Post office

Most of my trips to the post office are always the same: wait, wait and wait (Chicago has notoriously slow service). As I was in line yesterday, I was surprised and delighted to discover Kitty (her real name!) peeking out from behind the coat of the woman standing in front of me.

Within seconds, everyone in line was cooing over her. Kitty's owner set her down on a nearby counter, and Kitty worked it like a runway model! I hope to see Kitty in the near future for her own photo session. Shocking as it may be, I also grew up surrounded by dogs (at one time, we had about five!) We had a chiquaqua named Pepita, who looked alot like Kitty. I finally figured out Mac's grab application, so I'll be able to share screen shots. This past week, 9 Lives was featured in two Etsy treasuries. Thanks to Joanna of EterKnity for including Sunday Morning in her sublime treasury: 

And thanks to Rebecca of Whisker Kisses for featuring Quiet Wisdom in her ultra "cool" treasury:

Crazy Kittens

I met three new kittens at the shelter this week - Ice Cube, Lucky and Scooter. 

Ice Cube was literally bouncing off of everything - a professional kitten if ever there was . . .  

Siblings Lucky and Scooter are happy, active kittens with one exception - 

each are missing a leg. 

Lucky is without a front one, and Scooter (middle pic) is without a back one.

You've got to love their names!

Belated Blogging

It's amazing how dependent I've become on my little laptop, which finally tuckered out a few weeks ago (I don't think it could handle processing large RAW files).  Luckily, it's back home with me and none of my photos were lost. I've suddenly sprouted a few more gray hairs from worry, though! I'm now in the process of organizing and purging, and will be posting photos I've overlooked as I say goodbye to several recently adopted Felines Inc. residents. 

Many thanks to Phyllis of Personal Treasures for sharing a photo article about brilliant pet photographer Jane Burton. Recently published, her posthumous book is entitled "A Cat's Life."  It's available from Amazon for $23.10 and I've already ordered a copy. Here's a sneak peek:

2009 Felines Inc. Calendar Giveaway!

As 2008 comes to a close, I've decided to host my first blog giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a 2009 Felines Inc. Calendar! Just think, month after month you'll be gazing at the amazing, inquisitive and irresistible faces of shelter residents. You might even be moved to write a collection of short stories about each cat. In a year's time, you'll be traveling the globe on your book tour, interviewed by Charlie Rose, on the cover of Time, etc. So how do you get the ball rolling and enter to win? Just post an answer below to the following question:

What will you do in 2009 to give back?

(it doesn't have to be animal specific)

DETAILS:

1. Be sure to leave a valid email address!

2. You must be at least 18 years old and a US resident

3. You may enter only once

4. All entries must be received by 11:59PM, 12/31/08

5. The winner will be chosen randomly on January 1, 2009

6. The calendar will be mailed via 1st class on 1/2/09

I can't wait to read your responses! And Happy Holidays!