Vital Cadillac Maintenance – Step 1

If you read Your Step by Step guide to gaining a Cadillac, then you should now feel confident about acquiring your reasonably priced, slightly less than new, outstandingly upholstered Cadillac.  If not, please refer back.  

Remember, you can’t maintain a Cadillac if you don’t Have a Cadillac.

Now, we all know to wash and clean the outside of our Cadillac.  A shiny exterior will gain the attention one is seeking.  However, the longevity of your Cadillac will be greatly improved if you also consider the maintenance of the interior.

Step 1 for good interior maintenance:

Especially during the early days, a bit of “spit and polish” is going to be necessary.  In order to acquire the required spit, you could throw hard earned cash away, purchasing items or, if you are feeling frugal, you can simply use wobbly bits from a slightly older model.

Diagrammatic representation of Frugal Interior Maintenance is provided below:

 

Allow new Cadillac to chew on the ear of marginally older model, thereby maintaining good “spit and polish” interior

What are you waiting for?  Rush on over to your nearest “Cadillac Supplier” (or Rescue Shelter) to gain yourself the latest high end model.

Legless! Or maybe, one too many?

One of my blog pals, the Colonialist to be exact, noted that Pixels appears to have an extra front leg.

Can you spot my 3rd leg?

Bet you can’t do that for Mischief Monday!!

PS – It’s just my chest colouring, I promise.

Ramping it up for the Rescues

Yes, the other entries are splendogorous and splencatorious and not to forget splenpigorous but I’ve just found out (yes, I’m a little slow) that there are ACTUAL PRIZES to be won.

Now you know I’m not going to take a prize for this little menagerie.  No sirree!  If there are prizes to be given, they’ll go straight to an animal shelter.  Come on guys, it’s time to vote for a shelter to get a prize.

The Valentines Ball over at Mollie & Alfie is going magnificently.

Raffles is a most regal and handsome fellow but, bless his little curly socks, he is, of course, still a pup.  He started the proceedings looking like this:

Regal Raffles with Litchi in her “A La Poodle” hairstyle (courtesy of Raffles’ Help)

But soon found the decorations simply irresistible:

How can any pup, regal or not, be expected to ignore such delectable toys?

Litchi, whom many believe to be a true Lady but whose hidden nature is that of Manic Mania, joined in the fun like this:

Maniac Litchi trying to catch pieces of decor tossed about by Raffles

Raffles, on having been admonished by the bouncers, retreated in shame to hide in the bushes:

Raffles, like any young one at their first party, landed up in the bushes!

But Litchi, knowing it was her duty as the “more mature” half of this couple, ran to her rescue, bribed the bouncers (she learnt that from Doggy) and ensured their return entry to the Ball:

Litchi rushes to Raffles Rescue

Shadow and Coccolino also started the festivities in fine style:

Cocco, the true gentlepig, arrived with a cupcake gift when he collected Shadow

But as the alcohol flowed, he managed to relieve another guest of their costume and give Shadow some good giggles along the way:

What girl wouldn’t laugh at a man wearing pirate skulls for Valentines?

Realising he was on to a good wicket, he sneaked Shadow off to teach her how to steal the best quality drinks on the sly:

Well, no cat is going to say “No” to some stolen, spiked milk

But once the shenanigans were over, Cocco certainly put his best hoof forward and my, oh my, what an accomplished dancer he proved to be:

Now tell me, how could these two possibly not win King and Queen of the Ball?

Moving onto the youngest attendee at the ball.  Little 8 week old Pixels and the two most utterly handsome dates in dogville, Scout and Teddy:

As the Lady we trust she will grow up to be, she donned a fabulous hat to match her Gentledog partners

What kitty could say no to the perfect Black & White partners, sporting their top hats with style and grace?

Scout seemed really taken by Pixels and gave her his best Toothy Grin

To which Pixels replied with an:

Eeeeeek!

But soon realised that these two stunners were nothing, if not caring, gentle, slobberbugs well worthy of her paw pats.

Enough jabbering – get yourselves off to Mollie & Alfie and cast your votes for King and Queen of the Ball and Best Dressed.

Again, I warn you, DO NOT look at the other entries.  They are spectacular and brain cells will instantly ignite into an inferno.

Remember, you are voting to get a Rescue Shelter a PRIZE.  You are voting for the DESTITUTE, the HOMELESS, the UNLOVED and ADORABLE!  This is YOUR CHANCE to make a DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES!

PS – All photos of dates were maliciously stolen off their blogs.  They may sue me but would have to stand in line with the other 3258 other claimants.  We suspect your court date would be scheduled for around 2098.

The Rescue Animals of the World unite in saying THANK YOU!

The Green-Eyed Monster

Litchi is jealous.  Yes, I know this is not a very ladylike emotion but really, since we got back from holiday it’s been nothing but CATS!

So, not wanting to land up on the wrong side of DOG, we are hereby joining Roxy the Travelling Dog in the Travel the Blogville World blog hop.

Welcome to Sunny South Africa!

Just the ticket! Some refreshing sea breeze ruffling our ears and tongue

We spent our Christmas holiday in East London (Eastern Cape province).  It’s a rough life in Africa, as I’m sure you can tell!

Now, if that’s not a Smiley, Happy dog, then I simply don’t know what is!

As you can see, this particularly region, during Peak Holiday Season, is simply thronging with people

Litchi’s absolute favourite game in the WORLD is CATCHING SAND

Alright, so she’s not entirely normal.  I’ll have you know, however, that getting a photo of a dog jumping for sand proved to be a lot more taxing than I’d thought.

Phtt!!! That sand is Salty!

Unsurprisingly, she did find the beach sand somewhat over seasoned.

I’m ready for it – kick that sand already!

I could swear I had feet before this game started.

As far as Litchi is concerned, this was just the best holiday EVER!.  Sun, sea and beach (forget the surf, though – this is not a swimming dog).

Smile for the camera Litchi

She’s smiling so hard her eyes are even closed.  I think that says it all!

And, finally, showing off her all important Christmas present. Her bright and cheery new collar

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Kitty Yoga

For your quick Monday smile, Pixels would hereby like to demonstrate one of the best known Kitty Yoga positions – Lick Your Toes:

KITTY YOGA

HA, HA!! BET YOU CAN’T DO THAT!

As you can see, she’s proving to be quite the naughty little minx.

Pixels! Or is it?

Help! I need a name

It’s Sunday, late afternoon (fine, you’re right, it’s not Sunday.  It’s quite obviously Tuesday but give me a break here, we’re pretending we are still on Sunday). 

I’m about to leave the house to go on my Jangles search expedition when the call comes in.  There’s a 6-week old kitten at the vet, having been hit by a car (she’s alright but scared and needs a home).  Would I take it?

Do these guys know I’m a sucker or what!?

Oh she’ll fall for me – yes indeed!

Yes, I am a pathetic sap but my priority is Jangles.  I will not give her a home but I will foster her and find her a home (falling for that?  No?  Didn’t think so).  BC (Basket Case hubby) reacts as usual.  The eyes roll in exasperation.  The sigh is heavy.  We’re too busy.  We’ve got too many animals.  We have to find Jangles.  Finally, I get the expected “oh, alright, we can go past and see her.  Then we’ll decide”.

Nothing ever changes.  We get there, he picks her up, says her name is Saragon (what???) and we are keeping her.  Nice to have consistency in life.

So, is it Pixels or not?

We are not, necessarily, falling for his pleas to keep her.  It all depends on her interactions with the other members of this zoo.  She is, however, cute as a button and worming her way into my heart at a steady speed – who’d have thought?

So, here’s where you guys come in.  Saragon – it sounds like Sarah-Gone.  How can you name a cat as “gone”?  Apparently Saragon is some fantastical dragon.  I care not!  So, with a few bats of the eyelashes and other womanly wiles, he resigns and says she will then be Pixels.  OK – that’s definitely cuter and, being a Tortoise Shell, probably quite appropriate.

Say What?

What do you guys think?  Does she remain Pixels or do you have any fantastic, clever, cute and adorable names to add to the list? 

My search for Jangles continues and all leads remain as valuable as ever.  Come home sweet Jangles.  Pixels or not, she only stays if you say it’s OK and I need you here to decide that.

Come home baby girl – please!

Nothing like a Mothers Love

No matter the sadness, fear, illness or otherwise, I simply cannot (or will not) stay depressed.  It bothers and annoys me and there’s simply too much good out there to share.  So, onto a better story, whilst we await the return of Jangles.

This one is definitely worth reading:

Clinging on for dear life to the side of a vertical cliff, the tiny lion cub cries out pitifully for help.

Lion Cub having fallen down a nasty precipice

His mother arrives at the edge of the precipice, with three other lionesses and a male.  The females start to clamber down together but turn back, daunted by the sheer drop.  Eventually,  one single factor determines which of them will risk her life to save the youngster – motherly love.

Who’s brave enough for this rescue?

The drama begins:  The mother arrives at the edge of the cliff as her son cries out for rescue, after being trapped when he slipped.

On the brink:  Four lionesses look over the edge, before aborting their rescue mission because of the sheer drop.

Slowly, agonisingly, the big Mother cat edges her way down towards her terrified son, using her powerful claws to grip the crumbling cliff side.

The undying love of a mother, risking life and limb for her baby

One slip from her and both animals could end up dead at the bottom of the ravine.

Just as the exhausted cub seems about to fall, his mother circles beneath him and he is snatched up in her jaws.

It’s an equally dangerous climb back up but a Mothers Love will never fail

She then begins the equally perilous journey back to the top.

Minutes later, they arrive and she gives the frightened creature a consoling lick on the head.

A Mothers kiss can fix everything!

The dramatic rescue, captured by wildlife photographer Jean-Francois Largot, was played out in Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve.

This story was emailed to me and I immediately realised that it epitomised the lengths to which I will go to for the safe return of Jangles.  This mothers love is just as strong.  I simply had to share it.

Recue Reveal – Homeward Bound

So, you’ve been convinced to adopt (remember our Magnificent Moggy and Mutt Mania posts?).  Tell me you do and that I managed to convince you to rush off and rescue an animal in need.  Good!  So, now you’re looking for just the right places to find just the right dog.  Yes, today is about dogs – sorry cats, I love you all dearly but you’ll get your chance.

Cute enough to convince you to adopt – surely!

Right then, dogs it is and Golden Retrievers sound fabulous.  So, if you’re in America, you need to get your derrière over to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.  Yes, I know America is a big place but, even if you’re not in Northern California, it’s still worth the drive (of course, it’s not my derrière taking the punishment).  This volunteer organisation rescues and heals displaced, abandoned and homeless Golden Retrievers and Golden / Labrador mixes, no matter their age or health.

OK, just to keep the cats happy, there is a cat in this photo

Some of you may already know Homeward Bound through Ogee’s blog Gardens for Goldens.  The author of this blog joined them in November 2011.  With a small army of volunteer gardeners, the restoration of the Memorial Garden, a place designed to serve as a tribute to rescued Goldens was revitalized into a place of peace and remembrance.  Hop over to Gardens for Goldens to see what a fabulous job has been done.

How could anyone resist a Golden? They can’t even resist themselves!

Please note that all pictures on this post have been maliciously stolen off the above blog site.  I couldn’t leave you without cute, gorgeous, aw moment photos to get the adoption juices flowing.

Don’t forget to hop onto the Homeward Bound website to see how you can help.  Even if you can’t adopt, they have many ways you can make a difference.  They rescue, provide medical care and find loving homes for over 700 dogs each year!  That’s some awesome figures there!

Signing off – it’s time to sleep

Last request, please also pop over to Savannah’s site, where their “Real Rescue Cats Are Talking” interview is a story from Nylablue, who migrated to wordpress this year and has lost oodles of followers in the process.  It would be wonderful if you could give them your support.

Rescue Reveal – Animal Ambulance

Happy Little Bubbles!

At a visit to a local Flea Market  the other day, I was lucky enough to meet up with some of the utterly fabulous people from Animal Ambulance.  At their stall, they had with them one of their long term resident dogs – Bubbles.

BUBBLES – so soft, so sweet, so gentle. Oh, the temptation to rush back and get her!

Oh my, what a cutie-pie Bubbles is.  I would have taken her that minute if I had space for another animal.  She has been there for about a year now, still awaiting a suitable “forever” home.  She is just the sweetest, gentlest character you could possibly imagine and I fell instantly in love with her.  I’m such a complete softy!

BUBBLES – the cutie pie!

I shall be doing a visit to Animal Ambulance as soon as possible and simply cannot wait for the opportunity.  They are based in Pretoria, South Africa and rescue abused and sick animals.  They are a Pro-Life organisation and treat all the animals as part of their family.  Animals are not left outside or in cages/kennels.  The animals get to experience a true “home” feeling, roaming the property and sleeping indoors (well, maybe not the donkeys but certainly the cats and dogs).

BUBBLES – the sweetest, friendliest little face!

Animal Ambulance is a 24 hour emergency centre for the abused, sick and, whenever possible, those animals on death row at other shelters.  The people I met are warm and friendly and clearly adore animals.  Their very first response to me was “come through and visit us, you’ll love it and immediately know what we are all about”.  Any organisation that keen to have you visit is clearly doing a great job.

Look at my tail go. I just want loves and cuddles.

As with all Pro-Life Shelters, the more animals they can adopt out, the more they can take in and help.  Anybody looking for a real little cuddle-bunny should seriously consider Bubbles, or visit Animal Ambulance to choose from hundreds more.

Financial Suicide – Is It Going Too Far?

Do you job right and this could be Doggy’s new home!

As Standard Operating Procedures go, I would have to say “Yes”.  Financial Suicide should never be ones primary aim.  However, in Doggy’s case, his attempt at self inflicted ruin is for Movember.  Doggy has promised to donate 50c for every comment he receives on This Post.  Not only that but he’s also managed to get a private donor to match his donations.  He is only 25 comments away from his goal so, if you haven’t yet commented, please pop over and do so.  Help Doggy to be relegated to living in a cardboard box.  It’s your public duty!

Could you deny this face a treat?

Whilst you’re over there, bask in the sunshine of the Blogville spirit, where The Lonely Dogs have kindly agreed to join me in the quest to win and donate to Battersea Animal Shelter, in Doggy’s Greatest Blog Contest of All Time.  If you have not yet voted and are still feeling the guilt well up due to my previous post, know that you still have time and you now have two choices, both my entry and that of The Lonely Dogs.  If either entry wins, the beautiful but treat deprived animals of Battersea Animal Shelter, will be given treats from Mollie’s Dog Treats

How about this beauty? Could you really say “No” to this?

One comment, one vote and you’ve performed both your public and animal duty!