It’s illegal in over 20 countries for a reason…

“Let no one think of me that I am humble or weak or passive; let them understand I am of a different kind:  dangerous to my enemies, loyal to my friends.  To such a life glory belongs.”

~Euripides

It’s a very scary reality that I have personally avoided up until now thanks to my pets being very healthy.  However, both Monty and Loki have been recently diagnosed with conditions and these are their first real health problems.  Loki has chin ache (my little teenager is growing up so fast!) while Monty has an autoimmune problem in his nose and mouth.

Monty and Loki are my first pets that are my own, so while I have experienced pets getting older and the family decisions that are never easy, I really have not had to handle the aging of pets on my own before.  Amelia, who I had for about 3 months, was my first experience in making the decision of euthanasia, and that was beyond difficult.  I am nervous and a little scared now that it’s a reality for me – Monty is 6 and Loki is 13.  They are not getting any younger and health issues are inevitable as time passes.

Logistically, I’m also worried about the financial obligation that comes with older pets.  I do not want to get to a point where the decision I am making for my pet is affected by what is in my bank account.  I have always kept an emergency fund for my pets in case a large expense does come up, so I am hopefully somewhat prepared for the future as my furbabies enter into their senior years.  (And it’s something I recommend for all my pet owning readers!)

Gods willing, I have many years ahead of Monty’s crazy fly-biting/mind rabbit chasing and Loki’s cuddles every morning.  The biggest lesson I am taking from this little scare of health issues finally surfacing for them is to appreciate every moment and experience with them even more.

Here is my third and final painting through the Paint Your Pet class at Painting with a Twist:  Loki!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Chase Community Giving contest is on!  From September 6 –19, you can vote for the charities that you want to see receive grants from Chase. The 196 charities with the most votes will share in $5 million in grants.  Please vote for Austin Pets Alive here!

“If you want to test cosmetics, why do it on some poor animal who hasn’t done anything? They should use prisoners who have been convicted of murder or rape instead. So, rather than seeing if perfume irritates a bunny rabbit’s eyes, they should throw it in Charles Manson’s eyes and ask him if it hurts.” ― Ellen DeGeneres*

Yes, it’s still happening.  Innocent animals all over this nation are being unnecessarily and brutally tortured.  And you – yes, YOU – can make it stop!  Please make a conscious effort when shopping and only purchase from companies that do not test on animals.  Not sure where to start?  Use this amazing guide of cruelty free companies like I do to help with your shopping choices.

*Side-note:  While I appreciate the sentiment of the quote, I really don’t appreciate Ellen DeGeneres since she is a spokesperson for Cover Girl… a company that still tests their makeup on animals.  I will not respect her as an animal activist until she stops taking money from the very companies she claims to protest.  Wise up, Ellen!

I think this is the coolest thing:  a necklace imprint of your pet’s nose!  Dog noses are much like snowflakes and our finger prints, no two noses are alike and therefore are unique to your family pet.  And who can resist those little cat noses?  So cute!  Here is where you can order to get your very own.

I finally caved and brought home my first batch of kittens for 2012:  Terrin, Tippa, Tink, Tossa, and Terilyn.  A rowdy group of playful and goofy kittens, they are hilarious to watch when at play.  They are already getting close to two pounds, so I won’t have these furballs for too long, but as always – fostering, no matter for how long or how often, helps save lives so check with your local shelter to see how you can help out!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I have recently painted both my dog, Montague, and my cat, Amelia, at painting classes with Painting with a Twist.  I will admit, it is a little stressful since I am not in anyway artistically gifted and I really wanted the paintings to turn out somewhat decently.  However, I had an amazing time and now own two (soon to be three, I don’t play favorites with my fur babies!) paintings that I will treasure for years to come.  I definitely recommend it!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Strut Your Mutt has made its way to Austin.  Best Friends is hosting their annual walk and festival in Austin on September 29 and I have joined the Austin Pets Alive! dog pack for the event.  My page is raising pledges for the adorable and very deserving dogs and cats of Austin and I’m very excited about both raising my goal of $250 and enjoying the event with Montague.  Check out my page here and please consider a donation – any amount helps!

Thanks!