With so much of my life focusing on writing and books lately, it is no wonder my mind wandered to Zee and Zoey’s relationship for today’s post, since they are the cat couple that started it all for me. The moment the two of them met in 2008 after the initial “who are you shock,” it was a love at first sight affair. As the years have gone by, much has changed – from being parents – to losing Jazz and Harley – to adoptions of Kizmet and Jazmine – they have been through it all and as time has moved on, their love remains tried and true. Much like a couple that has been together for decades, they have that same soft slipper/old shoe kind of comfort with one another. Sure, there is the occasional grumpy growl – primarily from Zee who does not want his nap to be interrupted by Zoey who wants to cuddle, but she ignores him and settles in despite his protests.

For today’s post I thought I would share a brief pictorial history of the steadfast love, ending with a picture that Dan was able to capture of the two of them just a couple of weeks ago. Enjoy the midweek break and for those of you that live in a multi-pet household, do you have any pets that have been best friends from the moment they met?

This was literally the first moment Zee met Zoey. Despite that he towered over her, she was not intimated in the slightest!

This was the lovebirds in the beginning of their relationship – they were absolutely inseparable and adored one another!

The proud couple after becoming parents in 2009. They look so stoic and regal here – like a purr-fect King and Queen!

The kittens are long grown up and Zee and Zoey remain happily in love.

Present day Zee and Zoey – a love that withstands the test of time…

Once again, even though I am a writer at heart, I will be wearing headphones! This picture was of me in 2011 when I was conducting my first ever phone interview… with none other than Jackson Galaxy of My Cat From Hell. Was I nervous… you bet!!

Despite insisting I am not a good public speaker, Robert Hudson of PetRadioShow.com has invited me to co-host his show today… Bless him, some people are just gluttons for punishment! He has also been kind enough to let me spend some time talking about my new baby – my book Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond written in the voice of my beloved Mr. Jazz. If you would like to learn more about how the book evolved, or if you have general questions on the grieving process after losing a pet, please be sure to tune in.

Also appearing on the show will be a segment Robert taped earlier in the week with Richard Christianson, a man from Arizona who saved the life of a cat stuck on the center divide of a freeway. The show starts at 1:00 pm EST – to listen in, please click here.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Look at the world though the wonderment of a cat’s perspective. It’s an awe-inspiring beautiful place that we should be thankful for each and every day. Click image to enlarge and please feel free to share to spread the gratitude.

Today is Earth Day and I’m not going to write a long post about how precious our earth is and that we need to figure out ways to preserve the bounty we have been given. I would hope we already know that the land we live in, the air we breathe, and the water that is necessary to keep us alive is a gift that should not be taken for granted. Read more

A sampling of Zee’s homage in the early days. These were some of his favorite toys – especially carrot in the center and grey kitty to the right.

For most of us the weekend means a bit of relaxing after a hard week of work. For Zee, however, when it’s time for bed, come hell or high water, he takes his job of bringing stuffed toys into the bedroom Dan and I share VERY SERIOUSLY. With the exception of a brief sabbatical a couple of months ago whereby not a single toy graced the floor of our room, this cat punches in for his nightshift like clockwork.

It all started after his kittens, Mia, Peanut, Rolz, and Zeuss Catt were born. I can’t say for certain what his reasoning was, but it almost seemed like he was teaching them how to hunt prey and then bring the kill to Dan and I as some sort of homage to us for providing them with a safe and warm house, food, love, and care. Read more

Wise Cat Lesson #1 – If there is a sun puddle to be found, always take the time to nap in it…

I’m always one of the first on board to champion looking at our cats to teach us wise lessons. You know, like taking the time to just relax, step away, and chill from all the stresses of everyday life with a wonderful nap in a sun puddle like they do. I’m also the worst at taking my own advice and tend to overwork myself to a frazzle sometimes. So, when I do relax, I’m often the polar opposite of my typically restrained, reserved, and logical persona. In other words, sometimes I go to the extreme and seek out entertainment like reality TV and way out there funny shows like South Park and Family Guy to just let my mind completely unwind. The same is true when I read. Most of the time I like to read assorted genres of novels that are 2 inches thick and take days to finish, but then there are the times I just want a quick read filled with fun, snark, sarcasm, and humor. And cats. Read more