Dj Connell
@itbodes.bsky.social
Writer, teacher. Book Wyrm. Covid informed. I foster cats. The dog helps. Trained in wildlife and companion animal rescue. Ran a teachers library back in the day. Eco-feminist and native gardener. Ukraine will win. Mask up.
Pinned
Reposted by Dj Connell
The orphans in our care have forged their own families, finding strength in one another. As deeply tactile creatures, they seek comfort in closeness – a trunk draped gently over a friend's back, simply being together. Family, after all, is who shows up for you.
Thank you for showing up for them.
Thank you for showing up for them.
December 26, 2025 at 10:39 PM
The orphans in our care have forged their own families, finding strength in one another. As deeply tactile creatures, they seek comfort in closeness – a trunk draped gently over a friend's back, simply being together. Family, after all, is who shows up for you.
Thank you for showing up for them.
Thank you for showing up for them.
The goodest girl 💛💙
Sparky, a 12-year-old Belgian Shepherd from Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region, received the Order of Hero Dog of Ukraine.
Sparky has been working as part of Antares canine search-and-rescue unit since 2013. She also helped develop a training program for search dogs.
Sparky has been working as part of Antares canine search-and-rescue unit since 2013. She also helped develop a training program for search dogs.
December 26, 2025 at 11:45 PM
The goodest girl 💛💙
In my perfect world, there would have been a version of Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, with Alan Rickman and an entirely muppet cast otherwise.
December 26, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Reposted by Dj Connell
Stories like these are why Alley Cat Allies advocates microchipping every cat, and immediate scanning.
443 days after Hurricane Helene, Gabby was finally able to reunite with her family just in time for the holidays. And it was all because of a scan of her microchip!
www.wbir.com/article/weat...
443 days after Hurricane Helene, Gabby was finally able to reunite with her family just in time for the holidays. And it was all because of a scan of her microchip!
www.wbir.com/article/weat...
Microchip reunites lost cat with family 443 days after Hurricane Helene
A stray cat named Gabby had been missing for 443 days since Hurricane Helene. Now, she's reunited with her family thanks to a microchip.
www.wbir.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Stories like these are why Alley Cat Allies advocates microchipping every cat, and immediate scanning.
443 days after Hurricane Helene, Gabby was finally able to reunite with her family just in time for the holidays. And it was all because of a scan of her microchip!
www.wbir.com/article/weat...
443 days after Hurricane Helene, Gabby was finally able to reunite with her family just in time for the holidays. And it was all because of a scan of her microchip!
www.wbir.com/article/weat...
Reposted by Dj Connell
You can tell that LotR was written by an academic because Gandalf disappears for like 20 years doing research to answer a single question.
December 26, 2025 at 12:40 AM
You can tell that LotR was written by an academic because Gandalf disappears for like 20 years doing research to answer a single question.
Reposted by Dj Connell
These two are awesome
December 25, 2025 at 8:31 PM
These two are awesome
Reposted by Dj Connell
Sir Terry Pratchett is best understood as one of the most interesting, deeply ethical practical (I would say Pragmatist but I cede to actual experts) philosophers of the late 20th Century who just happened to work in deconstructed fantasy literature as his medium.
Discworld QOTD, from Hogfather
December 25, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Sir Terry Pratchett is best understood as one of the most interesting, deeply ethical practical (I would say Pragmatist but I cede to actual experts) philosophers of the late 20th Century who just happened to work in deconstructed fantasy literature as his medium.
For all the cats and kittens sleeping in their forever homes tonight, and all the folks who make these happy endings possible. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
#kittens #Santa #cats #Christmas
#kittens #Santa #cats #Christmas
December 25, 2025 at 5:11 AM
For all the cats and kittens sleeping in their forever homes tonight, and all the folks who make these happy endings possible. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
#kittens #Santa #cats #Christmas
#kittens #Santa #cats #Christmas
“It’s a great time of year to remember to help others … kind actions could be remembered for a lifetime.”
A little message from me that might help anybody who finds this time of year a little tough.
niallharbison.substack.com/p/to-those-w...
niallharbison.substack.com/p/to-those-w...
To Those Who Struggle At This Time Of Year
There is always hope
niallharbison.substack.com
December 24, 2025 at 11:57 PM
“It’s a great time of year to remember to help others … kind actions could be remembered for a lifetime.”
Folks, please spare a good thought for the first responders working in dangerous conditions out there (and away from their own loved ones) during the holidays. #floods #storms #snow
#AnimalRescue
#AnimalRescue
#California winter storm - San Bernardino County
Battalion Chief 141 has assumed #WRIGHTWOODIC for heavy debris flows & flooding. Hwy 2 is closed
3 additional engines, hand crews, dozer & swift water rescue unit requested. SBC FD Crews are assisting with evacuating homes that are being impacted.
Battalion Chief 141 has assumed #WRIGHTWOODIC for heavy debris flows & flooding. Hwy 2 is closed
3 additional engines, hand crews, dozer & swift water rescue unit requested. SBC FD Crews are assisting with evacuating homes that are being impacted.
#California winter storm - San Bernardino County - Desert Front Rd
Wash overflowed, flooded streets and homes. Water rescue underway. The situation in the Wrightwood area is already dire. Avoid driving and stay home. If you are in danger, seek higher ground.
📽 Sara Floyd / Facebook
Wash overflowed, flooded streets and homes. Water rescue underway. The situation in the Wrightwood area is already dire. Avoid driving and stay home. If you are in danger, seek higher ground.
📽 Sara Floyd / Facebook
December 24, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Folks, please spare a good thought for the first responders working in dangerous conditions out there (and away from their own loved ones) during the holidays. #floods #storms #snow
#AnimalRescue
#AnimalRescue
Good people in #Oregon are helping their neighbors who are afraid to go outside their homes while racists working for #ICE hunt people in our neighborhoods.
As federal immigration officers fan out across Oregon cities and suburbs, some immigrant families are opting to stay inside their homes. These Hillsboro neighbors are helping those in hiding by delivering groceries and other essentials.
Underground mutual aid group helps feed Hillsboro’s immigrant families in hiding
According to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition, in October and November, immigration officials arrested at least 265 Oregonians in Washington County, the state’s most diverse county. In the county seat of Hillsboro, those arrests have translated into fear.
www.opb.org
December 24, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Reposted by Dj Connell
Some good news: We got more fresh produce into Gaza tonight! Bundles of 🍅🥔🍠🧅🍊🍌 will start reaching 1000s of families tomorrow (photo is from last weekend’s distribution in Gaza City). In total, we’ve been able to bring in 680,000 pounds—but need for nutritious food is huge.
December 24, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Some good news: We got more fresh produce into Gaza tonight! Bundles of 🍅🥔🍠🧅🍊🍌 will start reaching 1000s of families tomorrow (photo is from last weekend’s distribution in Gaza City). In total, we’ve been able to bring in 680,000 pounds—but need for nutritious food is huge.
Reposted by Dj Connell
I've always loved this illustration depicting Joseph and Mary looking for a room. I am finding it especially powerful this year
December 23, 2025 at 8:09 PM
I've always loved this illustration depicting Joseph and Mary looking for a room. I am finding it especially powerful this year
Reposted by Dj Connell
Started reading Robert Macfarlane’s “Is a River Alive?” y’day and it has sucked me in like few physical books have in recent years. This quote from Ursula K Le Guin stopped me in my tracks just now, for I have really struggled with being a prof in a college of natural resources for quite a while:
December 23, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Started reading Robert Macfarlane’s “Is a River Alive?” y’day and it has sucked me in like few physical books have in recent years. This quote from Ursula K Le Guin stopped me in my tracks just now, for I have really struggled with being a prof in a college of natural resources for quite a while:
Reposted by Dj Connell
Ripping children away from caring parents is inhumane. It's horrific that Trump's out of control immigration agents are deporting parents without due process and leaving young children traumatized and without their families.
Oregon couple deported, forced to leave toddler behind
The separation is one of dozens happening in Oregon, with ICE detaining both parents or single parents, leaving small children in the care of relatives, family friends, babysitters and in the foster c...
www.oregonlive.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Ripping children away from caring parents is inhumane. It's horrific that Trump's out of control immigration agents are deporting parents without due process and leaving young children traumatized and without their families.
Reposted by Dj Connell
Meet Sergeant Loki. Eats, sleeps, shoots! Loki serves on a PzH 2000.
He senses danger by smell, and in his free time, he enjoys gnawing on pine branches.
📹 43rd Separate Artillery Brigade named after Hetman Taras Triasylo/Facebook
He senses danger by smell, and in his free time, he enjoys gnawing on pine branches.
📹 43rd Separate Artillery Brigade named after Hetman Taras Triasylo/Facebook
December 22, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Meet Sergeant Loki. Eats, sleeps, shoots! Loki serves on a PzH 2000.
He senses danger by smell, and in his free time, he enjoys gnawing on pine branches.
📹 43rd Separate Artillery Brigade named after Hetman Taras Triasylo/Facebook
He senses danger by smell, and in his free time, he enjoys gnawing on pine branches.
📹 43rd Separate Artillery Brigade named after Hetman Taras Triasylo/Facebook
Reposted by Dj Connell
You can help with Katydid's ongoing veterinary expenses by purchasing adorable crochet cat toys from her person. #CatsOfBluesky
www.etsy.com/shop/mindysp...
www.etsy.com/shop/mindysp...
December 22, 2025 at 3:08 AM
You can help with Katydid's ongoing veterinary expenses by purchasing adorable crochet cat toys from her person. #CatsOfBluesky
www.etsy.com/shop/mindysp...
www.etsy.com/shop/mindysp...
Reposted by Dj Connell
secure an outfit that would make them stand out. Only the best were used, such as Worth, who made numerous outfits for the event. He made this dress for the hostess, who went as the Queen Zenobia of Palmyra (the capital of a 3rd-century empire state in modern-day Syria). The
December 21, 2025 at 5:29 AM
secure an outfit that would make them stand out. Only the best were used, such as Worth, who made numerous outfits for the event. He made this dress for the hostess, who went as the Queen Zenobia of Palmyra (the capital of a 3rd-century empire state in modern-day Syria). The
Reposted by Dj Connell
Winter Solstice today … the shortest day, or longest night … depending on what tout are looking for.
The Laughing Heart - Bukowski
The Laughing Heart - Bukowski
December 21, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Winter Solstice today … the shortest day, or longest night … depending on what tout are looking for.
The Laughing Heart - Bukowski
The Laughing Heart - Bukowski
Reposted by Dj Connell
I was flipping through the car radio and heard familiar voices. It was @rosemarymosco.com and @corinanewsome.bsky.social talking about birds! A thoroughly enjoyable listen.
#birds 🌿
#birds 🌿
'Just' A Blue Jay? Don't Overlook These Magnificent Common Birds
This Christmas Bird Count, we salute the fabulous, underappreciated, common species. Here's to you, house sparrow.
www.sciencefriday.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:46 PM
I was flipping through the car radio and heard familiar voices. It was @rosemarymosco.com and @corinanewsome.bsky.social talking about birds! A thoroughly enjoyable listen.
#birds 🌿
#birds 🌿
Reposted by Dj Connell
This dog was standing guard as the cats had some lunch today near Kherson. Ukrainian dogs are the most well-behaved.
December 20, 2025 at 6:25 PM
This dog was standing guard as the cats had some lunch today near Kherson. Ukrainian dogs are the most well-behaved.
The perfect thread for #Caterday from writer Tom Cox. #cats #art 🐈 🎨
Read the alt text.
P.S. Bridget came home safe.
Read the alt text.
P.S. Bridget came home safe.
THREAD.
My parents' cat Bridget vanished. As the weeks dragged on they became ever more worried, so to distract himself my dad began to paint Bridget's adventures, imagining her travelling through time and popping up at some of art & music's most important moments.
I've collected his work here...
My parents' cat Bridget vanished. As the weeks dragged on they became ever more worried, so to distract himself my dad began to paint Bridget's adventures, imagining her travelling through time and popping up at some of art & music's most important moments.
I've collected his work here...
December 20, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Reposted by Dj Connell
There are still a few spaces left on my botanical (10) & bird illustration (24) & mental health w'shops in January
I'll teach you how to draw🌿🌱 or🐦⬛👇
AND how creative activity alters brain biochemistry to improve mental health
I'm an molecular cell biologist & illustrator:
workshops.emmamitchell.uk
I'll teach you how to draw🌿🌱 or🐦⬛👇
AND how creative activity alters brain biochemistry to improve mental health
I'm an molecular cell biologist & illustrator:
workshops.emmamitchell.uk
December 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM
There are still a few spaces left on my botanical (10) & bird illustration (24) & mental health w'shops in January
I'll teach you how to draw🌿🌱 or🐦⬛👇
AND how creative activity alters brain biochemistry to improve mental health
I'm an molecular cell biologist & illustrator:
workshops.emmamitchell.uk
I'll teach you how to draw🌿🌱 or🐦⬛👇
AND how creative activity alters brain biochemistry to improve mental health
I'm an molecular cell biologist & illustrator:
workshops.emmamitchell.uk
Reposted by Dj Connell
This video will inspire you and break your heart and remind you why we humans have a chance - this is famous Ukrainian ‘Schedryk’ - you might know it as Carol of the Bells - performed live at one of DTEK thermal power situations ruined by Russian attacks
P.s. it will make you cry.
P.s. it will make you cry.
December 19, 2025 at 6:01 PM
This video will inspire you and break your heart and remind you why we humans have a chance - this is famous Ukrainian ‘Schedryk’ - you might know it as Carol of the Bells - performed live at one of DTEK thermal power situations ruined by Russian attacks
P.s. it will make you cry.
P.s. it will make you cry.
Reposted by Dj Connell
Welcome to A New Era, Julie Su!
December 19, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Welcome to A New Era, Julie Su!