Lurleen the cat is kind of our hero.
She’d already adopted four newborn kittens when she agreed to mother and nurse Noland, the week-old pit bull puppy.
All together now: Awwwww!
A photo of Lurleen and Noland cuddling made The Associated Press wire on June 20. (In the picture Lurleen is sort of, “What’s the big deal?” and Noland is all, “Zzzzz.” Priceless.)
The Ohio cat is, of course, not the only new mother in the news these days. There’s also someone named Kim; we’ve tried hard not to notice. And there’s the royal mom-in-waiting, the Duchess of Cambridge, apparently due any time now and beautifully aglow.
The simple truth is baby adorableness knows no bounds. Whatever the lineage. Whatever the species.
But how to make the little one in your life feel like royalty, be it future ruler of England or of the doghouse?
We shop.
* PetAg nursing kit, Paris Farmers Union, $7.49
For furry newborns who need a little extra care. Kit includes a little bottle, three nipples and a bottle brush. Don’t need all that? Paris Farmers Union also sells individual baby bottles, including a tiny 2-ounce for $1.49.
We expect Lurleen would welcome a break.
Pair with:
* ESBILAC puppy formula or KMR kitty formula, 12 oz., Paris Farmers Union, $21.89 or $23.69
For strong teeth and bones. So Noland can grow up to rescue five people from a teetering cliff and make mom proud.
* Carter’s musical mobile, Once More Store, $15
New-in-box pink mobile featuring lady bugs and butterflies. Perfectly sweet for the perfectly sweet baby in your life.
By the way, we loved the Once More Store at its former location on Lisbon Street in Lewiston and we still love it at its new, larger location, 1480 Lisbon St. Parking can be a bit tough, but it’s worth it.
* Rare Editions dress for 6-9 months, Once More Store, $6.99
Very gently used little white dress with pink and green tulle at the skirt. What we imagine every little princess would wear. Aww-inspiring.
* Petstages’ toss ring, Paris Farmers Union, $6.39
Just one of the Petstages line of ribbon-laced, crinkle-sounding, primary-colored puppy toys that look like actual human baby toys. There’s also the cool teething stick ($6.99) and toss and shake ($7.69). Should your puppy and your baby wrestle over who gets to play with these? Sounds like a photo op to us! (Um, as long as no one’s using teeth.)
* AC/DC newborn onesie, Once More Store $4.99
Rock ‘n’ roll all night and party every day.
* Read To Your Bunny: Very First Library gift set, Once More Store, $7.99
This very gently used (or new, it was hard to tell) set includes four little board books by Rosemary Wells. Reading gives the world to your baby, even if he isn’t destined to rule it.
* Kitten play and squeak mouse, Paris Farmers Union, $4.39
Tiny faux mouse for your kitten. The packaging does not explicitly guarantee it will be found under a dresser six months from now, but oh, it will be.
* Singing sock monkey, Once More Store, $4.99
Sings “DJ Got Us Falling in Love,” which is apparently a song by Usher, which Bag Lady didn’t know because she’s old. Soft, green and white stripes with little blue pom puffs. The monkey, not Usher. We think.
Best find: Nylabone teething key ring, various sizes, Paris Farmers Union, $7.49-$13.49
OMG. Bacon-flavored car keys that are supposed to be chewed on. Again, baby may be jealous. Buy accordingly.
Think twice: ZooMed feeding tongs, Paris Farmers Union, $7.79
We’re not sure any baby who needs to be fed with tongs should be in your home. But, hey, who are we to judge?
Just warn visitors when junior grows up.
Bag Lady and Shopping Siren’s true identities are protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who give Lurleen four paws up) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach them at baglady@sunjournal.com and shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.
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