Our Founder Cat Dash Kitten set up this blog with the intention of helping others, passing on well-researched guidance, and fun. We were going to hold off until 6th October but Dash LOVED his International Pet Blogging friends and was working enthusiastically towards International Pet Blogging Month …

We have thought, pondered, and worried and we cannot stand on the sidelines any longer – we need to help. So the new team from DashKitten is here to carry on our Founder Cat’s wishes.

We hope, to follow in Dash’s pawsteps continuing to spotlight New Zealand (Middle Earth); keep anipals informed on current issues and (Miranda’s favourite) shopping. Without further ado, let me introduce the new Dash Kitten Staff.

Miranda Kitten – taking up the baton of Dash Kitten Staff Editor of the DK Team

She will be covering major stories and pet shopping, alongside which we hope to include new team member Christoper R Groove. Chris will be our USA representative. Miranda welcomes new follows on Twitter she hopes to see you there.

She will also introduce our Guest Bloggers.

Harvey Button is our new Dash Kitten Staff Middle Earth correspondent

Twitter handle @HarveyButtonNZ Harvey has had a pretty rough life (and the victim of nervous eczema) but now as part of the DK team, he has so much enthusiasm, warmth and love that he is aiming high – hoping to show the world that New Zealand is a small country with a big and beautiful heart.

Meet Tech Editor and Dash Kitten Staff Member Silver

Silver is our outdoor roving blog reporter whose tireless exploration will bring you some the wilder corners of New Zealand and other fun stuff. He is brave, fearless and loving (he is also fond of the ‘nip) as a result he is not allowed on Twitter but can be contacted via the blog in the comments!

The Dash Kitten Memorial Blanket

This section of the post is not a short one. We make no excuses for its length because it has been a long time coming, and there are a lot of Thank You’s to be said. Thank you’s for a secret that was silently kept, until a box arrived on our doorstep on the 13th of March 2014. A box that was unexpected, carried a miracle and a warmth we never thought we would feel again after Dash Kitten died on 6th September 2013.

First View of Dash Kitten Memorial Blanket being unpacked.

Here’s the story:-

A few days before Mum and Dad were setting off on their first vacation in a few years we had a message from @NewtTheCat our Liver Shunt pal from Twitter.  ‘Something’ was on the way Something Impawtant ……… We were puzzled but thought Newt had sent mum some fibre as they are both crazy spinning wheel owners, so nodded and kept our eyes open.

On March the 13th there was a knock at the door. Of course, as is our custom, all 8 cats scattered to the four winds and left mum to deal with the fearsome ‘knock on the door’.  Mum accepted a box, signed for it and brought it inside.

It was quite heavy, and we wondered what it was …….  Mum opened it carefully and found wrapped up inside the most beautiful handmade blanket, with a loving note from Newt.

Sprinkled across the surface like magical snowflakes were a host of messages, memorial notes and greetings from the crafters who have crocheted or knitted squares. It was unbelievable, and we stood transfixed as Mum unfolded the blanket reading each note attached to each lovingly made square and the rainbow unfolded in front of us. * stops to wipe Mum’s tears *

We found out the story of how it happened from Newt and his Mum

Newt said he wanted to wrap Mum and us in the comfort and warmth of a lovely scarf and approached friends to help knit squares, but Dash was so loved and missed that the scarf grew and grew. One by one pals came forward wanting to knit or crochet part of the gift or wanting to be involved in some way. (These friends had a square knitted or crocheted for them by a willing volunteer), and the scarf continued to grow…..

Newt is the most awesome friend ever, his Mum organised everyone and kept the whole thing completely secret from us by creating a top-secret group where everyone could meet or ask questions and stuff. When the blocks were gathered in Newt’s Mum crocheted them all together by herself.

How can we describe our blanket? * Shakes head in wonder *

Each square is beautiful, there are miracles of cable, beautiful squares of colour, crocheted squares in brilliant shades, and each one shows how much Dash mattered to everyone.  Mum picks up the blanket and hugs it, and feels so much comfort, it is a huge help in allowing us to take steps forward after losing our boy.

To each and every one of you, this is the most beautiful gift, and it means the world to us. Thank You for your work, and the immense comfort you have given our family. @NewtTheCat, @TheTardisToms, @Mr_Pie, @I_am_Luka, @TweetingTruman, @Ms_Pud, @AngusFromAfrica, @ClingyCat, @PuppyNumber7, @Gromekcat, @Hf_Fulvia, @PetMonarchy, @ZooGrandmother, @Catteam65, @Chelleloulou, @NutmegTorby, Paulie and Warden (?) @4catsstrapski, @JeffMusk, @whatdoingdugal, @CuddlesPhoenix, @DoggyMolly, @TillyTumTum (?), and @SunnyLadyJ

If I have noted a name incorrectly please let me know. Mum is currently creating a memorial page where each square will be displayed with the name of the creator, so we can honour those who helped us so much.

With Deepest Gratitude,

Harvey Button, Miranda Kitten and Silver

“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name
and the inheritance of a great example.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli