Paws for Family

A tail of life and love and cats and dogs.

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Anakin Is Moody

For a little dog that has just about everything, Anakin is certainly a moody dog. As you can see above, he is snuggled most every day in multiple blankies with his friend, Lambie. He also has his Halloween shirt to keep him extra warm. And yet life is depressing. Grumpy Cat has nothing on Anakin.

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Our handsome little guy with his new haircut. 

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Anakin loves his new bed.

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Mirror Mirror - Simon's Cat (by simonscat)

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It's a dog's life! Can you spot the doggy among the blankets?

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Frugal Cat Toys Made with Paracord

I have realized that cats often prefer frugal, homemade toys over the expensive ones found at pet stores and mass merchandisers.

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Cat Lady Lesson #13

I have learned that some cats like to call out to you. A lot. I'll admit that I indulge our little Katniss, and this is most likely the reason behind much of the behavior. Too, as the baby of the family, she is not often scolded for her actions. Still, this little girl wants to know my location at all times and will use any means necessary to get my attention.

If she is scouting for prey in another room, for instance, she will sometimes become scared and will meow loudly with a very worried tone. This is her "I'm scared, Mommy!" meow. When I appear, she is instantly satisfied and will begin again her activities. If I don't reassure her, though, she will simply meow louder and in an even more agitated voice.

Too she will often seek attention, even if it is bad attention. When I am occupied elsewhere in the house, I will hear her meow, and I know she is up to trouble. She likes to do something bad mainly because she can pull us away from what we are doing to focus on her. In the picture above, you will see that she is perched on an unstable bookcase; she doesn't do anything up there but meow for attention. When we appear to scold her, she happily jumps down and continues playing.

For this cat lady, I can definitely see that cats are good at gaining your attention in whatever way possible.

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Cat Lady Lesson #12

I have learned that cats have an endless array of tools and techniques for waking you in the morning. If one does not work, then they will progressively work through each and every tool in their arsenal until you throw off the covers to feed them their breakfast.

Although Grant seems to be a bit more blunt about this--he simply scratches on something to infuriate me--Katniss could work as an operative for the army. She will first use her "soft" techniques, such as purring loudly or a plaintive meow. If these don't work to bring about her desired conclusion, then she will lazily lie beside me and poke me harder and harder with a single, sharp claw. Other possible "hard" techniques include kneading on bare flesh and scratching. She is, above all, ruthless in her desire to wake me, but also effective.

Indeed, whereas dogs will certainly wake you in the morning, cats are masters at the art. Yet another lesson for this crazy cat lady.

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Loaf Of Bread Cat

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Commitment

"There are three faithful friends - an old wife, an old dog, and ready money." --Benjamin Franklin 

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Baby Horse & Dog Play Tag!

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Loving Big Brother

Anakin has become over the past year a loving and surprisingly tolerant older brother, Despite Katniss' growing willingness to tease him, he usually ignores her. Considering he would yelp whenever Madrone would come near, this is quite a change in heart towards cats. I believe, though, that his affection is only toward Katniss; he seems to have taken her under his wing, so to speak, and even attempts to play with her on occasion.

As you can see in the picture, Katniss was once again teasing him a bit, crinkling the paper bag while he was trying to eat some treats. To show his own feistiness, he lay down with his 'tocks out, nose held high. She continued to crinkle the bag and watch him, but to no avail. Anakin never moved or acknowledged her attempts to bother him.

Does Anakin always ignore her? No, he sure doesn't. He often shows his concern for her when Grant becomes overly zealous in play; Anakin will growl at Grant and run him off, giving Katniss a rest. Too Anakin willingly snuggles with Katniss on the couch. They certainly have an amusing and sometimes awkward relationship.

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Me on Flickr

Christian wife looking for meaningful work and volunteer opportunities. I am happily married and live with my husband and pets.

While I've been away, I haven't been totally neglecting my picture taking. You can find lots of pictures of the kiddos on my Flickr page.

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I apologize for our lengthy absence. Anakin's lymphoma treatment which begun last year consumed much of my time and energy.

He did lose his hair on his head and some other areas, but it has since grown back. While he did have other symptoms related to the chemotherapy, we were able to manage those through medications and adjustments in his treatment. He was a little trooper throughout it all and gained comfort and snuggles from his new best friend, Lambie, as you can see in the picture.

There is good news, though. Anakin did well during his treatment and is currently in remission. Now we just watch and wait, hoping that the remission is permanent.

We're just taking it one day at a time, loving every moment that we have with our little mister.