Bring it up again

From the people at PETA, a practical, yet stylist way to avoid, well, cat urpings.

It's a sign in both English and Spanish that alerts you to a hazardous situation — until you've had the time to clean it up.

Truly a Christmas gift for the person who has everything.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — a day early. Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Mr. Sir — Domestic shorthair
"It's all in the cattitude. Year and a half old all-black shorthair male demands it's all about ME! Pet ME, play with ME, love ME. Multi-toed and multi-talented, this handsome short hair has an air of distinction that makes him seem entitled. Who are we to argue?"

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Take your medicine

And we do realize that this is a joke, right?

Third time might not be the charm

Baby is a lucky cat who needs a new owner.

She survived two — count 'em, two — falls out a third-story window. The critter has been dubbed the "bionic cat" by its vets because its legs have been rebuilt with pins.

Her owner, Sue (no last name given), has finally decided that some sort of window treatment should be installed before it happens again.

"She never goes out, except for when she fell off the window. She is always on the window."

Well, duh.

Open window + cat = tragedy waiting to happen.

Do you have any children, Sue?

'Tis the season

Does your pet get everything it wants for Christmas?

Perhaps you need to go directly to the man.

A mall in Zanesville, Ohio, had its annual Pets Photos with Santa the other day and the Journal's sister paper, the Zanesville Times Recorder did a story on it.

So, do you put up a stocking for your pet? Do you give your pet wrapped gifts?

Let me know.

Photo by Trevor Jones/Times Recorder

Happy Thanksgiving

Here's a little treat from the Washington Post and its "On Being" video series.

Enjoy the holiday.

Ready for adoption — one day early

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — a day early. Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Jo Jo — Golden retriever/Aussie
"When your normal cup of Joe isn't enough, how about a double with a twist? This male golden retriever/Aussie mix has all the caffeine energy of an espresso, cappuccino and an iced coffee, combined with a great personality. Think Disney's Goofy with a graduate degree."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722).

Shelter pets rule.

Traveling with Fido or Fluffy?

New Dutchess County reporter Jenny Lee has an article in today's Poughkeepsie Journal on traveling during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Along with it are tips for traveling with your pets.

The information, from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, includes such suggestions as keeping your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier, never leaving your animal alone in a parked vehicle and making sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information.

There is one hint that is a "pet" peeve of mine. Please don't let your pet ride with its head outside the window. This, according to the ASPCA, can subject it to inner ear damage and lung infections. And it could be injured by flying objects.

That said, have a great holiday.

Where does Goliath sleep?

Anywhere he wants to!

This is a big kittie.

Take a look.

A reader e-mail

Daniel from Kingston, N.Y., wrote me an e-mail in response to the recent blog about the Dutchess County SPCA rescues.

As the owner of a rescued pitbull (Comet) I often find myself reading through blogs and rescue sites just to find stories of cruelty. I don't enjoy the sickened anger I feel when I read them, but I feel that it is my duty to keep myself aware of what animals go through at the hands of ignorant and cruel people.

My little girl wasn't abused, but she was neglected and allowed to fall at least 15 lbs underweight. A pitbull rescue based in Carmel heard of her and set her free. She got lucky, and now she has it really, really good. I wouldn't have it any other way!

My pitbull prefers to sleep under my blankets with me on these chilly nights! Like any dog, she loves to eat peanut butter off my finger. How's that for vicious?!?

Here's a picture of Comet (click on her to embiggen).


Thanks, Daniel. Comet is obviously in very good hands.