Isadora and Kiriko...and The Most Expensive Cat Toy Ever Made!

Two kitties as opposite as can be. Isadora is the outgoing one. The lover. So happy to welcome any new friends into her home. Her best buddy, Kiriko is the shy one. Likes to hide a lot and does it well. This is a ninja kitty. She can see you, but you can't see her. Though once she feels comfortable with you, she'll come out and let you pet her, it just has to be on her terms. Isadora on the other hand, will turn into your shadow. She loves to follow you around the house, eager for attention. Quite the little diva, that one. She'll chase you up and down the stairs at speeds that you wouldn't believe a cat had possible! Her landings are less than graceful, usually involving some kind of impact with the bookshelf. But she just shakes it off and goes after you all over again!

                        

                           Ninja kitty is watching...                            Please pet me! Why don't you pet me?

These two may be very different kitties indeed, but they love each other a whole lot...and if nothing else, they can agree on one thing -- they love their IPad. That's right, these two have an IPad. 

Well, it's not actually THEIRS, per se...but their owner's. At least, that's what they let him think. Isadora and Kiriko have a fun game that they love to play on the IPad. Sure, most kitties enjoy a ball of yarn, a catnip toy, or even a feather on a stick, but these two like to dominate on a high-tech game that all the coolest cats play. Check out Isadora as she demonstrates the latest in cat toy technology...!!

Found Animals Foundation Launches ‘12 Pets of Christmas’ Program

When most folks go to an animal shelter, they're often looking for a puppy, a kitten or a purebreed. But that leaves a lot of other animals alone and looking for someone to give them a loving home. The good people over at the Found Animals Foundation are trying to solve that problem during this holiday season and they're running the "12 Pets of Christmas" promotion to help these unfortunate souls find a place of their own.

Many of the animals that are often left behind at shelters include adult cats older than nine months, large dogs that weigh more than 40 lbs, black pets, animals with medical needs, senior or overweight pets, shy animals, certain breeds such as Chihuahuas, Chihuahua mixes and Pit Bulls, exotic pets like birds and reptiles and so-called "bonded pairs", in which two animals must be adopted together for fear that one could become ill or infirm without the other's presence. These animals are often overlooked by people looking to adopt a pet, so to help them find a home, the Found Animal Foundation is offering discounts on their already low adoption fees when you choose to rescue one of these types of hard to place animals.

Print out a coupon at www.foundanimals.org/12pets for discounts of up to $30 on cats, $40 on dogs and 50% off fees for adopting an exotic animal (up to $40). Just bring the coupon in to a participating shelter at one of the following Found Animal Foundation locations: Agoura, Baldwin Park, Carson, Castaic, Downey, Lancaster, North Central, South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, East Valley, West Valley, Harbor, Long Beach Animal Care Services, AV Pet Stop, spcaLA, spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center and the SEAACA/Cat Adoption Center. 

These animals just want a home for the holidays and with these discounted rates, it's easier than ever to welcome a new loving companion into your life. If you are looking for a new pet, won't you consider bringing home one of the "12 Pets of Christmas"? 

The LA Hotlist...we've been nominated!!

We need your help everybody!

The LA Hotlist over at Cityvoter.com is in full swing and your humble little dog walkers of PCWT have been nominated in two categories! Now that's pretty cool. I guess we're doing something right!

But wait a sec...what is the LA Hot List you ask? Why it's only the creme de la creme of the best businesses, eateries, museums and more that Los Angeles has to offer. Best of all, it's voted on by the people; the citizens of this great city that we live in, the tastemakers who move the needle. We're honored to even be included in the conversation, but hey let's be honest...we want to win!

So we turn to you, our faithful clients, to let Los Angeles know who the big dogs are around here!

Here's the deal, we've been nominated for the following categories: Best Dog Walker and Best Pet Sitting.

All we need now is for each and every one of you to vote for Paws, Claws, Wings, and Things in both categories. You'll need to sign up but it really only takes a few seconds (believe me, I know, anytime someone tells me that, the first thing I want to do is forget about it...but it really is quick!) Once you're in, just click in your vote and that's it! You can leave a comment afterwards which is called a "tip", telling them why and how we're the best in town. But you don't need to, it's all up to you!

Just click this link: http://la.cityvoter.com/paws-claws-wings-and-things/biz/646124 to get started. We think we're the best, we hope you will go to the link and tell all of L.A. what YOU think.

I voted. Now it's your turn!

Bogart and Meli Pea - Two Good Buddies

One look at them and you'd think you were looking at two characters in a Walt Disney film. The hound and the golden retriever. Two unlikely friends at first, but once they see each other...it's playtime!

They love to spend time together at the dog park. It doesn't matter how many other dogs are there, these two play together like they're the only ones in the park. They rarely ever play with anyone else. Even when other dogs try to get in on the action, they're largely ignored by Bogart and Meli.

Their favorite game involves pinning each other down, trying to grab an ear or a lip until the other cries uncle. It looks vicious but they're actually very gentle with one another. You can tell they really love one another.

But whichever one of them gets on top...it doesn't last long as the tables are soon turned.

These two could play like this for hours and hardly get tired. But when they finally do call it quits, it's usually not until they're both nice and dirty. Rolling around in all that dirt and mud until they decide that the game is over. They're both too evenly matched. And then like the two fierce competitors that they are, full of respect and admiration for one another...they congratulate each other on their performance in the day's game.

Good game out there today. 

You too. 

 Ready to do it all again soon. 

Wally and Bruley -- Your Friendly Neighborhood Squirrel Patrol

Walking with these two, you get a sense of the dedication they have to keeping their neighborhood safe from the criminal underworld of squirrels that exist in many different areas of Southern California. If you don't know what I'm talking about...well, that's just how this network of sinister fuzzy tailed menaces prefers it.

But these two valiant canines are on the case. It's tough out there on the street. The squirrel is a wily adversary, always on the move and hiding in places where you least expect. Wally and Bru know how squirrels think, how they act, where they hide. To an unsuspecting dog walker who isn't familiar with the constant struggle between these two foes, things can get a little hairy. This is no place for an amateur.

The patrol unit sniffing for clues. 

Word had gotten around that a particularly sinister squirrel had been spotted in the area, and so courageous Wally and Bruley began their investigation. Looking high and low, they sniffed around looking for a hot tip. But this squirrel was a clever one and he was determined to best our dynamic duo.

We walked the beat, asking the good citizens of West Hollywood if they had seen or heard anything. But no one was talking. Perhaps they were scared. Had they been intimidated? Did the squirrel get to them before Wally and Bru could? No one was forthcoming. But that didn't hinder these two.

They don't give up that easy. So we pounded the pavement some more. Checking for any evidence of the squirrel's whereabouts. Broken nutshells, tail fur that had been left behind. But squirrels are very careful not to leave behind a trail. The boys looked high and low for any indication there had been squirrel activity. 

But there was none. Frustration started to set in. Maybe the squirrel had already beat it out of here. 

Until...a sighting! The squirrel they were looking for had made one false move...and the CHASE WAS ON!

I could barely keep up as Wally and Bru rushed after that pesky squirrel! Alas, the little troublemaker proved too quick and crafty for our patrol unit. Finding solace in a tall tree, this day went to the squirrel. He sat there, smug, looking down at our brave soldiers. 

Wally and Bruley had no choice. They had to let him go. They had nothing incriminating on him anyway. The bust would have just been thrown out of court. No, these two had to wait and catch him red handed. 

Until next time. The boys walked off and the squirrel just laughed at him. His little squirrel laugh resonating in all of our ears as we left.

You win this round Mr. Sinister Squirrel. 

Emergency Preparedness is for everyone…including your pets!

There’s been a small rash of earthquakes here in Southern California, so that got us thinking about making an Emergency Supply Kit for your pets. You’ve got a kit and a plan for you and your family, but what about your furry loved ones? Some folks may not even think their pets would need a kit, much less know where to start to put one together or even how. Well, the good people at FEMA have some helpful guidelines to follow for getting your pet’s kit ready to go in case of an emergency.

First off, think about what you’ve put in your survival kit. It’s all about the basics – food, water, medications. The essentials needed to maintain routine daily life. It’s the same thing for your pets; store about three days worth of food in a sealed container. Don’t rely on the water you’ve set aside for yourself to keep your pet hydrated. Make sure you have three days worth of water exclusively for your pets, in addition to what you have stored for you and your family. Medications are pretty self-explanatory and make sure you keep them in a cool, dry place. Once you’ve got those squared away, be sure to include a leash, harness and ID tags as well. You’ll also want to have your pet’s crate or carrier ready on a moment’s notice in case evacuation is necessary. Also be sure to include a litter box and litter, as well as bags, newspapers and paper towels to clean up after your pet. Household bleach is a good idea to help keep things hygienic and it can also help purify water if such a need arises. FEMA also suggests you keep a photo of you and your pet together, for identification purposes in the event you become separated.  It’s the easiest way to describe your pet’s visual characteristics to help others assist you in finding your lost animal. Finally, just as children find comfort in a trusted toy or stuffed animal, your pet’s stress can be alleviated through the things that bring them solace. Toys, bedding, treats; any of the things that make your pet happy should be added to the kit to help them feel safe in times of turmoil.

Next, make a plan in the event something happens. You’ll need to know how to round up your pet or pets and have a destination in mind if you have to leave your home. Obviously, you want to bring your pet with you in the event of an evacuation, but keep in mind some shelters may not allow you to bring animals with you. So have a contingency in place, a friend or relative who would be willing to house your pets when they have nowhere else to go. Boarding kennels are also a good option. Wherever it may be, make sure you have the option in place ahead of time, before something catastrophic occurs instead of after. In case you have to leave your pets at your residence, arrange to have someone who can visit, care for, or possibly even evacuate them while you are gone. Establish meeting areas both in your local neighborhood and beyond for your appointed care-takers to meet you if trouble arises.

Finally, stay informed. Know what types of emergencies could affect your region and be aware of evacuation procedures designated by your state and local governments. Always be ready by going to www.ready.gov to learn more about emergency preparedness for both you and your pets.

And the Oscar goes to...Bogart!

Much like the actor who shares his namesake; Bogart knows when a good performance pays off and while Bogey only won a single Academy Award for his performance in The African Queen, this dog gets the accolades he seeks every time he goes for a walk.  

You see, Bogart is a master thespian in the art of playing dead. Not that he does it for your gratification mind you…it’s all about him. Usually when he has no interest in walking any further, this floppy-eared hound will simply fall over in the grass and refuse to budge. Dead weight. No further, thank you. I’m done. Like many a difficult actor before him, Bogart simply will not take any direction until his needs are met. This often means one good long scratch of his belly. Then he’s all yours…

Caution! Watch where you point that laser...

And now a lesson in the dangers of mixing one laser pointer, one cat and ESPN.

This is Lucy. She loves chasing her laser pointer.

She's the kind of kitty who will chase her laser pointer pretty much anywhere. If it goes up the wall, she'll leap to grab it. Run it along the ceiling and she'll jump up to the highest point in the room and chirp at the shiny red beam as it passes overhead, just waiting to pounce when it comes down to an easier vantage point within her reach.

So it's my fault really. I learned the hard way that using a laser pointer while distracted can be almost as dangerous as texting and driving. You see, I had turned on ESPN to get scores and catch some highlights from the day's baseball and preseason football games at the same time that I was making Lucy chase all over the room after her laser pointer.

What I didn't realize was that I had become too enthralled with the television and my focus wasn't on the task at hand -- Lucy's bloodlust for that pesky laser beam. I guess my hand had gotten lazy and I inadvertently run the laser pointer through my personal space more than once. The wake up call came courtesy of Lucy's paws and claws converging on my bare ankle. The sharp intrusion of pain took my eyes and everything else off the TV, I shuddered and yelped which made Lucy jump back. She turned to me, acknowledging what her actions had done to my warm, exposed flesh...and her expression had precisely zero sympathy in it. If anything, she was admonishing me for not paying enough attention to her and, frankly, judging by her fuzzy little cat face, she thought I deserved it.

Lesson learned. But now I was ready to challenge her. I was convinced she didn't have the guts to do it again, even if I was eyeballing her the entire time. So I pointed the laser at my leg again...

Does this cat look like she's about to hesitate to leap at me once more? Exactly. So I pointed it back across the room to save myself from another pouncing. Lucy went bounding after it...and I decided to check the scores on my phone when play time was over.

This Week in Cat-Speak

Ever wonder what cats are really thinking?

"It never fails, I finally get comfortable and then the dang phone rings"

"I don't always have glowing laser beams for eyes...but when I do, I vaporize anyone taking a picture of me"

"Beer then liquor...never sicker...ooooof" 

Dogs and Cats Living Together! Mass Hysteria!!

Nah, it's just another late afternoon visit with Ruby and Salsa.

Have a seat on the couch to watch some TV around here, and you may soon find it getting a little crowded. Ruby (seated in my lap) and Salsa (lying next to us) both live with another dog, two turtles, a horned lizard, and one fish...and while not everybody wanted to check out what was happening on the tube, Ruby and Salsa love to spend time together and enjoy each other's company. It doesn't really matter what's on, as long as Ruby is the center of attention and Salsa is having her back rubbed. 

Simon vs. the Sprinkler!

Being a puppy is a very tough job. So many new things to sniff, taste, and inspect.

But there are many dangers in this large world as well...and this little puppy was confronted, face to face, with his true nemesis on a warm Tuesday afternoon when he happened upon a grassy knoll where there lived one dormant lawn sprinkler. It sat there under the midday sun, lying in wait for an unsuspecting puppy such as our wee Simon, pictured above prior to the incident.

I had accompanied little Simon to this fateful patch of green, and he had set forth with his typical follies of rolling in its volume, his face rubbing against the ticklish tips. Tongue whirligigging in his tiny mouth with glee. Simon had squirmed towards the snakish menace rather inadvertently, but it turns out I was the true instigator of the affair. I had carelessly stepped on the length of the hose with my shoe, impelling a dormant plashet of water from within to burst out of the sprinkler's ominously quiet head with a momentary splash that was over before it even had time to begin.

This negligible and insignificant expulsion of liquid turned out to be an unmistakable declaration of war!

The time for foolishness had ceased. Simon leapt to all fours and began BARKING at the dangerous sprinkler head with all of his courage and heart! No such malice will befall this puppy today. No sir! Simon barked and barked and then barked some more! Hopping back and forth ready for attack, but unsure whether this creature of the wet was ready for the furious vengeance of this furry vindicator. So, of course, I did the one and only thing that anyone in this situation would have done.

I stepped on the hose again.

That was it. Simon would have no more of this churlish insolence. He gave that sprinkler a good barking-to! Running from, then toward, then from...and then TOWARD AGAIN, brave little Simon announced his intentions to act as protector of this neighborhood from the sprinkler's cool and sudden expectorations. The willowy monster just lying there in silence before the next spritz (courtesy of Moi) would send Simon into more fantastic fits of spunk. His little tongue wagging fierce in between those high-pitched puppy yaps of his.

Eventually, Simon prevailed. The sprinkler had given up (i.e. there was no more water left trapped in the hose, no matter how much I stepped on it), and thus our gallant puppy won the day. We ventured back home, where we regaled his beloved friend Blue Fuzzy Man with tales of Simon's temerity and the sprinkler's cowardice in the face of such steadfast valiance. It truly was a marvelous day!

92 degrees...at 6pm??

It is HOT OUT. Keep your pets cool with some of these helpful hints from the ASPCA!

(Source: ASPCA.org)

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, ASPCA experts warn.  

"Most people love to spend the warmer days enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, but it is important to remember that some activities can be dangerous for our pets," said Dr. Camille DeClementi, Senior Toxicologist at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. "By following a few simple rules, it is easy to keep your pet safe while still having fun in the sun."

Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately. 

Visit the Vet 
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program. 

Made in the Shade 
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot. 

Know the Warning Signs 
Symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. 

No Parking! 
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states. 

Make a Safe Splash 
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. 

Screen Test 
"During warmer months, the ASPCA sees an increase in injured animals as a result of High-Rise Syndrome, which occurs when pets-mostly cats-fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally injured," says Dr. Murray. "Pet owners need to know that this is completely preventable if they take simple precautions." Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. 

Summer Style 
Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

Street Smarts 
When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. 

Avoid Chemicals 
Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance. 

Party Animals 
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic 
Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals. 

Pet of the Week: Moxie

Age: 5
Breed: Mix
Gender: Female

Moxie likes to sleep a lot, but the only thing she likes more than sleeping is eating. Here she is doing the former, and this photo was probably taken after doing the latter. Moxie can often be found sleeping on Dad's pants or any other clothing items he was foolish enough to leave lying on the bed when he went to work. She has a brother named Dexter who she loves very much. The two of them can usually be found chasing one another around the house or drinking from the tub faucet. She likes watching TV on Dad's lap, except when there's football on because then he's usually screaming at it with Mom and that's just too much noise and chaos for this easy-going kitty.

Moxie's two favorite foods are cheese and whipped cream.