Category Archives: animals

Whiskers & Wishes: Celebrating My Cats’ Birthdays With Style

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Celebrating My Cats’ Birthdays With Style

There’s something delightfully endearing about throwing a birthday celebration for a cat. It’s not just about cake-shaped toys or sardine soufflés—it’s about honoring the quiet companionship, the mysterious glances, and the absolute rulers of our hearts and homes.

Banner and Balboa- Photo credit Deb Neumann

 

🐾 The Feline Lineup

In my home, birthdays come in soft purrs and fluffed tails. Each one of my cats has their own personality, style, and yes—preferred party theme.

  • Banner

Regal Banner

  • Banner turner 5 this year on June 6. Banner is the big brother. He is also my opera singer. Every night we get the songs of his people with his reedition of Moonlight & Meows. His gift was a Pawkitty Water mat. 

  • Pet Water Bed,Cat Water Mat 2025 Upgraded Thickened Sensory Water Palymat,Leak-Proof Sensory Playmat,Water Mat for Cats and Dogs,Anti-Scratch Design Waterbed for Indoor Cat & Dog

    Water Mat

    This was a dud. What they don’t tell you is it takes a lot of water and water is heavy. I don’t have a hose or an indoor faucet that would allow me to hook one up if I did. I tried to fill it in the sink but the mat was too big. I tried the tub but before I had it more than 1/2 filled it was too heavy to move. Banner watched the tub fiasco with interest but that was as far as we got. No water bed for him this year.

  • Balboa

Balboa also turns 5 this year. His birthday is coming up in August. August 14 to be exact. Balboa is my lap cat. Where Banner is regal and aloof, Balboa is timid and shy with strangers. Not so with Banner or me. He is my high flying kitty. He likes to be up high and chases toys in leaps and bounds. That includes his big brother. He is also the leader of the demolition team. You’ve heard the expression “This is why we can’t have nice things”. Well that’s Balboa. He is also ridiculously funny.

Balboa photo credit Deb Neumann

Just look at those eyes. You can see the insanity!

🎁 Gifts, Real and Imagine

Their birthday gifts included handmade toys, a new paper bag,  a new cat scratcher shaped like a cactus (how fitting, right?), and the ultimate luxury—a nap uninterrupted by vacuum cleaners.

Cactus Cat Tree-

But the real gift was in the ritual. These feline birthdays remind me to slow down, appreciate softness, and indulge in silliness. They ground me in quiet moments and encourage me to create little bits of magic—not because it’s necessary, but because it’s meaningful.

🌙 Looking Ahead

Next year? I’m dreaming of a “Zen & Zoomies” spa retreat for Banner and a pirate-themed tunnel adventure for Balboa. Whatever the plan, it will be theirs—and that’s what makes it purrfect.

Cactus Cat Tree available at Welcominghaven.com

Additional Pet resources can be found on Amazon. I am an Amazon affiliate

Its International Tiger Day

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🧡 Roaring Back: Tigers, India, and the Power of Rediscovery 🧡

Every year on July 29, the world pauses to honor one of nature’s most iconic predators: the tiger. International Tiger Day, also known as Global Tiger Day, began in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit with a bold goal—double the number of wild tigers by 2022. In 2025, India stands as a beacon of hope, having not only met but surpassed that target.

Photo credit Deb Neumann

🐅 India’s Tiger Triumph

India is now home to over 3,700 wild tigers, representing 75% of the global population. This remarkable recovery didn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of decades of conservation work under initiatives like Project Tiger, launched in 1973. The strategy blends protected reserves, community engagement, and modern technology like GPS tracking to monitor tiger movements.

Photo Credit Deb Neumann

What makes India’s approach unique is its emphasis on coexistence. Tigers aren’t confined to isolated parks—they roam landscapes shared with over 60 million people. Through compensation programs, eco-tourism, and education, communities have become active partners in conservation. In places like Pilibhit and Dudhwa, grassroots efforts and “Bagh Mitras” (Tiger Friends) help prevent conflict and build trust.

🌍 Lessons from “Extinct or Alive”

This story of tiger resurgence echoes the spirit of the TV show Extinct or Alive, hosted by wildlife biologist Forrest Galante. The show follows Galante as he searches for animals believed to be extinct, often uncovering evidence that they still survive in remote corners of the world.

In one episode, Galante’s team rediscovered the Fernandina Island Galápagos tortoise, a species unseen for over a century. Another episode featured the Zanzibar leopard, caught on camera in a moment that challenged long-held assumptions about extinction. These discoveries remind us that extinction isn’t always final—sometimes, it’s a call to look closer, listen harder, and believe in nature’s resilience.

India’s tiger story is a real-world version of this ethos. It proves that with science, cultural respect, and community support, even the most endangered species can make a comeback.

https://preview.redd.it/do-you-think-the-javan-tiger-is-truly-extinct-or-no-v0-qyrh8tif69lb1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=74d07341c51fed1249f40acf2f8cb7e75bc4f012

Javan Tiger- Extinct or Alive

🌱 Why Tigers Matter

 Tigers  are more than majestic creatures—they’re keystone species. Their presence helps regulate prey populations, maintain forest health, and support biodiversity. Forests where tigers thrive also act as carbon sinks, protect water sources, and reduce flood risks.

Saving tigers means saving entire ecosystems—and by extension, ourselves.

🐾 Final Roar

On this International Tiger Day, let’s celebrate not just the tiger’s survival, but its return. Let’s honor the communities, scientists, and storytellers who keep hope alive. And let’s remember that extinction is not a closed door—it’s a challenge to open new ones.

Because sometimes, the roar isn’t gone—it’s just waiting to be heard again.

 

 

199,000+ Tiger Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images ...

Stock Photo

 

Tails From the Cat Side

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Cat Tales (Tails)

Time for “Tails from the Cat Side”. I told you that my kitty shenanigans in our evening play sessions needed a post all of their own and I mean it. My usually quiet and boring fur babies turn 15 minutes of playtime into the “Eve of Destruction”. It came as a shock to me the first time it happened but I think I’ve got a handle on it now.

Oh the mess

Bed Time-Play Time

I try to play with my cats in the evening as that’s when they are most likely to be around. During the day they like to watch birds and squirrels out the window or sleep.  I have a bunch of interactive toys they can play with too if I’m busy. Everything from a laser that runs for 15 minutes before it shuts off to good old fashioned paper bags but lately I’ve had trouble holding their attention.  They had no interest in me and would just ignore the toys and walk away. 

Feline Wrestle-mania

Of course the minute I walked away to go to bed they had a hissy fit. Banner led to charge with the Song of his people in loud wails. Balboa added tiny chips and irritated meows. I had to do something. So I made an emergency trip to PetSmart for a bunch of “Wand” Toys.

Product Whisker City® Multi Ribbon Boa Teaser Toy Wand

Whisker City® Multi Ribbon Boa Teaser Toy Wand

 

 

 

This was the favorite.

Wand Toy Playtime

Both Banner and Balboa seemed to like chasing this toy and we had a lively few minutes before they wandered off to lay down.  They really put some effort into chasing it and there was no more evening serenade. It seemed to satisfy their need for bedtime attention …at first.

I made the mistake of letting them catch the wand. 

I flipped the boa over Balboa’s head instead of dragging it along the floor. OMG! He exploded into the air. If it had been a bird it’s life would be over.

Balboa flies

 

 

Balboa jumped so high he looked like a cartoon kitty.  I can’t take a picture fast enough and handle the wand. Unfortunately Balboa won’t “perform” for anyone but me. He hides whenever anyone else comes around so you’ll need to use your imagination.

Destruction

Banner is just as violent but at ground level. I guess we have air force and infantry here. The Boa didn’t last long. I switched to feathers and Banner made short work of that one. 

 

Wand before playtime

Boa Wand after Playtime

 

The remains of the feather wand after 5 minutes with Banner

Some of the feather remains

I’m using a fuzzy wand now. It looks like a squirrel’s tail. They both really get going after that and it seems to be a little less delicate. Maybe this will last more than a day or two.

My Life is Ruled by Tiny Furry Overlords

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My Furry Overlords

My cats are weird, You probably remember

they are named Banner (Orange cat) and Balboa ( Black Cat)

Banner & Balboa, Furry Overlords

 

They are much more dependent on me than I expected. Maybe because I adopted both as kittens they learned to rely on me for fun and play. They can’t seem to amuse themselves at all and worse, they hate when I am busy doing anything that does not include them! I have time for this post only because they are both sleeping right now

Last night I had to attend a condo meeting. It ran from 7 pm to close to 9pm. I don’t go out much at night but I was quite surprised to have both tiny terrors frantically running around my feet when I came in. Day trips for shopping and errands are hardly noticed I guess they don’t like being alone when its dark.

Banner hates to go to bed. He will be a quiet little gentleman all day but the minute I get in bed he starts to sing the song of his people…loudly. I have to get up and hold him, pet him and cuddle him or he doesn’t calm down. Balboa just wants to sleep with me. After frantically making biscuits on me for an hour. Is it any wonder I’m always tired?

 

 

Aside from keeping my “masters” Happy and content I’ve been following the news about Kilauea. 

Hawaii volcano produces tall lava fountaining in latest episode of Kilauea eruption | AP News

AP News-Kilauea Eruption

Photo from FB feed

 

She’s putting on quite the show these days. I wish I could take a trip to Hawaii to see it in person but I’m not sure I’d want to fly anywhere even if I could justify the expense. Seems like there is a plane crash or incident every week!   

Well Balboa just got up and per usual he is trying to climb my leg. Man that hurts. Its amazing that he doesn’t draw blood! That means my writing time is over. so until I get another break, adios! 

 

RIP 399

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Grizzly 399

Grizzly 399 was , without a doubt, the most famous Grizzly in the Yellowstone/Grand Teton eco-system. She was so famous that when I went to Jackson Hole in 2017 even I had heard of her.  Sadly Grizzly 399 was killed in a car/bear accident about a week ago. She was 28. 28 is old for any grizzly but especially a wild bear. 

photo credit- unknown

Grizzly 399 was unique in that she was still birthing cubs every year.  This bear produced 18 offspring over the years. Another reason she became so famous is that she lived close to Jackson Hole so was more visible than most. It wasn’t unusual for her to be spotted along a roadside with her cubs. Fans even sent texts and posted on social media where she might be seen. That was how I was lucky enough to get a glimpse of the  bear and 2 cubs when I was in Wyoming and know that it was this famous bear,

My Sighting

I was heading back to the condo where I was staying after a day touring Yellowstone National Park. The geysers had been plentiful but wildlife had been scarce. I’d just crossed into Grand Teton National Park when I saw a lot of cars pulled off the road. I parked, grabbed the camera and trotted up to the crowd. I could see a lot of pointing and low talking so I approached one of the people in front of me. He told me Grizzly 399 was in the area with 2 cubs.  Right about then I heard someone say “There she is!” And cameras came out all along the roadside. I got as close as I could but having arrived late I wasn’t in the best location.  Here’s what I was able to capture.

3 bears out for a stroll

Grizzly 399 and 2 cubs -2017 photo Credit Deb Neumann

Into the woods

Grizzly 399 -2017 photo Credit Deb Neumann

Mangelsen Gallery

If you want to see really beautiful photos of Grizzly 399 you have to visit the Mangelsen Gallery in Jackson Hole. His work is some of the finest Wildlife Photography I have ever seen and he has some outstanding images for Grizzly 399 over the years. 

Ode to 399

28 is old for a bear and sooner or later we were going to have to say goodbye to this iconic grizzly. At least we know what happened to her. She could have denned up for a winter and never come out. No matter what it would be sad. Part of me is thankful that we know what happened to her and part of me is angry that it was due to humans that this amazing bear is gone. At the same time having driven those roads and seen how dark they can be I can understand how it happened. RIP Grizzly 399. You will be missed.

 

Photo credit -unknown