Black History Month & Pet Dental Month... Marion Anderson & More!

It seems these days every month connotes something to remember. February, for example is not only Black History month it is also Library Lovers Month, Grapefruit Month, Love the Bus Month among many others. For the purpose of this blog, February is also Prevent a Litter Month, Responsible Pet Owner's Month and National Pet Dental Month. So this month I decided to review Purina's Pro-Plan Dental Crunches Cat Snacks. The purpose of these crunchy wonders is to help reduce cat tartar build up or gingivitis on your cat's teeth.

I have lived with cats almost all of my life but it wasn't until 20 years ago that I started to hear how important regular dental care is for cats, especially Himalayans, Siamese and Tonkinese, breeds that are predisposed to dental problems. A national study has found that not only humans but also cats are living longer lives with their average age of 12.9 years or roughly 70 human years in 2015 up from 12.1 in 2013 and 11 years in 2012. One reason cats are living longer is because pet owners are more educated about their pets needs, they have more regular checkups and they are getting better nutrition. Purina's Pro-Plan Dental Crunches Cat Snacks are formulated with all natural chicken and liver flavors with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Their crunchy texture helps to clean teeth by reducing tartar build up with the added benefit of freshening your cat's breath.

This month www.chewy.com is offering Purina's Pro-Plan Dental Crunches Cat Snacks at 20% off and at just over $3.00 a bag, they were worth the try for this responsible pet owner, after all, this is "killing two birds with one stone" in terms of what February celebrates! Unfortunately, my Himalayans didn't take to these at all and this breed is notorious for dental problems; maybe they found them hard to eat because of their size; their mouths are considerably smaller than those of the Tonks. My Tonkinese on the other hand seemed to enjoy crunching on them...although there are other treats that they like better...of course!

The "experts" have three basic suggestions for best practices in feline dental care. The first is brushing your cat's teeth with special cat toothpaste. Do I even have to say it... good luck with that! Another suggestion is to feed your cat dental snacks and incorporate dry food in your cat's diet. Dry food and dental snacks help to keep gums healthy and to remove tartar build up. The third way of course is to schedule annual or bi-annual cleanings with your vet.

Celebrate Black History Month - Marion Anderson Studio, Danbury CT

She was one of the greatest contraltos of the twentieth century, the woman who broke the color barrier at the Metropolitan Opera. She is remembered by many as a courageous role model for her outdoor concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after she was denied a performance at Constitution Hall because of her color, an event that drew 75,000 people. Now Marian Anderson's inspiring story will be told to future generations at her Studio in Danbury Connecticut managed by the Danbury Museum and Historical Society.

The exhibits will tell of the extraordinary accomplishments of a girl born in 1897, who was denied even an audition at a music school because of her color, and who persevered to become a role model for her race and her nation. The Connecticut General Assembly made the farm one of the prime sites on its Freedom Trail commemorating the struggle of African Americans. With a curved ceiling, mini-kitchen, bath and fireplace, the handsome studio was a rehearsal place as well as a private retreat for the singer. It was designed by her architect husband, Orpheus Fisher, when the couple purchased a 48-acre farm in 1943 as a country house. Known as Marianna Farm, it became Anderson's full time home from the time she retired from the stage in 1965, remaining even after her husband's death in 1986 until shortly before her death in 1993. Marian Anderson was active in the Danbury community and is warmly remembered by residents for her support of local music programs.

After Anderson's death, when developers proposed to subdivide the property and build a road going directly through the studio's location, the community was alarmed. In 1996 the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation designated the structure as one of the state's most important threatened historic places. The developers agreed to donate the building to the Danbury Museum and Historical Society, but funds were needed to move it to a safe location. In 1999 it was removed to the Museum campus on Danbury's Main Street. Today visitors are welcome to tour the studio and other attractions on the Museum's campus.