Puppy Dayz

With three cats and a dog, there have been accidents. Shelby, the Maine Coon who believes he is a cougar, sees a load of laundry on the floor as an opportunity to remind me that he is impeccably particular about his litter box. Clean it twice a day or else.

And I have tried every single odor eliminator on the market. The verdict ? White vinegar. Yep. The kind you can buy in almost every grocery store. The kind that costs less than 20 cents per use.

Why it works

Have you ever marinaded a tough cut of meat ? Wonder why the meat is so tender after you do ?  Almost every marinade contains either alcohol or vinager. The alcohol or vinegar are responsible for relaxing the protein in meat giving it that nice break-apart-in-your-mouth texture.

So what does this have to do with pet odor?

Well, protein is responsible for the odor in urine (and other body by-products) and it’s the most stubborn ingredient to remove from fibres. Just ask any dry-cleaner. When you soak the affected item in vinegar it denatures the protein making it possible to remove the stain and the odor. Removing the odor also removes the desire to do it again. In the same spot !!

Removing odor from clothing

Here is what I do to remove pet odor from clothing:

• Add 1 cup of white vinegar ( I use the kind for pickling as it has a higher percentage of acetic acid) to the load of laundry after the washing machine is filled with water.
• Let the washing machine agitate for a couple of minutes. This distributes the vinegar throughout the water and clothing.
• Turn the washing machine off. Let the clothing sit in the solution for a couple of hours.
• Finish the washing cycle with just the vinegar/water solution.
• Smell an article of damp clothing. If any scent remains, repeat the vinegar cycle. It’s important to do this before you dry the clothing or wash with laundry detergent. Drying the clothing will make it harder (although not impossible) to remove the odor. Washing with laundry detergent could mask a scent that is still there.
• When the odor is gone, add your favourite laundry detergent and wash the clothing again.

Removing odor from floors

Here is what I do to remove odor from carpets and tile floors. Remember, our animal’s sense of smell is a lot more precise than ours. I even use this if there is an accident on the tile in my bathroom. And it works perfectly. Important to note: When using on carpet, always test on an inconspicuous place first to make sure the vinegar won’t remove any colour.

• Spray 100% strength white vinegar on the spot.
• Let sit for an hour. You don’t want the area to dry. If you are using this solution on carpet, spray enough vinegar to really saturate the area.
• Blot up the vinegar with white paper towels.
• Spray the area with water.
• Blot up the area with white paper towels.

Don’t trust your sense of smell ?

If you don’t trust your sense of smell to tell you when all traces of pet odor are gone, you can use a black light. Black lights are remarkably good at displaying protein-based stains and can help to make sure that stains are completely removed. This is so important in preventing future accidents.

Twelve weeks old. Chubby. Happy. Tails wagging. And … Oh. My. Goodness.

Love !!

That’s how our visit with Ruby and Amber began. Their mom is a yellow lab and their dad is a chocolate lab. Ruby got her dad’s liver coloured nose and stricking eyes. Amber looks like her mom in all aspects. Both have yellow coats. And both made me seriously consider getting another puppy.

Aside from the happiness factor, it turned out to be a great learning session for Kira. For the first time in forever, Kira was the bigger dog at the park.  And we got a chance to work on “gentle”.

It’s a fairly easy request to make. Most of us probably use the word “gentle” instinctively when giving treats. I used it a lot with the whole cat integration process. Sometimes Kira would come home and want to wrestle. In time she figured out that the cats were not the rough and tumble type and that kind of play was for the park.

Ruby and Amber gave us a chance to work on this outside. With a lot of distractions. Ruby would let out a little squeak if Kira was too assertive. We had to keep an eye on Amber. She was the silent type. I stopped the play a couple of times. Putting Kira on leash and telling her gentle. Letting her play again when one of the puppies tugged on her tail and she had calmed down a little.

So many people did this with me when Kira was younger. She was so submissive. She has such a sense of confidence now and can hold her own around the bigger dogs. Today she showed that she can be equally gentle with the puppies.

A fun day all around. Thanks Amber and Ruby. For sharing part of your day with us !

One question that often comes up on our walks is ..”what breed is your dog?” This morning we walked with a dog about the same age as Kira. Her human companion said that people thought she might be part Great Pyrenees. She has rear dew claws and many other characteristics common to that breed.

She isn’t the first dog we have met that has rear dew claws. Some people have them removed. Others leave them in tact. It’s an interesting discussion and is something that is generally decided on before a puppy is spayed or neutered.

What are dew claws ?

Letter “D” in the image indicates the dewclaw on this dog’s front paw. Image source: Wikipedia

A dew claw is the equivalent to a thumb or big toe on a human. Almost all dogs (cats too) have dew claws on their front paws. Some dogs, like Great Pyrenees, also have dew claws on their rear paws.

How do dogs use their dew claws ?

Our Great Pyrenees friends use their dew claws for stability. This breed is a livestock guardian dog, and when working terrain that is rough and uneven, their dew claws function as digits and help with balance.

Remember when Kira’s friend fell into the river. His front dew claws helped him to get out. They stuck to that snow-crusted ice shelf almost like an ice-pick that mountain climbers use.

Have you ever watched your dog chew on a bone ? When Kira does this, she uses her front dew claws (she doesn’t have rear) to balance the bone.

Not all dew claws are created equal

While dew claws are a characteristic of domestic dogs, they are not all created equal. A true vestigial dew claw is not attached to the bone. When the claw is attached securely by a piece of bone, it’s a working digit and not a vestige.  Why is this distinction important ? It could come into play if you are questioning whether or not to remove your dog’s rear dew claws.

Rear dew claw removal

Some people opt to have their dog’s rear dew claws removed. This is usually done to prevent the claw from ripping off or getting caught on things and is almost always only done on dew claws that are not attached by bone. Dew claw removal can be done very early in a dog’s life. Sometimes at 3 to 5 days of age. At other times during their spay or neuter.

Things to consider

If there is one thing that holds true, it’s that all of our dogs are unique. Removing rear dew claws should be a decision that is discussed, researched, and thought about. Dew claws are not a fault and as to the purpose they serve, you will have to watch your dog to determine. You can help your dog out a lot by keeping dew claws trimmed.

Since these claws are higher up, they won’t get any wear in the normal course of walking. The longer a dog’s nail gets, the quick will grow proportionately. Making it more difficult to keep that nail short.

 Did you know?

• Dew claws appear to be a remnant of a fifth toe that domestic dogs used to have. During the course of their evolution, as they began to specialize as runners, their legs became longer and their feet narrowed from five toes to four. That fifth toe survived as what is known today to be a dew claw.
• Dew claws are a characteristic of domestic dogs; wolves do not have dew claws. If a wolf does have dew claws, somewhere along the line one of the ancestors breed with a domestic dog.
• Show breeders consider not having rear dew claws to be a fault in a Great Pyrenees. They are an essential feature of the breed and were traditionally a sign of breed purity.

When it’s covered in snow, an ice shelf along the river looks like an extended playground. This morning, Kira and one of her buddies decided to do just that. Taking their frolicking and romping a little too close to the river. One of them fell in. We held our breathes and wondered what to do next as the dog treaded fanatically in search of a way out.

A couple of things were working in our favour: the current wasn’t very strong at that spot and the temperature was above zero. We were lucky.

After a few attempts, and a lot of praise and encouragement sent his way,  he figured out how to pull himself up and out.

What makes ice along river banks so dangerous ?

Self ice is never entirely frozen. It can be thick enough to walk on in patches, but there will always be thin spots where the current is fast, or where culverts and ditches drain into the river.

If you fall into the river, like Kira’s friend did, you could get pulled under the shelf with a strong current. Add to that the gasp reflex on entering the cold water, freezing conditions, jagged and thin ice, and it’s just dangerous from every angle.

What can you do to stay safe?

• Keep dogs, especially puppies, away from water in the winter. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to cold as their coat is still summer weight.
• Never go by yourself (even with your dog). That way, if something does happen, someone is there to help or call for help.
• Take a river safety or rescue course. Many kayaking schools and outdoor safety programs offer these courses through scenario-based training.
• Keep a blanket or towels in your car as part of your winter safety kit.
• Carry a cell phone with you. If your dog is in serious trouble,  call the Fire Department.

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it was time to share a “top 10″ list of our favourite dog toys.

At number 10, we have the Chuckit! Ball Launcher. This was one of the first toys I ever got for Kira. It made sense. No more picking up an icky, sticky, dog slobbery balls with your hands. And … you can toss for hours without ever getting a sore arm or shoulder.

The price was also right and the ball options are fantastic. It did spur two discussions though. One with Kira’s foster mom: she doesn’t retrieve. And one with fellow park frequenters: is that your ball or my ball ?

I bought the medium sized launcher. It’s easy for me to throw a ball at least 40 feet with minimal effort. And quite correctly, Kira does not retrieve. She does however love to chase the ball. And she will pick it up. If other dogs are around, bonus. She will run with that ball in her mouth as long as someone is willing to chase her. If no one wants to chase her, she will drop it and move on to something else.

I consider this toy to be a huge win and I am rarely at the park without it. We have a number of balls for the launcher, including the one that glows in the dark for night-time fun.

At number 9 is Nina Ottosson’s Dog Tornado. We own several of Nina Ottosson’s dog toys now, and Kira enjoys them all. I opted for the plastic version, although many of Nina’s interactive dog toys are available in wood. The Dog Tornado is a great place to start if your dog is new to puzzle games. It’s pretty easy for dogs to figure out. Hide treats (or food) in the bone-shaped depressions and then close the bone-shaped cups over top. Your dog has to figure out how to spin the cover to get at the treats.

Set your dog up for success by letting him or her get the treats out without covering them at first. If your dog is a chewer, this is a good time to teach “no chewing”. Keep at it until your dog uses his or her paw to slide open the cover, instead of using teeth. You can always spray a little Bitter Apple or any kind of chew deterrent on the game for heavy chewers.

I love the mental stimulation that puzzle games provide. I also love the fact that this toy is so easy to clean. It’s dishwasher safe !! Just load it into the top rack of the dishwasher and let it air dry once it’s through the wash. A word of caution though … this toy is not indestructible. Keep it out of reach when you are not playing with it and you will have it for years to come. You could even start up a toy exchange with fellow dog owners. This lets you try a variety of new games while keeping the cost down.

At number 8 is the Chuckit! Indoor Ball. Shhhhh. Kira is getting this one for Christmas.

None of the outdoor balls we have seem appropriate for in-house play. They do their job outside, but a little too firm for inside. The folks at Chuckit! must have figured that out too. Hence the indoor balls.

You can get a Chuckit! launcher for the indoor balls (there are two different styles of balls). Personally, our home is too small to think about launching this ball 40 feet inside, and I don’t think the icky, sticky will apply to this ball. But, it’s good to know that there is that option. And I might take this ball outside in the summer.

I can’t report on a field test for this one yet, but it’s the right size for Kira (there is no way it can get stuck in her throat) and it’s soft.

Soft enough not to damage the walls or floors when tossed or her teeth when picked up. It also won’t deflate if she accidentally bites into it.

At number 7 is the Kyjen Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy. The person who invented this game was sure thinking. It’s just a natural fit. On so many levels.

If you don’t like squeaking sounds (the squirrels that come with the game squeak), you can hide other things in the tree. Like treats or non-squeaking toys. I found that Kira might squeak them once or twice, but she isn’t obsessive about it. What she does like to do is hunt for them in the tree. Even the cats like this game!

It is quite well made, and as long as you supervise this toy should last you for a long time. I love the fact that it’s a thinking game. And it’s fun to watch your dog figure it out. In our house, it has also helped with the concept of sharing, since the cats truly like the squirrels too.

As far as maintenance,  I have washed all of the pieces in the washing machine — cold water, delicate cycle — and let them air dry. Comes out just like new and ready for another game.

Number 6 on the “top 10″ list is the Kyjen Puzzle Egg Babies toy.  I have no idea what makes dogs so crazy for this toy. I just know that it’s a success. In fact, I had a hard time finding it in local pet stores because of it’s ability to keep dogs entertained.

The concept is similar to the Hide-A-Squirrel game. Plush, and squeaky, eggs hidden in a stuffed toy. The toy maker put a lot of thought into this one. And the concept actually makes sense. What’s the first thing your dog does with a stuffed toy that has a squeaker in it? Find and get that squeaker. So true!

With the egg baby toys (there are many types, from birds to hedgehogs and sharks) your dog can find and remove the squeaker without destroying the stuffed toy. Bonus.

I started with one egg inside the toy (we have the frog). Adding more eggs as the days went on. Trying to prolong the “new toy .. oh wow” excitement for a little longer. My only concern with this toy is the size of the eggs, depending on the size of your dog. Not a worry if you only let your dog play with this toy while you watch. Which we really should do with all toys anyway.

The toy washes up well (I put the eggs in an old pair of nylon stockings and then machine wash on delicate) and you can get replacement eggs when the time comes. The egg babies toy is also totally fun for any cats in your home.

At number 5 is Nina Ottosson’s Dog Twister. This is the first interactive dog toy I bought for Kira. Remember the longest 14 days of my life? Ha. Seems like forever ago now. It wasn’t by choice. It was the only interactive game they had in the store at the time. Lucky for me because this toy still gets a lot of use.

What I like about this game is that it is a challenge. It was for us anyway. Sliding the compartments over to get the treat was easy. Pulling the plastic bones out before she could slide the compartments took it to another level. I have to say, after 10 months of play, all of the pieces are still in tact and none the worse for wear.

With different levels of thought comes a variety of ways to use this game. I still use it to feed Kira her food every now and then. Usually on mornings when I have a meeting and haven’t been able to walk her for as long as I should. Or days when it’s 40 below out and she has cabin fever.

The game itself is fairly indestructible. Kira pulls the plastic bones out with her teeth. I guess that’s another level we can still get to. Taking them out with her paws.

Dishwasher safe on the top rack. I hand wash the plastic bones, but I am sure you could safely wash those in the dishwasher too.

Sitting at number 4 is the Chuckit! Kick Fetch ball. In a word: brilliant! This isn’t the first soccer type ball to grace our home in the last year. But it’s the best.

The first one was a beach ball. No, not the kind you blow up. I wasn’t that clueless. Close though. It lasted 10 seconds. Did it never even occur to me that Kira would try to pick it up with her teeth. Regardless of the size. Apparently not.

The second one was a full-fledged Nike. A professional soccer ball. I can still see that man standing there at the park. Shaking his head and smiling. Telling me I was going to lose it in the river. Well I did lose it in the river. After 4 kicks. But … I went in after it. And retrieved it. So it wasn’t that bad.

When I saw someone in the park, in the dead of winter, with the Chuckit! Kick Fetch ball, and all of the dogs that were there at the time were having fun with it, I could hardly get the words “where did you get that” out of my mouth fast enough.

You can kick it. Dogs can pick it up with their teeth. It does not deflate. Told you it was brilliant!! The only negative review I could find on this toy is that a dog got his tooth stuck in the ball. I have never seen this, nor experienced it, but it is something to be aware of.

This toy is a big time winner in my books. And sorry Nike. I was using your soccer ball for a purpose it was not intended for, so the fault is entirely mine. Your soccer balls totally rock too! Two months of summertime play, a couple of trips down the river, and still inflated and ready to go.

At number 3 is the Ruffwear Hovercraft Flying Disc. If you read toy reviews like I do, you will be pleased to know that this toy consistently scores a 5 out of 5 on almost every review board. And with good reason. It’s extremely well made, easy on your dog’s teeth, a snap to clean, and it flies through the air with ease.

The Ruffwear Hovercraft Flying Disc comes in a variety of colours and has a molded foam core. The core is a little firm at first, but over time it softens up. I have washed mine about 100 times in the top rack of the dishwasher, letting it air dry after the wash cycle, and it still floats and flies just fine.

Kira is into team sports. That’s my way of rationalizing the “what … you want me to bring it back to you … seriously ??” aka does not retrieve. And this toy fits perfectly for both solo retrievers and team players. With a ball, it’s catch me if you can. With this toy, it’s take it away from me if you can. Many a game of tug-a-war has been played with this toy.

I also like the fact that even with constant sharing in the park, there are no rips or tears to be found on this toy. Something that happens often after only one use with plastic frisbees. Don’t get me started again on the plastic beach ball that lasted all of 10 seconds. Boo me.

Is this flying frisbee indestructible? Some claim it is. I put ours away after outdoor playtime. It’s an investment that will be around for many years to come.

At number 2 is the Meteor Light K-9 LED dog ball. When it’s dark outside at 5:00pm in December and you want to take a ball to the park, this one is it. This ball fits in the Chuckit! launcher and has an on/off switch. It takes a fair amount of pressure to activate the switch (you have to press the side of the ball really hard), which is perfect for dog play.

I tried a number of other brands that were easier to turn on and off, but that also made it easier for dogs to accidentally turn them off when they played with them. Without the light, it’s next to impossible to find a ball in the dark and in the snow.

These balls are waterproof, float, and you can replace the battery when needed. Just watch out for hard surfaces like pavement. When hitting a hard surface at just the right angle, the LED could pop out and/or the ball could turn off. Pretty easy to avoid once you know.

Number 1 brings us to the KONG Classic Dog Toy. The first stop I made after adopting Kira was my brother’s house. He has three dogs. It was a natural choice.

He didn’t say much. Just a raised an eyebrow and said “she’s a good looking dog”. I could hear him thinking … “Does she have any idea what she is doing. Porcupines, coyotes, walking rain or shine, house training, chewing”. I love the fact that he didn’t say any of those things out loud. What he did do was give me a red KONG classic along with a simple instruction: A tablespoon of peanut butter.

That tablespoon of peanut butter got me through the first month. I learned not to freeze things in the KONG that I didn’t want thawing all over the house. I learned that stuffing it creatively meant I could have a bath in peace. I also learned that despite teething and wickedly sharp puppy teeth, the KONG held its own. No bits of plastic scattered through the house. It stayed in tact.

In my opinion, every new puppy should come with a KONG Classic. A little tag attached to it that reads: Fill with a tablespoon of peanut butter for 10 to 30 minutes of quiet time.

Happy Christmas Everyone !!

Me with Gaiden and Ninja from Snowy Owl Dog Sled Tours

Where did the year go ? This time last year I was enjoying my very first dog-sledding tour and … I had no idea I would be getting a puppy. A lot has changed that’s for sure.

Thinking back, I had such a fantastic time, and I could have easily taken both Gaiden and Ninja home. Love them. Just like about a thousand other people. They are amazing. I must have known somewhere in the back of my mind that the perfect dog for me was just around the corner. And I was making note of preferences. What I liked and what I didn’t like.

Aside from the fact that it was a perfect day for sledding, lots of snow and sunshine, and no wind, the experience would not have been the same without the dogs and the trainers. Everything was so positive!

We started out with an introduction to the sleds and the basic sledding terms. Hike, Gee, Haw, Easy, Whoa, and On By. To be said with enthusiasm. All of the dogs are there because they love what they do. The energy was contagious.

I’m working with Kira right now on Gee and Haw. I’d like to try skijoring with her next winter. The vet suggested I wait until she was two years old. At that age, her bone plates will have closed and it reduces the chance of injury. She has so much energy and was born to pull. I don’t want to discourage that in her. We are still working on her not pulling when she is walked on a leash. I think she is smart and will be able to figure out that there is a time to pull, and a time not to pull. More research on my part to make sure I do the best I can to help her make this distinction.

If you have never tried dog-sledding and have always wanted to give it a go, just do it ! It’s an amazing experience on so many levels. You are a working member of a team. That all works together. The atmosphere is outstanding. Mountain trails and fresh air.

I’m feeling so much better about puppy licks now! As much as they make us shake our heads sometimes, it turns out there are real health benefits from them. Who knew.

The National Institutes of Health followed children from birth to the age of 7. Their findings? The risk of suffering from allergies can be reduced by up to 50 percent in pet-owning households. The children also had overall lower antibody levels and far fewer positive skin test reactions to cat, dog, dust mite, ragweed, and grass allergens.

Dogs licking is more that just fun kisses. Apparently the lick is transferring a lot of Gram-negative bacteria that may be chaining the way the child’s immune system responds in a way that helps protect against allergies (this from Dr. Dennis Ownby, chief of the Medical College of Georgia Section of Allergy and Immunology).

So if your dog licks your child, as long as they don’t mind, don’t be too grossed out by it. It could be boosting your child’s immune system.

1960s Knit Tweed Dog Coat

This morning I met a woman who was walking her Weimaraner. The dog had such a beautiful hand-made sweater on I had to ask her where she got it. Etsy. Love Etsy !! She went on to tell me that her dog has no undercoat and really needed protection when the weather was cold.

So what exactly is an undercoat and how do you know if your dog needs a sweater in winter ?

An undercoat is a fleecy or downy fur that is shorter than the top layer of a double-coated dog. The undercoat provides insulation.   If you part the hairs on your dog and see a longer, harsh coat combined with a soft, downy fur, your dog has an undercoat. Dogs such as Huskies, Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labs all have undercoats.

But there is a little more to it than breed and the presence of an undercoat. You have to factor in things like age, health, and your individual dog’s preference. If your dog shivers violently after exposure to winter temperatures, he or she may need the help of winter clothing to stay warm. And enjoy being outside.

As awesome as the sweater was, I don’t think Kira needs one. Her fur is already genetically designed to protect her from extreme winter temperatures. She loves the snow and is never cold. So I guess we will just have to admire all those Chihuahas, Greyhounds, and Weimaraners sporting their stylish winter clothing during the cold and stormy days.

[Update January 15, 2013: We met a long-haired Weimaraner at the park this morning. She totally has an undercoat. Who knew. And she was an awesome play companion during our winter walk this morning. Always something new to learn.]

There are so many dog treats on the market these days, we often overlook the simple, healthy and reasonably priced treats at our grocery store. In addition to being a great treat, pumpkin also has a number of health benefits for your dog.

Health benefits of pumpkin

The first time I heard about dogs and pumpkins was at the park. I kind of unknowingly overdosed Kira on knuckle bones.  And paid for the few hours of contented busyness with a sleepless night and more trips outside than I can count.

Pumpkins are loaded with vitamins C, K and E, beta-carotene, fibre, and several other beneficial antioxidants. Just a few teaspoons of pureed pure pumpkin (no added spices) can also help tremendously with two common digestion complaints: diarrhea and constipation.

For diarrhea, the dietary fibre absorbs excess water present in the stool. This makes your dog’s stool more firm and the results can often be seen in a few hours. Check with your vet for exact feeding amounts. As a general guide: one and a half teaspoons for a small dog, two tablespoons for a larger dog.

Pumpkin has just the opposite effect on dogs that are constipated. In this instance, the problem is often due to material passing too slowly through the colon, which allows for too much water re-absorption. The additional fibre in pumpkin helps speed things along and keeps some of the moisture from being re-absorbed. The end result is softer stools.

Note: Both diarrhea and constipation can be very serious depending on the cause. If the condition lasts for more than 24 to 36 hours, please see your vet.

Turning pumpkins into dog treats

To turn pumpkins into dog treats:

1. Clean and wash the outside of any sized pumpkin.

2. Cut the pumpkin in half.

3. Scrap all the pumpkin fibres/membranes and seeds out.

4. Cut the halves into 2.

5. Place the pumpkin quarters (cut side down) on a roasting pan along with 1 cup of water.

6. Bake the pumpkin in a preheated 400F oven for about 30 minutes or until tender. You can check for tenderness by piercing a fork into the pumpkin flesh. It gives in easily when tender.

7. Let the pumpkin cool until you can handle it.

8. Scoop out the flesh. It will come out really easy when it is baked completely.

9. Mash it using a spoon or food processor.

10. Fill ice cube trays with the pumpkin puree and freeze.

Once the pumpkin has frozen, I like to take it out of the trays and store it in the freezer in ziplock bags. You can then add it to your dog’s food or simply give it as a frozen treat.

No one knows the exact date of Kira’s birth. It was most likely in early September 2011. Her foster family suggested that I make her birthday Thanksgiving Day. That way I would be sure to remember it and I would always be thankful for having her in my life. I liked that. And so Kira’s birthday officially became Thanksgiving Day.

We head out to the mountains most years for Thanksgiving. It’s kind of the last break before winter sets in. This year was no exception.

The first night in the cabin, Kira was beside the bed on her bed, and all three cats were on the bed. When I woke up in the morning, Kira was in bed, under the covers, her head on the pillow … and … all three cats were on the floor sleeping on Kira’s bed.

I have no idea what happened in the night. But I sure started the day with a smile.

The next morning when I woke up, no one was around. Not a single cat nor Kira. Hmmmmm. What’s going on here. I went down to the kitchen and all of them were sitting there. Seriously. Lined up. Why doesn’t one have a camera ready at all times for those unbelievable moments. Something was really up. I swear they even had cartoon halos above their heads.

Quick glance over to the living room. Something grey on the floor. Most likely a hair ball. Nope. Ekkkk. Yikes. And Holy S@#*  A dead mouse.

Well, on the one hand I was really proud of them. They worked as a team obviously. And they sure had each other’s backs come morning. No one was making a sound or admitting to anything. On the other hand, I felt really bad for the mouse. I hope it was quick. As quick as I took it outside after discovering it.

It’s hard to believe that I was so worried about integrating Kira with the cats when I first brought her home. Each one of them has such a special relationship with her now. Sasha and Suka both take turns sleeping with her. And they are also equally tolerant of Kira when she licks them from head to toe. Kira has learned to just accept Shelby. He likes to stalk her. His shoulders rolling as smoothly as a field of wheat on a hot summer day. Kira watches him from the corner of her eye. He bats at her, she walks away, and he plans his next grand attack.

I love them all. I couldn’t imagine my life without any of them. And on this day, I have so much to be thankful for.