Mindi & Mama

Mama is our four year old Calico. She has a personality all of her own. Most of the time she sleeps; however, about four times a day she becomes "PSYCHO Kitty". She has her routine down too, I'll tell you. Her inner body clock keeps better time than your watch. It is the most comical thing to see when she changes to "PSYCHO Kitty" we often wonder where she gets the energy. Because, at other hours in the day she is so lazy that she drags herself to her food and toys. Mama, however is the best cat a person could ask for, she is practically human and is very smart and independent. She is a GREAT cat for Arthur and I in that she entertains herself and is never bored. She finds a toy in virtually everything. When we have to go away for the weekend she knows it, but instead of becoming bitter at us, she gets all spunky and the look in her eyes says it all... "PARTY TIME!!" I think she enjoys our weekend trips more than we do.

Mindi and Mama talked with all of their pet and animal friends (you know in that animal talk that they all do)! Anyway... they forced me to include on this page the following suggestions for pet owners, as well as all the other people of the World.

1. Turn off that television and walk and play daily with your companion animals. Take the time to give them lots of love and attention. Regular play and exercise mean so much to animals whose lives consist largely of waiting for you to come home.

2. Let kitties keep their claws. Declawing is painful and traumatic; cats can easily be taught not to scratch furniture with the aid of a scratching post (try the catnip- scented ones!) and firm, consistent instructions on where they may and may not scratch.

3. Pick up plastic litter. The U.S. Office of Technology Assessment reports that the more than 20 million tons of plastic pollution produced each year pose a greater threat to marine mammals and birds than pesticides, oil spills, and contaminated run-off from the land. Animals get tangled in or swallow discarded six-pack rings, string, and fishing line, so always pick up plastic litter.

4. Tag your pets. Clear identification can save a dog or cat's life. Lost animals depend on that ID tag bearing your name, address, and phone number to get back home.

5. Spay/neuter your pets. 3,000 to 5,000 dogs and cats are born every hour in the U.S.--far more than can ever find good homes. Don't contribute to the tragic animal overpopulation problem--spay or neuter your animal companions.

6. Put life in your yard! Plant a mix of shrubs, trees, and flowers that will provide nuts, berries, seeds, and nectar to creatures throughout the year. Foster hollies, for instance, provide animals with winter berries for food, winter foliage for cover, and places to raise young.

7. Help your local animal shelter. Shelters are always in need of volunteers to walk dogs, play with animals, and donate supplies like blankets, kitty litter, and food.

8. Shop cruelty-free. Animals don't need to suffer so we can be beautiful. More than 500 companies now produce cosmetics and household products that aren't tested on animals. Contact PETA for a free shopping guide to cruelty-free products: Write to them at 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510, or call 757-622-PETA
9. Reduce or eliminate your meat consumption. Seven billion animals are killed every year in the U.S. for food. If you normally eat meat, try a week of vegetarian meals instead. How about vegetarian chili, stir-fry, tofu kabobs, veggie lasagna, hummus, or bean burritos? You'll never miss the meat--and you might find you feel so good, you'll keep it up after the week's over!

10. Adopt an animal. If you have room in your heart and home, consider adopting an animal from your local shelter. But remember, animals need a lifetime commitment; make sure you will have the time and patience to exercise and play with him/her, as well as the financial resources to pay for food, toys, and veterinary care.