Spring has officially arrived at our house.

It happens each year when the guy with the dragon-like contraption sucks the very life from our carpet.

Gone are the deep-embedded cat hairs and whatever else the humans have dragged in since last March.

The best part of it all?

I watched it all from the comfort of the humans' queen-sized bed.

The other cat in the house?

Not so happy.

She hid in the closet.

Might still be there as I ponder.

Later, P.

The Geauga Dog Warden shelter is in need of dog and puppy food, both dry and canned.

The shelter cares for more than 700 dogs throughout the year.

Please lend a hand, or in this case, some food.

The shelter is at 12513 Merritt Road in Chardon.

For details, call the shelter at 440-286-8135.

-- Robin Palmer<p>
rpalmer@news-herald.com

When a soldier comes home from the military, family and friends are naturally happy to see them and catch up, not to mention feel relieved that their loved one is safe.

This video shows that our four-legged friends are just as happy for their pals to come home.








Caitlin CFertal@News-Herald.com

I've heard that having a furry (or scaly or feathery) friend can improve your health, but I wasn't aware of all the reasons why until I read the infographic below:

by eBay. Browse more data visualizations.

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

Rescue Village officials say they desperately need to make room for the extremely long line of cats waiting for its help.

With kitten season quickly approaching, the shelter will be overflowing with cats and kittens needing our help.

Currently, the cat intake is full and until its current residents are adopted, the shelter is unable to bring in any more cats who need shelter.

To help make room to save more lives, the shelter is lowering adoption fees on all cats to $25.

Included is Lionel, pictured here. He is a 1-year-old domestic orange-colored longhair/mix who is looking for a home. He is calm, sweet and quiet, according to shelter officials.

To adopt Lionel or any of the cats, visit the shelter is at 15463 Chillicothe Road in Russell Township.

For questions or more information, call 440.338.4819, ext. 10.


-- Robin Palmer<p>
rpalmer@News-Herald.com

Just pondering ...

March Madness? It that like the cat crazies?

Did that rodent groundhog really screw up this time or what?

Who says cats can't type because they don't have thumbs? Hello? Who do you think is typing this blog?

Is it OK to say NO to drugs, but YES to catnip?

Daylight Saving Time is a waste of my time. Better yet, it's a waste of a good hour of sleep.

Speaking of sleep, I need a nap.

Later, P.

What's the difference between a human and a dog? Plenty. If you want to know more about the differences in anatomy beyond the number of legs, check out the infographic below. (My favorite fact is the difference in the visual field.)

Browse more infographics.

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

The World's Ugliest Dog is dead.

The Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix named Yoda went to doggie heaven on Saturday.

She was 15.

Now, I might not be the biggest canine fan, but when any animal passes, I pay my respects no matter what the species.

Yoda

Yoda, I must admit was one ugly mutt.

Check out her photo to the right.

Ugly, right?

But ugly can be beautiful, too, especially when Yoda won $1,000 for taking the World's Ugliest Dog title at the 2011 Sonoma Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif., last June.

That's pretty good.

By the way, I've never heard of a contest for the World's Ugliest Cat.

Never happen.

Later, P.

Well, it seemed only fitting to share this adorable video after updating you about a sea lion in distress.
This red panda - which happens to be one of my personal favorites, next to the white tailed deer - is just having a ball!    ..... or perhaps a pumpkin.

Okay, maybe a cheesy pun, but this poor, little sea lion pup was found dehydrated and probably very scared.
Luckily rescuers were able to take her in, and hope to set her free after recovery.

I might not always agree with you humans, but I tip my paw to you on this one.

Last year, Americans spent $50.96 billion on their pets.

That’s an all-time high and the first time in history more than $50 billion has gone to the dogs, cats, canaries, guppies and the like, the American Pet Products Association reported.

You might not always be smart, humans, but you aren't cheap.

And, speaking of smart, this goes out to Brian McCloskey, one of my blog followers.

He questioned last week's entry when I said I was smart.

McCloskey thinks if I was so smart, I would know the winning lottery numbers.

Listen, McCloskey, I said I was smart, not psychic.

If I knew the winning numbers, do you think I'd be writing this blog? And, writing it for free?

Later, P.

The Lake Humane Society will present its Rescue Rock Off from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at Harry Buffalo, 2119 Mentor Ave., Painesville.

The annual event features five bands that are donating their time for the shelter, a Chinese auction with prizes donated by companies, an appetizer buffet, and a 50/50 raffle.

The bands performing will be Dan McCoy & the Standing 8s (1 to 2 p.m.), Kevin Conaway (2 to 3 p.m.), Brett Borovic & Nate Tulenson (3 to 4 p.m.), Dear Jimmy Band (4 to 5 p.m.), and Tony Shultz (5 to 6 p.m.).

Tickets are $15 and all proceeds benefit the animals at Lake Humane Society.
 
To buy tickets, visit the shelter at 7564-E Tyler Blvd., in Mentor.
. 
Tickets also will be available at the door of the event.

-- Robin Palmer<p>
rpalmer@news-herald.com

Two little fur balls joined the zoo that is my house recently, and I've finally found some time to sit down and tell you about them.

Badger and Rocco are these awesome little creatures who are starting to develop ninja-like tactics; particularly Rocco who is learning how to sneak around my arms and jump out of his cage.

Badger

The pair spent most of their introductory period hiding in their little wicker house, but they have since come around and are far more curious about their surroundings.

Their big sister Kitty (I'm fairly certain you can guess what animal she is...) is equally curious and likes to hang around, at times getting nose to nose with Rocco through the wire-cage walls.

What's entertaining about their relationship (Rocco and Kitty) is that most of the time, Rocco is the one who dominates the situation. He climbs around the inside of his cage - a trait his brother has picked up - and as soon as the cat walks by, he's after her tail.

They're cute together, and Rocco has scared Kitty away enough that I'm really not concerned about her natural instincts coming out.

Badger was actually named after the Honey Badger (see YouTube) for his seemingly worry-free attitude. Although, he proceeds with more caution now since Rocco has taken the lead role between the two.

They have already doubled in size since the day I brought them home, and I anticipate they'll do it once more.

Rocco

 

They are doing pretty well on our strolls around the bedroom, Rocco is more comfortable perched on my shoulder, but Badger will come around.

If you've never had rats, and you're looking for a cool pet, I suggest picking up a pair.

Keep in mind that rats will always do better in pairs. They can take care of one another when you're not around, and they won't be terribly bored when stuck inside a cage.

That being said, you also want to bring them out at least once a day for a good bit of time and let them either hang around with you, or walk around  in one of those plastic ball contraptions.

And if you seriously start looking into becoming the next rat whisperer, make sure to locate a good vet who can treat your tiny companion.

--Caitlin

Western Reserve Humane Society (Eastern Branch) holds cat adoptions every Saturday and Sunday at Pet Supplies Plus, 7315 Mentor Ave., Mentor.

Adoptions are held from 3 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Five cats are displayed each day.

Cost is $45 for adult cats. All cats are spayed or neutered and vaccinated.

Cost to adopt a kitten is $90 with $40 rebated back to the owner when proof of spay or neuter from a licensed veterinarian is provided.

For details, call 440-231-5418.

-- Robin Palmer<p>
rpalmer@news-herald.com

People often ask me, Picasso, why are you so smart?

Two things, I reply.

One: I am a cat.

Two: Picasso in Native American means Wise Owl.

OK, it doesn't, but I just liked the sound of that.

Later, P.