Pictured above is our beautiful, sweet and slightly skittish Calico, Callie. She showed up at our house one day several years ago, a half-feral kitten, hungry but not very trusting of humans. Over time we gained that trust. Today, she is one very contented and affectionate (if slightly nervous) house cat–currently snuggled up next to her mom, purring softly.
All our pets over the years have been rescue animals, either adopted from an animal shelter or taken in as strays. May I encourage anyone considering adding a pet to their home in 2013 to consider finding a “fur-ever friend” through a shelter or rescue group. There are rescue groups devoted to certain breeds, so if a Bassett Hound or a French Poodle is your preference, there’s likely a pure-bred friend out there waiting for you if you are willing to go to a bit of time and trouble to adopt.
And trust me–blended friends like Elvis, the hounddog mix seen below, make great pets, too. And please spay and neuter your cats and dogs to help fight against pet overpopulation problems in our country!
(PS Our German Sheperd (Alsatian) mix Rascal was too busy trying to greet his mom with kisses to pose for a photo . . .)
Yes, we occasionally do get snow in LA. This was shot in February 2010. Our three dogs at the time had never before seen the white stuff.
Thumper Cat, the three-legged, roly-poly tuxedo cat with a Hitler mustache is grateful for photo editing. No being forced by Mom to wear a miniature Santa hat! Thumper nearly lost her life as a tiny kitten after being mauled by a dog. She lost that leg, but not her spirit. We’ve had her now for close to 12 years. From our furry family members to yours, a very Merry Christmas and a 2013 full of hope, joy and love.
the armitage effect 
Hear hear! As the mum of a rescued dog I heartily agree with your sentiments. Unfortunately for our pooch, I didn’t think of photo editing and made our German shepherd cross actually wear a miniature Santa hat for her photo!
LOL Well, I am sure you didn’t make her suffer too much. 😉 I am certain my cats are really happy I went the photo editing route for them. Elvis might have rather liked wearing a Santa hat. 😉 Our pets have offered a lot of companionship and affection, NTM laughter to our lives. 😀
I am all for rescued pets. Never has so much love been given so freely. I’ve never put Christmas stuff on a pet, though; they would not have stood for it. Maybe when Lucky is older, we’ll see about Photoshopping.
Hey, you know I’m all about the Photoshopping, girlfriend. 😉 after being sprawled out across my legs for a while, Thumpie has gone back to her post beneath the Christmas tree. 😉
Betcha she’s waiting for her favourite dark knight to visit, just like I am. ; )
She loves the dark knight, of course.:D
Wishing all of you a very happy Christmas. Here, la Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) has begun, and all is frosty and quiet outside. Lucky seems very excited, bounding everywhere and chasing his ball, now that he is full of turkey (poached especially for him). We have a peaceful day planned and some treats for later…
Lucky sounds as if he is having a grand dayalready 😀 I have two sleeping kitties here with me. Their daddy has to work at least half a day today but hopefully he will be home by early afternoon. We watched a Christmas movie last night and probably will watch Alistair Sim in “A Christmas Carol” tonight.
Dear Angie I wish to you and all your family a very merry Christmas and an happy New year.
The same to you, dear Nadia. Have a wonderful holiday!!
Love your photos Angie my Daisy (Golden Retriever) is a rescue too she looks good in a santa hat as well. Had her 8 years and it’s the best thing I ever did rescuing her she’s brilliant and loves me for who I am and no ulterior motive. Off to my sister’s for the hols so Merry Christmas to you and your family have a good one!!!
Good for you! I see where you got your screen name, too. 😉 You know for some people, the love of an animal companion is the only unconditional love they receive. No wonder studies show they are good for our heath. 😀 Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Buddy cat, my rescued kitten! Yes, I’m all for rescuing animals!
Merry Christmas, Buddy! Hooray for animal lovers everywhere.