NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY

National Wildlife Day on September 4th encourages improved awareness of the species around us and in the broader world. 

This National Day focuses on endangered species, preservation, and conservation efforts around the world. Zoos, aviaries and marine sanctuaries provide a variety of ways to get involved.

No matter where you live, opportunities abound to learn and participate in the day. Wildlife doesn’t only exist in the forest or outside the city limits. Look closely. The creatures and animals sharing our world live under our feet and in the sky above us. Our rivers, lakes and oceans are teeming with wildlife of all sizes. It’s essential to understand how we impact the habitats that animals need to survive. Their homes supply their food and shelter.

Around the world, facilities and organizations will present seminars and educational programs. Additionally, podcasts and documentaries alert us to the changing conditions for various species around the world.  Some may be as close as your own back yard. From the sky to the depths of the ocean, wildlife surrounds us.

Since wildlife relies on a stable habitat, understanding conservation and preservation is important. Developing strategies helps to maintain existing habitats and repair or replace those that have been destroyed. These strategies are especially important when a decline in a species is detected. For example, each year in August, International Whale Shark Day brings attention to the plight of the world’s largest fish. Despite efforts, the gentle giant continues to decline in numbers.   

NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY HISTORY

Colleen Paige, the Pet Lifestyle Expert, and author founded National Wildlife Day in 2005. She created the day in honor of and later in memory of wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin. The global awareness day brings education to the public concerning the number of endangered animals and the need for conservation and preservation. 

If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love. – Steve Irwin

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWildlifeDay

Participate in a presentation. Volunteer to fund-raise for rehabilitation services. Other ways to celebrate the day include:

  • Learn about the needs of endangered species and how conservation efforts work.
  • While learning, implement your own techniques, as suggested by preservationists.
  • Go on a wildlife walk and learn about the inhabitants near you. Visit the National Wildlife Federation to learn more. 

Use #NationalWildlifeDay to post on social media. Share photos of your neighborhood wildlife or even those farther from home. 

National Adopt a Cat Month

Meow! National Adopt a Cat Month in June encourages us to remember our feline friends when considering a new pet.  Also known as Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, it’s a time to learn the cat-friendly ways to prepare your home for a new fur baby, how to know which cat is best for you and how to care for your feline friend.

Shelters are full of cats and kittens in needs of forever homes. These feline fur babies come with as many personalities as they do colors and coats. They curl into our hearts and will just as quickly remind us they decide who they love.  Whether they were born in the shelter, surrendered or abandoned, 3.4 million find their way to a shelter.

When considering the adoption of a furbaby, take your time. Each shelter animal will touch your heart, so be sure to find a life-long love.

Please consider black kitties first.  It is a sad fact that these balls a adoration and love typically have longer waits for a forever home.  Silly superstitions have left them with shelter times of more than twice any other cat. 

All our babies are rescues. In the featured image you will find our spoiled rotten inside crew with Charlie, Inky, Wylie, Peanut, Lady and Junior. He’s our latest addition. He somehow got into our attic. Fell down an opening into the walls of our house. It took 3 days and new drywall to an entire room to get him out. Thank you Mark! Santa Rosa animal services who helped us finally retrieve him from in-between the walls in crawl space under the floor.

Santa Rosa Animal Services
Santa Rosa County Animal Services’ mission is to build a society in which every animal is treated with compassion; we provide humane shelter and care for the approximately 3,500 lost, displaced and victimized animals who enter our doors every year. Our services protect animals and educate the community through outreach, intervention, and enforcement. 
We are dedicated to providing a positive outcome for all of the animals in our care. Since 2019, we have changed our approach to animal sheltering to better serve our community and pets. Through this transformation, our shelter has earned no-kill shelter status and are continuing to promote positive change.

Things to consider when adopting…

  • Consider your lifestyle. Will you have time for an active kitten or will an adult cat be more to your pace?
  • Make multiple visits before making a choice. Sometimes, the purrfect cat will choose you.
  • Spend one-on-one time with the cat so you have some bonding meowments and her true personality comes through.
  • Do other members of your fur family need to be considered? If so, be sure to introduce them to be sure their personalities mesh.
  • When you bring your new family member home, have a space ready for him to decompress and adjust to his new abode. Don’t be surprised if he hides at first. This is normal cat behavior.

More to Explore…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Animal Allies Florida

Visit your local shelter. If you aren’t able to adopt, consider volunteering or making a donation. Each shelter provides a list of needed items. If you’ve adopted a shelter cat, share a selfie with your furbaby on social media.

ASPCA
Contactless Adoption Week

Use #AdoptACatMonth to follow throughout the month.

HISTORY

Junior Humane Society
Humane society

The American Humane Association started Adopt a Cat Month in 1974.

NATIONAL BAKED SCALLOPS DAY

March 12th is a food holiday celebrating a popular delicacy, the scallop.  National Baked Scallops Day celebrates the unique Flavor and enjoyment of this shellfish.

Scallops are a cosmopolitan family and can be found in all of the world’s oceans.  They are one of the most popular shellfish in the world and highly prized as a food source.

There are two fleshy parts of the scallop that are usually sold at market for human consumption. The adductor muscle is the white medallion of meat which is rich and sweet. This is the piece that is most familiar as the  “scallop” we see on a menu.

There is also the coral or the roe which can range in color from pale coral to bright orange. This crescent-shaped piece is usually discarded before the scallop is sold at market because it may contain toxins. However, sometimes it is sold attached to the adductor muscle. It is bitter and some say it cuts the richness of the rest of the scallop.

These meaty mollusks are very low in fat and are delicious prepared in a variety of ways.  Baking them omits much of the butter and fat that otherwise go into cooking this lean, white seafood.

Baked scallops are often found served as a delicious entree, however, they are also known and loved as an appetizer.

Explore More Seafood?

HOW TO OBSERVE

Try baking some scallops at home.

Use #BakedScallopsDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY

Don’t be superstitious on National Black Cat Day! October 27th celebrates the beauty of these sleek creatures. The day also seeks to raise awareness about the low adoption rates for black cats.

This time of year, many black cats may decorate many thresholds for Halloween and windows for spooky decor. However, these felines deserve the love and attention just as much as their tabby equivalents. Old notions have given these furry critters a bad reputation. The day is about turning that reputation around.

Charlie was abandoned by his previous owners. He walked right up to us and that was it. We made arrangements with our landlord at the time so we could try and find his owners. After several weeks, the weather turned cold. Sadly we lost Charlie this year to old age and cancer. He was 15 years old.

My husband didn’t think we should bring him inside as we already had 2 cats. I calmly explained that it was too cold for him on the balcony. So Charlie became an indoor kitty. No one ever came forward to claim him so he’s my husband’s baby.

They talk, he’s followed everywhere. He sings when bringing gifts, toys, pillow, or pompom. My husband has given him a place to sleep on the desk in his office.

Meet Hariett.  She needed a safe loving home. So she is now the all black kitty in the house.  She loves to play fetch.

NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY HISTORY

Cats Protection, an animal charity in the United Kingdom, founded National Black Cat Day to raise awareness concerning the lower rates of adoption for black cats.

More Cats?

This is a cat only rescue.

HOW TO OBSERVE #BlackCatDay

If you are a cat lover and considering adopting, don’t overlook the ebony to go with your ivory.  Knock those irrational fears to the door and open your home to the dark side!  Visit a shelter near you and explore the ebony options available in the cat room. Volunteer if you don’t have the opportunity to adopt. You’ll be able to spread the word about these svelte beauties. Despite their look, they each exhibit a different persona.

If your home is graced with a black cat, share photos of your fine feline on social media. Let the world know there’s nothing to fear.

Use #BlackCatDay to share on social media.