Relationships & Family

5 Ways to Help Animal Rescue Efforts

jbloustein — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:35:59 -0600

While my dog Kelly snoozed in her cozy little bed in the living room, I watched a television news report of the recent earthquake in Chile.

In addition to the tragic human suffering, my heart went out to the homeless dogs and other pets displaced after the disaster.

Fortunately, many hard working groups help animals following natural disasters. Here are some ways you can help, too.

1. Contribute to rescue efforts.

Unexpected Friends

jbloustein — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:27:01 -0600

Just a few more things to do on the computer before bed. I glanced down at my feet, expecting to see Mocha, our chocolate Lab.

But the floor was empty. Mocha was gone.

For 12 years he’d been my constant companion. Although Mocha was “my dog,” Hazel, my wife, loved him just as much. Mocha and I played catch with a Frisbee and explored the woods near our rental house in Rockport, Massachusetts.

5 Great Presidential Pets

jbloustein — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:14:27 -0600

Bo relaxing in the Oval Office. Bo meeting the press. Bo playing in the snow.

Time for McGee

batch — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:22:50 -0500

Why wouldn't this cat leave me alone?

I put my hands to his plush, blue-gray fur and pushed him gently off my computer keyboard, where I was typing up minutes from yet another committee meeting. McGee yawned and tapped me playfully with his paw.

"I have a lot of work to do before bed," I told him. "No time for your games." McGee flicked his tail lazily and gazed up at me with emerald green eyes. He was a beautiful cat and a rare breed, according to our vet: a Russian blue.

Purrs, Licks and Cuddles

mcherkezian — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:02:42 -0600

Some pets are demonstrative with affection, while some are more reserved. Just like people. Yet we all like to know how much we mean to others. Here are some ways our pets show us love.

1. Hugs and Kisses
My dog Kelly plasters big sloppy licks on our lips. In the canine world, licking is a submissive social signal. But we often equate this with kissing.

Watch the Fur Fly

jbloustein — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:42:32 -0500

It’s pretty easy to figure out how to help your overweight dog: Take him out for a walk. Throw a stick. But what about your cat?

Some people describe their feline friends as sedentary, sluggish, laid-back. Okay, lazy.

Forget chasing mice. These cats consider exercise climbing to their favorite perch by the window. Naturally, this often leads to weight gain.

Here are five ways to get your mobility-challenged kitties active:

1. Try new toys.

Post-Holidays and Your Pets

jbloustein — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:50:08 -0600

The holidays are over, but in many homes the decorations linger.

We leave our Christmas tree up until New Year’s Day, but friends of ours leave theirs up until Epiphany, or Little Christmas. Plants, candles and decorations still adorn tabletops.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, some of these holiday items could pose a hazard for our pets.

1. Bubble Lights

The Cat Who Came Back

jbloustein — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:17:23 -0500

We didn’t need another cat.

When a friend dropped by with a tiny white kitten in search of a home, we determined to be adamant. No more cats.

This one looked around calmly, not at all intimidated by the two cats (one vastly pregnant) glaring at her from their separate corners. Then she yawned, climbed up onto my husband’s lap and into the pouch of his hooded sweatshirt, and fell fast asleep.

It was love at first sight.

Holiday Cards That Help

jbloustein — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:54:35 -0600

Snowy village or a manger scene?

“Joy” or “Peace on Earth”?

We select our Christmas cards with great care. After all, the cards will be delivered to very special people.

This year, I discovered a way to send beautiful pictures, touching sentiments, and help to pets all over the nation. With these dog- and cat-themed holiday greetings, a portion of the purchase price will benefit worthy animal organizations.

Our Year with Penny

jbloustein — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:15:40 -0500

The day I met Penny my life was pretty much falling apart.

My husband had just told me he wanted to leave. We were in the middle of a remodel, and our house literally was falling apart. I had a job at a costume store in a city south of Los Angeles. But I felt farther than ever from my dream of being a Hollywood costume designer.

How was I even going to make my house payment?