Update on the new arrival, and other whiskery events...

So... I named her Mimi.

We went ahead and had her spayed yesterday. My vet palpated her and thought she wasn't pregnant, then thought maybe, but early stages. Then he said (he is our friend and knows me well!) "You do not want kittens!" So I agreed to have her spayed, and as it turned out, she wasn't pregnant anyway!

Maybe just bloated from worms and a week's worth of good eating at the home of my friends who initially took her in.

Mimi is a sweetheart. My vet even commented on how nice she is! And beautiful, too. I'm supposed to find her a new home. Wish me luck with that.

Now, speaking of animals...

Meet Gordon's new Fjord horse, Sandy!

They've been getting to know each other for a couple of months. He finally took the plunge and bought her last weekend. She drives like a dream and is good to ride, too! This winter we will take driving lessons with her. 

She's like Gordon: soft, gentle, slow and plodding. Bahahaha! The first time I saw him ride her, I knew she was the horse for him!

And me?

I bought a beautiful new (to me! It's used but in beautiful shape) Julie Goodnight saddle. I just love it. Not only is it gorgeous, but it feels like I'm riding on a pillow. SO comfy!!

And yesterday, I spent time with another Fjord...

This is Normund, who belongs to my friend down the road. He wears his mane longer than Sandy does. He's a lovely horse and my friend is learning to drive him. She took me out yesterday as her first passenger! She had never gone out without her instructor until yesterday...

...and they both did an amazing job! She wanted a horse-savvy person to go with her and, bahahahaha, apparently that's me, after a year and a half of riding lessons!

Speaking of horses...

...my pony Esme just LOVES her soaked hay cubes!

And here's Keaton, cat #16...

Remember how shy he was this summer? Since being neutered, he wants to be held or to sit in my lap all the time! He follows me everywhere and trips me up because he's always between my ankles. And he doesn't seem to realize he's meant to be a barn cat, because he keeps trying to get in the house! He charges the door every time I open it. He's a real character.

And here's dear Pip...

She and Mootie just had their first Gotcha day! We've had them both a year now, after adopting them from a client of my cat-sitting friend Deb over at Just Cats.

And look who made the cover of our local shelter's fundraising calendar for 2016!

And several of the inside spreads feature pics of us and our animals and some of our friends! :) The calendar is selling for $20 at the SD&G OSPCA! If you want one, let me know and I'll hook you up.

One of the local papers did a write-up on it here.

And finally, this little guy is not mine, but he really needs a home...

I was contacted about him by a lovely lady who is fostering him for the SPA de l'Estrie in Sherbrooke, Quebec. She already has three rescue pigs and doesn't have winter accommodations for this guy, and they really need to find him a home. He is 12 weeks old and very sweet, friendly with people and cats. I haven't even integrated poor Henry yet, so I can't take him but I sure hope someone else will. If you know anyone, let me know and I'll get you the contact info.

And finally, last night we donated blood again at the Canadian Blood Services mobile clinic in Alexandria, ON:

Their numbers have been way down for the past two clinics. If you don't do so already and are eligible, I really encourage you to donate blood. It's easy, they are super nice to you, and you get free cookies!

Have a great evening!