Do cats go through menopause, Tricia Ambrose pondered.

First off Tricia, stop pondering. That's my gig.

But as for menopaws, as we felines call it, no, we don't go through it.

Sure, Tricia, as we age, felines get a little hungrier, more tired and bit crankier.

But, the closest we get to menopaws, is the cat crazies.

That's when we run around the house for no apparent reason and then fall asleep.

Thanks for the question, but leave the pondering to me.

Later, P.

There are some hungry dogs at the Geauga Dog Warden shelter and officials could use help feeding them.

The shelter is in need of dog and puppy, dry and canned (nothing from China, please).

It also is in need of bleach for cleaning purposes.

If you can help out, drop off donations at the shelter, 12513 Merritt Road, Chardon, or call 440-286-8135.

-- Robin Palmer

rpalmer@news-herald.com

I know cats get a bad rap when it comes to the death and destruction of birds.

Hey, it's feline thing. Those little birdies just look so yummy that we can't help ourselves.

We are, however, smart enough to know you don't mess with the big birds.

Take those eagles nesting in Davenport, Iowa.  Mom and pop and three eaglets are on view 24/7 via the Alcoa Bald Eagle Cam.

As tempting as they are, I would never mess with them, but they are fun to watch.

To check out the action, tune in at http://www.alcoa.com/locations/usa_davenport/en/info_page/eaglecam.asp

Later, P.

Check out these unlikely duos. Chimps and tigers, to ducks and dogs.



--Caitlin

A garage sale to benefit Caroline’s Kids Cat Rescue will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday
and Friday, April 26 and 27, and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28.
 
The same women who have held the sales in the past will hold this sale but at new location —
37455 Park Ave. off of Euclid Ave. (corner of Buckeye and Park) in Willoughby.

The sale will include two single beds, tables, collectibles, gift items, jewelry, small appliances, new and gently used household items, tools and more.

All proceeds will go to help with the expenses at the Concord Township shelter/sanctuary.



-- Robin Palmer
rpalmer@news-herald.com

A big thanks to my colleague Rachel Jackson who shared this AMAZING collection of cat photos from the late 1800s and early 1900s. If my description hasn't convinced you to click that link, check out a sample of the images below:

Harry Pointer (1822-1889)

Harry Whittier Frees (1879–1953)

Seriously, go look now at the article "Even in the 1870s, humans were obsessed with ridiculous photos of cats."


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

News-Herald reporter Matt Skrajner is working on a story about how pet owners are handling a tighter budget when it comes to their pet care.

Has the economy impacted how efficiently you are able to care for your furry friend?

Or have you sacrificed in other areas to make sure that Fluffy comes first?

Contact him to share your story 440.954.7173 or MSkrajner@News-Herald.com

Reason why my Easter was so good?


I managed to once again position myself under the bed, just out of the reach of the outstretched hands of the little holiday visitors who always try to lure the kitty out from her hiding place.

Nice try, kids.

You'd have better luck trying to catch the Easter bunny.

Now, hop back to your house.

Later, P.

Yesterday the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced the death of Tim the tortoise.

From The Associated Press:

CLEVELAND (AP) — A male tortoise believed to be at least 100 years old has died at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The zoo on Wednesday said the Aldabra tortoise named Tim weighed about 400 pounds and his shell measured 43 inches in length.
Zoo Curator Geoff Hall tells the Plain Dealer the animal was found unresponsive in cold-weather quarters he shared with two other tortoises — Tom and Terry. They were brought to the zoo in 1955 from eastern Africa.
The zoo plans an animal autopsy to determine what caused the death.
The zoo says Aldabra tortoises, vegetarians, are native to islands off the east coast of Africa and routinely live to be over 100 years old.

I'm certain I saw him and his friends during my visit to the zoo last summer. I thought those Aldabra tortoises are pretty impressive with their enormous size, but now even more so that I know how long they live.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

He thinks he's a dog.

It's a good thing it's Good Friday and I'm on my best behavior.

I'm still so upset with the Tribe that I could just hiss and spit.

I'm a cat and even I know you don't swing at the first pitch with the bases loaded and a pitcher on the mound who can't find the plate, and the score tied at 4 in the bottom of the 12th.

Hiss. Spit.

Sorry, headed to confession.

Later,
P.

I love bears. I think they're terrifying and I never want to see one in person, but in videos like this, they're just so darn cute.

Enjoy, and feel free to join in!




--Caitlin