Sometimes it's just too easy to get my way.

The human mom in my household somehow figured it out that I have taken a liking to deli lunch meat.

Not just any lunch meat, but thinly sliced maple ham (or Virginia ham, if maple is not available).

Gosh, if I could only be a fly on the wall when she goes to the deli counter at Giant Eagle and tells the clerk, "I need just a little bit of ham for my cat."

Not only does she shop for it, but when I stand by the refrigerator and stare, she figures it out that I want the lunch meat.

She neatly cuts it up into small pieces, and then places it on a napkin on the kitchen floor.

Sometimes, I just mess with her by walking away.

When's she's not looking, I go back and gobble it down.

Like I said, sometimes it's just too easy.

Later, P.

The Geauga Dog Warden shelter is in need of dog food, dry and canned (not from China).

You can drop off food at the shelter, which is located at 12513 Merritt Road in Chardon.

Monetary donations can be sent to the above address (ZIP code is 44024).

For more information on how you can help, call the shelter at 440-286-8135.

-- Robin Palmer
rpalmer@news-herald.com

While I'm taking a catnap, why don't you check out the slideshow of the more than 200 felines at Caroline's Cat Sanctuary in Concord Township who celebrated their birthday last Saturday.

The purr-fect day was caught on camera by Community Engagement Editor Cheryl Sadler.

Later, P.

Now we're talking.

Finally, an event about cats and for cats.

The cats at Caroline's Kids Cat Sanctuary in Concord Township are throwing a birthday party from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday on the sanctuary grounds at 7394 Morley Road.

Yes, cats are invited (and so is Fido, if he's on a leash and up to date on vaccines).

Cats have to be in a proper cat carrier.

Humans can come as they are.

Since it's a birthday party, if you'd like to bring a gift, the girl cats would like Petsmart gift cards, canned or dry cat food, scoopable litter, paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach or dish liquid.

The boy cats would like gift cards to Home Depot or Lowe’s for work around the sanctuary.

Cake and drinks will be served and tours will be given of their home.

If you can not attend but would like to make a donation, please send to
Caroline’s Kids Cat Rescue, P.O.Box 24068, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124.



More than 200 cats, many with special needs, call Caroline's home.

Please stop by and make it a purrfect afternoon by bringing a donation.

See you there.

Later, P.

Chief

Chief, a 2-year-old, smooth coat collie, and  Tanner, a young black lab, are available for adoption through Animal Rescue Center.
Chief is a friendly dog with a good temperment.
He is fine with female dogs.
He is smart, learns quickly and walks on a leash.
He would make a good running companion.
Tanner was left in the woods tied to a tree.
According to ARC officials, he could not get loose to get food or water.
He was so skinny when he was rescued.
In spite of all this, Tanner is friendly, good with cats and dogs and is not food aggressive.

Tanner

Both  dogs are vet-checked, heartworm negative, up to date on shots, dewormed, neutered and flea treated.
For more information on them, contact their foster caregiver by email at boothdls@yahoo.com. The dogs will be available for adoption at The Animal Rescue Center, 36370 Vine St., Eastlake, from 4 to 8 p.m. today and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more detaisl, visit arc-ohio.org.

Also looking for a home is O-jay, a young basset mix available for adoption at the Geauga Dog Shelter, 12513 Merritt Road, Chardon.
According to shelter officials, O-jay is good with other  dogs and is always happy to see everyone.

O-jay

For more information, call 440-286-8135.

The Euclid Animal Shelter is hosting a cornhole tournament June 30 at the Euclid Sports Plant, 20001 Lakeland Blvd.

All proceeds will be used for items needed at the shelter.

Cost of registration is $45 per team and includes T-shirts, refreshments and chances for prizes.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the tournament will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Sign up from noon to 4 p.m. at the shelter, 25100 Lakeland Blvd. For details, call 216-289-2057.

There it stood in the family room.

The only thing more dreaded than the vacuum cleaner: THE CAT CARRIER

That cage-like contraption means only one thing: A TRIP TO THE VETS.

Lucky for me, this time the carrier was awaiting the presence of my 'sister' cat, 'Lil Girl.

Poor thing (yeah, right), she had a lump on her back and our human 'mom" was in a tizzy.

All ended well for 'Lil Girl. It was not a tumor, just a cyst.

She did have to get her vaccinations and a check-up, which included a quick look at her teeth and ears, and a listening of her heart.

I heard it was really pounding out of fear.

Poor, thing. Wish I could have been there for her.

Right.

Later, P.

It seems like I'm barking up the wrong tree.

Last week I complained about the Lake County Captains inviting dogs to their home games on Tuesdays.
I suggested cats be included.

So far, Fluffy is still on the outside looking in.

Now, I read about the Mentor Dog Park and how it has plans to grow.

Dog park? Really? A park for dogs?

Once again, Fido's in, Fluffy's out.

I have real problem with this dog favoritism shown by just about everyone.

Sure, dogs may be man's best friend, but cats will always rule and dogs will always drool.

They will always need someone to take them for a walk (and pick up their poop), give them a bath and teach them how to sit, fetch, lay down and shut up.

Cats, on the other hand, need no such help besides a daily scoop of the litter box.

It's time you show your feline friends a little respect. Take 'em out to the ballgame and let 'em have their own park.

Throw in some FancyFest and all will be forgiven.

Later, P.