Blog Hop

I've joined my first blog hop, y'all. Welcome to those who are visiting for the first time. It's nice to meet you.

They Call Me Uncle Mickel

Uncle Mickel is what a lot of folks call me around here. See, I like to hang just outside the door to the kitten room. Sometimes I'll play with the little guys by kicking a toy under the door or sticking my paw in. Other times I have chats with the youngins' that will sit still long enough to listen to me. You got to pick your battles - some of those little balls of fur are either bouncing off the walls or sleeping with nothing in between and I know they aren't going to listen to me. I like to impart wisdom when I can and I like to play. I mean, everyone knows how cute those little ones are and I think spending time with them keeps me young. Party on, kids. Uncle Mickle is here for you.

Smudge

I think it's time for you to meet some of my roomies here at Good Mews. From time to time I will introduce you to some of the more special cases as well as those who have been around for a while.

Without further ado I would like to introduce you to Smudge, so named because of the coloring around her nose. Smudge is a beautiful young lady of six who came to Good Mews in November of 2004 putting her third in terms of seniority behind yours truly and Bongo whom I will be sure to introduce you to very soon.

She likes to play but will also occupy a lap if one is available. Smudge is a bit of a celebrity - she was featured on a Good Mews sweatshirt and she is also an internet sensation. Check out our girl on YouTube.



I will admit that is a little silly but I find it endearing. We all like to get a little crazy sometimes. I just prefer not to take it out on my own bodyparts.

Smudge hasn't let the fame go to her head. She's one of the gang just like always. Perhaps you'd like to come by and meet Smudge for yourself? If so, you are likely to find her curled up sleeping on top of the television. But remember that she likes laps so I'm sure she'll gladly give up one of the most treasured napping spots in the place to say hello.

The "Staff"

Yesterday I mentioned all the volunteers that come through the shelter. On any given day there are people here to do clean and feed, meds (yuck!), clean the windows, take pictures for the website or newsletter, taking cats to and from the vet (double yuck), picking up recyclables to help make money for the shelter, meeting potential adopters, giving tours of the shelter, coming to do inventory of supplies and to get supplies together for offsite events. It takes a lot of volunteers to help keep this place running.

Maybe later we can get into specifics but I just first wanted to say thank you to everyone who does volunteer at Good Mews. We cats have a great place to live because of you. And while I'm at it let me say thank you if you volunteer at any animal shelter, anywhere! I know there are a lot of animals in shelters waiting to be adopted that are being taken care of by volunteers.

If there is any cause that you feel passionate about - animals, kids, reading, water, trees, or just anything - find an organization that supports that cause and support them. Consider giving a few hours a month to help them out. It's a great way to learn even more about the cause you care about and meet other people who are interested as well.

If you'd like to volunteer at Good Mews you can get all the information you need on the website - www.goodmews.org. I'll be here waiting to meet you and tell you all you need to know.

Don't Cry For Me

First let's get my story out of the way. I've lived at Good Mews for 10 years. I came here when I was only a few months old. I've never had what's known around here as a "forever home." Some find that sad. I say you can't miss what you never had. Plus, I like it here. I have it better than a lot of other cats. I've got a place to live so I don't have to worry about bad weather, or scary dogs chasing me - or mean people chasing me for that matter - like cats who have to live outside. I don't have to find my own food - it's almost everywhere you turn around this place. And when you consider the number of volunteers it takes to get thing done at a shelter like this, each cat around here can claim to have their own personal staff of about 2.7 people. No, don't feel sad for me. I've got it made and consider myself a lucky guy.

Would I like to have a forever home? I'm game for a new adventure, sure, but I'm not going to let myself get down when people come in and want a younger cat, or a girl cat, or a flashier looking cat, or a lap cat or any of the other things I hear them say. I take pride in having been here longer than all the others. I've seen and learned a lot and I'm happy to help some of the newer residents who seem unsure or scared. I consider that a very important job and I want to do it well.

Hello Blogosphere

My name is Mickel and I live at Good Mews, a cat shelter in Marietta, GA. You'd be amazed at all the weird and wonderful things that happen here. Stay tuned for my stories...