Today is the last day of the month, and it’s the official end of November Blog month. Although this was started for my internet marketing class, I’ve learned so much that it inspires me to keep going. The internet activity for The SF/SPCA Holiday Windows is so strong that it comes up six organically on Google. That’s pretty significant when you think of how generic the term "Holiday Windows" is.
Here’s a picture of Haley tonight. I just realized that she doesn’t have a center stage photo posted. She does have supermodel potential.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Beautiful Haley
Thursday, November 29, 2007
All I Want for Christmas is a Pe-ki-nese
Alix thought her days of being dressed in silly outfits, and propped up for pictures like some sort of light check card, we over. It's a tough life being so adorable.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Ice Skating at The SF Zoo?
The SF/SPCA Holiday Windows, are trucking right along with 65 adoptions so far. We have a new picture on our home page, that was donated by a fellow blogger, Lena.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Cutest Chimmy!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Here's Alix!
Well it's official. Gladys is now Alix and is not going to be a foster dog any longer. The weekend went splendidly at the Perfect Home Inn, and Alix is being given residency status there. Congratulations to the Rosenblat clan. The Peke-Pack is complete.
A big thanks to Jean Donaldson for finding and fostering this Perfect Peke. Alix certainly wasn't built to spend any time in a shelter.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
$8 Goes a Long Way
Yesterday we went to the San Francisco International Auto Show. Although I'm not in the market, I always enjoy seeing the new vehicles. If you are thinking of buying a new car, spend the entry fee and go to a car show. In SF the auto show runs through December 2nd. You'll have the opportunity to see and feel every new make and model, with zero sales pressure.
Porsche had a nice presence this year, and had many vehicles for people to sit in, versus previous years. This is a picture of me, sitting in a Cayman wearing the Carrera-Region PCA denim shirt my father gave me. I've posted some additional pictures of the Porsche's, and their new "Hybrid Drive System and engine, along with some non-Porsche car pics.
Gladys apparently has been just a dream and is going to stay at the Inn for the rest of the weekend. She's been getting along well with the other resident Pekes, and the Inn Keeper is already thinking of either Eva or Flora for her new name. The best sign of all that this is not just a visit.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Let it Snow, in El Paso

We're heading down to the SF International Car Show at Moscone Center. Since we'll be downtown, I want to stop by and see the windows. 51 cats have found homes so far in the first week of Macy's SF/SPCA Holiday Windows. That's a 25% increase from last year so far.
Pet Food Express sponsored a wonderful segment about the windows that ran on CBS 5 last night. They are truly a first class animal supply company and have quality gift items for your beloved furry friend. My favorite dog toys to give are the "Egg Babies". They are stuffed animals that hold "eggs" inside their stomachs. Dogs seem to get satisfaction in removing the eggs, and my lab doesn't rip them apart like she does other stuffed toys . You can even buy just a package of eggs; which contain 3 egg squeaky toys and retails for only four bucks!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Empty Gladys Nest
Not like KitKat who has already run-away from home to dash two blocks away to our house, making her new parents feel like they're chopped liver. I've offered to take her back for a few days and mistreat her, but other than looking horrified they did not respond.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Dr. Lull's Famous Cat Sh*ts
BTW, if you are vegan or vegetarian, stop reading this post now. (However I'm happy to post a vegetarian version if someone wants to comment.)
These ingredients are not for the faint of heart, or those with a heart condition.
Dr. Lull's Famous Cat Shits
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Hot Pork Sausage ("Tennessee Sausage" if you can find it)
- 1 lb Velveeta Cheese, cubed
- 2 Packages Small Rye Crackers
Brown beef and sausage in a skillet; drain and return to skillet.
Melt cubed Velveeta cheese in with meat.
On a baking sheet, layout rye bread squares. Spread a spoonful of mixture onto each piece of rye bread.
Freeze baking sheets for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight to get the bread nice and crunchy.)
30 minutes before serving, place the cat shits baking sheets in a preheated to 375 degrees, for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling.
Makes approximately 50 appetizers.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Holiday Windows Fever
I’ve been quite amazed at the response that these Windows get. Here’s a blog from someone on SFist who took some very beautiful pictures: And another slide show that starts with the most beautiful cat sleeping. There's also this really nice post from someone who says this event is one of their favorite Holiday Traditions. I’ve also found a really great posting that one of our alumni posted: an 8-year-old red tabby named Beezer. He was adopted the day before Thanksgiving and tells his story.
It's that time of year to remember why we’re so lucky. I know I’m lucky to be surrounded by such lovely animals (people too) in my life. Give your loved ones a squeeze or a big sloppy kiss!
Thanks to all the "bloggers" and photogs who help us tell our story.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
New Windows Webcams
Monday, November 19, 2007
*Blogssure
__________________________________________________________________
As many know, today is the final day of my SF State Internet Marketing class. Our teacher, Susan Barnes, is fantastic and I wanted to acknowledge her. She is really on top of her lesson plans, and she makes us feel like what we are learning is important and how we can apply this knowledge immediately. I’m forever grateful for the information that she has presented and shared.
At first I thought that I would only create and maintain a blog for my class assignment. In the beginning Susan told us that blogs are like plants; they need to be watered and fed, given sunlight, occasionally clipped, and sometimes re-potted. By creating this organism, I kind of feel guilty just letting it die. Many of my family and friends have read it, and have given me feedback. So many people love animals and pictures of animals, it’s an instant pick-me-up when they go there and see a new furry little face. And every time someone tells me they read my blog, it’s an instant pick-me-up for me. Today I saw that Lena had blogged and posted some beautiful pictures from the Holiday Windows. When you see the seeds sprouting you got'ta keep adding food and water.
Only time will tell whether or not this is something that will withstand the test of time. But I am going to try to post regularly, and even try to make some improvements to the page, and make it more unique.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Gladys on Her Throne
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Ibuprofen is for PMS
The nurse practitioner did offer up some ibuprofen which I scoffed at. Sorry, 3 hours at the emergency room was plenty long enough. As if in throbbing pain, I'd wait another hour to fill a prescription and pay a $10 co-pay, for an product that I can buy over-the-counter on my way home at RiteAid (the Walgreen's w/alcohol.)
Friday, November 16, 2007
SF/SPCA Holiday Windows Opens at Macy's!


Thursday, November 15, 2007
I've Made the Big Time!!!
Buffy, I am a disciple.
Oh and BTW, I also had a very brief quote in Sunday's New York Times.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Newsletter Accomplished
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Peke Meet

Mrs. Peke’s frist name is Gemma. She is a white Pekinese, probably about 10-years-old. Poor thing had a really tough life until she came to live at The Perfect Home Inn a few months ago. Her former “guardians” lived on and off the street, and Gemma’s medical care in the past had been, sparse. The Inn’s owner had seen Gemma while she was in her first "home," and always felt really sorry for her. When she later learned that Gemma had been surrendered into Muttville rescue, she decided to adopt her. Her coat is in horrible shape, and she has a broken tail, so it just kind of drags behind her like Eeyore. Her eye was damaged from a previous injury and had to be removed recently (she just got her stitches out today.) This is a picture of Gemma shortly after her rescue. Once her eye is healed up and she’s able to get a bath and prettied up I’ll post a new picture. Maybe she can have a chic eye patch or something.
The Inn's owner talked about having Gladys over for Thanksgiving, when all the family can meet her. A very good sign indeed!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Gladys Prepares for Her Interview

Today Ireceived an update on KitKat, who is doing wonderful!!! Her new mom says they are soooo in love with her. She also has a new name which I won't divuldge (but here's a hint: it's still within the candy theme!)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Holiday Windows Time
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Cliff @ Infineon
I live a few blocks from Ocean Beach and it's a mess. If you are a beach dweller, please get involved in the beach clean-up that is taking place all over the Bay Area.
In class today, we looked at social networking sites. Our group choose Onesentence.org. It's a site where people submit stories in one sentence or less. It's hysterical and if you have a chance check it out.
I've felt that my blog is too long, and I've been working to edit it. Here's my attempt at telling today's story in one sentence. Thank God my all day Saturday Internet Marketing Class, fell on a three-day-weekend.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Cat Scratching and Graduations

Thursday, November 8, 2007
Here’s Gladys!
This afternoon, KGO Channel 7 news stopped by to do piece about animals affected by the oil spill, and what to do if you find injured or deceased wildlife. The key message is to call the Animal Control facility in your county, and report it. Do not handle the animals as they are likely toxic and may be fractious. Each county municipal animal control is working with the Department of Fish and Game, in order to have a coordinated response to help the animals and wildlife affected by this disaster. Also, keep your dogs off the beach until the oil has completely dissipated (this may be several weeks so find a local park to do your off-leash walks.) McLaren Park has a great reservoir for safe dog swimming. For cats, add this onto the list of reasons to keep your cats indoors. Should they track oil onto their paws, they will very likely ingest it as they attempt to clean their feet.
Let’s hope the officials in charge of clean-up can minimize the impact this is going to have on the Bay, and the all the life it supports.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
2 Dog Night

KitKat’s gone to her new home. She was picked up before I came home from work, so there wasn’t a tearful goodbye. I think it’s important to point out that KitKat is her pseudo-name. Not only do I really not like her previous name, I don’t want her former “guardians” to find her. I called her KitKat because after all, she is a chocolate covered wafer. Maybe her new parents will decide to call her Kate Moss (they don’t seem too keen on her given name either.) Anyway, I’m a little sad of course. Violet is elated! She’s so happy and is letting us know how happy she is to be the center of the universe again. That’s OK, we trimmed her nails this evening. At least now I don’t hear her joyfully clicking around the house.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Last Night

Here’s a list that I’m preparing for her new parents tomorrow, when they take her home.
· Feeding Instructions:
· Feed 2 cups of food 4-5 times a day. She is a ravenous eater, so either feed her in a kong, or you can place a ceramic mug upside down in her food bowl. This will slow down her pace of eating. There is also a special bowl that you can buy called a “brake-fast” bowl.
· (I usually do 1 ½ cups of the puppy dry and ½ cup of the Science Diet ID.) She should stay on the puppy food for now, and speak to the vet on her next visit about her diet in the future.
· Toys: She has started playing “tug” with some stuffed animals. Tug is a great interactive game, and was my black lab Layla’s favorite game in the world. There are two rules to tug. 1) If teeth touches skin, game is over. Don’t make a big deal, just say “too bad” and put the tug toy away. 2) Is important, but you can decide how strict to be: They can only have the tug when you give them a cue, like “Get the tug!” I’d make her sit for it, and when she sits then let her get it. This helps to teach impulse control.
· Sleep: She’s been sleeping in her crate. I put a nightcap kong for her in the crate at around 10 pm, and she gets let out at 6 pm. I think she could do fine not sleeping in the crate, but she did seem comfortable in it. Crate training is great, because she will always have a space that she feels comfortable in. In the event of a disaster, crate trained animals fair far better than those that are in an new environment, and traumatized because they’ve never been crate trained.
· Housetraining: She goes out around every two hours. She does not always use the restroom, I just wanted to set up good habits. If you take her out, and doesn’t relieve herself and you know that she probably should, I would confine her when she comes back in. Try again in a half an hour. If she relieves herself she can have some freedom for a few hours again. The key with housetraining is consistency and high praise when they do it in the right place. She had a few mishaps here, but hasn’t had an accident in over a week. If she does relieve herself inappropriately, interrupt her if you catch her in the act. If you don’t catch her there’s nothing you can do other than clean it up and try for next time. Timing is very critical in animal behavior and training.
· Love: She is an extremely affectionate dog, and loves to cuddle and give hugs. She may pace initially when you bring her home. I would stay in a small area with her and let her settle. She did this for the first few days whenever we took her to new area of the house. Within a few days, she was very relaxed. She is a very clumsy dog and will frequently trip over her feet because she’s so excited. She also has an extremely deep capacity for showing her affection. She’s only been with me for 10 days and already I’m in love. I can imagine how closely she will bond with you, with your gentle and nurturing spirits.
· The SF/SPCA has great dog behavior and training information. There's a general list, and I've also added relevant links on the subject.
Monday, November 5, 2007
*KitKat The Foster Dog
About a month ago, I saw the both of them without Augusta. I knew the answer before I asked the question. They let me know that she had passed and they were just trying to get through day by day. I felt like a piece of me was also gone. The next day was September 25th and unexpectedly, my husband and I had to euthanize our 11-year-old black lab, Skye. He had developed a terminal cancer, and was internally hemorrhaging.
When you lose a dog, the grief is hard enough. When you have another dog left behind, it is compounded. You watch their grief and can do little to ease their loss, other than many happy walks to the beach and as many treats as her stomach could handle. The family decided to foster again, to pick up all of our spirits.
Last Friday, I brought KitKat home. A lovely female chocolate lab, who came to our shelter just a few days before with her 5 puppies and their father, a black lab. KitKat's owners were in the middle of losing their house in foreclosure. They did not have the money to feed her, so they fed her every other day. When I brought her home she only weighed 35 lbs (she should be at least 55.)
The following Wednesday, Anne and Peter saw KitKat on their nightly journey to the shore. Anne was immediately struck by KitKat. The next day she called me at work and told me she wanted to adopt KitKat. Since they run the election from their house, they asked if they could take her after Tuesday's election. So Wednesday, she's going to her new home forever. Thank you Anne and Peter!
Here's a picture of Anne with Augusta. Anne is an exceptionally talented artist, please visit her website: http://anneherbst.com/.
*Names have been changed to protect the innocent!!!