Mimi Tails

Pet Care Financial Aid

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 14:03:00 +0000

What does a pet owner do when their precious fur baby needs veterinary care that is way beyond their budget?

The cost for an annual trip to the vet is already staggering for some and becomes a real hardship if the pet needs any type of care beyond a routine yearly exam.

Good news . . . help is out there!! I've come up with the following list after doing some research.

Organizations who offer financial aid

Banfield Charitable Trust HOPE Fund – The pet must be a patient at a Banfield Pet Hospital and funds are determined by each clinic.

The Big Hearts Fund – Financial aid for dogs and cats with heart disease.

Brown Dog Foundation – This agency assists with the cost of prescription medications.

The Dog & Cat Cancer Fund – The group helps with the treatment of dogs and cats with cancer.

Dylan’s Hearts – A nonprofit agency that aids families struggling financially to pay for veterinary care.

Friends & Vets – This organization assists when your pet needs financial help for “extraordinary” veterinary expenses to save their life.

Harley’s Hope Foundation – A group that gives financial aid for major illnesses and emergency veterinary care.

Hope Mending Heart – A grant program started by a veterinarian to help pet parents afford surgery and post-operative care.

Magic Bullet Fund – The group provides assistance for dogs fighting cancer.

Paws 4 A Cure – A nonprofit group that aids families whose dogs and cats are in need of non-routine veterinary care.

Pet Assistance, Inc. – This organization helps financially for dogs and cats with urgent veterinary needs.

The Pet Fund – A nonprofit group that provides assistance to pets in need of veterinary care for cancer treatment, heart disease and other non-basic or emergency care.

RedRover Relief – This nonprofit organization offers grant money so pet caregivers can afford urgent and emergency veterinary treatment for their pets.

Shakespeare Animal Fund – An agency that helps pets and their people in need.

Red Rover Financial Assistance Directory

Humane Society - Help is Out There

Best Friend Organization - Resource Directory

Catnip Cat Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 13:45:00 +0000

Catnip is one of my favorite things! It has been a while since Mom and Dad have treated me . . . maybe I get a little wild and they don't like it.

Well, I thought I would post this and maybe they will get the hint that I love my catnip treats! These look delicious :)

Mom and dad . . . click here to get the recipe.

Vinegar Uses for Pet Owners

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 02:42:00 +0000

Poor Kiki with those floppy ears is always having problems with ear infections. You can tell your pet has an infection if they shake their head and scratches their ears often. Best preventative is to clean their ears at least once a week.

The first time Kiki went to the vet for an infection, we got sticker shock over the visit and the medication! Little did we know how a little prevention can make a difference.

I've found an article on the PetMd website that lists uses for vinegar. One of them is to ear infections and cleaning pet ears. Here is what it says:

"Ear infections are a common problem for dogs, especially those with floppy ears. You can clean your pet’s ears with a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar, Morgan says. Put the solution on a cotton ball and wipe the inside of your dog’s ears with the mixture, only applying it to the areas you can reach.

“If you have ear canals filled with bacteria and yeast, the pH is too high,” Morgan says. “If your dog has chronic problems, wiping out the ears will change the pH in there.”

Try diluting the vinegar with more water if your pet’s ears are extremely sore and raw, or she shies away from the treatment."

Click here for the rest of the article from PetMd.

Practice Poison Prevention For Your Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 02:27:00 +0000

Did you miss me?

It has been good times for me! Mom and Dad have decided to get their office straightened out so they can work on their new business and I now have my own room :) They won't allow Kiki in the room and even put up a gate to keep her out. I know they love me!

You know us cats are very nosey and must check out anything new. It sure has been fun checking out that office with all the boxes of fabric underneath Mom's sewing table. Lots of places to explore and hide! I love having my own room.

This brings me to an article I found about Pet Poison Prevention. We cats really don't have a logical mind and want to sniff and chew on anything we find . . . dogs too. Kiki is the queen of chewing everything she finds, like she thinks it is food.

With that in mind, I would like furbaby Moms and Dads out there to read this article to be aware of stuff you have no idea is poisonous. It also includes tips on what to do if your furbaby gets a hold of something poisonous. I don't want any of my cat friends to get a hold of something that will harm them in some way . . . OK, dogs too.

Click here for the article.

Prepare an emergency bag for your pets

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:40:00 +0000

Here is an excerpt from Publix Paws newsletter (link follows article):

Getting emergency supplies to ensure your family’s safety is essential, but did you ever consider making one for your pets, too? Keep your go-bags in a location that is dry and easy to get to, and show everyone in your family where they are kept in your house.

Don’t just toss any old thing into your pets’ go-bag. Think about what they will really need in an emergency, such as:

Pet Food

Pack canned or dry food, and avoid including any foods that need to be refrigerated or frozen. Don’t forget a can opener!

Water

Pack enough bottled water for your pets, as well as for each member of your family. You can even refill used water jugs with tap water to bring along.

Litter

Be sure to bring along a disposable litter box with a scoop, as well as the kitty litter.

Toys

Dogs and cats can get scared—just like humans—and toys can really ease your pets’ anxiety.

Blankets

Pack plenty of blankets and/or a pet bed to keep your pets warm and comfortable.

Leash or Carrier

Remember to bring a leash, harness, or carrier with you to keep your pets close.

Records and Medication

Keep copies of your pets’ veterinary records in your go-bag, as well as any medication they may need. Be mindful of expiration dates, and check medication every 3–4 months.

Other ways to prepare

An emergency plan that’s good for you is also good for your pets.

Map out the route you will take in your area (or even inside your home) during an emergency, and practice following your plan by carrying out test runs with your family and your pet.

Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home monthly, and recharge your fire extinguisher once per year.

Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or emails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc.

Consider a microchip if you haven’t already. Microchips—about the size of a grain of rice—allow veterinarians, rescuers, and animal shelters to identify your pets and trace ownership back to you in the event of separation.

Disasters can happen anywhere, so make a plan in order to keep your loved ones safe.

Source: Publix Paws Newsletter

Lazy Cat!

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 09:23:00 +0000

I know . . . it has been way too long!

I've had a bad attitude, you know, since Miss Kiki arrived . . . but I'm getting better.

Miss Kiki took over mom and barely leaves her side, like a guard. Yes, she is the mama's girl now. But guess what? I'm daddy's girl which isn't bad!

My attitude towards mom has been really bad, but I have been nicer and she's paying more attention to me. It seems like Miss Princess Kiki is getting used to me getting some mommy attention. That makes me happy.

Kiki and I are playing now, but more like cat and mouse with no closeness. When she gets close enough I swat her, give her the ugly face with the hiss and it scares her . . . heheheh!

We will all be posting to this blog now. Mom has been doing research on cats since she is a newbie cat mommy and finding out lots of stuff about Brussels Griffons since that is what Kiki is. She wants to share that information, so I'm gonna let her write her articles. Especially if she keeps giving me those awesome treats!

Mom and The Captain don't want a Christmas tree and that makes me sad since I wanted to go exploring, cause trouble and blame Kiki . . .

An update from Mimi

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Kiki and I are learning how to be good travelers! The good news is that we are slowly getting used to each other without fighting. Sometimes I am a little bad girl and swat her as she passes my cage :) I'm still not trusting her completely since she loves to chase me and I don't understand why.

My dad has been in the hospital and life has not been normal at all. We sure did miss him while he was gone, but staying at my grandma's house was nice since we got extra attention and new toys. I have even learned to love the big kennel they bought me. Now I have my own little room no matter where I go :)

My first visit to the vet was a new adventure and I got lots of attention from everyone . . . they thought that I am a sweet and pretty kitty. The vet could not believe how I allow my mom, the Gypsy Lady to hold me like a baby. I was on my best behavior and didn't even hiss at the dogs who came to visit me in my kennel while we were in the waiting room. It was fun for me since they took me alone, without Kiki around . . . I had them all to myself :)

We should be back to a normal schedule by this weekend. I have lots of new photos of me and Kiki to post, along with some stories of our new adventures.

It is safe to come out . . . I think!

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:04:00 +0000

Finally, they got her a kennel . . . so now I can come out without Kiki chasing me back to my room.

I've gotten used to my new living arrangements and kind of like it . . . except that it is because of her. The whole kitchen and back porch are mine!

The gypsy lady and pirate have been easy to train. All I have to do is meow and they come to me, pick me up and give me lots of kisses and treats. They have bought me even more toys than I had before :)

When Kiki is in her kennel, they take the gate down and I can run around the house again. But I'm still a little scared of going into the other room and will wait until I know she can't get out and chase me.

She really wants to play with me, I can tell . . . but she scares me.

I wish I wasn't such a chicken!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing ok.

Thanks for all of your comments . . . they have given me hope :)

Meet my sister

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:30:00 +0000

I knew it was coming, but wasn't fully prepared.

After weeks of talking about it, they brought me a sister to love.

Well, I'm not in the least bit interested!

I've come out of hiding to let you guys know that Kiki has descended on my territory and I'm not happy at all. All she wants to do is play and it is annoying me! I don't want to be bothered by her!

Kiki has majorly disrupted my life :(

My mom and dad are very happy to have her here. They try to give me attention, keep picking me up and giving me kisses, telling me they love me . . . but I'm mad at them. So, I've gone into hiding to punish them, even though I love it when they give me love.

I'm never coming out for them to touch me again!

Presents for Mimi :)

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:43:00 +0000

I love being a spoiled cat!

Look at the cool toy they got me :)

It is so much fun drinking water out of the running water.

The sound of running water keeps me going back for more.

I love to make the water splash all over the place :)

My new mom and dad are so awesome . . . they got me

more presents than this . . . all kinds of little toys.

And you know what? I've got an awesome grandma too.

Every time she comes over to visit, I get new toys :)))))

Gypsy Lady Mom caught me in the middle of talking!

This is the life I always wanted!

Sibling love?

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:46:00 +0000

I'm not sure how I am feeling about this talk I've been

hearing around here lately. They want to adopt a dog . . . really bad.

Gypsy Lady is a dog person . . . maybe she won't love me anymore.

She keeps checking the animal shelter website for a doggie to love.

Then I found this photo . . .

Could it be so bad to be a sibling and share the love?

The doggie could be a really good buddy that I can love too.

I'm sad and curious at the same time.

Sad because I love when the Gypsy Lady holds me like a little baby girl.

Would that still happen?

Maybe I should be a little less aloof . . .

Let me help you with your shoe

noreply@blogger.com (Capt Black Eagle) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:25:00 +0000

Snack Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:39:00 +0000

I've discovered tasty treats . . . I love my snacks!

The problem is . . . they make me suffer before giving me the snack.

What's up with that?

I guess I have to entertain them before I've earned the right to it!

Let Me Sleep!

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:27:00 +0000

Life is pretty good with The Captain and The Gypsy Lady.

They bought me all kinds of goodies and treats that I love.

All the attention they give me is awesome!

The comfy bed is my favorite . . . as you can see, I love to sprawl out and take a nap. What I really love is when they sprinkle catnip in the bed . . . it makes me crazy good!

They know what I like :)

But . . . I wish they would not take pictures of me when I am sleeping!

The flash bothers my eyes!

Sharing this post with

Mimi . . . the mischievious cat

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Basically, I'm a sweet cat, but sometimes my mischievous side comes out. I can't help it, I'm a cat!

I don't know what came over me . . . The Gypsy is a great mom . . . she is very sweet to me and gives me so much love. I just had to be a little playful with her, although I didn't realize how upset she would get!

They have an office that has all kinds of stuff in it . . . mostly all stacked up with lots of boxes. The door was open and curiosity had been getting the best of me . . . I had to explore that room!

While the humans were sleeping, I decided to explore. The little paths between the boxes and stuff were so cool, kind of like a maze . . . the more I ventured, the more I wanted to venture. Then I found the boxes of soft fabric . . . I tried out several of them before I found the one that felt just right. Ohhhhh . . . so comfy!! It was my perfect hiding spot :)

I felt bad for The Gypsy, but it was fun watching her panic. When she started moving boxes I was afraid that she was really mad at me and I was scared to come out . . . she may take me back to the animal shelter where I was locked in that cage. So I continued to hide . . .

WOW she loves me . . . she really loves me. I can't believe how fast those legs with sore knees were moving . . . she was determined to find me.

The Captain was cool with the adventure, he knows cats . . . and he knew I was just having fun. But he felt bad for The Gypsy, so he came in with the flashlight and found me in my hiding place pretty fast. I'm not going to be able to be very mischievious with him . . . he is one step ahead of me.

The good thing is after all that, she was too tired to go to a Christmas Eve party they were supposed to go to. :) I'm glad they didn't go . . . they gave me lots of attention and I didn't have to be alone!

Now I know . . . when I want to have fun and be playful . . . I will be able to mess with her easily :)

It's A Miracle!

noreply@blogger.com (Gina Alfani) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:59:00 +0000

Even though I was grateful to have a roof over my head, living in that small cage at the animal shelter wasn't the way I wanted to spend the holidays. It had been months and no one wanted to make me their baby. I was getting a complex . . .

I saw the human couple walk in,

a pirate and a gypsy lady . . .

they specifically asked for me.

They wanted ME!!

A miracle happened today . . . the human couple adopted me!! They wanted to love me as much as I wanted so desperately to be loved.

I am finally home :)

My name is Mimi and this is the beginning of my new adventure with The Captain and the Gypsy Lady who love me so much.

I can get used to being a spoiled little diva kitty :)