October 14-24 Veterinary Technician's Week

 

This year’s theme is “Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: Endless Compassion, Expert Care; Celebrating the Soul of Veterinary Medicine”.

This honors the essential role Veterinary Technicians  play in delivering skilled, compassionate care to animals, supporting clients, and strengthening the veterinary healthcare team.

Across general practice, emergency and specialty care, education, research, industry, public health, and beyond, Vet Techs bring advanced knowledge, technical expertise, steady leadership, and deep compassion to every patient, client, colleague, and community they serve.

For more information about Vet Techs, what they do and why they are so important, visit https://navta.net/national-veterinary-technician-week/

October 16, National Feral Cat Day

Global Cat Day is on October 16 annually. National Feral Cat Day, as a critical part of Global Cat Day, falls on the same date. Both were created by Alley Cat Allies and are observed by millions of people every year.

Global Cat Day is a day to embrace the global truth that Cats Are Community. This powerful statement is recognition that cats have lived alongside us for thousands of years, have a rightful place in our communities, and are beings with inherent value who deserve to be protected.

Cats are our family, our friends, and our neighbors, whether they are community cats who live outdoors among us or companion cats who live indoors with us. Our unique relationships with them span thousands of years and cross every border.

Every neighborhood, village, town, city, and country worldwide must have policies and programs that protect cats as community members. That is the thought leadership and change Global Cat Day is all about.

For some wonderful videos and Webinars 

Click on the link to their YouTube Channel

October 14 - Pet Obesity Day

Pet obesity is big problem for pets all over the world, but unfortunately, many people are unaware that their pets are obese. Due to this issue, the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) created National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, which falls on the second Wednesday of October each year. The organization’s mission is to spread awareness about pet obesity, so it shares resources to teach people and pet parents what they can do to help obese pets and prevent pet obesity from occurring.

What can a Pet Pawrent Do?

Identify if your pet is obese -- Check to see if your pet is at a normal weight. Weigh your pet and compare the measurement to their breed and age, or check out the free resources that APOP provides. It’s important to know when your pet’s weight might lead to a medical problem.

Take your pet for a walk (if possible) -- The walk will be beneficial for both you and your pet and will provide your pet with activity and help maintain their weight. Aim to make it a daily habit.

Help your pet exercise -- Another easy way to celebrate Pet Obesity Awareness Day is to have your pet exercise. Try to motivate them to move around in whichever way you find suitable. If you can, run with your pet, play with them, or engage in a fun activity that can keep you both stimulated. For everyone’s benefit, begin slowly and progressively increase the intensity over time.

Review your pet’s diet with a vet -- As one of the main reasons that pets get obese is a poor diet, celebrate this day by reviewing your pet’s diet with a vet and providing your furry friend with only healthy snacks

Spread awareness about pet obesity -- Finally, you can celebrate this day by spreading awareness about pet obesity and helping people around you understand how big of an issue it is.

October 12 is Canadian Thanksgiving!

 

Some Canadian Thanksgiving Trivia!

Canadian Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the second Monday in October, earlier than the American Thanksgiving, which is held in November. Since 1971 it has coincided with Columbus Day in the U.S.

The first Thanksgiving feast in the U.S. was held in 1621 when the Pilgrims celebrated their harvest. However, the Americans did not invent Thanksgiving. English navigator Martin Frobisher held a celebration of thanks in 1578 in what is now Newfoundland as he had survived the long journey over the seas.

There are 80 cranberry farms in B.C. with many destined for the Thanksgiving table, and while it is doubtful cranberries were served at the first Thanksgiving meals, the indigenous people used them for cooking and dyeing and introduced them to the pilgrims.

We want to invite you over for our feast!

Would you like Turkey or Fish or both?

October 4 is World Animal Day And St Francis Day

 World Animal Day on October 4 is all about recognizing the vital role animals play in our lives, our companions, working partners, wildlife, and the beings who share our planet. It’s a global call to celebrate, protect, and advocate for their well‑being. 

For the pet‑blogging community, it’s a natural fit: sharing stories that highlight compassion, posting educational content about responsible care, amplifying rescue groups, showcasing adoptable pets, or even creating themed art and badges that inspire others to get involved. Bloggers can turn their platforms into little beacons of kindness - reminding readers that every act of care, no matter how small, contributes to a world where animals are valued and protected.

The birds are flying south already and they are denuding the trees of all the nuts and fruit. What we can do is support our Overwintering Birds. Birds have highly active metabolisms and require calorie-dense food to maintain their body heat in extreme cold, especially when natural nut and fruit yields have failed. What We are doing at our house:

Provide High-Calorie Foods

Fill feeders with black oil sunflower seeds, shelled peanuts, and high-quality suet blocks. Suet and peanuts offer the dense fats and protein necessary for birds to survive freezing nights.

Offer a Clean Water Source

Finding liquid water can be harder for birds than finding food in freezing temperatures. Consider using a heated birdbath or an immersion heater to keep a shallow water source from freezing.

Maintain Feeder Hygiene: 

Because many birds will crowd around the remaining food sources, clean your feeders bi-weekly with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) to prevent the spread of avian diseases.

St Francis Day

Many churches in Canada celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4 each year. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment. It is a popular day for pets to be “blessed”.

The world has been celebrating St Francis since 1228 when Pope Gregory IX pronounced St Francis a saint - That is 798 years ago! The pope also laid the foundation stone for the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, Italy. The church, also known as Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi, is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Would You Believe it's October ALREADY?

 

October! 

Its the 10th Month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The "Eight" Month: The name comes from octo, the Latin word for eight. It was the eighth month in Romulus's old Roman calendar before January and February were added.

Old English Names: Ancestors in England once called it Winmonath (wine month) for grape pressing or Winterfylleth (winter full moon) for the arrival of winter.

It sits right in the middle of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and the middle of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

Halloween: Celebrated globally on October 31st with costumes, parties, and trick-or-treating.

Thanksgiving: Canada celebrates thanksgiving on the second Monday of the month. This is October 12th this year.

Us in the CatBlogosphere celebrate a number of events!

Furst are the Month long events! This month we celebrate:

Adopting Shelter Dogs, Dogs and Fostering Dogs! 

In 1981, the American Humane Association founded Adopt A Dog Month. How you can contribute

Adopt: If your home and routine are ready for a long-term commitment, visit a local rescue or humane society.

Foster: If you cannot adopt permanently, temporary fostering helps shelters care for more animals.

Volunteer: Offer your time to walk dogs, socialize with them, or help out at shelter events.

Donate: Give supplies like food, bedding, and toys, or make a financial contribution to support rescue operations.

Black Cat Awareness Month!

In 2013 after its creator, Layla Morgan Wilde, a holistic cat expert, pet industry consultant, and founder of the popular blog Cat Wisdom 101, noticed that there was nothing dedicated to our sable feline companions on a national level. So, she launched the non-profit initiative Black Cats Tell All to promote black cat adoption. Such an observation was welcomed by animal lovers, as superstitions surrounding black cats have run rampant for centuries.

Click here to go to Cat Wisdom 101!

Pet Wellness Month

This month was designed as National Pet Wellness Month by the American Veterinary Medical Association. 

What it is: A dedicated month-long observance to promote the physical, mental, and preventative health of companion animals.

Emphasizes: This month promotes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, routine veterinary check-ups, dental hygiene, and mental enrichment. It also highlighting the importance of senior pet care and biannual or annual veterinary wellness exams to catch potential health issues early.

And today is

Black Dog Day!

Did you know that black dogs are often the last to be adopted in shelters? That’s why we celebrate National Black Dog Day each October to spread awareness that every pup deserves a fur-ever home.

Many shelters and rescues across the world have reported that black or dark-colored dogs struggle to get adopted compared to lighter-colored pets. 

World Rabies Day

 

The 28th of September is World Rabies Day. The mission of World Rabies Day is to raise awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies, how easy it is to prevent it, and how to eliminate the main sources. Rabies is a disease that we all need to be aware of. It is present in (insert area), and it kills both animals and humans. The most important source of rabies in humans is from uncontrolled rabies in dogs, and children are often at greatest risk.

Rabies is a viral disease and kills both humans and animals. This disease is mostly spread by the bite of a rabid dog and if immediate treatment is not obtained will result in a terrible death.

To prevent the disease:

• Avoid all contact with stray, unknown or sick dogs.

• Get your dogs vaccinated annually against rabies.

If you are bitten by any animal you must:

i. Wash the wound immediately in running water and soap for 15 minutes!

ii. Put disinfectant on the wound.

iii. GET TO A CLINIC OR HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT!

For more information about rabies, check out the Mission Rabies site!

https://www.missionrabies.com/en

September 19 - Meow, Bark or Talk Like Pirate Day

 

 

The Moose Floatie Booty Adventure!

Ahoy, Mates!

I, Pirate Captain Marvelous am setting sail on Jewel Lake this fine Talk Like a Pirate Day, seeking calm seas and a bit of sunshine.

My mighty vessel? A Moose Floatie with antlers fit for a legend.

Once it was blown up and placed in the water, I leapt aboard (holding on to my paper pirate hat), with grace and finesse.

Next, Jo Jo, tentatively crept onto the slippery plastic..."It moves under my claw pads..." she meowed.

FINALLY - First Mate Nutmeg, with her BONEY flag gripped tightly in her teeth bounded aboard, tail twitching and eyes wide. The Moose swayed scarily from side to side...

“Arrr, steady as she goes!” I, Pirate Captain Marvelous declared.

But Jo Jo, ever suspicious of watercraft, unsheathed her claws for balance and

SCRITCH!

and the Moose began its slow, tragic descent.

As the bubbles rose and dignity sank, Nutmeg the brave leapt into the water and paddled to the front of the boat, barking orders like a seasoned lifeguard.

“Hold fast, Cap’n! I’ve got ye!”

She bit hard into the poor Moose's nose and headed for shore as fast as her legs could paddle!!

Moments later, the soggy crew was safe ashore.

Pirate Captain Marvelous shook the water from his whiskers and sighed.

“Next year,” he said, “we’re plundering dry land.”

The 2 cats and their hairy slobbery sister spent the rest of the sunny and warm afternoon digging holes in the sand of the beach, where the village used to be, looking for buried treasure. Here are some of the treasures we found:

Did YOU have a terrific Meow Like a Pirate Day too?

For a special flashback treat, Layla at Cat Wisdom 101 has posted about Merlin and Nellie's Wedding! 

Click HERE to go there! 

September 13 - Hug Your Hound Day

 

Here are some shots of Nuts and Mom and Nuts and Alex hugging! She is a kind of rambunctious individual so it can be difficult!

 

 

I, Marvelous, try to stay as far away from Nutmeg as possible. She thinks that I am something that should be chased! So I hiss and swat when she gets too close!

 

 

September 11 - Patriot Day

 

Today is Patriot Day, a day for quiet remembering. Even though I’m just a cat from a small Canadian village, I know that September 11 is a day when many humans pause to honour the lives lost and the bravery shown during a very hard moment in history. I’m lighting a little heart‑candle in my whiskers for the families, the helpers, and everyone who carries memories of that day. Sometimes kindness is the strongest thing we can share — so that’s what I’m sending out into the world today. 

 

 

Nutmeg Goes to the Lake!

 Alex came home this weekend! He has been building a ferry in Nelson, BC and comes home on his DAY off. Yes I said DAY! He only gets 1 and he drives home to see his Nutmeg (and do his laundry and have Mom cooked foods). Because there is a holiday this weekend, Alex got 2 days off! 

Nutmeg is ecstatic! This means she gets to sleep 2 nights with Alex, and she gets to hang out with him for a whole day! He was invited to go boating on Christina Lake and he took Nutmeg with him.

 

Christina Lake is about 20 km (12 miles) east of Grand Forks and just 1 km north of the US border. Mom has Find My on her phone and Nutmeg has an airtag on her collar so Mom got a picture on her phone of where she was!

Here is a shot of her in the boat!

She has her very own life jacket! And she was not the only kid on the boat! Our neighbor, who owns the boat, brought Hadley. Hadley is a little girl too and she is the same age as Nutmeg. They play together all the time and they got some epic plays in the boat together!

Here's a picture of Nutmeg with Alex!

She told me the boat rocking and bumping was a little scary at first and that she thought she might get a little sea sick, but she got over it pretty fast and had a great time!

 They all got out of the boat at the top end of the lake to see the tree and go for a walk. Nutmeg was scared to get out, so she got lifted out and carried to the beach, that's where she saw a really strange tree! She thinks it was yelling at all the dogs to keep them away! She says she got carried back to the boat when they were ready to go back. She she says it was because she did NOT want to get her jacket wet and Hadly was being carried so she should be too!

All in all, she had a terrific time and says that she would love to go again! Alex said that she was a good grrl and kept Hadley from getting bored. Nutmeg says she LOVED all the attention and the wind blowing through her furs and all the wonderful treats that Hadley gave her!

 

 

September 1 - September Month Long Badges

 

 

Wowzers! I can't believe how fast summer has passed! Are you ready to slide into Fall? September is BUSY! There are 4 month long events!

ANIMAL PAIN AWARENESS MONTH

 

The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) has proclaimed September as Animal Pain Awareness Month, and this coincides with human medicine’s Pain Awareness Month. Animals suffer from pain just like people do. Pain comes in many forms: surgical pain, arthritis and cancer related pain, just to name a few.  Acute pain is obvious and distressing. Chronic pain can be subtle, and masked as “getting old” or “slowing down.” Old age is not a disease, but pain is. There are many options to treat the various causes of pain in animals including pain medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic massage.
The proclamation of the month is in keeping with IVAPM’s commitment to encouraging pain management for all animal species through education and advocacy. During this annual campaign, IVAPM is also encouraging various veterinary organizations to raise public awareness about pain and pain management as it pertains to veterinary patients.

Click the link to see all the information, posters, information from the IVAPM 

HAPPY HEALTHY CAT MONTH

Happy Cat Month dedicates the entire month of September to celebrating our beloved feline companions and promoting their health and happiness. This annual observance, spearheaded by the CATalyst Council, encourages cat owners to learn more about their pets’ needs and how to enrich their lives. Discover new ways to bond with your cat, explore fun activities, and ensure they receive the best care.

RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER MONTH 

How Can YOU Celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Month?

Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

• Check for local events and activities dedicated to Responsible Dog Ownership Month. These may include dog shows, pet expos, and adoption drives.
• Share information about responsible dog ownership with friends, family, and fellow dog owners to help raise awareness about the month-long event.
• Consider volunteering or donating to local animal shelters and rescue organizations, which play an important role in rehoming pets.
• Organize a playdate for your dog and another dog to socialize your pet while connecting with other responsible dog owners.
• Use this month to enhance your dog training skills by attending training classes, reading books on dog behavior, and/or working on teaching your dog a new trick.
• Post about Responsible Dog Awareness Month on social media to raise awareness and get others involved.

 

NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH

 

Service dogs are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

This month is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the community about service dogs that provide greater independence and support to their partners. Click here for more information.

AND Today is Ginger Cat Day! 

 

Ginger Cats!We LOVE Gingers! Gingers are unique and really have personality! 

Marv the Mighty — prowling the jungle of imagination! A Ginger at Heart!

Here is a YouTube all about Ginger Cats!

 

 

August 30 - A Whole New Look at the Cat Blogosphere!

 Wowzers! We (the Cat Blogosphere) have a whole new look! Our wonderful Ann (Zoolatry) has been busy! Here are our new badges! If you have old ones on Your site, NOW is the time to update them. The first is the Cat Blogosphere Badge, post this on your site to show the world that you are a furrend of the Blogosphere.

 

Next is badge advertising the Blog Hops1 Do you Hop? Here is all you need to know about the HOPS!

Though we don't like to think about it, we all love our furry furrends. When one of them goes over the bridge, here at the blogosphere we celebrate their lives! 

 Ann's Badge

 Ingrid's Badge

 

Team Cat Blogosphere! 

The Cat Blogosphere does not run 7 days a week without operating expenses.
There is a donate button on the sidebar, and no donation is too small, or too big!

 

 

Ann has the most beauteous welcome header that we are going to show you here! |Today!

 

 

August 26 - World Dog Day

 

 

 

August 22 - Take Your Cat to The Vet Day

 

 

What Is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day?

Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is exactly that! A day to acknowledge how important vet care is and to ensure your cat receives adequate treatment.
We all know why seeing the Vet is important for our feline companions --like preventing illness, managing some health conditions, and to prevent some issues from arising or progressing.
When we see a vet on a regular basis, we ensure our feline friends health and well being for years to come. 
At our house, it is a reminder for our Peep to make sure that we don't have any issues and to make sure our vaccinations are up to date. If we need any appointments, she takes the time to call and make the appointments.  

As a matter of fact, when making the badge, our Peep realised that we need our Rabies vaccines and Mr Kozmo needs to go in for Thyroid blood work to make sure he is still getting the right dosage. Appointments have been made. 

Remind YOUR Peep!