Farewell

I have decided that my time writing in this blog is about over. I have been struggling to maintain it due to the changes in my family and lifestyle. There is so much that can be said about animals and pets, but I don't have the time to research and write well. Perhaps at another future time in my life...!

Thanks to all my readers (all 3 of you!) for following me these past 2 1/2 years. May God be with you!

Guest posts wanted!

I apologize for the deluge of posts today! I am going to be really busy from now until Christmas, so I am trying to finish my to-do list. :-)

I made some changes to the sidebar of this blog. I added a section called "Pet Food Brands", where I will keep a running list of brands that are recommended for a healthier, corn-free and by-product-free diet. If you have a brand that you want to add to the list, please let me know! Also, if you've tried a brand and you dislike it, please let me know that too. I also started a list of links to local pet food & supply stores. I'd like to promote local business, especially if the store is committed to selling high quality food. Right now I just have two that are here in Atlanta, but I'm definitely willing to include links from other towns and cities. If you have a local store that you'd recommend, let me know and I'll link to it!

This brings me to my next point. If any of my readers would like to write a guest post at some point, let me know! I'm always interested in hearing what other people have to say. If you feel passionate about an issue, or if you'd like to review a particular animal-related product or brand, then email me (ashley {at} twentysixcats {dot} com) or leave a comment here. I especially would love some non-cat posts, since that seems to be the majority of my focus. :-)

So, reader feedback wanted! Guest posts, product ideas, questions from cat behavior to home insurance with pets, or even just suggestions... all are welcome! You can leave a comment here or email ashley {at} twentysixcats {dot} com.

Bloggy admin and a red panda

I apologize for the lack in posting around here. I've started a new job, which has taken my mind off this blog. I am still going to be writing though. :-) If you have an animal-related topic you'd like me to blog about, I'd love to hear it! Or I'm always open to having guest bloggers too if you are interested; just leave a comment and let me know.

My husband sent me this picture of a red panda. I love red pandas; I think they are so cute!

Look at his little tongue; isn't he precious???

Two Kitties & A Puppy Giveaway!

**UPDATE: Comments have now been closed. Click here for the announcement of the winners!**

Welcome to Two Kitties and a Puppy! Thanks for stopping by to visit our part of the internet here. Feel free to browse around my archives! And continue reading to take part of the first 2008 Bloggy Giveaway (hosted by Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer).

I am giving away two books here, so that means TWO winners!! To enter for a chance to win one of these books, just leave a comment and let me know which book you'd like. I will close the comments on Saturday, February 2nd and will announce the winners on this blog shortly thereafter. Be sure to check back on Saturday evening to see if you won!

Now about the two items up for grab. The first item is in new condition, and the second is in very good condition (having been lightly read a few times).

The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care
This is the best cat care guide book that I have read. It's chock full of great information about meeting the needs of your cat. I also like that it's written by a non-profit organization so it doesn't try to convince you that you need all these products for your cat. This book covers topic such as:

• Myths vs. facts about cats
• Getting ready for your new cat and the first days home
• Giving your cat an enriching lifestyle
• Cat behavior
• Cats and children
• Handling and socialization
• Choosing a veterinarian
• Food and feeding
• Feline health: observation and action
• Emergencies and life changes
• Humane activist: be an everyday activist for cats

Maran Illustrated Puppies
I bought this book when we got our first puppy. I thought it was a pretty good basic overview for taking care of a new puppy. It is full of illustrations and images, so you can easily follow what the book is saying. It's great for the first time puppy owner! This book covers a wide range of puppy topics such as:

• Picking out and preparing for your new puppy
• The first week
• Housetraining
• Puppies and kids
• Puppy care and development
• Basic training commands, games, and tricks
• Preventing problem behaviors
• Keeping your puppy healthy

Again, to enter this giveaway contest, just leave a comment and let me know which book you'd like. I will close the comments on Saturday, February 2nd and will announce the winners on this blog shortly thereafter. Be sure to check back on Saturday evening to see if you won! (Please, U.S. shipping only! Thanks!)

For more fun things that are being given away, click here.

Reevlauting purposes

When I first started this blog, I wanted a place I could post cute pictures and talk about my pets without cluttering up my main blog. Then when I started doing sponsored links in posts and putting ads on my sidebar, I began to take this blog more seriously. I'd love to get more readership on this blog - it seems that right now I only have a couple of readers; most of the comments I get are spam! :-) But that's okay. I don't comment on a lot of blogs I read. I know I need to give people a reason to comment other than "Aww I think that picture is cute too."

The problem is, I still only post cute pictures of animals or news articles I read about animals. I don't intend to stop that, but if I want this blog to be taken more seriously then I need to post things that are more relevant to pet owners.

So I want to know from people who actually read this: what would you like to see? More practical tips? More posts about controversial subjects (like the pit bulls)? Would you prefer to see more cat stuff or more dog stuff, or more other animals? Or do you like the current mix? Do you like the articles? The cute pictures? Part of the problem is that the latter is the easiest to pump out without thinking. Do you have questions that you'd like to hear answered? (Like the whole "cats and Christmas trees" debate we had.) I'd appreciate any input you have for me in this area!

I have a few posts up my sleeve; hopefully it won't be too long before they get written! :-)
* My opinion about declawing cats
* Pet stores vs. the pound
* What to do with that wild and crazy maniac of a kitten you suddenly ended up with
* What to do when the bell of a wedding rings, and suddenly there's two of you and kitty has to share!
* Indoor vs. outdoor cats
* Any other ideas?