The cutest kittens ever get another chance thanks to FURRR 911

Posted on September 23, 2016September 23, 2016 by alexb2448

This vintage typwriter is our featured image.

This has got to go down as one of the most turbulent weeks in recent American history. There were acts of terrorism in Minnesota, New York and New Jersey. Riots broke out in Charlotte after a yet another police shooting.

Cute Kitten, courtesy of FURRR 911. Photo by A. Bogdanovic — Bolt, a kitten rescued by FURRR 911, at Puttin’ On The Dog & Cats, Too 2016. Photo by A. Bogdanovic

But there was one day when thousands of people came together for a good cause in Greenwich, Connecticut. That was on Sunday. And I was there.

This was the fourth year that I had the honor and privilege of photographing the action in the demonstration rings at the Puttin’ On the Dog & Cats Too festival at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Hosted by Adopt-A-Dog, the local animal shelter where I volunteer, the event attracts pet owners and animal lovers from the Tri-State Area.

At the festival, pooches participate in various competitions including a costume contest. Their owners can check out the latest pet supplies and pet foods available from the vendors on site. Most importantly, the host organization along with other area animal rescue and welfare groups, get to introduce some of the dogs and cats available for adoption to the general public.

Please take the "chance" to help this little guy. — Chance’s story. Photo by A. Bogdanovic

This year, FURRR 911 brought several young cats and kittens to the event. Based in Westchester County, NY, FURRR 911 specializes in rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing young cats and kittens most in need of help. Their stories are heartbreaking and heartwarming.

There’s Chance. He was thrown out of a building in New York City. And there’s TumbeLina, who was born with a disorder that affects her balance. There’s another little kitten who is missing an eye. And then there are those who were simply born into feral colonies.

They are all bundles of cuteness. They are all in need of good homes. And to be honest, if I didn’t have my hands full with Eli (a big bundle of cuteness in his own right) I probably would have adopted one or two.

As it stands, I can only hope that some of them will end up in good homes. In fact, I hope that all of the dogs and cats available for adoption will end up in homes where they know nothing but love and kindness. They deserve nothing less.

Eli The Cat for president?

Posted on August 31, 2016September 1, 2016 by alexb2448

Since I started my business and launched this site, I’ve made it a rule to refrain from discussing politics in this forum. It’s not that I fear voicing my opinion on controversial issues — just scroll through the archives and you will see that’s hardly the case. I just don’t think it’s appropriate.

But with Election Day looming — and two of the worst candidates in U.S. history seeking the single most important job in the world — I am officially diving head first into the cesspool otherwise known as presidential politics.

Eli, the In Brief Legal Writing Services mascot. — In Brief Legal Writing Services mascot Eli catching up on the latest news. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic

Unfortunately it’s too late to nominate my cat for president — but maybe I can organize a write-in campaign. Or maybe not.

But one thing’s for sure. It would definitely be worth a try… And no, I am not a crazy cat lady. There’s definitely a precedence for this.

According to a recent article on wthnh.com, a cat from Kentucky named Limberbutt McCubbins is “is officially registered to run as a democratic candidate for this year’s presidential race.” And apparently McCubbins has some competition — from a Louisiana crawfish named Crawfish B. Crawfish.

I kid you not. I couldn’t make this stuff up.

Apparently, at least five other animals of varying species have sought public office over the years. And some of the bids have been successful.

Maybe Eli will join them someday. Maybe he won’t. But in any case, I think he’s content with the titles he already holds. You see around here, Eli is also known Sir Sheds A Lot, slayer of mice and guardian of the realm.

It suits him.

There’s no punishment harsh enough…

Posted on August 19, 2016 by alexb2448

I’d like to think that I’m a fairly tolerant person. But there are some things for which I have absolutely no tolerance whatsoever.

I have no tolerance for bullies. I have no tolerance for ignorance. I have no tolerance for anyone who preys upon or otherwise exploits, children, the elderly or animals. Especially animals.

As far as I’m concerned there’s no punishment harsh enough for the owner of an animal shelter in Monroe, Connecticut, who was recently convicted of animal cruelty. Especially because he’s got prior convictions.

According to one news account, Frederick Acker “was convicted of 11 counts of animal cruelty in Ansonia-Milford Superior Court on July 26 and faces up to 11 years in prison at sentencing on Sept. 6.”

To make matters worse, Acker was reportedly convicted on 15 counts of animal cruelty in Litchfield Superior Court last year. He got off with a slap on the wrist.

The good news is that Connecticut politicians — some of whom have been aware of Acker’s exploits for sometime — are now planning on joining forces to close the legal loopholes that have allowed Acker to continue operating an animal shelter.

“We need to change our laws and our regulations to make sure that not only they are strict enough, but to make sure our judicial system is enforcing them,” said Connecticut State Rep. Themis Kalrdies, who learned about Acker’s exploits after she tried to adopt a kitten from the shelter. “We don’t want to stop anybody who is a good and caring person from taking care of animals, we want to make sure people who are clearly taking advantage of the system are not allowed to.”

Speaking as someone who loves animals and as someone who has devoted a considerable amount of time and energy to volunteering at a local animal shelter for the past few years, I hope Connecticut lawmakers follow through on this.

Allowing Acker and those like him to continue working with animals is a slap in the face to everyone who works tirelessly to help unwanted cats and dogs find forever homes.

More importantly, it is unfair to all of the animals who count on people for help.

In the worst of times, animals bring out the best in us

Posted on August 17, 2016August 17, 2016 by alexb2448

The stories coming out of Louisiana are heartbreaking. Epic flooding stemming from torrential rainfall reportedly claimed six lives and forced thousands from their homes.

As reported on foxnews.com Monday, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said more than 20,000 people had been rescued across South Louisiana as of Sunday night, and more than 10,000 people were in shelters.

On Tuesday, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries provided an additional update on the number of people and animals rescued from flood-ravaged areas.

“Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement agents have currently rescued a total of 3,139 people and 603 animals to date due to the flooding in Louisiana,” the agency said. “Agents began search and rescue missions around 4 a.m. on Aug. 12 and have ran search and rescue missions around the clock ever since.”

Agency spokesman Adam Einck told foxnews.com that the vast majority of animals rescued early on were pets.

“It does present a lot of challenges, but our agents have been trained for this,” Einck said. “What our guys do is very heroic – they are going into these neighborhoods, the terrain is very treacherous, they work throughout the night.”

The next challenge will be reuniting animals and owners separated due to the disaster — and the Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) of Baton Rouge is already on the job.

In a message posted on its website, the CAA says it had taken in 90 animals as of Sunday night, and offers advice for people who have lost and found pets.

“Lost pet owners and finders should put the information on Lost Pets of Baton Rouge on Facebook. Look at Visitor Posts for recent activity,” the agency’s message says. “There are also Lost Pet pages for Zachary and Central. Learn more about reuniting pets and families on our Lost and Found Pet page.”

The CAA says it is also in desperate need of “temporary fosters” for rescued animals waiting to be reunited with their owners. Interested parties should contact foster@caabr.org or call 225 774 7701.

For more information about how to help animals affected by the flood, click here.

New animal ambulance comes to the rescue

Posted on August 12, 2016August 14, 2016 by alexb2448

The First Connecticut Animal Ambulance

As a pet parent, it’s music to my ‘EARS’

Those of you who follow me on Twitter (@InBriefLegalWS) have already the links to the articles I posted about this. But it’s such a cool issue I felt compelled to share it here, too.

According to its website, a Shelton Connecticut-based group is now offering an ambulance service devoted specifically to animals. Its something I hope we never need, but I am happy it exists.

“In April our team was presented with an amazing opportunity to acquire a former ambulance to modify in to a fully outfitted animal ambulance – the first in Connecticut,” the Emergency Animal Response Service (EARS) says. “Through a major month-long fundraising effort with contributions from animal hospitals, veterinarians, other rescue groups, and public support, we were able to exceed our goal and we are extremely proud to announce that ‘Rescue 2’ has arrived and is now 100% operational!”

Once used to transport people, the rig is now fully stocked with everything needed to treat animals in distress. The crews that man it are “are certified in pet first aid, life support, and undergo special training involving the safe and compassionate transportation of animals in need.”

If you live in Connecticut, you can learn more about the animal ambulance at various events. The next one is at an EARS fundraiser in Orange tomorrow. If you can’t make it, there is another one on August 21.

In addition to providing the animal ambulance and “rapid response” service, EARS engages in community outreach programs. The programs include demonstrations, workshops and classes.

“Each program we present is individually designed based on the needs of who we are working with. The programs can be altered depending on the type of program, age of participants, size of location, main interest of the group, and many other aspects,” the organization says.

Clearly providing such comprehensive services requires a lot of manpower. EARS encourages anyone interested in volunteering to visit the volunteer page on its website. You can find even more information about how to get involved here.

It sounds like such a cool organization that I definitely encourage you to get involved if you can. And to be honest, I’m already thinking about joining,myself.

On Another Note…

Speaking of animals, I am happy to report that Eli is much better. We took him off the pain killers on Sunday morning, but he was still feeling out of sorts and hid in the basement until Wednesday morning, when I convinced him to come upstairs for breakfast. Since then he’s been back to his old self.

Now let’s hope he stays that way!

Drama, drama, drama…

Posted on August 8, 2016August 9, 2016 by alexb2448

As an old friend of mine used to say, “we all have choices.” So I guess there are a couple of different ways I can choose to reflect on the events of last week. I can look back at the first week of August 2016 as one of the most memorable weeks of my life — or as one of the most forgettable.

But the truth is, any way I choose to look at it, there was plenty of drama. And no, I didn’t create it.

As most of you know, the drama began when my cat, Eli, ended up at the vet. At first we weren’t sure what was wrong. We figured he might have had a really bad hair ball — but the vet who examined him said his back was extremely sensitive. An x-ray didn’t yield evidence of any sort of obstruction in Eli’s intestines, but we did learn that he has an extra vertebrae.

The drama continued when his medicine (including some anti-inflammatory pills and very potent pain killers) seemed to make Eli extremely timid and anti-social. He hid under the bed for four days, and only came out to use his litter box. He ate and drank from the bowls I put within reach, and stuck his head out far enough to be brushed, but that was about it.

Eli finally came out of hiding yesterday, but is now camped in the plant room in the basement. At least it’s quiet and cool down there. He’s got a litter box down there. He’ll eat and drink whatever I put down for him, and he’s being a lot more affectionate. Most importantly, no longer seems to be in any pain. So things are looking up…

But wait, there’s more…

Now if only we can get the situation with our kitchen renovation resolved. Due to a potential class action law suit (or other legal remedies) I can’t go into too much detail about this mess. Here’s what I can tell you. We put a kitchen addition on our house several years ago. The project got sidetracked due to unforeseen complications — but the work finally got started earlier this summer. Everything was going well… until our general contractor seemed to fall off the face of the earth.

As anyone who’s ever gone through significant renovations knows, that’s never good. To cut a long story short, last week we finally got a hold of someone who can help us resolve the situation. Of course, we haven’t heard from her since we spoke to her… so we will see what happens.

So much for a quiet weekend

So you would think that the drama would let up over the weekend. But no. Apparently that’s too much to ask.

Yesterday I had to call the cops. It wasn’t an emergency or anything. But let’s just say I wasn’t happy when I finished mowing the lawn, walked down to the river, and found an abandoned skiff tied to our landing. I had never seen this boat before. And there was no sign of the owner.

The most annoying thing — and the main reason I called the police — is that the only way to get from the landing (which is really a set of steps leading down to the water) to the street is to walk through our back yard. And I’m not really thrilled about the idea of someone I don’t know tramping across our property.

As it turned out, my concerns were merited. Let’s just say the owner is “known” to police. And let’s just say he’s not the type of guy anyone would want tramping through their yard…

Another day, another crisis

Posted on August 1, 2016August 1, 2016 by alexb2448

“No matter what happens, remember it’s not your fault. Animals are difficult to understand sometimes.” — S.A. Witten (Grandpa)

As I write this, Eli is at the vet — again. And I’m worried sick.

Those of you who have been following this blog since the beginning know that he had a serious health scare earlier this year. He emerged from that (relatively) unscathed and I thought the worst was behind us.

Everything was fine until Friday, when he started coughing. Those of you who have cats know that sound … that cringe worthy sound that usually means Fluffy or Princess is trying to hack up a hair ball. Yes, it sounded like poor old Eli had a really bad one — but he didn’t puke.

On Saturday morning he jumped on my bed at the crack of dawn. In and of itself that is not unusual. The fact that he yowled, hissed and took off for no apparent reason is highly unusual. The fact that he curled up in a little ball and refused to eat all day was also highly unusual.

Over the last couple of days, he’s eaten a little bit of kibble — and that’s it. And that’s highly unusual as well.

This morning, I had the unenviable task of corralling him and putting him in his carrier for the five-minute drive to the veterinarian’s office. Needless to say, he was not very happy. That’s par for the course.

At the office, the vet listened while I gave a detailed description of Eli’s symptoms. She then recommended blood work, an x-ray and exam. I agreed and headed for home.

As I opened the door and came up the stairs, I realized how quiet the house is when Eli’s not around. And I thought about something my 101-year-old grandfather told me on Saturday night.

“No matter what happens, remember it’s not your fault,” he said. “Animals are difficult to understand sometimes.”

So is life.

Life is complicated

Posted on July 25, 2016July 25, 2016 by alexb2448

That does it. In my next life, I’m coming back as my own cat. Seriously.

I’ve officially decided that human beings are definitely overrated. Just look at everything that’s happened lately. We’ve had cop killings, terrorism, mall shootings, nightclub shootings, and train attacks carried out by ax-wielding maniacs. And then there’s the collective insanity otherwise known as presidential politics.

Yes, humans are overrated. We think we’re so special because we have opposable thumbs and souls. We also think our ability to reason sets us apart from other animals. Well, for such an intellectually and technologically advanced species, we sure are screwing things up a lot. And for some strange reason, we seem completely incapable of learning from our mistakes.

Yes, people are overrated. And life is complicated.

Don’t get me wrong. Life isn’t necessarily easy for American dogs and cats, either. As much as we love our pets, the sad reality is that there are millions of unwanted animals in the United States. According to The Humane Society of the United States, more than 2 million “healthy, adoptable” dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters every year. The organization estimates that is roughly one every 13 seconds.

Yes, you can chalk that up to human stupidity, too.

But my cats were lucky. We got Tiger from family friends when they moved to Saudi Arabia; if we hadn’t taken her, she would have been left outside to fend for herself. Heals was a stray. A co-worker found her wandering in the neighborhood and took her in, but couldn’t keep her. If I hadn’t taken her, she would have ended up in the local pound. And Eli — my sweet baby boy — my “pit bull in a cat costume”– he was a pound cat with an attitude when I adopted him. I hate to think what would have happened if I hadn’t chosen him.

Today, I don’t think there’s a cat on the face of the earth that has it better than Eli. Eli is spoiled rotten — and he knows it. His chief concerns are when he’ll get breakfast and dinner. Beyond that, his only worries are whether he’s got enough kibble and whether his litter boxes are clean (yes, he has more than one). Oh… I suppose he also worries about being hauled off to the vet, having his claws clipped and how long it will take one of us to figure out that he wants to go out on the deck.

He does not have to worry about being abused or being abandoned. He’ll never have to worry about being neglected. In other words, he’s got a pretty good life — and he knows it.

After Dallas, Baton Rouge and Nice, I surrender

Posted on July 20, 2016July 20, 2016 by alexb2448

Phew! The s–t storm that the landscapers were creating in my yard just ended and I can finally hear myself think. More importantly, Eli feels safe enough to come out of hiding.

To me, the tree shredding machine in use for the better part of an hour sounded like a jet engine on steroids. I can only imagine what it sounded like to my cat. All I know is, the second that racket started, he tried to dive under the bed. When he discovered there wasn’t any room there, he sought refuge elsewhere.

Lately I’ve been wishing I could hide under the bed. Not that it would solve anything. But given recent events in Dallas and Nice and Baton Rouge — and current events in Cleveland — I just need a break from all of the madness.

My faith in humanity is taking a beating. My moral outrage is almost spent. I can’t cry anymore. I’ve had it. I’m pooped.

Fortunately, I found some stories that have nothing to do with cop killing, terrorism, or presidential politics. Since I’m exceedingly generous — and since we can all use some good news at this point, I’ve decided to share links to my favorites. In no particular order, here they are:

In California, Ventura County Animal Service just got a big grant from the Petco Foundation. According to published reports, the agency will use it to fund a program that helps people keep their pets. You can read more here.
A new study just identified some really cool pets for people who want something other than a dog or cat. Of course, getting one might be a little tricky. Find out why here.
Eli hates going to the vet. And to be honest, I hate taking him there. If you and your pet feel the same way, “mobile pet care” could be the solution. Read this to learn more.
A large donation will allow a New York State humane society to help people who can’t afford to feed their pets. Read more here.

I hope this lifts your spirits or makes you smile. Maybe things aren’t as bad as they seem, after all.

Law eliminates liability threat for medics, firefighters who treat injured pets

Posted on June 27, 2016 by alexb2448

We’ve all seen the heartbreaking pictures and news footage of pets rescued from house fires or natural disasters. And we’ve all seen the heartwarming images of firefighters, paramedics and EMTs rendering First Aid to those hurt and scared cats and dogs.

What you may not know is that in most states, the pet owners can — and do — sue the first responders if their pets die. That’s because the laws in those states prohibit anyone except for licensed veterinarians from treating sick and injured animals.

That’s about to change in Ohio. According to published reports, a law that takes effect there later this summer allows firefighters, paramedics and EMTs to treat injured pets without fear of legal retaliation.

The new law also applies to the treatment of police dogs and companion animals.

“It’s another layer of protection for the good guys,” Cory Smith, director of public policy for companion animals at The Humane Society of the United States, told the Associated Press.

While lawmakers in Ohio –and elsewhere — take steps to protect the first responders who choose to treat injured pets as well as people, another group wants to make sure they are well equipped to do so.

According to an article on iheartdogs.com, the group — Project Breathe — provides fire departments and other first responders with oxygen masks designed specifically for pets. To date, the non-profit organization has donated almost 14,000 masks to U.S. and Canadian fire departments. Training is also provided.

Use of the masks has reportedly saved more than 100 pets.

Sadly, that number is dwarfed by other statistics, however. Some estimates indicate that half a million pets are affected by house fires each year, and 40,000 die.

For information about how to keep your pet safe, visit: