http://www.catsifier.com/

I like my catsifier!

• We will be closed for Thanksgiving November 25 and 26 and reopen on Saturday, November 27 at 9:00 a.m.

• We will be closed starting December 24th at 1:00 p.m. thru Christmas Day.  We will reopen on Monday December 27th

• We will be closed starting December 31st at 1:00 p.m. thru New Year’s Day.  We will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2011

Hola, me llamo Nino!

I am a Chihuahua, and I am 13 years old this month.  I love my parents, Kristen and Jason, very much, and they love me, too.  I also love my best friend, Claudia – she is a calico cat my age, and she is twice my size!  I like it when she lays on me and keeps me warm.  I live for belly rubs first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and any time in between.  I also like pizza crust – it’s my favorite.

I grew up here in Austin, during my mama’s college years.  Those sure were crazy times!  After she met my papa, we all moved to Hartford, Connecticut, which was cold.  Muy frio – much too cold for a Chihuahua!  The first time the snow covered the grass, I didn’t know where to tinkle. Papa tried to show me how to use a pole in the basement, but I thought he was crazy so he gave up.  Finally, my parents figured out they should shovel a corner of the yard for me when it shows, and Connecticut wasn’t so bad after that.

When we moved back to Austin, I was getting old, lazy, and a little chubby.  My parents took me to the nice folks at West Lynn Vet, and Dr. Hanks said I was “hypothyroid.”  I don’t know what that means, but I do know that now I get a little pill twice daily and it makes me feel five years younger.  Dr. Hanks also helped fix my teeth, and he got me hooked on cooked carrots, which are now my favorite treat (except for pizza crust, of course).  I’m sure glad that my parents moved back to sunny, warm Austin and hooked me up with Dr. Hanks… even if he is an Aggie.

Map of rabies infections in Austin, Texas 2010

September is rabies prevention month.

The state of Texas requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and on a 1 year or 3 year basis thereafter depending on the type of vaccine used.* Additionally, when traveling with a dog or cat, have in your possession a rabies vaccination certificate that was signed by a veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian about other vaccines that are available for a wide range of diseases.

All dogs and cats over 3 months of age that are being transported into Texas must have been vaccinated against rabies within the last 12 or 36 months depending on the type of vaccine used.*

Although not required by law, it is recommended that livestock (especially those that have frequent contact with humans), domestic ferrets, and wolf-dog hybrids should be vaccinated against rabies. Again, check with your veterinarian about other available vaccines for these animals.

For an animal to be considered currently vaccinated against rabies, at least 30 days must have elapsed since the initial vaccination and not more than 12 or 36 months (depending on the vaccine used)* can have elapsed since the last vaccination.

* All dogs and cats must receive a second rabies vaccination within one year of receiving their first vaccination, regardless of the type of vaccine used or the age at which the animal was initially vaccinated.

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Joe David hanging out with his favorite toy.

Joe David, was rescued by a stream in Marble Falls, Texas where he had been abandoned when he was just 8 weeks old. He is “mostly Lab” and in September celebrates his 13^th birthday and four years as a bone cancer survivor. His left hind leg was amputated four years ago and his surgeon said he would probably live ONE year, but Joe David didn’t listen to the prognosis. He began 12 months of chemo, and his oncologist gave him six months. Once again, Joe David didn’t buy the prognosis.

He adjusted to his new lifestyle learning to hop-walk and hop-run. He has defied all odds.

His reason for living, other than the love and attention of his family, is TREATS! He knows the word, even if you spell it T-R-E-A-T-S. He knows they are in the pantry, so he sits by the door and barks until he gets his treats. He loves stuffed toys, and when you say “football” he goes to his toy basket and gets his little UT football. When it is tossed in the air, and you say “touchdown Joe David” he catches it in mid air. We all cheer and clap and his tail wags incessantly.

Joe David loves going to the Gaddis’ Double Heart Ranch. In earlier days, he would run as fast as Jordan Shipley and  bark at the Longhorn cattle and woodland creatures—now he rides in  a jeep.

He has two friends, Emma and Cleo, both rescued dogs. They both know that Mr. JD is TOP DOG.

He is an inspiration and joy to his family and many friends. His three legs are weak, bowed and overworked and he sleeps most of the time. He has an adorable and happy personality, and is a little clown that makes us laugh out loud at his antics. I bet he will make it to 14!

They don't call me "Sassy" for nothing!

Hi, my name is Sassy, and it is hard to believe that I am turning sixteen years old.  I take a few more “preventative” meds and have a few less teeth, but I am still maintaining my girlish chihuahua figure at 3 1/2 pounds!

Although napping is one of my favorite pastimes, when the mood hits me, I am just as fast as ever… a regular Speedy Gonzales!

Last week, I had visitors, two chihuahua puppies, Carmela and Muchacha.  Well, let me tell you, it took me two days to shape them up.  You know, when and where they could sleep, when and what they could eat or play with and… no more whining!

My best efforts to teach them how to do “figure eights” came to naught, even when I bribed them with treats.  Those youngsters can really wear a girl out, but we did have a good time.

So, Happy Birthday to me, and I will check back with you next year!