Sad Exciting News

Merci: We're so far behind from being offline that we're going to get right to business.

Micah: Business? Are we getting paid for this? Because I haven't received any compensation.

Merci: No, we don't get paid for this. It's just something Jan says when we want attention and she is in a hurry.

Micah: Oh, okay, as long as I'm not getting left out when there's money being handed out.

 

Percy: Since we're getting right to business and you two are holding things up, I'll start the post. We have some very, very, very sad news for all of our Funny Farmer Feline fans. *sniff, sniff* As you know, each Friday we post a cat blogger interview to Mousebreath. Last week, we had to take a nap because we got caught without an interview. This week we were having some software problems and were offline for a few days and when we finally got online last night ... we, um, collapsed from relief and didn't get the interview together. But please come back next Friday and we will have an exciting interview for you.

However, if you'd like to leave us some tissues or a pat on the head for our effort, we did do a short post at Mousebreath, Still Napping.

Buddy:  That was the sad news.  Now I get to announce the exciting news.

Cyndi:  Hey, I thought I would get to make the announcement!

Buddy:  If you want to announce news, run to the litter box before the press conference, not during.

Now, where was I?  Oh, yes, we have been joining Rascal & Rocco's Pet Parade blog hop each week since it began and today we really join them.

Cameron:  Huh?  Buddy, that made no sense.

Buddy:  It makes perfect sense.  Today we join the Pet Parade as an official co-host.

Sam:  Oh, what a relief!  For a moment, I thought you meant we'd actually have to go join a parade and it's way too cold outside to do that.

Rusty:  It's way too cold outside to even be outside.

Sam:  What are you talking about?  It wasn't that long ago when Jan got up to let Marcus out in the wee hours in very windy one digit F weather and then got up with Buddy an hour or two later to find you sitting in front of the open door with the wind blowing through the house and the heat going.

Rusty:  Well, it wasn't my fault the door didn't close properly and the wind blew it open.  I have to take advantage of fresh air whenever and however it arrives.

Buddy:  To get back on subject, we hope you will join Rascal & Rocco's Pet Parade #26. We will be sharing co-hosting with Basil the Bionic Cat.

Stop by, join the blog hop and make new friends. 

We Are Finally Back

Sam & Buddy

Sam: We are really late getting a post up today.  Actually, it's almost tomorrow.  But we wanted to tell you we are back.

Buddy: Some of you know we have been offline much of the last week while we dealt with product support for an important program upgraded last Friday.   Jan was turned over to a product specialist yesterday.  Email is really sloooooooooow, but she was gun shy of talking on the phone and trying to follow directions while her brain was so tied up in knots.

Sam:  Okay, I see the problem.  If her brain is tied up in knots, there was no circulation, right? No wonder she was complaining of her neck and head.

Buddy:  She was really scared the guy would tell her to do something that would go haywire again and we'd end up with a big paperweight.. 

Sam:  But he was very nice and walked her through everything and checked to be sure the problems were corrected.

Buddy:   We won't mention what company since we were kind of upset we couldn't come online and don't want to cause them any problems.  They really have a good product we have relied on for years.  But we do wish their product support - the first line of help - were more knowledgeable so this could have been resolved a week ago.

Sam:  Since this is Thankful Thursday, we wanted to say how happy we are to be back online and to thank product specialist Ethan and also David (on Twitter) who extended our software subscription for the trouble. 

Buddy:  Now if you'll excuse us.  We're going to go sleep for a week.  When Jan is stressed, we're stressed, so we need a nap.  A loooooong nap!

Sam:  But first, we want to join Pepi Smart Dog's Thankful Thursday blog hop.








Buddy:  Oh, yes, and also Ruckus the Eskie's Thoughtless Thursday.  It's co-hosted by Love is Being Owned by a Husky.

Like Me With Short Legs

Sam:  Remember little Luke?  I kept an eagle eye on him while he was here. I must have done a good job because he grew up to be big and strong.  Like me. But with short legs.

Merci:  Jan cut off my head here but you should recognize my floofy tail.  We are still trying to resolve the program update problem that has been giving Jan a headache since Thursday.  She hates dealing with "tech support" of any company.  So often they don't seem to have a clue what is going on even when you explain umpteen times - and we suspect they just don't actually READ the messages.  So if we disappear again ....

Sam:  We wanted to give you a Sunday smile but it's late so we'll just do a quick post on science from kids.

 ~ H2O is hot water, and CO2 is cold water.

~ To collect fumes of sulfur, hold a deacon over a flame in a test tube. When you smell an odorless gas, it is probably carbon monoxide.

~ Three kinds of blood vessels are arteries, vanes and caterpillars.

~ The moon is a planet, just like the earth, only it is even deader.

~ Dew is formed on leaves when the sun shines down on them and makes them perspire.

~ The skeleton is what is left after the insides have been taken out and the outsides have been taken off. The purpose of the skeleton is something to hitch meat to.

~ A permanent set of teeth consist of eight canines, eight cuspids, two molars, and eight cuspidors.

~ Germinate: To become a naturalized German.

~ Momentum: What you give a person when they are going away.

~ Rhubarb: A kind of celery gone bloodshot.

~ For head cold use an agonizer to spray the nose until it drops in your throat.

~ To keep milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow.

 Today is also Black & White Sunday, co-hosted by Dachshund Nola  http://dachshundnola.blogspot.com/     and Sugar the Golden Retriever.    http://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/
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Marcus Blends Well

Sam: Here is our temporary resident hellion Marcus stealing my new toy.  Notice how well he blends into the background of dirt in sepia.  He blends well with dirt in color too. 

Percy:  We apologize for the lack of a cat interview for Mousebreath yesterday.  We didn't have anything to post and it turned out to be a blessing, as we had a computer problem yesterday that kept us off the internet all day.  We could send and receive emails, but it was a long hard day and Jan's fingers are still frozen from sitting at the computer all day trying to get things working again.  

We did do a Mousebreath post for Friday so you wouldn't think we forgot you - Nap Time. But no interview. We will return next Friday with a brand new interview with a blogging kitty family.

This is our first Sepia Saturday blog hop, hosted by Ruckus the Eskie.  Thanks for inviting us to join, Ruckus.   You're all welcome to join the sepia blog hop too.

The Pittie Brothers

Buddy:  Today's post is a happy one for us because we a couple of dogs have weighed heavily on our minds for the past two weeks.  Remember the two pit pups that were abandoned by our neighbors?  We posted about them - Luke, Pups & Marcus.

Sam: Jan contacted a rescue coordinator before they arrived at the shelter, but because of circumstances beyond everyone's control, it took nearly a week to get a photo for the rescue list.  (Jan couldn't do it.  We don't have a car now.)

Merci: Although each got $150 in sponsorship, they didn't have a place to go. And we feared the worst when the shelter opened Tuesday morning after a 3-day weekend. 

Buddy: Tuesday night Jan received a facebook message that made her cry.  The pittie brothers left the shelter with hope of a better life.  Eight dogs were pulled by rescues and we are happy for each one, but the pittie brothers were special to us because Jan knew them personally..

Sam: This morning we had more good news.  The pittie brothers and the 6 other pits that left our shelter Tuesday went north to a pittie rescue.  They will have a chance at a good life now.

Buddy:  We can't thank Connie enough.  She worked hard to find a legitimate, thoroughly investigated rescue for the pittie brothers since Jan emailed her the 7th of this month, before Connie even had a photo to send out. She does so much to help rescue animals and she's an expert at finding help for so many that would otherwise die in shelters.  And thanks to Gayle and Peggy for the photos and answering Jan's frantic "are they still alive" emails and letting us know the pups are safe.   

Merci: The neighbors' other dog, Luke, was sold prior to abandoning these two.  The nice lady who bought him loves him but can't keep him.  She wanted to protect him.  He is currently looking for a good home and he is doing well.  He came by for the afternoon Monday and we'll be posting some photos of the canine reunion soon.

  

We're joining Pepi Smart Dog for the Thankful Thursday blog hop.











And this is the first co-hosted by Ruckus the Eskie  and Love is being Owned by a Husky. 

Little Toy Thief

Sam:  Hey, look what I got as my toy of the month from DoggyLoot.  It's a Mega Mashers rubber-strengthened Mega Ring.  A special toy for a handsome dude of my extra large size. 

 Last month when Jan opened my package, Marcus swooped in and stole my toy.  This month it's ....

Marcus:  Sorry, Sam, you talk, you lose. 

Marcus:  Something's wrong, it's still attached to Jan's hand. Why didn't she let go?

Marcus:  Here, let me try again.

Marcus:  Got it.  I'll shake it up here.

Sam:  How come I never get anything of my own?  No wonder I eat the cat toys.

Marcus:  And I'll shake it up over there.

Marcus:  And I'll throw it around in the middle of the pen.  Yep, I think this will be fun to play with when Sam stops pouting and wants to play with me.

Sam:  Won't someone please adopt this little thief and give him his own toys?

Marcus: This is not a product review.  I just wanted to share Sam's toy with everyone.  Thank you for the DoggyLoot toy Ruckus the Eskie.. 

Helping the Blind Lady

Micah: It's cold here and I'm squatting on one of the warm spots Jan puts about for us.

Merci:  I like to stay outside now and then because I have a thick, warm coat.






Micah:  So what shall we do for a Sunday Smile this week?

Merci:  The humans seems to like when we post something for them, so I found this video.

Micah:  About cats and dogs?

Merci:   No, about humans.  They like to pull pranks, so this should go over well.  These people are helping an old blind lady.

Micah: What's so funny about people helping an old blind lady?

Merci:  Watch the video and you'll see. 


If the video doesn't play, click here.

Micah:  Okay, I see what's so funny now.  Do you think we could pull this on Jan?

Merci:  I don't know.  Do you think you could open a paint can?

Percy

Today is also Black & White Sunday, co-hosted by Dachshund Nola    http://dachshundnola.blogspot.com/     and Sugar the Golden Retriever.    http://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/

We Want to Text Too

Percy:  Okay, guys, let's stand together on this.  Buddy, Merci & Sam, you can join us too.  Ready?

All: Yes!

Percy:  Here goes.  Jan, can you come here for a minute?  We'd like to talk to you about something.

Jan:  If this is about wanting to skateboard in the house again, the answer is still NO!

Percy:  No, we understand we lost that battle.  *Under his breath - for the moment.*  We felines just finished an interview with some cats that get to text and we think it's so neat we'd like to try it too.

Jan:  Sorry, guys, the answer is no.

Cyndi:  But, Jan, that looks like such fun.  Why can't we try it?


Jan: Okay, if you guys really want to text, go for it.

Micah:  Wow!  We thought it would be harder to convince you.

Jan:  No, Micah, letting you learn to text is not a problem..

Cameron:  *wipes brow with paw*  Whew, that was almost too easy.

Jan:  It's not a problem for me.  But there is a problem for all of you.

Rusty:  What's that?

Jan:  I can't afford a cell phone.  You'll have to pay for your own.

Percy:  Um, Jan, about that allowance we've been requesting for years ...

Are you acquainted with the furries from the blog Life with Dogs and Cats?  There are 4 cats and 3 dogs. We interviewed the talented kitties who write blog posts, haiku and text messages. Whether you haven't met them yet or you think you know them well, be sure to stop by Mousebreath, the ezine for cats, and read their story, The Blogging, Texting, Haiku Writing Cats.

Don't forget we have Marcus available for adoption to a reputable family or rescue.  He's a 10-week-old sweetheart!  Read Marcus Speaks.

We are joining Rascal and Rocco's Pet Parade blog hop.

Marcus Tells of Penguins

Marcus:  Humor is something to be thankful for, so here I am telling Sam a story.  He thought it was funny, so I thought you might like to hear it too.

Sam is way older than I am and he didn't know this about dead penguins.  I bet you didn't either.

Did you ever wonder why there are no dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica? Where do they go? Wonder no more!

It is a known fact that the penguin is a very ritualistic bird which lives an extremely ordered and complex life.  The penguin is very committed to its family and will mate for life, as well as maintain a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.

If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into, and buried.

The male penguins then gather in a circle around the fresh grave and sing:

"Freeze a jolly good fellow." "Freeze a jolly good fellow."

You really didn't believe that I know anything about penguins, did you?

I hope you don't mind if I keep reminding everyone I'm only here temporarily.  I don't want to leave but I need a home of my own.  Jan says I'm a little cuddlebug and I'm trying hard to learn to behave like a grownup but I'm only 10 weeks old, so I'm still a young pup.  I'm in Thomaston, GA. You can read more about me in Marcus Speaks. 

We're joining the This 'N That Thursday blog hop co-hosted by 2 Brown Dawgs and Ruckus the Eskie.

And we're joining Pepi Smart Dog for the Thankful Thursday blog hop.

Bite the Biscuit

Buddy: We were going to write this post for yesterday but when Jan was taking photos Sunday, there was an accident and only a couple of photos were taken. 

Marcus:  An accident?  What happened?

Sam:  You bit her, kiddo.  Remember?

Marcus:  I did? 

Merci:  How could you forget?  Jan turned white and did a dance.

Marcus:  I don't remember.  Oh, wait, you mean when Jan held the biscuit between her fingers and I leaped so high I caught it?

Merci:  No, we mean when you bounced so high you clamped your teeth on Jan's fingers that were holding the biscuit and then tried to scrape the skin off her fingers as you fell to the ground . 

Marcus:  Oh, that.  Well, she survived, I got the biscuit, and she didn't lose control of the camera like when she tripped and threw it at the fireplace, so what's the problem?

Buddy:  You made her bleed, for one thing.  You should know she hates the sight of blood.  Actually, I'm not too fond of it myself.  But what would we have done if she had bled to death out there in the dog pen? Who would feed us?

Marcus:  Oh, it was just a little trickle of blood, unless you believe her version.  Um ... you don't believe her version, do you?

Sam:  We got to taste test some Nutro Ultra All Natural biscuits, a healthy digestion blend of oatmeal & pumpkin. They contain salmon, chicken and lamb meal, along with flax, fruits and vegetables.

Buddy:  They have no wheat, corn, corn gluten meal, soy, artificial colors or flavors, or fillers.  And the aroma is irresistible  We couldn't wait.. 

Merci:  mphfffff.

Marcus:  Oh, no, I'm not going to go through that again!  Just toss it to me, will you?

Buddy:  Thanks, Jan.

Sam:  Yum, good.

Marcus:  Hey, where's my biscuit?

Merci:  Go away, Marcus, this is my biscuit.  Go get your own.

Marcus:  I've been cheated.  Where's my biscuit?

Buddy:  Jan has been trying to give you another one but you've been running around trying to steal ours. You have to learn to pay attention.

Sam:  I guess you can tell the Nutro Ultra All Natural Biscuits were a big hit with all of us.

Thank you, Chewy.com for providing the biscuits.  We are not compensated for tasting the biscuits or for writing this.

Brothers, Luke and Marcus

Abandoned pit mix brothers

These are the abandoned pups we blogged about last week.  Two medium-size male pit mix pups approximately 6 months of age.  The one on the left of the photo is brindle, the one on your right is chocolate, most likely from the same litter.  They have not had a good life so far but they are good dogs that just need some training and lots of love to help them get past the trauma of being left in a freezing house (went down into the single digits during the time they spent in a home with broken windows and no heat) for days with no food or water.  If you haven't read their story - Luke, Pups and Marcus.

They are on a rescue list being circulated and need to be pulled from the shelter ASAP. 

They are at the Upson County Animal Shelter. 2371 Yatesville Hwy Thomaston GA, 30286. If interested contact the shelter at 706-647-5586 or email sweb@upsoncountyga.org       Pet ID: 14-48 &49 .

Luke

 Also our old friend Luke is in need of a new home.  He is not as urgent but he does need to be re-homed or fostered soon. 

He is a black and white Basset Hound mix, approximately 8 - 8 1/2 months of age.  He stayed with us for six weeks during the summer.  He was owned by the same family that abandoned the pups but, fortunately, was sold to a neighbor family before that.  They love him but sadly can't keep him. 

Marcus

With all that went on last week, we forgot to keep mentioning Marcus is ready for adoption.  We'll let him tell you about himself in our post Marcus Speaks.

All four of the animals mentioned above are good dogs who need and deserve a good home. 

Public Service Announcement:

Our friend Evelyn sent us a link to this important video yesterday and although we shared it on facebook and twitter, a lot of our friends are not on either, so we decided to add it to our post today.  This is a very good message for both children AND adults on 9 volt batteries, something most of us have several of in our home and many humans recycle them.

This man lost his home to a fire (his family and pets all got out safely) and wants to warn everyone how to be safe with 9 volt batteries in the house.  Such a simple way to save lives!  Takes but a few seconds.

You might want to share this with your family and friends too.


If the video doesn't play, click here.

Black and White Sidesplitter

Buddy:  I'm not really a bad dog.  Jan just dug this photo out of our 2008 files because she likes it.  Personally, I think my distaste for having to apologize for whatever trivial rule I broke shows on my handsome face.  We need one of Jan apologizing to US for some of the weird things she does and gets away with because she has opposable thumbs and we need her on occasion to use the can opener.

This is not a pet-related video, but we just have to share this with your humans.  Jan says it's not just a Sunday Smile, it's a Sunday Sidesplitter. We don't know about you, but we could use a good laugh after the week we had. 

These are the words of the father of the bride to his future son-in-law just before giving away his daughter.  Such a wise man.  And a good storyteller.  Enjoy.


If the video doesn't play, click here.

Today is Black & White Sunday, hosted by Nola the Dachshund  and Golden Sugar.

Chewy Luke and the Purries

 Today is Funny Farmer Feline day over at Mousebreath but before we introduce the cat bloggers we interviewed, we have some very good news!

Luke the Pee Machine

Yesterday we posted a story with this photo of Luke the Pee Machine, taken during the weeks he stayed with us this summer.  He was in boarding and from what we could understand was going into rescue because his ex-owners didn't train him and he's so strong!  Jan came home to a frantic phone message on the answering machine from the rescue lady who is trying to help get Luke's "siblings" out of the shelter.  "Where's Luke?  Is he okay?  Is he at the shelter?  Do we need to get him out too?"

So Jan walked over to ask the guy who helped her feed the 2 abandoned pups Tuesday if help is needed with Luke.  And guess what?

Chewy Luke

Meet Chewy Luke.  (One guess why he's now "Chewy" instead of  "Pee Machine.") Yep, Luke was in the yard of the neighbors who helped him when his original family kept him tied out or locked in a shed.  He was fresh out of boarding (because of the extreme cold weather) and a trip to the groomer.  They had a quick reunion and Jan hot-footed it home for the camera.  Luke is about 7 months now and as a Basset Hound mix, he's big.

 

Isn't he a big handsome boy? And such a shiny black coat. He remembered Jan and tried to climb over the fence.

Hey, Jan, pick me up!

You used to pick me up and carry me around.  Come on, pick me up! 

This is Luke and Teresa, the lady the neighbor sold Luke to (and then wanted him back).  Sorry about the laser eyes but Jan had to use flash to get the photo.

Teresa just happened to be there when Jan went by and Jan had a nice visit with the family.  Teresa aleady has several dogs and can't keep him at her house.  Family who live near us would like to keep him but one of their chihuahuas doesn't like him.  (I suspect that would be Peanut, who used to escape the fence and come visit Merci. He wouldn't allow Buddy or Sam near Merci while he was here.) 

They brought Chewy Luke in to visit Jan and she says he nearly broke her nose in a greeting.  She could tell the family loves him and they don't want to part with him, but they are looking for a good home.  There is someone who might want him, but Jan wouldn't be surprised if he ends up staying with this family.  Time will tell.  Meanwhile, Jan is relieved to know he is finally safe - and happy!

And when Jan got home?  We ALL checked Luke's scent on her clothes.  Yes, we remember Luke too.

We enjoyed our interview with all the Purries of Purrchance to Dream -  Little Isis, Daphne, Bella, Jack, Sonora, Chili, Angelo, PJ, Diego, and Spooker - and we're sure you'll enjoy reading their story.

Stop by Mousebreath, the ezine for cats by cats, for the story of  The Furry Purries of Purrchance to Dream.  

Today is Rascal & Rocco's Pet Parade blog hop #23.  If you have a blog, you can join them.