Gwen Cooper's New Website/Homer's Heroes

My good friend, Gwen Cooper just revamped her website, www.gwencooper.com! Gwen is the best selling author of Homer's Odyssey, about Homer, the blind black wondercat! I have previously interviewed Gwen in a post you can read here.

I finally met Gwen in purr-son this September :)

A new section of Gwen's website is called "Homer's Heroes" - in which each month, Gwen and Homer highlight their favorite volunteers and rescue workers! You can nominate your own Homer's Hero on Gwen's website here.

My mom, Julie Shubin of the blog Helitzer Blouse Girl, nominated me when Gwen and Homer were looking for the first inaugural Homer's Hero!

Reading the post my mom wrote about me was so amazing, she totally wrote from the heart and shared about my passion for animal rescue. I really liked how she mentioned that part of the reason I really didn't want to go far away from home for college was so I could still stay involved with my rescue work. Thank you so much for nominating me, mom! I love you!

And thank you ever so much to Gwen and Homer! I'm so glad to call you my friends >^..^<

So please check out Gwen's updated website, the Homer Heroes section and the post about me as Homer's first Hero!

Winter Cat Fashion

I love watching the fall trends fade into winter. Even though I don't anticipate a career in fashion, I love partaking in the event of up-to-date fashion. The color hunter green, wool plaid purses, thick/cowl-knit sweaters and cat print items, are among my favorite winter 2012 fashions.

In a blog post I wrote a few weeks ago, I published my first fashion post, with a fun cat shirt I found at American Eagle. The moment I saw it, I was like a kid on Christmas morning - jumping up and down (not really, I'd look like a crazy person!). I was excited to see cats featured on clothing -- more likely I am able to find cute dog clothing that I like, but don't want because I'm generally not a dog person.

So you can imagine my surprise when I was shopping in Ann Taylor LOFT and saw this kitten print cardigan...

"Done in a purrfectly cute kitten print, we think this sweet must-have is the cat’s meow. Crew neck. Long sleeves. Button front. Ribbed neckline, cuffs and hem." -Loft

Close up of the print!

Anything with a cat on it, has Rachel written all over it! The sweater retails for $54.50 and can be purchased online here, as well as in stores (featured in petite sizing as well). I have never seen anything like this sweater, in Loft or elsewhere! It is new, but is being snatched up quickly by cat lovers everywhere!

Retail $12

The other cat related item I rushed to pick up on November 2nd, was the new Vera Bradley Kitty Keychain in Ribbons - the Breast Cancer Color. This retails for $12 online and in Vera Bradley stores (can purchase online here). It comes in the pattern Ribbons (featured above) as well as in the color Dogwood!

First Fashion Post

I really like shopping and buying new clothes. Even better? If the clothes have cats on them! So naturally, when I saw this shirt in American Eagle Outfitters tonight, I had to buy it!

This shirt retails for $19.99.

I just had to share this awesome graphic cat tee with you! I can't wait to wear this out and show my cat pride.

And if you like foxes...check out this shirt (I also like foxes - and they're definitely related to cats, right?!)

This shirt retails for $19.99. There is a current promotion for buy one tee, get the other 50% off.

Nature's Variety Instict Raw Boost Kibble Review & Giveaway!

Today I have a cool giveaway for FOUR lucky winners! Nature's Variety let me review their new Instinct Raw Boost kibble in their chicken meal formula. According to their website, the food is grain and gluten free, helps with maintaining cat weight, has freeze dried raw coating for great taste and nutrition, formulated for rotation feeding and is perfectly acceptable for all life stages and all breeds!

"Proving “a little boost can make a big difference,” Instinct Raw Boost is a revolutionary pet food that integrates Instinct’s unique freeze-dried raw formulas with its premium, grain-free kibble. This first-ever combination allows pet owners to provide their pet the nutrition and taste of raw food  in the convenient and familiar dry kibble form.  The kibble is low-carb, and the freeze-dried raw pieces contain natural enzymes for digestive health.  Instinct Raw Boost diets are available in three protein formulas for dogs – chicken, duck, and venison. For cats, two protein formulas are available – chicken and duck. Instinct Raw Boost can be found at independent pet food retailers nationwide as well as select PETCO locations." -Nature's Variety

For my review testers, I fed the kibble to the feral cats at our local university. My mom and I help feed them, and we thought that this kibble would be a delicious treat for them.

Annie (front) and Catnan (behind) chowing down.

Catnan

Nom nom nom. Slurp!

Annie enjoying the sun!

The kibble in Annie and Catnan's bowl.

Verdict? Annie and Catnan think this food is very nommy and they can't wait to get another taste again!

Thank you all for entering! The four bags have been claimed. Thank you to my readers for helping make this giveaway be successful!
For the giveaway, the first FOUR people who comment will get a FREE bag of the Nature's Variety Instinct Raw Boost kibble! GO! 
Please leave your email, or your entry will not be counted.
I will post when the giveaway is closed.

National Feral Cat Day October 16, 2012

Today is the second blog post of the day, and the second year I have celebrated National Feral Cat Day! I wrote a short post last year, about NFCD on October 16, 2011.

Alley Cat Allies.  is a great organization that, according to their website, is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. 

NFCD was created ten years ago by Alley Cat Allies, to promote care for feral cats.

Vickie on 10/12/12 in my closet.

I know exactly how I will be celebrated NFCD! By cuddling with my former feral cat, Vickie. Vickie is special because she came to our rescue after having five kittens. For seven years, we had her daughter May with us (May recently went to the rainbow bridge, and we miss her very much). We adopted Vickie -- after fostering her for three months and barely being able to coax her out of the basement. She was so feral and so scared! Now she will hang out with us, sleep with us, sit on our laps, open bathroom doors and even sleep in my closet!

Vickie on 10/11/12 in my closet.

She came so far from being loved my family. And even though she needed to have her teeth removed because of her bad gum disease, she is still able to eat dry food and treats! Though her favorite treat of all is being brushed by my mom.

So you know how I am celebrating National Feral Cat Day? How are you? Leave me a comment and tell me!

Blog The Change: October 15 (oops 16)

This post is coming to you about fifteen minutes late - it has just been one of those days. I could make up lots of excuses (trust me, I do have some) but I'll just get on with my post, because Piper would not approve me elaborating  >^..^< silly cat!

Like in my past April and July posts for Blog the Change, animal rescue is something I hold near and dear to my heart. If I hear someone having a discussion with with a person, and they are talking about their cats having kittens, incorrect facts about cats, not having a spayed/neutered cat, declawing, etc, I feel obligated to interrupt and give them my opinion.

Getting a headbutt from a spayed kitty, looking for a home - (this is either Chrissie or Norbie)

Why? It's because I'm hardwired that way. My passion for animals goes above and beyond saving lives -- I want people to be educated about HOW the shelters are overflowing with cats because people can't seem to get the simple idea of spaying/neutering. Today's post is to share that I want people to understand why it is necessary to spay and neuter their pets.

"In addition to the many health benefits, spaying or neutering your cat ensures that he or she won’t contribute to the feline overpopulation problem. Even a cat who lives indoors may escape and produce kittens if not sterilized. Each year, millions of homeless cats are euthanized or end up in shelters due to a lack of good homes." -ASPCA

"Millions of beautiful cats and kittens are exterminated each year by animal shelters who can't find enough homes for them. The famous artist Leonardo da Vinci once said "even the smallest feline is a masterpiece." Cat owners can help make sure that each precious fur covered work of art has a happy home. The best way to accomplish this goal is through responsible spaying and neutering." -Catster

Anytime you educate someone about spaying and neutering, YOU send the message on. YOU are making a difference is saving animals. YOU are the change that is needed.

Emmy Red Carpet Cat Tour - Tiny Tiger Tote GIVEAWAY!

As puuurfect as it was to watch the Emmy's last night (and really, the fashion), I have something even more fabulous to giveaway!

Sophia Vergara - left, had my favorite dress of the night.

Coming to you from the Emmy Red Carpet Cat Blog Tour 2012, a fully stuffed, Tiniest Tiger Tote full over swag from a whole bunch of sponsors! This bag of swag was given away to celebrities in Beverly Hills, on the real red carpet. And I have one to giveaway to YOU, my readers!

Lauren Potter, Becky on Glee, with Flat Gracey on the Red Carpet.

 It includes a Sandpiper Cat business card & postcard from me, as well as a bottle of Stress Stopper Spirit Essences (I highly recommend!), an adorable Iams hat, lots of coupons, a Bissell Stomp 'n Go pad, a Gracie Shaker, a Tipsy Nip Tickle Pickle, are just some among many really cool swag in the bag!

The bag itself is really fun! Triple T Studios products (click to check out products) are wonderful.

"This one of a kind tote features the Tiniest Tiger's feline finesse quilted into the fabric creating a subtle yet cool cat appearance. The sleek black color is sure to complement all of your favorite fashions. The Tote is perfect for transporting your laptop and all your other essentials. There is an inside zipper pouch to keep your small items ready for easy access. The tote features a magnetic snap closure for security. The interior features a sturdy base, removable for washing. The bag is machine washable and can be tumbled dry. The bag is made in the USA."

To enter the giveaway:

Please leave a comment telling me you would like a chance to win. Please leave your email - so I have a way to contact you. If you do not leave your email, you will not be entered to win. Please enter by Monday October 1st at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be announced ASAP.

*If you have trouble leaving a comment, please email me to be entered: rachel.shubin@gmail.com. 

Please note, Gracey will ship the full loaded tote bag to the USA, but tote bag ONLY to Canada, Europe and Australia. This event is open to everyone!

Special thanks to Joanne and Gracey for a wonderful giveaway! Stop by The Tiniest Tiger's Conservation Cub Club to thank them!