PAW Prints: Imprinting on Human and Pet Lives

Pawtraits: Leaving an Impression

• Hello My Darlings:

I have just been away on an extended trip.  This time it was for family reasons, my twin sibling Jenni has passed away after a lengthy illness.  Although we lives in different cities, we were so connected often using our 'cat intuition'.  I received lots of emails on this matter, so I thought I would write a gentle post.

I know this topic doesn't come up very often, in human and cat culture we don't often speak comfortably about death; passing, moving on into "Cat Heaven". Here we can discuss these matters, this is is a safe place we call cat sanctuary.

Cats and humans are not unlike, all of us leave a "paw prints" when we are born.... imprinting on our relationships, this continues as we journey along the road map of life.  Babies and kittens are born, they grow in body, size and develop into wonderful companions we call family.  The "Paw Prints" become memories, photo's, video's stored in our hearts for eternity...this I share from PURSONAL experience.  I'm sure you have your own.

Making a connection!!

The cycle of life is rich, with many journeys shared with humans, animals alike. We are inextricably 'connected' from the moments we meet through 'adoption', 'birth' the bonding begins at a very early age. We call this 'chemistry', the bonding begins the relationship is formed often for a long time.

Always remembering!!

Losing a loved one is very difficult, painful, as deep as any physical wound (I have counselled many human and cat parents on this matter).  Time is often the best healer.

Health in both human and the animal communities can be affected by age and disease, the best we can do is to reply on our Veterinary and Physicians for their advice and quality of care.



Aspects of Imprinting : Human    and Feline                                     

Cat Prints

Human Foot Print

Here is a list of steps to help with the grieving process (there is no right or wrong in this):
1). Recognize that 'grief' is real, honour the mourning stage, recognizing it is both emotional and physical;
2) Veterinarians ,Humans physicians and Clergy can provide - bereavement counselling. Thank you various clergy and to Downtown Animal Hospital http://www.downtownanimalhospital.ca/  and Eden Counselling for their invaluable help and advise http://edencounselling.ca 
 3) Seek support from 'other furry friends'  and 'humans';

4) Be kind to yourself during this time;
5) There is often a need to fill the broken heart, to fill in that space that is missing;
6) Express yourself the best way you can: Do something creative as you move though the process: write, listen to music, you will know at the time;
7) Honour your beloved "pet"  that is appropriate for you;
8) Everyone will will have their own way of coping and moving on
9) Fill your heart with memories;
10) Time is the best healer

A great friend of mine J.P. McLean http://www.jpmclean.net/a well known Canadian author sent me a note, which is a lovely thought:
"Pets when they die take a little piece of us when they go; this is so that THEY can find US
later".

Other resources
http://www.gatewaypetmemorial.com/memorial.php

We know that there is often that unspoken 'connection'
intuition that animals and humans often share.

 

We hope these resources will help you (thank you to my intern "Cali" for her assistance in using her young paws in gathering this information).

Kalamazoo (Cali) Intern at Large

Do remember the connection, the imprint of paws that each
one of us carries with us from the time we are born. Whether feline, canine or human the leave their signature where ever they have been in the world, city, shall dwell especially that place we call home.

 See you next time on the Diva Paws.....

^..^ CATS: The Art of Sleep Deprivation 101 or PAWING FOR YOUR ATTENTION ^..^ -

Anticipating SPRING!

   

Hello MY Darling!

Welcome to another story from my files!

(Yawning and stretching).  Finally it's SPRING, I never thought it finally come to  "Great Far North".

Are we  'furry creatures' destined to keep their winter coats on until summer?  Mother Nature's Circadian Rhythm was way off LOL ^..^.

As a result of the early change of clocks before April, there have been some hillarious  musings in my in box! Thank you for all of you who have shared your stores!  This one goes out to Vanessa Rose.  I'd love to meet your beloved companion.....or would I......LOL

She writes:

Bed time MANIPULATION 

"Well, the night time routine of getting my ALPHA FEMALE  (Little Lady)  was uneventful.Apart from the usual .....simply trying to get her to bed before 1:00 a.m.     The turning off of the television to the command "Bed Time, time for snacks".  Massage and a little brushing followed by kibble in 'HER MAJESTIES'  dish.

Sipping on my warm milk I envisioned a restful slumber.. As she proceeded to in hail the food like those 'mini hand held vacuums'  for quick clean ups.    Gobble, smack smack ..in dog like behavior!!!! Well, who else is here, did she think I WAS GOING TO EAT HER FOOD!!! The dish is as shiny as a new penny!!! LOL.

Oh yes.....

 A little pat on the small of her back to "Go to Sleep, Settle".  Go far so good........^..^ The rhythmic  kneading (booying, booying...a bakers dozen in the making), fluffing up the bed sheets and comforter into that purfect nest.  !!  Umm this could be a while..(sigh)

I anticipated a long nights sleep and for once. I didn't have to get up; or stir to hear her rooting around in her toy box or hear items on the dining room table being knocked in a succession of PLONK, PLONK making it HER OWN..little did I know.


I was dreaming of an English village, enjoying a coffee around 11:00 a.m. daydreaming waiting for a friend to join me.   Off in a intuitive MUSE thinking of my next article. Reality came as a  rather loud, rude pursistent annoying  'tap, tap, tap'  Like a tea cup making contact into the saucer in a reckless heavy handed style devoid of any social graces associated with this gentle art of tea drinking!!! 

Step 1:  HUMAN you will NOT SLEEP!!

A different reality --- fussy headed, time was distorted....I was waking up. (charming@@@!) Disorientation,  ...the loss of a  purfect sleep...what's going on!!! Rubbing my uncoordinated fingers over my eyes....to "Little Lady" staring at my with wide eyes of inquisition' FEED ME NOW!

Step 2: I have you UNDER MY SPELL......

 Ignoring HER....covering my head with the sheets......all quiet .....ha bliss!!!!  Cat plonks herself on my pillow taking up all the room;  pushing her back feet into the back of my head......I was hovering on the threshold slipping off.

Step 3: Tap Tap, Tap I will WAKE YOU

Drifting off, again.....why is it sound so magnified when it is so quiet. There it goes again, tap, tap, dish, cup what? I tried to make sense of it all...in the dark.

Step 4:  IT'S WORKING

[Muttering &&&@@@!!! jibberish]. Reaching over to the jar of kibble, dolling out some into her dish. OK OK once she is fed that will be it 'slumber returns'...think again!.

Intuition is easy..... I was smart enough to place a small bowl of water on the bedside table. She is agile and self -serving when it suits HER . (I've seen stand on the edge of the bed balancing like a ballerina, anchoring her nails as a barnacle).

My voice cracks splitting the silence again....."Divva what is it now pray tell".  Looking around into her intuitive /intelligent eyes."Momma, I want water now"
......I remarked "Then go and get it, I'm not wet nursing you".   Her eyes glowered back.  (I knew that a look too well). I brought the water bowl over TO THE  pillow, wedging it carefully...holding it with my hand...(like an obedient servant she expected) Looking into my half slit eyes. The message was clear as mesmerizing eyes...trapped again thought I "Oh good I've got you UNDER MY SPELL".    My brain was trying to wrap my head around this BRAND NEW BEHAVIOR.

As a good pet mum I had always tried to be flexible to the Circadian Rhythms of MY cat....didn't I?  To be truthful, it didn't do well with my Diva Scottish ( peppered with Italian) temperament.   

Step 5 : the VICTORY LICK! 

 She finished drinking....phew.....what time was it 5:30 a.m. (thank you very much)!! Great 4 hours sleep.......!!!!!!! I put the water dish back of her on the bedside table....covered myself yet again and told her to "settle" she new this command as it kitten....it has always worked...(yawning  I drifted into semi conscious state).

"Tap, tap, tap (oh not again, was that the clunk of the morning paper hitting the threshold of the door).  In the half twilight of the morning....there again...Divva...tapping to the purcussion of the dish!!!!


 Relentless to WIN over this Divva as the last ditched attempt to prove I was the MORE intelligent species.  I then got more kibble and brought it over to her towel the bed and placed her catnip ball...this should do it...

Step 6:  Be nonchalant always WIN over YOUR HUMAN

What lesson did I learn that fitful night/morning!  "Never underestimate YOUR CAT".  Exceptional and highly intelligent. With every lit of cunning as a illusionist ...the master of deception.. She will always twist the situation to HER own advantage!!!"


Well, MY Darlings......remember a good scheme is worth the wait....

^..^  remember to follow me ^..^.

We love to hear your stories..........remember to follow the Divva more about antics and food here (click on the link)  Acrobatics food and more!



Find me here too:  FB  https://www.facebook.com/jenni.divva?fref=ts

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^..^Summary:  Relationships are so very important, whether they are human, feline or canine.  We share our lives with our precious friends we call devoted companions.  Blessings come in the form of life's lessons.  Alpha female or males can bring out the best revealing their individual characteristics in any species.  The challenge is to fine the humour and enjoy it!! ^..^

The Friday File - Aspects of Relaxtion the Challenges of Mechanics

 

Hello MY Darlings (smirking).

Well you thought I'd NEVER ASK, the obvious question! What about relaxation?  Mother nature gave this to cats on a 'purfect platter'.  Never ask pur-mission just take it ....like YOU own it!

I've had lots of emails coming across by busy PAWS DESK on dealing with relaxation and personal relationships.  I had to get MY Secretary to sit on the papers as there were so many.  The whirling of the printer was giving such a headache even my whiskers hurt.  EXIT to my secret 'cat door flap' (I use this as a back door, so patients don't see my entering into the front door of the office)!

Stretching I ordered my large saucer of milk. I had a feeling it was going to be one of those days!  My whiskers tell me so....vibrate+ radar =cat sense. MY Secretary is trained so we don't have to natter.......all done by intuition!  That tuned in feeling... LOL)!

  

I had recently implemented a new system into my practice "Catnip Therapy". For those... cat-tankerous clients. Clinically identifies as having cat baggage' From kitten to cat hood.......they never developed the skills to 're-lax'.                 

 Oh, yes paw pointing by human family members, felines too. Meowing: Bengal, 'diva' 'divo' 'cat-tankerous' (variation on human: cantankerous), hissy fit!! 

It doesn't matter how many 'cat degrees' you have or the experience you have....the challenges will always be there!!!

Enter Patient: Count Boris, a Russian Blue ...from Australia. I had done my research..he didn't fit the usual definition given his behavior.

New Patient: Count Boris

(The Russian Blue is a cat breed that has a silver-blue coat. They are very intelligent and playful, but tend to be shy around strangers. They develop close bonds with their human companions and are sought out as pets due to their personalities and coat. The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed that may have originated in the port of Arkangelsk, Russia. They are also sometimes called Archangel Blues. It is believed that sailors took Russian Blues from the Archangel Isles to England and Northern Europe in the 1860s. The first recorded appearance outside of Russia was in 1875 at the Crystal Palace in England, as the Archangel Cat. The Russian Blue competed in a class including all other blue cats until 1912, when it was given its own class).

"Mr. Boris", saunters into my office stomping, arrogant cat body language (hissing under his breath, mowing and carrying on so loudly).  I managed to catch his stared him down...as I do.

I offered him some freshly brewed tea. Putting my baseball mitt paws of authority on my desk -- looking through my glasses!    I pointed to the huge arm chair where he could chill out!  A few moments to let the catnip take hold (LOL).

Facial Expressions- Catnip 101

Step 1: Gently in hail through the nose

I employed a few facial expressions (breaking the ice just to make him laugh) I'd used this 1000 of times on patients!!

Step 3: roll it around your face - relax

Step: 2  inhail gently

I knew I had to monitor and control him, so I made a game out of it!  His gruff demeanor was softening (just a little)

Step 4: Let yourself GO

 
I had MY secretary record the session (permission given by Mr. B).  She came in on my paw cue. The electric bed hummed lowered to the floor , I said to him. "we don't want you to fall off". I will check on you in 20 minutes".  I trotted into my office, then lapped a small bowl of milk, to gather my focus.

(Chortling) I observed patient through the two way mirror. His front and back paws flat out....he looked like road kill (sorry the only metaphor I could think of LOL).

He had to turn over...lowering himself onto his belly. His right paw out to steady himself. Zoooooooop......to our complete surprise .....the table started to MOVE OUT from THE WALL????? The gap got wider and wider!!! Cooly I meowed...... "Secretary, grab his back paw gently."  He was like a amoeba sliding off a slippery rock!!!!  Bullump.......... he slid onto the floor wedging himself between the table and wall.  It was like trying to hold onto wet spaghetti.

The 4 brakes were not secured?? The cleaners forgot to put them on after last night.!! "Mr Boris" was so relaxed he didn't react, a melodic purr emanated from his belly......we got him to his feet got him to sit, checking him over. In a busy practice, even under 'controlled' environment no one came predict mechanical issues or 'human nature'.  

We got him a 'cat-cat' and called an hour later...........................

 

"Mr. Boris" wearing off the catnip with family

Lesson of the day: Humility often comes at surprising times, both for patient and practitioner alike.........if should happen to YOU...SIMPLY LET IT GO!!!

Move on, get those PAWS moving and chase a few BIRDS.....


Hindsight is often 20/20 mixed in with grace....

See you next time MY DARLINGS...........^..^

To Be or Not to BE: Cat and Dog Supplements for the taking???

 Hello MY Darlings:


I have had a lot of questions pass my desk on the issue of: cat care, supplements. 


Like HUMANS,  we need to take care of our  feline and canine bodies: chomping on 'cat grass' or the casual stretch doesn't do it sometimes we need help ...DARLINGS! (Purring and washing face)

  A girl has to look after herself.

While my PAWS are geared to counselling, wrapping MY mind as a ball of wool in intellectual pursuits.   ^..^ Always consult with your Veterinarian on animal health. Occasionally, YOUR Secretary or HUMAN can make moderate suggestions! 

(Lyrically throat - munnenyow, munndenyow)

^..^I've peppered this blog with a little DIVA humour (as you know I would, we cats like to make a game of it)! 

Do you have your PAWS ready? Get your HUMAN to bring you a snack of kibble and a cool bowl of water!

In my practice, clinical field work and resource often overlap life. Oh yes I admit it ..... "How to drive your human crazy, and have fun in the process"!   I've collected some of the 'sage comments' from emails / See what you think!!!
 

 Cat PURSECTIVE and casual observations:  

^..^1) (Paw on hip with air of authority). Look cats don't (or won't) chew supplements - no self respecting DIVA would. Dogs do LOL  (cause they WILL eat anything on command or simply do it to please you);

Ask the right questions -

^..^2) Chihuahua writes: "We are not like cats and often won't ask WHY, as the food being offered or treat is the reward - (cats will sniff and back up if not sure as they are the inspectors)"!

^..^3) "Dogs love to PLEASE humans, and wag, wag, wag of the tails. Is the food for me? Is it? Is it"?  Ever see us at the vets we love to socialize not matter what".

^..^4) Pill cutting: - poor human tries "The Alfred Hitchcock Approach".  A little mystical planning ---knife carefully poised on the supplement. (Human thinks 'How hard can this really be'.  Diva anticipates the obvious.....broken into million pieces. Tap, tap, tap.......

P

I can't Watch!

ing, ping, wang, pong ricocheting  round the kitchen. (Diva laughing impersonating "Bette Davis" ).  Better than a tennis match or like buzzing bees in flight.  MY human used so much force that the flat bladed knife, her face got as red as a fire breathing dragon.  I thought her ears were going to emit smoke like a steam engine! Enough to set off the fire alarm";

I'm getting dizzy!

                                                                                                                                                                            ^..^5) (Yawning bored) "She tried also tried mix them in my water bowl,ummm lets play!

It passed the time as I waited for my dinner!!!  ha ha ha, loving it'!

 

^..^6) "The supplement is a nice purple colour!  Will it make my tongue the same? 

Will it change the colour of MY water. Will it match My theatrical outfits or shoes? Do they glow in the dark?  Are they fish or chicken flavored...sure don't look like kids Flintstones".

^..^7) "Do "Vet labs"  have a special group of humans they call 'taste testers'. I bet they didn't tried them either'!

^..^8) "Watch out for those 'pill givers' instruments, keep your mouth shut. Yes, humans have to be trained in this skill...however..........

Be like a clam-shell  hide pills in the corner of your mouth! Split them out like cherry pips, she won't find them until later'. 

I remember MY human shared a story.....I listening lapping on my bowl of milk. (Thoughtfully): Her mother as a child, didn't like 'bread crusts' and used to hide them in her apron. Then ran down to the 'chicken coop' (did someone say CHICKEN) in the bottom of the garden, gratefully offering these tender morsels!  Another strategy was to hid them in the hall cupboard under the stairs, to be found later at some unknown date!  She was one smart human.....I like her style!!!! ^..^! This just might work ...ummmm.

That's a good story! PAWS for Thought!

Well MY darlings, what has been your experience with 'pills, supplements' and ways you have managed to 'wriggle out' pill popping adventures!

Be sure to comment in the blog and invite your furry friends along for the ride!

Follow me here:    DivaPaws4Advice

So you like Sleeping Do YOU!!! ROOM SERVICE 101

Well I see you are STILL SLEEPING, I've been up for HOURS!

Good morning MY darlings!

ROOM SERVICE 101.........Wakey Wakey, its dawn…I see you sleeping! So ….are you? Thought you could sleep! Ah yes, the eyes are tight shut and you are snoring as usual.  What is the matter with you it is 5:00 a.m. I’ve already been prowling the morning sky for birds; a little snack before I wake you up!!!

Diva distracts, acts, stealing the morning slumber from her human!



I want my breakfast – NOW!


Do you hear ME, my day job at the theatre starts at 11:00 a.m. Just in time for English elevenses....the civilized hour for sipping tea before noon!.

I'm ready to perform....however I do have an ulterior motive  FOOD!(shaking her head and hips, wagging her tail in defiance  - tap, tap, tap)!! Get UP!

Oh.... I see toes..dare to me bite them!

I have plans for you…..thought I was innocent, oh yes, my sweet darling face could have been give away. (Smirking) But it isn’t.it isn't!   Humans have one purpose ONLY …to SERVE DIVA CATS!!!!!!

I promise to:  Make you jump out of your skin, yell in your ear with meows that will shatter glass!!! Before 7:00 a.m.!!! Can you dig it girl???

For those new kittens on the block here are the STEPS you need to take. (get your paws ready to take notes with a bowl of milk!). A refresher for the seasoned cats!

How to GET YOUR BREAKFAST NOW @^..^@ - :  10 point version:

1)      Observe your human;

2)      Carefully jump on the bed not to make any motion;

3)      Watch their face, are they snoring (if so creep up to the right or left ear and sit for a moment);

Planning the strategy!!!!

Distracting Aliens

4)      Breathe deeply, expanding the lungs, position yourself until you are one inch from their ear canal – then MEOW in an Operatic voice (KNOWN AS THE BUGLE CALL). 

Diva in fine Operatic form

Oh I see the canine has left the room with tail tucked in fright!

        5)      I love to see my human JUMP OUT OF HER SKIN!!!
LOL ha ha;

        6)      Plan B: if that doesn’t work, look for any exposed feet or toes! You may bite -JUST ENOUGH! You always get what YOU want;

      7)      Jump, on them. Walk over to the bedside table.Knock over the pen, tea cup or electric alarm clock (if it is electric, tap the cord with your paw and send it crashing to the floor);

Oh I expect you will hear moans and groans from YOUR HUMAN SERVANT…..DON’T WORRY. 
 Be ready to duck for throwing objects your way and flaying arms;

  8)      BE pursistant……the goal is to get them up and into the kitchen…FOOD IS THE PRIME DIRECTIVE…..compared to Feline or Dolphins, humans aren't the most intelligent species;

     9)      Sit outside the bedroom door; continue to scream at them glass shattering meows….eventually they will get out of bed;
  
    10)   Keep meowing at them even in the kitchen;

    11)   Look sweet and deserving…that will get them all the time;

Darling my SweeNESS pose 4 YOU

    12)   Devour your breakfast
 (nonchalantly) wash your face and sit with your back turned away from them….this will annoy them greatly;


Remember to strike the ears in a V formation like radar…pretending to be an Egyptian Sphinx.  Even if they talk to you sweetly…IGNORE THEM ^..^

Remember MY DARLINGS……..YOUR HUMAN IS THERE TO SERVE YOU AT ANYTIME, BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER!!!


Remember your ancestors...they wrote the book on 'how to' manipulate humans and control them.

&^..^&click on the thumbnails to see my in FULL LIFE!

Well, next week I'll test you to see how you have purformed!!!!

Write to me and let know who YOU DID!


See you next week....

similar blog posts: http://divapaws4advice.blogspot.ca/2013/04/so-you-want-little-melody-with-your_15.html