Since nobody did anything of note this week and after reading about the IM Needle Nose Crew, I felt that reintroductions might be in order. And as Morrison has pointed out, this blog can get a bit dog-o-centric and needs an occasional feline presence to be more politically correct.
Morrison, of course, is the king of the Brush beasts. Why an eighteen pound cat can lord it over 120 pounds of dog, I’ll never quite know, although a friend of my wife’s suggests that dogs will defer to any animal who can “shit in the house without getting in trouble.” Perhaps it’s that simple.
In many ways, the big guy is more dog than cat: outgoing, friendly, and very sociable. He’s often the first to greet visitors. He snores when he sleeps upside down and offers a squeeky meow when we wake him up so we can sleep.
Likes:
- Lounging on shoes and purses (especially when they belong to visitors)
- Frank Sinatra
- Green beans
- Newpapers, paper bags and boxes
Dislikes:
- Cars
- Chicken
The adventures of the hounds are better documented elsewhere in this blog, but they wanted to share their likes and dislikes.
Daphne is the blue-fawn brindle beauty on the right. She is a very small greyhound (53 pounds) with yellow wolfy eyes who has just discovered the art of begging. She’s probably five (no tattoos) and was found running through the woods of Lockhart by animal control. We met her three years ago at a GPA meet and greet where she was curled into a tight little ball, shivering, and hoping not to be noticed. We fell in love immediately. A person needs to visit our house several time before they see the ‘real’ Daphne, a very affectionate, playful, and goofy dog. There is very little brain in that pointy little head of hers, making her untrainable, but her heart is enormous.
Daphne likes:
- Peanut butter Kongs
- The word ‘greyhound’ (one of only a few that she knows)
- New clothes to sniff
- Nesting in the pillows on the bed
Daphne does not like:
- Car rides
- Walks
- Anything new and different
- Anyone new and different
- Anywhere new and different
Phoebe came to us in October and was thought to be a spook, but is far more outgoing than Daphne. She weighs around 65 pounds and is still getting used to living amongst the humans. Everything is new, exciting and fun. She adheres to Emerson’s advice to do something everyday that scares you, and is quickly overcoming her fears.
Phoebe likes:
- Squeeky toys
- Walks
- Car rides
- Soft couches
- People she’s never met
- Being outside
Phoebe does not like:
- Fireworks
- Being told ‘No.’
So there’s the pack. Or is it pride? I suppose that would be Morrison’s call.
[saveagrey]
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
That’s one regal looking feline–even upside down. Several of my friends who have hounds and cats have mentioned that the cat rules.
As soon as L is old enough to pour dog food into a bowl (and resist the temptation to taste it), we’re getting a pet.
Fred, Morrison thanks you. I guess it’s not that uncommon for a cat to be in charge especially around such unassertive dogs as I have.
Jessica, my nephew loves to feed the dogs from his high chair so you might be able to move on that sooner than you think.