Today's Special: Herbie Potter and the Catly Hallows

As many of you already know, my peeps and I love the Harry Potter books and movies. Today was opening day for the seventh movie in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1- or, as I like to think of it (after my friend Da Puttytats G suggested it) - Herbie Potter and the Catly Hallows. That has a nice ring to it don't you think?

Because I've been so excited about the new movie, I've been talking about it quite a bit on Twitter and Facebook and I've found that there are still many animals and peeps out there who haven't given the series a chance yet.  Believe me, I understand.  We weren't fans from the beginning. Neither peep had ever read anything in the fantasy genre - witches, wizards, magic...no way!  Also, since the HP series is officially considered a children's series, peeps really didn't give it a second thought. But finally, several different friends and co-workers convinced them to just give the first book a try. At the time, the sixth book, Half-Blood Prince was hitting the stands. So grudgingly peeps bought the first book, swore they wouldn't like it...and never looked back. They were hooked.  And the funny thing is, as often as we hear people say "I don't think I'd like it," we've never heard anyone who's given it a chance say "I really didn't like it."

It's pretty obvious that the books are a classic tale of good vs evil, right vs wrong.  But there's so much more. They're steeped in mythology and history.  Not only is there a running storyline throughout the whole series that progresses with each new installment, but each book offers it's own mysteries and secrets. The characters are extremely well-developed and as you travel thru each book you discover that they're more than just fictional characters...they're friends and enemies that you genuinely love or hate.

The movies, as a whole, are absolutely brilliant. Again, my feelings hearken back to what I mentioned above.  It's amazing to see these characters and places that you've come to love so much, on the big screen in front of you.  The movies compliment the books in so many ways while still adding a whole new dimension to the story.  Personally, we would choose to read the books before seeing the corresponding movie because the books allow your imagination free reign, but the movies can stand alone as well.

So, I encourage all of you that haven't yet started this incredible journey, to pick up the very first book, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (Sorcerer's Stone in the US) and give it a try. If you do, I'm almost certain that before long you'll be grabbing a ride on the Knightbus to Diagon Alley to share a butterbeer with me while we discuss the magic of Harry Potter.

xoxo

Today's Special: Along Came Polly

This blog post begs a certain question. Whose blog is this? Last time I checked, it was mine. Herbie. Me. But yet here I am again, taking up my time to write something about one of my sibs.  It wouldn't be so bad if I just had one or two sibs, but with eight...this could go on forever!  Forgive me for what some may think are just my paranoid delusions, but I feel there may be a conspiracy involved. And I'm going to point my paw at the usual suspect. I'm not going to mention any names here but...he has three legs.  You get me right?  It's just a little suspicious that ever since "suspect" has taken up residence here, "suspect" has been the topic of two blogs and now another sib, Polly (who could easily be in cahoots with "suspect") gets to be featured in a blog...

Cue flashback music:

Polly is the oldest of the 9 of us.  She was born in Feb 1999 and came to peeps in May of 1999 at 12 weeks of age.  She's pure Turkish Van (and a DIVA - wait - who said that?).  As a general rule, peeps don't normally adopt pure breed cats. Nothing against them or people who adopt them, but peeps just prefer to adopt cats from shelters. But...many years ago, peeps had a very good friend who was a breeder of Turkish Vans so...along came Polly.

Yesterday peeps noticed that Polly didn't seem to be feeling like herself...again.  A few weeks ago she'd been feeling under the weather too. The vet decided it was a virus that simply needed to work itself out.  Sure enough, a few days later, Polly was back to her old (Diva) self.  But yesterday Polly was once again showing similar symptoms, so peeps called the vet this morning and took Polly in for a check-up and some fluids.  Peeps try to act quickly because Polly loves to get sick on the weekends. I think she does it b/c she's jealous that I got to go to the "special vet" when I had my "boarding incident" back in June.

You see, we're very lucky that we have a very special veterinary clinic just down the road from us.  They work in conjunction with various regular vet clinics throughout the country.  People come from all over to have their pet taken care of  at this "special vet."  You can only go there if your regular vet refers you or in cases of emergency...like when I was so sick back in June or when peeps had a cat treated for cancer many years ago.  They're open 24 hours and they do just about everything there (emergency medicine, surgery, cancer treatment etc) and they do it extremely well. It's an amazing place! But...they have a very simple fee structure that frightens peeps. This is how peeps explained it to me: when you walk in the door, that's $1000. After that, just figure on an additional $1000 per day.MOL  So when peeps see any of us getting sick near a weekend, they quickly call our regular vet and try to get us taken care of so that we don't have to visit the "special vet" on Saturday night or Sunday when our regular vet is closed.  Now don't get me wrong, peeps will do anything they have to do for us to be happy and healthy, but they'd rather avoid the "special vet" when we really only need to see the regular vet.

So back to the diva...I mean Polly...she's hilarious in her own way. Her bark is much worse then her bite.  She loves to growl and hiss at just about everything, but it's all just for show. Underneath it, she's a very sweet cat who loves to snuggle and be held.  One thing I've always really admired about Polly (aside from her color and markings) is her ability to open just about any door or drawer in the house. This has often proved quite valuable for me if peeps happen to be hiding treats or food behind said door or drawer.  Mind you, I thought her talents were limited to the house, but after seeing the video my peeps showed me, obviously her talents are far reaching!  Thankfully peeps were able to extract her from the drawer (three times!) and the vet was able to take a look at her. Seems that Polly is indeed dealing with the virus yet again.  According to the vet, many cats have been coming in with similar symptoms recently.  Polly was given some fluids and is now happily resting in a cabinet upstairs.  Vet will check in on Monday and if Polly is still feeling bad, then we'll go from there.  Hopefully she'll be back to herself before we know it!

Until next time...
xoxo

Today's Special: Ground Control to Major Tim

I'm not sure how I feel about this. This is the second time my bro Tiny Tim has featured prominently on MY blog. Is this simply because I'm a kind and generous kitty? Well, of course I am, but ultimately it's because that Tiny Tim keeps doing things to get attention.  And so the saga begins...

Today was Tim's very first vet visit in our hometown. He had all his tests, operations and vaccinations done down in Alabama before he came to us. And yes, yes, everyone at the vet office fawned over him. "Oh he's so cute." "Oh he has 3 legs." "Oh his name is Tiny Tim." Blah, blah, blah.*yawn* Anyway, I digress. Today he needed to go to the vet because his leg "nubbin" (as you can see I'm well versed in medical terminology) had a big scab on it and was a little bloody. Peeps were worried that maybe he had an infection and they believe it's better to be safe then sorry.  Thankfully, to make a long story short, Tim is totally fine. The vet believes that Tim is most likely licking his "nubbin" and causing all the trouble.  See what I mean about him always doing things for attention?  So...and this is the very best part...Tim has to wear one of those collars so that he leaves his "nubbin" alone. But I'm jumping ahead of myself by mentioning the collar. I'm just so darn excited about it! But, anyway,  if the "nubbin" still doesn't heal with Tim's tongue out of the picture, then an x-ray will be necessary to make sure the bone is smooth at the amputation site. He's got some antibiotics to take b/c it is a little bit infected and peeps have to put some cream on it to help it heal. I think that's all the boring stuff. Now on to the collar...

Are you in there little spaceman?

So after the vet, Tim came home. And let me tell you...I didn't know what was going on when I first saw him.  "Ground control to Major Tim. Take your protein pills and put your helmet on" (obviously David Bowie had met a cat similar to Tim back in the 70s with the name Tom) is all that came to my mind . I can't say for sure if Tim took his protein pills, but he definitely put his helmet on!!  Haha!  I simply couldn't stop staring at him. I didn't growl. I didn't hiss. I didn't meow. I just sat down and stared. My gosh he looked funny! I'm fairly sure he wasn't, and isn't, very happy with his current situation either.  I feel like I've hit the jackpot. When I woke up this morning I had no idea this day would turn out to be so hilarious. I mean, have you really looked at him? Even he can't believe his fate.

Ultimately, poor little Tiny Tim has to get used to his new space helmet because he's going to be wearing the fashionable headgear for a couple weeks (the lengths he goes to for Halloween are ridiculous!) to give his "nubbin" time to heal. I don't think he'll be able to hang on me during this time. Maybe he won't even be able to bite my tail. One can hope, one can dream. For now though, his excursion to the vet and his funny hat have worn him out. So he and I both bid you adieu until next time...

xoxo

Today's Special: What will you be watching?

I know...I know...I'm supposed to be telling you all about my new house. And that is a work in progress.  But one thing I really enjoy is hearing your opinions about various things.  So I thought maybe every once in awhile I'd write a blog with just that plan in mind.  So today I want to talk about...Fall TV.

It's true...I'm a TV watching cat.  There's nothing I enjoy more than snuggling on the couch with my peeps and watching some TV.  The remote control still baffles me slightly, but I try not to let that stop me.  I can easily change the channels. Often times right in the middle of whatever show peeps are watching! I've actually learned a few new words from peeps by doing that, but I can't repeat them here.

So I've compiled a list of the shows that we will definitely, might be and I wish we wouldn't be watching. How about you? What are your favorites this season?  What shows do you wish would simply disappear?

TWO PAWS UP 

We love this show!  There always seems to be just the right mix of teams we don't like and teams we do like. I rarely change the channel during this one. ;)



Another great show in our opinion. How many shows are there on TV where people are called donkeys and donuts?  Mind you, I think I'm a much better chef then that Gordon Ramsey, but I'm not one to brag...

Bazinga! One of the funniest shows on TV we think. That Sheldon just makes me giggle.

What can I say? To me, sheer comedy genius. Whether it's Angela & Dwight's creepy love affair or Michael...well...just being Michael, this show makes me laugh my paws off every week. The original British show, also called The Office, is well worth watching too.


 

It's a show about various serial killers rampaging around killing people in numerous horrific ways. There's no chance my extra fav peep, and me by default, won't be watching this one!



 PAWS FLAT OUT

One of my peeps is very excited about the new Hawaii Five-O. Apparently they remember the original from when they were a very small child. I'm not so sure about this one. "Book 'em Danno." What kind of name is Danno? One thing I will say is that the theme song is very catchy. Once it gets in my head, it's there for the day!

I'm not sure I really care about who will outwit, outplay and outlast this season, but we at least like to give this show a chance each time it comes on. Sometimes it turns out to be quite interesting. Other times...not so much.


PAWS TUCKED UNDER ME

Two words will sum up why this show always finds its way onto our TV. These words cause my peep to somehow always manage to be in front of the TV at just the right time.  The words are...Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

I know this show is very popular (and one peep watches for a reason even they can't explain), but I honestly can not watch without feeling a bizarre mixture of distaste, loathing and fascination at the absurdity of what I'm seeing. This season I'm staying away until it's over.

So there you have it. If you're looking for me this fall, I'll be on the soft blanket in the middle of the couch with the remote control securely within paw's reach!
xoxo

Today's Special: 5 More Questions

Yes, I'm back again...answering more questions. It's tough being a celebrity! Heehee! Come to find out, many weeks ago, my BFF Cathy Keisha asked me 5 questions as well. Somehow I missed my name when I read her blog so...since she is my dear friend, here I am to answer those questions.

What is your favorite brand and flavor of cat food?

Peeps serve us Tiki Cat. I don't have a favorite flavor. I truly love them all. Tiki Cat is a canned food made with human-grade whole-food ingredients. It's pricey, but delicious.

 Which TV character, past or present, are you most like and why?

This is an easy one. I would have to say what others have said before. Newman from Seinfeld. First of all, we absolutely love Seinfeld in our house. We all think it's the funniest show to ever be made.  There are so many days when peeps will say "I feel like I'm having a Seinfeld moment." Specifically, there are many reasons why I've been called Newman. First and foremost...obviously...I'm a little on the rotund side.  Second, I love food. Finally, I'm a sneaky and devious little cat. I can't deny it. HerbsNewman I am!

How would you change the world?
I kinda answered this one in my last blog (we need lunch!!) so I'm actually going to answer another question that was asked (as a joke) - but actually appeals to me.

Who is your favorite serial killer? 

Well, it's funny that Cathy should ask b/c my peep is actually fascinated with serial killers. Not the act of murder so much, but the thoughts and processes that take place in the killer's brain. I can't tell you how many serial killer TV shows I've sat thru and how many serial killer books I've laid on.  Overall, for sheer shock value, we'd have to rate Jeffery Dahmer as our "favorite." Let's face it...it's just not every day that someone like him comes along.  And thank god for that!

How do you work your claws?

Personally I'm a carpet man myself. I normally don't scratch at furniture too much, but I go crazy with the carpet. I especially love doing it when I get excited.  When I'm playing sometimes I'll just take a break and give the carpet a good what for!  I really am a model cat aren't I? My bros Riley and Louie on the other hand are furniture men. Peeps have often said that Louie is the sweetest cat in the world, but also the most destructive!  He can fluff up furniture in mere hours. And I won't even discuss the time he ripped the drywall at our old house chasing a tiny spot on the wall.  Peeps were...less than impressed. ;)

How did you start tweeting?

Peeps came to me one day and told me about this thing called Twitter. Since it had nothing to do with food, napping, playing or snuggling, I really didn't care. But as always, I humored them by looking at them and pretending to pay attention. Once they showed me how Twitter worked though, I have to admit, I enjoyed it. I started out just kind of tweeting various thoughts and happenings in my life. I didn't realize there was such an incredibly kind and fun anipal community out there. As I went along I started looking for other cats to follow...one thing led to another...and voila...my twitter life began. :)

And that's my five questions answered! Technically I should think up another 5 questions for 5 more friends, but since I would like to do a blog soon that doesn't involve me answering 5 question...I'm going to conveniently ignore that technicality. Haha!  I'll be back next time with a tour of my new house as promised.  I can't wait to show you all where I live. It's great. :)

xoxo

Today's Special: Five Questions and Five More

Back in June, the lovely Shiva and Jaya challenged me to answer five questions they asked, then come up with five questions myself and challenge 5 of my friends. As most of you know, June, July and August have been extremely busy months for my family and I. Between getting our old house ready to sell, having panic attacks, packing, moving, getting a new sibling etc etc etc, I haven't had time to do this. So, now that things have calmed down a little bit, I wanted to take the time and answer their questions.


Question #1 from Shiva and Jaya: Are you in love? What is the kitty's/doggie's name? 

This is a difficult question because I'm in love with many things. I love my peeps. I love my friends on Twitter and Facebook. I love food, laying in the sunshine and my new house. But...ultimately I know what Shiva and Jaya are asking so...no I'm not in love. I am, without a doubt, a confirmed bachelor for life. But, if I were to ever change my mind there is indeed one...kat...who makes my heart beat just a little bit faster. She knows who she  is. :)


Question #2 from Shiva and Jaya: Are you picky when it comes to the noms your human(s) serve(s) you?

This question makes me laugh. I mean, really...do you know who you're asking???  I'm really not picky in the least. I'll happily eat just about anything peeps put in my bowl. Now mind you, I feel that my peeps feed me really delicious food. Maybe if they fed me food that didn't taste so darn good I'd turn my nose up at it. But as of yet, except after my "boarding incident" when I was sick, I've never passed on a meal. And if I'm honest, I usually eat my meal and if I can get away with it, I also help my siblings eat their meal. No one can ever say I'm not helpful!!

Question #3 from Shiva and Jaya: Is there any music that hurts your kitty/doggy ears so much it makes you go meow or whoo?

This is a difficult one for me, because there's nothing I dislike more than talking about music I hate. So...suffice it to say, there is alot of music that hurts my ears, however, I'm very open-minded overall when it comes to listening to music. I don't feel there's any way to truly appreciate music without listening to all that the world has to offer (painful though it may be.) I don't like alot of it. Or even most of it. Much of today's popular music is vile beyond words. Having said that, I'm very fortunate to live with peeps who have excellent musical taste in my opinion. Around my house we listen to some current music (Eminem and Lady GaGa come to mind), but also lots of older stuff. The Smiths and Morrissey are our favorites. Others that really get me purring are bands like The New York Dolls, Jobriath, T. Rex...the list goes on and on.  Without the joy of music, the world would be a wretched place.

Question #4 from Shiva and Jaya: If you ruled Planet Purrth, what would your policy look like?

Just let me say...if I ruled Planet Purrth, there would be lunch for every animal! I've talked to many over the years and lunch is the forgotten meal for us. Peeps eat lunch so why don't we?  I know many of you have shared your "lack of lunch" frustrations with me and I've heard you. Together we can make a change!  Together we can bring lunch to our bowls!  Who's with me?

Question #5 from Shiva and Jaya: Winter, spring, summer and fall? And why?

I've always been happy that I live in a state with seasons b/c on some level, I enjoy them all. Winter brings the white fluffy stuff that I love watching fall from the sky. Spring brings beautiful colors, lots of birds and bugs that grab my attention. Summer brings the smell of newly cut grass and the delightful cool air that comes from the vents in the house and finally fall (autumn)...my favorite season...brings a special warm, homey feeling.There's just something intangible in the air that I love. It's a time for beautiful weather, holidays (and the meals they bring) and to just simply be thankful for all that we have.

And here are my five questions:

1. When it comes to food would you consider yourself more a fan of savory or sweet?
2. If a genie came to you and granted you 3 wishes, what would they be?
3. If given the choice would you rather read a book or see a movie? Why?
4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you and your peeps would buy?
5. What one place would you love to travel to more than any other? Why?

I challenge the following 5 friends to answer my questions:

@HollieCatRocks
@BizbeeKitty
@CathyKeisha
@CrazyKittyKat1
@BeaverWonderCat

See ya next time for a tour around my new house!
xoxo

Today's Special: Meet Tiny Tim

This is a 12 week old kitten.
This is a 12 week old kitten with only 3 legs.
This is a 12 week old kitten with only 3 legs that is becoming part of my family.
Any questions?

Well questions or not, I'm going to tell you the whole story as it was told to me this very morning by my peeps. Pfftt!  Let me start at the beginning...

As some of you know, I was quite suspicious yesterday because my peep was talking to our BFF for most of the day and I kept hearing things like "3 months old," "only 3 legs," and "needs a home." BFF lives in Alabama. BFF gives us things. By "things" I mean homeless, abandoned kitties in need of a good home. The last "things" we got are named Louie and Petunia. They've been my siblings for almost 3 years now and we love them very much (don't tell anyone I said that).

So yesterday, BFF contacted my peeps because there was a little kitty that desperately needed a home. For now, said kitty shall be known as Tiny Tim. It's the nickname peeps have given him. Once we meet him and get to know him, peeps will officially name him, but for now...meet Tiny Tim.

Tiny Tim is the kitten of a feral mom cat living in a colony in Alabama. He was born without a back right paw and without part of his back right leg. He would have never survived in the feral colony so a very nice person rescued him. When she took him to the vet at 6 weeks old, the vet thought that euthanizing him would be best b/c it was unlikely that anyone would want to adopt him. Alabama has a HUGE amount of stray kittens so one little kitten with special needs probably wouldn't fair too well up against all the "perfect" little kittens looking for homes. Thankfully his rescuer just couldn't bear to let him be killed. She had rescue contacts and hoped and prayed that she could find him a home even though she knew...the odds were against her.

Fast forward to yesterday - 6 weeks after Tiny Tim was rescued. He is fully recovered from his surgery (he needed to have the remainder of his back leg removed and he got his stitches out yesterday), he's totally healthy and ready to run, jump and play like the kitten he is. And his foster mom is ready to start trying to find him a home. One of her rescue contacts just happened to be our beloved BFF.  As soon as BFF heard abt the little 3 legged kitten that needed a home...she thought of my peeps. And sure enough...they were up for the challenge of taking care of a special needs cat. So, Tiny Tim is no longer homeless. He's no longer a stray. He's a part of our family now. :)


He's due to arrive here on 30 July. Until then he's staying with BFF. He's one lucky little guy! And yes, 30 July is moving day! So it's going to be a busy day for peeps, but a rewarding one. It's been many, many years since peeps have had a kitten. They always feel guilty at the thought of adopting a kitten from a shelter because kittens always find homes so easily whereas the older cats sometimes have more trouble. So...peeps never really thought they'd have a kitten again which makes this even more exciting for them. And they're also delighted that he's arriving on moving day because they're hoping to just kinda incorporate him into the lump of cats moving into the new house. Haha! Good luck with that peeps! I've got your number and I intend to tell the others what you're planning! ;)

So for now I'm going along with this. You know how it is...keep the peeps happy. As they told me all abt Tiny Tim this morning I looked at them with my big green eyes and fell over. Well played! They bought it hook, line and sinker. However, once the little tyke gets here...it will be time to teach him the ropes around my house. No eating my food, no sleeping on my window seat etc etc etc. As long as he follows along and doesn't try any of that cute kitten stuff on me, we'll be good. But you better believe...I'll be watchin' him...

xoxo