5 years with Nino!

Today marks the very happy anniversary of when I brought Nino home from a shelter. It's been 5 years of having this lovable, goofy, affectionate, playful, and clever kitty in my life. As a kitten, Nino used to jump and run after anything that moved. He loved to grab ahold of my leg and not let go! Now that he's older, he still loves to play, but he's learned when to play and when to rest. He brings us so much joy! Here's a few photos from when he was just a kitten - still sick from an infection - to more recently. 

Nino's 1st night with me -
he slept in the bathroom just in case there were
any accidents...there weren't!

Nino was a tiny little thing
weighing in at 4lbs!

when Nino gets scared we
call him Weeno...his alter ego

he's got his eyes on something -
maybe a birdie

Nino admiring himself
in the mirror

in the winter - Nino's favorite
spot is right in front of the fire

looking out the front window

taking a break - big stretch!

enjoying summertime

me & Nino

Nino

I adopted Nino from the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago. This outstanding organization was founded in 1899. I can't even imagine how many pets they've placed in loving homes throughout the years. 

Did you know?

• Approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year and approximately 5-9 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.
• Less than 2 percent of cats and only 15-20% of dogs are returned to their owners.* Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.
• 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.*
• Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. 75% of owned pets are neutered.

• About 60% of all households in the United States have a pet.+
• About 60 million dogs and about 75 million cats are owned in the United States.++
• About 65% of pet owners acquire their pets free or at low cost. *
• The majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. 15 - 20% of dogs are purchased from breeders, 10 - 20% of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues, and 2 - 10% are purchased from pet shops.+++
• At least 20% of cats are acquired as strays.*

* Source: The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP).

+ Source: American Veterinary Medical Association.

++ Source: The Pet Food Institute.

+++ Source: Ralston Purina and NCPPSP.

If you don't have a pet, what's holding you back?