A Playful Blest Sunday

Welcome to a wonderfully sunny Blest Sunday. It’s been rainin’ here fur days. Fankfully, there were no thunder boomers  to go along with said rain, so me didn’t really spend much time UTB/UTC. Of course Raena didn’t even seem to notice. Ya’ know, dat girly has No fears. None, nada, zip, zilch. Mommy even told her a couple times dat she was so purroud of her, but dat a little fear is a good thing.

 Dezi atop the cat tree

Dezi: Raena thought we oughtta play a game of whacky paw on da cat tree with her hangin’ from da top ledge. Sure ‘nuff, she fell and just ‘bout gave mommy a heart attack. Dat’s when she got da, “a little fear’s a good thing” speech. But of course, she didn’t pay no attention, cuz she was right back at it a few minutes later.

 Raena hanging on the Liberty cat tree playing whacky paw with Dezi

 Are you crazy Raena? You’s gonna fall and then you’re

really gonna get it.

Dezi:  Mommy also played ‘fly fishin’’ wand toy with us till me was exhausted and mommy was exhausted. Raena tho’…she was still rarin’ to go. So mommy set up da pawsum Cat’s Meow toy we received from our angel furiends and Raena played till da batteries died and she tore it up. Okay, me got in on a little of dat action too, but me couldn’t keep up with da kid. 

 Raena fly fishing with the wand toy

     Raena:  Oh sissy, are you talkin’ ‘bout all da fun we had playin’ yesfurday?

 Raena fly fishing with a wand toy

Dezi:   Me was till you butted in Raena.

 Raena playing with the Petsafe toys, Flitter

     Raena: Who knew there were so many fun toys to chase? Fur some reason tho’, they all kept slowin’ down and quittin’ over time.

 Raena playing with the Pet Safe Flitter

Dezi:  Dat’s cuz you deaded ‘em Raena. Dat’s what happens when ya’ play with somethin’ elebenty billion hours 3 hours straight. Eventually, it dies. Hmmmmm Me thinks there might be a lesson in there. Now lissen, we don’t have mouseys, but ifin we did, dat’s ‘zactly what you’d do to a mousey, Dead it. Altho’ me would recommend you do it purretty quick or mommy might have dat heart attack fur real. And by da way, you can tear up da mousey like you did our Cat’s Meow.

 Dezi and Raena playing with the cat's meow

Dezi and Raena playing with the cat's meow

Dezi:  You know dat’s da second Cat’s Meow we’ve done in at our house. Sis Lexi and me played da furst one to death and now you’ve done it to this one. Fankfully mommy can change out da batteries in da other toys and they’ll still work. And fanks to some amazin’ anonymous angels who put some money in our paypal account, mommy can buy some new batteries. We are so blest.

 Raena playing with the cat's meow

     Raena:  Oh sissy we are. And we’re blest to have all our dear furiends in our lives too. Good weather, good friends, fun toys and full bellies, what more could a girly ask fur?.

 dw-Raena catsmeowDSCN7435edit (1024x679)

Dezi: Well Raena, me wouldn’t have put it dat way ‘zactly, but you’re right. ‘Course those treats we had durin’ da little break was good too. ‘Member to take a minute today and everyday and give fanks fur da many blessings in your life. We’s joinin’ da Kitties Blue fur Selfie Sunday. We didn’t actually take any selfies, but mommy did get some close ups.

 Dezi and Raena eating treats on the liberty cat tree

Raena: Mmmmmm These treats are lick your lips good.

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

Dezi: Vibrant Blue  

Raena: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

I and Love and You #ChewyInfluencer

Raena peaking out of a chewy box

Hey, It’s me Raena, is anypawdy out there?

     Raena, you don’t have to ask dat every time.

 Raena peaking out of a chewy box

Are you sure sis Dezi? I’s wanna make sure I’s not just whistlin’ Dixie.

     What do you know ‘bout whistlin’ Dixie Raena?

 Raena resting on the edge of a box surrounded by packing paper

Well dat’s what mommy says she’s doin’ when she’s talkin’ but nopawdy’s listin’. 

     Okay Raena, but this is different. Anyways, we gotta get on with it. We’re gonna be talkin’ ‘bout Chewy.com today, cuz we’ve got a review to post. 

 Raena crawling over the contents of a chewy review box

Oh Dezi, I’s luvs those chewy boxes. They’re pawsum!!! 

Dezi sits in a chewy box

Chewy Logo

 

     Yep Raena they are dat fur sure. But we’s gonna meow ‘bout da contents of said box today. As ya’ know we’re Chewy Influencers and as such get products to try out every month. Well ya’ know how mommy’s always sayin’ how much she luvs us? This month there was a food called I and Love and You. With a name like dat, we just had to try it out. When it got here and mommy opened da furst can, she said, “Oh No.” She hadn’t seen anythin’ dat said it was a pate’, but sure ‘nuff, it is a pate’. No gravy in da can. There are lots of little specks of color what are veggies. But mommy knows we don’t eat pate’. Never da less, she put half in a plate fur me and half in a plate fur Raena and served it to us. Now befur we get to taste testin’ let’s tell ya’ a little more ‘bout this I and Love and You food.

dw-chewyaug reviewDSCN7327 (640x390) 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. We received compensation for our honest opinion of the I and Love and You food from Chewy.com. All opinions are our own. We only bring products we use or have tried ourselves and believe would be of interest to you our readers and friends.

 Raena poses with a case of I and Love and You cat food

We received a variety case of 12) 3 ounce cans. Included in this case is Chickin Lickin’ Good, Purky Turkey and Oh My Cod. There was 2 cans of each and it costs $13.99 everyday. Now da ingredient list on Chewy says this:

Chicken Lickin� Good Recipe: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salmon Oil, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Oh My Cod! Recipe: Cod, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Fish Broth, Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Sweet Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Purrky Turkey Recipe: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Guar Gum, Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salmon Oil, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

It’s good fur all life stages. Now we seperated da ingredient list fur ya’ based on flavor. It’s much easier to read than da one on Chewy. Chewy.com lists these as da key benefits.  

Key Benefits

  • For all stages of life

  • Real meat is the first ingredient

  • Free of grain, corn, wheat, soy and rice

  • No artificial preservatives, flavors or colors

  • Free of carrageenan

  • Made in the USA

 Raena poses with a case of I and Love and You cat food

Notice these furmulas don’t contain any carrageenan, but they do have a lot of da gums. We do like dat it’s made in da USA and dat meat is da furst and really da second ingredient, as liver’s a protein fur us kitties. We also like dat it’s grain free with nuffin’ fake included. But ‘member, it’s a pate’. So let’s get back to da taste testin’. Me wouldn’t go near it. Mommy had to remove da plate befur me would eat anythin’ else. It really smells strong of fishies. And well, since Salmon oil is in all three furmulas, dat would make sense. Anyways, so me gives it a paw up fur good ingredients and bein’ made here in da US.

 I and Love and You cat food in the can

     Can I furinally meow again sissy? 

Yes Raena, tell everypawdy what you thought ‘bout da I and Love and You food. 

 I and Love and You cat food in a plate

     Fank you. I’s luvs it. Dat pate’ dislikin’ was you and Lexi, God rest her (Raena says reverently and quietly). I just might likes this pate’ stuffs. I did purrfur it when mommy added water to it so it had a little gravy, but I’s think it tastes really good. So I’s givin’ da I and Love and You noms 4 paws up. And Chewy gets 4 paws fur da box and packin’ paper too.

Raena, we’re not reviewin’ Chewy boxes. Altho’ me’s sure they’ll be happy to hear you liked da box, today’s all ‘bout da noms. Me asked mommy what she thought and like me she liked dat meat was da furst ingredient and dat it is made in da US. She isn’t crazy ‘bout all da gums or veggies, but was thrilled to find somethin’ else you would eat. So a thumb up from mommy too. Dat means 5 paws up and 1 thumb up fur I and Love and You. So ifin ya’ like pate’ foods with quality ingredients, give this a try.

 Chewy blog hop badge

Head on over to Chewy and check out all da pawsum things they have fur da furry, scaly, feathered furiends in your life. As always they offer speedy, free shipping on all orders $49.00 and over and a flat rate speedy shipping fur all other orders. And you can set up an auto ship so you never run out of your pets favorites again. Don’t worry, you can skip, cancel or delay anytime. And shop Chewy with confidence. They offer a money back guarantee. And their Customer Service team is da bestest. Well, we’re joinin’ up with Sugar fur da Chewy blog hop, so you can check out other pawsum products dat chewy offers. We’re gonna wrap it up now and hang on da cat tree fur a while. 

 Raena plays with the chewy box packing paper

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

 

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle  

Service Cats: What Happens When the Handler Dies

Here we are, another Miserable Monday. Dat means it’s time fur one of our educational Service Cat postys. As always, da followin’ will be written in human English so everypawdy includin’ google translate can read it. Our doggy brofur furiend Easy, really is on top of his game. He asked another great question last week dat we’re gonna try to answer this week. As always, ifin ya’ have any questions, or somethin’ specific you’d like us to cover, purrlease leave it in da comments, or send us an email. Ifin you’ve missed any of da posty’s in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ da linkys below.

 

Dezi in her work harness on cat ledge

Service Cats: What to Look For 

Service Cats: Training Foundations 

Service Cats: How to Train Kitty to Massage without Claws

Service Cats: Smelling Disease 

Service Cats: Do You Need One

Service Cats: Who Bears the Cost 

Service Cats: Housing Laws and Exceptions 

Service Cats: Accommodations and Common Sense 

     Now that you’re all caught up, let’s get to today’s topics. So what did Easy ask, right? Well here it is, “What happens to a Service Animal when their disabled handler no longer needs them?” 

       We need to remind you that our answers are only as it applies in the U.S., if you live in another Country, the laws/rules may be different. So please check your local regulations.  

Raena reaching out from the perch to alert mommy
Raena Alerting to Syncope incident

So, your first question is probably why would they no longer need the Service Animal? In the event of death or admittance to a nursing home a person would no longer require the assistance of a Service Animal. You must remember as well, that these animals are purchased and under current laws, animals are considered property. For the purpose of this part of the explanation, we will discuss the Service Dogs that the ADA does recognize. Most of these animals are trained by individuals living across the States, belonging to one of a few different groups. Depending on the age of the animal and it’s specific training (ie: guide dog only) and the amount of time spent with the handler, they may opt to take the animal back and re-sell it to another disabled person. They will not refund your payment or pay you any fees for the animal. The family of the disabled handler may choose to keep the animal and let it live out it’s days as the family pet. Some breeds do better at this than others. Remember, these animals are working animals and not pets. They don’t understand retirement.

Before we get to the second part of Easy’s queston, let’s discuss the other Service Animals not yet recognized by the ADA, like cats. We have met a few people who have learned that their cats are alerting them to seizures, etc. that haven’t been trained. Altho’ the Cat/animal is performing a task, it doesn’t meet the current requirements of the ADA since it wasn’t specifically trained. For the purposes of this article, these cats/animals are not included in this topic as they are essentially still pets. So let’s get to those non traditional Service Animals (Cats)

    

Firstly, there are very few trainers for cats and other animals because they’re not recognized by the ADA , so there’s no money in it. And until recently, cats weren’t necessarily seen as trainable. So like us, the disabled handler often trains the animal themselves. Cats are a different species with different needs and bonding abilities. Unlike dogs, cats don’t feel the need to love everybody or make friends with every human they meet. Because of this, re-homing a Service Cat to work for another disabled person is nearly impossible. Altho’ mommy’s never seen or heard of it, we won’t say completely impossible, as it may be done in the future. We will say, we don’t recommend it, as the cat may not perform. Because of the bond that must be formed between a disabled handler and the cat, the services provided will only be for that one specific person for the lifetime of that cat.

 Dezi in stroller

Remember, these cats are working animals and not pets. It is possible for them to continue to live with any family they currently lived with. They will mourn and be confused but with the proper love and attention, it is possible for them to live out their lives peacefully. If there is no family however, what then? Depending on the age and training of the cat, they may or may not be able to rehome as pets. A young kitten, only starting training for example, may be rehomed as a pet or to another who needs similar tasks. Typically by the first year, a Service cat is so bonded with their handler they cannot be separated and thus cannot be rehomed. Keep in mind, these cats and their handlers are together 24/7/365. We don’t want to offend anyone, but no matter how bonded you think you are with your pet, it doesn’t match the bond between a Service Animal and it’s handler. The handler literally relies on the Service Animal for life and vice versa. In this instance humane euthanasia when the handler dies is the best outcome for the animal.

The last part of Easy’s question, was, “Do Service Animals end up in shelters like other animals?”  The idea of a shelter makes us sad for any animal, but the hard truth is, Yes Easy, it is possible for a Service Animal to end up in the shelter. These animals are often put to sleep because they have traits seen as undesireable by adopters, because adopters don’t understand what the animal is doing. A family of the deceased handler who doesn’t know, care or want to take on the animal may take it to the shelter. A working animal will always be a working animal. This speaks to the reason people need to understand a little about breeds before adopting a pet. A herding dog will herd, whether it’s children, sheep or cows. the Service animal will continue to try to perform tasks, and may be considered problematic.

 Raena sits pose

There aren’t currently any rescues specifically for Service Animals to go to live out their lives. However most of those types of places do want a donation or money left in a trust or will. There’s nothing wrong with that, but again, Service Animals are generally owned by people who are on fixed incomes. And again, Service Animals are working animals. They are not pets. Adjusting to life after the loss of their handler is easier for some species and breeds.

This is definitely something to take into consideration when deciding if you need a Service Animal and what kind. Altho’ most people with fixed incomes and considered poor do not leave wills as there’s nothing to leave; if you have a Service Animal we recommend you have a will or directive and someone specified to take care of your Service Animal in the event of your death. Please make sure your Service Animal doesn’t end up in the shelter. For that matter, if you have pets, please make sure you have a plan for them in the event of your death. And the, my ____________ will take care of them isn’t a good enough plan.

 Dezi looking around on the cat tree

Well this has been a really deep post, so we’re gonna wrap it up for now. We do hope we’ve answered your question, and given others something to think about. Again, please leave your questions, thoughts, or topics you’d like us to cover in the comments. 

Do you have a will or designated person to care for your pets in the event of your death? 

Have you discussed alternative solutions with your family and/or Vet? 

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

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle    

Occupied Dwelling Mish Mash

Meowllo everypawdy. We do hope you’re havin’ a good week. We’re still waitin’ fur things to calm down so we can get back to normal ‘round here. Me told ya’ dat mommy and me was gonna have a Dezi and mommy day out Monday since it was time fur her monthly doctor’s ‘pointment, but we also thought we’d be back to visitin’ on Tuesday. So much fur da bestest laid plans. When we got home Monday we found a notice on our door ‘bout an inspection today, Wednesday. And it was gonna be one of those every box checked inspections: Cleanliness, Check Smoke Alarms, Change Filters, Extermination and Occupied Dwelling. Now most of ya’ looked at dat list and said, “What in the world?” We know, cuz we do too.

 Dezi cocks head to the side in thought

Da manager used to try to pull all this off at 7:30 – 8:00 a.m., and she would write mommy up cuz she couldn’t get to da door. So a few years ago when we was havin’ all this trouble with da manager, da lawyer asked fur an accommodation dat would require them to wait till at least 10:00 a.m. to do these inspections. Mommy’s not at full function by then, but she can usually let somepawdy in da door. Well this of course made da manager mad, but all da other residents was happy. Nopawdy wanted their brekky interrupted by alarms goin’ off and bug spray everywhere. And me does mean everywhere. After da exterminator leaves everypawdy has to mop and re-clean. He just walks through sprayin’ at everythin’, includin’ things like coffee pots, ceilings, and we’ve heard a teevee or two. Anyways, da notice meant dat mommy would have to spend all day yesfurday gettin’ ready.

 Raena plays with cheese mouse

Yeah, yeah, me knows, you’re wonderin’ what happened to our ‘round da house helper dat mommy had gotten da okay to hire. Well let me see, where to begin…(Dezi thinks to herself for a minute) Well ‘bout a month ago now, mommy actually had 2 different peeps show up and apply fur da job. Mommy innerviewed both and liked ‘em both ‘bout da same. One was a younger stay at home mommy dat just wanted extra money and to get outta da house (this job would be purrfect fur somepawdy like dat). Da other, was a widow dat needed money to live. She’s workin’ fur several others cleanin’ their houses and bein’ paid cash (under da table money). Mommy made certain dat they both unnerstood they would be getting’ paid by da State of Oklahoma, and it would be a check with taxes taken out and everythin’. Both said dat was fine. So mommy sent their applications off to be approved. A couple weeks later mommy was told da younger of da two had been approved and they were still workin’ on da other.

So mommy called da girly to offer her da job. She even came fur her furst day. When she left, she said she’d be back tomorrow (her second day of work). Well tomorrow came and went and no girly. Sad smile WTC (What The Cat)  So mommy checked with da State lady and found out da other applicant had been approved too. So mommy called her to offer her da job. Her reply was no surprise to mommy, but it was aggravatin’. See, even tho’ da State is payin’ fur this, there’s a budget dat mommy has to follow. And outta dat budget, mommy has to pay da cost fur those background checks. So ifin a purrson doesn’t take da job, we’ve already spent money on them, and there’s only so many background checks mommy can have purr da budget. Anyways, she told mommy dat she really needed to be paid in cash, cuz she didn’t wanna lose her welfare. Yep, there’s somethin’ really wrong with our system, and peeps. But alas, we have no ‘round da house help…still.

 Raena plays with the mouse cheese

Now let’s get back to dat inspection. Mommy did what she does and killed herself cleanin’ up and then da manger showed up at our ‘partment this meownin’ at 8:30 a.m.. She should be refreshed on da rules, since we just renewed our lease and went over da exceptions mommy has. Ya’ know dat 10 o’clock time frame. Well mommy just hollered dat she couldn’t walk and Raena and me gave da nasty manager da ole hiss of disapproval, and da manager went on her way. She knew she couldn’t push mommy or write her up, cuz she was breakin’ our lease. Dat exception is based on mommy’s disability cuz she can’t move early in da meownin’. So it turns out, mommy wasted yesfurday getting’ ready fur nuffin’. Oh yeah, a lot of ya’ are wonderin’ what Occupied Dwelling means, right? It just means dat da only peeps livin’ there are on da lease. We have a few peeps out here dat have peeps livin’ with them dat aren’t on da lease, but da manager lets them get away with it. Ifin it was us tho’, we’d be in all kinds of hot water. and me doesn’t mean a hot tub.

 Dezi looks out the front door from the Liberty cat tree

Me really doesn’t care, cuz me’s still walkin’ on clouds from me’s day out with mommy. Me had her all to meself and it was pawsum. Me meowed to mommy dat we were gonna have to do more of these now dat Raena lives with us. And mommy purromissed we would. Me so luvs spendin’ time with mommy. We went to da doctor’s office and then da farmacy. And da town where our farmacy is has a brand new Dollar General, so mommy decided to take me there. It’s really nice and clean; ‘course it’s new. MOL  Then we went to da pawrk fur a few minutes befur returnin’ home. What a day. Me’s gonna wrap it up now and see ‘boiut getting’ some of those treats mommy and sis Raena brought home da other day. 

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

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle