Fall Is In The Air

Smokey modeling the new cold weather shrug.

Summer has come and gone and fall is finally in the air. The temperatures have dropped and long sleeves are finally appropriate again. While seasons aren't the same in FL as they are else where, its differently clear that changes are in the air. Smokey is getting in his fluffy coat, which comes in handy with the breezy weather. It seems the cold front blew in with the passing of hurricane Sandy, which now is heading north, and I wish everyone up that way the best safety. Make sure you keep your pets indoors, and leave plenty of food and water for them if you have to leave your home. For some safety tips click here. Let's also not forget that Halloween is also coming up on Wed, which is also a time to remember to keep your pets, especially anyone with black cats, safe! Here are some safety tips from the ASPCA.

While I've been busy working on cleaning out the house with my mom, Smokey has also been busy. Its not hard to find him hard at work... sleeping. He's got it all covered, anything that can be slept on, he will be on it. Be it a couch, chair, bed, person... His favorite place is in the middle of everything. But what cat doesn't like to lend a hand by laying in the middle of whatever you happen to be working on? His best talent with sleeping is his ability to look as cute as he possibly can. Which makes work even harder to get done with an adorable cat in front of you, rolling about and purring.

In my time away from cleaning, I've been trying to get some drawing in. Sadly to say I have only completed one Smokey inspired drawing, which is totally weak. Its meant to be a a cover all picture. You know, for any accession. Its not much, but its something. I'm also trying to work on a Chanukah card to send out to my Jewish friends this holiday season. As well as finally finishing the Thanksgiving Card I started so long ago. Not sure that it will happen, but I can hope, right? I still have several weeks.

Until then, Happy Halloween everyone!

Chuck Uping

Smokey and I have been in real creative moods lately. I'm not sure what's spurring me on, but for him I think its his new cat toys. I kept hearing about how great they are on "My Cat From Hell", and Smokey kept begging me to get one, so I finally broke down. Now he has 3! Though I think the one I bought him most recently at HomeGoods (they have amazing pet products for great prices!), is probably his favorite. Its amazing what giving them a little predator stimulation can do. I know he hunts rats at night, but I guess even during his 18hr nap time, he likes to play a little too.

He got to adventure last week when I brought him into work with me.He just came for half day this time. Of course he was thrilled about the elevator ride, he's never gone up one on a leash before. So many new sights and smells. Once he got to the office, he settled in at my feet for a nice long nap, sort of. All the patients wanted to see him, especially this little girl when she heard there was a kitty in the office. He's just a big old tease though and would duck under the desk whenever someone wanted to pat him, then pop back out the minute they stepped back and start purring. So obnoxious!

I've actually had several people ask me lately if I do any pet photography. While I never went to school for photography, I did take some classes in HS and have always had a passion for. That mixed with my love of animals... I love taking Smokey's picture, he's a great model, as well can Tessa be should the mood strike her and she doesn't want to be sitting on you instead. I've turned all of my pets into glamor models at some point.

To fully answer this question, yes, I do pet photography. I am working on a small portfolio of some of my work, but for those interested, you can see some of my adorable pets here. Or.. you know, closely related pets of friends and family.

Panda

Scout

Smokey

Leia

Tessa

Peter

Smokey and I have also joined up to help a close friend of ours, Cindy Waggoner, with her new non-profit organization John R Hamil Animal Wellness Foundation Inc. They are located in Blount County, TN. 

"Our "main" goal is to subsidize spay/neuter/vaccinations for the pets of qualifying low income families in Blount Co TN. We are also branching out in humane education as we have had several children bitten by dogs so we are currently raising funds to purchase dog bite prevention dvds for elementary school teachers here in Blount Co."

We've offered to help out in any way we can, including helping with a 'logo' so people remember them, making collars, or evening going up to help out. Anyone interested in finding out more about them you can contact Cindy via her facebook.