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Thursday, March 21, 2013

Featured Furries: Eric and Bud

Yep, you read it right: furries. Today I've got a bonded pair of kitties to tell you about. Their names are Eric Hosmer and Bud and they're as close as brothers!

First up, Eric Hosmer. He's been at Wayside Waifs since last summer and that's a long time to be in a shelter. Eric came in as a stray and was VERY shy. He would cower in his kennel and the volunteers worked very hard to teach him to trust. He also spent time in a foster home so he could get special attention and learn that people were okay.

Photo courtesy of Cathy Sherman

After he came back to Wayside, he got to live in a "hug room". I had a hug room while I was there and it was great! There's plenty of space to walk around and you've got a better view of what's going on in the adoption area. Eric was still shy though.

Enter Bud.


Bud is a very brave, outgoing cat. Everyone is his friend and he's friends with everyone.


The staff moved Bud in with Eric in the hug room and it was magic! They became fast friends. They snuggle together and Bud has given Eric more confidence. Eric is still the shy guy, but he's learning to come around a bit more because of Bud.

Photo courtesy of Cathy Sherman
If you're looking for a young pair of kitties, Eric and Bud would be great. Some things to keep in mind are:
  • Eric needs a quiet home, one without kids would be best.
  • Experienced cat owners who are patient will be helpful with Eric's shyness.
  • Eric and Bud must go home together-they've become BFFs!
Both kitties are young and energetic. Bud is a year and a half old and Eric is just under two years old. Purrfectly playful still!

Do you think you'd be the right forever family for these boys? Come down and spend some time with them. Can't get here right away? You can watch these handsome guys on the Kitty Cam! Check it out on the Available Cats page.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Featured Furry: Blackie

Here we go again, Mama has a new shelter love. He's a handsome two year old black cat with the sweetest disposition. Meet Blackie!


The first thing you might notice is his funny ear. There's really nothing wrong with it. The volunteers at Wayside think it might be scar tissue from a previous injury. It doesn't seem to bother him at all.


Blackie is very friendly and takes almost no time to warm up to people. He quickly rolls onto his back for belly rubs.



Mama could have stayed and petted Blackie all day. She just knows he's going to make a great kitty for someone.


Are you looking for a sweet boy who wants to get love and give love back? Blackie's your guy. He's waiting at Wayside Waifs in Kansas City, warming up his purr motor just for you.


Monday, March 4, 2013

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 4-8. Now is the time to be sure you're prepared for severe weather, like thunderstorms and tornadoes, as well as any other disaster that may occur.

First off, create a pet emergency kit if you don't already have one. You can watch Mama's video on what you need in your kit. If you already have one, make sure it is fully stocked and up to date.


  • Be sure food is fresh. Check expiration dates on dry and wet food as well as treats.
  • If your pet is on routine medication, have a week's worth of meds in the kit.
  • Put an updated photo of your pet in your kit. As pets age they change, just like humans do. Don't forget an updated photo of you and your pet together to show ownership.
  • Have updated vet info and medical records to prove vaccinations are current.

If you have recently added a pet to your home, like Mama and Dad have, be sure you've added to your pet emergency kit accordingly.

  • Have enough food, water, and bowls for all pets.
  • Have collars/harnesses and leashes for each pet.
  • Include a blanket large enough to share or a blanket for each pet.
  • Keep carriers for each pet close by the kit.
Remember to keep your emergency kit in a convenient location. Since moving to the new house, Mama is keeping the kit in the coat closet by the front door. It makes for a quick getaway if they have to leave and is easy to get to if they have to go to the basement for shelter.

Emergency kits and carriers ready to go!

Don't forget small and furries in your pet emergency kit! Dottie has fresh hay, food, and treats included in the kit. Make sure you do the same if you have a bunny, ferret, or cavies.

Of course, have a human emergency kit as well. Mama has the basics in hers: change of clothes, contact lenses, toiletries, etc. She also bought a cool radio that Daffy (@NoCrybabyDoGs) told her about. It's a Red Cross Emergency radio that has a hand crank for power and a USB port to charge a smart phone.



It is also very important to have a plan. Make sure your family knows where they are to meet if they have to leave the home during a disaster. Be prepared with a list of local hotels that accept pets in case you have to be away from home for an extended period of time.

It's a good idea to practice your plan. Train for the event before it happens and you will be better prepared in case it actually does. Know where your pet hides if scared and get to know the best way to get your pet crated.

If you know that severe weather is on the way, bring outdoor pets inside. Some pets sense the change early on and can get spooked easily. Keep them indoors and safe so they don't run away. Many pets are lost during bad weather because they are scared.

Do you have any tips for severe weather awareness? Please share them in the comments!