Tip of the Week
Snails aren’t just for eating algae! Freshwater snails make wonderful pets as additions to many aquariums.  But remember, most snails do not thrive on algae and will need their diet supplemented with other goodies!  More info to come when the new Snail Care page is up!

Tip of the Week Archives

The Scratching Post by Levi

Save a Kitty

“Levi, how come I hear about people paying a lot of money for a kitty when I know there are a lot of them who would take a home for nothing?”

“Well, Gordon, a lot of people want a particular kind of kitty…certain color, certain size, certain hair coat.”

“Ok.  So what’s wrong with all the other kitties?”

“Nothing is wrong with them, G.  They all make good pets. There are places called “shelters” that are full of kitties who need homes who lost their homes for lots of reasons.”

“I know all about shelters, guys.  I had a home before I was sent to the shelter.  But then I got really sick. It’s not fun being there and I just wanted a nice warm home to go to.  I don’t know why my first parents sent me there. I’m just happy to be here now.”

"Oh P-Kiddy! I had no idea!!!  I was wondering where you came from!  Why would someone make their kitty loose their home?”

"There are lots of reasons, Little G.  Some people just can’t take care of them anymore, some didn’t want them to begin with, some people find the kitties on the street and take them to the shelter so they can find a good home.”

“It sounds like these kitties need homes more than the high priced kitties.  Why doesn’t everyone go to a shelter to save a kitty?”

“Well, that’s the word we need to spread.  All of us were saved one way or another.  I was a baby cat once….I was found running down the highway with cars rushing by me as I ran down the yellow line.  Mom’s Mom snatched me up and brought me to Dad and Mom.  Diablo is too lazy to tell his story so I will.  His owners never came back for him when he broke his leg.  He was left at the hospital to be put to sleep since they didn’t want him any more.”

“Mom took me home so I wouldn’t have to go back to the shelter anymore.  I am much happier here!”

“P-Kiddy, I am so shocked that you’ve been at the shelter!  You’ll have to tell me more what that was like later.  I do remember having a home before but I had to live outside and my owners hated me because I wasn’t pretty like their other kitties.  But the other kitties were wild and mean and I tried my hardest to be nice but they still didn’t like me.  That was when I was put in a little box and when it opened I saw Dad and Mom. They had me in a nice warm home and I’ve been here ever since.”

“So you see, guys, we are all much happier in our home now.  None of us are certain kinds of cats, not fancy like the ones on TV…just cats.  Dad and Mom love us and we are happy.  More people should go to shelters to save kitties.  There is even a “newspaper” with “ads” for free kitties.  There are so many more kitties that are just like we were who need nice warm homes to live in.  Hopefully more people will go to their shelter when they are on the look out for a new buddy.”

“I hope so too.”

“Me too!”

Visit Levi's The Scratching Post Archives:

Cat's Need Heartworm Prevention, Too!

Relief is On the Way!

Not Another Food Change!

Some special points of interest this month include:

	Got an algae problem in your betta tank and are thinking of getting a snail?  Better visit The Think Tank before getting the little guy.
	Think your bird needs a pal or mate in her cage?  This isn't always the best thing for all pet birds.  Paisley will fill you in on Cheep Talk!
	Cats come in all shapes, sizes, colors, breed and prices!  Just because a pure bred cat costs more doesn't mean that a cheaper cat, one from a shelter, might not make a good pet as well.  The boys discuss it on The Scratching Post.