Celebration

Tonight, I am celebrating the fact that Princess Torii is the only gray haired lady in the house (and that both of her namesakes hit home runs this afternoon in a fabulous win over the Oakland A's). 

PSA: Never be afraid to visit a local beauty school. The instructor was right there during the whole experience to make sure that everything went right. And for roughly 1/3 of the price that I would have spent in a regular salon, I got gorgeous all-over color and highlights. I feel like a new woman... a much younger woman. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time in the chair while they learn on your head. Part of the 3+ hours that I spent there tonight would have ordinarily gone into writing the blog. I'll owe you a weekend edition sometime along the line.

I just got home and have a purring Maxie in my arms while we watch Project Runway. Have a great night everyone!

This Is What Happens When...

This is what happens when you attempt to take pictures of kittens for the internet.

You get a determined kitten who needs to be in your lap.

I know this seems like it should be a run-of-the-mill event in a kitten foster room.

But this little girl really doesn't sit still long enough to be a lap kitten yet.

Sitting still is not Garnet's forte. She's rather launch herself into your legs instead.

So even though the pictures aren't stellar, 

this is still a defining moment during our time with Garnet.

There might be a teeny tiny reason for the quality of tonight's photos.

Garnet helped take them.

She kept my camera strap in line, that's for sure.

"MAXIE will sit still and pose for you, Lady."

"Right after she's done sniffing your toes. Where have you BEEN with these things?"

WANTED!

For those of you who follow us on Facebook, the following entries might look a tad familiar. Stick around and read the whole thing, though. There might be some new information for you :)

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WANTED: A loving forever home for an affectionate and adventuresome little girl. Must have "high rise" spaces for this tree-dwelling kitten to occupy along with a healthy supply of feather teasers. Must also love purrs, kisses, and a kitten rubbing figure-8's around your ankles. 

Garnet is a tabby kitten with a gorgeous splash of orange on her forehead (and orange spots in the shape of a heart on her chest!). She is part Siamese and it shows in her exotic-looking angular face and long, lean body. That Siamese blood also contributes to her desire to be up high. She is a curtain climber who can absolutely be trained or helped to find other more acceptable high places to occupy. Prospective families will need to assess their homes and lifestyles for climbing-kitten friendliness. 

Garnet is a lover who purrs all day and all night. She wants nothing more than to rub your legs and will launch herself at them with gusto. She isn't much of a lap-kitty yet, but is so loving that I imagine she will become one as she settles down into adulthood. She is a treasure and anyone who is looking for a kitten to add to their family would hit the jackpot with her. 

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WANTED: A forever loving home for an affectionate and gentle little girl. Must have boxes for sitting and a large supply of sparkle and crinkle balls for chasing. Must also love purrs, snuggles, and being given the stink-eye with regularity. 

Belle is an absolutely gorgeous torbie kitten with marbled tabby markings on her sides, an orange striped necklace, and mismatched toes. She has big round eyes that make her look innocent and sweet (and the good news is that she really IS too!). Those eyes have the uncanny ability to give you the stink-eye in a flash. 

Belle is quieter than her sister Garnet and not likely to be the big mountain climbing, curtain rod sitting princess than her sister is, either. She sits still for longer periods of time, loves to be held, and will more than likely turn into a wonderful lap kitty. She entertains herself easily given the proper toys. She loves smaller toys that she can carry and chase... sparkle balls and foil crinkle balls are her favorite. And if you had a box for her to sit in? You would make her the happiest kitten ever, which is only fair because loving Belle would make you one of the happiest people ever too.

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And now for the new stuff...

Our little torbie twins are not without admirers. In fact, we have received more than one application for one or the other of the girls that has fallen through for one reason or another. They are in demand and you certainly do not want to miss out when you get the chance. And here's your chance...

The kitten catcher and I have been discussing how far we might allow the girls to travel away from home and we made a very important decision. We would very much prefer homes where we have the chance to watch our wild girls turn into adult ladies. I may not know any of you if we passed on the street, but we "internet know" each other quite well. In fact, I probably "internet know" many of you better than I would ever "know know" strangers at an adoption event. Therefore, regular readers (or even irregular readers, we know how life is) who promise us updates and pictures are welcome to submit an application for one or both of these outstanding girls. It would be extra helpful if we could become Facebook "friends" and I could peek into your life at the moment and get a glimpse of where our babes might be living.

One of the previous applications that fell through included a long distance trip for one of the girls. We found ourselves willing to spend a day in the car to deliver the precious cargo halfway along her route home. We offer the same to you... I will drive 4-5 hours from my home one way for the approved adoptive family. Where will that get me, you wonder? Chicago, Illnois. Cincinnati, Ohio. Erie, Pennsylvania. Just to name a few places. If I can put my kids on the bus in the morning and get home before bedtime (or preferably, dinner), it's a place I'll consider kitten swapping.

The girls visit the vet for their last set of vaccines on Wednesday. We are also working with a rescue vet to schedule their spay surgery within the next couple of weeks. They will be available to travel after a reasonable time to heal following surgery.

You can find me in the private message box for Whiskers In The Window on Facebook or at teenytinytabbies AT gmail DOT com. Think about it. This might be the only chance you ever have for a Teeny Tiny Tabby Town original.

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The deal detailed above will not apply to any of the All Stars. A wonderful local rescue has agreed to sponsor the three tuxies and help subsidize their medical care and spay/neuter surgeries along with Miguel's hernia surgery... not sure if I ever mentioned that here... he has a herniated umbilical cord (if cord is the right word for that) which will be repaired during his neuter surgery. The rules of that rescue apply at the time of adoption and I'm certain they will require local Michigan residents. One of them might already be spoken for anyway. 

Monday With Miguel

Has this gentleman purred for you today?

Yeah, me neither.

Miguel does purr for all three of my kids, as has done so today for each of them as well. I'm the big bad eye drop lady. I grab him without his permission and stick stuff in his eyes. I am uncool. We're learning that if you just sit next to him and stroke gently (without threatening to pick him up) he's more than happy to have your attention... at least as long as it's not me offering it.

Princess feels the same way. Can't you tell from this imperious look?

Miggy's right eye (on your left as you're looking at it) still has a ways to go, but it looks a bazillion times better than last week. The girls, however, are looking a teeny bit red and goopy so we have added eye drops to their regimen as well. They all love me. They really, really love me.

"Don't worry, Lady. Garnet loves you."

"Belle too!!!"

"Don't forget to rub Maxie's belly!"

Also sending some love?

Norman and Einstein's rose bushes surprisingly began to bloom one last time before fall begins. Three huge blooms this weekend and about a half-dozen or more buds about to open. I've never considered myself that much of an enthusiastic gardener, but these bushes make me extraordinarily happy.

An Update To Start Your Week

We took Garnet and Belle to another adoption event this weekend. While adoptions have slowed down slightly due to end-of-summer and back-to-school family plans, our two girls have received quite a bit of positive attention. No decisions have been made, but our girls are "showing" nicely... even though Miss Garnet is a bit nervous and scared about the whole experience.

"If they can't see Garnet, they can't touch Garnet and Garnet can go back home... okay?"

Yes, she tucked herself in there. I saw her do it.

"Belle might sleep more comfortably if this bed would stop moving already... 

grumble, grumble."

The surprising thing about the girls at the store? Garnet has gone from my self-assured, adventuresome acrobat to my nervous little girl. Belle has remained much more steady in her demeanor. She's calm and even-keeled and purring and willing to be held... And Garnet is STILL getting the clear majority of the attention. Harrumph.

Perhaps next time I'll paint an orange splotch on Belle's head too ;)

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I teased you on Facebook last week about another update and then completely forgot that I had it while running around like a crazy mom at back-to-school time (Oh wait... I *am* a crazy mom at back-to-school time! Anyway...)

We've got a Graham Cracker Update!

His new mom sent the kitten catcher a great story that I just wanted to share with you:

We have had to officially kick Ralphie out of our room at night. He spends all night chasing his tail, round and round he goes on the bed, bumping into us at every turn. He has also been using our stomachs as trampolines, bouncing from one to the other. He likes to sit at the top of my pillow, basically on top of my head, and play with the light from my phone. He thinks he is an acrobat and tries to swing from the curtains. Two nights ago, he rammed himself into my bookshelf causing ten books to fall on the floor. I find myself crying because I am laughing so hard on the inside, trying not to wake (my husband) up. When he does wake up, he looks at me and asks why I am crying and all I can say is, "that kitten is completely insane, but so cute at the same time."

He is RIDICULOUS! But oh so cute!!!!

By the way... I've heard that he's talked his way back into the bedroom already. Hee hee hee

He's working his magic on his big sister too.

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All Star updates coming tomorrow along with (hopefully) a return to normalcy around here.

While We Were Out...

The girls got to know each other.

"Is that a BOY coming up here??!?!? NO BOYS ALLOWED!"

"Miguel didn't want to get the girl cooties anyway. Pbbbbbpppt!"

"AHEM! Maxie would like the camera focused on her again please!"

(While Garnet is still clearly quite concerned about Miguel storming the clubhouse)

"Hey, Lady? You want more pictures of Maxie?"

"How about a close up of the top of Maxie's head?"

"A whisker shot would be exceptionally artistic."

"It's abstract!"

"And now Maxie will do regal. Keep clicking, Lady."

"That's it! Garnet's out of here."

"Garnet doesn't play second banana to any one!"

"Garnet is cute enough to be the star all on her own!"

"She is too! So there!"

"Garnet will just rub figure eights on the Lady's ankles instead. She LIKES that!"

(She does. She really does.)

"Sheesh. What's HER problem?"

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Quick update before we head into the weekend: I survived the madness intact (Hooray!) The kittens have had a great week. They're integrating, making friends, and learning to be social. Maxie, Belle, and Garnet are incredibly loving and attentive. They trip all over themselves to shower us with affection. Princess is more reserved, but no longer runs and hides. Miguel has been concentrating on healing. His eye is still a goopy mess, but much improved from where he was on Sunday. He's fussed and itched it to the point that he's given himself a tiny bald spot near his eye to go alongside the crusty slime. He's handsome enough to pull it off anyway. The best news? I've held him twice on Friday where I didn't have to chase him first (and he didn't hiss at me either!)

Garnet and Belle are appearing at a second adoption event this weekend. They got lots of interest last week but we're still waiting to make the right connection. If you think that you might have a special place in your heart and home for one or both of them (or just if you're interested in meeting internet celebrities), you can send me a message at teenytinytabbies AT gmail DOT com and I'll give you all the details.

I'll be back Sunday with the next round of news. Have a great weekend everyone!

The Many Moods of Miss Maxie

But first... an Adoption Event Update: The Mayweather girls did beautifully at their very first adoption event on Saturday afternoon. They met their adoring public and were willing to be snuggled and purred a bit. As was the plan, they both returned home with me afterwards while we evaluate the applications that we received. No concrete answers yet, although I imagine at least one of them might be leaving us by the weekend. In the meantime... if you're interested in adopting a Mayweather girl (or even an All Star) for your very own, you know how to reach me. Don't wait too long or they might just be gone.

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The Many Moods of Miss Maxie

Mildly interested

Barely tolerating you

"What'chu talking 'bout, Lady?"

Pondering the answer

Deciding she doesn't like the answer after all

Done with the Lady

Wondering why the Lady is still here

Wishing the Lady would go away

Talk to the paw

Contemplating the Lady's purpose

Demanding a belly rub

Enjoying said belly rub

Satisfied with herself

"Don't get any ideas, Lady!"

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The socialization of the All Star kittens is moving along. Maxie is an interested, social, friendly kitten who loves attention, holding, and belly rubs. Her sister Princess Torii no longer hides, no longer runs when I enter the room, and grudgingly tolerates petting and being held. She has even unwillingly purred for us. Miguel is a different story. He's backslid over the weekend, choosing to hide all of the time, and when I tried to touch him on Sunday morning? This happened:

Dude went all Tasmanian Devil on my arm.

It's not his fault. As the day went on, it started to become clear what the issue is. Poor little man isn't feeling very well. He had an eye infection (that resulted from an injury) before moving in that we thought had cleared, but apparently hasn't. He's a goopy, drippy, eye-glued-shut mess. The good news is that he let me clean him up and has had his first dose of medication. He should be back on track within the next couple of days.

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Don't worry if I miss a day or two around here this week. With 2 days of freshman orientation, 1 day of junior registration, and 1 day of 7th grade registration, combined with school pictures, hair cuts, back to school shopping, scouts, band, a job, and a kitten with an infected eye, I might run out of coherent things to say by the evening. I'll be back as often as I can, but this week has been the one I've been dreading all summer. See you on the flip side ;)