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You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Cat Blogging / Much Needed Respite Open Thread: Duck, Dogs and Kitteh

Much Needed Respite Open Thread: Duck, Dogs and Kitteh

by TaMara|  July 7, 20202:49 pm| 55 Comments

This post is in: Cat Blogging, Dog Blogging, Duck Blogging, Pet Blogging, Something Good Open Thread, I Will Cut You If You Muddy This Thread

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I’m going to do my best to ignore the news/internet today. Like everyone else, the last week has really taken a toll on my psyche. So here is some of what keeps me sane:

Much Needed Respite Open Thread: Ducks, Dogs and Kitteh 2

Two and a half years and I’ve yet to convince her she’s not a cat. My poor couch.

Much Needed Respite Open Thread: Ducks, Dogs and Kitteh

Here’s Gabe wondering when I’m going to put the clean sheets back on his bed.

Much Needed Respite Open Thread: Ducks, Dogs and Kitteh 3

Bixby, exhausted after a night of fireworks. Which never bothered him, until this year, but he’s been really out of sorts since I got sick and I am not allowed out of his sight. Ever.

Much Needed Respite Open Thread: Ducks, Dogs and Kitteh 1

I found these at the store a few weeks ago. Striped peppers. Very pretty, normal orange pepper flavor. One ended up in stir fry, the other in a salad.

Much Needed Respite Open Thread: Ducks, Dogs and Kitteh 4

And finally, here is Penelope getting her morning scritches.

That’s it – the other ducks and kittehs declined to offer you respite today.  Maybe another day…

Notes: I have a Guest Post from Werebear coming up and I’m also gonna need some camera advice real soon, when I can stick around and participate in a thread. Thanks to everyone who gave me great advice on the Chromebook earlier.

That’s it! Respite open thread.

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Next Post: Cancel Culture Is When You Tell Me to Shut Up, Not When I Tell You »

Reader Interactions

55Comments

  1. 1.

    trollhattan

    July 7, 2020 at 2:56 pm

    I admire dogs’ ability to get comfortable on whatever hooman furniture they have access to. Also, happy duck is happy. Who doesn’t love ducks?

  2. 2.

    Major Major Major Major

    July 7, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Like everyone else, the last week has really taken a toll on my psyche.

    Ugh, tell me about it. I’m going nuts, need to get out of town for a bit. Go to Montauk or something, I don’t know.

  3. 3.

    WaterGirl

    July 7, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    Gorgeous peppers, gorgeous pups, gorgeous Penelope.

    Poor Bixby, mom’s okay, she really is.

  4. 4.

    EmbraceYourInnerCrone

    July 7, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    I think your dog and mine are related! Mine is a 24 pound mutt/rescue Sato dog but he came to the household after the 3 cats and he learned to curl up on the back of the couch or the recliner,  and sleep/bark at the deer.  SO that is what he does everyday, even after 12 years.  My cats like to “help” make the bed. Funny how it takes 3 times as long with all the “help”.

  5. 5.

    Eunicecycle

    July 7, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    Thank goodness! I was getting myself in a dark place thinking about the family separations again. I can’t get it out of my mind, but at least your doggies, kitties, and ducks make me smile.

    ETA: Our cat thinks she’s a dog. Runs to the door to greet us, always has to be with us,  begs for food.

  6. 6.

    columbusqueen

    July 7, 2020 at 3:08 pm

    Bixby’s muzzle is so silver!

  7. 7.

    Major Major Major Major

    July 7, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    Here’s something cool:

    Swords of fire are an iconic element of contemporary fantasy and ancient mythology, from Sumerian lore (Asaruludu) to popular shows (GoT).

    The artist @kiwamissimo showcases what these weapons would be like.#dnd #dnd5e #dungeonsanddragons #fantasy #WritingCommunity #writing pic.twitter.com/3uRI3rdBdc

    — Pace (@DubiousByName) July 5, 2020

  8. 8.

    mrmoshpotato

    July 7, 2020 at 3:13 pm

    Tired dogs, a lazy cat and a thoughtful duck – oh my!

    ETA – who’s ready for a mid-aftrrnoon cool salad in this heat?

  9. 9.

    Elizabelle

    July 7, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    Penelope looks good in blue, as it were.

    JEB Stuart Monument was taken down today, in Richmond.  Did not head down to see — the removers are getting way speedier, since this was their third in a week — but glad to see it.

    Robert E. Lee is only remaining Confederate on Monument Avenue.  Master Robert has a court date on July 23.

  10. 10.

    mrmoshpotato

    July 7, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: “And that’s what happened to my eyebrows.” ?

  11. 11.

    Major Major Major Major

    July 7, 2020 at 3:18 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: Were you really using them though?

  12. 12.

    Kattails

    July 7, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    OMG furry cat belly, are you allowed to put your face in that and make snuffle-y noises? I had one once, it was very stress-reducing. I am so glad for both of you that you took Gabe on. What a wonderful household you have.

    Also, Great Danes, I mean, furniture? It doesn’t take Nostradamus… ;-)

    not politics, but less than fun: Got a tick bite the other day. I drowned it in vodka, sent it off, and am awaiting test results. So far it was identified as a dog tick, not deer tick, so less prone to disease. However, the site after about 4 days turned red and itchy for about 2″ wide. Advised by medic to be sure to take off and shake out clothing when coming back inside after being out in the yard, as they don’t necessarily attach right away, but if they’re hiding in clothes they can get onto the furniture and then back at you or the pets later.  I remember finding one on the turndown of my sheets one night just before bed; and the cat having one although she never, ever goes out.  So those of you who live in such areas really do be careful, which I am but even so… yuck!! And also, the basic test is $50, worth it, plus doc visit after it got nasty, plus a month’s worth of doxycycline plus nystatin (will only use a week if test is negative), $40.  *sigh

  13. 13.

    VOR

    July 7, 2020 at 3:23 pm

    Our old cat Dale used to follow my late wife around the house. Big frame like a football lineman, major chonk, peaked at 22.5 lbs. He always slept at night where he could see both her and the doorway. He seemed to be convinced his job was guard duty. Sometimes I’d go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and find him sound asleep, laying on his back, all 4 paws in the air. But he would still be in position. When our first son was born, Dale decided this new human needed some guarding too so he volunteered to take naps with our son.

  14. 14.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    July 7, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    Always love seeing the dogs and Penelope. Poor Bixby. He’s keeping track of you.

  15. 15.

    Gin & Tonic

    July 7, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    @Kattails: If you can get to a doctor or PA within 48 hours, you only need one dose of doxy, 200mg. If you remove the tick within about 24 or so hours after it embeds, you’re at very little risk anyway.

    I know too much about ticks.

  16. 16.

    Sure Lurkalot

    July 7, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    Petless person now thinking maybe I need a pet.

  17. 17.

    NotMax

    July 7, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    Respite music, complete with the artist in an outfit Liberace only dreamed he could get away with.

    :)

    @Major Major Major Major

    Go to Montauk or something,

    Really up for the three hour drive?

  18. 18.

    mrmoshpotato

    July 7, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: Unbrowed eyes?  You! Monster!

  19. 19.

    CaseyL

    July 7, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    Aww, Bixby protecting his Mom :) Has he gone that gray on the muzzle, or is it a trick of the light?

    @Gin & Tonic:

    [Ask me why] I know too much about ticks.

     

    Yikes. A lake town in E Washington is on my list of Possible Places to Move To after I retire. It’s a lake town but also a desert town, and I never even thought to ask about ticks.

  20. 20.

    WaterGirl

    July 7, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    @Elizabelle: I can’t remember, was Penelope’s scarf red or blue?  I think maybe it was red, which also looked good.

  21. 21.

    Sab

    July 7, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    I want a duck, but I am too old to get one ( birds have long lifespans if they dont migrate?)

    Penelope and her sisters help me feel calm.

    Do I remember right that ducks like kale?

  22. 22.

    Major Major Major Major

    July 7, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    @NotMax: Don’t have a car and rentals are scarce, so it’s either hours on a train or flying somewhere. Hudson Valley is less far but more crowded. idk.

  23. 23.

    NotMax

    July 7, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    Penelope + bed making.

    Duck and covers!

  24. 24.

    lurker dean

    July 7, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    okay, this made me chuckle.  outkast parody on corona.  might as well laugh a little, we’re going to be stuck with this a long time :(

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvp0K_-KvqY&feature=youtu.be&t=69&fbclid=IwAR11X5L0rqSjL7fxI-x-LK28kAKfvoLd3JHY4G-Sq9sFfkY9J-0rn5O4zss

  25. 25.

    Sab

    July 7, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    My dad has graduated out of memory unit to assisted living. He hasn’t gotten better. He has just behaved better than they expected when we broached nursing home to him.

    He will get to view the pond. He wanted to be a marine biologist until WWII made him be a doctor. They won’t let him outside. I hope he will like seeing me feed ducks. (Kale not bread scraps?)

  26. 26.

    Elizabelle

    July 7, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    @WaterGirl:   Red in DuckCake.  She looks fetching in anything.

  27. 27.

    WaterGirl

    July 7, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    @Sab: I’m so glad to hear that!  That must be a relief for you, yes?

  28. 28.

    NotMax

    July 7, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    @Major Major Major Major

    Plus the LIRR trains which go all the way out are few.

    Dunno if it’s currently on hiatus or not but ever ridden the Circle Line around Manhattan? Shouldn’t be too difficult to maintain distancing aboard.

  29. 29.

    Kattails

    July 7, 2020 at 4:02 pm

    @Gin & Tonic:  Thanks for the note. I did that once, but was told otherwise, that one dose wasn’t enough; and that it was really best to have them tested. This was from a local very holistic-leaning care center.  Wasn’t quite sure how long it had been there, again even though I’m careful. I’d showered in the morning and later spent just a few minutes outside, so hadn’t felt the need to hose off that night, I’m assuming that’s when it snuck on, and I found it during the next day’s shower. Anyway, doing it again, I’d call in for a week’s worth of meds immediately and then send the tick off, probably safest of both paths.

    I do think that checking carefully and shaking out or putting the clothes straight in the washer is a good idea.  The health care pro I went to when the bite-site got nasty told about women finding them in, er, upper body areas and wondering how it could have gotten there without being noticed. Again, bringing them in on clothes, having them drop off and get you later. Dr. Alexis Chesney, at my local Sojourns Community Clinic, has a free download of her book “Living Tick Free” to Kindle or $2.99 to buy. I haven’t dealt with her personally but the gang there is pretty up to date.

    OK, back to our regularly scheduled duck-cat-dog respite.

  30. 30.

    Kattails

    July 7, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    @Sab: That is good news. Take whatever you can get. “Behaved better” would suggest to me a level of mental discipline even in decline, which is a good thing.

  31. 31.

    Major Major Major Major

    July 7, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    @NotMax: I’ve done similar before, it can be very nice.

  32. 32.

    mrmoshpotato

    July 7, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    Whole Plum Tart (FAIL) – Food Wishes

    No idea what’s going to happen. Let’s find out together.

  33. 33.

    HumboldtBlue

    July 7, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    Oh nothing, just a puppy driving around a kid…

  34. 34.

    Kattails

    July 7, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    results just in, negative for lyme and rocky mountain. Phew. so it’s just a rash/inflammation. Test is money well spent. Now I’ve got a lot of antibiotics but they’ll hold for a while just in case…

  35. 35.

    NotMax

    July 7, 2020 at 4:27 pm

    TCM’s offerings have been hit and miss for a few weeks now but they’ve pulled out a passel of stops for the late Wednesday/early Thursday line-up (all times Eastern).
    8:00 p.m. – Harvey
    10:00 p.m. – Bringing Up Baby
    Midnight – A Night at the Opera
    1:45 a.m. – The Producers
    3:30 a.m. – Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
    5:30 a.m. – Ninotchka
    .

  36. 36.

    Steeplejack

    July 7, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    Did you get a Chromebook, and, if so, which one?

  37. 37.

    Steeplejack

    July 7, 2020 at 5:06 pm

    @trollhattan:

    “Who doesn’t love ducks?” Nice.

    “Who doesn’t love duck?” Sinister.

  38. 38.

    AJ

    July 7, 2020 at 5:06 pm

    What did you decide about the Chromebook ultimately?

  39. 39.

    opiejeanne

    July 7, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    Dear TaMara, thank you for duck and kitty and doggie pictures.

    Does Gabe help you when you put the clean sheets onto the bed?

  40. 40.

    TaMara (HFG)

    July 7, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    @Sab: Domestic ducks only live about 8 years. And yes, like kale, lettuce of all kinds and cabbage.

  41. 41.

    zhena gogolia

    July 7, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    @Kattails: 
    Good news! Lyme is no fun.

  42. 42.

    TaMara (HFG)

    July 7, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    @AJ:

    I did get a Chromebook for them, but they didn’t like it. Returned, no problem. Now I’m going to attempt a computer fix for them. I’ll let you know how that goes.

  43. 43.

    TaMara (HFG)

    July 7, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    @opiejeanne: No, that’s when Zander takes over, LOL

  44. 44.

    Brachiator

    July 7, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    @Steeplejack: 

    Did you get a Chromebook, and, if so, which one?

    Just wanted to note that there have been some spectacularly good values in recently released Chromebooks, with more models coming soon. A good resource for reviews is the site Chromebook Unboxed, or their YouTube videos.

    The other great thing is that many of these Chromebooks are well constructed and good values.

    It’s also insane that the very well reviewed tablet, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, is hard to find and often sold out, because of limited supplies.

    ETA. My local preferred eatery set up more tables outside. Taking a break from work, I am in heaven. Little things count these days.

  45. 45.

    AJ

    July 7, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    @TaMara (HFG): ok, wishing you good luck and a good outcome!

  46. 46.

    TaMara (HFG)

    July 7, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    @HumboldtBlue: That deserves an embed. And with that, I have to get back to work.

    Oh nothing, just a puppy driving around a kid… pic.twitter.com/mhcof06ZEO

    — Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) July 7, 2020

  47. 47.

    Brachiator

    July 7, 2020 at 5:26 pm

    @TaMara (HFG):

    I did get a Chromebook for them, but they didn’t like it.

    That’s very interesting. What didn’t they like? Were they using a Windows device previously?

  48. 48.

    opiejeanne

    July 7, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: I’ve been watching this guy and laughing, digging through years of his videos and shouting CAYENNE! at some point during most of his savory recipes. And then laughing.

    Have you tried making any of his recipes? I made the potato roses on Saturday for our socially distanced barbecue and they were delicious, even if they didn’t look much like roses.

    I’ve made a couple of other things from his recipe, including the Italian white bean and sausage soup/stew. I modified it slightly by adding 3 cans of cannellini beans and a fifth sausage because it was soupier than I wanted. I also added baby spinach to the soup bowls before pouring the soup over them, because we weren’t going to eat the whole pot at once and they cooked perfectly by the soup in the bowl.

     

    *We have enough space that we could keep at least 6 feet apart, and everyone was masked except when eating, at more than six feet apart. Just the kids and their spouses and my niece and her spouse, so 8 of us and her husband is the only one not working from home now.

  49. 49.

    JeanneT

    July 7, 2020 at 5:45 pm

    My pet advice for the day: when setting up to bathe a long-coated dog, check your bottle of conditioner BEFORE you get the dog in the tub and soaked down. I put my löwchen Raleigh into the tub, soaped him down, rinsed him off and poured on the conditioner. It came out in lumps. Turns out that conditioner can spoil, at which point you have this dog with a thick wet hair coat that has to be slowly detangled before being able to brush him out.

    He does look fabulous now, but both of us are grumpy and exhausted.

  50. 50.

    catclub

    July 7, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    @Sure Lurkalot: 

    Petless person now thinking maybe I need a pet.

    The NPR pet story was suggesting Bumblebee Millipedes. I was not convinced.

  51. 51.

    WereBear

    July 7, 2020 at 7:02 pm

    Good news/bad news. We had to rehome one of our cats.

    Mithrandir is shy but a sweetheart and seemed to do fine until we began expanding our space, created a studio in it, starting a place to paint for Mr WereBear, then rescued two kittens. He seemed to get steadily more stressed and the more we tried to change his environment the worse it got.

    So soon after the vet opened up again (we stay in the parking lot, masked, while masked staff come out to get them) the visit indicated he does have a tender spot on his back they will investigate. Even so, he was a sweetheart with the staff. Of course if he was in pain we want that taken care of, but when the vet said, “Would you be interested in rehoming him as an Only Cat,” I thought of the months we’d tried to make him happy and I said, “Yes.”

    As much as we love him, he wasn’t happy. And so, we weren’t happy.

  52. 52.

    J R in WV

    July 7, 2020 at 7:19 pm

    @Kattails: 

    July 7, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    results just in, negative for lyme and rocky mountain. Phew. so it’s just a rash/inflammation. Test is money well spent. Now I’ve got a lot of antibiotics but they’ll hold for a while just in case…

    i would take the antibiotics, regardless of the test results of the test of the tick. I took a week long course of Doxycylcine after finding several ticks on me one morning. Some were tiny “nymphs” bur most were full grown Lone Star ticks.

    Better to take more antibiotics than needed than to not take enough!! Tick borne diseases are terrible!!

  53. 53.

    Mai naem mobile

    July 7, 2020 at 9:11 pm

    When I was scrolling on this post I got the ended up in salad above Penelope’s pic and didn’t see the pepper pic.

  54. 54.

    Greenergood

    July 8, 2020 at 3:57 am

    More pics of Gabe pls! I haz a crush …

  55. 55.

    rikyrah

    July 8, 2020 at 10:46 am

    Penelope Pearl is still ADORABLE :)

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