The Best of Two Worlds: The Catio

in Barks and Blooms / cat / cat nip / indoor cat / outdoor cat / ratio  by November 25, 2013
What’s a Catio?  A hybrid of cat & patio and it’s the coolest thing for active cats in the country, suburbs, or city.  Of course it’s too cold for much outdoor time right now, but if you start planning now, you can have a Fabulous Catio by spring!  Take a look at these inspirations:




A Catio can be as simple as this portable pop-up:
A Catio can be an efficient, tidy box attached to a window.  You can DIY or purchase.
This Catio is like the one above, just fancier!  What a lucky cat!  (I saw a similar one while at the beach in North Carolina this summer.)

Look at this!  Exercise steps, ramps…and…is that catnip I see?
More happy cats experiencing freedom AND safety.  Perfection!
The Cottage Catio.  Sweet shade and the kitties can keep you company while you garden
Limited space?  How perfect is this?
Does your home have a catio?  Share your thoughts and your pics!!

Wednesday Adoptables–Oscar

in Barks and Blooms / lab / Lab-Rescue.org / labrador retriever / Oscar  by November 20, 2013
Happy Oscar!

Oscar is an 18 month old neutered black male, who is available for adoption or sponsorship by Lab Rescue. He is up to date on his shots and is heartworm negative. He is good with other dogs and is approved for kids aged 10 and up. He weighs 53 lbs and should gain about 10 lbs. 

Update from Oscar’s foster family – 11/9/2014


Oscar has developed a maneuver we call the sneaky snuggle. He starts at the opposite end of the couch and looks to be snoozing peacefully. Then he starts to wiggle and wave his front feet. Next thing you know he’s wiggled down the couch on his back and his head is in your lap. If you let him, he’ll be completely in your lap. Once he gives you the big “I’m so cute” eyes it’s impossible to not give in to the snuggles. Oscar is very happy around people, and he’s learning not to jump up for attention. He’s not bothered by cars, large trucks, bicycles, kids on scooters, runners, or anything else. Mostly Oscar just wants to check out the world, play with all the chew toys, and be as close to his people as possible. He crates easily but prefers to lay on the couch. Oscar is housebroken and quick about going first thing in the morning. 

Oscar does okay on an Easy Walk harness. With some encouragement Oscar will sit for treats and takes them well.  He also knows come. In true Lab fashion, his tail never stops wagging. Oscar has the sweetest face and despite being underweight, Oscar has a spectacular Lablean. He will go with a training addendum and is probably not the best choice for a first-time adopter. He’d love an active family and lots of places to sniff and play.

Oscar loves to play with other dogs. He would like to retrieve all day but can’t play as much as he would like as we want him to take it easy because of his torn ACL. He is going to be a wonderful, gorgeous dog for the family that is willing to give him the training, love, and attention he deserves. 

Silly Oscar!
If you have room in your heart or home (and couch) for Oscar, give the wonderful people at Lab Rescue a call.
(301) 299-6756 

Lovable Oscar!

Is It Time to Throw the Jerk(y) Out!?

in Uncategorized  by November 6, 2013

There has been an absolute epidemic of recalls in the last year concerning dog food and dog treats, specifically jerky–made from chicken.  While sifting through the dozens of blogs I subscribe to daily, I came across this article written by a vet, Dr. Eric Barchas for DOGSTER.  He states that questionable jerky has been tested for salmonella, metals, pesticides, and antibiotics, and were screened for other chemicals and poisonous compounds, but in spite of these efforts, the cause of the problems remains unidentified.

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

“This places jerky in a uniquely nefarious group of food and plant items that can sicken or kill pets for reasons unexplained by current science. Other members of the group include grapes, raisins, and lilies (in cats).
The analogy between grapes and jerky may actually be a very good one. There are some people who are beginning to suspect that there is no contaminant. Rather, they suspect that jerky itself, like grapes, may be safe for people yet toxic to some dogs (but not others).”

Something to think about–Here’s a link to the rest of the ARTICLE.  It’s good reading.