April 1, 2008

What a lovely kitty! Latifah is very shy but absolutely adores the attention. I had a hard time getting her out of her cage. Usually after a while if they are just a bit stubborn, I will put my hand under their chest and pick them up, but Latifah here is probably a good 18 pounds. She is a bulky kitty to say the least. She was purring up a storm with me petting her and she loves to get pedicures. She was just kneading her bedding so much while I was trying to coax her out to play. Finally I did pick her up by gently scruffing her neck just enough so I could get my arm under her to heave her out. She have very pretty Torbie markings with lots of orange tabby on her face but the rest of her body as calico. I am not really sure what to call her coat. It is a mix of Tabby, Tortie and Calico. Latifah obviously doesn't belong in this shelter and she can't seem to get the pleasure of socializing with the volunteers because she is so very wary of her surroundings. It is quite noisy with all of the dogs, and so many people walking by her and looking at her is not good for her soul. I hope someone will look past her shyness and take her home soon. And then think about that diet she needs.

Bradly is just a love! He reminds me of my first love at the shelter, Tom Tom. He is a very handsome Tabby boy who is very affectionate and also loves to play. What a nice combination! I would have loved to have held Bradly like a baby and fall asleep with him in my arms, but I am still nervous about getting that snuggly with the kitties, especially the ones who don't mind getting feisty with the toys. Bradly is very soft and loves to be pet. He enjoyed lounging on the cat condo in the sun and having me stroke his body from ears to tail.

March 27, 2008

Oh it is so glad to be back in the shelter. I was sick with a cold for the past couple of weeks and I didn't have the energy to go in nor did I want to risk getting the staff sick. Today I went in for just a little over an hour, and left because I was just so drained. There were lots of news kitties for me to play with that I have never seen other than through the shelter's website (www.sanjoseanimals.com). There are still not an overwhelming number of cats out, so they all seem to be getting out pretty regularly, which is always good news. But kitten season is fast approaching, and if it is anything like last year, oh dear. *eats her spinach*

The first kitty that I played with was Brad, who I do not have a picture for, because he was quickly adopted by a very cute family with a couple of young girls. He was a young cat, around 6 months of age. He is a brown tabby with marble markings. His coat was SUPER soft and just loved any and all attention. He's a bit aggressive when it came time to play with the feather on a stick, however, he was great about turning it down a notch once your hand comes near. Which is so important because I see many cats that are just not manageable at any point shortly after playing because they think you are a toy as well.

Next up is Connie. Boy is she stressed when it comes to being in the cage. She is constantly meowing and howling when anyone is within earshot. I took her out second because I thought that after some quality time, she might calm down a bit. I was wrong. Fortunately, when she is outside with you or even without you, she is very sweet, delicate, and pretty quiet. I heard her only meow once when a dog caught her attention when he was being walked near the window. Connie is a very sweet and gentle gray tabby with lots of white. Her hair is a medium-long and she loves to be brushed. She didn't seem very interested in the toys, just affection.

Then came Mowgli. I large 2 year old black boy who is so sweet. Unfortunately he had a touch of blood in his stool which the kennel attendant marked down for the vet to look into. He is just a quiet and content guy who loves affection. He doesn't seem very needy of anything, and would just be thrilled to have a nice spot on the couch and someone to hang out with. He has a nice dark coat. I wish that I could have played with him a bit longer, but he had to go back in his cage once they came to collect Brad for his new family.

Pamela was my final play thing. She is so precious and delicate. She was obviously pregnant when she came into the shelter a little over a week ago. She has been through a rough surgery and is still recovering from her incision. Her glads were quite swollen and warm to the touch. She is 18 months old and very sweet. She really had no interest in the toys, which is not uncommon from recent mothers-to-be. She sat so pretty the entire time on top of a cat condo in the corner and just loved me so sweetly. She licked and head-butted me and purred up a storm. She has a VERY soft dilute tortie coat. I would LOVE to take her home with me. Such a sweet heart!

On my way out I got to meet the new volunteer supervisor. She was very friendly and introduced herself to me and said that she recognized my name through the yahoo group that many of the volunteers belong to. It is always nice to have a face to the names you hear so often and even chat with on-line.

California Ferret Law

I had a hard time finding this law for the longest time because the word ferret is not used in the text of the California Code, only the scientific name for the weasel family (Mustelidae). There is huge debate within the state regarding this law and I am not posting this to voice an opinion as to whether it should remain law or be revoked, I am merely posting this so people might be able to more easily locate the law.

2118. It is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive into this state, except under a revocable, nontransferable permit as provided in this chapter and the regulations pertaining thereto, any wild animal of the following species:

(b) Class Mammalia (mammals) Order Primates All species except those in family Homonidae Order Carnivora (carnivores) All species, except domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and domestic cats (Felis catus). Mammals of the orders Primates, Edentata, Dermoptera, Monotremata, Pholidota, Tubulidentata, Proboscidea, Perissodactyla, Hyracoidea, Sirenia and Carnivora are restricted for the welfare of the animals, except animals of the families Viverridae and Mustelidae in the order Carnivora are restricted because such animals are undesirable and a menace to native wildlife, the agricultural interests of the state, or to the public health or safety.

A link to the full text of the CA Codes, go here and search for Mustelidae: CA Code

Tonight's Rally in San Jose and AB1634

I am hearing a lot of noise regarding AB 1634 and people thinking that tonights rally is just about trying to pass such legislation. It saddens me that what I believe to be a very important and simple rally will be bombarded by people protesting. I don't know if there is any truth to the AB 1634 claim, I do know that there was no such information in the fliers given to me through the animal shelter. I have no doubt that there will be some AB 1634 supports there but I am fairly confident that they are coming on their own accord and not on the encouragement of the organizers and to speak for the majority of rally supporters.

I am copying a post made by Kathleen Flynn on answers.yahoo.com in response to claims regarding AB 1634 being the key issue at tonights Rally in San Jose:

My name is Kathleen Flynn. I am the organizer of this rally and vigil in San Jose, California. There is a lot of misinformation out there about what this rally and vigil is about. Here is what the rally is about:
* It is to honor animal rescuers for their love and dedication of animals, and to ask the public to help us by both volunteering as foster homes, or to donate their time, or money to help us save more animals from dying in shelters.
* To ask the public to VOLUNTARILY low cost spay/neuter their pets in our low cost spay/neuter clinic to help us reduce the killing of healthy adoptable pets in our shelters. 71% of all healthy adoptable cats/kittens, and 56% of dogs and puppies surrendered to shelters are killed because there are not enough homes, or space in shelters.
* To ask State Law Makers to mandate that every City and County in California fund VOLUNTARY low cost spay/neuter clinics and programs.
*To ask the public to be careful when adopting a pet because it is indeed a lifetime commitment.
* The vigil is to remember the many animals we could not save, and that have died and will die in our shelters.
Breeders are misinformed, and have not checked out the facts. When they show up in force, they will be embarrassed when they hear the speeches given.

Additional Comments: I am a firm believer in freedom of choice. I would like to say that people do the right thing when it comes to animals, but they don't. What one person considers humane, or none abusive is not always true, or good for animals. As a rescuer and advocate, I can tell you that it hurts my heart to think about the many animals I can not, nor will I ever save from death in shelters. Deaths that need not have happened if people who had unfixed animals kept them from procreating, or fixed them. It is easy to say that rescuers are nuts, and will end all animal species if we get people to fix their pets because these folks don't walk through shelters looking into the eyes of these trusting animals, and know that they can't take them all home. It hurts people and it is a pain I can not convey to you in mere words.
Having said that, I have friends who are responsible breeders. They love their animals, and treat them very well. They are also very careful who they sell a dog or cat to. But they are the exception to the rule. Backyard breeders and puppy mills are a disgrace and they really need to be put out of business. So whether you are a credible breeder, or a responsible pet guardian with an unfixed pet, or an animal rescuer, we can all agree on one thing, backyard breeders have to go, and healthy adoptable animals dying by the millions in shelters everyday, should not have to pay the price for human ignorance, and selfishness.
ADD: No mention of the AB1634 Mandatory Spay/Neuter Bill has been approved by me. The speakers have been asked NOT to bring that issue into this vigil, or rally. If someone does bring it up then they have their own, unapproved agenda to push, and should be ashamed of themselves for deferring the rally and vigil a way from its true intent and purpose. And that intent is the plight of rescuers, and honoring dying animals in our shelters.

Animal Advocates Rally in San Jose on Feb 26th @ 6 pm

A Rally in San Jose for the Animals Feb 26th

Please join animal rescuers and advocates from all over the county of Santa Clara in front of San Jose City Hall, Tuesday, Feb. 26th, and Tuesday, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for a rally and candle lit vigil.

*Key Note Speaker Will Be:*

*Vice Mayor Cortese*

*Supervisor Pete McHugh*

*Rosi Murko of Town Cats*

*Heather Betchel of Rabbit Haven*

*Vivian A. Kennedy of ACGSR, Inc. *

*Delorme McKee- Stovall will give the blessing and read Rainbow Bridge at
the candle lit vigil. *

*The rally is being held to let the community know the importance of spaying and neutering
their pets, and how they can help us stop the killing of animals in shelters. To bring attention to the plight of animal rescue groups everywhere in California, who are being overwhelmed by the amount of unwanted pets being surrendered by the community, the increase of feral cats, and by our partnerships with shelters who are asking for help in taking in their overflow of surrendered animals. To bring attention to the overwhelming amount of animals being surrendered to shelters, and the amount of money it is costing cities, counties, taxpayers, and this State to house these displaced animals. To bring to the attention of State lawmakers that they need to mandate that all counties and cities in California, need to provide low cost spay/neuter programs, and provide much needed spay/neuter education to the public, so we can stop the needless killing of healthy adoptable animals in our shelters.*

*Please widely circulate this flier, and bring as many people as you can! We need to be taken seriously, and make a strong impact on the community about the amount of animals dying in our shelters, and to push for low cost, effective spay neuter programs in cities and counties everywhere! *

* We will meet outside San Jose City Hall located at 200 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, Ca. 95113, by the fountains facing Santa Clara Street promptly at 5:45, and begin at 6 p.m. Please bring YOUR OWN sign saying something like, " Please spay/neuter your pets, it saves lives," as none will be provided for you. *

*Parking: You can park in the garage under City Hall, and get your parking ticket validated inside the Council Meeting in Council Chambers, or you can park across the street in the shopping center parking lot. There are several other garages close to City Hall that are free after 6pm.*

The candle lit vigil will be held at 7-7:30 p.m. Please bring a candle to light in honor of animals who have and will die in shelters because there is not enough room to house them, or homes to place them. Please bring any poems, or songs you'd like to read or sing.*

*I will have a box of spay/neuter coupons for San Jose's low cost program, in different languages to pass out at the demonstration. If you live in this county and you have some from your city, PLEASE bring them. Please bring a table if you want to distribute spay/neuter info, or any educational materials. You will be responsible for your own set up and clean up. *

*Once you get this, please confirm your attendance, and pass this on to your e-list!* Please contact me, Kathleen at bearkats1@juno. com for additional information, or for questions. I want to thank you all for your support on this. Let's fight for the animals together as one loud voice in an attempt to stop the needless killing in shelters everywhere!*

Please, spay/neuter your pets, it saves lives!
=^..^=

Puppies and Kittens as Valentine's Day gifts...

I see many people making posts on-line requesting "cute cuddly kitten/puppy needed for gift for my sweetheart". My heart sinks whenever I see this! Even more often than the above mentioned request, I see ads posted and animals being brought into the shelter from people who received said animals as gifts from lovers or loved ones.

Don't get me wrong, I think the idea of giving a loved one a companion (especially if this is something they have been longing for) is a romantic and thoughtful gesture, but I wish, hope, and pray that everyone who thinks of doing this goes through the right steps to ensure that this "transaction" will work!

Many shelters are now offering the option of a gift certificates. This is WONDERFUL for those who live near a shelter who has a large availability of animals. This allows the ability for you to pay for the adoption fee up front and give something tangible to the receiver. A great idea is that you can get your loved one a cute stuffed animal as the initial gift and attach the gift certificate or IOU note as the primary gift. This way allows for your loved one to prepare for the arrival of their new companion. Making sure that their home is safe for animals, that they have food/water/toys all ready available.

Companion animals are so personal! Each one has their own personality and identity and to think that you would be able to figure out which animal that person would fit perfectly with is foolish. Yea, the person might always be talking about how cute they think Shih Tzus (as an example) are and how much they want one, but that doesn't mean they are truly prepared for one at that moment. I have even seen some people giving up animals who received them when they aren't even allowed to have animals in their homes due to lease agreements. Well good lord, that should have been easy enough to figure out before getting someone a pet. In addition, people sometimes crave little puppies or kittens because they are cute and fluffy. They grow out of this!!! And after they are out of their young stage, they person actually has to love the animal for their unique personality and traits!

Most importantly pets are not gifts that should be given as a surprise! If your loved one truly wants one and would appreciate the gesture, it will not take the "fun" out of the idea by posing the question in advance and planning the event together.

Animals are not sweaters or little objects to be traded. They are not something you should have because they are in fashion (thank you so much Paris Hilton and all you Celebutants who have cause tremendous growth in the pocket puppy over-population). They take lots of time, money, and planning in order to give them the proper home that they need. They are living creatures and they change and grow old and get sick. As a guardian of a companion animal you must take the responsibilities that come with them. It makes it harder when you need to move because many rental units and condos don't allow animals. It makes it harder to go away on vacation because you either need to accommodate taking your pet along with you or find suitable arrangements for care at home (which can be expensive).

Just now posted on Craigslist while I was typing out this entry: "My boyfriend got me a 10 week old doberman puppy for valentines day but our landlord wont let us keep her. She's such a sweetheart and we've already gotten attached to her but we're renting and can't keep her. We're asking an adoption fee of the $400 we paid for her."

*hand-waiving freak-outery!*

The insanity continues: "10 weeks old male, very cute, white fur, green eyes, pink noise one of a kind maltese puppy. Got the puppy for my wife for Valentines day and found my mom who lives with us to be allergic to him so can't keep the little guy."

24 January 2008

I haven't posted in a while due to being bitten on Jan 10th. I was socializing with a grown male cat who suddenly turned on me and bit down into the palm of my hand and scratched my ankle. I ended up on antibiotics for a nasty infection and have been shy about returning to my usual volunteer duties. So I am starting back nice and slow and playing with the kittens who are starting to show up in the shelter now. They tend to be less aggressive and are more transparent in their thoughts. At least that is what I tell myself. Lulu is this very sweet 2 month old female diluted gray and buff Torbi. She is a tiny little thing with the softest fluffy fur. She was a bit playful but also quite the talker. She just walked around telling you everything that is on her mind. She had just been altered and had her belly completely shaved from the surgery.

Next up was the most affectionate tabby kitten who goes by the name of Queen B. I have no idea how this name came to be thought up, but it sure is a memorable one and for a very memorable kitten. Queen B is about 5 months old, so she is just coming out of that kitten stage. All she was interested in was being held in my arms and snuggling. She couldn't decide whether she wanted to be held like a baby, or to bury her face into my armpit. She was purring the whole time and rubbing her face up against my arms. She is such a love and reminds me of my favorite kitty at the shelter, good old Tom Tom. Queen B's markings are quite pretty in the face, and her body doesn't have the strong Tabby stripes and looks more like an Abyssinian.

Blossom and Mr. Bibbs are litter mates at the cute 2 month old mark. They were as sweet as can be and had a blast chasing each other around the room, circling me and falling over each other in their play wrestling. Blossom is the shy one and likes to hide behind things and pounce on them as they zip on by. Mr. Bibbs on the other hand is more outgoing and loved to stand up on his hind legs and attack the ribbon. Mr. Bibbs is slightly larger in size and was able to jump up onto the bench without assistance. Whereas Blossom would take chase after her pal but would not be able to scale the 18 inch concrete ledge. They are so cute together and I hope that they find a home for the both of them.

HOW COULD YOU? By Jim Willis, 2001

This easily applies to cats or any other pet that someone decides that they can no longer keep...

HOW COULD YOU? By Jim Willis, 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?"- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.
We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" --still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too.

Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch--because your touch was now so infrequent-- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject.
I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline tomeet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind-that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies,oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself--a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. ------------ --------- ------

A Note from the Author: If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American & Canadian animal shelters.
Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose,as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice.
Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.
Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. - Jim Willis
http://plantranch. net/animalrights .htm

5 Jan 2008

First of all, I would like to wish everyone a very happy new year!

I was so excited to go back to the shelter today because it has been quite a while since my last visit. Today was supposed to be the day where some volunteers were going to help remove all of the Holiday Decorations from the shelter. However, when I got there, one of my supervisors was already finishing up the packing of stuff and she indicated that all of the stuff was already taken down when she got there. Today was also her last day of employment at the shelter but she will continue as a volunteer. She is very sweet and very caring about animals and the shelter wont be quite the same without her there as much.

I must say that I wasn't too disappointed about the decorations because it only meant that I was able to go back and play with the kitties!!! As I walked to the Purrfect Inn I noticed that there were no kittens to be found and both kitten houses were closed down. I must say that it is very nice to see so many empty cages right now because I very well know that in a couple of months, the shelter will be bursting at the seams during kitten season. I peaked into the Purrfect Inn and noticed the cat log indicating that these kitties had not been outside of the cages since Wednesday. The weather has been quite awful with heavy rainstorms pounding the entire state of California and therefore I think a lot of volunteers have decided to stay at home where it is warm and dry. I noticed Oscar, a 7 year old Russian Blue kitty who has to be the most affectionate older cat ever. He was apparently surrendered to the shelter because his previous owners were moving and could not take him with. I just can't imagine giving up this love bug! He was not interested in playing and just wanted to be petted and stroked all day long. He was so adorable as he stood next to me as I stroked his back from head to tail and he was just doing a little dance with his front paws. It seemed like he was doing the kneading dough with his front paws as he was standing tall and arching his back against my hand moving along his body.

Next up was another new cat to the shelter, PJ. He is about 8 months old and was also surrendered to the shelter, apparently because his previous owners had too many animals. His markings and coloring remind me very much of my own kitty, Sophie. I apologize for the poor picture, but I didn't bring in my own camera today, and since he has only been in the shelter for a few days, this is the only one that has been taken so far. PJ was extremely shy and obviously scared to be where he was. He enjoyed me petting him within his cage, but his tail was firmly tucked away between his legs and he just wanted to be curled up into a ball. I gained his trust over the next 15 minutes while standing in front of his cage and caressing him. I decided to pick him up to try and take him into the playroom. He did not struggle out of my hands at all and just curled up into my arms. PJ is really not a good cat to be left at the shelter too long and I hope a new family takes him home soon. At first I though he was de-clawed because I did not notice his nails. After further inspection, it seems that the last people to cut his nails did a very bad job and cut them WAY too short. I could see the quick exposed at the cut line and this might explain his composure. He did not seem to want to walk around at all and was very content being held in my arms like a baby. Such a doll!!! I wish I could take him home with me.

Joy was her usual self. She is a somewhat independent cat who doesn't like being told what to do. I am still not sure if it is her normal attitude that she displays or if it is merely a show due to the stresses of the shelter life. She is a fairly plump kitty even if you are to discount her long fluffy hair. She is absolutely beautiful but she definitely needs to find the right kind of family. She seems like she can take charge of whatever situation she is in and is most certainly not a pushover. I was pleasantly surprise at the end of our visit together that she did not try to attack me as much as she usually does. She did try to bite my wrist at one point but when I firmly said "No!" she immediately stopped.

Last but certainly not least was Vanessa who was so very eager to get out to play. She is such a sweet kitty and is very affectionate and also very playful! I had her running an obstacle course which started from inside the cat condo, where she would jump out and over the cat grass (which was new to the playrooms and gave some of the cats much enjoyment!) and onto the bench, down off the bench and onto the floor, through the triangle scratching furniture, across the room and through the cat tunnel where she would make a right hand turn and circle the outside of the room, up and over the triangle cat scratching furniture, up onto the bench and into the cat condo. I was flicking a string on a stick toy with a noisy mouse toy crudely attached to the end and that had her going around the room at lightening speed. It was hysterical to watch her make these laps and slip and slide across the floor due to her "soft paws" on her nails which caused her to loose traction.