Back Home

The boyz seemed glad to finally have their fourth roommate back home. Diego actually climbed up on me into my arms and wouldn't let me put him back down. Theo spent most of the evening racing back and forth in various parts of the house showing even more energy than he usually does (and a bit of paranoia too as if something was chasing him relentlessly). Thompson kept his distance until he finally decided it was time to come over and get his face rubbed. I'm glad to be back home.

So Long Torii

Today was my final day of housesitting Torii. His next caregiver came over to pick him up in the afternoon. This person has two other dogs and Torii was quite excited to be going for a ride.

I greatly enjoyed my time with him. His enthusiam toward life was contagious. And in our quiet moments we enjoyed each's others company even though I think we both have come to love the little routines that make up our normal lives.

Keen Observer

One of Torii's most remarkable talents is his ability to spot an animal on the TV. There were times when I was flipping cable stations when all of a sudden Torii would race up to the screen and jump up. Inevitably somewhere on the screen was an animal. Sometimes it was barely noticeable to me. Other times (like the Westminster Dog Show) it was quite obvious what was behind Torii's enthusiasm for seeing another animal.

Having such a discerning TV eye makes me wonder if Torii approves of my television viewing tastes.

Sound of Music

Torii and I were watching a performance by Rickie Lee Jones on the TV when I saw his ears perk up and his voice begin to murmur. Since I knew from being an eyewitness that he has it in him to be a howling singer I started howling at the top of my lungs. He looked at me and took the cue and soon we were howling together.

I don't think he quite knows what to make of me but I think he enjoyed our duet as much as I did.

State of the Union 2007 Style

So I spent Valentines Day this year with Torii watching the Timberwolves basketball game on TV. Man's best friend indeed.

In Need of a Session

I got to spend last night at home with my own boyz. M- arranged for someone to go over and feed Torii this morning so I left him all by himself at around 8 p.m. last night feeling kinda bad that he would be kenneled up in the house all by himself all night long.

But I do have duties with my fellas too... My biggest worry in essentially leaving them on their own (with sporadic visits) for three weeks was that by the end of the ordeal they might require some mental therapy.

I may have been right in one case. Theo and Thompson seem to have adjusted to the change in arrangements (although Thompson was quite vocal last night about the lack of food). Diego-san on the other hand seems really lost. He woke me up at around four this morning and pretty much mugged me in bed. He got as close as he could, face to face, and kneaded his paws into my chest. I didn't mind so much being woken up but his kneading always involves claw digging so it was getting kinda painful. I kept moving his paws away and he would then nip at my hands. The boy was in need of some serious attention and he sat forlornly this morning as I prepared to go.

One Step Forward, Two...

Torii was acting so sweet and appreciative yesterday that I was about to make the declaration that maybe Kurbie is the issue- egging his housemate into bad behavior.

Then I happened to see some scraps on the kitchen floor and noticed Torii happily chewing up the remains of something. It was the coffee card from my favorite neighborhood coffee place- where they keep track of every ten cups you buy so the eleventh one you get for free. I had nine cups bought so my next purchase was going to make me eligible for a free latte.

I guess Torii owes me a cup of coffee.

The Sole Survivor

Torii and I had a quiet evening. He sat on my lap as I watched some television. I'm sure he doesn't quite know what to make of things at this point- with his usual houseperson gone and now Kurbie too.

The New Arrangement

Today was the day that I was to bring Kurbie to his new babysitter. I first took out his kennel to double check to make sure it actually fit inside my Mini-Cooper. As soon as I did, Torii got all excited, apparently thinking we were all about to go for a ride.

He jumped up at his person's jacket hanging up in the hallway. He eventually jumped up into my arms. That was when I had to break him the news that it was just Kurbie and I going for a ride. I kenneled Torii up and he started whimpering. I loaded Kurbie in his kennel and brought his kennel to my car. He started whimpering and didn't stop until we arrived at the dropoff location.

Torii seemed subdued when I got back.

Sunny

It's a sunny (and cold) Saturday morning. Torii, Kurbie and I are just lounging around doing nothing. In other words, life is good.

Three Minus One

Today and tomorrow are my final days with Kurbie. Per a prior arrangement he is going to stay with another colleague starting Sunday so it will then be just me and Torii for a week.

I'm gonna miss Kurbie. When Torii is going all crazy with energy Kurbie and I will eye each other in sympathy. I love how Kurbie's backside is constantly wiggling and how he does the thing on the carpet with his belly on the ground slithering towards me like a snake or as if he is swimming.

It's been an enjoyable couple of weeks.

The Difference Between Cats and Dogs

This first hand experience I'm getting with canine and feline companionship is eye opening (meaning I'm getting even less sleep than usual).

With three cats around my own house- there usually is a cat around me no matter what I'm doing. But it's not like they are always looking for my attention. That isn't the case with Kurbie and Torii (especially Torii). Seems like no matter what they are doing, they expect me to be engaged with them. If I should happen to not be paying attention to them they will often go to the back door and ring the bell indicating they want to go outside. If I ignore that they'll tend to irritate each other causing me to break up the ruckus. I'm quite enjoying my time with them but I think they have confirmed that I am indeed a cat person.

Quality Time

One of the my specific instructions in dog-sitting is that when I get home in the evening I spend a few minutes with Kurbie.

He greets me at the door and I'm to squat down and let him rub up against me and then follow me out to go get the mail. On the way he gets part of a treat and when he returns back in he gets the rest of the treat.

I don't mind the routine whatsoever. It's smile inducing to see him wiggle his behind with a look in his eyes suggesting this is the best part of his day.

Passion

Torii is a very passionate dog. He does everything full speed and with great importance. If he wants to be underneath a blanket he rips it back with his front paws at a furious pace. If he wants to be let out of the house he'll jump up enthusiastically at the sliding glass door leading out to the backyard. He has been trained to ring a bell hanging on the wall by that door when he wants to be let out- and he'll do so persistently to make sure he's being understood.

I love that when I get home and let him out of his kennel he'll first reach up into my standing lap as if to let me know he's been energetically waiting for me all day. Then he'll tear around the house looking for that toy that he left aside when he was kenneled up hours before. His passion for life is contagious.

How 'Bout them Minnesotans?

Prince gave a lively and entertaining performance for the Super Bowl halftime show. My favorite part came when he did a verse of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" proving that some pretty talented folk have come out of this part of the country.

Back to the Other Boyz

I spent much of the weekend at my own house staying out of the extreme cold weather (wind chills from 25 to 40 below). When I returned to my dog sitting duties last night- Kurbie for one let it known he appreciated my company again. He kept hopping up on my lap and giving me kisses with his little tail wagging away.

It was nice to be wanted.

Not So Stupid Pet Trick

Theo and I played fetch- an activity that he loves to do anytime, anywhere. But this particular game ended as never before- he took the ball and returned it to the toy box. It was as if he was aware of my attempts to keep the house somewhat clean.

Alas a little while later he got the ball out of the box again to play another round and this time when he was done he left it in the middle of the living room. So it was a one time trick- albeit an impressive one.

The Blair Witch Torii

Torii is a rambunctious dog. Because of some behavioral "issues" he gets kenneled up when no one is around to supervise him. Indeed he has so much energy that if he isn't in sight and you don't hear him, it's usually a sign to check on his activities because he'll often be doing something he really shouldn't (humping a pillow, chewing on something that isn't a chew toy- peeing in the house...).

Yet I find him irresistably sweet. His playful energy is just downright amusing- watching him prance from room to room circling from the living room through the dining room and kitchen. And when he does settle down and chews on some rawhide while sitting on your lap or napping with you underneath the covers- he is a fabulous companion.

Figuring Out the Great D

I think I'm beginning to understand the enigmatic Diego-san just a little bit better.

He is by far the most independent of the boyz. He'll sit on my lap but only for a short time. He is the one that spends more of his time alone than the others. He is the best example of showing the curiosity side that his species is famous for.

Yet with this independence streak he seems to be having the hardest time adjusting to my absence. I went home last night to spend the night with the boyz and Diego was right there as soon as I sat down, and by my side when I finally went to bed. I think I'm beginning to see that he likes his independence but that the flip side of that is that he craves attention too. In other words he wants to do things on his own terms but at the same time expects that his terms include getting lots and lots of attention.

Worrier

Speaking of worrying... Last night I let Kurbie out to do his business. He wasn't out long- probably less than five minutes- but it was extremely cold out (low temps bitter windchill). I noticed him plopping over in a bank of snow- struggling with his footing.

I called out in concern and with a little effort he limped back into the house. He was shivering uncontrollably so I held him close to warm him up. Later he climbed on my lap underneath a blanket.

He doesn't seem to be showing any ill effects but it taught me to keep an eye out when it's this cold out and they have to go outside...

Who Me Worry?

I wonder how much animals worry. Thompson's natural look is one of a worried soul. I wonder if Kurbie and Torii wonder where there real house person is and when she'll be back. (Hopefully they aren't wondering if she'll be back.)

Similiarly I wonder about my own boyz and if they sit there in the empty house wondering and worrying if this is the way it's gonna be from now on.

A Visitor

Went home to see how my boyz are doing. Everything was fine. The only one who seemed to have issues with my absence was Diego-san who spent the entire time I was there avoiding me until I began packing up some more clothes to bring with me. That's when he howled and came over and rolled on the ground by me. That's a sign that it's time to comb him so I did.

Thompson and Theo seemed oblivious to any change.

Kurbie

Kurbie is a senior citizen in dog years. He's a bit crochety and set in his ways but the expectant look he gets in his eyes- all the while as his little tail makes his entire back end wiggle- is irresistable.

Torii

Torii is full of boundless energy. He's constantly running from here to there to grab a toy, chase a ball or chew on some rawhide. yet at the end of the day, Torii is a master snuggler- clawing his way underneath the covers and plopping himself down.

He seems grateful to have a safe and healthy environment to call his home.

House Party

Woo hoo. We've got the entire place to ourselves!

The Chaotic Adventure Begins

My two house pet sitting duties begin today. It was hard leaving the boyz this morning. Thompson and Diego-san figured out something was happening when I started packing.

Theo figured out something was up when I left two whole days worth of food out (it's probably already gone).

I won't see the boyz again until Saturday afternoon. I have a friend who is gonna help feed the boyz a few spread out days over the next few weeks. This hopefully won't be too trying an adventure for any of us involved...

Sweet Side

Thompson was in a sweet mood last night. He climbed up next to me in bed and lie on his side purring away. This isn't the side of him most people get to see- he tends to run and hide from visitors.

Even with me he'll often wait until we're alone and the other two boyz are off doing something else somewhere else in the house. That's when Thompson will display his affectionate and I'm glad you're paying me attention side.

If Kitties Ran The World (or Do They Already?)

After Mr. Bush was done presenting his state of the union address, I asked the boyz for their evaluations. Thompson was contently watching me watch the prez and he seemed eager to field my question. But instead he went about cleaning himself.

Theo and Diego were off down the hallway wrestling displaying one life approach- just go about your business and don't worry too much about all the stuff that goes on beyond your own walls.

Needy... Loving... and A Good Heat Source

Ever since my return from my trip to Washington DC- Diego-san has been a lot more needing of my attention. More than ever he has taken to sleeping right by my side (usually on my arm) underneath my covers.

He more and more is spending hours in this position- no doubt to take advantage of the warmth from my down comforter and from me. It's been really cold out most of the past two weeks so I'm sure with his above average intelligence Diego realizes that the best way to stay warm is either to lie in front of a heating vent or by my side.

I don't mind this at all since he is such a soft cuddly fellow. Despite some ongoing differences- Diego and I put things aside at the end of the day and take advantage of what the other has to offer.

Survival of the Fittest

Over the next few weeks because of my dog sitting duties- my boyz will be spending a lot of time on their own.

I'm a little concerned about Theo getting his fair share of food. Diego has now taken to always trying to steal Theo's food if I'm not paying attention. Theo allows this standing behind Diego with a completely blank look on his face.

I have a feeling if I just dump out a bunch of food and take off- Theo will starve and Diego will get plump. Someone's got to learn to stand up for what is his.

Split Duties

I'm going to be dogsitting at my friend's house starting the end of next week. I've committed to doing it for about 10 days and her house (and dogs Kurbie and Torii) are far enough away where I really can't easily go back and forth from my house. Fortunately her house is very close to where I now work so that drive will be easy.

I'm not sure yet how I'm going to take care of my boyz. I'll probably end up having a friend (or friends or my dad) stop by and leave them food. I'll swing by whenever I can but they are going to have the run of the house for awhile...

It's OK

Last weekend's snowfall has seemingly made the commute to work messy all week long. It's taken me a good 15-20 minutes longer to make my way home at the end of the day. My theory is that because neither Minneapolis or St. Paul called a snow emergency- people left their cars parked on the city streets and thus there are still piles of snow that make the roads more narrow and cause people to drive more slowly.

Thus I'm much more stressed when I get home. I think Thompson for one senses this because he has been much more patient in waiting for his dinner. I still get the message loud and clear that there are empty dishes to fill when I get home- but he doesn't seem to mind that I check my mail and change clothes first. What a smart little fellow.

The Flood

Both Thompson and Diego have learned that one method of relief from Theo's relentless need to play is to hop up somewhere high.

Theo was brought into the cat shelter with damaged back legs. The story told was that a kid had sat on him and crushed Theo's back legs. I think the time he couldn't use them led to Theo losing confidence in his ability to jump up on anything higher than he could pull himself up onto with his front legs. I notice that often when he is jumping down from something- he'll do it very gingerly by placing his front paws on the ground and gradually lowering his back side down.

So Thompson and Diego will often run away from Theo's pursuit- and jump up on a chair or a ledge and thus thwart the pursuit even though Theo has proven he can get up almost anywhere. In all likelihood this method of escape is temporary has Theo regains the belief that his legs will do almost anything that he asks them to do.

Prance Prance

People who see Diego-san either in person or in a picture often remark how handsome of a cat he is. It's my belief that Diego knows this. His walk is somewhere between a strut and a swagger- with his behind wagging and his impressive tail held high in the air.

Diego expects to be the center of attention whenever he walks into a room- and the three of us he lives with- that expectation is usually granted.

The Race

Every morning after I take my shower and dress for work- the boyz excitement over the upcoming breakfast gets them pretty worked up.

Theo alternates between licking my legs and running back and forth down the hallway as if that will speed things up and his morning meal will be delivered sooner.

Thompson meows away, edging himself closer to the stairway. Diego tries to act cool but an occasional bellow gives him away.

The routine has become so pat that we have developed it into an unofficial race with specific rules. The foremost rule is that none of the boyz can run down the stairs before I begin my descent. If they do- they are disqualified. Theo breaks this rule almost every day and thus takes himself out of the race. Thompson usually gets a head start on Diego by standing at the top of the stairs. Diego usually waits until I start walking down the hall and then will prance in step behind me.

Usually Diego- even starting with a further distance to go- can beat Thompson down the steps. It's much easier for Thompson to run rapidly up steps where his momentum helps him keep his balance- than down steps where he has to carefully place his lone front paw on the next step before he lowers the rest of his body.

Thus I like to assist Thompson as much as I can- setting up my body as a screen to a clear path down for Diego. Whoever ends up downstairs first gets a hearty pat on the head from me and a vocal congratulations. That morning's loser likewise gets a pat of sympathy and encouragement. I swear the boyz understand all this competition but that probably isn't likely...

MLK Day

Had a day off due to it being Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The timing was perfect as we got 4-5 inches of snow the night before. I'm glad I didn't have to shovel in the wee hours of the morning and slip slide my way to work.

One Hisser

It occurred to me today that I've never heard either Diego or Theo hiss. Thompson on the other hand hisses daily - usually when he has had enough of Theo doing something. He's also quite the growler- in fact Thompson is far and away the most vocal of the trio. He meows/grunts when he's moving, getting ready to eat or drink, and sometimes on his way down to the litter box. I love his voice and miss it when I'm not around him.

I just wish he wouldn't hiss so much...

Brrrr

Winter has finally really arrived in these parts. The past two days the temperatures have hovered around zero with a biting wind chill. The downstairs of my house can be somewhat drafty so the boyz have taken turns lying on my stomach and chest benefitting from my body heat. Theo of course usually ends up getting this choice spot.

Meet the Boyz

One of the inherent things about starting a new job is that my new colleagues naturally want to get to know me. One thing I think I'm already known for is that I am a "cat" person. I'm amused at the reactions I get when I share the fact I live with three kitties. Other cat people tend to smile knowingly. Non-cat people tend to get this look in their eyes as if they are not sure how to judge my eccentricity/normalness quotient.

I do know that if all these new colleagues could actually meet the boyz, that they'd understand that my craziness only partially has to do with my roomies.

Settling In

It's been a whirlwind few weeks but now the routine of the new job begins. I've worked at my new location five days now and the challenge of learning new tasks (not to mention putting names to all the new faces) has left me coming home plenty tired. It's extra nice therefore to come home to three familiar and curious faces.

Snuggler

For the first time ever Diego-san spent all night sleeping by my side. He likes to crawl just underneath the covers, facing me, and lie with his paws on my arm. Usually this lasts for about half an hour and then he moves to the end of the bed. Last night he crawled underneath the covers with me and stayed there all night. I guess he might have missed me.

Back Home

And the boyz seem glad...

Jefferson Memorial

The U.S. Capitol

FDR Memorial

Japanese American Memorial

The Smithsonian

DC Bound

I'm off to DC for four days to attend a conference. I waited until the last possible moment to pack my bag because at least two of the three boyz know what follows when I pack my bag.

The third boy got a clue when I dumped a day's worth of food in his dish.

Resolutions

Since the boyz didn't complete their New Year's Eve assignment of coming up with one resolution each, I thought I'd do it for them:

Thompson: Resolve to be nicer to Theo.

Diego-san: Resolve to quit trying to go behind the TV set.

Theo: Resolve to fight for my portion of the food and not let the others push me to the back.

Batter... I Don't Even...