My bestest Buddy-man and first kitty-love,
Buddy exhausted his ninth life shortly after the New Year, at the ripe old age of 22. Buddy's real name was Max, but I really only called him that when he was being reprimanded (who,
our Buddy??) for beating up his sister or swiping dinner out of the toaster oven. Buddy'd been my best friend since I was barely older than that, a feisty, trash-pickin', food-stealin', nose-nibblin' sweetheart of a cat who had a personality all his own. I was able to be with my friend till the end, and buried him out near my holly tree with some pictures of his family and a bag of catnip (for the afterlife, of course!). I loved him dearly; he had his share~and then some~of adventures, and was well loved. I'm hoping he's reunited with his friends, both two-legged and four-, who crossed the rainbow bridge before him.
I found Sarah as a squalling little kitten under a bush in my yard. Two minutes in my house was all it took for her to become my little girl for nearly 21 years.
Almost as old as Buddy,
Sarah is a Maine Coon cat. I found her when she was just a tiny kitten, and she's been my little girl ever since. She's quite a little beauty, with big green 'lizard eyes'. She's our senior citizen now that Buddy's gone; it took her awhile to realize that he wasn't coming back. She didn't eat for a week, but is doing better now. Sarah is especially fond of baked goods and dairy products. She's also earned the unfortunate nickame of.... well, I'll let her tell you.
"Sammy, No jumping!!" I have to tell him that sometimes. He's such a lover he just wants to give you a big gentle hug. Sam showed up on my front walkway about six years ago, as if to say "I'm home!" and he's been with me ever since. I have no idea where he came from but he's as gentle as a lamb (unless you happen to be the unfortunate rodent who makes its way into his fenced-in backyard), and quite the gentleman (except for the jumping). He sits with his front paws crossed and gazes at you as if to say "You're a goddess." Ya gotta love that in a person. Anyway, he's very protective of his adopted mom and is a wonderful furry guardian. When I go to bed at night he takes his place on the rug next to me and there he stays till morningtime. I'm sure he'd like to meet you...you can find him at
Sammy's CornerThen there's Buster, the Mighty Wiener. He's so smart he has his own advice column.
Ask the Wiener No extra charge for the words of wiener wisdom. Buster has a tail that wags all the time. I don't think he could stop wagging if he wanted to. He wags at the mere sound of your voice, and loves to play with his tennis ball (he also likes to chew all the fuzz off it). He's on the go most of the time, but when nighttime rolls around and he curls up on his blanket in his spot (the back of the couch, which is now permanently misshapen), he sacks out. You can do just about anything to him at that point, and he doesn't bat an eye. Stay tuned for his Stress Management Seminar...whatever his program is, it works like a charm.
Meet
Patch, our newest addition. Somehow, I think Buddy had a hand....er, paw, in bringing us together. Patch was the kitten of a feral cat, who'd been rescued by a friend of mine who's a volunteer with an organization that spays/neuters and releases ferals. Despite his rocky start, he's affectionate as can be, handsome, and took to his new brothers and sisters like a duck to water. He follows me everywhere I go, sleeps nose to nose with his brother Buster, and is full of mischief. I see a lot of Buddy in him, which makes me love him all the more.
Oh, and let's don't forget their mother, the
Zookeeper, Gardener and
Chief-Woman-In-Charge...
Oh, right--that would be me! I bid you welcome, friends of all persuasions ~ here you'll find a site that celebrates diversity, comradeship with non-humans, fellow open-minded two-leggeds and peaceful coexistence with our natural surroundings and each other. Here at the zoo we also promote the fine art of shameless agitation. We'll point the way to other experts, places and ways in which you too can agitate to make the world a better place for all of us to live.
Here's a little bit about me:
I'm into: animals (obviously), the mountains, camping, fishing, history and old houses, books, a diverse variety of music, writing, plants and gardening, and activism. There are a few things I don't like; what I really don't like are, as one of my friends so aptly puts it, racist, sexist, homophobic, sanctimonious, hypocritical tightassed jerks. Any questions? OH--and BEETS. Bleeeaaaccchhh!!!
Top of page Agitators
Critter Connections
The Gorilla Foundation~ See the story of Koko,
a gorilla who speaks sign language and has a working vocabulary of nearly a thousand words. You
may have seen the classic picture of Koko with her kitten. It's a fascinating story which gives some
remarkable insight to our cousins from the forest...and a great cause, if you're looking for another
to support.
We love animals in our family. If you love animals, too, and are concerned about animal rights,
here's a great site:
Doris Day Animal League
And in the Philadelphia area, a really wonderful place, the The Morris Animal Refuge, a no-kill shelter which provides medical care and shelter to lost or stray animals.
Freedom-Friendly, Tolerance Promotin' Agitatin'
Organizations
Are you giving a gift? Consider a donation in
honor of that special
person, or if a memorial, a donation in memory of someone. Most of these organizations issue a
special gift acknowledgment to your special person, and some even note the honor in their
publications. All are great causes and like all great causes, are always in need of funds. Small
donations are as welcome as large ones!
Southern Poverty Law Center The SPLC
is one of my favorite organizations. Primarily, SPLC works to fight hate crimes and hate groups.
They monitor hate groups and their activities, and work to promote tolerance via an educational
program called Teaching
Tolerance. Teaching Tolerance is a fantastic means for teaching our kids about diversity
and encourages acceptance within our human community.
National Organization for Women Fighting for
equal rights for women.
Women for Women International Women for Women International envisions a world where no woman is abused, poor, illiterate or marginalized; where women have full and equal participation in processes that ensure their health, well-being, and economic independence; and where women have the freedom to define their lives, future and reach their full potential. Their mission is to provide women with tools and resources needed to move out of crisis and poverty and into stability and self-sufficiency. Sponsor a sister across the world and do something wonderful for both of you!
National Abortion Rights Action League Keep
abortion safe and legal! On the front lines for reproductive freedom...
American Civil Liberties Union is the nation's
foremost advocate of individual rights -- litigating, legislating, and educating the public on a broad
array of issues affecting individual freedom in the United States.
People for the American Way organizes and
mobilizes Americans to fight for fairness, justice, civil rights and the freedoms guaranteed by the
Constitution. PFAW lobbies for progressive legislation and helps to build communities of activists.
Hemlock Society of the Delaware Valley Death with dignity...
another issue of choice
Working to pass legislation allowing mentally
competent adults suffering from terminal illness to choose death with dignity with the assistance of
their trusted physician. Anyone who has watched a loved one suffer a slow and agonizing death will
understand the work of this courageous organization.
Habitat for Humanity Habitat is
one of the few [the very few!] "religious"-affiliated organizations I would avidly support.
These folks really do "walk the talk" and aren't in the business of trying to govern peoples' private
lives--just in the business of providing decent housing for people in need, regardless of their race or
nationality. They do wonderful work, and always welcome anyone who wishes to lend a helping
hand. A most worthy cause.
Please visit our sister site, Uppity Wimmin
Unlimited, for feminist and other activist endeavors.
Wise words from my dear uppity friend Brennie on the "Louisiana Planet":
*~* Reasons to Care *~*
- ** To Make Things Better For Our Children
- ** If You Dont Fight and VOTE to Keep Your Rights, You Won't Have Any~VOTE VOTE
VOTE!!!
- ** Womens Rights,Childrens Rights...Human Rights
- ** Speak Your Mind Even If Your Voice Shakes & VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!
- ** Teach Tolerance...accept different peoples & different beliefs
Top
....and for your agitatin' amusement....
The Onion
The Funny Times
Conservatively Incorrect...a liberal dose of political humor
and opinion
Northern Sun Merchandising A must for veteran or would-be agitators....Great bumper stickers, shirts, buttons, notes, cards, posters, and lots of other goodies.
A Walk in the Garden
Welcome to the garden...my place of therapy...watch out for those rose thorns! C'mon in!
Aaah...wasn't that nice? When things really have me down and blue, working in my garden
always is good medicine for me. My knees are shot and my back ain't great for bending too long,
but I still love puttering among my flowers, pulling out the few weeds which dare to breach
my well-mulched beds and pruning out the dead stuff. It's hardly a proper garden, but then,
that's apropos to it's mistress, who goes the eclectic route in all things. I like what I like, and so I
plant it all, see what does well, and then go from there. I'm up to four rose bushes; one day I plan
to have many more....for now, it's one new one each year, at least. I'm hopelessly addicted~Goddess
only knows how many times I came out of stores with flower purchases before I finally stopped
planting. A good friend of mine tells me she thinks I'm ready for a 12-step program -- "Green and
Sober"--that sounds about right!!
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