Friday Funny–Sad Cat Diaries

in Barks and Blooms / sad cat diaries  by June 21, 2013
An accurate compilation of the thoughts of sad cats everywhere:  

“Dear Diary,  My food dish is now only half full.  It is obvious I will now starve to death.  I have repeatedly tried to draw the attention of the authorities, but they are either stupid, deaf, or just cruel.  This may be my last entry…”

“The squirrel is back today…it is mocking me.   I will try to relieve myself from this torment by grooming myself…for 4 hours.”

Watch this video for more and have a great weekend, people! 

Take Your Dog to Work Day

in Adopt / Adopt a Pet.com / adoptables / adoption / APDT / Barks and Blooms / Dog Fancy / Four Legged Life / Pet Sitters International / photo contest / PSI / Take Your Dog to Work Day / Wednesday Adoptables  by June 19, 2013

Wednesdays around here are typically reserved for “Adoptables”.   But, when I realized that Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrated dogs AND adoption…well. 

Pet Sitters International, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, (Barks and Blooms is a member) started Take Your Dog to Work Day in 2007 to celebrate dogs, to encourage adoption from humane societies, shelters, and rescue clubs.

This year, the 15th annual TYDTWD is Friday, June 21.  If your business is participating, let us know about it!

  PSI sponsors a photo contest that you can enter HERE.  
Check out last year’s winner!


This sweet rescue named Beverly and her owner won a $500 cash prize and $500 to her favorite shelter or rescue.  Woot!

Here’s the 2009 winner Holly, napping at the department of motor vehicles.  Can’t blame her; I get sleepy waiting for my number to come up, too.  

Enter your dog in the contest–and if you do–let us know!  It’s open until July 31, winners to be announced at the end of August.
te, but it has to be on a Wednesday–we’ve got you covered. Celebrate Take Your Pet To Work Week™ any day during June 17-21.

Do You Live in a Dog State or a Cat State?

in AVMA / Barks and Blooms / BuzzFeed / cat / cat state / dog / dog state  by June 13, 2013
Illustrated here is the difference between the percentage of households that own dogs and the percentage that own cats. Orange colors indicate a higher percentage of dog owners while blue colors indicate a higher percentage of cat owners.

In Maryland, it looks like we’re leaning more towards the Meows than the Woofs, which makes us in line with the top five cat-lovin’ states of Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.  
The top dog states are Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Arizona.

So, which are you?  A Meow or a Woof?

Wednesday Adoptables–Well, Hello Dolly!!

in Barks and Blooms / Hello Dolly / lab / Lab-Rescue.org / labrador retriever  by June 12, 2013




Dolly is a 3 year old spayed yellow female. She is up to date on her shots and is heartworm positive; Lab Rescue will pay for her treatment. She is good with other dogs and is approved for kids aged 10 and up. She weighs 47 lbs but should be closer to 60. She knows some commands including sit and come and will benefit from additional training. She’s very friendly and loves to be around people. She can be a bit shy at first but warms up quickly. She likes to retrieve and play with toys.

For more information contact Lab-Rescue

E-mail us: info@lab-rescue.org   |   Lab Line: (301) 299-6756

Do YOU have the most photogenic pet out there? Prove it!

in Animal Radio / Barks and Blooms / Bergan / Chewy.com / Fido Friendly / JetBlue / Kimpton Hotels / Olive Green Dog / pet / pet photo / photo / photo contest / Polka Dog Bakery / Quaker Pet Group  by June 6, 2013
We have had the pleasure of staying at Kimpton Hotels in a few different cities, and have always been delighted with our stay.  So, when we saw this photo contest, we couldn’t resist sharing!  Take a moment, take a photo, take a chance for a night out at Kimpton!  


From their website:

“At Kimpton Hotels, we love our pet guests so much that every year we throw a contest to find the most photogenic creature out there. Here’s how it works:”



“Anyone can upload a photo from June 1 through July 31, 2013. The contest has four rounds, each lasting half the month. At the end of each round, the five photos with the most ‘Like’ votes will become finalists and win pet-tacular prizes from our partners Olive, Chewy.com, Polka Dog Bakery, Bergan, Quaker, and FIDO Friendly magazine. From 20 finalists, judges from Animal Radio will select one photo to win the Ultimate hosPETality Getaway including:” 

  • A three night stay at a Kimpton hotel of your choice
  • Two round trip tickets on JetBlue for human passengers
  • $100 Kimpton Restaurant or in-room dining gift certificate
  • In-room spa treatment for two
  • Bergan pet travel carrier and auto harness
  • Choice of Cookie Treat Quatro or grooming gift set from Olive
  • Pet amenities such as dog bed, bowls, and treats during your getaway


Wednesday Adoptables–Meet Baby!!

in Adopt / adoptables / Baby / Barks and Blooms / Dogs / Humane Society of Harford County / Rottweiler mix / Wednesday Adoptables  by June 5, 2013


(2208 Connolly Road, Fallston 21047) 
or calling 410-836-1090




** PET OF THE WEEK ** What’s black, brown and sweet all over? Give up? Me! My name is Baby, and I am a very friendly Rottweiler mix. I love other dogs, and of course I love people. I was surrendered with my sister Sadie (a dachshund) because our family was no longer able to care for us. Sadie was recently adopted, so now I need to find my forever home! I am a real gentle dog and have so much to offer. I have good manners and walk well on a leash. Please stop by and visit with me soon!

Happy National Hug Your Cat Day!

in Barks and Blooms / cat / hug / hug your cat / June 4 / National Hug Your Cat Day  by June 4, 2013




Hug Your Cat Day is one of those pleasingly straightforward holidays. Quite simply, it is a day in which cat owners everywhere are encouraged to hug their cats. The more dedicated amongst them will not need this encouragement, of course, but it is always good to be reminded of our feline friends.
The obvious downside to the day as that people without cats may be left out. This need not be the case, however – it should be straightforward enough to simply adapt it into “Hug Someone Else’s Cat Day”.
So, whether or not you are the proud housemate of a purring kitty, Hug Your Cat Day is the perfect excuse to put a bit of warmth and companionship into your life. No matter what’s going on around you, no matter how bad or troubling things get, you can always count on your furry friend to be there for you.