Patie 1997-2012

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

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

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!

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

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

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 

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!

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.

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!

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!