Lest You Forget...

...or maybe lest I forget!...this blog is about dogs, right??? Though, in my defense, Gwyn's favorite topic of discussion right now is her kittehs. But if she's not watching them, she might be playing with this toy (which I had taken away to restitch its face up after the surgical removal of squeaky #1):

Video Cuteness

A short video of Xander and Spike beginning to play together....thanks again to their auntie for the awesome toy! And, yes, Spike has successfully completed his probation!

Sweet Baby

 This is Spike's favorite toy. His sweet "auntie" knew that and gave it to us when I picked him up! :D

I came in the other day and had lost Spike again...I found him in the office:

Action!

I love the "sport continuous" mode on my Nikon! While they're not always the crispest shots, it still allows me to capture action shots...like itty bitty kittehs in the throes of fcs (feral cat syndrome):

I am lion, hear me roar!

72 hours

That's approximately how long it took Xander to get (mostly) over his jealousy and go back to being a (very big) kitten. While things are not necessarily "back to normal"...we're moving toward a new normal...and everyone's basically okay with that...more to report soon.

Best Birthday Ever!

So, apologies for not getting this posted yesterday...we're a bit wide-open around here what with a new baby to keep an eye on! :D And that's exactly what Gwyn does....she follows him around...

making sure all is well...she's a *very* good mommy doggie!

Yes, he's still on probation...but it's looking pretty good for the little guy, so I might as well go ahead and tell you that his name is Spike. Again, folks, it's the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" scheme for naming cats and if you didn't watch the tv series then, oh well.

For a little guy who's already ahead of the odds and been through a lot, he's pretty bold. He explores everywhere...and is followed by an entourage everywhere he goes! Some of the entourage are admirers and some...well...they just don't know what to think!

A good shot of that lovely tail!

And those ears! Oh my!

Willow's surprisingly tolerant...she seems relieved that some of Xander's attention is off of her; I'm pretty sure I caught her inviting a neighborhood cat in yesterday! I think she's decided "the more, the merrier!"

Xander likes to claim spaces.

The old kitten cube has about had it...it's still loads of fun even though it can't stay upright any more...I broke out a new one shortly after Spike got here and now he plays with both.

Itteh bitteh kitteh butt shot:

Xander's not sure he yet approves of having his tail attacked...but he used to attack it quite a bit himself...he's on the verge of giving in and playing.

Once again, it's tiring work keeping an eye on each other.

Stay tuned for more adventures!

Happy Birthday Gwyn!!!

Today is Gwyn's birthday. She's five this year! Hard to believe! :D We decided to give her her birthday present a day early:

Okay, so that's only part of the story...but I have been asking her this week if she wanted another baby kitteh for her birthday! So, my friend, the vet who saved Xander and gave him a chance at life has been saving little kittens again!

Crashed in the crate on the way home

This little guy got into antifreeze a number of weeks ago. Only about 5% cats survive that. Maybe I have a soft spot for them since we had one survive antifreeze when I was growing up. This baby had a very high fever and has had some neurological damage (his head wobbles...a lot...he sometimes runs into things..), plus he's deaf (although that's likely from the white cat/blue eyes genetic thing. But he's a happy baby!

My friend was looking for someone to foster him. We don't "do" fostering. When I can, I'm happy to contribute money and/or supplies to help animals in need. I admire people who foster. I can't do it. Pretty much, if they come into my house, they're staying! So, I was particularly drawn to this little guy and hopeful that he'd make a good playmate for Xander...maybe Willow could get some peace in her golden years (maybe I'm delusional and they'll gang up on her!). We've taken him in with the understanding that my friend will take him back if it's too upsetting for Willow or Xander....'cause, it's definitely not too upsetting for Gwyn! :D

Tomorrow I'll share more pix of the initial adjustment and tell you his name...which I think I already know, but want to confirm that LoML and I are in agreement...

Sunset Study

Yesterday the sky was so amazing (as it so often is around here) that I "had" to stop off at the bridge both on my way in to work in the morning, and on my home from the barn in the evening. These two are straight out of the camera...only reduced the file size for uploading:

This one, though, I played around with a little...here's the "full size" shot (i.e. shrunk file size, but didn't crop)...I've messed around with the colors a bit...what all do you see?:

Now I'm going to crop a bit...

Now a bit more...and from a couple of different sections....did you know all that was in the original shot?

For the record, I was wearing my sunglasses and shooting semi-blind (trying not to look into the sun too much!) and so, while I knew the pelican was flying in and out of my shots, I didn't actually realize the shrimp boat was back there!

Bird Watching

The 183rd Reason I Can't Go to Work

Xander Photo Shoot

One of my best friends got married on Aug. 31st and I had the honor of being one of her bridesmaids. After the festivities I was trying to do a photo shoot of some of the pretty accessories...and, of course, I had help!

Why would you want pictures of stuff without me in them?

I don't think this clutch should have a chain on it...let me see if I can get that off for you.

What?! It was talking smack and must be silenced!

A nice background...

...turned silly

What's in here? Would I like it???