Day Forty Nine

Daycare
 

 

 

 

I've said this before but it bears repeating. A houseful of fur creatures is a lot like a pre-school. A lot. You have the whiners, watchers, leaders, followers; spats, slaps, tears, naps; tricks, treats, booboo's and oh no's!  On a daily basis, we cover them all.

Chance has been pouting for two days after getting into trouble for pooping on the floor beside the litter box. By trouble I mean, I gently picked him up, walked to the scene of the crime and said, "No. You have to use the box." That's it. I never even raised my voice. With a dog, hearing that would reduce them to a puddle of remorse. A cat? Well, he glared at me and has been avoiding me ever since. His disgusted looks are saying, "You big old mean thing. I'm gonna go pee in the tub now." And he did. Twice.

 

Jack hasn't been "right" since the speaker episode. Now we've added storms to the list of things that make him lose his mind. A little bit of thunder yesterday sent him crashing into the bedroom (again) and directly into the closet. I just left him there to regain his composure. When I went back a few minutes later, I checked to make sure the skylight was intact because the bathroom looked like the storm had blown through it! Rugs twisted, trash upset, clothes strewn about and drool everywhere - it was a mess! Five minutes, tops.  Once again, the cats were right there, enjoying the action. To them I guess it's a lot like seeing the classroom bully standing on a chair, afraid of a spider.

 

Of course, opening the bedroom door meant the cats made a beeline for the room. They shove in like shoppers on Black Friday who've been waiting in line all night to get into Target. Under the bed, on the bed, on the dresser, up onto my jewelry box - wherever they think the best deal is. And they love our bed. Yesterday, I found Chance and Finn holding onto each other, sound asleep, on the bed. Fancy was observing from his perch on the dresser. I think I saw him roll his eyes. I also think he would love nothing more than to be part of that cuddle...

 

Jack finally gave in and relinquished his bed at night to his little sister. Sometimes they share the bed, but mostly he just lets her have it. Jack has even taken to going into Rooney's kennel as a last resort. Come to think of it, there is a direct correlation between Jack losing control of his bed and his sudden panic attacks. Hmmm...I may be onto something.

 

Sometime during the night, the cats got into a pack of straws. I only noticed this because I found one lonely straw in the sink. All morning, I have been stepping on straws which they've lobbed under doors. I'm sure I'll find a few under the fridge, stove and furniture!

Just like with kids, it's important to let them all know they're loved. This morning I noticed Chance was waiting for me on the counter. I bent down and he gave me a head butt, so I guess I've been forgiven. As I looked up, there was Eli on the ledge, watching the love-fest. I've seen the look he gave me many times on the faces of kids and pets, wondering if you love them, too. The only response that is called for is to look them in the eye and say, "I love you, too, with all my heart."



Playtime!!
 

Naptime



Box time
 

Bedroom!