23

Tabocracy in Action: 2-Month Update

Sgt Stripes is holding his first press briefing of the Thomas Tabby era. Things have not been going as smoothly as they had hoped, and there were a lot of questions.

Sgt Stripes: Greetings everyone. Welcome to the Tabocracy. I know that there are a lot of questions. Unfortunately, Thomas is not available this afternoon to take your questions directly, but I hope to be able to address your concerns. I would like to open the floor to questions.

Beagle Dog Breed Information & Characteristics

Beagle: I’m Freddie from the Woofington Post. What happened to Remy, the Golden Retriever. I thought he was going to be the “outside voice” to make sure cats didn’t run everything solely for the benefits of other cats. We haven’t seen him since Thomas took office.

Sgt Stripes: Unfortunately, Remy has been sidelined with hip dysplasia. He recently had surgery and is healing well. We hope to have him back sometime next month.

500+ Golden Retriever Pictures [HD] | Download Free Images on Unsplash

Beagle: So there is no dog representation at the moment?

Sgt Stripes: We don’t want to replace Remy. He’s part of the team.

Sea Otter Fun Facts | National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Otter: Sally from Mustelid Mirror: Is it true that Thomas has not had his first meeting with the humans yet? What is the delay?

Sgt Stripes: We wanted to make sure we have a strong case before we make any requests. Additionally, the humans have been sick with whatever gets to them in the cold weather. There’s been a lot of runny noses and coughing. Extremely unpleasant to be in the same room.

Otter: Follow-up question. What are the first things Thomas will present?

Things You May or May Not Know about Tuxedo Cats - Heartland Cat Rescue

Sgt Stripes: Of course, we can’t guarantee what the humans will want to talk about. However, we are asking for bowls of water and kibble available at all parks and public spaces. One of Remy’s requests is for an end to leash laws. They are antiquated and unfairly enforced, mainly on dogs.

Tuxedo Cat: Clarice from KittyTown Courier. Do you have any idea what the humans will be bringing to the table? There’s a rumor that they will be asking for cuddle guarantees.

Sgt Stripes: There has been some talk of trying to find middle ground between the humans desire for cat affection and the cats’ natural inclination to be in control of all inter-species relationships. We are hoping that we can reach some sort of agreement on social interaction.

Tuxedo Cat: Is that strictly a human-feline issue?

Sgt Stripes: We believe so. Dogs do not seem to have the same need for personal space as we cats do. It’s a shame that the humans seem to want to be in control. No cat will allow that.

Mice : Got Pests? : Board of Pesticides Control: Maine DACF

Mouse: Edgar from Rodent Review. We smaller animals have an issue with Thomas’ security team.

Sgt Stripes: I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Snoops is in charge of security.

Mouse: Snoops is rather aggressive in protecting him. There is a problem with all of you cats. You see my type of creature as a toy or even a snack.

Beyond Barn Cats: How to Keep Mice and Rats from Feeling at Home in Your  Barn | Stable Talk | Farnam

Sgt Stripes: I don’t think that’s a fair accusation. We are working to make everyone more comfortable.

Mouse: We would like to see a smaller “prey” type animal on your team.We are not comfortable being represented by a predator type animal.

Sgt Stripes: I will take your concern back to Thomas.

Fun Rabbit Facts - Vets on Parker

Rabbit: Jonathan from Meadow Happenings. Where is Thomas? We rarely see him since the election.

Sgt Stripes: He’s dealing with some personal issues. He should be back soon.

Rabbit: Is it true that he’s separated from his wife because she’s tired of him never being home? Is that why he hasn’t met with the humans yet?

Sgt Stripes: I’m not in a position to answer those questions.

Snoops: Okay, everyone. No more questions. The briefing is over.

 Pictures courtesy of Google Images

25

A Gator Family Wedding – Part 3

Alligator Hatchling

Where we are: The family is gathering in the Everglades for Stu and Amanda’s wedding.The ceremony will be on the beach with reception following in the swamp. They finally got all the details straightened out. The only problem is that Stu didn’t make it home from the bachelor party, and no one knows where he is. Amanda, the bride, and Vinny, Stu’s son, are fighting. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

Angry Crocodile | Nile Crocodile | Jim Hatzell | Flickr

Amanda: I knew a bachelor party was a bad idea. How did you lose your father?

Vinny: I didn’t lose him. We all left together. I don’t know why he didn’t get on the boat.

Amanda: Didn’t you check to make sure he was on the boat before you left?

Vinny: He was right behind me. I don’t know what happened.

Amanda: Well you need to find him. The wedding is in two days.

Vinny was angry. Why did his father always disappear when something important was happening. He had never met another gator who was so likely to disappear with no notice. Someone knocked at the door.

Crocodiles in suburbia: here's how they navigate our world

Amanda: Stu! Where have you been? We’ve been worried sick about you!

Stu: Honey, I’ve told you never to worry about me. I get sidetracked but eventually I always find my way home.

Amanda: Thank goodness! Vinny and I were worried sick. I thought he’d left you behind.

Stu: Technically, he did. When we were leaving, he spent so much time talking at the dock, that I decided to use the washroom. He was just pulling out. I guess he couldn’t hear me over the motor.

S.S. Why I Otter” Provides Environment Enrichment at Aquarium | UTC News

Amanda: How did you get back?

Stu: A very nice otter brought me back on his raft.

Vinny: We’re glad you made it home.

Stu: I always do. You worry too much.

Brown Bears, Alaska Bear Camp and Being There

The wedding was held two days later on the beach. The bear in charge created a beautiful ceremony. Afterward, everyone went to the Everglades Inn for the reception.Stu had managed to get his old band Acrocalypse to play. Amanda wasn’t a huge fan of punk croc music, but she agreed to a compromise. Her string quartet played during dinner, and Stu’s buddies played afterwards.

Alligators love pink

Adele: That was a lovely wedding, don’t you think?

Stan: It went much smoother than I expected.

Justine: Where are they going for their honeymoon?

Adele: I don’t know. We can ask them when they come by.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials say alligators are migrating  to Tennessee.

A while later.

Stan: Here’s the happy couple. Congratulations!

Stu: Thank you. I thought it went well.

Amanda: The weather was perfect.

Suzy: Where are you going for your honeymoon?

Premium Photo | Cuban crocodile is jumping out of the water

Stu and Amanda answered together.

Amanda: Grand Cayman.

Stu: Grand Canyon.

They looked at each other and started to laugh.

Stu: I guess we’ll have to look at the tickets when we get back to our room.

Official Looks for Alligator Near Arizona Strip | KSL.com

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

20

A Gator Family Wedding – Part 2

Soni and Chompers are OFFICIALLY MARRIED!!! 🥳 I can't tell you how excited  I am that the two are no longer living in sin 😂 Have you watched the  wedding yet? (On

Where we are:Stu and Amanda are getting married on Valentine’s Day. A week before the wedding, they found out that the officiant would not be able to perform the ceremony. Their wedding planner, Stella, is looking for a replacement. Meanwhile, Stu was getting ready for his bachelor party. You can read Part 1 here.

Parties - Davis Farmland is the perfect place for parties

Stan: What will you ladies be doing while we’re at the party.

Justine: Granny is throwing a little party for Amanda.

Stan: I thought that Amanda hated the idea of a party. She just wanted to relax before the wedding.

Adele: You know Granny. She could sell ice to a polar bear. It’s not going to be anything fancy. Just hanging around her house, drinking her famous palm cocktails and eating her amazing boa bits.

Featured Animals - American Alligator - CMZoo

Suzy: And she promised to tell Amanda embarrassing stories about Stu.

Stan: That sounds like fun. I’m glad Granny and Amanda get along so well.

There was a knock at the door.

Vinny: You ready to go, Stan?

Adele: Where are you having the party?

How to See Alligators on a Louisiana Swamp Tour

Vinny: It’s a little place out in the middle of the swamp. It’s called Hugo’s.

Justine: Why didn’t you want to tell Uncle Stu where you are going? He made it sound very mysterious.

Vinny: I didn’t want him to try to get there by himself. He’s been a couple of times and kept getting lost. I thought it would be best to just tell him it would be a surprise.

Why gators became aggressive in popular fishing spot now shut down

Stan: I’m ready. Are we using your boat?

Vinny: There’s quite a few of us so we’re taking three boats: mine, your brother John’s, and Danny’s.

Adele: Have fun, dear. Don’t wake me up when you get back.

The three boats arrived at Hugo’s. It was in a thatched hut. There was a bar and a dance floor. The doorman greeted them.

There's an Alligator at my Door! - Christianity Every Day

Doorman: Good evening, gentlemen. Do you have a reservation?

Vinny: Yes, we do. It’s under Stuart Gator Bachelor Party.

The doorman turned to Danny, the youngest of the group.

Doorman: Congratulations! We’re happy that you are make us part of your celebration.

Danny: Not me! I don’t even have a girlfriend.

Unlikely Animals Wearing Clothes!

Stu: I’m the lucky gator. I’m getting married on Friday.

Doorman (embarrassed): I’m terribly sorry about my mistake. Welcome to Hugo’s. You will be sitting in the Tahiti Room.

He led them to a separate hut. It was very nice with soft lighting and a Jacuzzi.

Stu: Look at that! Warm water with bubbles. I’ve never used one of those.

Young alligator looking for love takes a dip in backyard HOT TUB | Daily  Mail Online

Doorman: We also have a sauna if you would prefer a more dry heat.

Stu: No thank you. I’m an alligator. The wetter the heat, the better.

Doorman: I will tell your waiter that you are here. Please enjoy your evening.

Stu: He seemed very nice. Good choice, Vinny.

Vinny: Thanks, Dad. I thought you’d like it.

Woman in Business With Alligator that Wears Clothes, Rides ATVs | by  NanoNano1414 | Medium

The waiter walked in.

Waiter: Good evening, my name is Marcel. I will be your waiter tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?

Vinny: We would like pitchers of the fermented fruit punch.o

Marcel: Very well. I will be back in a few minutes to take your orders.

Vinny: When a made the reservation, I requested the Endless Seafood Platter.

Marcel: My mistake. I do see that on your reservation. I will be back with your drinks.

French Zoo Offers Rare Look at Baby Manatee | Scientific American

John: Stu, I hear that you need someone to officiate your wedding.

Stu: Not anymore. I should have known to just ask my sister. She knows a manatee who can help us. The only problem is that manatees only come up for air every few minutes.

John: That sounds like a bit of a problem.

Stu: That’s what we thought. But he knows a Florida Black Bear who can do the entire ceremony on land. And the bear doesn’t mind coming to the beach.

Report: Black bears 'robust and growing' in Florida

John: I’ve never heard of an alligator getting married by a bear. Is that legal?

Stu: Stella, our wedding planner, says that there doesn’t seem to be any law against it.

The drinks arrived, followed shortly by the food. It wasn’t long before the fermented fruit had all of the alligators feeling a little drunk. Stu nearly fell asleep in the Jacuzzi. They tried playing darts, but mainly ended up telling each other how bad they were at it. Then they tried karaoke and discovered that drunk alligators are not good singers. Finally they found their way to their boats and went back to Granny’s ranch.

2 Alligators Found Eating Human Body

The next morning, Stan was woken up by someone pounding on his bedroom door. It was Vinny

Vinny: Did you help my dad to bed last night?

Stan: Why would I put your dad to bed?

Vinny: He didn’t come back on my boat.

Stan: I didn’t have a boat. I came back with John.

Drunk Australian teen ends up fighting crocodile to impress girl, surgeons  hope to 'restore full use of arm' – New York Daily News

Vinny: Dad wasn’t with you?

Stan: No. I thought he was with you. Maybe he came back with Danny.

Vinny: No. I already asked him.

Stan: Are you sure he isn’t just ignoring your knocking? He had a lot of punch.

Vinny: No. Granny and Amanda both asked me where Dad was.He’s not asleep in any of the boats, and he’s not in his room.

4 Sleeping Alligator Image: PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine  Public Domain Search}

Next week: Will they find Stu in time for his wedding?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

23

A Gator Family Wedding

An alligator as a ring bearer?!? Would you perform this wedding? | AMM Blog

Stan and Adele had agreed to go to South Florida a week before Uncle Stu and Amanda’s wedding to help with the last-minute details. They were bringing their daughters Justine and Suzy along so they could help. When they stepped off the train, they looked around for Stu.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Adele: I don’t see Stu anywhere.

Justine: Maybe he got lost on the way to the station.

Suzy: I bet Amanda isn’t letting him out of her sight.

Stan: They’ve been staying with Granny Gator so she can keep an eye on him.

Adele: Are you sure he was going to meet us? Maybe we should just take the bus.

Squirrels express frustration by twitching their tails, researchers say.

Then they heard a very agitated voice behind them:

Are you the Stanley Gator family? I need to find the Stanley Gator family. Have you seen the Stanley Gator family? They were supposed to be on this train? I have to find the Stanley Gator family.

Stan turned around to see who was calling him and was very surprised to see a rather large squirrel.

Fewer Bears, More Birds - UPDATE October 4, 2015 - The Wildlife Research Institute

Stan: I’m Stan Gator. What can I do for you?

Squirrel: I’m Stella. I’m the wedding planner for Stuart and Amanda.I’m glad I found you. Things are not going well for the wedding. I’ll explain it on the way to Granny Gertie’s farm.

Suzy: Are they fighting? Are they going to cancel the wedding?

Justine: That’s dumb. Why would they cancel the wedding now?

Difference between an alligator (left) and a crocodile (right) : r/BeAmazed

Stella: They are fine.They are getting married on the beach and then going to the swamp for the reception.

Adele: That sounds lovely. What’s the problem?

Stella: There was some type of miscommunication. The Everglades Inn, where we are having the reception, was supposed to provide the officiant for the wedding. Apparently, no one told him, and he does not want to travel to the beach.

Justine: Maybe you could offer them more money.

North American River Otter | Bearizona

Stella: Unfortunately, he is a river otter and is not comfortable with the ocean.

Stan: There must be someone else who could do it.

Stella: I’ve been calling around. No luck so far.

She pulled into the driveway, and everyone got out of the car. Granny, Stu, and Amanda came out to greet them.

Stu: Adele, you and the girls get prettier every time I see you.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park - Happy Valentine's Day  everyone, we love you all! #zooforyou #happyvalentinesday #bemine  #youresweet #saaf #iheartalligators #lovefl | Facebook

Suzy: Hi, Uncle Stu. How are you?

Stu: I’m doing fine. I imagine you’ve heard about the glitch in our wedding planning.

Adele: It’s a shame that you haven’t been able to find a replacement for your officiant.

Amanda: It seemed so romantic to set the date on Valentine’s Day. But now everyone is booked. It’s too late to postpone the wedding. We don’t know what to do.

CAPYBARA Riding an ALLIGATOR! Would you Believe It

Stu: The other problem is that a lot of animals are afraid of alligators

Justine: I don’t understand that. We’re nice to other creatures.

Stan: Some alligators see almost anything as a snack. Other animals don’t want to take a chance.

Suzy: And our teeth are kinda scary.

Phishing for Anonymous Alligators

Stu’s son Vinny came around the corner.

Vinny: Hey, Dad. I have an idea. When humans need someone for a wedding, they go online and get certified to do it.

Stu: We are not humans.

Vinny: I know that. But maybe we could get one of those certifications before the wedding.

Two cute alligators | Two alligators of the Walter Zoo lying… | Flickr

Amanda: Could we just ask one of the humans who already can marry humans.

Stu: I love you Sweetie, but I am not getting married by a human.

Justine: I’m afraid of humans.

Suzy: Yeah. You can’t tell the difference between the nice ones and the ones who would eat us.

Ibis Bird Facts - Threskiornithidae - A-Z Animals

Adele: So we need to find an animal to marry you or one of us needs to be certified.

Cousin Danny, the bird doctor, joined the conversation.

Danny: I know an ibis who could probably do it. I’ll call her.

Amanda: That’s wonderful Danny!

Justine: Why did you get here so early?

🔥 Stacked Alligators. : r/NatureIsFuckingLit

Danny: The bachelor party is tomorrow. Amanda didn’t want anyone showing up at the wedding with a hangover.

Justine: Where are you going?

Stu: It’s a secret. They’re not even telling me.

Next Week: The bachelor party

I'm a Big Brave Alligator!

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

29

Cat Council: January 2025

Snoops: I called this council meeting to discuss how the integration of our household is progressing.

Sgt Stripes: I haven’t seen any fights or fur flying.

Gypsy: There’s still some growling and hissing.

Angel: That’s just you.

Gypsy: It is not. Besides, I need to keep you away from my food. You did try to starve me last year.

Angel: It’s not my fault we didn’t get enough food when we were staying in the sunroom.

Gypsy: You are almost everything we got.

Snoops: Ladies, that’s old news. You need to move on.

Gypsy: What’s your excuse with Sgt Stripes? You growl at him every time he walks by.

Snoops: We have a history. He tried to eat Kommando Kitty when he moved in.

Sgt Stripes: I didn’t try to eat her. I was just trying to play.

Angel: Snoops has a right to keep him at paw’s length.

Sgt Stripes: It’s gotten better. Snoops hasn’t growled at me in two days.

Snoops: You seem to be slightly less annoying.

Sgt Stripes: We all eat breakfast together now.

Angel: Except Onyx. She thinks she’s too good for us.

Onyx: I don’t dislike you. I just don’t see any point in coming downstairs. I have everything I want upstairs.

Sgt Stripes: She does come down for treats sometimes.

Angel: Not since she started getting extra treats upstairs from the blonde kid.

Snoops: We really don’t see much of her.

Onyx: Well, I am pretty busy with my new position. I am the upstairs reading coordinator for the bedtime books for the small humans.

Gypsy: I thought you were an emotional support cat.

Onyx: I am. But since you and Sgt Stripes decided to stay downstairs, there really isn’t another cat to supervise.

Snoops: And we all know the humans need supervision. Especially the little ones.

Gypsy: That reminds me, we need to talk to Thomas Tabby. He’s supposed to be the liaison with the humans. We got that automatic litter box for Christmas and it still isn’t plugged in.

Sgt Stripes: They said something about a cat urinating in the electrical outlet that it was supposed to be plugged into. They want to put it in the utility room where one of the old litter boxes is.

Angel: I don’t want an electric litter box. That sounds scary. What if it eats one of us?

Sgt Stripes: They said it had been tested and is safe. I can’t believe that was our big Christmas present.

Angel: The toys were pretty cool.

Gypsy: I found out that Mom didn’t finish Prince Arthur’s blanket in time for Christmas. So I claimed it.

Snoops: Who’s Prince Arthur?

Sgt Stripes: You know. He lives with that woman who comes here to see our human brother.

Snoops: That’s right. I have enough trouble keeping the cats here straight. I forgot there was another cat involved with things. At least he doesn’t live here.

Angel: We do seem to be at cat capacity. At least I have a good sleeping spot next to the heater.

Sgt Stripes: And we do have a lot of places to snuggle up in.

Snoops: So everyone is pretty content? Meeting adjourned.

28

Mingling at the Kit Kat Club

Hi everyone. It’s Gypsy Katt. You may recall that Cheeseland is now living in a Tabocracy. Thomas Tabby has started his job as a liaison to the humans. One of his promises was that he was going to try to promote inter-species activities. I’m going to tell you about my experience with inter-species speed dating. I tried it out so I could report on it. (Just for the record, I am a very happy single lady cat.)  Sgt Stripes tagged along to watch. He sat at the bar with a cup of catnip tea.

I didn’t really know what speed dating was.The event was sponsored by the Kit Kat Club. It’s a rather elegant place that’s a popular spot for weddings and other receptions. The way that it worked was that we were given a card with the names of the animals we would be “dating”. Each “date” lasted for 5 minutes before we changed partners. At the end, we would decide which of the partners we would like to interested in meeting again. If there were any matches, we would get their contact information.

Capybara sensation: Why a rodent is winning hearts of millions of TikTokers | Trending - Hindustan Times

I ended up with two cats, a guinea pig, a couple of rabbits, three dogs, a mouse, and a capybara. The capybara was up first. He was very nice. However, he was a vegetarian who spends a lot of time in the water. I don’t think we had much in common. Not only that, he was huge. I decided to pass on him.

Siamese Cats: Facts You Should Know About This Breed

Next, I was paired with a Siamese. He was extremely attractive, but seemed to be very conceited about it. I don’t know if he was nervous or what, but he talked nonstop for the entire 5 minutes. I don’t think he even asked my name. He was looking for a life partner to start a family. That is not me.

GROOMING Rabbits and Guinea Pigs ...

The guinea pig was pretty cute, but had extremely long hair. It was hard to see his eyes. He is new to the area and is mainly looking for friends. I thought there were better places to do that, but he was very charming. Another vegetarian. I wasn’t sure about dating someone who looks so much like prey.

36 The Mouse Spot and other cuties ideas | cute animals, cute mouse, animals beautiful

Speaking of prey, the mouse seemed terrified. I’m not sure why he thought that going to a dating event sponsored by a club for cats was a good idea. I tried talking to him, but all he could do was squeak. I’m pretty sure he thought I was going to eat him.

The two rabbits disappeared before I had a chance to talk to them. That left a cat and three dogs.

Tuxedo cats: 10 fun facts you need to know | PetsRadar

This cat was an elegant tuxedo cat. He was well-spoken and polite. I was starting to think that I might want to know more about him when he started talking about his kittens. I asked where their mother was. He said that she was still with the kittens and wouldn’t mind him seeing someone else. Another pass.

Labradoodle: Your Ultimate Guide to Curly Companions - Articles Factory

Then things got a little strange.One of the other ladies was a cute labradoodle. She had been talking with one of the dogs (who was supposed to be seeing me next.) They seemed to really be getting along well. When the buzzer went off, they were still talking. The next dog in line walked over,

Is the relationship between your dogs in trouble? — LOMA Behavior and  Training

The first dog didn’t move, so the second dog, a large German Shepherd, growled at him. The first dog, a border collie, didn’t move. The German Shepherd lunged at the border collie, and they started to fight. Several other animals joined the fight.

Sgt Stripes jumped down from the bar and helped me get out of the building. I do not recommend inter-species speed dating. 

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

20

The New Gnu News

Terms of Venery: Whence the Wildebeest: An Implausibility of Gnus

Welcome. My name is Isina, and I would like to welcome you to The New Gnu News. You may remember that we had to shut down The Gnu News several months ago after our founder and editor-in-chief, Clive Attlelon, was attacked and carried off by a pack of wild dogs. After much deliberation, we decided that we wanted to carry on with the paper in Clive’s memory,.

Here are some recent events from around the savanna:

Frolicking Giraffe and Baboon, Arusha National Park, Tanzania (Giraffes, Baboons) – Melissa Groo

Giraffes on Patrol – On the far west side of the savanna, giraffes are starting to take action against the large cats that are their natural predators. The giraffes have joined forces with local baboons. The plan is to have the baboon ride the giraffe and throw things (possibly fruit at the cats to scare them office. Training is almost complete, with the teams set to ride by the end of the month.

Lion Conservation & Endangered Status ...

Big Cat Entente – With the humans continuing to encroach on hunting land, the big cats are putting their heads together to see if they can put their natural instincts aside long enough to figure out how everyone can keep eating. The cats say that rumors of eating a human once in a while to ease the crowding was never seriously considered. There continues to be discussions around the possibility of relocating some of the jackals and hyenas. Talks are ongoing.

All you need to know about zebras, from where they live and why they migrate to the mystery behind their stripes | Discover Wildlife

Teen-Age Zebra Angst – Zebra parents are getting worried. The latest trend on zebra social media is to dye their coats, so the zebra looks more like a horse. Parents and grandparents are worried about losing zebra identity. The influencers say they will be more popular with both horses and zebras being attracted. Parents say there’s nothing stopping zebras and horses from dating now and that zebras will lose their exotic mystique. Besides the dye is hard on the hair and needs to be done once a month.

FAQ on Africa Antelope - Africa Mammals Guide

Animal Tracking Alert – The popular dating app, Animal Tracking, has admitted that it has been hacked. Someone has been matching wildly incompatible clients. One antelope was horrified to discover she had been matched with a buzzard. The first time they met for drinks, she was horrified to discovered that her date was happily slurping down a brown piece of something. Luckily, she saw him before he saw her. She has blocked the buzzard on the app but is thinking that she should probably just close the account and move to a more herbivore-centric dating site. Remember – always meet in a public place for your first date.

White Rhino | Species | WWF

Rhinoceros Support Group – Are you tired of everyone thinking that you’re a mean, bad-tempered brute looking for a fight just because you’re a large animal with a scary horn on your head? Are you looking for somewhere you can go and not feel like you are frightening everyone? Join us on Tuesday nights either in person or on anima-vision at Rhino-Bro. It’s a totally safe space where you can be you. Let us help you to be proud of who you are.

City of Seattle ITD on X: "Happy International #CatDay ...if only cats had cell  phones. Seattle IT is calling on cat lover @KateMGarman to top this photo!  https://t.co/5k2kGzMltF" / X

Help Wanted – We’re looking for a few highly-motivated, ambitious interns. You will learn the ins and outs of the financial services industry. Hands-on experience with actual clients. Learn how the banking business really works. You will be expected to meet/exceed goals you set with your advisor. We work hard, and we play hard. If this sounds interesting, click on the link below to get started on your application. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The position is unpaid.

What lives on the savanna? - Q-files - Search • Read • Discover

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

20

New Year’s Resolutions, Cat-Style

Greetings. Snoops here. Apparently humans do something called Making New Year’s Resolutions this time of year. I don’t really understand why Wednesday is going to be a different year from Tuesday. I think it has something to do with using up all the pages on the calendar.

Of course, cats are perfect so we don’t need to make promises about exercising every day or drinking less coffee. And some cats are less perfect than others; they just can’t see where they need to improve. So we decided to help each other identify slight flaws that could be worked on. Each cat came up with one suggestion for every other cat.

Angel

Gypsy: You still need to apologize for all the food you stole from me when we were together in the sunroom. You could offer to share your food with me.

Onyx: You seem to be spending a lot of time on my human’s lap. I think you should resolve to spend more time finding somewhere else to lounge.

Sgt Stripes: You were really nice to me. We even hunted together. I think you should try harder to play with me. I think we could be buddies.

Snoops: I like you best of all the invader cats. But I don’t like to eat all of my food at the same time the way you guys too. You could try not to eat my scraps until you find out if they really are scraps.

Gypsy

Onyx: You should stop sleeping in the plants. You smell like dirt.

Sgt Stripes: You’re my favorite of the invader cats. You should spend more time with the rest of us. We could be best friends and spend lots of time playing.

Snoops: You seem really nervous a lot of the time. You should find something that will help you relax. Maybe some catnip tea.

Angel: You need to get over what happened in the sunroom. And stop trying to steal my breakfast.

Onyx

Sgt Stripes: You kinda seem to have a bad attitude. Like you think you’re better than the rest of us. Maybe you should try meditation or something.

Snoops: You kinda mess up the rhythm of treat time. Maybe you should try flavors other than dairy. Mom always has to get out a separate bag for you.

Angel: You think you’re better than we are because your human came with us. You could willingly share her once in a while.

Gypsy: You seem a little arrogant. You should try hanging out with the cats sometime, not just with your human.

Sgt Stripes

Snoops: I am the empress kitty here. Quit pouncing on me.

Angel: You’re a really nice kitty. I like it when you just hang out with us. You should try to get your exercise somewhere else.

Gypsy: We were buddies when we were both upstairs. You should try to do more shared naptimes. It’s cold now. Work on getting a cuddle buddy.

Onyx: I don’t really know you. Maybe you could stop eating all those revolting flavors of treats so they only buy the good ones.

Snoops

Angel: I think you should resolve to find a new napping buddy now that Kommando is gone. I volunteer to be your new partner.

Gypsy: You seem to be really tense sometimes, just like me. I think you need to find a new napping spot. And maybe take some vitamins.

Onyx: I don’t think you understand my esteemed position in my previous household. I think I am due more respect here.

Sgt Stripes: You need to chill out and relax. Sometimes you look and sound really mean.

Cats On New Years Calendar Art Free Stock Photo - Public Domain Pictures

Free New Year Clipart - New Year Graphics

16

Christmas Toy Delivery – The Yaks’ Perspective

Pets and Packing – Firebird Farms

Zafir Yak was sitting in the employee lounge of Beasts of Burden (BOB) Local 687, a part of Yak Express. He was watching the news on the television when a story about Santa’s reindeer came on.

Reporter: Tell us about what’s going on in Santa’s Workshop this time of year.

Comet: It’s the busiest part of the year for us. Santa’s getting requests from children all around the world. He has to make sure that all of the good boys and girls get what they want.

Santa Claus using a laptop computer while sitting at desk on dark blue background | Premium AI-generated image

Reporter: Does he have a system to keep it all straight? That’s a lot of toys.

Dancer: Computers have really helped him keep things organized. He has up-to-the-minute access to which toys are most popular. Elves are working around the clock to make sure everyone gets what they asked for.

Reporter: What are the reindeer doing right now?

Dasher: We are doing training runs. We have to be perfect by Christmas Eve.

Reindeer Are Not a Christmas Photo Prop

Reporter: It is amazing that eight reindeer can carry all of those toys. How do you build up the stamina for that? After all, it’s the only day of the year you actually work. How do you make sure you’re at peak performance?

Comet: It’s the only day the humans see us. We’re working all year. The eight of us are professionals. We are in peak shape all of the time. Christmas Eve is the day of the hard work pays off. We deliver millions of toys on one night. And we have to make sure that they are all in the right pace. It’s a lot of work to be one of Santa’s reindeer. We are an elite unit.

A large furry yak is lying in the snow The yak has its mouth wide open and is laughing | Premium AI-generated image

Zafir’s friend Sandy starts laughing.

Sandy: Can you believe that goofball? Acting like they are the only ones ensuring that every child gets their toy.

Zafir: They already talked about Santa and the elves.

Sandy: But they haven’t said a word about the Yaks’.

Zafir: They may not have gotten to us yet.

Mitchell: They never get to us.

A group of yaks standing together | Premium AI-generated image

Sandy: He’s right. We’re supposed to be a secret. We’re part of the “magic.”

Benji: But that’s going to change this year. Pretty soon everyone will know who we are.

Zafir: What’s happening this year?

Benji: Beasts of Burden has a contract with the North Pole. It lists all of the jobs we are responsible for. It also says how much we get paid and what other benefits we get. Like vacation and sick time.

Sleeping Reindeer – The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

Leopold: Someone got a hold of the reindeer contract. They get two months vacation and unlimited sick time each year. They also have private gyms and on-site cafeterias.

Benji: Our contract was up a couple of months ago. We’re working without a contract right now. But that isn’t going to last until Christmas.

Leopold: Our President, Max Yak, has sent a letter to the North Pole. He has told them that either they agree to some of our demands, or he will tell everyone just how involved Yaks’ are with Christmas.

UNESCO to present Tibetan Yak Dance as Chinese intangible cultural heritage - Tibetan Review

Zafir: You mean like how we’re the ones who take the toys to depots around the world where the reindeer can pick them up for local delivery?

Sandy: And the reason Santa is so fast is that he doesn’t actually carry the toys in his sleigh?

Benji: And a few more of Santa’s logistical shortcuts.

Zafir: But then it won’t seem so magical.

Benji: Even worse, if we don’t get a living wage, we’re gonna go on strike. Those reindeer can find out exactly how much work we do for them.

Yak - Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia

Next week: Will the yaks strike?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

22

Cheeseland ManCat Roundtable

 

Greetings everyone! It’s me Sgt Stripes. You are all aware of the problems I’ve been having getting along with the lady cats in the house.I decided to get together with some of the male cats in Cheeseland to see if they had any advice. I invited several to the Curdled Cow Tavern for a bowl of cream.

Sgt Stripes: Hi guys! Thanks for coming. I’m trying to figure out the best way to get along with the ladies in my house.

Tigger Tiger: You better be careful. You know the ladies can be a little moody. You need to make sure that you’re not making a move on one of their “off” days.

Sgt Stripes: What kind of move would I be making?

Dexter: Here, watch me.

Understanding Feline Behaviour: Why Do Cats Hiss Explained

Dexter approaches a beautiful Manx sitting at the bar. Sgt Stripes can’t quite hear what he’s saying. The Manx turns to Dexter and hisses. Dexter slinks back to the table

Sgt Stripes: I appreciate the effort, but I already know how to get them to hiss at me. I want to be friends and snuggle buddies. Maybe share an electric blanket.

Tigger Tiger: As I was saying, you have to pick a day when the lady is in a good mood.

Sgt Stripes: Well, there are four of them. I would think that at least one of them would be in a good mood on any given day. How can I tell?

Bobby: Try to walk up casually and start a conversation. Don’t get too close. That really upsets lady cats.

Sgt Stripes: What do I talk about?

Bobby: Watch me.

trivia | Adventures in Cheeseland

Bobby approaches a small cat who is standing by herself. He asks her if she lives nearby, and she nods. He asks her if she’s been to the tavern before. She starts into a long explanation of how she was new in town and didn’t have any friends and told him how lovely his friends look. She talks nonstop for several minutes. Bobby looks at the table, hoping someone will rescue him.

Sgt Stripes: I don’t know about that. I’m not sure that any of my lady cats would be interested in that kind of conversation. Besides, I already know all that stuff about them. And your friend is beginning to look a little desperate.

Cat Hunting Behaviour - zooplus Magazine

Shawn goes over to order more cream for the table. As he’s waiting, he sees a large moth. He catches the moth in his mouth. Several cats congratulate him on his hunting prowess. Shawn offers his prize to a kitty at a nearby table. She takes it politely, but her boyfriend glares at Shawn who returns to the table with the cream.

Shawn: You see, Stripes? Ladies love gifts.

Sgt Stripes: I don’t think that would work for me. Snoops is a better hunter than I am. And I don’t think the rest of them really understand what to do with a fresh mouse. I don’t really have that killer instinct.

Gavin: You have four ladies in the house? Which one do you want to pair up with?

Sgt Stripes: I don’t really care. I just don’t like being hissed at.

Gavin: Well, who do you want to be the mother of your kittens?

Sgt Stripes (embarrassed): I don’t want to mate with them. I just want them to spend some time with me.

The other cats at the table look at each other and then at Sgt Stripes.

Tigger Tiger: Well this is embarrassing. We thought you wanted dating advice.

Sgt Stripes: Oh, no. I’m perfectly happy being single. Do you have any friendship advice?

Tigger Tiger: I don’t really know how to help you. You just need to be patient. They’ll probably come around eventually.

Sgt Stripes: So playing pounce with them probably won’t make it happen sooner?

Tigger Tiger: That is probably not a good idea.

Sgt Stripes: Rats. Thanks for meeting with me, everyone.

Guess I’ll go home and get some treats. The humans all like me.

Non-Sarge pictures courtesy of Google Images