Just for Fun

Okay, this post has absolutely nothing to do with disabled pets. I just had to post it because it cracks me up and I thought it would be a fun way to start out the New Year. Kittens really are adorable, but they can also be hilarious. My favorite thing is when they get all revved up and do what we call "Sideways Kitty." If you've ever had a cat, you know what I'm talking about. If not and you've never seen this behavior, it's pretty much what it sounds like, only you simply have to see it happen to understand how funny it is.

Anyway, here's an itty bitty kitty being equal parts enthralled by and frightened of a remote-controlled mouse.

And here's a great vid of Snowball the cockatoo gettin' his groove on to the Backstreet Boys. You just gotta love it!

Enjoy, and Happy New Year!

Everything's Just Ducky!

Here's a great "up" ending to the year: the story of Lemon the Duck. Lemon is a crested Pekin. He was born with neurological issues which affect his coordination and balance. He is unable to stand or walk on his own, but he has a sling, a scooter, and other ways to get around. He grew up in a classroom and with his teacher friend, Laura, so he's an imprinted duck. He just loves people, especially children.

Don't feel sorry for this duck, though -- he has a great life! He goes for rides in his baby carriage, to work every day with Laura and home with her every night. He receives lots of love and attention.

Lemon has had loads of adventures---and consequently so has Laura. He's been to the mall (many times), outdoor concerts, a powwow, camping, to the dentist, the grocery store (shhh), to New Hampshire to swim in the Saco river, canoe trips, and so many other places.


You can learn lots more about Lemon, and the book Laura wrote about him, at his website.

The TIMES, They Are A-Changin'

That's right, folks: The L.A. Times, to be exact! Almost Perfect got a real nice write-up on "L.A. Unleashed," the blog from LA Times editor Alice Short. Thanks, Alice!

And that bit of exposure got our little book noticed by the people at Purina, where it was mentioned on their Purina Pet Charts. We made the #1 spot on their Top Stories column at what Purina calls "The Definitive Guide to the Best Pet Stuff Online."

Did somebody say, "Happy Holidays?" And speaking of:

Props to Sarah McLachlan, who is currently appearing in TV spots supporting the SPCA in America and Canada (British Columbia version shown here).

More than ever this year, with the economy kicking people out of their homes, many pets are also being made homeless and are ending up in already-overcrowded shelters. With everyone tightening their belts now, potential adopting families are harder to find than ever, so it's a grim outlook for many of these dear animals who have landed -- alone, afraid and confused -- at these places of last resort through no misdeed of their own.

Please encourage your friends, family and co-workers to consider adopting a shelter pet, or at least donating to this very worthwhile organization. Without the people who run and work at the SPCA, far fewer "almost perfect" pets would live to find loving homes as ours did. Bless the beasts and the children.

Meowy Christmas and Happy Mew Year, everyone - Woof!

California Dreamin'

What IS it about California that attracts so many wonderful people who love and care for injured, abused, neglected and disabled animals? Must be something in the water, but I think this is a great place to give a few of these special places their props.

One of the most miraculous stories to share is that of Brighthaven in Sebastopol, where Gail and Richard Pope have dedicated their lives -- and their home -- to caring for animals no one else wants. And they do it in a unique way: Over the years BrightHaven has evolved to become a completely unique holistic retirement retreat and hospice for senior (16+) sick or disabled animals.

Once animals are "adopted" by BrightHaven, they live out their lives in a beautiful, well-balanced environment as part of a loving family. All are free to roam indoors or out in the enclosed gardens. BrightHaven is becoming well known as a healing arts center for animals through its seminar and workshop programs, designed to help people better care for their animals. Well-known practitioners from many walks of natural health join with Brighthaven to offer their knowledge to the community.

Another great California group is BONES - Better Options for NEglected Strays. BONES is named after an early rescue dog. These photos show him before and after being rescued:

There are many, MANY more organizations in the sunny state of California that treat animals they way they should be treated. There's a great list of these at the Puppy Love Rescue site - another great group. Check them all out!

Saving Face

Here's a story my brother told me about, which just proves how easy it is for any critter -- or person, for that matter -- to find themselves "almost perfect" in the blink of an eye. Check out Edgar's story about almost losing her (yes, her) face in this video.

Diva Dog!

"There is an emotional connection where animals and human beings have created exactly what the universe wants, which is a bonding that saves each others' lives." Debra Wilson gets it right in "Diva Dog," a Chris Cory film now running on YouTube. It's a brief introduction to Coral, a spunky, lively and altogether charming pitbull who's teaching the real meaning of getting on with life despite one's limitations.

"That's what makes her story and legacy so important, because she touches you and moves you, and you become transformed," Wilson says, describing her experience with Coral.

It's a story familiar to our own Vicki Tiernan, whose beautiful Dobie-Lab mix Ruby did the diva thing in San Francisco, inspiring people for years in her own inimitable way. Ruby graces the cover of Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.

Bounce on over to Rebound Hounds!

Okay, here's another blog that's right up our alley: Rebound Hounds. It's devoted to disabled dogs, and has some great info on dachshunds, especially. You just gotta love Greta, the elder stateswoman dachsie, modeling the fashions worn by all the hip senior pups this season. You'll also find some links to other related websites, and a great list of disabled pet-friendly holiday gift suggestions, so truck on over and give it a look!