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The Happy Wag

Iowa kitty contracts swine flu

Click here to read an Associated Press story about a cat in Iowa that has been confirmed with H1N1.

The 13-year-old feline has been treated and is recovering. Two people who lived in the house with the cat also reported flu-like symptoms.

Transmission of the disease is more likely to occur from human to pet than the other way around. Officials recommend frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of germs, including before and after feeding and handling pets.

Here's one for you, feline fans

I hope everyone got out and celebrated End-of-the-Hateful-Political-Campaign-Ads-and-Robocalls Season by voting for the candidates that annoy you the least. I know I certainly did.

And now that the election is almost over, let's move on to more important issues: Cats.

Last week I made my own campaign promise to give lovers of kitties a chance to exercise their First Amendment rights after I gave away the book "Why Dogs are Better than Cats" book.

So, feline fans, let's hear it.

Type a short, witty comment about why cats rule and otherwise rock your world, and you can win a copy of "Cat Lover's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Insight and Guidance for Living a Joyful Life with Your Cat" by Kristen Hampshire, Iris Bass and Lori Paximadis.

The book is loaded with photos, information and fun facts about felines. The text covers a wide varitey of kitty cunundrums including choosing the right food and litter, explanations of cats' body language and what to do when kitty misses the box. I am really tempted to keep this one because it's great reference material.

So hit me with your best shot folks. What's so doggone great about cats? All comments entered until Friday at 10 a.m. will be considered, when a panel of feline-loving newsies will help me pick the very best one.

I said no puparazzi!

Blog reader Pam admits that she takes way too many photos of her two Lab-mix pooches Bo (left) and Tater, sticking out his tongue at the camera. His way of saying, "Enough with the camera, mom! Can we have some cookies now?"

Serious snuggles

I am dying here, folks. Dying FROM THE CUTENESS.

This is photo, sent in by blog reader Julie, is textbook example of a cuddle puddle, as demonstrated by pooches Leela (left) and Baxter.

Anna update 2.0

Click here for a link to Angels of Assisi's blog post about Anna, which includes a picture of her with her new foster dad, Mike.

Sounds like Anna is doing well in her new foster home. Thanks to everyone who reached out to help this sweet girl get a second chance.

Cats rule

I've noticed that, despite the thesis of the book I gave away this week, that the blog has been dominated by felines and their devoted fans.  Cats will eventually reclaim the earth, mark my words.

Here's one last adorable photo. Meet lil bit, whose name is intentionally in lower case letters because pet mom Liz said when she adopted the kitten she was too small to handle capital letters.

Everyone have a safe holiday and a great weekend.

Give it away now...

And we have a winner in the "Why Dogs are Better than Cats" book giveaway:

"I prefer my dogs because they at least let me pretend that I am in charge."

Comment by JA

Well said, JA. Even people who are devout kitty fans would agree with that sentiment.  I will send you an e-mail in a few minutes. Reply back with your mailing address and the book will be on it's way to you.

Thanks to everyone for submitting some great comments. It was a tough choice because you are all so awesome.

Things that make you go "awwww"

Warning: This photo is too cute for words.

Reader Donna sent us this shot of her 8-week-old Jack Russell terrier puppy, Toby, trying on this pumpkin.

Guess that would make it a "pup-kin!" Ha! I love candy-corny jokes.

Have a safe and happy Halloween everyone.

Anna update

Here's an update on Anna, the elderly dog whose pet parents have to move to a care facility and cannot take her with them:

Joan, Anna's pet mom, had to say goodbye to her today and left her with the good folks at Angels of Assisi. According to Lisa O'Neill at Angels, Anna was taken to her new foster home late this afternoon so she did not have to spend the night in the adoption center.

Another reader reached out to Joan via this blog and might be able to take Anna if the first foster home does not work out.

Thanks so much for all your generosity, offers of support and well-wishes folks. There are some very caring people in this Valley, and I know that firsthand from writing this blog and column.

Calling all potential barn buddies

Diane Novak, local crusader and advocate for homeless cats, contacted me late yesterday and said she needed to find a placement PRONTO for eight semi-feral-but-fixed-and-vaccinated kitties living in a home in Southwest Roanoke.

I do not have many more details than that, but if you know of anyone who would be interested in a couple of barn cat buddies, now would be a great time to move on that. To read more about the program, click here.

Diane said the situation is rather dire and she really needs to place these cats ASAP. Contact her at diane@reikipets.com 

(File photo. Cats pictured are not the actual kitties that need rescued.)

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About this blog

The Happy Wag blog is a resource for pet parents in the Roanoke Valley, a local community forum of news and information about pets. Newsroom manager Nona Nelson's family includes four pets: retired racing greyhounds Dexter and Coral and former stray cats Thai and India. Read more about Nona and this blog

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Comments

    • Pam Hubbard: Hey, thanks for the post Nona! BTW, he had that same look when the vet suggested he drop 5 lbs - ha!...
    • donna: cats are so much better than dogs! my cats know when im sad and come over to comfort me. they are not messy,...
    • Dean: Political elections are the best way to understand the benefit of cats over dogs. Think about it, cats are...
    • Sharron Smith: I am a dog person: I am unable to explain how I ended up with four cats and no dog. My life is...
    • Art Hill: #4 wins. Dogs listen to every word. Cats take a message and get back to you.

Get out!

Sunday, Aug. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Bark in the Park

Dog wash held to benefit the Roanoke Valley SPCA in conjunction with a Salem Red Sox/Kinston Indians game. Cost includes a ticket for you and a ticket and bath for your pooch. $20 for dogs under 20 pounds, $30 for 21 and over, $8 for each additional person; dog washes for season ticket holders are $10 for pocket pooches and $20 for big sweeties. Game starts at 6:05 p.m.

Tickets on sale July 27.

Lewis Gale Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark, Salem.

 

Saturday, Aug. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Bark for Life

Fundraiser for Roanoke Valley Relay for Life, part of the American Cancer Society. A one-mile walk led by human and canine cancer survivors, followed by a variety of contests and games. Dog baths and massages will also be available. Roanoke City Police K9 unit will perform a demonstration. A Wall of Hope will be built of purchased paper bones in remembrance of loved ones, human and pets. 

Call 774-2716 or go to www.barkforlife.org to register.

Six Wags Dog Park, Apperson Drive, Salem.

Saturday, Aug. 29, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Harvest-Fest concert

Blue Ridge Vineyard in Eagle Rock presents the band Exit 162. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to accompany adults. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Ruritans. Admission is $5 for adults. Food and beverage available for purchase. 

For more information and directions, go to  www.blueridgevineyard.com, call 798-7642 or e-mail blueridgevines@ntelos.net