Purrchance To Dream

Stars in her eyes

2012-01-28T11:40:00.001-05:00

Looking at the Stars, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Hard to imagine that it was just a week ago that Little Isis started to take a turn for the worse, and that I hadn't even started to get sick yet.
Today, she is feeling SO much better, and so am I. We still have a follow-up vet appointment this coming week to get test results, but her appetite is back to normal and her energy level is simply feisty!
Sorry I haven't posted more here on the blog this week, once I knew that Isis was on the mend, I basically spent three days sleeping off my own bronchitis.
Now we're both feeling better, and neither of us want to ever have to repeat this past week again!
~ NTM and Little Isis

On Top of the Fridge

2012-01-25T13:10:00.000-05:00

Since one of Little Isis's first symptoms when she got sick was favoring her tender right rear leg, the vet said we should temporarily discourage her to getting up to really high places. Well, one of her favorite hidey holes is on top of the refrigerator, behind the crock pot box. I had moved the box to the edge of the fridge, to try to discourage her from jumping up there.

This morning, I heard some scrambling. It was Isis, trying to scale the side of the refrigerator, unhappy that her hidey hole and perch access was blocked. I figured if she was feeling well enough to get up there, then she had to really want up there.

So I moved the box back and un-blocked the hole. I lifted her up there, and gave her a handful of Blue Bag Only treats. Once she got settled in, she ate almost all of the treats! It's so great to have her not only wanting to be in her regular places again, but to see her eating.
We're still waiting for test results. One vet who saw her wanted to do one test (multi-organ function), the other wanted to do another (heart disease), and I insisted on the Hemobart test (it was the only thing that fits 100% of both her AND Pete's illness - and their recoveries!). Will keep you up-dated when I get results from the vets.

Thanks to everyone for the comments and purrs and prayers, both here on the blog and on facebook.

~ NTM

Isis is Home

2012-01-24T17:11:00.003-05:00

Little Isis took a turn for the worse over the weekend and spent Monday at the vet clinic for meds and IV fluids. She went back and spent the day at the clinic today for observation.
Her temperature has stabilized and she ate at the clinic, so she got released to come home, and barring any unforseen complications, she gets to stay home!
Unfortunately, I have come down with what I think is bronchitis suddenly, so I haven't updated the blog here as much. But wanted everyone to know she is home! Now, I need a nap!
Thanks for your comments, purrs, and prayers.
NTM

Isis Needs Purrs and Prayers

2012-01-22T12:07:00.000-05:00

Isis has not improved the past two days. In fact, she is a bit worse. She still doesn't want to walk, and now I've started doing fluids via a syringe every 3 hours. She has a vet appointment tomorrow, but we could use some good Cat Blogosphere PURRS and prayers today!

Little Isis Update

2012-01-19T12:46:00.000-05:00

Last night, Isis ate on her own and instead of hiding, she got up on the couch with me and snuggled and demanded a good chin scritch.
She slept on the couch all night instead of going into her hidey hole in the bedroom, and this morning at some Blue Bag Only treats.
The vet called this morning to check up on her, and he gave me the results from the two tests still pending: both are good news!
The radiologist said that indeed there are no broken bones, and that the hip/femur joint is not arthritic or bone-damaged, it looks like a congenital birth defect - which is what I suspected she had all along, because she has always kind of had a 'swagger' to her walk with that leg, ever since she was a kitten and Dr Butts in Michigan said it was probably just a birth defect or result of her being so malnutritioned as a kitten before I rescued her (which is why she's so tiny still as an adult). So - no surgery or glucosamine supplements needed for her hip, just some rest - the vet said she probably injured it rough-housing with Pete or landed on it wrong in a jump.
And, the fructosamine results also came back as 'normal' - so her blood sugar spike yesterday was probably just a result of the stress and not eating while hiding.
Such good news!
She's sleeping now, and we wanted to express our sincerest thanks and appreciation to everyone for the comments and kind words, both on blogger and on facebook!
Thank you!
NTM

To the VET and Back

2012-01-18T17:39:00.000-05:00

When I got home from work last night, Little Isis was hiding in the bathroom and did not want to come out. She did not seem to want to walk at all, and refused to eat her Blue Bag Only treats. When I went to bed, I put a towel around her, and when I woke up the towel was still on her - she hadn't moved all night.
I took her to the litter box and she urinated, but had problems with her right rear back leg, and could not get out of the litter box on her own.
So, we went to the vet this morning. After x-rays and blood tests, there is good news: there are no broken bones, and most of the blood tests came back fine.
The x-rays were sent to a feline bone specialist to look at her femur hip joint. Right now it shows up as different than her left hip socket, but she has always favored that leg, ever since she was a kitten, and the vet is having the specialist try to see if it is an injury or simply a birth defect. I'm guessing the latter, and somehow she injured this hip socket, either by falling or jumping too high and hard.
She got an injection of pain meds and an anti-inflammatory, as well as a B-12 shot and some subQ fluids.
The one anomaly of the blood tests was an elevated glucose level, but not dangerous. There is a new test, said the vet, to somehow check for the history of the blood sugar level over the last two weeks, and I agreed to have that further test run. Since she has always been slim and petite, I think her blood sugar today was affected more from not eating properly the past few days, being dehydrated, and the stress of the vet visit. There were several barking dogs at the vet clinic, and that was causing her visible stress, so it wouldn't surprise me if it also affected her body chemistry. Let's hope the detailed bloodwork comes back normal.
She is now home, and even though I opened the carrier near her hidey hole in the bathroom, she walked right out to the living room and laid down. And the best news - she then went into the kitchen and ATE SOME dinner! I'll keep an eye on her, of course, but the big worry (and what might have sent us back to the vet before our follow-up appointment next week) would be that she wasn't eating. So her voluntarily going and eating some regular food was quite a relief.
Thanks for the comments today on her facebook page. They are much appreciated!
With Love,
NTM

Little Isis and the Feather-butt Rattle Mousie

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, you got to see us opening our Secret Paws package from The Island Cats. You saw me in the first picture, but not in the second two... why? Because once the box was opened, I snagged a feather-butt rattle mousie and went under the Christmas tree with it to play!
As you can see, I really love that mousie and thoroughly deaded it, as you can see below.
Thanks to Wally and Ernie and Zoe for the pawsome gifts!
~ Little Isis

Belated Secret Paws

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we showed you Daphne with the skunk catnip toy that was in our Secret Paws Christmas gift from The Island Cats. Here's some more pictures of us getting the box. Above, Little Isis and Bella sniff out the package. And below, Daphne, Bella, Peter, and Jack dig in to their goodies!
Thanks again to Wally and Ernie and Zoey of The Island Cats for our Secret Paws gifts!
~ The Purries
of Purrchance To Dream

Daphne and The Skunk

2012-01-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

I know we were remiss in posting about getting our Secret Paws gift earlier, but we do have a few photos of it. Our Secret Paws gifts came from the wonderful Island Cats, and there were SO many goodies, more than we could count! One of the favorites in the package was a little catnip skunk. Daphne was the first to take it for a tousle, but Bella still carries that little floppy skunk around every evening! Here is Daphne, playing with it, with the festive HO HO HO tissue paper from the Secret Paws package as a background! Thanks to Wally and Ernie of The Island Cats for such great treats and gifts!

Under The Tree

2012-01-12T14:28:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we saw the lovely Bella with the Christmas tree in the background. Today, here is a photo of Peter under the tree, which sadly has been packed up for the year. Isn't he a handsome fella?

Another Bella Portrait

2012-01-11T19:15:00.000-05:00

The previous portrait of Bella got some great responses, so here's another picture that iDaddy took over the holidays.

Tabby Tuesday

2012-01-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

iDaddy took this beautiful portrait of Bella when he was here for the holidays, and he emailed it to us this morning. Isn't she lovely, posing with her mint chewy?

Have a Naughty New Year!

2011-12-31T23:48:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

While Bella was distracted, I stole her new joolz.
To me, they're lip-smackin' good!

Besides, joolz looks bestest on House Panthers, don't they?

I thinks so!

Happy New Years, everyone! Get your naughty on!

~ Little Isis

The Center of Entertainment

2011-12-27T14:00:00.001-05:00

The Center of Entertainment, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Pete wishes everyone an entertaining day!

Happy Boxing Day

2011-12-26T13:49:00.001-05:00

Little Isis sends wishes of a Happy Boxing Day to everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T14:57:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmasfrom all of usat Purrchance To Dream~Spooker, Chloe, Daphne,Jack, Peter, Bella,Little IsisandNTM & iDaddy

Happy Christmas Eve from The Purries

2011-12-24T07:07:00.002-05:00

Daffy Daphne

2011-12-22T12:16:00.001-05:00

daffy daphne, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!

Sending Healing PURRS to Mazie Grace

2011-12-17T17:20:00.004-05:00

Our dear friend Mazie Grace Graves got the bestest news today: she does NOT have cancer! She celebrated with a gigantical stinky poops!

We love Mazie, and are so happy with this diagnosis, even though it's bittersweet, because she is sick with IBD, but that is treatable.

May she live long and purr supreme!

Don't forget to click on over to the Whiskers and Purrs blog to leave a nice comment for Mazie's speedy recovery!

With love from all of us

at Purrchance To Dream

Isis Helps

2011-12-15T11:47:00.004-05:00

As soon as the spool of ribbon came out, Little Isis decided it was time to HELP me put the finishing touches on a Christmas collage gift for one of our friends.

Don't you love the way she is staring so intently at that ribbon?

Check-up for Pete

2011-12-12T11:03:00.001-05:00

photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Pete went in for a check-up today, and while I thought he was 100% better, he registered as having a 104ºF temperature at the vet's office.
So, since everything else seemed fine, Dr. Jackie allowed me to take him home, but I have to monitor his temperature now and report in.
We had to go buy a digital pet thermometer.
Keep Peter in your thoughts today, and hope his temperature falls back into the normal zone - if it remains elevated, Dr. Jackie wants to re-admit him for fluids, even though the diagnosis is still FUO (Fever of Unknown Origin). I'm hoping the stress of the carrier, car-ride, dogs in the waiting room, etc, caused his temp to spike and that a few hours resting at home will show more normal results.
~ NTM

Grimmy Goes Home

2011-12-08T20:32:00.001-05:00

Grimmy got neutered yesterday, and went to his Forever Home tonight. He never became 'tame' and had a serious dislike for me and the other Purries (except Bella, who he would play with on occasion). He will now be able to live in the country and chase mice, and have a lovely 5 year old girl to spoil him.

Hope everyone can join me in wishing Grimmy a happy new life.

~ NTM

Thank Our Lucky Stars!

2011-12-08T04:14:00.001-05:00

Starry Pete, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

I am thanking our lucky stars today, because Pete has started eating his regular food again!!!

Just a quick update - so thankful for the recovery of Mr Pinky Nose Pete, and thankful to everyone out there in the universe who said a prayer for the recovery of our boy.
THANK YOU!

~NTM

Pete Eats Treats

2011-12-06T11:34:00.001-05:00

Mr Pinky Nose, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

I finally got some sleep last night, so I wasn't watching Pete every minute - so I don't know if he ate overnight. But this morning, he wolfed down a handful of Temptations. After a few days of cautiously nibbling on cheese flavored Friskies Party Mix, it was a relief to see him going after the Temptations.
He shows no interest in the Rx food prescribed to him, even after I warm it (don't worry, it's not going to waste, Bella is snarfing it down after Pete turns up his nose at it). But at least he's eating something, just not the something that Dr Jackie would prefer him to be eating!
He shows no sign of fever now, and he's gone back to his regular duty of accompanying me to the bathroom every time. Good to have the Pee Chaperone back!
Thanks again to everyone for the continued thoughts, purrs, and prayers!
~NTM

Pete is Home Again

2011-12-05T10:04:00.001-05:00

peter pete, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Back from our follow up visit with Dr Jackie.
His temperature was NORMAL! What a relief.
Still no diagnosis as to what caused the fever - we're waiting for the more extensive blood test results to come back. But the specialist who examined his X-rays said everything looks normal.
So, he got his IV line out and some Rx appetite-stimulating food and was sent HOME.
Once we got back, I was able to entice him to eat about a dozen Friskies Party Mix Cheese Flavor treats. Dr Jackie wasn't thrilled that he's only eaten treats recently, but conceded it was better than nothing. After he settles back in from the car ride, we'll see if he will eat some of the Rx food.
He's now trying to get the petroleum jelly off his temperature-checking-orifice, and as for me - I think I need a nap.
THANK YOU to everyone for their comments, thoughts, purrs, and prayers. Our whole family greatly appreciates all of them!
~ NTM

Pete is HOME!

2011-12-04T18:00:00.001-05:00

photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Pete is HOME.
That's the great news. His temperature has stabilized in the "high-end of normal" range, but at least he didn't spike a fever at the clinic this afternoon.
The other news is that he still has his IV catheter line in, and he has to go back tomorrow morning for another temp check up and follow up (with the good vet, not the fixated on vomiting one from today).
We still don't know what caused the fever. We may have more tests run tomorrow - we're still waiting from word back from the specialist on the X-rays.
Several people asked if he was receiving antibiotics as well as fluids, and the answer is yes. He received an injection yesterday, another over night, and he has an oral solution for me to administer tonight. Sorry I wasn't more specific when I said he was receiving 'meds' as well as the IV fluids.
Upon returning home, he was quite eager to to get out of the carrier, as you can imagine. He demanded Temptations, but only ate one that I saw. I'll offer them again to him later.
After wanting to be held and get a good head scritching, he's now resting on his favorite blanket on the couch next to me. My only worry for tonight is the IV pick line in his leg - I wish they'd taped it up better. I put a bandaid over the part that flapped when he shook his leg, that seems to help.
He wants to be near me, and he's purring, and for that I'm truly thankful.
THANKS to everyone who's commented, both here on Blogger and on facebook. We greatly appreciate the thoughts, prayers, and purrs.
~ NTM

Pete Update

2011-12-04T11:33:00.001-05:00

sleepy pete, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Pete is still at the clinic, for IV fluids and observation of his temperature. It spiked several times overnight and had not stabilized within the normal range by this morning. Right now it is at 102º F, which is high 'normal' for cats, so hopefully after a few more hours of fluids it will stabilize with no more spikes.
My advice - if you take a cat in for a fever, talk about the fever first and NOT about vomiting. I started Pete's story at the clinic with 'two days ago, he vomited' and they've been fixated on this ever since. The overnight clinic has written that he vomited at the day clinic, which the day clinic vet technician tells me he did not, and the day clinic today misread the notes from the night clinic and said that he vomited overnight so I called the night clinic to verify that he did not vomit overnight, that there has been NO vomiting while in either of the clinics, and yet today's vet is still fixated upon giving him anti-vomiting and anti-nausea medication and keeps bringing up 'if vomiting continues'... sheesh!
I finally had to say "FORGET ABOUT VOMITING unless he pukes TODAY while getting the IV fluids!"
No results are in yet from further examination of the X-rays or more detailed blood tests.
I go in later this afternoon to hopefully bring him home. I'll update then.
THANK YOU to everyone on facebook, here in Blogger, and in the Cat Blogosphere for your continued thoughts, prayers, and PURRS for our Peter.
♥
NTM
(and iDaddy and The Purries say THANK YOU, too!)

Fever Kitty

2011-12-03T23:05:00.001-05:00

Pete threw up on Thursday and basically was sleeping ever since. Overnight last night he was very cold, and I was holding him. This morning, he was lethargic and was very hot.Took him to the vet. where they kept him all day for IV fluids & meds to try to reduce a 'dangerously high' fever. His blood tests and urinalysis all came back as 'okay' - within normal levels, only his temperature is high. The vet did an X-ray, too, and it seems normal upon a preliminary look, too. More blood was drawn for further tests and the X-rays were sent via email to a specialist. The vet is baffled by the fever, but it was still very high with spikes throughout the day, so the decision was made to keep him overnight so that he can remain on IV fluids & meds, and have his temperature monitored. Hopefully by morning, there will be a stabilization of his temperature in the normal range.Thanks to everyone on facebook & the CB's support, sending love, thoughts, purrs, and prayers - it means the world to me & Eyad and the rest of The Purries. I must say it's strange here tonight not having our Tuxie Boy with us. Sending love to our Peter,NTM

Petey

2011-11-30T20:22:00.001-05:00

Petey, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Eyad's younger brothers rescued this cute fella from a shelter in Saudi Arabia this week. His Arabic name is Nemran, which means 'mini tiger.'
But since he looks like our own Peter Peter, they're calling him Petey.
Congrats on your new Forever Home, Petey!

Party!

2011-11-29T14:59:00.001-05:00

Party!, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Our buddy Kimo came HOME!
Seems like he was gone longer than a Kardashian marriage!

Welcome HOME, Kimo!
Party time!
Whoop Whoop!

Nipsy Tambourines

2011-11-28T22:35:00.001-05:00

Our friend Pixel's mom has created a new shop on Etsy where you can get some really cool new cat toys. She sent us some samples to try (we love being product testers!) and we all like them, but Daphne LOVE LOVE LOVES them. She is pictured above, auditioning to be a spokesmodel for Nipsy Tambourines. They are made with repurposed water bottle caps and yarn, and they have NIP inside. They shake and rattle a bit when you play with them, so she has named them Nipsy Tambourines. What a cute name, eh?Here's the link to the Nipsy Tambourine shop: KB Meow Cat CreationsThese products are Purries tested, Purries approved!The ones below would make PURRFECT stocking stuffers for the purries on your Christmas list!

Jaz Update

2011-11-27T18:01:00.001-05:00

We got a wonderful holiday gift today - an email from the lovely lady who adopted Jazper, and some new pictures of him. She says he is doing very well, that he loves to be held and loves to sleep under the Christmas tree - glad some things never change!We were so happy to see the pics, we got a bit leaky-eyed, in a good way. We're so happy for Jaz, and for the lovely lady who opened her home and her heart to him.~ NTM & iDaddy

Remembering Jaz

2011-11-26T09:03:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who sent 'Happy Gotcha Day' messages to Jazper yesterday.

It was kind of a tough day for NTM, because he was missing the Jaz Man so much. Jazper came into our lives as a rescue, and we agreed to foster him, but then of course he became the perfect shop cat at NTM's store in Michigan.

But when it was time for NTM to close the store, Jaz did not want to become part of The Purries at home with the rest of us. It was quite a stressful situation for all of us involved. Finally, with a broken heart but knowing it was the right thing to do, NTM found a new Forever Home for Jazper. He now is a wonderfully pampered Only Cat, and we still hear from his new mom occasionally with updates. That doesn't mean NTM and iDaddy don't miss him every single day. They do. It's been two years now since Jaz went to live with his new mom, but they still miss him.

The Gotcha Day posted yesterday in the Cat Blogosphere was to remember the day that Jaz got off that plane from Rhode Island and joined us in Michigan. He was such an integral part of The Wren's Nest, and made that experience so rich. We will never forget him, but know that he is loving being an Only Cat.

Live well, Jaz. We will always love you.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T15:00:00.001-05:00

We're thankful for so many things this year but most thankful that we are a family,and have wonderful friends.Happy Thanksgiving!

Custom Kitty Collages Available

2011-11-20T12:51:00.001-05:00

There are several cat-themed collages available in my BellisiMo Nouveau Etsy shop, but I can also do a custom collage for you. I can do a mix of vintage postcards with photographs of your cats, or just photos of your cats if you prefer.

I'd work with you on colors, photos, and what embellishments you'd like.

You can look at my existing collages at the Etsy shop for ideas, then send me an email (purr2dream at gmail.com) to work out details.

An 8x10 custom collage will be $20 - and if you order it before December 3rd, I'll throw in Free Shipping to USA addresses!

Kitten Christmas Collage

2011-11-14T21:36:00.001-05:00

I've been busy crafting - with the 'help' of Bella and Isis, of course - and have created some mixed media collages for the holidays. They're based on vintage Christmas postcards.

Several of them, like the one pictured above, feature cats.

Here's the link to view them all in our Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellisiMoNouveau

You can use the code FBFRIENDS at checkout to receive FREE SHIPPING to USA addresses.

Custom collages are also available, send me an email if you'd like for me to create a collage for you.

Spooker Video Chats

2011-11-12T00:16:00.001-05:00

Little Isis often gets to video chat with her iDaddy from our living room, but with Spooker's self-exile into the bedroom, Spooker and Eyad hadn't seen each other in a while. So, last night the laptop and I took a field trip so they could catch up. Don't you love her expression as she looked at the laptop, trying to figure out where Eyad's voice was coming from?

~NTM

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

NOse Offense

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

We received a sample of NOse Offense to review. This product is created by Rembo Corp, "a leader in odor elimination technology since 1977" and was created for people who love their pets but hate "that smell."

NOse Offense is a fragrance-free odor-neutralizing spray that eliminates pet odors, rather than masking them.

Their spray is "safe, non-toxic, natural, organic, and biodegradable" and can be used on all water-safe fabrics, litter boxes, cages, pet carriers, and flooring.

Can also be sprayed into the air to eliminate lingering odors -- I tried this in the bathroom after a HUMAN stinky episode, and IT WORKS for that, too!

I liked this product best for spraying in the air to eliminate odors, and for hard surfaces. Spooker has pee-problems (like standing in the litter box and peeing over the edge) and fortunately we have tile flooring. NOse Offense helps keep the odor down in the bedroom, where Spooker lives, because no one wants to sleep with cat pee odor.

As far as I know, NOse Offense is only available from their website www.NOseoffense.com which is a shame - this product should be more widely available in pet stores or grocery stores to reach a wider commercial audience. That's really the only downside to this great product.

However, their website is easy to shop from and comes with $3.99 flat shipping for no matter how large your order (and NOse Offense is available in up to gallon size refill bottles!).
What I liked best about this product - the company's commitment to being green & recycling, and the fact that the product works as advertised -- it eliminates odor without adding fragrance.

If you're looking for a product to order online to have shipped to your favorite no-kill shelter for the holidays, NOse Offense would be a great gift idea!

Holdin' Up The Walls

2011-11-08T12:16:00.001-05:00

Insta-Nap, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

Iz holdin' up the walls, even in my sleeps.
Somebodys gotta keep this place together.
~ Jack

Shark Alert!

2011-11-06T09:03:00.000-05:00

Those of you who read my review of my Shark cordless vac may be surprised to learn that when buying a new vacuum, I went with a Shark instead of a Dyson. But when the cordless Shark worked, it worked okay, it just has a very poor quality battery.

What I got to replace it was a Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro. This is the 'pet hair' model of the Shark vacuum line, with comparable features to the Dyson Animal. The only place I could find the 'Pro' version of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away was at Bed, Bath & Beyond, for $199. It can be ordered online from other retailers, but Bed, Bath & Beyond seem to be the only outlet to carry this model in-store.
With my 20% Off Bed, Bath & Beyond mailer coupon, this made the Pro the same price as the regular Lift-Away model. The body of the regular model, which they have tons of stacked in the aisle, is purple, and the Pro is white and silver - just so you know, if you go into Bed, Bath & Beyond looking for one. The Pro features a canister that is twice the volume of the regular purple model, as well as some other cool features such as a hard floor and carpet setting, and extra accessories. The double volume of the canister was what sold me on the Pro.

The deciding factors for me going with the Shark instead of the Dyson -- after doing extensive online research and reading lots of reviews on multiple websites -- were 1) price for similar 'pet' features -- I mean, I know Dyson is top of the line, but really, $500 for a vacuum cleaner?

And 2) length of cord - many of the Dyson reviews said the cord was simply too short, while I found the Shark cord to be quite generous. Granted, I have a small house, but I was able to plug the Shark into one central outlet and do the entire house without switching plugs.

So - let me tell you - right out of the box, I loved this vac. It snaps together, no tools required, and is good to go in less than five minutes. The regular vacuum part really works well, and there are two settings: hard floor (tile, in my case) and carpet - we have a large sisal area rug in the living room and it's now the cleanest it's been since we bought it. The difference in the two settings is that on hard floor, the beater bar doesn't go around, scattering stuff, it just sucks up everything! This is the reason I had to replace my old carpet-friendly Dirt Devil in the first place -- the always-on beater bar scattered more kitty litter than it sucked up. The hard floor setting of the Shark is a godsend for homes with multiple litter boxes!
The canister truly does lift away, and in this Pro model it is rubber-gasket sealed to the base with easy-to-detach side clips. Once you're over the trash can, there's a one-button release to dispose of what you've sucked up.

So, the basic vacuum part of this model is great enough, but then I played with the attachments. Who ever designed the two-foot long crevice tool for Shark is a freakin' genius! The handle of the Lift-Away Pro becomes your attachment nozzle and the long pointy crevice device is AWESOME. Who knew a long skinny sucking tube could get me so excited?
Next was the basic dust attachment - now, there is no revolutionary design here, 99% of vacuums come with this same bristle brush device. However, on most vacs with the attachment hose, they just don't have enough sucking power to truly vacuum. The Shark Lift-Away Pro leaves all the others in the dust, so to speak, and truly is a dusting attachment. I love it. I did bookshelves, baseboards, picture frames on the wall, light fixtures, lamp shades, around the bathroom mirror, and even behind the toilet!
Next up was the pet hair attachment. This is a rotating-head attachment for the hose. I was skeptical about how the beater brush would rotate, since there was not a power attachment for it, it's just air-driven. Well, let me tell you - it works! We have one of those microfiber sofas, to which cat hair loves to cling, and this pet hair attachment got the sofa the cleanest it's been since I took the shrink wrap off after delivery! I also then used it to vacuum the carpeted parts of our two cat towers and again, it worked amazingly well.
The final attachment is a floor duster. It again is a separate head to go onto the extender tube of the handle nozzle, with a microfiber (washable) pad. So, after you vacuum, you can go back over your hard floor surfaces and suck up finer dust particles. The best part about this is that it still has a slit for regular vacuuming, so stray dust bunnies that weren't captured the first go around still get sucked up. Frankly, the floor duster attachment was my least favorite of the accessories, but maybe I was just tired out after a couple hours of playing with the other toys. That's the other thing - after a couple of hours of non-stop sucking, this model didn't lose one bit of suck-strength, and was not over-heated in the least.

The final thing I like about this model is its size. It is much smaller than my previous Dirt Devil, and fits into my microscopic Florida closet. Since it has a cord, it doesn't need to stay out and charge 24/7 like the cordless Shark model. So, it is out of sight when not in use. But what I wanted was a vacuum for daily use, and I think I selected the right one!

Jack In The Tower

2011-11-05T13:08:00.001-04:00

Jack In The Tower, a photo by morgen1967 on Flickr.

I wrapped the post of the cat tower in sisal rope - it came covered in carpet and The Purries had worn it out - and put up a new feather toy, too.
Of course, the feather toy is attracting more attention. The sisal rope from Lowes has a weird oily smell that I hope dissipates quickly - perhaps spraying it with catnip spray will help?
Either way, the post looks so much better now than having carpet threads (that Jack liked to chew) sticking out. And I was worried that he'd swallow some of those loose carpet bits!
Here's Jack in the tower, demonstrating his favorite position to play with the feather toy!

Dona Nobis Pacem 2011

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

We're happy to have been involved withBlog Blast For Peace since it's beginning.May there be Peace On Earthand let it begin with kitties!

Shark Stick Vac

2011-11-01T15:00:00.000-04:00

Product review:

Shark 2-in-1 Cordless Stick Vac and Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, SV800\VX63

This is my second Shark Stick Vac - the first one's battery lasted less than a year.

After reading online that Shark allegedly revamped the battery, I got a new one. Previously, the battery removed and charged separately. Now the battery is screwed in and you have to charge it (for 24 hours between uses) next to the plug. This means your vacuum is always in view. That would be bad enough, but the battery just does not hold a charge. When I first got it, it would vacuum the whole house. Gradually, the battery life is less every day - and I try to vacuum frequently. I've had this model for less than three months, and now I can't even get one room completed - in a very tiny house! So frustrating.

Not worth the money.

The good things about this vac: the size, weight, and ease of emptying the canister. When it has a charge, it does suck up pet hair well.

BUT - a vacuum should last more than 3 months!

This was NOT a sponsored review - just my opinion!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T01:05:00.000-04:00

Pete is dressing up as Little Isisfor Halloween this year!Happy Halloween from all of us at Purrchance To Dream!

Spooker's Tocktober Portrait

2011-10-20T11:51:00.001-04:00

Celebrating Derby's BirthdayTock-tober Style.

RIP Jimmy Durante Graves III

2011-10-18T11:05:00.002-04:00

Our friend Jimmy ran off to the Rainbow Bridge last night.Our PURRS go out to Mama Jenny and the rest of the gang at the Whiskers & Purrs blog; please stop by there and send your condolences to them.Run free, Jimmy.We love you.

Sending PURRS to Parker

2011-10-16T13:19:00.002-04:00

Our friend Parker has been diagnosed with cancer, and we're just heartsick with this news. We're sending lots of purrs and prayers to the lovely Parker and her parents, and hope you'll do the same! You can read her story and leave her a comment at her blog, Perfectly Parker. Thank you!

With Love,

NTM and The Purries

Clean + Green Offer

2011-10-06T13:50:00.003-04:00

Clean + Green's Litter Box can is my favorite litter box accessory. No other product I've tried works as well. Clean + Green is hard to find in stores, but now can be ordered online with free shipping.

Here's a message from Clean + Green:

~~~~

To celebrate Pet Wellness Month in October, Clean+Green has a special offer for your readers!

Readers can get a FREE Urine Finder* (a $10 value) and 20% off their entire order when they purchase $20.00 or more of Clean+Green products from www.odorandstainremover.com. As a reminder, all orders placed on odorandstainremover.com ship for free, always.

Our Urine Finder blacklight is designed to locate hard to find pet urine deposited anywhere, including carpets, wood, tile, furniture, bedding and concrete. Once you find the pet urine odor, it's easy to permanently eliminate the problem using Clean+Green! Please note: the Urine Finder light is available only while supplies last.

Enter promo code WELLPET in coupon code window at checkout, and receive your FREE Urine Finder and 20% discount for orders of $20 or more.

Clean+Green natural pet stain and odor removers use a patented Advanced Encapsulation Technology(tm) and an Advanced Eliminator3 Formula that naturally encapsulate and eliminate stain and odor on contact - even skunk odor! - by naturally biodegrading the stain/odor source. The all-natural formula delivers instant results in a safe, non-toxic, eco-friendly solution. Ingredients include cane sugar derivatives, a proprietary blend of botanical extracts, hydrated cellulose, purified water and a natural aerosol propellant (nitrogen). For more information, please visit www.odorandstainremover.com.

Safe Travels, Beau

2011-09-30T12:34:00.001-04:00

Our dear friend Beauis traveling to his new home today.His itinerary and detailsare posted here.We wish him the very bestwith his New Mom Barbara.We know Cathy is smilingdown from heavenas her dear Beauis being so well loved.Our thanks and gratitudego out to everyone who helpedre-homing Beau.

Meow Like A Pirate, Ye Scalawags!

2011-09-19T00:03:00.000-04:00

Avast ye land lubbers!Grab some grog and join me booty bountyor ye be walkin' the plank!

Arrr,Cap'n Isis

Grimmy and Noises

2011-09-18T12:58:00.002-04:00

I finally coaxed Grimmy to come out on his own for some cuddle and ear-scritching time, since the rest of the Purries seemed to be in post-treats nap-mode, and we were just getting settled on the couch when Isis decided that the jingle ball she'd been ignoring for weeks was suddenly her new favorite toy again. It's one of the hard plastic ones with the jingle bell inside, and she will take any European Footballer on for speed and accuracy - she loves to bunt that jingle ball right into the front door for maximum BANG impact. It must be her goal in the game of kitty soccer. Of course, the sudden noise and intermittent bangs didn't sit too well for Grimmy, who wanted to hide.
He's doing better every day - he certainly has an appetite, and he's fully hydrated now and his eyes are clear. The next step: posting to adoption sites to find him a new Forever Home!

Kentucky Boys Need Re-Homed

2011-09-16T21:42:00.000-04:00

Phineas & Ferb need a new home, preferably together.

These boys are litter mates. The orange is Phineas, the grey Ferb.

They're about 5 months old.

My friend has lost her job, and she already has a house full of dogs & cats, and simply can't afford these two teenager boys.

They're in Somerset, Kentucky, and my friend is willing to drive them to within 100 miles of there to re-home them in an indoors-only home. We will make sure they are neutered.

Thanks,

NTM

Happy Gotcha Day, Isis

2011-09-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

Four years ago today, Bessie and I found a half-starved, flea-ridden little black imp in the alley behind the building where I lived in Michigan.

Bessie named her Isis and frankly, I thought that Bessie was going to be the one to adopt her. But she stayed with me, and now I can't imagine life without this opinionated, intelligent, independent, finicky feline.
But four years? Where did the time go? Little Isis is still the size of a half-grown housecat, yet what she lacks in body size she makes up for in cunning brain power!

To celebrate her Gotcha Day, Isis is getting extra treats. Unlike the rest of the Purries, she doesn't care for Temptations. She wants only Friskies Beachside Crunch, which she calls BLUE BAG ONLY.

Everybody grab some

BLUE BAG ONLY

and celebrate!

Happy Gotcha Day, my Little Isis!

Love you!

NTM

Grimble Update

2011-09-13T01:18:00.000-04:00

So, other than eating and using the litter box, Grimble hadn't shown much interest in anything the past few days. He does like to be held, which surprised me, being that he was feral and was SO resistant to being caught initially. He's enjoyed some cuddle times with me the past few evenings, and has a gentle purr. He really likes his head being scratched.

The thing that worried me was his eyes, and his lack of interest in anything play-related. His eyes are a bit crossed, and they were cloudy. I hoped it was just his dehydration that caused the cloudiness, and have been mixing a bit of water into his wet food twice a day to ensure he was getting extra water.

Last night, his eyes looked clearer, and instead of a cat toy, I tried a shred of a paper napkin instead. He could definitely follow the motion of the 'toy' with his eyes, and he showed interest in it. He perked up after a few minutes, and even wandered around a bit on the couch and jumped over to the coffee table. He got within a few inches of Isis and Bella, who'd been watching him. Of course, then Bella hissed, and Grimble decided that it was time to go back into his safety zone, and he got some more stinky goodness.

He's still so thin and tiny, so I don't want him out and around the rest of the Purries yet, especially Pete, but we're making progress.

For Cathy

2011-09-09T12:06:00.001-04:00

I am in total shock. Beau's human mom Cathy has passed away.

There is a copy of the obituary at the Cat Blogosphere.

For those of you who don't know, Cathy had a bone infection on her foot and a second infection also. Both were resistant to antibiotics and they didn't want to heal after surgeries. But still, the last time I chatted with her on Instant Messaging, she was determined to beat it.

See, I truly call Cathy a friend - she and I Instant Message chatted at least once a week, about our cats, about our love lives, about religion. About life. She was a truly great lady who loved Beau with her entire heart. And she was a great friend to me, always asking about me, always transporting Beau over to give Chloe some comfort after Chloe had been comforting me with my depression, and always being a good friend.

My heart aches, my tears flow, and I pray that Beau has someone to give him a new home. For someone I never met in person, she was a true friend to me.

I'm just in shock, yet I know that with her faith, she has gone on to a better place.

~ Morgen

Rescue Kitten Update

2011-09-08T18:55:00.002-04:00

Just got back from the vet with the rescue kitten. We've got good news: FELV & FIV testing both came back negative! So, he (yes, it turns out it's a he!) got an exam and first kitten shots, and he was the most calm kitten ever to have his nails trimmed! He also got de-worming meds. The vet estimated he was about ten weeks old, but said it was hard to determine because of being underweight and dehydrated.

Over night last night, he had used the litter box and eaten, so I was encouraged by that, now just need to get som fluids and good food into the little guy. He ate a good dinner (which included his worm meds) and he's now sleeping in his litter box - of course, he has a towel in our big "seclusion" carrier, but he's sleeping in the litter box...

The vet office that I visited doesn't have a bulletin board for adoptable pets, but I know both of my nearby PetSmarts so allow that. I will also look into Petfinder for trying to find the little guy a Forever Home. Other suggestions from you on resources would be appreciated.

We have been very moved by the generosity of everyone who has donated for veterinary care and fostering of this kitten. We thank you very sincerely and will do a separate post of gratitude.

I'd used the word "grimbleschnitz" when I first posted about the kitten on facebook, and some comments suggested the little guy be named Grimbleschnitz. How about Grimmy? What do you think of calling him Grimmy?

Rescue Kitten Chip In

2011-09-07T21:54:00.002-04:00

So... went into the back yard tonight and there was one of the two little kittens that has been hanging around for a meal. Before I knew what I was doing, I snatched it up and had it in a carrier.

Of course, it's a couple days before pay day and my heart is bigger than my wallet right now.

If you know me, you know I hate asking for money, but I need to get this kitten FIV and FEV tested ASAP. If you can help, I'd appreciate it.

Thank you!
NTM & The Purries

Updated w/pic: it's so scared, it doesn't know it's safe now.

To ML, with LOVE

2011-09-03T00:26:00.003-04:00

This weekend is dedicated to ML.For all she does for the Cat Blogosphereand for all her love and generositywe salute herand send LOTS OF LOVEin return!!!

♥

Purina ONE Package Inspection

2011-09-01T21:02:00.000-04:00

Little Isis: "Hmm...

we got something in the mail...

it looks like a giant can!"

"Those clever folks at

Purina ONE Smart Blend

sent us some trial cans

packaged inside a BIG soft CAN!"

"There are eight flavors for Spooker to try.

We will let you know

in a future post

how she likes them!"

"Hey! Why don't I get to try them?!?!"~ Little Isis

Disclosure: We received our trial box of Purina One's new Smart Blend canned wet food in exchange for this blog post and review.

Happy Gotcha Day, Pete

2011-08-24T00:04:00.002-04:00

Three years ago, I rescued little Stinky Pete from the alley behind my apartment in Michigan. Now I can't imagine my life here in Florida without him.
Happy Gotcha Day, my sweet tuxie mancat.
~ NTM

R.I.P. Miss Peach

2011-08-22T22:31:00.000-04:00

Sending out our love to Karla and LapDaddy as their beloved Miss Peach has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. Miss Peach was one of the very first cats we ever met in the Cat Blogosphere, and she will always be one of its brightest stars.

Bella and the Case Of Formerly Feral Kittens

2011-08-18T00:03:00.008-04:00

We have at least two little wild kittens who have been visiting Ramses' food bowl on the porch the last couple of days. (I've posted some grainy pics of them on my facebook page).
There's no question these are little spawns of Ramses, the black feral House Panther father of millions of our neighborhood who regularly comes to our porch for dinner. There's one all-black tiny House Panther and one solid-grey one. There may be a second black one. Anyway, these kittens are so wild and feral and will run far far away if I even try to talk to them, much less approach.
I am hesitant to try to trap them. For starters, I'm not sure what I'd do with them IF I could catch them. I'd get them vet care, but then what - try to find a foster home or a shelter? I have no room here for another kitty, no matter how cute!

I also think about how WILD those kittens are. But then I think of what Bella was like when she was that age. Catching HER was no easy feat. And she was a WILD THING. When I first snatched her up, she sunk her fangs into my thumb and nearly pierced by thumb nail. But after a few days locked in the bathroom and some good food and attention, she came around. Now, she is quite affectionate and loving and content. It's storming as I type this, and while all the other Purries have gone to hide under furniture, Bella has come to snuggle in next to me on the couch as a safety zone. This just proves to me that even the wildest kitten can become a loving house cat.
So, I do have hope for those little wild things who visit my porch for some Kitten Chow. I just have to figure out how to catch them!
Cheers,
NTM

A Day Just For Me !!!

2011-08-17T00:04:00.001-04:00

A whole day, just for ME !!!I know YOU appreciate me all the time,but just appreciate me a bit more today, okay?
Blue Bag ONLY for everyone!~ Little Isis

Movin' On Down

2011-08-16T09:05:00.000-04:00

A year ago today, NTM and iDaddy gathered up us Purries and took us from Michigan to Florida. For those of you not familiar with our family, NTM is our Not The Mama, or Mo. And iDaddy is our Eyad.

Of course, saying that NTM and iDaddy gathered us up and moved us to Florida is the condensed version. It's been a whole year now, so we can finally tell you some of the details.

The day started with NTM not knowing when or IF the horrible moving company was going to come get our things, but he had a rental car scheduled and an interview in Florida waiting, so it was that day or never to get us all moved. Spooker, Daphne, Chloe, Pete, and even Bella all got into their PTU's without too much of a scuffle. Then Little Isis went into one.

And then Jack refused to go.

After quite a fight with NTM, Jack was finally in a PTU - and NTM had a pierced left nipple, gouges on his left arm, and a scratch on his neck. Blood was dripping down onto the newly cleaned apartment carpet. He swabbed at the blood but was just relieved to have everyone in Prisoner Transport Units finally, and started loading us into the car.
Then, he realized that Little Isis was not in her PTU. In fact, her carrier was cracked open like a clam on the beach. And she was no where to be seen.

NTM about had a heart attack.

He searched the near-empty apartment, and there was only one place she could be hiding: inside the stack of furniture waiting for the moving van. He started to frantically un-stack the furniture in a panic, when he happened to glance down and there was Little Isis, sitting by his foot, looking up at him like "What ya doing?"

Well, he says he'd never moved so quick as when he swooped down and snatched her up and deposited her into her re-assembled PTU before she could even blink.

Once everyone was in the car, NTM and iDaddy got in and we started on our journey. Pete started mewing the minute the car started, and didn't stop for the next twelve hours. Every few seconds: mew. Mew. Mew.

NTM was covered in cat hair matted in blood from where Jack had scratched him but good, so he stopped at the only department store in town and got a new shirt and cleaned up in their restroom. Ironically, it was a job at that very store that brought NTM up to Michigan in the first place. Talk about full-circle. He gave that store a last few drops of his blood, sweat, and tears, not to mention some cat hair, and we all started our journey south again.

Mew, mew, mew: Pete was non-stop.

Aside from Spooker, who had moved with NTM from Ohio, all of us had been born in Michigan and had never travelled in a PTU longer than a trip to the vet. Well, this was quite different than a trip to the vet, let us tell you!

Mew, mew, mew: Pete constantly reminded us all that he was still with us, and not too happy about it. Over and over and over again. Mew, mew, mew!

We travelled 19 hours, almost non-stop, from Dowagiac, Michigan to Orlando, Florida, that long day. NTM didn't want to stop longer than it took to re-fuel, because of us Purries in the car. He was determined to get us to our new home safe, which he did.

We arrived about 3:30am at the new place. Now, you have to realize that NTM and iDaddy had never seen the new place in person, only in pictures online. This was quite the leap of faith they took that the new house would be safe and actually waiting for us. Thankfully, it was. There was a light on the porch, and a light on inside. NTM couldn't get the most-likely keys to go into the locks, and he was more than half certain that someone inside was going to open the door with a shotgun, but finally, a key fit into the lock and they got inside. After NTM and iDaddy made a quick inspection of the house to make sure it was empty and safe, they unloaded us in our PTUs into the bedroom and set up litter boxes and bowls of water, and inflated an air mattress for them to sleep on. The door to the bedroom was shut with all of us inside, and we had the doors to our PTUs open so we could explore -- most of us went into the walk-in closet to recuperate and hunker down in this strange new place.

And NTM then collapsed onto the air mattress and tried to sleep off the stress of the previous 24 hours, the echo of Pete's non-stop mewing still ringing in his ears.

Now that we've been here a year, we've all adjusted, of course. Even though it took some of us a few days longer than others. But we won't name names, Bella. Or maybe we will.

The horrible moving company finally delivered the furniture about a week later, and the new house could finally start to become our new home.

So now we're Florida kitties, and Michigan is but a cold memory. None of us ever want to go through that again, however!

Mew!

~ The Purries

That's the WRONG BLUE BAG!

2011-08-15T14:11:00.004-04:00

What was iDaddy thinking when he took this picture of ME when he was here? I mean, anyone who knows me knows that when I say BLUE BAG ONLY, I mean Purina Friskies Party Mix Beachside Crunch!!!
This blue bag stuff pictured is what the other Purries eat, not those of us with more discerning tastes!

Srsly,

Little Isis

Isis in the Cabin

2011-08-14T00:30:00.000-04:00

Little Isis in the new cabinfrom Cascades boutique.

Cabin Capers

2011-08-12T00:01:00.013-04:00

We just received a Canadian Cabin from Cascades e-boutique for The Purries to try out. Above, you can see Daphne and Bella checking out the package. The cabin is one of two designs offered by Cascades (the other is a tipi), and they also make children's play houses out of 100% recycled cardboard. Their cardboard is crafted in Canada from recycled cardboard fibers recovered in the USA and Canada. Cascades is the largest recoverer of used cardboard in Canada.
We got the cabin in exchange for blogging about it here, and I must say that it was very easy to assemble (no tools required!). The Cascades website says "the cardboard wood grain printed design gives the cat house a very cool look. This fun and modern abode will make your guests smile " and that the kraft-colored roof of the cabin can be colored on by children or decorated to match your decor.
The excess pieces of punch-out cardboard can be used to create a couple of cat toys, too, and you can see one of these cardboard balls in front of our finished cabin:

It took about three and a half minutes before Pete came up to inspect my work and sniff the entire cabin. Some other items in Cascades' e-boutique include recycled cardboard childrens' playhouses, coolers, and even briefcases! Their recycled plastic outdoor furniture looks totally cool, too! I could use one of those Adirondack chairs for my front porch!
Meanwhile, you can see Pete doing a quality control inspection on our cabin:

Once Pete had given it a paws-up, Daphne quickly went inside. Of course, her little tabby shadow Bella darted in after her, and Daphne decided to vacate for the time being.

Which was just fine with Bella, who thought it was just perfectly Bella-sized!
Note the fish-shape above the cabin's door. Each cabin can be customized to fit your home - you can add a fish, elk antlers, or bird wings. You can even write your cat's name on a banner above the door!

While I uploaded these pictures, Chloe, Jack, and Isis all checked out the interior. Chloe likes the corrugated insert for the inside, but Isis says she wants a towel or cushion inside for some serious cabin naptime.
Overall, I definitely would agree with Cascades that their cat cabin is fun and stylish, and the fact that is a green eco-friendly item made from recycled cardboard is an extra bonus! Along with pictures of the tipi and a pair of weather-resistant birdhouse, there is a cute video of the cabin at the Cascades e-boutique. All three items can be ordered directly from their e-boutique.
If you're looking for a fun privacy sleeper for your cat, check out the e-boutique - will you get a cabin or a tipi? These would make a great gift for your local no-kill shelter, too!
Thanks to Cascades for our cabin!
~ NTM and The Purries

Happy Gotcha Day Jack and Bella!

2011-08-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe it's been two years since Jack and Bella came into my life!
Here are their first pictures, just to remind us how durn cute they were!
Here's the post introducing Bella, and here's the one introducing Jack.
Did you know that Jack's full name is Jack Sparrow, and Bella is named for Bellatrix LeStrange? Two great fictional characters, for two great CHARACTERS!
Extra NIP and TEMPTATIONS for everyone today, as we celebrate the day that these two rascals found their forever home! Can't imagine my life without them now.
♥
NTM

Spooker Update

2011-08-09T15:06:00.003-04:00

Spooker reacted better than I anticipated to the Convenia shot. For kitties with bacterial infections, this is the thing to ask for from your vet, in my opinion. So much more convenient (hence the Convenia name, I'm guessing) than twice-daily home-administered oral antibiotics. Especially lots better than that banana-flavored crap. Seriously, why can't they make tuna-flavored oral antibiotics for cats? But I digress...

Anyway, Spooker is doing so much better. She's even come out of the bedroom at Temptations time to demand her treats, instead of waiting on the bed for room service. Thanks to everyone for the purrs and prayers. We appreciate it!

~ NTM

Spooker Back from the V-E-T

2011-08-06T09:28:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone for the purrs and prayers for Spooker. She got some rest last night, and actually got off the bed around 5am to eat and drink. I think she slept better than I did!

Our vet appointment was quick in and out - she got a new-style shot of antibiotics that will stay in her system for two weeks (as opposed to the banana-flavored oral antibiotics that she despised!) so that was a huge relief. She's resting comfortably on the bed now, and I am going to take a nap...

I'll keep you all updated on her progress, but just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone for their comments, purrs, and prayers.

♥

NTM

Purrs & Prayer Request

2011-08-05T15:00:00.002-04:00

Spooker is not feeling well today. It looks like it could be another urinary tract infection - last night she was fine, but today she is straining to pee.
Please send her purrs & prayers. It stresses her so much to go to the V-E-T but NTM says she will have to go tomorrow morning if she's not feeling better.

Thanks,

The Purries

Update @ 10pm: Checked in on Spooker when I got in from work. She is weak, but she ate some Temptations and drank some water for me. We have an 8am vet appointment.

Purrs and Prayers for Opus and Miss Peach

2011-08-04T12:21:00.002-04:00

Two special friends ~ both have been blogging for many, many years ~ both are well know and well loved. Both are doing poorly and are in need of purrs and prayers from one and all.

OPUS ~ Opus lives over at Cat Naps In Italy

MISS PEACH ~ sweet Miss Peach is at
Miss Peach's Meowz

Our prayers and PURRS go out to Opus & Miss Peach and their families.

Love,

NTM and The Purries

Happy Purrthday, Little Isis!

2011-08-02T00:01:00.001-04:00

Hello! Today is my guesstimated birthday!

NTM says that there will be a bigger celebration

on September 14th

which is my Gotcha Day!

Still, I say Friskie's Party Mix

(BLUE BAG ONLY)

for everyone today!

Meow for now!

Little Isis

Snuggles

2011-07-25T01:06:00.003-04:00

We've been taking care of NTM since our iDaddy had to leave. After he left to go away to school, we have been making sure one of us is with NTM at all times when he's home.

NTM had to leave us for a few days when his Gram passed away - that was the grandmother he went to Egypt with - but he made sure a good neighbor took care of us in his absence.

Then, two days after he returned from the funeral in Indiana, his father died. He wasn't sure about sharing this news with anyone except for us kitties and iDaddy, because he didn't want condolences. He is more sad about the loss of a relationship that never was, rather than the passing of a man he didn't know. But we felt that he needed to share a little bit, so he could move on.

Now, it's time for some cuddles and snuggles here at Purrchance To Dream. We don't always get along with each other, but we all always have our own one-on-one quality time with NTM.

Thanks for being our friends and for blog-snuggling with us.

~ The Purries of Purrchance To Dream

Thank You

2011-07-08T15:55:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone for the condolences on the passing of NTM's grandmother. She was a great lady, and will be missed.

They are very much appreciated.

♥ The Purries

RIP Sweet Annie

2011-07-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

We are very sad to learn that Annie from Forty Paws has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. The gang from Forty Paws were some of the very first kitty friends we made when we joined the Cat Blogosphere, and we are so saddened by her passing.

Sending LOVE and HUGS to Maw and the gang at Forty Paws.

Run free, Sweet Annie. ♥

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T10:24:00.001-04:00

Happy Independence Dayfrom all of The Purries!Have a safe and happy holiday!

International Box Day

2011-06-30T08:22:00.000-04:00

Welcome to International Box Day in the Cat Blogosphere! I tried to get some of my favorite pics of The Purries with boxes! Hope they make you smile. I know compiling this post made me smile!

Happy Box Day!

~NTM

Happy Purrthday, Pete!

2011-06-29T12:33:00.001-04:00

Since I rescued Pete when he was about 8 weeks old, around the end of June is probably his birthday.

This is one of the very first pictures I took of then-Stinky Pete, and one of my all-time favorites.

Since we don't know his exact birthday, but we do know what a happy day that August afternoon was when he was rescued, we'll do a big, happy celebration for his Gotcha Day on August 24th.

Cheers,

~NTM

Kitty Twitty

2011-06-28T15:08:00.000-04:00

We have started an e-newspaper featuring cat tweets: Kitty Twitty.

Inspired by paper.li this compendium of cat tweeters shows the most recent tweets of some of the internet's most amazing cats. If you'd like to have your tweets featured there, please send a message to our Editor In Tweet, Little Isis (editor@KittyTwitty.com)

You can leave feedback for the new site here or leave us a comment at Kitty Twitty!

Update on Chloe

2011-06-22T12:45:00.003-04:00

Chloe's eye is doing SO much better.
Thanks to everyone for the comments, prayers and PURRS.

♥

NTM

Purrs for Chloe

2011-06-19T00:59:00.003-04:00

Chloe has an eye infection.

Please say a purr and a prayer for her speedy recovery.

Thanks, NTM

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T14:08:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all the brave men and women,

past and present,

who have proudly served our great country.
Happy Memorial Day!

Free Temptations!

2011-05-27T00:27:00.002-04:00

Today we received FREE Temptations MixUps in the mail! NTM was contacted recently by a marketing firm, asking us if we'd like to try the newest Temptations flavors. Well, of course they had lots of eager participants in us Purries! After Bella posed with the bags of Surfer's Delight and Backyard Cookout, we got to try the beefy flavors of Backyard Cookout. We loved them! Spooker even came into the kitchen (she usually waits to be served her Temptations on her perch on the couch) so she could get first dibs!Tomorrow night is Surfer's Delight! Jack is already humming "Let's go surfin' now!"
You can find Temptations on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TemptationsEyad took these pictures (as you can tell by his logo in the corners) and he's submitted the top one of Bella to Temptations to be considered for their Temptations Tuesday Cat on Facebook.Thanks to http://www.webershandwick.com/ for sending us the treats and Thanks to Temptations for just being so darn delicious and addictive!~ The Purries

Happy Birthday to ML & Auntie Deb!

2011-05-23T00:06:00.000-04:00

A very Happy Birthday to ML & Auntie DebWe love you both & thank you for everything you do for the Cat Blogosphere!♥NTM & iDaddySpooker, Pete, Daphne, Chloe, Jack, Bella, and Little Isis

BellisiMo Wind Chime for Wee Paws Auction

2011-05-16T13:47:00.001-04:00

NTM has donated one of his unique beaded wind chimes to the latest Cat Blogosphere Auction. Proceeds from this auction will help pay some vet bills for Wee Paws Animal Sanctuary. So if you get this chime, you get a one of a kind BellisiMo creation, and you help a good cause!Go bid NOW!~ The Purries

Happy Gotcha Day, Spooker

2011-05-10T07:50:00.000-04:00

Sixteen Mother's Days ago, Spooker came into my life. I know she's never forgiven me for bringing the rest of the Purries into our home, but she knows she'll always be my #1.Happy Gotcha Day, Spooker Marie! Love,Not The Mama

Daphne and Chloe's Gotcha Day!

2011-05-07T12:30:00.001-04:00

Happy Gotcha Dayto Daphne and ChloeThese were the first pictures I took of themwhen they came to their Forever Home,five years ago today!Every day with them since has been a blessing!♥Not The Mama

We share a Gotcha Day with our friend Derby, the Sassy Cat - so stop by his place and say Happy Gotcha Day to him, too!!! ~ Daphne and Chloe

Cinco de Mayo!

2011-05-05T00:51:00.000-04:00

This is supposed to be me, in a sombrero.Not The Mama was doodling on pictures in 'paint'...I really don't think he's gonna convince anyone he doesn't drink margaritas after this one....For a REAL Cinco de Mayo celebration,pop on over to KC's Annual Cinco de Mayo Party!

Meow for now,Little Isis

Remembrance Weekend

2011-04-29T23:39:00.000-04:00

Our friends ~ Three Tabby Cats in Vienna ~ Kashim, Othello and Salome ~ are hosting a Weekend of Remembrance. Some years ago the entire Cat Blogosphere came together and remembered our many friends, loved and lost and it is time for this once again…!

Here is the link to Kashim, Othello and Salome's post.

Taking the time to light a candle for those who have gone before us,

Daphne, Chloe, Spooker,

Peter, Isis, Jack and Bella

Heaven's Newest Angel, Sweet Praline

2011-04-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

Sending out LOVE to Mom Paula today.Sweet Praline went to the bridge this morning.She will live forever in our hearts.You can leave a message directly for Paula at Sweet Praline's blog.♥NTM and iDaddySpooker, Chloe, Daphne, Pete,Jack, Bella, and Little Isis♥

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:54:00.000-04:00

Happy Earth Day: Plant Some Nip!

2011-04-22T15:43:00.000-04:00

A member of the mint family, catnip will easily grow in a container. Fresh catnip has always made my kids happy.Here are some tips, though: don't over-fertilize. Most herbs don't benefit from a lot of fertilizers. Stay away from fertilizers high in Phosphorus -- the P in NPK, which is the middle # of fertilizers -- like a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer would be the highest P I'd go... stick to an organic fertilizer like compost, compost tea, or fish emulsion and you'll be fine... stay away from the Miracle Gro or Scott's Bloom Plus for these plants, which can be as high as 30 in the P range ---- as in 10-30-10. The P (phosphorus) helps encourage blooms in plants, which is not what you're going for in 'nip - you want leaves.Most herbs, like catnip, are highest in essential oils right before they bloom. Pinching off emerging flower buds will help your plants be not only bushy but high in essential oils - the part that drives kitties wild!Along with using natural fertilizers, NEVER use systemic herbicides or insecticides around herbs! Systemic chemicals are absorbed by the plants and remain in the leaves. My advice is to avoid insecticides altogether with herbs - catnip in a sunny, moist location grows like a weed anyway, what's a few bug-chewed leaves?Some cats like fresh 'nip, most prefer dried - the essential oils are concentrated in dried 'nip.I prefer to grow catnip in pots, so I can control its growth. Remember - it is a member of the mint family, and you don't want them taking over your garden. Why not plant a pot of catnip for Earth Day?cheers,Not The Mama

Wordless Wednesday: Spooker on Nip

2011-04-20T13:56:00.001-04:00

Easter Lily Reminder

2011-04-18T20:27:00.003-04:00

Now that Easter is only a few short days away, stores are filling up with Easter Lilies, usually near the check lanes for an "impulse" buy.

If you have cats in your home, just say NO to Easter Lilies.

Each year, hundreds of cats in the US get very ill (and some even die!) from ingesting parts of this lily. This specific species of lily is very toxic to felines. Many members of the lily family (like onions!) are not safe for cats, but Easter Lilies are particularly toxic.

Note: leaves and flowers of this plant are toxic to cats.

A safer option, if you want a floral purchase at this time of year, is an Easter Cactus. Plus, epiphytic cactus can easily be cared for as a house plant, and it will reward you with repeat blooms. 99% of Easter Lilies are thrown in the trash.

Daphne and Chloe grew up chewing on and mangling my Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti, and they're still here chomping on things. Many houseplants are toxic to domestic animals, but the epiphytic cactus family is considered a low toxicity plant -- still, to be safe, provide cat greens this year instead!

Be safe,

Not The Mama

♥

Quiet Sunday

2011-04-10T13:39:00.000-04:00

While NTM goes off to work today, I'm gonna lead a nap-a-thon.Want to join me?Chloe

Screen Door Sniffin'

2011-04-09T12:18:00.000-04:00

NTM says that this may be the last time for a while I get to sniff at the screen door, since it is getting HOT here in Orlando. This weekend is going up into the 90's and he says there's too many BUGS at night to have the door open. Can you imagine a thing - TOO MANY BUGS?

Sniffin' while I can,

Bella

Spooker Update

2011-04-05T13:29:00.000-04:00

Spooker is doing much better since her urinary tract infection. She's back to her grumpy self, sleeping lots and being so excited at night when I come to bed. Every night she sleeps on my hand, and every night I'm thankful for each night we have together.

~ NTM

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T12:49:00.001-04:00

May there be a pot o'Temptations at the bottom of every rainbow!
Happy St. Patty's Day from Pete & all The Purries!