About Us
Our names are Jen and Melia and together we’re building a collection of photos that elicit the most awwws and hahahas per pixel. We love animals, big and small… and my hubby, Ron, puts up with us all. Bless his non-furry heart.
Besides the three of us two-legged beings, our family includes Lucy, a darling and deaf Border Collie who lives for smooches, belly rubs and the next 
ball toss; Popcorn and Cauliflower, guinea pig boys who wheeeek enthusiatically every time we open the refrigerator door; Cinnamon and Snowflake, spastic gerbil girls who climb under our shirts to tickle our bellies with their fast moving whiskers; and finally, SweetPea and Fiona, chatty parakeets who gossip about all the crazy antics they witness around here.
Before mommyhood, I was a professional dog-trainer, sport horse competitor and animal behavior consultant. During a stint as a volunteer for the Delta Society as a Pet Partners Animal Evaluator and Animal-Assisted Therapy Volunteer Trainer, I discovered the science behind what I already knew to be true: ANIMALS CAN BE VERY GOOD FOR YOU.
Spending time with animals reduces stress, improves health and increases happiness. And it leaves you with hair all over your clothes — at least the hairy ones do. It’s all good, really.
“New studies suggest that cute images stimulate the same pleasure centers of the brain aroused by sex, a good meal or psychoactive drugs like cocaine…” The New York Times
Yes indeed, purrs, whiskers and puppy breath — even this cute critter blog — can make you feel pretty darn good. So c’mon, take a look at a few little pictures.
I dare you not to feel better.
(Note: I use the ad revenue generated from this site to support non-profit animal rescue groups and to help defray the costs I incur for doing volunteer foster care for my local shelter. Please help me make a difference in the lives of homeless animals by shopping through the affiliate links located in the right sidebar.)
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I just found your site and am amazed. Thank you. I will post it to all my friends, and I am attending (another) Humane Society meeting tonight, I’ll tell everybody about it. You not only posted the cutest and funniest pic’s, you also support all my hearts causes – yeah for both of us!
When you get around to doing reviews, pls. let me know so I can send you some Peoplefood for Lucy to try out.
I hope lots of people submit their pic’s, I can’t wait for the next set.
Hi, Bradley d. Katt here. I’m spokespurrson for C & W Rustic Hollow Shelter, Inc. and my boss says your site is purrrrfectly cool. Like me. I have a column in our newsletter and keep track of answering letters for the ‘boss lady’ Carmen and I get a LOT of fan mail, especially from my ‘pet’ friends…like Katie in Iowa and “Matilda” in New York…Ohh la la what a little lady she is. Anyway keep up the purrfectly great site! Check out my website and read MY story. I’m one of the lucky ones. I live in this special place that takes just ’special’ cats….and I get to watch Catnip videos all day if I want. Or go outside in a safe enclosed room. Gotta go, my fav part of Catsitter I is on……………………………
I put a picture on last night and I was wondering where it went. Kendall
Kendall, photos need to be submitted to us via email, and as long as they fit our standards, then we post them. Please refer to the tab at the top of this page that says “Submit Photo” for detailed instructions. Thanks!
Hi Jen,
Great site! Will be sending some articles your way in near future.
-Jordan
http://www.petaholics.com
Jen and Melia,
Your site is wonderful! I adopted a shelter dog a few years ago after the break up of a long term relationship. He has been wonderful for me. I am a mental health nurse with mental health problems. Fellow friends/co-workers and I used to joke about prescribing: “2 puppy dog kisses and 5 minutes of a purring cat and call me in the morning.” I am strong believer in animals helping people heal. On the mental health unit of a hospial, the therapy dog Chester (may he rest in peace) was always the highlight of he patients’ day, and sometimes the only way we could get patients to feel comfortable.
Keep up the good work,
Kerry
I have tried every way I know how to see the Boston Baked Beans but it will not come up. I have never had trouble getting one of your pictures. Any chance of a re-post? It sounds too cute to miss!
Thanks for making me smile daily!
I am semiretired from 30 years + animal rescue. About 20 yrs. ‘in the trenches’ Animal Control volunteer. For many months have been a part of the economy shake up, and have numerous family and friends ill with cancer. Needless to say, I’ve been leaning on my four footed family alot! I came across your site today, and am so very happy to see the wonderful positives. I will be sending your info to all my rescue friends, and, I’ve just informed my 3 senior pups (16,18,19 years old) and 3 youngsters (4,6, 10) that their Mom has subscribed to your newsletter, and will be smiling again soon as her cute photos come in the email.
Thanks so very much…We needed this.
Pat from Central California Foothills