January ends at last...

First month of 2026 is history! Because January is such a vital month for businesses, I will give myself some grace on getting this blog post written, edited and published so late. Besides, it takes a bit to get a habit locked down! I'm sure by the end of the year, I'll have a good timing system going on getting my posts posted by my self-designated deadlines. 🤣😅

This month felt like it lasted for years. How does that happen? The rest of the year seems to fly by faster than a shooting star, but January flows like molasses. I am glad we are moving on... Spring will be here before we know it!

Book Report!

I read two books this month, as is my plan each month.

First was "Playing Possum: How Animals Understand Death" by Susana Monso.

Susana Monso as per her website is "a philosopher working on animal minds and animal ethics, currently an associate professor in the Department of Logic, History, and Philosophy of Science of UNED, Madrid (Spain)". I chose this book because I am fascinated by animal phycology and I want to learn more about how animals deal with death and how death impacts the bond between animal and human. Though, I didn't research this book before choosing it. I bought it at Powels books in Portland when I was there in October. You can also find it as an audiobook on the library book system Libby. I tend to follow along with the book as I listen to the audio version.

"Playing Possum" was a bit more scientific than I anticipated. I didn't always follow along well with the language, but it was a very fascinating read. She argues that while us humans have a unique understanding of death, the concept of death is far more common in animals than we realize. There may be many more animals out there that have a greater understanding of the fragility and finality of death than we ever knew.

Her main examples are of ants and chimpanzees. Two very different species, right?

I enjoyed this book but be prepared for a more scientific evaluation regarding the language used. Overall, I would recommend!

Book two was "The Lion in the Living Room: How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over the World" by Abigail Tucker.

Abigail Tucker is an author and journalist. A New York Times bestseller and a correspondent for Smithsonian magazine. I chose this book because... well, cats. The main premise is Abigail Tucker's research and explanation on how cats became the creatures we let into our homes and why we love them. And honestly, this book was entertaining. I also had a hard copy of this book as well as listened to the audio version. I'm telling you, it truly helps reading comprehension, which I have always struggled with.

She covers everything you could probably think of from how domesticated cats became the creatures they are today, to how temperament is bread, did cats help spread the plague, to even calling cats invasive species that are like street drugs...forever altering our minds. She discusses the history and biology of cats and why we love them even though they don't give us tangible benefits like dogs might, specifically service dogs.

I absolutely recommend this book.

Boutique Adventures!

Adventures in finding smaller pet stores instead of the mass market chains we see in every strip mall in America. Here are the two from this month.

Pet Place Market

There are two locations, though I have only visited the one in Anacortes. The second is in North Bend.

I have visited this store several times before I visited to write this review. They have amazing customer service. As a pet sitter it is sometimes important to have a local small pet store that knows your client. Pet Place Market has awesome staff. A variety of foods/treats (for more than just dogs/cats), supplements, leashes, pet soaps/supplies and even a self-wash station. The layout is easily accessible which makes it easy to find what you need. They also have a website you can shop on for store pickup or local delivery.

Pet Place Market - 912 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221

Kementari's Creatures

I have to admit, I haven't ever needed anything from this shop, but it is an awesome place! I used to go with a friend who has tarantulas to buy crickets. I did stop in before writing this review though since it had been a while. Tucked into a corner of the business district in Bellingham, this shop is a small family-owned reptile, amphibian and arthropod shop. As per their website, they sell only captive bred animals and a very select few exotic invasive species that would be otherwise euthanized.

Their staff is very knowledgably and truly cares about these creatures. One day, when I am ready to care for a chameleon, this is a shop I would trust.

Kementari's Creatures - 207 E Chestnut St, Bellingham, WA 98229

Product Review!

Well, again... I have to give myself grace for January... I focused on getting tax stuff organized and such. So, no review for January. February, I have several items I am currently using and will let you know how they work!

Up next!

February has begun!

Stick with me!

Amazing things are happening!

Have a pawsome day! 🐾

-Kim