Bonito Flakes #ChewyInfluencer

Meowllo everypawdy. As you may ‘member, sis Raena learned da joys of freeze dried treats last week when she took over our monthly Chewy review posty. Well as ya’ know we usually get 2 pawsum products from Chewy each month to try out and review. So, those pawsum treats weren’t da only things we got to try. Mommy and me checked da offerin’s over and decided on another treat dat me has had a luv hate relationship with to try out and to introduce Raena to. What is it ya’ ask? Y, It’s Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes. Sure ‘nuff we got us a .5 oz bag of flaky dried tuna.

 Dezi and Raena waiting for Bonito flakes

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Now me knows ya’ wanna know why me has a luv hate relationship with these treats, specially da hate pawrt right? To tell da truth, me just never could figger out how to eat ‘em. Me’s a biter. No, not of mommy, but me bites at food. Me doesn’t lick me’s food, me’s bites each piece and chews it up. Well, ya’ just can’t bite thin air, and dat’s ’bout how thin these bonito flakes are. Have you ever seen a kitty bitin’ air befur? It ain’t as funny as it may look. Ya’ know we ain’t getting’ anythin’ out of it. No sir, da air doesn’t taste like anythin’ and it certainly isn’t nutritious. Anyways, befur me gets too far off track, let me tell ya’ ‘bout these Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes. They were extra large, and befur me knew it me was lickin’ ‘em outta mommy’s hand. Oh da taste of tuna meltin’ on me’s tongue. (drifts off in thought while licking lips) As ya’ know we don’t really eat fish, so we’s never really developed a taste fur it. But mommy has always allowed bonito flakes in small quantities fur those kitties dat would eat it. Now dat me’s finally learned to lick those nommy flakes, me sure hopes fur more.

 Dezi eating Bonito flakes

Da only ingredient is Bonito (tuna). These can also be used as a topper fur da finicky feline. And they’re purrfect fur doggies too. They come in 3 sizes, and range in price from $3.99 to $19.48. These are high protein, low fat treats, and me luvs ‘em. A meowsy big 4 paws up from me. And ya’ know comin’ from me, dat’s sayin’ somethin’. Now me knows you’re all wonderin’ ‘bout Raena, right? Well she’s chompin’ at da bit to tell ya’, so let’s ask?

     Oh Dezi, I’s luvs these treat things. Why don’t we get them more offen? 

 Raena eats a bonito flake

Raena, just tell everypawdy what you thought ‘bout da Cat-Man-Doo Bonito Flakes

     Oh, okay sissy. I’s could smell ‘em thru da bag. And I’s couldn’t wait fur mommy to get da bag open. Mommy says it’s funny and must be a Ragdoll thing, cuz I’s bite mines food just like you do. So I’s didn’t get da furst few bites, cuz I’s kept breakin’ ‘em and knockin’ outta mommy’s hand. Notice in da foto above, I’s finally just held on to mommy’s hand to hold those flakes still. When I’s finally got dat furst piece in mines mouth…OMC  I’s started lickin’ everythin’, mommy da floor, her shoes, I’s even tried lickin’ a piece outta your mouth.

 Raena eating her first bonito flake

Me ‘members. Guess ya’ won’t be doin’ dat again any time soon, huh? (Dezi snickers) Now just get on with tellin’ da folks what ya’ thought. 

     Okay Dezi. I’s luvs, luvs, luvs those yummy Bonito flakes. I’s all paws in, uh, I’s mean 4 paws up. When do ya’ reckon we can get some more sissy? 

 Raena eating bonito flakes

Hopefully soon Raena, hopefully soon. Maybe you could go bug mommy and see what she says. Me asked mommy what she thought ‘bout da Bonito flakes and she said she luvs dat they are a one ingredient natural and healthy treat dat she can also sprinkle over our food ifin we’re not eatin’ ‘enuff. And she likes dat da Cat-Man-Doo Bonito Flakes are bigger than most so she can actually monitor how many pieces we get. So she’s a 2 thumbs up vote. Me knows you all want your own bag now, right? Well head on over to chewy.com and check ‘em out. Take a look around while you’re there, you’ll be able to find most everythin’ you need fur da furry, feathered and scaled household members. You can set up an auto-ship so you never run outta supplies again. Don’t worry, you can skip, cancel or delay at any time. And as always, Chewy offers free speedy shipping on all orders over $49.00 and a flat rate fur all other orders. Chewy has da bestest Customer Service peeps ‘round, so you can shop with confidence. Check out da Chewy blog hop fur more pawsum reviews.

 

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Disclaimer: We received compensation for our honest opinions. Neither Chewy or CatManDoo are responsible for the content of this post. As always, we tell it like it is and only bring items we use or have tried and think would be of interest to you our readers and friends.

 Dezi eats bonito flakes

Me’s gonna wrap it up now, so you can head on over and get your treats. Mommy’s gotta go out today and see ‘bout getting’ da air conditioner in da car working. We’ll keep ya’ updated.

Till da next time……………………………………Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle 

Service Cats: Who Bears The Cost

Dezi in her work harness on cat ledge

Meowllo everypawdy, it’s time fur another Service Cat educational posty. As ya’ know da followin’ will be written in human English. It appears there’s still some confusion ‘bout da difference ‘tween Service Animals, Therapy Animals and Companion Animals. Purrlease see our Service Animal page by clicking on da Service Animal tab on our menu bar or click here to read da full definition of each. Me will give a very brief definition of them later in this posty. It’s very purrtant dat everyone understands da differences. Anyways, we got a few good questions to answer today. And we asked a couple questions dat we think you’re gonna be surprised by da answers. Ifin you’ve missed any of da postys in this series you can get caught up by clickin’ da links below.

Service Cats: What To Look For 

Service Cats: Training Foundation 

Service Cat: How To Train Kitty To Massage Without Claws 

Service Cats: Smelling Disease 

Service Cats: Do You Need One 

So let’s get on with it. First up we need to make a few things clear. Mommy talked to one of our friends this past week and learned there’s a lot of confusion about this subject. First and foremost, If you are breeding your non pedigreed cat, that cat is NOT a Service Animal!!! And please STOP!!! Are there not enough unwanted kitties in the world as it is? True Service animals are spayed or neutered for their health and temperament. Now we know a lot of you just said to yourself, “How can you make that judgment and say that?” Well let us explain. If you need a Service Animal, you need said animal all the time. A mother cat will be out of commission for at least 6 weeks, barring complications; her kittens need her more. And most Service animals are not pedigreed animals but rescues. And to breed your non pedigreed indoor kitty is irresponsible at best, but to supply you with barn cats is the very definition of cruel and unusual punishment. And training is not passed on through DNA.

 Dezi looking out of the house on the Liberty cat tree

Secondly, we’ll repeat this again. Any Cat at any age can be trained. The number one requirement is the bond you share. Please see the Training Foundation post. It isn’t necessary to start with a kitten. We did because mommy requires 2 cats to help her and there was just me after sis Lexi went to heaven. Introducing a kitten into our home is easier than an adult cat. If you already have a cat or three, you can train one of those. There’s no need to adopt a new cat or kitten or to breed any of your existing cats. We hope that clears a few things up.

Now awnty Jean, Shoko and Kali of the Canadian Cats asked a couple of questions about training. Mommy got a great laugh at the wording of the question, so we’re going to copy and paste it in here for all of you to read. Me must say that mommy and awnty Jean have had many a conversation so she knows mommy pretty well.      

Question: Do you ever run across times when Raena just wants to play and is not interested in learning? How long can she get away with not wanting to be taught? Did you ever have a cat that was more interested in playing? 

So this question is specifically asked about Raena because that’s who mommy’s training now, but it could apply to any cat or kitten in training. The answer is Yes, of course there are times when Raena just wants to play, she’s a kitten. The trick is to make learning fun so that at least at first she thinks she’s playing. And remember, training is about repetition not a one shot deal. So it’s better to have many short training sessions than one long one. Altho’ mommy makes a game of training for some tasks, it is very serious, and she doesn’t tolerate nonsense. Mommy looks at these times as an opportunity to “train out” unwanted behaviors; such as, hands are not for biting, toes are not for biting, cords are not for biting, etc.. It’s also a time to train kitty to accept being held down, and other things like pilling and bodily exams. These are things that all pet parents could benefit from not just those that are training Service Cats. Unfortunately as kitty ages, there may be a time when medicine needs to be administered, and it’s so much easier if kitty has been trained to accept whatever you do to them as good.

 Raena reaching out from the perch to alert mommy

 Raena had been playing but jumped on the small cat perch to be closer

to mommy to alert her to sit down. Mommy had been conducting

a photo shoot when Raena and Dezi felt a change and knew

mommy was going to pass out.

Now, we mentioned cost. We asked what you all thought the average cost for a Service Animal is. We also asked who you thought paid for it. We got some mixed answers here, and a couple that mentioned Companion Animals for Service men and women. We realized that most people thought Service animals were given to the disabled free or that some charitable organization paid any fees, and that again, there was some confusion about the differences between Service Animals and Companion Animals. So, here’s a really simple definition of the three classes.

Service animal: An animal that has been specifically trained to perform duties to assist it’s disabled handler/owner.

Therapy animal: An animal that has no particular training other than basic obedience that after certification goes into places like nursing homes, hospitals, etc. to cheer up people by just being there or allowing people to pet it.

Companion animal: A Pet.

 

 

These aren’t the full definitions, but hopefully they will help to clear up any confusion anyone still has. Now let’s answer those questions we asked. A few years ago, the average cost of a Service Animal was between $20,000.00 and $50,000.00. This was for a rescue dog purchased through one of the certifying organizations. Dogs trained by individuals could cost exponentially more. Insurance does NOT pay for Service animals. There are organizations one can apply to for financial help, but they’re on a first come first served basis and income based and often require the person in need to pay up to $10,000.00 of the fees. So in the end, the cost of a Service animal is solely on the person needing one. That’s one reason you don’t see more. Most people who need Service animals are on fixed incomes and can’t afford the initial cost. Once a disabled person has a Service animal they can apply to several organizations to receive food and vet care for that animal. These are run by the big pet food companies and are part of their “giving back to the community”. Remember, these organizations only provide for those Service Animals the ADA recognizes as Service Animals.

 Raena up close on top of the stroller

Anyways, we feel like we’ve given you information overload today, so we’ll wrap it up for now and let ya’ digest all of this. Remember to leave any questions you may have or want answered in da comments or feel free to email us. We’re trying to answer them all as best we can. Raena’s getting’ bigger so she’ll be starting to learn how to use da fone in da next week or so. Mommy’s gonna try to get some good fotos, but since she ain’t da bestest with da camera, we’ll settle fur any fotos. MOL  Anyways, da lawn crew’s here. Raena may be fearless, but she hasn’t yet convinced me. Oh, we were asked what mommy did with our fotos in da new editing app yesfurday. She turned our fotos into talking videos. 

 Dezi laying on the bench scratcher

What would you like to learn (know how to teach your cat or dog)?

 

How do you feel about the cost of and that insurance doesn’t cover the cost of Service Animals?

 

Do you think that Service Animals make a difference in the lives of their disabled handlers as opposed to those that don’t have one?

 

Till da next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle       

Blest Sunday: Showdown At High Noon

Meowllo and welcome to another Blest Sunday. We are so blest to have all of you in our lives and so thankful dat we got to meet you all even ifin not in da purrson. It’s been a very innerestin’ but blest week here. Me has lots to tell ya’. Furst up me wants to say a meowsy big thank you to Herman and his mommy fur helpin’ mommy learn ‘bout a new foto editin’ app. ‘Course dat means mommy’s been goin’ crazy editin’. Just wait’ll ya’ see what mommy’s done. OMC She was laffin’ so hard me thought fur a minute she was gonna pee her panties.

 Dezi hangs on the Liberty cat tree

Anyways, Raena’s growin’ like a weed. But let me tell ya’, dat kid just never runs outta energy. It ain’t what she’s eatin’; and me oughtta know dat fur sure, cuz she won’t stay outta me’s food dish. Yeah, really. Every meal, here she comes tryin’ to push me outta me’s plate. It’s not like she don’t have a plate of her own full of da same thing. Me hisses, and growls and even gave her da whacky paw, but alas, she just keeps hornin’ in on me’s meals. Check it out.

So, me decided we should meet at during dinner high noon fur a showdown. Ya’ know settle this once and fur all. When mommy serves our meals we should each eat outta our own plate. Yep, we needed to settle this fur sure. So Raena agreed to da showdown and it was on. There we was in da livin’ room floor squarin’ off and sizin’ each other up. Raena was all poofed up and turned to da side dancin’ like Mohamed Ali, singin’ somethin’ ‘bout butterflies and bees. Me doesn’t know where she gets this stuff. She’s too young fur da butterflies and bees story anyways. And isn’t it birds and bees? (scratches head and looks puzzled)  And…it’s not like she’s ever gonna need to know ‘bout da birds and bees anyways. Mommy’s gonna take care of dat befur she ever even thinks ‘bout it. She did to me. Anyways, me’s getting’ sidetracked.

 Dezi and Raena square off and get ready to rumble.

 Dezi: You wanna piece of me?

Raena: C’mon sissy I’s not afraid o’ you.

Now where was me? Oh yeah, we were squared off and Raena was all puffed up. Well, me didn’t need a mirror, there was no need fur me to puff up. Raena may be growin’ like a weed, but me’s still bigger than her……by a lot. And me doesn’t have to turn to da side to prove it. C’mon, one of me’s paws is almost bigger than her head. But da kid has no fear. None at all. Befur me knew it, she jumped up in da air and lunged in on me. Me wrapped me’s paws ‘round her and fell to da floor and there we was…wrestlin’. We rolled and pawrted and rolled and pawrted again and again. And then, it was over. Me showed Raena just who da boss in this house is.

Dezi and Raena tumble and roll

Now Dezi…

Oh mommy, me didn’t know you was payin’ attention. (Dezi looks over at mommy and acts embarrassed.) 

     Wha’cha’ talkin’ ‘bout Dezi? I’s got you good. Sure nuff, didn’t I mommy?

Now Raena… 

 Dezi and Raena square off and get ready to rumble

 Dezi: Ya’ wanna go again?

     I’s sorry mommy. (Raena drops her head but grins) But I’s still eatin’ outta sis Dezi’s plate.

Dat may be Raena, but it’s cuz me lets you. Mommy says sharin’ is carin’ and me does care ‘bout ya’. After all, who’s gonna help me with mommy ifin not you?

Anyways, me was really happy when mommy took me fur a stroll da other day. It was just me and mommy havin’ a little girl time, just da two of us. We haven’t really done dat since Raena got here. It was really nice. Me felt so luvved and blest.

     Mommy took me out too sissy. 

Yeah she did Raena, but all you did was complain. ‘bout da heat.

     Well Dezi it was hot. It still is. 

Yep Raena it is. And guess what? It’s gonna get even hotter next month.

     No Way Dezi, really? 

 Raena's sleepy lap selfie

Really. Anyways, Raena got her furst lesson with da shower this week and yes, mommy’s been takin’ her a few places. She’s at a crucial age and needs to be exposed to a variety of situations and people so dat she’ll be used to it once she is fully trained. We’ll talk more ‘bout all dat in future postys. OMC Me almost furgot. Ya’ know mommy never did drugs. She never even tried them. But, her furst college degree was in criminal justice, so she knows what they look and smell like. Mommy took Raena out da other night and they decided to stop at da dollar general. There wasn’t too many cars in da pawrkin’ lot, so mommy thought it would be da purrfect exposure fur Raena. Not so busy as to freak her out but enuff peeps to let her get used to them. Well while they was walkin’ up to da door, mommy saw a mary-joo-wanna joint right there on da ground. She told da lady workin in da store and then watched da lady run outside and pick it up, look ‘round and then put it in her pawcket. OMC  Da lady went and saved dat fur later. MOL  Mommy sure was glad she never did drugs. Alley cats and kittens only know what germs be on dat joint. You fur sure wouldn’t ketch any of us puttin’ it in our mouths.

Dezi laying in mommy's lap

Well me better wrap it up fur now. Don’t furget to take a minute today and everyday to give thanks fur da blessings in your life. We purray fur each of ya’ everyday, and ask God to bless and keep you. Ya’ll are da bestest furiends in da universe. Don’t furget to get your fotos in fur our Pawlympic event: Fly Fishin’, and there’s still time to enter our Give away. We’s joinin’ our furiends da Kitties Blue fur Selfie Sunday.

Vivd Blue: Dezi 

Muted Blue: Raena 

Black: Mommy A

Till da next time……………………………………Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle       

You’ve Been Holding Out Mommy #ChewyInfluencer

Hey? Are ya’ll out there? I’s gotta tell ya’ somethin’. Your pawrents might be holdin’ out on ya’. 

 Raena site on the arm of the chair by mommy

O Raena, nopawdy was holdin’ out on you.

 Dezi looking back from the cat tree

Uh huh sissy. You and mommy both was keepin’ things from me.

Chewy Logo

That’s just not true Raena. Anyways, you gotta tell everypawdy what you’re talkin’ ‘bout. And dat as Chewy Influencers we get to try great products each month dat we might not otherwise get to try. 

Okay sis Dezi, looks like you just did. I’s not completely sure what dat influencer stuffs means just yet, but we got this amazinly pawsum box from Chewy.com and inside was…kitty heaven on earth. 

Raena, not everypawdy knows what dat means. 

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What? (eyes big with shock) Oh yeah, cuz their pawrents be holdin’ out on ‘em. 

Raena…(shakes heads) nopawdy’s hold…just get on with it.

 Dezi and Raena eats Pure Bites chicken treats

Okay sissy. Treats!!! We got these things called Treats. OMC They are da cat’s meow, da bees knees, da…well anyways, we got Treats. They’re called Pure Bites Freeze Dried Chicken Breast. They’re little pieces of divine white chicky meat and nuffin’ else. Mommy and sis Dezi say they come in other flavors too, and let me tell ya’ ifin they’re anythin’ like these, they gotta be good. I’s couldn’t get enuff. But mommy says they’re “specials” and dat we don’t get them all da time, and dat we only get a few each time. What’s up with dat? I want more and I’s want ‘em now. After all, there’s only 1 calorie in each piece and mommy breaks da pieces up. And besides, she keeps sayin’ I’s need more meat on mines bones. Come on mommy, just give me da whole bag. 

 Raena eating Pure Bites chicken treats

So you like ‘em huh Raena? 

 Raena eats Pure Bites chicken treats

Oh yes sissy, I’s luvs ‘em.

(whispers) Is this da pawrt ‘bout da paws up or down? (Dezi nods) Oh Dezi I’s give da Pure Bites freeze dried chicken breasts 4 paws up fur sure. Ifin I’s had more paws, they’d be up too. 

 Dezi eating Pure Bites Checken treats

Thanks Raena. As you all know me luvs freeze dried chicken breasts and these Pure Bites hit da spot. Me gives ‘em 4 paws up too. Me asked mommy and she said she was thrilled we both like them and readily ate them. No mumblin’ or grumblin’ at treat time. She luvs dat there’s only 1 ingredient and it’s da protein, and dat they be low calorie. They’re $3.49 fur 0.60 oz, so mommy thinks they’re a bit expensive ‘specially since a lot of da bag is already crumbled up and not whole pieces. But she says she can use da crumbles as a topping fur our meals, so it’ll still get used. We mentioned these come in different flavors and they also make bigger bags fur da doggies. Since there’s just one ingredient, these treats can be fed to both kitty and doggy or any other meat eater you may have. Mommy used to buy da doggy bags fur sis Lexi and me cuz they’re much bigger.

 Dezi and Raena eating Pure Bites chicken treats

Anyways, check ‘em out. And while you’re there look around, chewy carries products fur most of da furry and non furry pets in your house; includin’ da feathered and finned. They offer speedy free shipping on all orders over $49.00 and flat rate shipping for all orders under $49.00. You can also set up an auto ship so you never run out of your pets favorite food, treats or whatever. Don’t worry, you can skip, cancel or delay anytime. And don’t worry ‘bout havin’ to buy a whole case of noms, Chewy has great customer service and they will do everything to make it right.  Guess me will wrap it up now and see ‘bout getting’ some treats. All this treat talk has made me’s mouth water. Check out da Chewy blog hop fur more furtastic reviews. 

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Disclaimer: We were compensated in exchange for this review. Our opinions are our own and we always tell it like it is. We only bring products we use or have tried ourselves and that we think would be of interest to you our readers and friends.

 Dezi and Raena eating Pure Bites chicken treats

Till da next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle