Pet Pfest 2019 – Part 1

The Pflugerville Public Library held its annual pet celebration – the Pet Pfest – this afternoon! Here was today’s schedule:

There was no way I could attend ALL the above activities and see all the animals, let alone pet them! Unfortunately, I did not see the Northwind Farm horses, though they do make semi-regular appearances at the library. I did, however, meet several lovely dogs and their people!

This is Sunshine! Her owner Elizabeth and I chatted for a bit. I thought Sunshine has a great smile and hoped to capture it in a photo!
This is Sydney, also owned by Elizabeth. She LOVED all the attention she received. When I first saw her, I could not resist saying “Oh my, she’s so fluffy!” (She really is.)
Although it’s hard to see in the photo, Lubo is wearing a harness. He is a police dog and part of the Pflugerville Police Department K9 Unit. Lubo responds to commands in Czech and loves holding onto his Kong toy.
This is Holden, a stately yet goofy Great Dane. He is a mobility service dog for his handler Rob, but today was his day off from work – and he was quite the attraction. Holden loves scritches behind the ears.
This is Jones. He is available for adoption from the Pflugerville Animal Shelter. He is a big, handsome boy with soft ears and he loves treats. Can you provide a good home for him?
This is Lulu. She is also available for adoption from the Pflugerville Animal Shelter. She wasn’t so interested in treats but she did like pets. Her bright orange vest says ADOPT ME. Can you really say no to that sweet face?

National Cat Day

Hooray, hooray! It’s National Cat Day!

Oh wait. I’m pretty sure that’s every day at our house. The clowder insists that we celebrate, even if we don’t give them new toys every day. Instead we give them adoration.

Garrus and Charlie observed National Cat Day with an appropriately cute snuggle. Not quite a heart shape but bromance-flavored nonetheless.

When I told Mau it was National Cat Day, this was his response. Typical.

Everyone wanted to bro down for National Cat Day. Note Garrus’ intense side eye.

How will you celebrate National Cat Day? Will there be catnip-filled merrymaking, new toys, and cat tower carousing? Share in the comments!

Box Monsters

Aaahhh! My house has been invaded by box monsters! At least they’re fluffy and cute.

This one could be called a Box Maunster!

Garrus gave me so much side-eye when I started taking photos.

Charlie, on the other hand, was more interested in playing around the box, rather than in it. The cats are quite intrigued when I’ve tossed toys into the box – a scavenger hunt is very exciting!

I managed to catch one of the box monsters in action!

Being scampery box monsters can be quite tiring, so obviously a snuggle is warranted.

Gentleman Cat Side-Eye

Sometimes the cats decide to doze on the bed. Garrus tends to curl up near the pillows and looks at us like we just insulted his mother if we ask him to move so we can sleep too. Such a snooty face! But, because he is a Gentleman Cat, he does move.

“It’s only Wednesday? How disappointing. I’m going to nap on your side then.” ~Garrus

“Pardon me, but I believe these jeans belong to me. I find them most comfortable. I’m sure you won’t miss them.” ~Garrus

Occasionally we can convince him that he doesn’t have to move immediately and instead could just enjoy a bed visit. Even if he starts purring, more often than not he’ll still give us a healthy dose of side-eye. I’m pretty sure if he could speak in English, he would be a deadpan snarker.

If your cats could talk, what do you think they would say? Would they have a sense of humor? Share in the comments!

International Cat Day

Honestly, isn’t this every day at my house? Officially, International Cat Day was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and other animal rights groups. So you have an official 24 hours to venerate your Fur Person of the feline persuasion as they likely demand.

You may now pay your respects by kissing the paw. This one only.

Garrus and Charlie are most particular about their regular sunbath treatments and lounging areas.

“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” Photo courtesy of Pexels

Special Post: Mini Horse Petting Zoo!

The Pflugerville Public Library is wonderful in many ways, and here’s one of them: they offer extraordinarily fun and innovative programs. One of them was a petting zoo for adults! On Thursday evening, patrons got to meet a pair of mini horses from the North Wind Horse Farm. These were trained therapy horses as well. How cool is that?

This is Boo! His nose was incredibly soft. His owner said his favorite thing to do, besides eating, is to be loved on and petted.

It was difficult to get a good photo of Praline because he kept turning around and showing me his rump! Apparently Praline loves to play chase with his horse and dog buddies at home, so he’s quite the character.

Have you ever met and petted mini horses? Have you heard of horse or equine therapy? Share your experiences in the comments!

DOGust and Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs

Happy DOGust everyone! And, whew, it is HOT. So obviously it’s time for indoor parties. Do you throw birthday parties for your pets? I have friends who celebrate their dogs’ birthdays. However, if you don’t always know your dog’s birthdate. Thanks to the efforts of the North Shore Animal League and the ASPCA, the month of DOGust and the Universal Birthday for Shelter and Rescue Dogs came into being!

Photo courtesy of Pexels

At a loss at how to throw a DOGust-worthy “pawty”? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. If you’re going to have any outdoor activities, do it early in the morning and in the shade. Dogs can get overheated and sun- or heatstroke.
  2. Offer lots of water to human and canine guests to keep them cool and comfortable.
  3. Don’t forget refreshments. Peanut butter treats would be a good idea, or, for the ambitious, a bone-shaped puppy cake.
  4. Provide splash time in a kiddie pool and lots of toys so everyone can play. If some want to play inside, that’s okay too.
  5. In lieu of presents for your pup, request that guests make a donation to a local shelter or rescue group. This can be cash, supplies, time, or skills!
  6. For party favors, all the canine attendees could get bandanas.
  7. Remember to take plenty of snazzy photos!
  8. Have fun!

Photo courtesy of The Dodo

Pet Photo Day

Clearly we need such a holiday! I couldn’t find the creator of this lighthearted pet holiday but still appreciate the sentiment. Onwards to pet photos!

Garrus really enjoys snoozing on the ottoman. In the afternoon he sunbathes here. This is also one of his favorite visiting spots. I’ve been able to occasionally put him on my lap and give him scritches.

Charlie found himself a sunny spot. This is an excellent dual birdwatching and meditation perch.

Mau chills out on the chair, patiently waiting for a human lap to appear.

Feel free to share your pet photos in the comments!