April Showers Bring Bob in May Flowers

I hope you all have been enjoying this nice change in weather we are experiencing in the Pacific Northwest!  I feel sorry for those of you who are not local to Tacoma; partially because of the amazing weather we are having, but mostly because that means you are further away from me.  I feel sorry for those still experiencing the cold.  The Ninja Bob does NOT do snow.

The sunshine has brought me out to do some inspecting of the exterior of our new building.  Have to make sure everything stays in order and tip-top shape.

 Although, I do find the speeding vehicles on the busy road by us a bit disturbing.  I hate to think what would happen if an animal tried to cross that road.  That's just one of several reasons why we ask all animals come in secure carriers or on leash, and remain in the car until after they are checked in.

 We also have a designated "potty" area that is well away from the busy street.  I spent several minutes inspecting this area to make sure it was clean.  There is a poop scoop station and everything.  

 I tried to make sure I didn't overlook any details when I planned this place out.

 Nope. Didn't miss a thing.  Not surprising.  Very little escapes my attention to detail. 

Although, the landscaping could use a little "spring" freshening up.  I think a catnip plant would look just lovely right here.

Sometimes, it helps to get a birds-eye view.  Though I don't really understand that phrase.  It should be "cats-eye" view as we are used to looking down at things and have much better vision.

But then again, I am King Ninja Bob, so being on high comes natural to one such as myself.

Well, I must sign off.  I have many events to plan for this summer, and a new column for the newsletter to write.  It's about time they give ME the proper voice in print I deserve.

And a special thanks to Kasey for catching some of my magnificence digitally.

I hope you enjoy the beautiful weather the way all good cats do: 

curl up and take a nap in a pool of sunshine.

Don't Worry: Bob's on the Job

Well, hello again!  Did you miss me?  Well, of course you did.  That was a silly question.  I know it's been a while, and I hate to keep leaving all of you loyal fans  hanging out there in cyberspace, but things have just been so busy for me, I haven't had a moment to myself.

 Even since my TV debut (which I'm sure you have all watched thousands of times, but just in case you didn't, you can see it here: http://cityoftacoma.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=7&clip_id=121) the demand for my presence has been exponentially increased.  I've always been famous, but now I'm finding I have to really watch my back.

Also, with my guidance and all my careful and meticulous planning, Whiskers Wine and Dine 2013 was such a huge success that folks are clamoring to get a piece of me.  There's no telling where those pesky paparazzi may be lurking for just a peek at my magnificence.

Though, I was a little disappointed that "Brunch with Bob" didn't clear One Million Dollars in the live auction.  I think that is a VERY fair price to pay for an afternoon with your's truly.  It is simply exhausting.  I find I must sneak in my "cat" naps wherever I can.

 And now, with spring in the air, and trust me, it is most certainly in the air, the clinic has been offering some amazing cat specials (my idea, of course), so I am tasked with making sure the staff stay on the ball.  The April's No Fool'n special offers $10 cat spays to low-income Pierce County and Federal Way Residents through April 30th, and in honor of National Feral Spay Day, we are offering FREE- that's right FREE- Project "Catnip" packages for feral and free roaming cats through Thursday 4/25/13.

We must get kitties, and of course doggies too, fixed!

That's not all.  Event season is right around the corner, so I am prepping the booth supplies, gathering all our goodies to give away, and rallying the volunteer troupes for some great community outreach!  You'll have to come out and visit me at one of the great events we are attending.  You can find them listed at http://www.nwspayneuter.org/spay-neuter/news-events.htm.

What ARE you waiting for?  Start making those appointments people!  The Bob demands it!

And, if you're really lucky, you may get your chance to see me ;)

The Art of Being Bob

Guess who is knocking on the door?

  It's ME!!!

I know, it's been such a long time.  But with the holiday's and the move, my time has been stretched so thin.  The new clinic is great.  Lots of room for me to roam and lots of animals for me to watch.  Although, I keep being chased out of the rabbit room for reasons I simply cannot fathom.  It's not like I'm doing anything.  I just have a fascination for the leporine.

In other news, literally, I am becoming an international superstar.  Ok, well, maybe only a local one so far, but we're working on that.   You DID watch me on TV, right?  Silly question, of course you did.  But, if you'd like to see me again, and again, and again, you can always watch my Television Debut on my facebook page www.facebook.com/ninjabobcat.  There will be more to come too, so stay tuned.

 Well, I must keep this short and sweet.  There are still so many things to do.  Whiskers Wine & Dine is only a few weeks away, and we are all busy getting ready for the festivities.  This year it falls the day before Saint Patrick's Day (a holiday I simply do not understand).  I'm sure you've all gotten your tickets already, right?  If not, there is still time to hop on over to www.nwspayneuter.org and register.  There will be some pretty great auction items, including a chance to win brunch with me.  I expect the winning bid for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be at least seven digits.  

I will be decked out in my shamrock bow-tie for the event.  You simply must come see me.  I will be to marvelous for words.  I'm also looking for some complementary green accessories to wear, but so far have not found anything worthy of me...

I will see you all on March 16th at 5pm!  Until then, my dear supporters, take care.

Tis the Season for Giving...and my stocking is still empty.

First, I must offer my deepest apologies for my extended absence from the blogosphere.  You simply wouldn't believe the high demands for my time of late.  “Bob, go here.  Bob, do this.”  It seems like I haven’t gotten a break in ages.  Unfortunately that is one of the great burdens a feline such as myself must carry.  I feel terrible for neglecting you, my dear readers, and am regretful for any trauma my silence may have brought upon you.

However, I am excited to be able to bring you some great news!  It is official: As of December 21^st, Coalition: HUMAnE will be no longer.  “How is that great news?!?” some of you may be thinking.  Well, it’s great, wonderful, marvelous (and all those other words that also describe me) because it means that we are FINALLY moving into my new palace!  That’s correct!  Northwest Spay & Neuter Center is near completion and will be opening at 64^th and Pacific for business January 7^th, 2013!  HOORAY!  I cannot wait to prowl around my new nearly 8000 square feet kingdom.

But there is a lot to do between now and then!  No rest for the wicked…er… wonderful.  The last day of surgery at our current location will be December 20^th, 2012.  Between now and then we are running the “Deck The Balls” neuter special where qualifying Pierce County and Federal Way residents can get their male animals altered for a discounted rate.  I've spoken with the front office staff and they've told me that space is VERY limited, so you may want to call and make your appointment soon. 

We, and I use the term “we” very loosely, also have to pack and move.  A daunting perspective considering all the delicate equipment and precious cat furniture we have.  I’d hate to end up with a scratch on my cat tree.  That would be most devastating.  A king CANNOT sit on a damaged throne.  The thought is simply unbearable *shudder*.  Moving Day is scheduled for December 29^th, 2012 and we could certainly use boxes and supplies (moving carts, dollies, blankets, etc) if you have any you can loan us.

 On a side note, the holidays are just around the corner.  With the move and the holidays, the clinic will be closed from December 21^st, 2012 til January 7^th, 2013.  I know that is a long time to be without me, but I really do need my rest too.  No one likes a cranky Ninja Bob.

Trust me, it’s not pretty.  But my stocking will still be hung by the Executive Director’s door with care (matter-of-fact it is already up) so you are always welcome to come by and fill it full of goodies for me.

   I'll be waiting, and I really like crunchy cat treats.  Or you can always order from MY Amazon.com wishlist.  I've been a very good boy all year, so I deserve lots of presents.

Merry Christmas to all and a very  Happy New Year !

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Happy Bob-oween!

Happy Halloween to all my friends out there!  The staff here has really gotten into the holiday spirit.  They've decorated everything, including me.

The staff even honored me by dressing up in my image.  Look at that good-lookin' group of Bob-wannabe's!   Of course, not as good looking as the original.

I hope you've been able to decide on a costume.  I am simply at a loss as to what to dress up as.  Here are a few choices.  I'd love to hear what you think I should go as.

Here's my Bob-kin outfit.

The Bobster-Lobster

 I go well with red or white wine ;)

The Bob-umbl Bee

 My tail makes a great stinger.

Nun-ja Bob.

I'm not all that fond of this costume myself.  It definitely won't become a "habit" for me.

The Bob-fairy.

Spreading the message of Spay and Neuter.

 Be-Bob-witched.

This costume had fun, long strings to play with and a hat I could hide in almost completely.

Of course, there's a Ninja costume.

With my Ninja reflexes, I managed to snag the feather teaser toy right out of the photographer's hand.

Oh Bob, you Devil.

 Of course, my all time favorite is my King Of The Clinic Costume.

 Don't I just look so regal?  How can you not adore me?

Well, I will have to sign off now.  Preparations have begun for Whiskers Wine and Dine 2013.  The event is the day before St. Patrick's Day, so I will be brushing off my shamrock bow tie for the event.

Breaking News, Straight from the Bob's Mouth

I'm really more of a dog's cat than a cat's cat.  I don't like to compete with other felines for attention.  And for good reason.  The Bob shouldn't have to compete with anyone or anything, and heaven knows dogs are no competition.  Once in a while, however, there is a cat that catches my eye.  Such is the case today.

Meet Gangnam Style.  

Please don't ask about the name.  It wasn't my idea.  

G.S. as I call him is a window buddy of mine.  He often comes around the clinic after hours to say "hi."  He's a nice guy...as far as other cats go.

Well, one day last week he made the mistake of coming around right at opening time.  I say "mistake" because a spay and neuter clinic is not the smartest place for an unaltered male like G.S. to be hanging out!  Well, the staff picked him up and brought him inside.  They were going to Trap, Neuter, Release him, but once they got him inside, they realized he was actually a really nice kitty.  Not as nice as me, granted.  But even I will admit he's pretty cool.  High praise from me.

Well, it's been a week now and the search for his owner has been fruitless. So, he's being neutered today (poor guy, I feel your pain).  He's also been vaccinated, dewormed, defleaed, and microchipped.  So now he needs a home.

Unfortunately, he has tested positive for FIV.  So he will have to forever remain an indoor-only kitty.  I don't think you'll hear any complaining from him.  He also would be best in a house without cats, or with other FIV positive kitties.  It is also very important that he stay current on his vaccines, as FIV kitties are much more susceptible to viruses and infections.  You can learn more at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1313

Moral of the story is G.S. needs a new home.  So, if you are looking for a gentle, laid-back boy, shoot me an e-mail at ninjabob@coalitionhumane.org and we'll get you in touch with his foster family.  

You may not be able to adopt the Ninja Bob, but you can adopt a Ninja Bob approved cat!

For the record, this is a one time deal.  I will not be allowing any further intrusion by these "adoptees" into my domain.  For adoption or placement information, please contact your local shelter or rescue.

Ferals, Females and Other Things that Go Bump in the Night.

Tuesday October 16^th is National Feral Cat Day.  In honor, and thanks to modern technology, I am sporting a temporary “ear tip.”  

Many people ask me what the ear tip is all about.  Besides being a fashion statement, it is an easy identifier for feral and free roaming cats to show they have already been altered. This way they are spared the stress of being trapped, brought to a clinic, and sedated again.  Coalition: HUMAnE has a special package of services for these feral kitties called the “CATNIP” package, which includes spay or neuter surgery, Rabies vaccine, Ear mite treatment, tattoo and ear tip.  Because of National Feral Cat Day we have reduced the price of this package to $10/cat for the first 50 feral and free roaming cats who come in (no rescue groups please). A pretty fabulous idea, but what do you expect?  It was my idea after all.

Feral cats aren’t the only animals getting the red carpet treatment this fall.  We also have a great special going for female cats, dogs and rabbits.  Income-qualifying residents of Federal Way and Pierce County can get their female pets altered at a reduced rate.  I’ve always had a soft spot for the ladies, so I look forward to seeing all your femme fatales for our Fall Female Fix Fest.  The special only runs through November 15^th though, so you’d better call and make your appointment right now.  Ok, not right now.  Finish reading my blog first.  That’s more important.

The new clinic is coming along nicely.  We’re still hoping to be in there come the new year.  My office is looking very nice.  I think the leopard print shag was definitely a good choice over the zebra stripes.  It’s going to be amazing.  The whole clinic will be amazing actually.  Our front desk will be embellished with custom tiles generously purchased by people…like you.  The glass tiles will have your personalized messages, and can feature your choice of animal characters (Sorry, my image is NOT available.  I think it would be a hit, but I was overruled.  Poppycock.) or graphic symbol.  Tile purchase forms are available at the clinic or can be found at our website.

There are other ways to help support us too.  We now have a Wish List on Amazon.com!  It is easily accessed through our website, facebook page, or at http://amzn.com/w/3CWN1BD83GFTR.  Now if you’re unable to buy my presents, or other items the clinic needs, and deliver them in person, you can purchase them on Amazon to be shipped directly to me…er…us.  And if you’re feeling super generous, I have my own personal Wish List at http://amzn.com/w/3IW7UGMM97VZ2.  And I love presents.  And I deserve presents.  And you will be a better person for buying me stuff.

Well, my dear readers, I must bid you Adeiu.  Halloween is just around the corner, and there are so many preparations I must make.  Fame has a high price.  But it is my duty.  Awesomeness such as mine must be shared with the world

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