A Tweet for "Tweetie"

One of our library patrons, who visits often, shares tales about his parakeet Tweetie. Now, this is no ordinary bird. He acts more like a dog---one who can fly of course, but very devoted to his owner, whom he seems to regard as a true friend. The cage is always open, and T enjoys perfect freedom, though never in the outside world. I asked about the danger of his escaping, and Bob says that Tweetie loves to look at the others on the other side of the window, but is wise enough to know that he has a Very Good Thing right where he is. He loves to shoulder-sit and just be nearby when Big Bird (as he probably calls B.) is reading or cooking. If left alone for too many hours, however, T cops an attitude,gets uppity, and will not come when called. Hmmm, sounds very human to me. This parakeet is no "canary in a coal mine", rather he lives more like a Bird in a Gilded Cage!

Believe it or Not--Cat waits on library steps.....

As readers of this blog know, we welcome many dogs, and their owners, during any given week, and share treats and affection. Dogs now pull owners in to get all that special attention. Our new "Puppy Patron" cards are ready to go, and each pet gets one. They look remarkably like the SAILS ID's. However, we have NOT issued Pussy Cat Cards because few come in, though an occasional carrier appears, or I have a batch of kittens looking for homes. This situation took a 90 degree turn the other day with the appearance of "Buddy", a brown-striped cat, sitting in our open door-way, waiting for his mom and two human siblings to take out their books. We were told that B accompanies them all over town---with no leash...... Will wonders never cease? This is truly One for the Books!

Canine Allergies---Real or Not?

Who'd a thunk it? Apparently, dogs are now hypoallergenic just like we humans. I remember a friend's saying that her German Shepherd would gnaw at his foot in September every year, and had to have cortisone cream applied. Kind of odd.....but unique to Charley. Then.....along came Sammi, my library dog, who started going into frenzies of itching. At first I had her groomed. Being clean and short-haired did nothing to address the problem. Then, I scrupulously appled flea treatments-no dice. She would shake her head so hard, I thought she'd get a concussion. We checked for earmites-none found. Reading articles on-line turned up the disturbing fact that dogs, like humans, can be allergic to their total environment-dust, pollen, etc. To put Sammi in a bubble or not?.....Universally, vets urge us all to restrict their diets. Now she is on a "cat" diet. Believe it or not, dogs love tuna-at least Sammi does. Add to any fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines-fresh or canned), rice-brown or white. It makes a tasty casserole, apparently. She literally wolfs it down. Also, there is an Iams product in dry kibble made of only fish and rice available at the vet's. Good luck with this diet. So far, it's working!