PETTATS IDs Can Help Lost Animals Get Home Quicker

Did you know that one in three pets will become lost during their lives? Thanks to a dog owner in Arizona who thinks outside the box, pets can be found much easier through a new online ID service called Pet Tat’s Record Keeping.

Many great ideas turn into inventions when people look for solutions in their own lives. That’s precisely what happened when Stephanie Seipel of Surprise, AZ, invented PETTATS more than 13 years ago. When Seipel’s beloved dog Charlie was microchipped in 2009, it led to a rare infection followed by emergency surgery to remove the device.

“When my own dog couldn’t have a chip, that’s when I began thinking about making another type of universal collarless ID (a Tattoo-able type) that would be both safe and non-invasive,” Seipel said. “So, I created the PETTATS and I decided to try them out on my own pets (Josie and Charlie) and our friends’ pets, too, to see if they would work. They did, and people love them,” Seipel explained. “Finally, I took a few more years to iron out the details and to create the Pet Tat’s unique Online Record Keeping System that works together with the IDs, and well, as they all say—the rest is history.

Seipel’s company Pet Tat’s Record-Keeping is currently an affordable online pet record-keeping service specializing in the identification of lost animals whose mission is the recovery of lost pets. When pet owners purchase a PETTATS ID, they are automatically assigned a unique personalized identification number connected to an online ID service. The pet’s ID, with owner information is then always available online day or night, protecting that animal if they ever get lost.

 If a lost pet is found wearing a PETTATS ID, the rescuer simply goes online to pettats.com, enters the animal's identification number, and is instantly able to view the pet's emergency contact information, photos and other relevant data. This efficiently helps the rescuer to identify the animal quickly and contact the owner immediately! In most cases, the animal’s owner is reached within a few hours of the pet's disappearance. Now, bringing your beloved pet home has never been easier, thanks to the company Pet Tat’s!!

In addition to dogs and cats, PETTATS IDs are currently being used by a variety of animals such as lizards, turtles, snakes, donkeys, horses, bunnies etc. The Pet Tat’s Record Keeping Services offers several types of ID options, such as tattoos, tags, collars and harnesses to name a few. Seipel is also improving on a newer PETTATS ID Ring, that is very useful for birds and smaller animals that cannot wear tattoo-able ID’s.

The American Humane Association estimates over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year. Fortunately, 85 percent of them are eventually found, but Pet Tat’s Services is trying to make that 15 percent shrink by featuring several affordable and visible ID solutions for pet owners nationwide.

Many people are using the PETTATS IDs in addition to having their pets microchipped, while others strongly criticize microchipping for its failure rate and unreliable nature. Some studies suggest that microchips actually work less than half the time. That is why a visual pet ID seems to be a great additional choice to insure you’ll get your pet back even quicker. Even though microchipping can be safe and effective in most cases, many pet experts agree that microchipped pets should use one or more backup solutions to get that much-needed peace of mind.

Although each ID method has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. The Pet Tat’s system appeals to many animal owners because it’s simple, and the IDs are easy to apply and read. Visibility is one of the main advantages of using the PETTATS IDs. “The big problem with the microchips is that people can’t see them, unlike a pet tattoo that is always visible to the naked eye,” Seipel said.

As an animal activist and a passionate pet lover, Seipel recently entered into an agreement with a non-profit organization (Arizona Shih Tzu & Small Breed Rescue), in Arizona. “I wanted to donate tags and ID Services to the shelter pets in need,” Seipel said. “I just don’t want any animals to get lost, even the ones that don’t have families yet.” Seipel is working with this rescue on a program for newly adopted pets to eventually go home with a permanent PETTATS (tattoo) so that they will be even safer once they re-enter the real world.

Fortunately, PETTATS IDs are more affordable than you may think. Yearly memberships start at only $15 and include a set of 20 temporary tattoo-able IDs for your pet's skin or fur, along with a secondary tangible ID of your choice. There’s also a lifetime membership product available with no annual fees. All memberships include a 24 hr. Online Pet Record-Keeping service allows you to store pet information and medical records. To get your pet online ID Service, simply visit www.pettats.com/join-now and choose your ID style. Your pet will thank you!

Seipel has big plans for Pet Tat’s Record-Keeping Service and is always looking for new and exciting products and solutions to attach to her rapidly growing brand. “I love what I am doing because I am helping pets and their owners,” she said. “Every time a pet is found with one of our IDs, it reinforces that with PETTATS, we are barking up the right tree!”

Contact: Stephanie Seipel, askpettats@gmail.com, Phone: 623.261.1157

 

Star Vintners and Top Innovators in Food & Wine Take the Stage at 9th Annual WineaPAWlooza June 24 & 25, 2022

(Napa, Calif.) — May 17, 2022 — Jameson Humane, a solutions-based nonprofit and animal sanctuary which educates to inspire change on behalf of companion and farmed animals, is holding its signature fundraising event, WineaPAWlooza 2022, live and in-person on Friday, June 24^th and Saturday, June 25^th at 5pm, PT. Combining two things that are universally loved (wine and animals), WineaPAWlooza has consistently earned its place as one of the top 10 wine events in the country, as cited by Wine Spectator. The money raised from this spirited and highly anticipated event supplies the critical funds necessary for Jameson programs to improve the state of animal welfare and save lives.

 

Innovators in Food & Wine Join This Year’s Impact-Driven Fundraiser

This newest iteration of Jameson’s annual fundraiser expands on Jameson’s mission, which is to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. Bringing together leaders in the food and wine industry to discuss innovation, behavior, and action-oriented change to our food system, including wine—for the health of animals, humans, and the planet—takes place on Friday evening, on Pritchard Hill. Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant, and Brian Cooley of CNET, will be co-moderating a panel of prestigious vintners and food industry leaders, including a Q&A with noted model and activist, Christie Brinkley, and WineaPAWlooza Co-Chair, Vanessa Conlin MW, on June 24^th from 5-7:30pm to vividly illuminate where wine and animal welfare intersect and offer solutions for the planet, by way of thought-provoking questions and conversation. The cuisine will be curated by Little Saint, a Healdsburg plant-based restaurant overseen by Kyle Connaughton of three Michelin-star SingleThread.

 

Panelists

Eric Schulze, PhD., UPSIDE Foods; Alison Kilmer, Miyoko’s Creamery; Tamearra Dyson, Souley Vegan; Christopher Jackson, Jackson Family Wines, Rooted for Good; Carlo Mondavi, RAEN Winery, Monarch Tractor; Molly Sheppard, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery

 

The Grand Tasting, Animal Parade, & Wine Auction with Celebrity Guest, Christie Brinkley Saturday June 25^th 5-10pm

Returning this year in-person to the famed Beckstoffer Farm Center, Saturday evening includes the Grand Tasting showcasing handcrafted wines and the vintners who make them from 50 of the “who's who” of Napa and Sonoma Valley’s wine glitterati (click here to see Participating Vintners), plus special guest, Christie Brinkley, showcasing her vegan, organically grown, Bellissima Prosecco & Wines. “When I heard about the work that Jameson Humane does for animals and the planet, I knew that I had to be a part of this year’s WineaPAWlooza. Being a lifelong vegetarian and activist; sustainable and vegan or vegetarian-friendly causes are extremely important to me. In fact, this is the central belief with my own brand, Bellissima Prosecco & Wines. At Bellissima, we are devoted to being “Better-for-You” and “Better-for-the-Planet”. We produce our wines with 100% organic grapes and of course the wines are all certified vegan.”

 

“What’s even more unique about the work we do at Bellissima is that we go beyond the bottle - we are committed to giving back to the planet and supporting animals and communities in need. We at Bellissima are honored to partner with inspiring organizations such as One Tree Planted and Jameson Humane! We are humbled to be able to contribute to these beautiful missions.”

 

The legendary Animal Parade will be led by Grand Marshal, Rick Hayes of Napa Hanlees Subaru, and celebrity wine auctioneer and personality, Fritz Hatton, followed by a delectable plant-based menu designed and executed by Deborah Blum, Operating Partner of San Francisco plant-based restaurant Wildseed and Founder of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary. The evening will culminate in the much-anticipated live auction of 20 spectacular lots, featuring cult wines, one-of-a-kind experiences and trips to global wine destinations. Examples include large formats of Screaming Eagle and Schrader, a magnum collection from Andy Beckstoffer’s personal cellar, a surprise barrel lot from an iconic Napa Valley vineyard, trips to Piemonte, Italy and Bordeaux, France, a Pappy Van Winkle dinner, and a David Beckstoffer handcrafted guitar autographed by Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, to name a few. 

 

WineaPAWlooza will be hosted by world-renowned wine auctioneer Fritz Hatton, as well as Jameson Humane and former 750 Wines founders Monica and David Stevens, and Chief Wine Officer, Wine Access, Vanessa Conlin MW. Andy and Betty Beckstoffer will be presented with a Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement award. “This year’s WineaPAWlooza is bigger, better, and more important than ever. Not only do we have the best-of-the-best, most generous vintners and winemakers sharing their most sought-after wines, but we take our mission to the next level with true innovators and disruptors in the food and wine industry who join us to share their solutions for the future and to benefit all of us, the animals, and the planet. The time is now to innovate, learn, share, and enjoy all that our wine country and its community have to offer.” – Jameson Humane Co-Founder and WineaPAWlooza Co-Chair, Monica Stevens

 

“I'm thrilled that we are back in person for Wineapawlooza 2022! Our Friday night format will showcase everything Jameson Humane does not just on behalf of animals but also for the people and the entire planet. Having Christie Brinkley lend her star power and participate in WineaPAWlooza truly shows us the great work that Jameson does is being noticed and supported on a larger scale. The funds we will raise on Saturday are more important now than ever and our amazing vintners and donors will make the future brighter through their generous contributions.” – Vanessa Conlin MW, WineaPAWlooza Co-Chair.

 

Jameson Humane would also like to thank this year’s Event Sponsor and auction lot donor, NetJets, and our contributing sponsors and partners:

Hanlees Subaru Napa, Bellissima Prosecco & Wines, Wealth Enhancement Group InConcert Napa Valley, Beau Wine Tours, Zapolski Real Estate, Wine Vault, Coldwell Banker, Brokers of the Valley, Poppy Bank, Chambers & Chambers Wine Merchants, Platypus Tours, Minuteman Press, Cartons & Crates, Miyoko’s Creamery, Aperture Media, Charles Communications, Noël Burgess, Malloy Imrie & Vasconi Insurance Services, LLC, Good Art Project, The McClelland House, Venu Magazine, Napa Valley Photo Booth Company, DiNoci Dairy Free, The Lonely Genome Project

 

Event Information, Proxy Bidding, and eLots: www.wineapawlooza.com

Maral Papakhian, Director of Marketing & Communication, maral@jamesonhumane.org  415.845.7205

 

WineaPawlooza 2022 Steering Committee

Andy & Betty Beckstoffer, Honorary Chairs
Vanessa Conlin MW & Monica Stevens, Co-Chairs
Fritz Hatton, Auctioneer
Steering Committee: Giovanna Bagnasco, Ashley Brandner, Patrice Breton, Samantha Breton, Haley Duncan, Matt Duncan, Robert Emery, Scott Gould, Greg Gregory, Dr. Amy Herold, Jesse Katz, Diane Kemple, Armen Khachaturian, Maayan Koschitzky, Allison Kozeny, Sylvie Laly, Kerrin Laz, Scott Lewis, Naomi Linnell, Jessica Loesch, Jen Lombard, Bob Long, Amanda McCrossin, Nancy McIntosh, Juan Mercado, Sarah McElroy, Carlo Mondavi, Sep Pirchner, Lance Plott, Christophe Smith

 

 

ABOUT JAMESON HUMANE

Jameson Humane is an impact-driven nonprofit organization that collaborates and educates to inspire change in animal welfare, not only in local communities, but around the world. Monica and David Stevens founded Jameson Humane in 2014 as a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit to improve animal welfare through global collaboration and education for the benefit of all life. The organization was named in memory of the Stevens’ beloved dog Jameson, an adopted Great Pyrenees who lived to the age of 14 and inspired the spirit and mission.

 

Jameson Humane operates multiple solutions-based programs to create a truly unique animal welfare organization that is unlike any other animal rescue or sanctuary for the benefit of the greater community and its animals. Every day, Jameson’s work is guided by how animals, the environment, and the community are all inextricably connected.

 

 

ABOUT WINEAPAWLOOZA

WineaPAWlooza is Jameson’s annual fundraiser, an event that has earned its place as one of the top ten wine events in the country according to Wine Spectator magazine. The money raised from this sought-after event supplies the critical funds necessary for Jameson’s programs to improve the state of animal welfare and save animals’ lives. Because of WineaPAWlooza, Jameson has been able to help thousands of animals and their humans in our community, and beyond, through vital programs that work across the inextricable web between animal welfare, our community, and the environment. This year’s event will help ensure these programs thrive as we continue to effect real change.

 

# # #

 

For more information on Jameson Humane, please contact:

Maral Papakhian Maral@jamesonhumane.org or 415.845.7205

 

For media queries, please contact:

Kimberly Noelle Charles. Charles Communications Associates at
kcharles@charlescomm.com or 415.730.0064

 

The Future of the Pandemic Pet Project

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Project is on HOLD for a few months due to health concerns.

I owe my followers an explanation and the bottom line is I am really burnt out and need some time off. 

Big Paws!

This morning I appeared for the second time on the Kelly and Ryan Show (ABC) and as a result, I received an enormous amount of submissions. The interview might have looked live but it was a segment that was originally aired on Feb.15, when I received 1,300 submissions (1,745 pets total) in just 24 hours. I was unaware of the fact that it was going to be re-aired today. 

I am still drawing the pets I received from the first time I was on the show. I draw 4 every day without exception, but after this morning I will have to put a big paws on the Pandemic Pet Project. If you submit anything after today, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to draw it. 

Please don't donate until you receive the art, even though it's always a nice (and fulfilling) thing to do. Supporting these organizations is essential to their existence and every time you donate anything, you save animals' lives. 

Once I get my queue down to where it's more manageable, I will un-paws the project. 

For those of you who have submitted pets please be patient and I will draw all of them in the order they've been received. 

And if you have already gotten your art (nearly 2,000 people now) and haven't gotten around to paying it forward to the animal rescue of your choice, please do. The art created through this project has gone to all 50 states, 26 countries and raised (estimated) more than $100,000 for 300-plus animal rescue organizations worldwide. 

If you do decide to submit your pets anyway, please read the next blog that offers instructions. Many people fail to post their photos on the PPP page, which means they get lost in the shuffle so please follow the instructions carefully. Thanks. 

Welcome to the Pandemic Project!

 

Pandemic Pet Instructions

4 Easy Steps

1.) Post the photo of your pet (limit 2 please) on the Pandemic Pet Project Facebook Page. List your pet’s name and the city and state where you live and then send your mailing address via Messenger.

2.) Wait 6-8 months (this thing has gone viral, what can I say? I do 4 every day)

3.) When you receive your image(s), please take a photo of the art with your pet and send it to us via Messenger.

4.) Then finally-pay it forward by donating to the pet rescue of your choice. Suggested donation: $50 per image. My favorite rescue is Muttville in San Francisco, but it’s your call.

 

Tom Shine Brightened Up People's Lives

Losing a good friend never gets easier and when you hit your sixties, more and more folks you know start falling off the planet. Tom Shine's life ended on Saturday from a heart attack after fighting cancer for several years at age 72. 

I met Tom in 1977 in San Jose when I started my freshman year at San Jose State. I was looking for a place to live, so I drove up from my home in L.A. and what I saw was shocking. The downtown looked like Ground Zero with hookers, drug dealers, and junkies everywhere. I found a room in an old Victorian called Ivy Hall and the first person I met there was Tom. 

"How bad is the neighborhood?" I asked him. 

"It sucks, but hey--the rent is $90 a month and that includes utilities. Wanna beer?" 

Over the next four decades, Tom and I hoisted a few beers and were roommates who lived in different configurations. First, we lived in an apartment complex where I was the manager as we partied away much of the mid-1980s. 

We became well-known for our annual Super Bowl soiree and another bash that we named The Apocalypse-- a world-ending celebration that lasted for days. We made Kahlua every Christmas to give to people as gifts, we held poker tournaments, bachelor parties, barbecues, and book club meetings. 

We called it the Bachelor Flat. Pretty soon, the local police were closing down our parties every weekend, to the point where we befriended several of the officers. On Sundays, we would play softball at Williams Street Park from 10 am until dark and then hit the flat for some late-night revelry. 

Later we roomed together at 133 East Reed Street in downtown SJ in an old house that was built in the late 1890s by Thomas Reed, one of the last survivors of the Donner Party. This too was a legendary party house as 3-4 guys rented rooms at $150 monthly each and tried to kill as many brain cells as humanly possible. 

Tommy and I hit it off right away because we both love history and sports. He supported all of the professional teams from Boston passionately--the Celtics, the Red Sox, the Patriots--even the Bruins and had zero issues needling me about my Lakers and Dodgers. And he was a great source of fascinating factoids about history (not fake news or "alternate facts"). He also followed the SF Giants and Forty-Niners and was also a big supporter of the women's basketball team at Stanford. 

Tom (pictured center with myself left and Todd Axtell, far right) loved cycling, eating, reading, eating, watching sports and movies--and did I mention eating? He was an active athlete who played basketball against Dr. J. while he attended UMass in 1969-70, and was a fairly impressive over-the-line (softball) player. 

He was one of those people who could eat anything and not gain weight. Watching him consume a huge piece of chocolate cake was priceless. He made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that had their own zip codes. We would make late-night runs to Original Joe's for their killer burgers and ravioli and more than once we would finish off an XL pie from the House of Pizza without hesitation. I got fat and he stayed the same--tall and lean. Story of my life. 

Tom grew up in Jamaica Plain, MA and I was able to go there to visit with him in 2000. His sister Pat got us some awesome tickets for a game at Fenway Park, but then it got rained out. During the last 20 years of his life, Tom's teams won six Super Bowls (Pats), one NBA title (Celtics), two World Series Championships (Red Sox), and one NHL title (Bruins). He loved winners and hated things like Deflategate, the Tuck Rule, and don't dare say anything about his beloved Belichick! 

The best thing I can say about Tom Shine is that he was a good friend to his friends. He was a solid dude who cared about us and would put himself second always. He was smart and engaging and appreciated conversations that ranged from who killed JFK to does Sasquatch really exist? He loved recommending new series on Netflix or Amazon and discussing what he was reading at the time.  

One sad thing about Tom's passing is that he didn't get to see the Goat (Tom Brady) play on Saturday. He was actually sitting down getting ready to watch the game when he had his heart attack. I wasn't planning to root for Brady's Tampa Bay Bucs this year, but now I will--for Tommy. 

Tom will probably be most remembered for his kindness and his commitment to his family and those people who were lucky enough to call him friend. 

The Pandemic Pet Project Approaches the Finish Line

 As of today, I've drawn 900 pets for people over a 225-day period as part of the Pandemic Pet Project, something I started back in April to retain my sanity during all of this confusion and anxiety. 

To come up with a nice round number, I decided a few months back that my goal would be 1,000 pets total.  

So, I have 100 left and that's why I am writing this post. 

The PPP worked better than I could ever imagine, but it has gone much longer than I anticipated. I thought the pandemic would be done by now, but boy--was I wrong. 

I figured that I would draw maybe 100 pets mostly for my friends, but boy--was I wrong. 

I thought I'd only hear from people in California primarily, but boy--was I wrong. To date, I've drawn pets for folks in 32 states and 11 countries. 

So, if you haven't sent me photos of your pets yet, now would be the ideal time. (Also, be sure to message me your mailing address.) 

If you were thinking of telling your friends about the project, now is also a good time. Because on December 29th, the project will be over and I'll have to start something else to draw. 

It's been a great journey and I appreciate everyone who donated to the pet rescue of their choice by participating in the PPP.

-Ed 

The Pandemic Pet Project Hits 800!

It all started back in April when a friend asked me to draw his family pets. They were stuck at home and the kids were bouncing off the walls. When I sent them the drawings, they posted them on Facebook and before I knew it, more and more friends were asking me to draw their cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and even one blind raccoon. 

I thought I'll distract myself with this fun project until this virus goes away. If it lasts a few weeks, I will get to make a few people happy along the way. Little did I know that the pandemic wouldn't stop or even slow down, so I kept drawing. 

A few of my friends offered to pay me for the drawings, so that's when I got the idea of using the art to raise money for pet rescue organizations. I've always believed in "pay it forward" with all of my philanthropy and I rarely just hand the money over. I love doing fundraisers and using my art to raise money because obviously as a writer (and under-employed at this point) I don't have the funds to support all of the things I want to do.  

Then, the Bay Area News Group contacted me one day and I was interviewed for an article that appeared in the San Jose Mercury News and The East Bay Times. During the two days after the article came out, 250+ people sent me photos of their pets to draw. 

I stressed out for a day or so, but then bought some new pens and pencils, a bunch of colorful envelopes, and a ton of stamps. I drew the 250 pets in 125 days and then ABC News did a piece on the Pandemic Pet Project, resulting in another deluge of pet photos. 

https://abc7news.com/animal-shelters-art-for-good-donations-fundraiser/6376795/

What have I created here? What is the end game? 

Yesterday, I drew my 800th pet by doing four every day since mid-April. My plan is to draw as long as I keep getting photos of pets with the idea of wrapping it up when I hit the big 1,000! 

So, if you know someone who wants a piece of original art and is willing to make a small donation to the pet rescue organization of their choice, there is still time. Also, if you received your art, please don't forget to take a photo of my drawing and the Post-It for our social media. And if you haven't donated yet please do so--it really means a lot. 

Thanks for participating in my crazy art project and remember this--"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” — Muhammad Ali

A Life-Changing Stroke of Luck

Today is the 11^th anniversary of my stroke. I found a blog (“Stroke!’) that I wrote three weeks after the incident in 2009: 

“I was writing one morning and all of a sudden, I couldn't read anymore. I’m wiped out for working 12 hours days, I thought, so I decided to take a quick nap. One hour later I woke up and The View was on TV. Did an argument between Barbara and Whoopi give me a stroke while I was asleep and if so, can I sue them now?

I ran upstairs and my wife (my ex now) looked at me like a confused dog, with her head slightly tilted like WTF. She showed me a picture of Mickey Mouse that was on her desk for some reason and asked me who is this? That’s Freddy, our terrier I replied.  At that point, it was time to get to SF General Hospital. Five days later, I was out, but my brain was still scrambled.

My friends would ask me what happened and I couldn’t even say the word stroke. It was either, streak, steak, strike, or stoke, and then finally my brain would find it, like a broken Rolodex. I'm happy because the stroke was relatively minor. My body is okay. But now I am having difficulty talking and writing. I am going to have to go on disability for a few months. The prognosis looks very good--the doctors are saying that I should be back close to 100% after a few months.

I can talk clearly, but finding the correct words can be tough at times, especially the multi-syllabic ones. (like spontaneous, collaboration, appreciate--these are hard words for me to say these days.) Soon, I will be going to speech therapy.”

I read these words now and I realize that I was working really hard not to let anyone know that I was absolutely terrified. One of my biggest fears was that I wouldn’t be able to be a professional writer again. I worked so hard to get there, and now it’s all gone. At first, I couldn’t write a sentence without some difficulty and things weren’t progressing. One of my friends suggested that I become a full-time dog walker. Another one said they hire slow adults at the Apple Store and Chevy’s. Am I going to end up as a greeter at Target? Please God, no!

One night in the hospital, I started thinking, is this how it’s going to end? I surely created a mess to clean up, including obesity, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, sleep apnea, and diabetes at 50 years old. In a screenplay, they call this the inciting moment, where the main character succeeds or folds. I knew I didn’t want to fold anymore.

So, I committed to improving my life through a better diet, sobriety, and exercise and it worked. I went back to writing 15 months after the stroke and lost more than 100 lbs. I have to give credit to my ex-wife for helping me through this time. She always said that she enjoys fixing people and I surely needed some fixing. (Unfortunately, once the repairs were complete, Project Ed was over.)

The last 11 years have been the best years of my life. There have been some tough moments along the way (divorce and the passing of my father primarily), but the great things have outshined everything else. My art has exploded and the joy I have brought to people through my Pandemic Pet Project has been so exciting and fulfilling. I’ve tried to be a better listener and to help my friends, although I still maintain the three basic rules of friendship and they’ve worked for me (Don't ask me for money, I don't want to help you move and get your own ride to the airport!)

Who knows what will happen next? Some people counted me out 11 years ago, but I’m still standing. I still need some repairs, no doubt. But, if someone tells me to enjoy the journey and embrace the moment, I am going to scream!   

My First Call from a Crazy Cat Lady

Sometimes I get halfway through a conversation and think, wow I should have recorded it. The other day, my phone rang and I didn’t recognize the number, but I picked up anyway.

“Hi, are you the guy drawing peoples’ pets?”

“Yes.”

“I’m trying to post my cats on your Facebook page, but it doesn’t work.”

“Okay, how many cats do you have?”

“Nine.”

“Do you want me to draw all nine of them?”

“I know, it said limited to two pets, but I love them all and…”

Then she talked for five minutes about her cats, their names, the fact that she feeds strays down by the high school every night, etc. etc.

I decided to have a little fun with her.

“You know. It takes me at least 20-30 minutes to draw each pet. I need to look at the photo and, in some cases, I have to meet the cat before I can start.”

“How does that work?”

“If you can herd them together, we can do it on Zoom.”

I was waiting for the laugh, but it didn’t come so I kept going.

“Plus, I will need to do background checks on all of your cats.”

Still no laugh.

“I’m sure your cats are fine, but we need to know because I can’t be associated with convicted felines.”

“I got these cats all as kittens, except for Fuzzy.”

“Then, we will need to check Fuzzy out. Who knows what he’s been up to?”

“He just sleeps most of the time.”

I am trying not to laugh now.

“Send me your four favorite cats and I will draw them.”

“Thanks.”

Click.

I thought about taking my phone number off the Pandemic Pet Project page, but then I thought—this is writer’s gold. The journey continues.
I know there will be a follow-up call, so stay tuned.

The Pandemic Pet Project is still going strong and without no end of this in sight, it may eventually become the Perpetual Pet Project. https://www.facebook.com/pandemicpetproject/?modal=admin_todo_tour

(Illustration courtesy of Dmitry Abramov)