The Perfect Doorstop

I've always thought Doorstop and Meatloaf would be perfect names for cats.  They look like a "meatloaf" when they are laying down with all four paws curled up underneath them and you view them from behind.

The reason I think Doorstop is a perfect name is exemplified by my friend Diane's cat, as pictured left.  Dubbed Indy in honor of Indiana Jones, Indy in his youth would race around her house, either chasing after imaginary crooks, or trying to out run one giant boulder.  That was several years ago.  As you can see, Indy has mellowed, and now presents himself as the perfect doorstop.  He doesn't look too concerned about the bad guys here, does he!  In fact, he's the epitome of relaxation and contentment.  Too bad he has such a rough life -- as shown below.  I know, I know...you feel real bad for him, don't you?  Let's unite to appreciate all feline doorstops everywhere!

What's in a Name?

A rose called by any other name still smells as sweet.  I have long speculated how rescued dogs get their names.  Some do come with a name, if someone is forced to give their pet up.  But others who are strays arrive without designations, so I often wonder, and discuss with my friends who are into dog rescuing, how the dogs get their names.  Take Coleman and Colin whom I wrote about last week (see below), for example.  Did someone just pull two names out of the air?  Did Coleman look like a Coleman?  I certainly don't think so.  And I believe Colin is a British name.  Did his brother look more British, ergo his name?  Did someone just think two names that started with the same letter would be cute for two dogs who looked so much alike?  If so, why not more dog-like names, like Boomer and Bowser, or Rocky and Rover?

I have voiced my theory to my friends.  I now voice my opinion publicly.  I think there is a long list of male and female pet names in alphabetical order from which various rescue groups ascribe the next dog's name.  There is no thought put toward finding the perfect name.  After all, most rescue groups are usually overwhelmed with barking buddies or frisky felines to take an extra second to figure out a marvelous moniker.  It takes far less energy to look at the next name on the list and dub the dog.  Their energy is far better spent on rescuing efforts, of course.

Hence, Coleman and Colin adhere to my theory nicely.  I adopted two cats years ago who were sisters and came with the names Daniella and Daphne -- names that fall perfectly in line with my hypothesis.  Daphne was a beautiful, dainty gray and white tabby cat, so I kept her name because it suited her.  Daniella, on the other hand, besides being quite a mouthful, did not suit the other one at all.  You know her today as my Riley, a mottled sweetie with a coat of many colors, without a regal bone in her body.  Daniella just seemed much too high-falutin' for my scraggly little charge.  So she became my Riley, or more technically speaking, my Riley May.  She took to her name without complaint and so it's been for almost 19 years.  And she's still going strong.

Bocephus - AKA Fido, Spot -- Just call me yours!

But I digress.

All of this brings me to the reason for this post.  Dearest, darling, bouncing Bocephus is currently at Molly's Country Kennels.  Really?!!?  Bocephus?  Please, please, somebody rescue him quickly from his fate of being known as Bocephus for another week!  He deserves better!  "Fido" would be a step up!  Even "Spot" has a better ring to it!  Okay, okay, it appears he has no spots.  But he certainly has no bocephuses either!   In fact, it sounds like a horrible disease!

Anyway, Bocephus -- may I call him Bo -- is a medium-sized lab mix, and does best if not around other dogs. You may read more about him by clicking on the link below.  Please keep Bocephus in your kind thoughts, if nothing else, as I think he needs all the help he can get.  After all, I don't think"Bocephus" will even fit on a dog tag!

http://almosthomedogrescue.rescuegroups.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=6666129

Cocoa Takes a Vacation

Another friend of mine, Linda, decided that she and her husband should fly off to exotic Costa Rica for ten days, but couldn't take Cocoa, their cat.  So, while Linda and Ramon were jetting to South America, lavishing in the luxury of resort life, enjoying the sun and exotic drinks, Cocoa got to lollygag at Moxness Manor.  She and SuzyQ got along quite well, and Cocoa seemed happy to have a friend to play with, when all was said and done.  Cocoa went home today.  My SuzyQ is still looking for her.  And speaking of names, Cocoa?  For a black and white cat?  I must ask Linda about that!

Aha!  A room with a view!

What do you mean no room service?

Are those birds in those eaves?

I hope I get a chocolate on my pillow tonight!

I don't need no stinkin' roommate!

OK; I'll humor SuzyQ by playing Hide 'n Seek

SuzyQ: Which one should I read next?

The Spark of Sparky

Sparky is currently residing at Molly's Country Kennels, awaiting her new family to take her to her new furever home.  She's sweet, laid-back and has no issues.  She needs a cat-free foster home temporarily, unless her new family finds her soon.  Here's a link to her web page.  I don't know how she managed to create her own web page with those short arms!  She's small but mighty, I guess.  Maybe sparks will fly when she meets you, or maybe you know someone who would be pleased to make Sparky their little sparkler.

http://almosthomedogrescue.rescuegroups.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=7009640.

Twins & Andrew

Coleman & Colin

On June 14, 2014, Linda once again coordinated transport of many dogs.  Coleman and Colin are brothers.  I seriously doubt that they can tell themselves apart!  I think the clue is to determine which one usually has his tongue hanging out, and stick with it.

Andrew wanted to be their best friend, as they languished at the overnight host's house.

Note tongue peeking out.

Note no tongue

Andrew wonders how he'll ever tell Coleman & Colin apart

Come on!  Let's play!

No one will play with me.  I bet it's Coleman with his stupid tongue hanging out!

It's Raining Cats

I know, I know.  My blog name is "Underdog Railroad".  And dogs are man's best friend.  But according to cats, dogs drool and cats rule! So what's a blogger to do?  Ignore cats?  I don't think so!  Although cats have perfected ignoring their people.  But I can't help it.  I still love 'em.  And most other animals as well, although I must confess I'm no big fan of snakes.  And would never in a million years think of having one as a pet.  But dogs and cats have been a big part of my life, and I'm going to give our feline friends equal time.

My transporting and dog walking days have come to a halt due to a knee and ankle problem I have, so I'm not sure how soon I'll get the opportunity to write about my transporting experiences again.  Hopefully it will be soon, as I really miss the dogs!

Fortunately, my friend Linda has become more involved than ever with her transporting efforts and now coordinates the transports for Darlington Express, which always arrives in Pennsylvania with a huge truck full of yippers, yappers, woofers and meowers, all of whom are heading to various rescue groups, including occasionally the group I belong to, Almost Home Dog Rescue.

Are we at Disney World?

In April, due to Easter Sunday and transport overload, Darlington Express was unable to get drivers to New York for ten cats, plus two mommy cats who were nursing their kittens.  Instead of subjecting them to staying at the shelter, one of the overnight hosts, Brigette, kept them for two weeks until the next transport, which was May 3rd and 4th.  Brigette was quite entertained by them all and snapped some photos of the cutie pies as they enjoyed rollicking with toys and each other.  All the kittens and cats did arrive in Buffalo, NY, safely after their two week vacation at Brigette's.  What a dedicated and animal-loving soul she is!  Kudos to Brigette!

I hope this photo spread doesn't come back to bite me and ruin my career!

I'm king o' the world!

Hey, batter, batter, batter!

Are you exhausted, Fred?  I'm sooooo tired!

The name's Beth, but you may call me Elizabeth.

Gracie and her kittens.

Now, which one shall I name George Burns?

I'm Cody; yes, I'm the handsomest cat you've ever seen.  And I pose well too!

Pearl and her brood.

You're my brother? Uh, I don't think so.  You don't look a thing like me!

Yum yum!

See Layla on TV!

Wonderful Layla, who is still looking for her furever family took part in Fox Fursday recently.  You may see the video at this link:


http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?clipId=10087207&autostart=true


You will have to suffer watching a commercial for Audi, but it could be far worse.  It could be an ad for a Yugo!  And the segment is a bit bumpy, but you'll enjoy the cute little girl who talks about Roxy Reading Therapy Dogs (another great cause!).  We are very proud of Layla's behavior during this video, as she has often been stressed when attending Meets & Greets, so to see her so relaxed and easily directed was amazing.  She sports a yellow bandana.


Quinn, another Almost Home pup, appears as well - an absolutely adorable hound mix who is four months old, and enjoys being held throughout the entire segment, like the baby he is.