Periwinkle was waiting by the Teleportation Tunnel grooming her furs. She was up early because the clocks had changed that weekend and she got an extra hour of sleep. Instead of the usual 12 - 16 hours that cats sleep, she got 17! She didn't understand why the humans didn't like the time change since any extra napping time was appreciated.
Suddenly the Tunnel began to shake and out popped Stinky landing right into her waiting paws. They spent some time whisker kissing and hugging and, finally, Stinky asked what they were doing that day. "It's purrfect that you asked me while we were hugging because today is Hug A Bear Day! I know we're not bears and I sure prefer hugging YOU but I thought it would be fun to search for some bears and hug them. Stinky blushed and smiled since he liked hugging her too.
Periwinkle went on to explain that National Hug a Bear Day is observed Every year on November 7. She added that you are not advised to go out and embrace real bears on this day; it will be exceedingly risky and might not end well. which made them both giggle again. Hug a Bear Day was designed to raise awareness about the advantages of hugging.
The two set out to find some bears to hug. Immediately, Stinky said they should hug this little guy because he looked so friendly...
They both ran to this bear too since he looked so cute...
Periwinkle went on to explain "the Teddy Bear, came about in 1902. The classic story goes that the American President at the time, Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt, was hunting and refused to shoot a baby bear that he and his hunting companions came across. His companions thought him a bit “soft” and the name Teddy Bear was coined."
Stinky said not everybody had a bear of their own and Periwinkle said you can always go to a store or to one of the places where you build bears to create your own.
- Teddy Bear Sandwiches. Have a picnic and make it much more fun with these bear-shaped sandwiches. Simply cut sandwich bread into large circles (a normal glass or canning jar works), then use the scraps to cut three smaller circles. Spread hummus on the bread, then stick two small bread circles at the top for ears and top with a slice of cucumber. Add a top to the sandwich, then create the face with a bread circle, another cucumber slice, and some black olives. Delicious and fun!
The Tabbies spotted a wagon full of bears and both ran to it and jumped in to hug all the bears...
Periwinkle got very serious and said there was one more thing they needed to tell their friends about. "This month is Pet Cancer Awareness Month. My fursib, Angel Raz had Lymphoma and we want to make sure everyone knows the signs.
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Lymphoma
Splenic (spleen) cancer
Bone or joint cancer
Hepatic (liver) cancer
Thoracic (chest) cancer
Bladder cancer
Anal sac cancer
Oral cancer
Brain or spinal cord cancer.
13 Warning Signs of Pet Cancer
Loss of appetite or difficulty eating.
Rapid weight loss.
Diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Loss of interest in playing or exercising.
Difficulty with stool or urination, or changes in stool frequency.
Abnormal stiffness.
Severe lethargy.
Unusually strong/foul odors.
Blood coming from mouth or rectum.
Increased thirst and urination.
Respiratory changes.
Abnormally firm swelling.
Masses along the jaw or tooth line.
Rapid weight loss.
Diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Loss of interest in playing or exercising.
Difficulty with stool or urination, or changes in stool frequency.
Abnormal stiffness.
Severe lethargy.
Unusually strong/foul odors.
Blood coming from mouth or rectum.
Increased thirst and urination.
Respiratory changes.
Abnormally firm swelling.
Masses along the jaw or tooth line.
It was almost time for Stinky to head home so they spent time hugging, whisker kissing and paw patting. Stinky visited with Periwinkle's fursibs and then entered the Teleportation Tunnel for his trip home. Periwinkle found a sunpuddle and started dreaming about hugging her sweet boyfriend again soon.
