Category Archives: Pets

🖤 The Unlucky Myth: Why Black Cats Deserve Better

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Its National Black Cat day

Today is a chance to help black cats everywhere cast off their underserved reputation as an omen of bad luck.  As the lead in to Halloween we take a moment to show our love and support for this mis- understood feline.

 

 

A Shadowed Reputation

Despite their sleek beauty and playful personalities, black cats often face unfair stigma. Rooted in centuries-old superstitions, these felines are still seen by some as omens of bad luck—a myth that continues to cast a long shadow over their fate.

The Adoption Gap

According to several animal-advocacy groups and adoption agencies, black cats experience significantly lower rates of adoption compared to their more colorful counterparts. Their dark coats may make them less noticeable in shelters, and outdated beliefs can deter potential adopters.

A Grim Reality

Tragically, this bias has real consequences. Black cats are euthanized at higher rates than other breeds, simply because they’re overlooked or misunderstood. Shelters often struggle to find homes for them, especially during peak intake seasons.

 

Turning the Tide

It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Black cats are just as loving, quirky, and magical as any other feline. By choosing to adopt a black cat, you’re not only gaining a loyal companion—you’re helping dismantle harmful myths and giving a deserving animal a second chance.

Our pet model for this post is Balboa, the photographer Deb Neumann. All rights reserved

Last Call for Halloween Decor and T-Shirts

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🎃 Things Are Getting Batty at Welcoming Haven!

We’re wrapping up our ghosts and skeletons, but there’s still time to grab your favorite Halloween decor and T-shirts before the season slips away.
Even as Christmas starts to crowd in, candy corn is still on the shelves—and so are a few spooky tees and festive touches to haunt your home in style:

 

Before the Christmas crowd fully elbows its way in, here’s your last call to grab the spooky, silly, and sensational:

  • 👻 Ghostly Night Lights — perfect for chasing away the shadows (and maybe a mischievous cat or two).

  • 🎃 Faux Pumpkins — bright, bold, and blissfully rot-proof. They won’t wrinkle or attract raccoons—your porch is safe and stylish!

 

And don’t forget your furry sidekick! Amazon’s got the best pet costumes for your little goblin, whether they’re channeling a lion, a taco, or a tiny Dracula.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means Welcoming Haven may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we truly love and think you will too!

 

Halloween Pet Costumes

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🎃 Pet Costumes for Halloween

We regret to announce that Welcoming Haven will not be offering pet costumes for Halloween this year. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to secure reasonable shipping rates from our suppliers. At Welcoming Haven, we’re committed to providing quality products at fair prices—and in this case, we couldn’t meet that standard.

But don’t worry! There are still plenty of adorable options out there.

🛍️ Amazon has a wide selection of pet costumes—from spooky to silly, cozy to creative. You can explore their collection and order directly here.

These are just a few samples available through Amazon.

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support Welcoming Haven at no extra cost to you.

Happy Halloween

 

House Calls & Cat Quirks

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Banner & Balboa’s Annual Check-Up: House Calls & Cat Quirks

Every fall, our home transforms into a mini veterinary clinic—complete with treats, towels, and a touch of drama. Ross Veterinary House Calls, our trusted mobile vet, arrives with calm expertise and a gentle touch, making wellness visits a breeze (well, mostly).

Banner: The Brave Bag Boss

Banner, ever the confident explorer, greets the vet with curiosity and a flick of his tail. He hops onto the scale like it’s a stage, gets his shots without a flinch, and even tolerates the nail clippers like a seasoned pro. Once the exam wraps up, he dives into his favorite game: “cat bag”—a spirited romp through the vet’s carrier bag, as if to say, “I conquered this quest!”

Balboa on drugs

Balboa: The Fraidy Cat with Flair

Balboa, on the other hand, prefers a more theatrical approach. Our sweet, sensitive boy needs a little help to face the vet—specifically, a calming medication to ease his nerves. Once he relaxes, the vet conducts the exam smoothly, though Balboa keeps a wary eye on the nail clippers. His bravery shines through in quiet moments: a soft purr, a slow blink, a gentle lean into the vet’s hand.

Nails, Needles, and Not-So-Normal Playtime

Both cats get their nails trimmed—Banner with stoic patience, Balboa with a sleepy sigh. The shots are quick, the check-up thorough, and the post-exam cuddles are plentiful. It’s a ritual that blends health with heart, and thanks to Ross Veterinary House Calls, it all happens in the comfort of home.

In the End

Banner and Balboa both sailed through their exams with flying colors. Banner wanted to roll around and nap on the scale so it took a couple of tries to pin down his weight. Still hanging steady at 17.04 lbs. He’s a big boy!

Balboa indulged in his drama even with  a dose of meds but bounced back quickly. His weight came in at 12.05 lbs. A little chunky for his build but not too bad. Let’s just say he’s a “healthy boy”.

They are all set for another year and always nice to see our mobile vet.

 

 

October – Black Cat Awareness Month

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🖤 Celebrating Balboa: Black Cat Awareness Month

October isn’t just for pumpkins and spooky tales—it’s also Black Cat Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the sleek, mysterious felines who’ve long been misunderstood. And who better to represent this cause than Balboa, the regal, mischievous heartthrob of Around Dusty Roads?

Balboa isn’t just a cat—he’s a shadow dancer, a sunbeam chaser, and a purring poet in fur. Yet despite their charm, black cats like Balboa often face unfair odds in shelters due to centuries-old superstitions.

🐾 Myths, Misconceptions, and Missed Connections

From medieval Europe to modern pop culture, black cats have been tangled in tales of witchcraft and bad luck. Some still believe that a black cat crossing your path is a sign of doom. But as Groucho Marx quipped, “A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.” Balboa would add—with a flick of his tail—that it’s probably toward a sunlit nap or a snack.

 

 

These outdated beliefs have real consequences. Studies show black cats are less likely to be adopted than their lighter-colored counterparts. Their features can be harder to photograph, and they’re often overlooked in crowded shelters. It’s a heartbreaking irony: the very traits that make them elegant and enigmatic are the ones that keep them waiting for homes.

🐈‍⬛ Balboa Breaks the Spell

Balboa’s story is a reminder that black cats are anything but unlucky. He’s a daily dose of joy, a midnight-colored muse who inspires blog posts, product spotlights, and cozy evenings. His antics—whether chasing shadows or curling up beside a book—prove that love, not superstition, should guide our choices.

A Balboa Blep- photo credit Deb Neumann

This October, let’s rewrite the narrative. Share stories of your black cats, support shelters, and consider adopting a feline like Balboa. Because behind every black coat is a heart full of magic.

photo credit Deb Neumann