under the tree – dogs can sniff them out. Also be sure to keep the candy dishes covered so playful paws aren’t tempted to fish them out.
Noel, The Christmas Cat
2009
Have a safe and healthy holiday!!
Just another CATDogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Cat, cat blog, Cat People, cats, caturday, Christmas tree, dog, DogDaz, holiday safety list, lorian lipton, pet blog, pet care, pets, Winter solstice
I found a Sofie and Charles this year to add to the Louise guarding the house for the holidays.
And of course, there is always Mama and baby bear in the woods.
Good thing my neighbors know we are dog crazy.
How come I never find Christmas cat decorations? I guess I may have to make some for next year.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Blog, blog hop, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, holiday lights, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, Wordless Wednesday
Being December, the fairy garden and Christmas dog are lit up under the DogDaz pines.
It gets dark around 4:30 PM here, so we get to enjoy the twinkling of the holiday lights for a long time in the evening.
The early darkness also means we are walking at a time when many cars are coming home for the evening and people are tired and speeding around the corners. Of course, everything I wear is black and so is Louise. To keep us safer during the walking time the girls wear lights around their necks (maybe I should too?). I definitely think you see Louise better with her glowing red collar, Sofie, not so much because she is blond and it is hidden in her fur.
Do you wear lights when walking in the dark? 
Be safe out there. It’s a zoo!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: blog hop, dog, dog collars, dog walking, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, funny dogs, lorian lipton, Mischief Monday, Pet, pets, xmas lights
Stella and Noel in the herb window 4 or 5 years ago with Hanukkah lights and Christmas pickles.
Puppy Louise, about 8 years ago, helping us select a Christmas tree.
And yes, the tree actually fit in the trunk of the Prius.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Black and White Sunday, blog hop, Cat, cats, christmas, cute dogs, dog, DogDaz, Dogs, Hanukkah, Holiday, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, postaday
Blah blah blah blah blah!!!!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Blog, blog hop, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, Wordless Wednesday
November in review: our usual 1 second a day video for the month past. It was a very up and down month for Louise health wise. Now that it is December we are hoping that she will perk up more with the wonders of the holidays. You may notice some more food pictures creeping into the month. That is because Mom started a new food blog: From Lorian’s Kitchen and we spend a lot more time in the kitchen with her these days. If you like Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and Occasionally Vegan Deliciousness you should check it out. She may even feature dog food since she makes so much of it.
What kind of mischief did you get into today?
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: 1secondaday, blog hop, dog, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, funny dogs, lorian lipton, Mischief Monday, Pet, pets
Tonight we celebrate the first night of the festival of Hanukkah.
When I walked out of my office, Sofie was playing dreidel all by herself. “But Sofie,” I said, “Hanukkah doesn’t start until tonight.”
I bet you it was Mini Cooper who stole the gelt (candy) and the dreidel (top) from the Hanukkah table in the living room and gave them to Sofie (to get her in trouble).
Sofie was not exactly sure what to do with these new prizes, so she brought them to me (good girl!). Dogs don’t get chocolate gelt in this house!
On the first night of Hanukkah, we like to play the dreidel game. In the case of the dogs, we use bones instead of gelt. But someone seems to always spoil the game by running away with a dreidel and try to eat it.
DogDaz Zoo is sending you light and love this holiday season.
May each day bring you closer to your dreams.
Let the holiday games begin!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Blog, blog hop, cats, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, Hanukkah, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, postaday
A rare video that Peanut took while she was sitting with Stella. Stella is such a lovey dovey girl to humans, it is a shame she does not like other cats so that she can’t be out in the general population. I think she would really enjoy all the people.
I cannot imagine a life without cats!
Just another CATDogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Animal, animal awareness, animals, Cat, Cat People, cats, caturday, DogDaz, lorian lipton, pets, postaday
Louise actually was hungry yesterday. That is such good news since she has been refusing food for weeks now due to pancreatitis. Maybe it was the yummy lean turkey, rice, pumpkin and mixed veggies that I made. Whatever it is, I am so glad that she is taking an interest in food. She actually was jumping up at me, which is her playful way when I am taking her bowl to the mat. Nothing can make a Parent happier (whether dog or human) than to see them eat after they have been sick.
She misses her kibble though. This mushy stuff goes down real quick. Should I try to go back to some commercial dry? And how do I make sure of all the supplements that I should put in my homemade stuff? I am no dog nutritionist and this is becoming a huge experiment (digestive enzymes, fish oil, vitamin E, coconut oil, B12, selenium, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and methionine to name just a few). For years, I have had the feeding of my 7 animals, with 8 different foods, down to a science, but this has now thrown me for a loop because it is going to be long term. Do I move all the dogs to the homemade diet once I figure out the complete mix?
Do you cook for your pup? How do you get the right stuff in the mix? Do you have multiple animals? Do they all eat the same thing?
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Blog, blog hop, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, home made dog food, lorian lipton, pancreatitis, Pet, pets
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