Well, the switchover to the new Web site is supposed to happen any minute if things go as planned. So,if one day (or hour) soon you can't read this here, it means I will be there, as soon as the blog is set up there. It will be a little different than for the other blogs, as I have a few of you who also post topics. So don't fret, we'll all find each other again! I hope you all checked out the beta site and signed up for your screen names. Alice did, and she can tell you it's very easy! You can check out the blogs already there to see how the set up is. Blogs appear in a menu bar at the top of the page when you place your cursor over the "Opinion" link, though some will cycle through and be listed on the front as promos.

Can you believe Skeeter might be rendered silent for a bit! She's had tonsil surgery! The Boss recently said when I was sick and taking my temperature that the thermometer was the only thing that could shut me up and that I should take my temp more often. I bet the Saint is living in silence too, since Skeeter probably has a sore throat! AND, a little birdie told me that today is Skeeter's BIRTHDAY! So wish her a happy one! We hope you are feeling better Skeeter and can't wait to hear all about your ordeal!

In honor of her birthday I posted a photo of Sheba drinking out of the bathroom sink. The Saint taught the cats how to do that. He thinks it's funny,but Skeeter said one day she noticed as one of the cats was drinking her butt was rubbing against his toothbrush in the holder on the sink! Ha ha! Still laugh when I think of that.

Pam sent me an article about the effect of smoking on cats. No, cats' can't smoke,but smoking around cats is not good for them. Of course, it's not good for anyone, man or beast, but it seems cats are extra sensitive. Cat owners know how cats can be with respiratory issues. Here's what it said:

"Secondhand smoke poses risks for every member of the family, cats included. Research suggests that living with one smoker in the house doubles a kitty's risk of feline lymphoma, the most common cancer in cats, which kills 75% of its victims within a year of diagnosis. The risk triples when exposure to secondhand smoke occurs for 5 or more years, and quadruples with two smokers in the house.

"Cats get a double whammy from secondhand smoke because they inhale the carcinogens AND they ingest them when grooming. Protect your cat's health by making the inside of your home a smoke-free zone."

So the only butts that should be in your house are the ones rubbing against your toothbrush! Ha!

My Mom always sends me articles she thinks I'd enjoy. The other day she sent me a clipping of a Dear Abby column she read in her paper.

A husband wrote: "My wife is a pug nut. She has two ugly dogs, and she lets them sleep with us. The dogs snore and break wind all night and she thinks it's cute. If I snore or break wind, she tells me it's annoying.She dresses these dogs in expensive gowns and pearls. Now she expects me to drive them 1,200 miles to our vacation home, while she flies. She also wants to buy a third dog. What do I do?"

I had to laugh out loud at this one! Gowns? How does a dog wear a gown! Pearls? Okay, even for me that's way over the top. Of course, The Boss thinks I focus a bit too much on the pets, but not even I would ask him to drive dogs 1,2000 miles while I flew in comfort! Sounds like this guy is totally whipped!

But there are many ways pets are better than spouses. For one, they never poke around at their food complaining. They are thrilled to be served the same exact meal twice a day. For another,they don't talk, so you can never have a spat. The Boss would love it if I were a a dog or cat in this respect, because I can never hold my tongue and have been unable to do so since I learned to talk. I got my haired pulled in kindergarten for talking during story time. That was back in the day when a teacher was still allowed to smack you around if you needed it!

And The Boss would always get miffed if I called from a solo trip to Pennsylvania and immediately asked about the pets before anything. That's rational. I knew he was alive and kicking because he answered the phone! And besides, he knew where I was, but the pets did not. But it never failed to annoy him. That's one thing I'm very good at.

So, any stories about how spouses rank in your pet-filled homes?

Above photo is of Daisy's little dog Bennie, who is my Mom's pride and joy. Mom treats Bennie like the King of the castle. Anything bad he does is blamed on the influence of Murphy, the family's second dog who came to them when Daisy's father-in-law died. Bennie was adopted by my Mom from Inge Irby of Second Chance & Happy Tails when she was here visiting several years ago. It's the place to go if you want to adopt a small-sized canine king of your own.

Okay Pet People. Do not procrastinate! The first of April, The Leaf-Chronicle will switch over to a new Web site. The system will be MUCH easier. Not only will you be able to read and submit news and photos, your new sign-up name or "persona" will allow you to post comments to stories AND blogs and do anything on the site, which is also more of a social networking place.

But you can sign up right now for your new screen name and password. Please do so,so when the switchover happens I am not alone on Pet People! I just did it and it is very easy! No more Google hassle!It takes only minutes. Just go to to beta.theleafchronicle.com

Follow the simple instructions to create an account and you'll be ready to go in April. You can add as much information as you want for your "persona" page. I added the photo above, but you don't have to post a shot of yourself. You can also write a bit about yourself, such as your interests and hobbies. You can even set up your own blog if you want to, which I think is a good idea for the Humane Society as well as other organizations. I will be able to have permanant links on the Pet People page and be able to do a host of other things. For example, Blogger is a PAIN when it comes to including links. I've followed their instructions and it never works! So that's why you'll have to copy and paste the URLs I've included her.

This new setup will really allow us to network better with like-mind animal lovers.When you are done signing up, check out the site. And until the official switchover, you can still come here to post on Pet People.

IMPORTANT: Those of you who also post topics on Pet People. I so appreciate you doing that and want you to KEEP doing it. So, once you have created your new screen name, please e-mail me and let me know what it is so I can add you to list to allow you to post topics. Just e-mail me at sandybritt@theleafchronicle.com. Also, let me know if you have any questions.

ANIMAL NEWS: From the Clarksville Humane Society - eBay auction for pet gift baskets to raise money for a dog who needed expensive surgery. The success of this auction depends a LOT on word of mouth, so please pass this on to your friends. crosspost far & wide. Each items will be posted for 7 days and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.!

Teeki is an 11 lbs. Chihuahua/Dachshund mix rescued from the Ft. Campbell Impound with a badly injured hip that required a surgery known as FHO. Since no other scrapes or trauma was present, the vet’s best guess was Teeki may have been kicked. Her surgery cost nearly $500, and Teeki is worth every penny. In fact, she was recently adopted and is now living in sunny Orlando, Florida!

We are hosting this Ebay auction to offset Teeki's expenses so we can maintain funds in our budget to continue helping other needy pets. Check out pet gift baskets and other items available for your bidding pleasure at http://shop.ebay.com:80/merchant/lov4rotties

ALSO: The Humane Society is looking for creative people who can do a simple project at home. This is also good for children's groups. They need volunteers of all ages to design donation jars to be used as collection points at local businesses and/or at our outreach tables. These canisters can be simple or elaborate... the choice is yours! Make one or 10. Their only request is that no glass be used, since these items are handled frequently so the potential for accidental drops is high. Durable materials like old oatmeal canisters, coffee cans, wood, plastic, etc. all make good canister materials. Locking mechanisms are a bonus but definitely not required. Canisters should stand out in a crowd and include the Humane Society name, Website and phone number.

Please turn in all canisters to the Humane Society downtown office anytime during office hours, but no later than Saturday Apr. 5. Office hours are Monday,Friday and Saturday 9:30-12:30; Wednesday 4:30-7pm; and Thursday 4:30-7:30pm. For more information on the Humane Society, visit their Web site, www.clarksvillehumanesociety.org

I'm a big believer in the power of massage. My mom turned me on to its wonders several years ago when I was having some pain in my hips, and I swear, afterward I felt like I was on stage with a TV evangelist who pronounced me cured of all my ills!

Seriously, I was amazed at how it literally "cured" my pain in that case. Since then, I've gone regularly and it truly does a body good, as it does for many people with various ailments.

D.C. Royalty is the massage therapist I go to, and she's also become a good friend, as she is a big animal lover. She's even certified in pet massage and has helped many pets and also horses with various problems. She's also been involved in supporting the Humane Society over the years. And she's doing it again with a Canine Massage Workshop.

Bring your dog and you'll learn a variety of techniques you can use yourself to help your pet, especially if he has sore joints or ligaments or other problems, as many dogs do, especially our senior friends. Here are the details from a Humane Society Actionline:

The Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery Co. announces a CANINE MASSAGE WORKSHOP hosted by DC. Royalty, LMT and Total Canine Care,Saturday, April 12,from noon until 2 p.m. at Total Canine Care,10 Main Street, Suite B. (to the right as soon as you turn off Riverside Drive on to Main Street). The cost is $30, with all proceeds going to the Humane Society. You'll get two hours of pet massage instruction by DC. Space is limited, so you must pre-register and prepay.

To register, call Shelby Salestrom at Total Canine Care: 931-221-0480.

Some conditions that may improve with the regular massage include: Arthritis, hip dysplasia, stress and tension, muscle soreness, flexibility, performance enhancement, self confidence, overall health and well being and bonding between you and your canine family member.

IMPORTANT: Only one dog per person. No spectators. Dogs must be confined in a carrier or on a leash (no flexi-leads, please). If your dog is uneasy around other dogs, people or groups, please consider using a soft muzzle for everyone’s safety. If you can't bring a dog or have cats as pets, you can still come and learn, as DC will provide a stuffed animal you can practice on, and she'll include tips for your feline friends.

I am going to sign up and bring one of my mutts. It's for a good cause and also good for your pet. You'll learn techniques you can use forever.

So call and make your reservation, and I'll see you there! Maybe we can all go for a walk with our dogs at the RiverWalk after?

Picture above is Catfish trying to give big-head Tarzan a face massage.

Check back tomorrow, as I'll be posting about The Leaf-Chronicle's new Web site going live the first of April. I just signed up with my new "persona" and screen name. It's so easy and you can add a picture of yourself and a short bio. And with your new sign in name you'll be able to post on any area of the site. I PROMISE, it is so easy and not the big hassle it was with signing up for a Google account in order to post comments on the blog. Now I'll be able to easily post links for other site like the Humane Society and other shelters and if you want, you too can start a blog, OR just continue to post on Pet People. Once I post the info, you can go and set up now, as we're in the "beta" test stage for going live. This way, we'll all be ready for the switch over!

A little while back Tina “In the Garden” posted a picture of BJ her Golden with his ball. As Tina takes to the yard to dig a hole to plant something, BJ is there with his ball. As she bends down to pull a weed, BJ is there with his ball. When Tina is in the yard, her Fur Baby BJ is always there with his trusty ball ready for duty.

The Saint and I visited Tina one fall afternoon last year. As we strolled along in her garden, BJ stayed at the Saint’s side with his ball through most of our journey. BJ loved the Saint throwing the ball for him. The Saint missed a lot of the garden due to BJ’s distraction. We need another visit to Tina’s garden some day so the Saint can see what he missed! Hum, I wonder, can a dog be taught to pull weeds? I bet Tina would really enjoy BJ’s help a bit more then!

I am not lucky enough to have a garden helper in the yard with me. My kitties stay in the house at all times where all is secure. This morning I dreamed that I had let Cheetah out to enjoy the sun beam in the backyard and she ran off into the scary woods. I was frantically searching for her to no avail. I woke up from my nightmare to find both my furry babies comfortable snuggled up with me in the bed! Wow, what a relief for me to see my girls snug as bugs in a rug after such a scary dream!

My parents have three cats which stay inside only. However, dad (Big Daddy) has a helper while in the yard. In the picture above, you will see this beautiful fluffy boy (Mr. McTavish) getting the lawn mower seat warmed up for my Big Daddy. This pretty boy belongs to the neighbors but comes to visit my parents every day. Heck, he practically lives with my parents! He has his own spot on the screened porch for snooze time! He follows Big Daddy all over the yard like a little puppy dog. Big Daddy really enjoys him being around to assist in the yard work. Molly dog would follow Big Daddy around in the yard and kept him company. She has been over the Rainbow Bridge for many years now but I know he still misses her. I think Mr. McTavish kind of fills that void feeling while in the yard with Molly’s absence…

Anyone else have any furry help while in the yard for work or a stroll???
Just remember, keep them safe while doing yard work...

The Saint and I just received some really sad news. Our little friend Skeeter has walked over the Rainbow Bridge! She was very special to us and not just due to her name. They had no idea we had a special pet named Skeeter, just a coincidence they name her that. She was the sweetest doggie in the world! She would come to our house to visit us and we kept treats for her. She was gentle, smart and loved to give kisses. She would always bring a smile to our faces with her visits. She was not your typical hyper Jack Russell.

Skeeter was way too young to walk over that Bridge being only 3 years old. I know we have had some really sad postings lately and I am not one to make tears flow but I need to tell you how Skeeter died in hopes that this will not happen to another beloved pet.

Skeeter’s daddy was cutting down a tree. When the tree started to fall, Skeeter was in the way of harm but running from the tree. When daddy yelled at Skeeter to hurry up, she heard her daddy’s voice and like a good little girl, she stopped in her tracks to look back at daddy for the command. And that is when the tree hit her little innocent body. Daddy is devastated over this as Skeeter was his little side-kick going everywhere daddy went.

I know animals have instincts with such things, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your pets away from such harmful things as yard work. In my opinion, a pet should not be in the yard while one is mowing the grass as something horrible could happen to them. So please don’t let little Skeeter’s death be in vain. Let this be a reminder to keep your animals safe while taking on task in the yard which could be harmful to a pet....

In the picture Skeeter had stopped by for one of her visits one summer day after I had been in the yard working. I was hot and tired and had come inside to take a break and was laying on the futon resting. The Saint let her into the house to visit with me. She jumped up on top of me and filled me with kisses. She brought this tired body back to life!

The Saint and I were happy that we had a visit from her last weekend. She filled us with kisses to last a lifetime!

Well! Dragon and Lady Guinevere have gone off for a four-day tryst and have left Shadow (and the other pets) home with a pet sitter!

This is the first time Dragon will be away from the creature that for some misguided reason, worships the ground he walks on. I think Lady G is so jealous of Shadow that she had to lure him away to keep his attention focused on her.

This is a video I received of Shadow enjoying treats a few weeks back.When she was The cat Tweety, she didn't want any treat I offered. She ate her food just fine, but not treats. I guess she just needed the Dragon, who in many respects has her fooled and eating out of his hand.

Any stories you know of or heard of that illustrates a really special bond between a pet and a person? You know, the kind that goes above and beyond the usual love-them-to-pieces. If so, share. And warn us if we'll need tissues!

Pet People reader Gail e-mailed me this photo she thought we'd enjoy.

She said: "That is my fat dog Butter (she is supposed to be a miniature doxi and she is always on a diet, my grandson Jevin and my fat cat Storm (we got him on a terrible, rainy, stormy day and that is how he got his name). My animals are all part of the family... this is only half of them. ;)We also have a chocolate cocker named Knuckles and a calico named Sweetpea."

How sweet all three of them sleep so innocently. Love to see them when the are all awake! And I must say that I love the pet names! they are so creative. I especially like Butter and would have never thought of that for a name. I wonder if Knuckles is for "knuckle head?"

And Gail, yes, doxie's can easily have weight issues. My friend Carmen has one that is the sweetest dog on earth, Josie (sorry Lacey, I love you too!), who was always a little pudgy. Last time I saw her, her diet had been working and she was much thinner. I must admit I miss her pudginess!

So, Gail has two dogs and two cats. It seems we die-hard Pet People always have more than two, doesn't it? Gail, I hope you post sometime and tell us more about your brood.

Seeing Jevin with the dog and cat reminded me of my childhood and pets. I remember my first pet, a dog, Pixie, and my second pet, who I remember much better, a dog named Misty. So how about we talk about any childhood pets and the ways they touched us and what they meant to us then....and now.