Category: Pets

Posted on

Change

Things change.

Auggie is growing up.

We are transitioning… – back to the “Boy’s room”: Auggie’s food on the high table, his litter box in the corner and the light box/cat cave on the table also. ( Bob’s Cat Cave)

My second/newish Windows 8.1 with touch screen computer is on the high table also. It is a kind of second work area. It evolved as when Auggie was in the sunroom/office and I didn’t want to disturb for various reasons, but needed computer access…AND I’ve had this computer for months and not had it fully set up with my work environment…Anyway, it has worked wonderfully to have this second work area! (AND BTW, I liked Windows 8 and LOVE Windows 8.1 and really love the touch screen – SURPRISE to ME!!!)

In addition to allowing me to do things when Auggie was in the sunroom, it has also encouraged Auggie to join me and embrace the light box/cat cave as a refuge…and food dishes made their way to the table as well as a litter box underneath.

Several times in the last week, Auggie has decided to nap in the cat cave.

It is a strange combination of joy in seeing Auggie grow and make his own choices as well as an odd paradox of renewed grief for Bob when Auggie does what Bob did.

Change.

In the past 5 weeks, since Auggie has been part of Bear’s and my life, I’ve been asked by several…”How did I know it was the right time? ”

I didn’t.

I had a kind of tension from being just 2.

I had some time of almost paralyzing fear about selecting the wrong pet at the wrong time…and about being capable of dealing with more loss.

And then I had a realization that I DID NOT want to live in that kind of fear.

AND that I had much love to give to a dog or cat that needed a safe and loving home.

So, then I knew I was ready.

And I knew that Bear would be ok if I was ok.

So we got Auggie.

Change.

Posted on

Friday

A mixed bag of a Friday… an Auggie vet appt mid afternoon, so got an early start, but distractions and then it was time to go!

Auggie is not liking the Jeep trips as yet so a rather loud to and fro and I HATE that he was uncomfortable.

But, at the clinic, he was quiet and calm. He now weighs 6.2 pounds vs 3.9 pounds 4 1/2 weeks ago. Everything good except for some gum redness – hopefully just from emerging “adult” teeth. We keep an eye on it for a month.

These first things…after losing a beloved – hard to keep in proportion.

We got home later than I thought we would, so short on work time.

Bear was needing attention.

Auggie was needing attention.

A squirrel helped give Bear something to do.

And Auggie was watching Bear dealing with the squirrel.

I had a glass of wine and watched the setting sun turn the tree tops gold against a brilliant blue sky.

Friday.

Posted on

Early turkey

I’ve been hungry for turkey.

Last week, the Norbest bone in turkey breasts that I like were on sale.

Last night (Wednesday), I finally roasted the one I bought.

This morning, I was dividing up the meat between frig and freezer…

Very interesting to everyone – but Bear particularly.

Auggie was here and there and everywhere.

Waiting for turkey.

Getting niblets of turkey.

Sharing the early turkey.

***Bear has never been growly or in any way protective of his food or treats. But I did keep a close eye…NOT a problem.

We spent most of today (Thursday) with the house wide open. I did keep Auggie with me when I thought Bear wanted some quiet time in the bedroom but otherwise, everyone did what they wanted to do. It was rainy off and on but Bear was out when not. Bear and I had our walks and a Jeep ride with a walk and oh, my!!! – I am so, so happy with how things are going. I send thanks to Bob and Karl and George and Gus…I am absolutely postive that they are all whispering in Bear and Auggie’s ears!

Posted on

Play time and the best toy ever

Yesterday morning, I spilled coffee on the edge of the sunroom rug. That rug is wool. I rinsed it well and then folded it back over a footstool so the wet edge was in the air.

It turned out to be the best cat toy ever!

Auggie played and played and played.

In and under through the corners, hide and seek… (and the mouse that was lost was found…hiding in the dust bunnies under my bed!)

…up and over.

The second best play time:

Auggie and Bear!

Sunday afternoon, they had some very good interaction and nose touching and Bear stayed calm when Auggie pounced and ran by him. I nearly came undone with joy as I could see we are really making good progress and that Bear is learning to be ok with Auggie’s darting and jumping.

I was so happy with Bear’s reactions, I dug out a hot dog to give him some bites as a treat. This was a kind of happy accident as I realized it also helped him take focus off Auggie and let them have a bit of a break. Plus, it really seemed to reinforce what was ok. We continued for nearly an hour of together time and when things went very, very well or if they looked like they might be getting too excited we had a hot dog break. I shredded the meat and a training treat sized piece made Bear happy.

Although Auggie didn’t get any hot dog, he did seem to get into the rhythm of play and quiet, play and quiet – which helped everything as well, i.e. they are figuring out how to play compatibly. And Bear is learning that when he’s had enough, he can just be.

Onward!