Stinky & Periwinkle are two cartoon tabby cats. Stinky is a Manx cat and doesn’t have a tail. They are alter egos of Sawyer, who lives in Virginia, and Noelle, who lives in Florida. They began as boyfriend and girlfriend but are now engaged. The tabbies alternate planning adventures, which they post on their blogs (The Cat on My Head and Friends Furever) on Tuesdays. The tabbies travel between locations in a cat play tunnel, which they refer to as a teleportation tunnel. They have shared more than 300 adventures.
Periwinkle’s Arrival
Stinky is particularly happy that today is the day each week he gets to spend with Periwinkle. The situation at his house has been one of turmoil, and he is looking forward to sharing lots of comforting paw hugs with Periwinkle. He’s thankful when he does not have to wait long for her arrival. When he sees the teleportation tunnel begin to vibrate, he sprints to the opening and snags Periwinkle as she tumbles out with a whoosh.
“Good morning, beautiful. I am so thrilled to see you today,” exclaims Strinky.
“And I am super pleased to be here. I know home life has been a bit challenging for you and your family lately,” replies Periwinkle.
“Bingo … you could say that again but please don’t.”
“With my mom’s new knee, which she has abused terribly, and Astrid’s dire diagnosis, nothing has been normal. Rooms we can normally enter are closed off, and sleep is continually interrupted by Astrid bellowing. When I try to get to her food, Mom pushes me away because it is supposed to be special. Well, I’m special too!”
“If you are done whining, I would like to say, ‘hi,’ to your mom and to Astrid,” replies Periwinkle. “I made a card for each of them.”
Visiting Astrid & Mom Janet
“Sorry for being such a grumpy puss. You are always so thoughtful. They are both holed up in the bedroom,” Stinky responds.
“Well, let’s go see them.”
When the tabbies enter the bedroom, they find Astrid wrapped in a warm blanket napping in Mom Janet’s lap. Mom Janet opens her eyes when she hears them enter. “Oh, Periwinkle, I am delighted to see you and your smiling face.”
Periwinkle gives Stinky’s mom a hug and hands her the cards she has made for her and Astrid.
As Mom Janet reads them, Periwinkle pets Astrid and gives her a kiss on the head.
“Thank you, Periwinkle, these are purrfect. What has Stinky planned for you today?” asks Stinky’s mom.
“I have no idea. He hasn’t told me yet.”
“Well, I am certain whatever it is, you will have fun. Just be careful, please,” Stinky’s mom concludes as she gives Periwinkle a wink. Periwinkle is happy that Stinky doesn’t see that.
The tabbies leave the bedroom and head back toward the teleportation tunnel. Periwinkle asks, “Where are we going today, Stinky?”
Stinky blushes and says, “Actually, I must apologize. We are staying home again. Tuesdays are the day when my dad volunteers for the Red Cross. Since he’s not going to be here, he asked if we could stay home with Astrid and my mom.”
“Stinky, I do not mind at all. I am a good nurse.”
“I know you are, and I appreciate that you understand. We are going to celebrate a holiday today,” Stinky replies.
“Ooh, what is it?” Asks Periwinkle.
Pet Promise Day
“It is called Pet Promise Day,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.
“I have never heard of that, Stinky. What can you tell me about it?”
“I was unable to find the name of the person who created it or when it was first celebrated. According to the website, Days of the Year, ‘Pet Promise Day was established with the purpose of encouraging pet owners or prospective pet owners to be sure that they are committed and dedicated to taking care of their animals in all of the ways they need. To provide a safe and healthy environment, give them plenty of opportunities for rest and play, and treat them like family members for their whole lives!’”
“I know we get treated that way, Stinky. And, I am pretty sure all our readers do the same for their pet family members,” replies Periwinkle.
“Yes we do. But someone may visit our blog who had never considered this,” Stinky responds.
“That’s true! Now that you’ve told people about it, what are we going to do about it?” asks Periwinkle.
“With all holidays of this nature, Periwinkle, individuals can do many things to celebrate, but first and foremost, people need to spend quality time with their pets, which should always include play and exercise.
“If an individual or family are in the process of considering adoption, they should educate themselves with regard to their future responsibilities, including cost of food and vet care, selection of the right pet/breed for one’s living situation, especially if young children are involved, ensuring the life-long care of the pet, which may mean including it in one’s will. If one is looking to add a dog to their family, they also need to factor in the time and cost involved in training, exercising and grooming needs.”
“Stinky, that is a lot to consider. It is obvious by the stories we constantly see about pets being abandoned, that too many people are adopting pets on a whim. I think if they considered all these factors, that would happen way less often,” replies Periwinkle.
“Good point!”
Pet Promise Pledge
“I would like to ask all our readers to take a Pet Promise Pledge,” advises Stinky.
“What is that, Stinky?”
“Well, it is an informal or formal vow taken by a pet parent to commit to the life-long care, well-being and happiness of their pets and can include such things as health, emotional and safety needs. The American Kennel Club has one for dog owners, which could be adapted for cats. Readers can find that by clicking on the link in the previous sentence.”
I could not find any cat-specific Promise Pledges on-line, and so I asked my mom to help me write one. And it could be used for any pet family member, as it is non-breed or species specific.
“Stinky, that was so thoughtful. Can we create a nice graphic that our readers can copy or print if they want?”
“I think that’s a terrific idea. We can do it right now.” The tabbies head to the kitchen and get busy designing a graphic.
When finished they give each other big paw hugs, and Periwinkle comments, “Oh, Stinky, I think this is purrfect. I hope all our readers take the Pledge.”
“Me too, Periwinkle!”
“Periwinkle, did you know that my parents have Kitties Blue in their will with a specific person appointed to care for them and a substantial amount of money set aside for that.”
“I am happy they have planned ahead, Stinky.”
Snack Time & Home
“Are you ready for a snack, Periwinkle?” My dad set it up on the porch before he left.”
“You bet, Stinky. Let’s go.”
After enjoying their snack, Periwinkle visits with Stinky’s fursibs, then returns to the bedroom to hug Astrid and Mom Janet and give them her best wishes.
Sadly, it is time for Periwinkle to head home. She and Stinky share whisker kisses, paw hugs and whispered, “I love yous.” Then Periwinkle enters the teleportation tunnel and with a wave and a whoosh is on her way home.
Stinky returns to the bedroom to check on Astrid and his mom.
The End
Stinky and Periwinkle will be participating. in the Happy Tuesday blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. To join them there, click on the badge below.
