Sophie & Jasper relaxing on a bench by the river

Is being in love with a dog harness a bit extreme? I mean, I’m emotional about stuff, I admit it. I get excited. So when I bought two awesome-looking harnesses from Ruffwear, one of my favorite dog gear brands, and they arrived, I couldn’t wait to try them out. And, boy, did we give those babies a run for the money! We’ve been all over with them for the past couple of months, and I figured now was a good time to proclaim why I love my dog harness, so if you’re in the market for one, too, you’ll take a look at these.

They come in great colors!

The harnesses we ordered aren’t just any ol’ harnesses. They’re Ruffwear’s new model: the Front Range™ Harness. Why are they called that? Because you can attach your leash either in the traditional way – on the back via an aluminum V-ring – or in the front via reinforced webbing, which is better for training or with dogs that like to pull…a lot. Well, that’s our Jasper, the little hurricane in a 16 lb package. I got him one in a lovely shade of blue.

Sophie, she’s a put-on-the-brakes gal, and because she doesn’t walk in front, attaching a leash to the back of a harness always has it flopping over her head. That can’t be too comfortable. So, I got her one in a warm tangerine color, perfect for her complexion. 🙂  Don’t  they look great?!

Jasper & Sophie resting on our hike in Catskill, NY

The first thing I loved about the harnesses were how well they’re made. I wasn’t surprised; one reason I love Ruffwear is because their products are high quality and durable. The neck and girth are both adjustable so you can get a good fit, but I had to home tweak Jasper’s neck straps because he’s in between sizes. Once I did, it fit great.

The next thing I loved was how the front leash attachment was so functional in leading the dogs. I found it easier to control our wildman, and Sophie walked a whole lot better, stopping short much less, almost as if being led in this way gave her a more comforting sense of direction.

View of front range leash attachment

Another thing about the Front Range™ Harness is how cool it looks; like professional sports or mountain-climbing gear. We’ve had people stop us on the street to comment on how much they liked them. There’s even an ID pocket that runs across the front, which keeps our dog’s tags quiet, but still easily accessible. Smart.

Finally, it’s the price. At just $39.95, it’s an economical purchase. Why? Because of how well-made, durable and functional it is. The three go to’s when you’re shopping for an everyday harness.

I said we road-tested these harnesses pretty well. Here’s where: every morning to and from our 1.5 hour walk to the Hudson River, where enticing dogs elicit lots of pulling from Jasper and where stepping on actual grass makes Sophie so excited, she flips herself around in glee. Upstate on our recent vacation trip to Catskill, N.Y., where hikes in the woods and to the lakes were a great test of durability. Both dogs pounced into the lake with abandon, still in their harnesses and on leads, splashed around a bit and came out to dry. They rolled around in the country grass and dirt, ran int eh woods (on lead, if you can imagine us chasing after them like our pants were on fire). They withstood bouts of car sickness, wind rushing through hair adventures and quieter walks around our property. And, they came through it all with flying colors (and beautiful colors).

Jasper on a scent in the woods

So when I ask if it’s too extreme to love my dog harness, do you feel me? It’s one of those everyday loves that endure. And I say, amen to that!

Me & a distracted Jasper on our lake hike in Catskill, NY

Do you have a harness you love? What do you love about it? Tell me in the Comments below!

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Jill with some of her rescue family

Meredith Viera took a pie to the face for shelter pets, so why can’t we? We love our fur babies and treat them like our kids (which they are). So, what’s a bit of butter cream between best friends?  Award-winning animal advocate, best-selling author and NBC Nightly News correspondent, Jill Rappaport, recently launched a pie challenge to save shelter pets’  lives, called the Pies 4 Paws Challenge. It’s purpose is to encourage people to both donate to the ASPCA (or shelter of your choice) and, most important, to adopt.

I think the work Jill does for shelter pets is amazing and am honored to call her a friend. In support of that, I have a challenge for my pet blogging friends and readers to help take the Pies 4 Paws Challenge out into the world! The more adventurous may want to do more than blog about it or tell your friends. To accept the pie challenge, you do need to take a pie for the team, so to speak…and photograph or video it. If that weren’t enough, you then need to blast it out on your social media network and nominate three more to accept the challenge.

Inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, Jill is working hard to make this a big win for shelter animals. We can help! Fellow bloggers, let’s write about it, get our readers involved and write about it some more. My readers, get involved, tell your friends.  I encourage you to go to Jill’s Facebook page for photos and more info on the cause. You can also read the post I did last week.

Even Metro, the painting racehorse who was featured in People magazine, took the challenge.

 
What are you waiting for? We have the ability to light a big fire under this. Let’s do it for the animals!

I always get excited when we have a winner to announce for our giveaways! It’s something special for me because it brings joy and, sometimes, a much-needed item to a family. The winner of this pet lover gift is extra special, as it goes to a woman doing angel’s work, saving and fostering animals in need. Congratulations, Amy H.! You’ve won the $100 Petco Gift Card!

Amy H., out of Maryland, works especially with hard to place animals; those who have more severe behavior issues, whether from abuse, abandonment or some other awful life experience. She does behavior training with them to get them ready for adoption.

Wiley

These two babies – Tinkerbell and Wiley – were rescues. Wiley came to Amy as an abused four month old puppy. Hard to comprehend how someone could abuse any animal, but a little puppy? After working with Wiley, she saw that his issues were too profound for adoption, and decided to keep him. He’s now six and doing well, bless her!

Tinkerbell

Amy has been rescuing and fostering for twelve years. For the past 25 years until recently, she was a Registered Nurse. A tiny, sick Beagle puppy abandoned by the side of the road, who was brought to her for help, started it all. She took him home to her house filled with her own animals, brought him to her vet and helped nurse him back to health. Then, she found someone great to adopt him. It is such rewarding work, I can imagine how Amy never looked back.

She’s currently fostering two 4-week-old kittens, both with eye infections she is working with her vet to treat. They seem to be coming along nicely and, once they’re well, Amy will be looking for a great home for them.

Amy’s two new foster kittens

Congratulations, Amy! I’m so happy you won the gift card and know it will come in really handy to help care for your wonderful fur family!

Do you have a foster story to tell? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!

Bundled Up!
photo courtesy of Dogster.com

I promised myself this year would be different.  I’m starting to shop for winter coats early – for me and the dogs – so we don’t get shut out of what we love. I just ordered a gorgeous, vegan emerald number for me from Vaute Couture, a really cool company that was featured during New York Fashion Week this year. And, I’ve already gotten wonderful and warm Zippy Dynamics snowsuits for Sophie and Jasper, so we’re set for wet and snowy weather. But, what about an everyday, warm, good-looking coat that fits great? Sophie has, but a girl can never have too many! 🙂 It’s nice to interject something fresh for the new season. Jasper will be spending  his first winter with us, so mom has the very exciting job of finding him his first winter coat. Truly, I’m so looking forward to dressing the little man! But, there are definitely some things to consider, to make sure we find just the right coat.  Why don’t I take you through what I look for in a winter dog coat and some styles I found and love. Sometimes, it’s hard to make heads or tails out of all the choices we have. If we know what we’re looking for, things get a whole lot clearer.

Jasper rockin’ the Sparky full coverage Zippy Dynamics snowsuit

What To Look For

I break it down into the three W’s: warmth, wearability and the wow factor. They’re all important to me and very attainable.

Warmth:

Like for humans, warmth in a winter dog coat is a matter of materials used. Warmth is attained either via layers that hold in body heat, or via puffy pockets of air that do the same. For layers, a heavier gauge fleece lining with a breathable polyurethane coated outer shell is one way to create a very warm coat.

Puffer coats provide those pockets of air that hold in body heat. While I shy away from down-filled because of the suffering geese experience when their feathers are plucked, there are man-made fillings that are just as warm, more cost effective and easier to care for. A thicker, but light-weight, poly batting is what’s often used to fill puffer coats. It should be breathable, and have a water proof or resistant outer shell. So, when you’re shopping, ask what a coat is made of or look at the materials, if shopping online. A durable polyester or breathable polyurethane outer shell will ward off wind, rain, snow. Coupled with a solid gauge fleece or a lightweight but warm poly batting as lining, your dog should be nice and toasty.

Wearability:

A coat can be as cute as ever, but if our dogs can’t walk in it or have complete range of motion, it’s not going to work. I’m talking about fit, one of the cornerstones of fashion. We’re looking for a coat that is shaped as close to our dog’s body type as possible. This may take some experimentation, but sizing charts and fit guidelines on shopping sites should help. Measure your dog carefully. The important parts are neck circumference, so it’s tight enough to keep warmth in and loose enough to be comfortable; girth or chest, as some sites call the circumference of the dog’s body, just behind its front legs. This measurement insures the coat fits all the way around, leaves you some room for growth and covers the key parts of a dog’s body – it’s chest, belly and back, which protect its organs. It’s nice if their legs and face are warm, but it’s not intrinsic to their health and wellbeing, unless you live in Siberia or, maybe, Alaska. The other important measurement is the length of the dog’s back, from the base of it’s neck to the base of it’s tail. Again, we’re looking for coverage, without it being cumbersome. And with male dogs, we have to consider their manly parts. The coat should be designed to allow for the dog to urinate and not get the coat wet. I’m just sayin’. 🙂

Dressed smart and looking stylish

The Wow Factor:

There’s no shortage of wow-inducing coats. I struggle with this one, because often, the wow factor isn’t paired with the warmth and wearability components. That’s why I shopped hard for you! I think I’ve found a good cross-section of coats and looks, that encompass warmth, wearability and wow. What I also do, because I’m a bit of a shopaholic when it comes to the dogs (do you feel me?),  I’ll have a practical, good looking, very warm winter coat for Sophie, and I’ll buy that second va va va voom coat for milder days. Sophie’s a great indicator. Her fur is hair and it’s very thin. On some parts of her body, she has none at all! She gets cold. If Sophie is warm, I know I’m doing good. 🙂

Now, let’s go shopping!

ChillyDogs.com

ChillyDogs.com of Canada make a jacket called The Great White North® and the temperature range for maintaining warmth is pretty impressive – from 14F to -22F. It’s completely waterproof, durable and machine washable, too. It’s available via the Dog Gone Big web store. Great for big dogs, but inquire about smaller breeds with Chilly Dogs, as they do make for all sizes. These are a bit pricey but they will last.

Price: ranges from $135.00 – $145.00

Great White North coat from ChillyDogs.com

Ruffwear.com

Another option is from Ruffwear, a brand I personally love and use. Their K-9 Overcoat is made from strong, durable recycled polyester outer fabric, with warm, comfortable recycled polyester fleece lining. It’s designed for full coverage, while allowing full range of motion. This will last for years and comes in a full range of sizes, from XXS through XL. They offer three yummy winter colors: Trailhead Brown, Larkspur Purple and Cinder Cone Red. Love this!

Price: $64.95

Ruffwear’s K-9 Overcoat

Lightweight and Warm

American Digs makes a nice puffer that is lightweight, fleece-lined and has that waterproof, breathable outer shell. The XL fits dogs from 35 – 41 lbs and up to a 27.5″ girth. Comes in great colors like Fuchsia, Aqua, Royal Blue and Purple.

Price: a very reasonable $35.00

American Digs Lightweight Puffer

Puppy Angel – Warmth & Wow

Puppy Angel makes a warm, full coverage puffer coat with a breathable poly outer shell. For me, it’s also a wow!  It comes in a very chic creme or navy, has fully elasticized arms and back to keep drafts out and more heat trapped against your dog’s body. And a beautiful large, black bow and center pendant adorns a high color, in lieu of a hood (which I don’t really like for Sophie as they never seem to be comfortable). It’s also machine washable, but I’d probably hand wash and lay flat to dry. Goes from XS – XL, which means up to a 19.3″ girth and 12.1″ neck, somewhere around 15 lbs.

Price: $66.00

Puppy Angel Chic Puffer

Fou Fou Dog Reversible Ski Parka

I like this Fou Fou Dog parka vest because it has a breathable, water resistant poly outer shell and a poly batting inside to trap body heat. I also like it because it’s cute, colorful and completely reversible. Like getting two coats for the price of one! The grey reverses to a light green; the blue to a brighter green and the purple to a pink. Comes in sizes XXS – 3XL, which covers a dog with a neck up to 17″ and a girth up to 23.5″.

Price: $37- $51, depending on size.

Fou Fou Dog Reversible Puffer Vest

Wooflink Vintage Plaid

I’ll leave you with something that is super cool. I love this Wooflink Vintage Plaid coat, the big block plaids they chose to feature and the warm and cozy sherpa lining. It’s snap closures all the way down for full coverage. Sizes go from 1 – 6, largest means a 15.75″ length and a 23″ girth.

Price: $57.00

Wooflink Plaid Vintage Coat

Summary

Some good choices to consider. But, whatever you choose, most importantly, I hope you have gotten a better idea of what to look for. Remember, think the three W’s, and you know your pup will be toasty and looking fine this winter!

Questions about what to buy, where to look? Ask away in the Comments. Happy to help!

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Jill Rappaport, with some of her rescue family

There’s a new challenge in town, and it’s done doggystyle! ALS brilliantly created the Ice Bucket Challenge to increase awareness and raise funds for the disease. Now, inspired by what ALS has accomplished for those afflicted, animal activist, TODAY show/NBC Nightly News correspondent and best-selling author, Jill Rappaport, decided to put her own sweet spin on drawing attention to animal adoption. Meet the newest viral, cause-worthy campaign to storm social media, and take note, it does involve a creamy pie in the face.

Jill Rappaport’s Pies 4 Paws Challenge goes like this: you challenge someone to take a pie in the face for shelter pets; approximately 8 million of them living in dire need of homes. If accepted, they agree to share their compromising but, hopefully, fun photo or video on social media, raising awareness about the importance of adopting from a local shelter, and encouraging donations to the ASPCA. In turn, they nominate three more challengers and so on.

Jill, taking one for the team

Jill & Georgina: Yum, that was good!

Launched one week ago at the Hampton Classic ASPCA ADOPTION DAY event, when both Georgina Bloomberg and Rappaport each took a pie from the other, the Pies 4 Paws Challenge is already taking off. Celebrities like TODAY show’s special correspondent, Meredith Viera, who’s launching her much-anticipated, new daytime show on Monday, is also an early challenger. Shown on video with her dog, Jasper, they both took some pie for the cause from Viera’s daughter, Lily. After wiping the excess pie from her eyes, Vieira nominated animal lovers Matt Lauer, Howard and Beth Stern, and Betty White. Explained Jill, “If we can raise millions for ALS, I can only hope and pray to do it for animals in need. It’s a double win – getting the message of donating out there with the important message of adoption. And what a sweet way to do it-by taking a pie in the face.”  Here’s that video:

But, it’s not only dog and cat enthusiast being challenged. “One of my first nominees was Metro, who I call ‘the retired racehorse who turned into Rembrandt,'” Jill explained  “Metro was just featured in People Magazine, and he was a story I did on the Today show. He’s become a national sensation and is the perfect example of why this cause is so important. We all know what happens to retired racehorses, and Ron Krajewski, who rescued Metro, saw that Metro had a lot more life in him.” For those unenlightened of Metro’s special gifts, he paints. That’s right, he is a painting horse and not of the house kind. And, he’s pretty darn good!

The truly amazing, Metro Meteor, the Rembrandt of the racetrack

At every appearance, interview, stop since launching the Pies 4 Paws Challenge, Rappaport has taken every opportunity to get more and more people onboard. Here in New York, longtime news anchor, Ernie Anastos, a big supporter of Jill’s cause, was taken a bit by surprise when, during their interview the other day, she challenged him on-air to take a pie. After an initial protest (the guy was in the middle of his newscast), he was a great sport when Jill did the deed! Next up? Matt Lauer, the Sterns and the lovely Ms. Betty White…you’ve been served!  Learn more about the Challenge on Jill’s FB page. Stay tuned for more on this great cause.

Would you take Jill’s Pies 4 Paws Challenge? Tell me what unusual thing you’ve done to raise awareness about shelter adoptions!

photo courtesy of Doggie-Diva.com

I ran a survey on my site that just wrapped up, and I learned some interesting things from you! I was so excited to discover many of you come to Bark and Swagger for the writing and the topics I choose to cover. I also learned what you’d like to see more of and I heard you loud and clear! Many readers don’t have the small pups for which most designers create. They want great fashion for large dogs, unusually shaped dogs like bullies, Boston Terriers and Pugs. So, with fall pretty much here and winter just around the corner, I’m kicking off a All Shapes &  Sizes Fashion Series to offer a great place to shop for harder to fit dogs. I’m excited. I have to raise the bar a bit to find awesome recommendations that fit the bill. Today, we’re starting with big dog breeds fall clothing. Let’s go!

So he doesn’t fit into a carrier or a small corner of the bed. When she’s excited, you better move out of the way. Our large breed dogs may need more space…for everything, but there’s a whole lot more to love! And love them, we do. Before Sophie came into my life, for almost fourteen years I had a gorgeous 95-lb German Shepherd named India. I was crazy about that dog, and if you know Shepherds, they are one of the brightest, most loyal and regal beings. I was her person, and India would follow me everywhere, even into the toilet! So, in honor of India and all of our gorgeous large breed dogs out there, this is for you; beautiful, fashionable fall clothing!

Baby Pink Moto Jacket- Hot!

Imagine this. A large black, white, fawn-colored or red-headed dog who knows she’s got nuthin’ to prove. She’s confident, fun-loving, feminine with an edge. This is her signature fall jacket right here. Trending for fall in a pastel pink, soft faux leather, studded moto jacket, with a Born To Ride pink and metallic silver eagle patch, in case they didn’t get the memo about how cool she is. Fully-lined. And, it goes all the way up to a XXXL, which fits a dog from 71 – 100 lbs. Yes!!

Where to buy: BitchNewYork.com

Sizing: XXS – XXXL

Price: $29.00 – 33.00

Black Moto Jacket

Lest the big boys turn green with envy at such a cool jacket for girls, we haven’t left them out! Same great style, but black for the boys (or girls who roll like that!). Patch is a standout red, white and gold embroidered eagle, with an Eagles Commando Motor Cycles message, rivaling the awesomeness of any guy’s equivalent. Born To Ride, yes, but born to be cool, definitely.

Where to buy: BitchNewYork.com

Sizing: XXS – XXXL

Price: $29.00 – 33.00

Ruffwear Track Jacket

Ruffwear Track Jacket-Close Up View

I love this bright tangerine orange! It goes with all colors of fur and lends a pop of pizzaz to an outing. Made by a brand I love – Ruffwear – you know it will be made well, be durable and look great. The Ruffwear Track Jacket comes in sizing up to a 42″ girth, so it should fit dogs right up to a Great Dane. This is also a great jacket in low light conditions or for night walking, as it’s made to be seen, with reflective strips and a fabric with an integrated reflective feature so it’s more visible. Very cool.

Where to buy: Ruffwear.com

Sizing: XXS/XS; S/M; L/XL

Price: $39.95

Chuck Taylor Hoodie

For the laid back sports fan, this funky, downtown-type hoodie is made from a very soft and cozy cashmere-like blue poly acrylic. It features chocolate trim, a silver and white star and the famous Chuck T sneaker as a patch. It’s reversible and washable, and the big dog sizes come sleeveless, which makes it more comfortable for the dog. Goes up to Big Dog Medium size (BDM), which fits up to a 32″ girth. That’s most Labs, Golden Retrievers and smaller.

Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique.com

Sizing: XXS – BDM

Price: $36.00 – 40.00

Reversible Red Plaid Fleece

This standout reversible fleece is perfect for cool fall mornings and evenings. The snazzy red plaid is great for feeling bold; the solid red for when you’re feeling plain, ol’ fabulous. And, it comes in sizes all the way up to BDXL (Big Dog XL), which fits a dog up to a 39″ girth. That’s just about any breed you can imagine!

Where to buy: BitchNewYork.com

Sizing: XXS – BDXL

Price: $35.00

I hope you like the options for large breed dogs for fall. I’ve had fun sourcing them for you! Stay tuned for the next in my series of Fashion for all Shapes & Sizes: Bullys & the Barrel Chests!

Do you have a large breed dog you have trouble finding great clothing for? Tell me what you need most for them in the comments below, and I’ll help you source it!

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Wigglebutts. It could be that most adorable sway our pups make when they walk or the jiggle of any well proportioned tush. What you may not know, is that Wigglebutts also means caring, sharing and making a difference. I’m talking about my friend, Carol Bryant of FidoseofReality, and the fundraising arm of her awesome site, Wigglebutt Warriors. Carol and the Wigglebutts have exciting news to share and it’s such a great cause, I thought I’d share it with you, too!

Carol & Dexter

On September 20, 2014, at Olde Towne Pet Resort in Sterling, Virginia, Wigglebutt Warriors is holding its annual fundraising gala called Wigglebutts Go Hollywoof. What’s a Hollywoof, you may ask? It’s a glamorous, glitzy weekend of fun Hollywood style, honoring our canine best friends, specifically Cocker Spaniels. One of the loves of Carol’s life is a very handsome little cocker spaniel boy named Dexter. Dexter accompanies Carol to almost all of the pet industry events and he always looks dapper (I notice these things, of course).

Because Dexter, and Cockers in general, are so near and dear to her, Carol focuses Wigglebutt Warriors on helping Cocker Spaniel-focused charities. This year, Oldies but Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Inc, (OBG) an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization based in the Washington DC metro area, will benefit. They’re dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals. “Cockers own my heart, and all proceeds raised will go to OBG so they can help more Cockers and save more lives,” explained Bryant. What could be better than that.

And, Wigglebutts Go Hollywoof is now Sold-Out! That’s an awesome accomplishment and we’re very happy for Carol and her team. If you were lucky enough to snag a ticket, you’ll be privy to a weekend of special events. That night, they’ll roll out the red carpet for you and your pet; you’ll experience a press conference, announcing breaking news from the organization; a silent auction, chock full of must-have items, including sparkly eye candy, sporting tickets and more, and the Wiggy Awards, hosted by Robin and Joseph Everett and honoring best of’s at the event. Dancing, prizes, swag bags…it will be a veritable feast for the senses! On Sunday, September 21^st, the party will continue, with a pet-friendly gathering at the local Barrel Oak Winery. Yum!

For those who can’t be there,  FidoseofReality.com will be launching a swag bag fundraiser and a special Cocker purse auction, so stay tuned for more info on her site. Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Inc. is a great organization to know about and, like most pet charities, they can use any help you can give. If you want to help, you can find more info here.

Carol has been doing a great job with Wigglebutt Warriors. The organization is fairly new. She and her spouse were inspired to create it in the summer of 2013, after co-hosting a “Wigglebutt Wedding.” This formal gala raised thousands for a local Cocker Spaniel rescue group and Carol realized how much good she could do by launching her own fundraising platform. Their mantra? “Crusading to save dogs’ lives. They aren’t a 501(c)3, but they do fundraise for them.

What the heck’s a Wigglebutt, anyway?

Why did she choose the name Wigglebutt Warriors? Is Wigglebutts a common term us unenlightened aren’t yet aware of? Explains Carol, “If you’ve ever seen a Cocker Spaniel wag their tail, you know it is so much more than a wag. In fact, their tushies, aka butts, seem to wiggle to and fro. Cocker Spaniels wag as if their back end is doing a samba shimmy. A Wigglebutt is an affectionate term for a Cocker Spaniel’s happy wag.” So, now we know!

Some of the sponsors for this year’s Wigglebutts Go Hollywoof include: the amazing Eldad Hagar, founder of Hope for Paws animal rescue organization; The Honest Kitchen; Smart Cookee; BlogPaws and many others. The official photographers are Jeanne Taylor Photography: http://www.jtpetpics.com/ and Dirty Paw Photography:   http://www.dirtypawphotography.com/. The videographer is Three Moments Media:  http://3momentsmedia.com/

A number of Carol’s fellow pet bloggers have also come on as sponsors and supporters of her event, myself and BarkandSwagger.com, included.

Fashion lovers news…

Anthony Rubio with Bogie & Kimba

For us fashion hounds, Pet Fashion Designer of the Year, Anthony Rubio,  will be the official designer of the event, and Sharon Romero and her wonderful brand of dog accessories, Around the Collar, will be creating special collars. We profiled Sharon and Around the Collar right here, just a short time ago.

Be sure to catch Carol, appearing on The Pet Show with Dr. Katy Nelson this week in Virginia.

The lovely Coco Chanel Bella

And, in case you were wondering? Sorry ladies…yes, Dexter has a date. Main squeeze, Coco Chanel Bella all decked out above, will be wiggling by his side on the red carpet.

Coco & Dexter just chillin’

Do you have a favorite animal charity you support? What do they do? Tell me about them in the Comments below.

Izzy, me & Lola

Lola, our beautiful tortoise kitty, crossed over The Rainbow Bridge last night. Like all of us who’ve had to say goodbye to a longtime friend, it hurts and we feel so sad. Lola, you’ll be missed. I want to honor Lola here; her spirit, feistiness, sweetness and strength.

Lola was diagnosed in February with breast cancer, which very rapidly metastasized into her lymph nodes and her lungs. She fought like hell, and her determination amazed me. After an invasive removal and biopsy of the growth,  tests revealed the cancer was already too far along to make sense putting a 13 year-old cat through another operation that would’ve been very grueling and wouldn’t give us much more time.

She was great for a couple of months, longer than anyone anticipated. Totally asymptomatic. But, as of two months ago, the cough started and we knew it was just a matter of time. Two weeks ago, when she’d had a particularly bad couple of days, we made a vet appointment to see whether it was time. But, Lola, in her typical feisty fashion, rallied and we all agreed it wasn’t. The past week, her breathing became more and more labored and her quality of life decreased to nil. I’d made a comfy bed inside my closet’s shoe cubby for her; a safe place to steer clear of Sophie and Jasper and their hard-partying play sessions. And, that’s where she lived, meowing to me to let her out for a trip to the litter box or to get some “air.” Two days ago, she ventured out for the day, but being she’d almost completely stopped eating, despite trying an appetite stimulant, she was too weak to do anything but rest. It was then, looking at her once rounded body and lush, shining coat now sunken and dull, that I knew now was the time.

Lola lived life well. She loved to play, and was all in when she did it. She was fast and, like a kitty, once she lost interest, she was outta there. She hated getting her nails trimmed. My husband would have to hold her, wrapped in a towel, while I did the cutting, careful not to snip too close and give her any more reason to whine louder or try to take a swipe at one of us for subjecting her to this cruel form of torture. She was never a chow hound, like Izzy, who eats for her country. She was a discerning eater and only liked certain things…like freeze-dried chicken or catnip treats or catnip toys, or more catnip. 🙂 She would purr easily and often, loved leaping up on the couch as my husband and I watched TV and curling up on one of our laps.

She could also be quite imposing, when she wanted to be, a cat biatch, you might say. With Izzy, there was distain from day one. Intimidating stares, blocking, swatting…I was constantly going to bat for Isabel so she could get a fair shake. But, in the later years, she would occasionally sidle up to Isabel and give her a lick. She was softening.

Knowing we’ve been a good friend to Lola by helping her across the bridge removes any wondering about the decision. It still hurts; I find myself getting choked up on and off throughout the day. And this morning, the first morning, it was strange to not see Lola there. The dogs, especially Sophie who’s lived with Lola since she was a puppy, will know she’s gone. But, Isabel, our other kitty, who met Lola when Izzy was nine months and Lola was three months, will feel it. Even though they never got along well, in the end, it’s incredible how animals know what’s needed and do it. Izzy would sit close to Lola, sensing she needed some comfort and reassurance.

You were a great friend, cuddle partner, family member. Lola, you’ll be missed. Greatly.