My Life - by Jade: Being Rather Naughty

When we came back from the park this morning, silly Mummy didn't fasten the gate to the back of the house properly when she went to water the pots at the front. I sneaked out when she wasn't looking and went to say hello to Kitty, the cat from next door. Usually she likes to give me a kiss and then lies down and pats me with her paws. But today she decided to run away, and then there was no stopping me. we went  round and round our front garden and the two next to us. I was enjoying it so much that I didn't hear Mummy calling me back. I don't think she realised just how much fun it was.

But then along came Leo, the border terrier from round the corner. He was with his Mummy who had him on a lead.  Of course I had to go and say hello to them and then I was caught. Leo's Mummy held my collar until my Mummy arrived. I didn't mind really. I like Leo's Mummy as she always gives me cuddles and talks to me when we meet her in the park. Anyway I'd forgotten about Kitty. Mummy was cross though and she put me through the gate and closed it firmly. She had to go and pick up the pot I had knocked over in our neighbour's garden, and she said it was lucky I hadn't done any more damage.

After that I was ready for a nap. I love the big, soft tiger bed I got a few weeks ago.

Pets For Our New Home

When we saw our conveyancing solicitor recently, she said we could be moving in 6 to 8 weeks.  I keep having to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.  It’s taken such a long time to get to this stage.

Anyway, our thoughts are now moving on to the pets we can have at our new house.  It’s over fifteen years since we had a dog.  Losing him was so painful, at the time we felt we just couldn’t go through that again.  But now I think it’s time to get one for the love and company, and to get me out of the house and walking regularly.

A cat could keep him in his place too, as our last one did.  She was certainly the boss and used to sit behind him on my lap and gradually push him off, so she had it all to herself.  Their antics together used to have us in stitches.  She moved to our current house with us but we’ve been without her as well for the last few years.

If I do get another cat, I’ll be going in for this new cat flap I’ve just learned about.  It’s called the Pet Porte Smart Flap, and it’s smart because it won’t let any strange cats in.  You have to get your cat micro-chipped before you install it, because that’s what lets your cat in.  This means it’s better than a magnetic flap that would let in other cats if they are wearing a magnetic collar.

So, if the poor thing is being chased by a big bully of a cat, it can whip through the flap, turn around and laugh at its tormentor through the flap.  You can programme the flap too, to keep your cat inside whenever you want.  And you’ll probably save on cat food, because no others can come in and steal it. 

Mind you, in our house it will have to be put up high so the dog won’t woof it down first.

If you’re interested in buying one of these cat flaps, check out Pet Porte Smart flap.

Photo Inspiration

Some days, when I am scheduled to post here, I can't think what to write about. To avoid an absolute panic, I go to the photos I have on my computer and look for inspiration. Today was one of those days. And just look what I found.

Sam was a wonderful dog. I still tear up when I see this picture, though we lost him to cancer about 14 years ago. We've never tried to replace him as we found the ending just too painful to invite it voluntarily again. Maybe when we finally get to move to the seaside will be the time.

Meanwhile, I just try to remember all the really good times we had together. When he first arrived, he fitted easily in my cupped hands. He lived with our family, which included a cat, for eight years.

He tried to play with the cat and my daughter was horrified one day when she saw him with her head in his mouth. He was gentle though and didn't hurt her, but she was older and she knew how to put him in his place. Once I watched her walk along his back from one arm of the armchair he was lying in to the other. He just opened one eye, cocked an ear and whispered a growl. Hubby said he often came down early in the morning and found them snuggled together for warmth. They used then to jump apart as though they were illicit lovers and didn't want us to know.

Sam also liked to sit on my lap when we were relaxing. Often the cat would come and sit above him on my stomach and gradually he'd be pushed further towards my knees until he fell off and she had pride of place. It was quite comical. There is nothing quite as stress busting as relaxing with pets.

Isn't he just beautiful?