Lazy Dogs on Christmas Morning...

Roman giving me that German shepherd, "I just looove you!" adoring look.
Roman, squeezing himself into Tikka's bed...

You can really see Tikka's broken nose in this shot. Sometime in her past, someone broke her nose. The vet couldn't think of any other reason why it was broken...The cruelty of people is beyond me at this point in my life. I'm just glad Tikka is here and enjoying life to the fullest.

One of my dearest students made this blanket for Roman and Tikka. She is only 7 years old and did this all by herself. If you click the photo, you can see the pink bone she sewed in the middle. She'll be happy to know that the dogs and cats love this blanket!

The Cat is in the Bag

Winter Tree Juxtaposition

Unfortunately, you can't see the flock of cherry head conures in the palm...
Never mind that neither tree is native to San Francisco, but what is that tree in the foreground? I walk by it every day, watching the leaves change...what is it?

Remember this (yet another non-native) tree?

Santa Sorting Hat

Hmmmm...what could they be thinking?

"WTF is up with her putting clothes on me? Last Christmas I had to wear Uggs...this year, it's this stupid hat..."

"Hmmmm...I bet I look kinda hot..."

Vinny: "Huh? I heard sometin'..."

"Gryffindor!!!"

Dogs vs. Cats

Many people are either dog people or cat people and view the other side with contempt and bewilderment. I like to think of myself as simply an animal person who has the strongest bond with dogs. The list is long, but in summary, dogs simply want to be with us no matter what. They have a strong allegiance to family and we humans eat that up. For me, my dogs provide a window into nature, heighten my dulled senses and enhance my communication skills (with canines and humans). They also sooth my body and soul.

Then there are the cats, the antithesis of dogs. My cats give me a different view into nature's soul. The very essence of being a cat makes sharing a home with one (or three) a joy. Their sleek stealthiness and honed predatory skills, the honor I feel when they deem me worthy of their affection, their independent yet dependent nature...My cats have very distinct personalities and all are very friendly and outgoing. No hiding from people here. Plus, they are so clean and easy to care for. I love taking the dogs on walks and I love not having to take the cats.

Living in a multi species household has given me a unique perspective on these two, supposedly, arch enemies. It is clear the cats rule the house, but it is also clear the dogs don't really care as long as they have me.

A Purrfect Christmas

The kitten is now named...Ramathorn...a.k.a. Rammy...Strange, but it suits him. Rammy is settling in nicely. He and the older cats are now best buds. Tikka is tolerating him as long as he doesn't invade her space on the couch or bed. But, poor Roman! Roman, who was so gentle in greeting the new kitten. Roman, who gave up his food when Rammy rammed his face into his food dish. Roman, who gives the kitten a wide birth. Rammy is insistent on challenging Roman with hisses, swats and false charges. Roman just turns his head. A 70 pound German shepherd who was so dog reactive, he would pull me off my feet while lunging. While Tikka 'attacked' the kitten when he jumped on her face, all Roman does is turn away quietly. I am hopeful Rammy and Roman will become good friends, especially since Roman is displaying such patience. Who would have thought; this big, tough shepherd who illicits awe wherever he goes, is such a mushy soul when faced with a four pound kitten? Just one more reason why I love this dog!

He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named

It's been less than 24 hours since HWCBN arrived, and he's already gotten into trouble. I've spent all morning playing and snuggling him, while helping the other animals get used to him (Kovu has gone from utter and complete hatred to simple dislike). HWCBN discovered the fireplace and is now covered in soot. He went in a flame point siamese mix and came out a charcoal point! He has also tried to pull down our dinner plates and steal our food in addition to employing sneak attacks on Kovu and Vinny's tails. He has no fear of the larger cats and is constantly trying to rub against them, despite the hissing.

The problem is, we cannot find a proper name for him that we all agree on. I think we are leaning towards Seamus (Shamey) but some other shot down suggestions have been Koa, Thai, Taz, Zazhou, Chang-Fu, Mr. Bigglesworth, Singha, Beer, Donut, Sparta, Titan...

I never would have guessed naming a 4 pound kitten would be this difficult!