Good Things by David

It is often said that we don't really choose our pets, they're the ones that choose us.  I found out how true that really is a couple of weeks ago.  My neighbor and dear friend Pam was taking a walk near a client's house the other week when she heard some crying coming out of a drainpipe.  When she took a peek, she found a little abandoned kitten.  Rather than going straight to the vets she brought it over to me at the cafe and asked if I wanted to provide the baby with a home.  I was instantly smitten! Henry loves to be held.  He's so tiny in my arms! This was the first time I held Henry in my arms. I remember Pam holding this tiny little bundle of black fur and feeling instantly like I had to protect the little one and give it a home.  I won't forget how his meowing stopped the moment I held him in my arms.  I think he knew that I could be trusted and that he would be safe with me.  The decision was made right then and there. ...

I want to wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween.   Remember to be mindful of others, including your pets, when going out trick-or-treating or when handing out candy at home.   Below is a list of safety tips courtesy of the ASPCA website for your four-legged family members. No tricks, no treats : That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your...

At the beginning of January I was still in California visiting with family and friends.  There were a few places I wanted to capture and write about for all of you to see, but certain factors prevented me from doing so.  A particular cafe where I met up with a few long time friends for coffee did not allow me to take photographs of their pastries and their decor!  We has such fun catching up regardless of this so it wasn’t a total waste.  I was also hoping to visit with the owners of that wonderful antique store  that I frequent every time I’m in Los Angeles, but alas, they were under the weather and weren’t at the store when I walked through.  A few collectibles were bought, however, so it wasn’t a complete loss going to that favorite store of mine; trust me, there’s something there for everyone.   Luckily, though, I was able to capture the Farmers' Market in Los Angeles with Monsieur Marcel as the highlight.  I never tire of going there fo...

With winter in our midst throughout the country and many of us seeing freezing temperatures, I think it’s necessary to keep certain things in mind when caring for our pets.  There are many factors which can pose problems and dangers to dogs and cats such as snow, below freezing temperatures, cold wind, ice, antifreeze, rock salt and even our own vehicles.  These members of our family need special attention during the colder months in order for them to have optimal health, be comfortable and stay safe.  Let’s make sure that they are kept out of harm’s way.  If you happen to have cats that are occasional outdoor explorers, I highly suggest that you keep them indoors during the winter because they can certainly get into a lot of trouble if left to wander when it’s inhospitable outside.  Dogs also need to be protected from extreme conditions during the season.  Don’t think that just because they have fur that they are protected and can withstand the weathe...