I ordered a free sample of Greenies cat treats recently and the Kittyman loved them. I don’t mean he rather enjoyed them, I mean he actually yanked them out of my hand and tried to abscond with the package afterwards. And bonus, they’re supposed to promote good dental health. My sample came with a $1.00 off coupon which I gladly used when buying our first bag at the pet store.

You might want to consider grabbing up a dove pro-age deodorant sample, too. They also have complimnetary shampoo samples. Frankly I have no idea what makes this line of products “pro-age” or if it’s just a particularly clever marketing ploy to sell to personal care products to the 30 and over set. But in any event it smells very nice, it’s a cute travel size sample and it serves a purpose so who cares?

For the first two weeks after the Wonderdog died, the Kittyman sat by the front door waiting for her to come home.

Every time there were footsteps or voices in the hallway he’d perk up and inch closer. At first he seemed hopeful and full of optimism. But as the sounds diminished and faded he’d slowly slink away, sporadically looking at me as though I had the answers, as if I could somehow rewind time and make things exactly the way they used to be.

He hides in the closet when I leave for work.

The house is so quiet. It’s something I was immediately struck by and still haven’t gotten used to.

I’m worried about the Kittyman; he seems depressed.

The minute I get home he flies to the door for belly rubs and Greenies. We watch TV. He hangs out with my boy and has his male bonding time.

But I think he’s lonely for fur-enabled affection.

Since he was just a wee tot he always had a constant companion. Now he’s flying solo and I don’t know what to do.

Another dog is out of the question.

I’d consider getting him a kitty friend at some point though I don’t know how he’d react seeing as how he was raised by a dog and really has no experience with his own kind. Would he be happy to have a feline chum or might he be offended? Maybe for now he is better off being an only child? I just want him to be happy.

How to make him that way?

I just don’t know.

So.

Last week I got the Wonderdogs ashes.

They arrived in a small, extremely ugly tin with tiny peach flowers all over it.

I suppose that might have been appropriate had Holly Hobby died unexpectedly in the middle of a dollar store.

But come on, who puts a beloved pet into something that cheap and crappy? The fact that it was crudely sealed with glue that left big yellow rings around it further offended my sensibilities. I mean really…they couldn’t fork over a plain wooden box? A simple glass urn?

Would you look at this tacky ass thing!? It looks like it should hold spare change or rubber bands.

Good grief.

The Wonderdog was a cool, hip gal and she certainly deserves a pretty, unique and charming final resting place.

So I put on my thinking cap, whipped up a couple of ideas and before I knew it, a swell DIY project was in the works.

I’m still waiting on some supplies right now, but as soon as they arrive I’ll share the project with you and the photos taken along the way.

Making her something special is the last thing I can do, the last gift to give her in honor her life and our time together. Which is oddly comforting, you know?

For some reason lately I’ve been drawn to small vintage wooden ornaments. I suppose these are meant for Christmas trees, though they don’t have particularly strong holiday theme. I think these cute little fellas would make a fetching mobile. Cost: 25 cents each.

And check out the swell mid century choo choo train nursery planter by Rubens of Japan. It’s made by the same company that later produced the super popular, ever collectible women’s head vases. Not only can you plop a plant inside of the train, but it’s also got a built in music box in the back that still plays lullabies! There’s a barely visible chip on the underside but it’s otherwise perfect. Cost: $5.