Friday Faves - Curiosity

Curiosity killed the cat, they say. But they say a lot don't they?  Kitties should always be curious, so this week's Friday Faves is dedicated to curious kitties everywhere, especially mine. Well, I can't help it, I'm biased.

Cue the--

Cat Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ58M1sAaWY

Now, let's go shopping!

Steel Lynx Chainmail
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SteelLynxChainmail
Hours and hours of fidgeting fun!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/174784004/fidget-puzzle-ring-stainless-steel

Mon Cheri Originals
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MonCheriOriginals
What could be more curious than Curious George?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/119483887/personalized-curious-george-birthday

Tag Team Tompkins
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tagteamtompkins
Secrets, look out! Curiosity is ready to pounce on you!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48011156/letterpress-art-print-curiosity-is-lying

Sunpennies
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sunpennies
I still love mine!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/158862511/vintage-avon-curious-kitty-cologne

I apologize if these faves weren't as odd or strange -- or even as curious as you might like, but they were all pretty nifty finds, I feel, so stayed tuned for next week's Friday Faves (St. Patrick's Day finds) and What I Believe Wednesdays right here at No Stranger Here, and Music Monday (Celtic Music) over at my Cherish blog.

Until then, have a great weekend everyone and take care out there!

Barkticles - Thank Your Cat!

Hi! Sweetlips K. Beagle here. I have a link to share that may make a lot of Dog lovers into cat lovers!

Now, this particular link I'm sharing with you doesn't have anything to do with Lee Lane's Etsy meanderings, but it's such wonderful news that I wanted to make sure that I got the word out to those of you who read or stumble upon her blogs. Yes, I'll be sharing this on Lee's other Blog, Cherish the Novel, as well.

What's all this about? Well, click the link below and find out. It's very good news for those with HIV and proof that even Fluffy has more to offer than merely (ahem!) performing the call of nature in a box.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266911.php

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - Justice for Cisco

http://www.facebook.com/JusticeForCisco

Please be warned ahead of time, this is about an extremely tragic incident involving a beloved dog and best friend, Cisco the dog. But the word must be spread.

Here's the petition to have the Officer involved in the incident reprimanded:

http://www.change.org/petitions/apd-officer-griffin-for-wrongfully-shooting-and-killing-cisco-justice-for-cisco-reprimand-apd-officer-griffin

Thank you for your time.

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - If You Care -- And I know You Do -- Please Share This

http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/01/08/pesticides-poisoning-pets/

This is a link to a blog entry concerning the way some humans accidentally poison their beloved pets by using preventative treatments for fleas, ticks and heartworms. There is a wealth of information through links included in this blog entry at Dogs 4 Dogs.

I just got to thinking about how I've been hearing about so many pets with cancer these days and I lifted my nose up off a hot scent long enough to look around to try to find out if there were some answers out there about that. It is what I suspected, because everyone, including pets, are being exposed to deadly toxins all of the time. I'm sure there are other factors, of course, but I'm not surprised to learn that the very treatments that are used to prevent flea and tick infestations can actually do pets harm, not to mention what people spray on their lawns etc.

Anyway, I hope you'll look into some of these things for your own pets' safety, as well as your own.

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - Please Share This

"In the '70s they blamed Dobermans, in the '80s they blamed German Shepherds, in the '90s they blamed the Rottweiler. Now they blame the Pit Bull." - Cesar Millan

When will they blame the humans?

So barks I, pawed --

Friday Faves 23 - Hiking, Camping and Backpacking

The weather is just starting to get more comfortable in many parts of our fair globe. In the hotter climes, like where I'm at -- La Florida! the mornings are a little cooler, hot to warm temps during most of the rest of the day and easing off rather nicely when the sun sets. To me, it's perfect weather for outdoorsy stuff and I think after twelve days of feeling like crud maybe I need some fresh air and sunshine to help me get past this thing. That's what mom used to tell me to do when I was sick when I was a kid. She would see me playing in the corner of the living room with my sniffles or cough and tell me to get myself some sun! So I did, and she was right, it did make me feel better.

Sunlight and fresh air are beautiful things that we often take for granted, but we're certainly not going to take them for granted today, because today it's all about the great outdoors. There are a lot of shops on Etsy that can supply you with almost everything you need for any outdoor adventure. I say almost everything because you still have to supply the time and, of course, yourselves.

Now to help us get in the mood for some good outdoor shop hopping let's do a little hike of, say, 2,181 miles in about five minutes. Affectionately known as the Green Tunnel, the Appalachian Trail begins in Georgia and ends in Maine, depending upon your particular choice of direction of course.

This video was created by Kevin Gallagher:

http://vimeo.com/20218520

We've got a long weekend ahead of us here in the States with Labor Day, so let's do some shopping!

Outdoor Shop Number 1
Shop name: Blacksmith Creations

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlacksmithCreations?ref=seller_info

Here we have a handy dandy little camp cooking trivet made out of horseshoes and railroad spikes expertly welded together to create a support any camp cook would be proud to set a pan down onto.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74926619/trivet-camping-cookware-horseshoes-camp

Outdoor Shop Number 2
Shop name: Grah-Toe Studio

http://www.etsy.com/shop/grahtoestudio?ref=seller_info

This little beauty is a wonderful introduction item for learning how to use a compass for the young outdoors person and can be upgraded with a finer compass for the serious adult outdoors person. Very handy with a rawhide loop for easy attachment to a belt or backpack strap.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80251640/compass-in-wood-for-walking-stick-or

Outdoor Shop Number 3
Shop name: Blackdog Paracord

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackdogParacord?ref=seller_info

I love these! So awesome to look at, easy to wear and completely and wonderfully there when you need extra cord when out on the trail. This is a great deal on this type of survival-style bracelet and you can even coordinate them with your favorite hiking outfits.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76004441/paracord-survival-bracelet-select-your

Outdoor Shop Number 4
Shop name: Quail Lane Press

http://www.etsy.com/shop/quaillanepress?ref=seller_info

You know me and my love for journaling. I mean, what would a nice, long hike be without a lovely companion like this journal to help you keep track of where you've been and where you're going and what you've seen and experienced along the way?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74476334/trail-journal

Outdoor Shop Number 5
Shop name: Annie Haul Vintage

http://www.etsy.com/shop/anniehaul?ref=seller_info

Who says hiking gear has to be dull? For the serious backpacker or mountaineer, we have this Trango Rock backpack that is not only excellent for stowing all of your gear, but rather stylish in its purple and black color combination.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79546701/trango-rock-pack-mountaineering-hiking

And that's all for the Friday Faves for this week. What's a favorite outdoor destination or activity that you enjoy? I'd love to read all about it in the comments.

Until next friday when our theme will be Dogs and Cats and Birds and Lizards -- All Things Pet-Related, have a great weekend and take care out there!

Barkticles - Dog Rescue

http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-England-Labrador-Retriever-Rescue/143869365643273

This is something I found on Facebook today (yes, Beagles search Facebook too) and thought I'd pass it along to all of you. Also, check out the site where they got their (earlier) profile picture Loose Leashes. There's some really great Pooch pics there.

It's organizations like these that we should all support within our communities to help protect and nurture Dogs of every breed and Doggie walk of life. And, yes, even cats. Because Beagles know that even cats need to be protected and nurtured.

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - Halo

I can see your halo, halo, halooooOOOOooooooo....

O, pardon me. I was just singing along with one of my favorite songs, Halo. Beyonce's great hit. I love to sing along with her because it reminds me of my favorite food. Well, I'm a Beagle, what did you expect me to be thinking about when I hear the song Halo? O... that! Well, love's good food, too! Ask any Beagle! But not even a cat can live off of Love alone. We all need healthy and nutritious food.

And, yes, Beagles know that even cats need good nutrition.

So this is why I'm recommending to you my favorite food, well, besides table scraps, which I'm not supposed to eat. Beagles have very good noses and we know how to get into mischief sometimes.

But I digress.

My favorite food is made by a company called Halo. That's right! Just like that great Beyoncé song! Only this company has been around since 1986.

Just take a look at all the great ingredients your Dog (or cat) can enjoy at http://www.halopets.com/ !

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - The D in Dog is for Health!

Did you know that if you walk your Dog for at least 45 minutes every day you'll not only help your Dog to stay healthy, happy, and more calm but you'll be helping yourself as well. Human Doctors say that all a human needs is twenty minutes of walking per day to keep healthy. But that's only the minimum amount of exercise that a human needs. So why not take Fido or FiFi out for a good long walk that's still under an hour for the sake of your Dog's health and yours?

And what about your cat? Beagles know that even cats need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. One of the best activities for your cat is to simply play with Fluffy using various toys that make him or her feel as if they are stalking and pouncing on prey. Two ten to fifteen minute intervals of play per day should help to keep any cat's feline physique in tip-top condition. You can make this as interactive as you like for your own exercise benefits by getting down to the cat's level (something a Beagle would never do, of course!) and causing the toy to "react" as real prey might. In other words, think like a mouse!

As you can see, a Dog really is better for your health though. We don't actually expect you to get down on all fours with us -- not that there's anything wrong with that, of course!

O, and that D I mentioned in the title is for Vitamin D. It has all sorts of health benefits. So walking a Dog exposes you to a great source of Vitamin D -- the sun!

But just remember that when it comes to Dogs not every Dog needs an equal amount of exercise. There are some breeds who benefit just as much on shorter walks. Check with your Veterinarian (and your Doctor) before you begin any exercise routine.

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - Puppy Mills

I may just be an innocent Beagle, but even I know about Puppy Mills. I won't go into details here about what happens in Puppy Mills, there's enough information on them out there on the web, but suffice it to say: Puppy Mills are bad business no matter how you look at them!

So what I want you to do the next time you want a puppy is go to your local animal shelter. They always have lots of cute pups-- even Beagles, like me!

And take the time to get to know about Dogs before you bring one home, too. So often I hear about people who get puppies who didn't understand what it would take to be a good Dog Daddy or a Dog Mommy. I'm sure they have the best of intentions but it takes more than good intentions to be a good Pup Parent.

O, and all of this goes for cats, too. Yes, Beagles know that even cats need good homes.

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - Rescue Me!

Rescue Me!:
http://www.rescueme.org/

I apologize if this is not the Rescue Me that some of you were looking for. But it's the one that, in my opinion, is the most important.

Mutts are dogs that come from what some might call "uncertain heritage." But I like to think, even though I am a purebred dog myself (whatever that's supposed to mean), that a mutt is one of the finest dogs around. Some of my very best friends are mutts and I feel that I can safely vouch for their incredible resilience and, quite frankly, their manners. Some purebreds I have known tend more towards neuroses and temper than friendliness and the laid back attitude that many of my mutt friends display.

Just click on the links and image below to be taken to other sites where you can learn more about my mutt pals and maybe even find a mutt to share your home with.

Mutt Match:
http://www.muttmatch.net/
Pet Finder:
http://www.petfinder.com/index.html

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - Senior Dogs

Hi! Sweetlips K. Beagle here again. I hope my human half, Lee, hasn't bored you too much in my absence. I do apologize if she has.

I'm here to give the kind readers of this blog a little information about the blessings of adopting a Senior Dog.

Let me first direct you to the Top Ten Reasons for adopting an older Dog. Don't let anyone fool you, especially some cat who might tell you that old Dogs can't learn new tricks! Just check out number three on the list and you'll see why this argument for adopting older dogs need never be dug up again.

http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/adopt.ten.html

And if those ten reasons aren't enough for helping you make up your mind about older Dog adoption, then here's the link to the rest of the site: http://www.srdogs.com/

Take a look around the site and learn why your next Dog adoption should be the wise and noble older Dog.

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - Pup My Ride!

That's right! You heard me-- Pup My Ride! That's the name of a program dedicated to saving the lives of small dogs in shelters in L.A.

http://www.tonic.com/article/small-la-dogs-facing-death-find-love-hundreds-of-miles-away/

This definitely has the Beagle Seal of Approval!

Two dewclaws up! (And for those of you who don't have or have trouble moving your dewclaws. Well, let's just say that this is definitely a real tail-wagger.)

So barks I, pawed --

Barkticles - Reverse Lassie

Man Pulls a Reverse Lassie
http://www.tonic.com/article/man-pulls-a-reverse-lassie-rescues-puppy-from-canyon/

Poor fella! What an ordeal!

I just want to make sure to get the word out about this special furry fella, so he can get to be with his forever family soon. (Although, it sounds like his rescuer's family are pretty close to just keeping him with them. Can ya blame 'em? No. Not me either.)

So says I, signed --