Computers, Cookies and Bribes

So a couple nights ago, I  boot up my computer - or should I say I attempted to boot it up?  Crash and burn - it would not boot up.  My husband tried to fix it, but no go, it was a goner.  By the time he got to work on it, I had been without my computer for 2 very long days.  Third day, I head to a local store that offers computer repairs, and take my poor dead computer in for a visit, only to be told that it'd be 2-3 days before they could transfer the data from the crashed drive. 

I about swallowed my tongue.  2-3 MORE days?  ACKKK, no can do!  So I smile sweetly and go look for a new computer.  I find "the" one, and talk to the salesperson (sweetly) and ask him how much pull he has with the guru's, and explain I really need my new computer to have all the old data on it and up and ready to go TODAY before they close.  He said he's see what he could do, and came back without an exact time.  We head to the guru area, and lo and behold the guy that would be doing the actual work was there - and of course I tell him.."I need this done TODAY".  He sort of just smiled and didn't say he would, so I toss in a bribe - I'll make you homemade cookies if you have it done by tonight. 

I'm happy to report that I walked in the store 15 minutes before close, and left with the new computer, loaded with all my pictures, browser favorites and other things that made it uniquely "my" computer - and he went home with cookies.  (I even left some there for the sales guy since he was so great too).

Needless to say, I am a happy camper!


Deb

Sharing a picture

Wanted to share a picture of my two Dachshunds - both are rescue dogs.  Bronson is the Black and Tan dapple on the left, and Wally is the Double Dapple on the right.

Declawing Your Cat - The Realities and Alternatives

     

Many people get a kitten and while having it spayed/neutered, decide to declaw to avoid problems such things as shredding furniture and curtains.  The kitten undergoes a surgery, and WA LA!  problem solved.  Or is it?  Let's take a peek into the truth behind declawing.

First and foremost, declawing your cat is MAJOR surgery, and is excrutiatingly painful.  Declawing isn't just removing the nail - it is a surgery that is actually an amputation of the tips of the cats foot - having them removed is like having each of your fingers amputated at the first knuckle - so in effect, your cat has endured 10 amputations (assuming you've only done the front feet) and has been mutilated for life.  Your cat not only has the agony he sufferes immediately after the surgery, but he also has to walk, stretch, and use the litter box while healing, which takes time and every movementis very painful.
 This surgery also leads to an altered gait, as cats are "digitigrade", which means they walk on their toes.  After declawing, the cat's gait is altered, which can affect every joint in the leg, and cause athritis in these joints as the cat ages.

Another big problem thatoften occurs after declawing is litter box issues.  Cats that had previously used their litter box faithfully can associate the pain caused while digging in litter to the litter box itself, and stop using it at all, instead, choosing the nice soft carpet which doesn't hurt their feet.

Declawing can be dangerous for your cat if it get's outside - it no longer has the primary defense weapon of all cats.  He can become easy prey to larger cats, dogs or other predators, and he's basically defensless.

                                                                 Alternatives

So you've decided that declawing is not an option for your beloved cat, yet you want to protect your belongings.  There are other options that are humane!  Exercise is a large part of the solution.  So how do you exercise a cat you ask?  Through play!  Those toys that dangle off a wooden or plastic handle are an easy way to  provide entertainment and exercise - and a tired cat is a lot less likely to get into trouble.  Take 15 to 20 minutes and play.  Your cat will enjoy it, and your bond will deepen.

Provide places for you cats to scratch.  Get different shaped scratching posts and place them in various rooms around your house.  There are vertical as well as horizontal scratching posts, using different shapes will encourage your cat to use them.

 You can trim their nails too, much as dog's nails are trimmed.

Last, but not least, there are nail tips out there made just for your cat.  Yes, nail tips!  Called "Soft Paws" these are artificial vinyl caps that cover your cat's natural nail, and come in clear or colors.  When they come off, you replace them - and no more worries about scratching!

Thankfully, declawing isn't the only option for protecting you, your children and belongings from the claws of your cat.  With far more humane solutions, you can solve the problem and have a healthier, and happier cat.

Ideas wanted!

Hi Readers!

I am going to rename the blog as I change it to encompass more topics, and would love some input.  If you have any ideas for a great name, please comment or email me!

Looking forward to ideas,


Deb

Even the Famous Love Dogs

Many of us have dogs, and love them dearly.  The rich and famous are no different.  Here's a few of the "famous" dogs

Most of us know Bo, the "First Dog" owned by our current president and his family.  But there are many more "Celebrity" dogs!

Samson, a "Rotweiller-Pit bull- Doberman" shares his living space with Alicia Silverstone.  She found him in East Los Angeles, cut and bleeding.  He now lives a great life with her 4 other dogs, Scottie, Lacey, Cale and Jeffrey. (all rescue dogs!)

Tinkerbell is the pampered pooch of Paris Hilton.  This little Chihuahua lvies the good life, and often gets a hotel room rented just for her.

Steven Tyler has 2 little tykes - a Yorkshire, "Butch Cassidy", and Yorkie/Maltese mix, "The Sundance Kid".  He can be seen with one in his pocket, and the other in a sling over his shoulder.

Another pampered Chihuahua is Tulip, owned by Paula Abdul.  It's reported that Paula tripped over Tulip, fell, and subsequently broke her nose and toe - but Tulip wasn't hurt.

Francesca and Sharkey are  French Bull Dogs, owned by Martha Steward, and they even have their own blog.

Kyle Richards is the proud mom of rescue dog "Roxy"

Madaline Pickens, savior of America's wild horses has a rescue Dachshund  "Tommy".

Queen Elizabeth loves Pembroke Welsh Corgi's and has several, plus a few "Dorgi's", which are Dachshund/Corgi mixes.

                                     

These dogs all probably live in more luxury than most of us will ever see, but they all have one thing in common - they are well-loved by caring people.  That's really what it's all about....love.