We have had a good animal year at DogDaz Zoo. Though Louise had some surgery in the summer and then got sick in November, she is on the mend. When I look back at 12 months of running and jumping and whining and catfights, I realize how blessed we are. 1 second a day gives you a great review of the DogDaz year through cats and dogs and birds and rabbits and the occasional skink. Did you know that there are over 6 minutes of seconds in a year? If that blows your mind, just skip below and watch December. Turn up the sound and dance along.
Thank you all for being part of the Zoo and watching our antics. Here is 2018 in review.
The first Sunday of 2019. All is quiet at the Zoo. Sofie is watching the world go by. The weather has been weirdly mild for January. But wait, this is the mid-Atlantic, so tomorrow it may be freezing and snow. Sofie has taken to sitting on the bench lately. Maybe it is a good vantage point to catch squirrels? Maybe it allows her to see over the fence down the street? I never see Louise up there and I am not sure Charles even knows the bench exists (Bark Out Loud). Funny how different dogs prefer different places around the yard and the house. Over the years, this spot seems to be a Sofie favorite. Solemn contemplation for the coming year? I am just happy she is quiet for a moment. Have a wonderful first Black & White Sunday of the year!
Louise watches patiently at the back door while a squirrel lunches on a left-over pumpkin. She doesn’t fuss like Sofie and Charles would do. She just sits and waits and hopes that a human will open the door so she can chase it away.
Louise is feeling better on 30 mg of Prednisone a day and special food. Fingers crossed that the good days continue. Thank you all for your prayers.
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.
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.
