If cats could talk …. er … when cats DO talk
By Gina Spadafori
March 20, 2007
Christie last night lamented that her “Your Whole Pet” column for the San Francisco Chronicle’s Web site, written last week, was on the more than slightly silly topic of people who go to chats “disguised” as their cats. In the light of all that has happened in the last few days, it seemed … well, wrong, to take such a light-hearted view.
I disagree. We need a break. From the piece:
I first became aware of the existence of MeowChat in the mid-90s, when I was running the Pet Care Forum on America Online, but the exact moment a cat first learned to use a computer is not known.
More “hisstorical purrspective” and even a recipe for mouse rolls follows. Go. You’ll feel better. I know I did.
In the meantime, we’re breaking down the numbers on our database now. And personally, I’m dealing with the after-effects of a sleepless night of asthma so severe I considered an ER run. (These things happen when I get so upset!) Better now — thank heavens for prednisone — just exhausted.
I’m really feeling for Christie. I read about the loss of her companion, Bran, and I can understand why she finds “light-hearted” hard right now. But I really appreciated it.
Hey, her column is the reason I found this place (and the MeowChat site)! I’ve forwarded the links from here for the “Pet Food Recall” to all of my friends.
And as for the MeowChat site, such fun! I have a friend who has written “mysteries” about her dogs (German & Bavarian Shepherds) for years—not to mention putting fancy hand-decorated covers on them for Christmas presents! (You guessed it: she’s a lawyer.)
The MeowChat board sounds like fun… I hope they’re welcoming! I need an outlet after my serious day job and after monitoring a group online.
My first cat, Spats Astaire, was the first in my circle of pets&petfriends to have his own email account. He’s passed away, but the other kitties share it and keep it in his honor.
I’m greatful to Christie’s column at http://www.sfgate.com for opening me up to so many online sources and groups.
Comment by Denise — March 20, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
I’ve never heard of MeowChat before, and I enjoyed reading about it. It makes me think of the community of dog bloggers out there. I have a blog for my Golden Retriever. It’s a fun and creative hobby for me, and I have been surprised to find so many other dog blogs out there. I belong to a web site specifically for dog bloggers(www.dogswithblogs.com.au), and the last time I checked, there were 386 members. Most of us write our blogs from our dogs’ perspectives and post in the discussion boards in our dogs’ voices. It sounds a little wacky to some people, but I think we all just view it as a way to have fun, honor the doggies we love, and interact with other dog lovers. I’m rather new to the whole thing, but some folks have been dogblogging for quite a while. They’ve even made dog calendars to generate donations for a dog rescue group, created a Christmas card exchange with dog bloggers from all over the world, and some send one another real care packages for birthdays, adoption anniversaries, or other special events(from one dog to another).
Comment by Amanda — March 20, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
Good to know Amanda. These things are a fun little diversion when you’re crusin’ the net.
My (same above-mentioned) best friend has a website about her wedding, told from one of her dogs’ perspective. (She did give away the bride, after all!) She also has a blog with pages about the dogs, the dog parks in the area, the dogs pictures, and the little mysteries she writes about the dogs.
I also found a “dog story” writer whose work is available at Amazon. Individual PDF files for around $0.49 each. They’re called “Amazon Shorts” and here is a link to one:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Duff.....32-0307256
I have a favorite cat website. While it’s not a blog, it’s beautiful and creative. Unfortunately, the site is currently being remodeled, but if you get a chance go to
http://www.thecatshouse.com/index.htm
The owners of that site have been featured in a number of television shows and have authored a few books. ISBNs include: 0836221834, 0740710265, 0740722441 and 0836269179. (I wish they’d design my home!)
Comment by Denise — March 21, 2007 @ 4:15 pm
Psssttt…. in case you were unaware of it, in addition to there being a huge Community of Bloggers with Feline Companions, who write about their buddies, and share pictures, but many of us Kitties are occasional to frequent CatBloggers on such sites.
My Daddy has encouraged my writing, and journalistic, talents since I was a year old ( I’m 9 now! ).
I even have my own Blogroll! ;-D
Speaking of which, you will be added to it because I am very impressed with the reporting you have done on the tragedy that has befallen the Animal Companion Community this last week.
I wrote about the crisis, and encouraged my readers to check out your Blog for the latest news.
Keep up the great job!
Comment by Nikita, The Bouncer of Sneakeasy's Joint — March 25, 2007 @ 3:39 am