February 5th, 2012
Bonnie
I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through. ~ Jules Verne
Unfortunately many wonderful cats end up at an animal shelter through no fault of their own.
Bonnie is a lively, playful girl. As you can see in her photo, she likes to rearrange the tissue paper in the bathroom! Bonnie was born in the spring of 2009 and has striking coloring and long pretty fur.
If you are looking for an independent girl who would like to be your only kitty, please visit Michigan Animal Rescue League. Bonnie is waiting for you! ~ Mary Ellen
Tags: Cat Adoption, Cat Care Program, Cats, Family Stories, Michigan Animal Rescue League, Rescued Cats
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January 29th, 2012
Summer 1952 with Grandma
A place for everything and everything in its place. ~ Grandma
I love organizing projects. My two-hour adult enrichment program, Managing your Paperwork, attracted hundreds of students when I offered it in eleven different school districts several years ago.
My personal and professional papers are in excellent order. However, even if you are like me and have a wonderful system, there comes a time to review and recycle.
The shredder has been working overtime for weeks. Normally I repurpose brown paper grocery sacks for the recycling bin, but I have created such a huge pile of shredded paper that I have purchased tall paper lawn bags. The first sixteen bags are already in the bin!
Space. Beautiful empty space for new creative ideas to bloom and flourish!
Tags: Family Stories, Granddaughter, Summer Afternoon, Summer picnic, Walks in the park
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January 22nd, 2012
Sara
Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death
they would be asked two questions and
their answers would determine whether
they could continue their journey in the afterlife.
The first question was, ‘Did you bring joy?’
The second was, ‘Did you find joy?’
~ Leo Buscaglia
My husband and I volunteer one morning a week at Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) in Pontiac. We wipe out cages, clean kitty litter boxes and mop the floor. However, our most important task is to offer love and attention to the residents as we carry out our duties.
Darling kittens make us laugh as they tumble about and explore, but it is the grown-up cats who steal our hearts. This week we wept with joy to discover a favorite boy had been adopted.
Please visit a local shelter to discover all of the beautiful cats waiting for a home. If you want to be a one cat family, ask to meet someone who would like to be an only kitty! However, if you have a cat, or dog, who needs a friend, be sure to share that information.
In September 2002 we adopted an eleven-year-old cat from MARL. Our sixteen-year-old kitty had died and our twelve-year-old cat needed a friend. Sara had been passed over for months because of her age but she was perfect for our family.
You will bring joy, and find joy, when you adopt from an animal shelter! ~ Mary Ellen
Tags: Cat Adoption, Cat Care Program, Cats, Family Stories, Husband, MARL, Michigan Animal Rescue League, Rescued Cats, Volunteer
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January 15th, 2012
Shelter Kittens
Kittens. Darling, sweet, fluffy kittens.
The lucky ones receive help from humans. They might make a trip to an animal shelter for a chance to be adopted. They might find a home with people who discover them under porches, or in garages or in the bushes. They might be part of a colony that has a caretaker.
OAKCATS is a PetSmart Charities funded collaborative effort led by the Oakland Pet Adoption Center, in partnership with Michigan Pet Fund Alliance and All About Animals Clinic.
The purpose of the program is to provide low cost spay/neuter for feral/free roaming cats in Oakland County Michigan. Trap, neuter, and return (TNR) programs have been proven to reduce feral cat population in a humane manner.
A feral or free roaming cat is one that has always been outside and is fearful of humans. The cat will run away if approached, even if he or she is starving, rather than allow a person to touch it. These cats frequently live in a group or colony of similar cats.
According to Alley Cat Allies when kittens of a feral mother are handled early enough they have the opportunity of welcoming human interaction and possible adoption.
One of the major goals of a TNR program is to reduce the number of kittens born. It takes one to two years before noticeable changes take place. Success is measured by reviewing the number of kittens surrendered to local shelters.
Feral cat overpopulation is a community problem that can only be solved with community participation. If you are aware of feral or free roaming cats in your neighborhood and would like to help them please visit All About Animals Clinic for information about the program.
Trap/Neuter/Return is proven method to reduce the endless flow of innocent kittens turned into shelters every year. Every single one is important – please help!
~ Mary Ellen
Tags: Alley Cat Allies, Cat Adoption, Cats, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance, Oakland County Animal Shelter, Oakland Pet Adoption Center, Rescued Cats
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January 8th, 2012
Patie and Buster
There is no season such delight can bring
As summer, autumn, winter and the spring.
~William Browne
Little Christmas, Feast of the Epiphany, Three Kings Day or perhaps Twelfth Night. Traditionally January 6 is considered the end of the Christmas season. Depending on your cultural heritage you might make merry, exchange gifts or take down the holiday decorations to honor the day.
My husband and I were delighted to receive a gift on Friday morning. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the weatherman forgot it was January. A perfect day to visit Stony Creek Metro Park with our two good dogs. Buster stands at the front door and howls with joy when he realizes that a car ride is on the schedule.
We had a lovely walk along the water. Patie is now 15 so we cannot go as far, or as fast, as we used to and that is okay. Buster wants to sniff every blade of grass and doesn’t mind the slow pace.
However you celebrated the end of the season – I hope it was wonderful and that you created lovely memories for you and your loved ones. ~ Mary Ellen
Tags: Family Stories, Husband, Little Christmas, Old dogs, Rescued Dogs, Stony Creek Metro Park, Walks in the park
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January 1st, 2012
Nap Time for Karl
With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Cats know how to enjoy life when they are part of a loving family. Naps are good. Looking out the window is fun. Meals are exciting. Waiting at the door to welcome the dogs when they return from their walk is essential. Running up and down the stairs is important for exercise.
My cats offer their wisdom on how to live in the moment. Their freely shared lessons are valuable on the first day of the new year. Today is a day to treasure.
Happy New Year!
Tags: Cats, Family Stories, Husband, Old dogs, Rescued Cats, Rescued Dogs
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December 25th, 2011
An Irish Christmas Blessing
The light of the Christmas star to you
The warmth of home and hearth to you
The cheer and good will of friends to you
The hope of a childlike heart to you
The joy of a thousand angels to you
The love of the Son and God’s peace to you.
Tags: Christmas Day, Family Stories, Family Visits, Husband, Irish Blessings
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December 18th, 2011
Main Street
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a feeling of giving
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile ~ Hilda Marshall
Moms and Dads. Grandmas and Grandpas. Aunts and Uncles. Little ones of every size and shape. The Rochester Hills Public Library provided hot chocolate, candy, trolley rides, visits to Santa, games, crafts and more.
The air was crisp for the Polar Express. Rochester’s Big, Bright Light Show was lovely to view from our old fashioned wooden seats on the red trolley. Sidewalks on Main Street were filled with shoppers and families enjoying the lights. We waved to the crowds and many smiled and returned our greetings.
A delightful holiday affair!
Tags: Bright Light Show, Family Stories, Grandma, Grandpa, Husband, Polar Express, Red Trolley, Rochester Hills Public Library, Rochester's Big
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December 11th, 2011
Charlie
Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o’fur? ~ Irish Saying
Cats love Christmas! Trees to climb. Ornaments to roll under the sofa. Paper to crunch.
Apparently our kitties believe chasing them away from the Christmas Tree is part of a lovely once a year game we provide. The squirt bottle doesn’t deter them, plus I don’t want to use water when the electric lights are on. Charlie is deaf so scolding doesn’t discourage his playtime. Actually, talking doesn’t work with the hearing cats either!
We also have an elderly dog who needs extra attention this season. In the hopes of a peaceful season, my husband and I agreed to skip the big tree this year. However, he put up the outdoor spiral trees in front of the window. We are able to have a hot drink and enjoy the lights without stress.
Not to worry, there is still wrapping paper to attack!
Tags: Cat Adoption, Cats, Christmas, Christmas Trees, Deaf Cat, Family Stories, Hearing loss, Husband, Old dogs, Rescued Cats, Rescued Dogs
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December 4th, 2011
Whether you’re shopping, visiting the salon or grabbing a cup of coffee, you’re never too far from making a difference this holiday season!
Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) has displays set up in many wonderful locations in the area. It is quick! It is easy! There are envelopes that allow an easy way to mail a donation. Plus there are boxes to collect cat and dog food!
Donations will help the dogs and cats of MARL and the thousands of animals in the area who benefit from their extensive community outreach program.
Perhaps you can visit one of the locations listed below and make a difference!
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Antonio Salon and Spa
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191 Townsend Street
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Birmingham
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Bean and Leaf
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439 S Main St
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Rochester
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Bean and Leaf
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106 S Main St
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Royal Oak
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Club Pet Too
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3181 Walnut Lake Rd
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Commerce
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East Street Pilates
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408 East Street
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Rochester
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Fitness 19
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3050 Union Lake Road
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Union Lake
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Hiller’s Market
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3010 Union Lake Rd
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Commerce
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Hiller’s Market
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3615 Washtenaw Avenue
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Ann Arbor
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Hiller’s Market
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39950 W 14 Mile Rd
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Commerce
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Hiller’s Market
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425 N. Center Street
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Northville
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Hiller’s Market
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15455 Haggerty Road
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Plymouth
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Hiller’s Market
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6433 Orchard Lake Road
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West Bloomfield
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Hollywood Market
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1101 S Lapeer Rd
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Lake Orion
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Jacobsen’s Flowers Inc.
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2600 Elizabeth Lake Rd.
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Waterford
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Jacobsen’s Flowers, Inc.
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1079 West Long Lake Road
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Bloomfield Hills
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Jacobsen’s Flowers, Inc.
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545 S. Lapeer Road
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Lake Orion
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Kroger
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Highland Road
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White Lake
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Napier’s Kennel Shop
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33967 Woodward Avenue
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Birmingham
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Oakland Animal Hospital
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180 E. 2nd Street
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Rochester
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Pet Depot
Pet Supplies Plus
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47202 Hayes Road
5348 Dixie Highway
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Macomb
Waterford
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Pet Supplies Plus
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1170 Walton Blvd.
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Rochester Hills
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Pet Supplies Plus
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22 N Ortonville Road
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Ortonville
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Pet Supplies Plus
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29402 Woodward
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Royal Oak
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Pet Supplies Plus
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41660 W 10 Mile Rd
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Novi
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Starbucks
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3920 Baldwin Road
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Auburn Hills
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Starbucks
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135 S Old Woodward Ave
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Birmingham
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Starbucks
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19727 Mack Ave
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Grosse Pointe Woods
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The Canine Inn
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2295 E. Lincoln Street
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Birmingham
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Tresses Salon
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1083 W Long Lake Rd
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Bloomfield Hills
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Tags: Cat Adoption, Cat Care Program, Cats, MARL, Michigan Animal Rescue League, Pets Supplies Plus, Rescued Cats, Rescued Dogs
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