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I have to say I have a soft spot for raccoons. They are just cute. Their black masks and fingers just make me melt. Usually, though, I don’t see them, despite knowing they are all around me. Tricky varmints, they are. It amazes me that skunks, opossums, squirrels and these raccoons all live in our midst and yet we rarely run across them.

Er, scratch that. I actually run across skunks more often than I’d like, or to put it another way, they run across in front of me, more like stroll, in the evening time. Thank god for that white stripe or I might not see them and…squirt! Well, you know the rest.

My dogs, on the other hand, in their olfactory adventures, haven’t been so lucky, poor little darlings.
OH MY GAWD, originally uploaded by Dom the Ghost.

I’ve recently heard some disturbing news that a bear was found near the foothills a couple of weeks ago with its head and feet cut off. Apparently this bear was mother to two cubs, which are now homeless. I’ve only lived in Monrovia for 5 years, but know that bears are rather beloved here, so it’s especially sad to hear that someone could do such a thing. I often see deer and coyotes in my part of town, and accept that we all share this land, and that I must take care to protect my pets when they are on the prowl. Your thoughts?

Ready for her close-up, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Found this critter in my garden’s rosebush today. She’s a work of art. I thought she was a dead leaf and branch at first. Her wings look just like shriveled dry leaves, and her body like a small branch. Wonderous!

Tonight at dusk as I was walking my dog, I heard the tell-tale cry of a Peacock. Typically I don’t hear these cries unless I’m close to Arcadia, as I was a few days ago, but this was right above my head here in north Monrovia. I have lived her for more than 5 years now and have never seen one in my neighborhood. Two nights ago as I was walking near Arcadia I was trying to follow the call of one nearby. I didn’t find it and was wishing that I would see them closer to my neighbhood. Oddly enough, my wish came true!

I didn’t have my camera with me, alas, but the image looked very much like the one above, by eilonwydreams.

Thought I would start out the summer with a boat ride on the lake in Bonelli Park in San Dimas. If Monrovia had a lake, I would be on it! I think Theo looks quite fetching in his new lifejacket.

Deer are a pretty common sight these days in my neighborhood. Oftentimes I think I am seeing a statue, until they move. I love this shot by “~tamille~” on Flickr.

I grew up around horses, and used to ride them from the stables to my house, on the side of the road. I miss seeing them, and was happy when I spotted some when driving through Bradbury the other day.

Spotted this little guy on one of my walks. I thought he was fake at first!

The Relay For Life of Monrovia April 26 11a.m. thru April 27 11a.m. at Recreation Park in Monrovia. The Relay For Life is a 24 hour event where the community celebrates cancer survivors, remembers those we’ve lost to cancer, and continues to fight back for a cure.

Monrovia Relay is a bit different than most other Relays because they not only honor humans effected by cancer, but pets, too. White Luminaria bags are for humans and lavender for pets. Dog survivors will walk during the Survivor’s Victory Lap and they will receive a special gift as will the human survivors.

Two Dogs Petsitting has teamed up with Dog Paddle Wellness, CM Surgical Specialty Group, Eye Care For Animals, Royal Oaks Equestrian Farm, twenty something Magazine, and Carole Anne Kaufman’s Studio C Hair Artistry and raised over $5,000 so far.

If you are available the weekend of April 26th and would like to join in the celebration, remembrance, and fight…Two Dogs Paws Pettsitting would love to have you on their team! The commitment is minimal (only 30-60 minutes!) and you are sure to have a fantastic time. Here is the link to check out the event schedule or sign up for the team.

You do not have to raise money or ask anyone for anything…if your friends or family (dogs included) are interested in hanging out while you walk, sign them up, too, and we’ll make sure you all have a great time! If you do raise or donate $100, you will receive a Relay 08 t-shirt…but definitely not required.

Spotted this guy outside my front door tonight. He was more than two inches long. Really fantastic. I can’t get over how “tame” moths are…or maybe they are just hyponitized by the porch light.

Kitty check-up at Huntington Veterinary Hospital, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

I was taking photos today at Huntington Veterinary Hospital and couldn’t resist posting a pic of this little guy!