The cats and Dogs of Miracle House

The Redding Brothers are clever cats indeed! The other day I found my door to the porch wide open letting all the cold air in. I simply thought I had neglected to shut the door properly. Not so! Some time later I discovered Opus had mastered the art of opening the wooden door. He rattles the doorknob until it turns and then he can go out there if he likes. Once the boys had gone out into their playpen I had to get up off the couch(my nesting spot for the past days off) and close the door. A short time later the door opened once again after a bit of rattling, and in came Opus! Of course if I close the outer screen door he is hooped but has taken to climbing the screen and making a great deal of noise doing it and so gets his way in the end. And we are supposed to be the superior race?? I don't see anyone opening and closing doors for me nor bringing me my food. Or cleaning my toilet. These guys have it made in the shade and the dogs as well. But at least now I know who is opening the door and will have to make myself aware of that when I open the back door thinking the cats are safely in the porch,It may not be so!

Up until just lately it has always been Opus that cuddled on the couch or in bed but lately Otis has taken to doing the same thing. The hard part is Otis is much quicker with his claws and you never know when one is going to put in your flesh! I went to sit on the couch recently and had not noticed Otis was there and he simply put a claw in my butt and made me aware of his presence. Yep it gets your attention all right! Little needle claws hurt!

Although they haven't slowed down the boys are changing in different ways. Opus still has a thing for shredding Kleenex and can still spot one from across the room, I have learned to pick them up right away and all my wastebaskets have dog dishes in them to prevent pilfering. Otis has given up on the running water thing and no longer dabbles in my tub water and the toilet? Well I have learned to close the lid to prevent dabbling. Actually it sound like me that is changing and learning to prevent a few things.

Yesterday I had to go to Nelson and although the Reddings are fine on their own in the porch, I wasn't sure what to do with the dogs. I mean what does the Dogsitter do when she needs a dogsitter?? Well I phoned the other gal that does and she was will to accommodate me. Keeper is really a special needs dog. I believe her eyesight has digressed once again and she finds it hard to walk on the crunchy snow and to find her way to the back door once she goes out. Teko is special needs in that if you don't gt him outside every so often he will do his thing in the house! But I made the sitter aware of all this and the only thing I didn't tell her about was Keepers' constant pacing. It drives me nuts but this woman took it all in stride and understood it is just what Keeper does. The dogs soon told her their happiest place was at the sliding doors to watch for me. Its something they did for years in Beas' house and that's where they were! As far as we know Teko only “marked” one spot and that was cleaned up right away. It think one day I will put an elastic around his dealy and see if that stops him! But for the most part both dogs sleep and awful lot and that is easy on every one. I have watched my clients struggle in the door with beds and food dishes etc. and this time it was my turn. From the hair on my jacket it is time for the beds to be cleaned again. Man this is just like looking after kids in a way. Yep home is where the animal hair clings to everything but the animals!

The Reddings at Christmas

 The Redding Brothers had a very good Christmas. They received a nice little red stocking with money in it for me to buy food as well as two new stuffed mice! They had already found the mice left over from Mr.Peaches' Christmas last year but they thought it was great to get two new ones as well. But their best plaything turned out to be the bag Gramma had sent all the presents in! I knew they would find it fun so left it on the floor and they took turns going inside and sometimes jumping on the one that was inside. The bag ended up split(for easy entry and exits?) A second split in it rendered it rather useless as it doesn't stay open any longer to entice young cats to explore. Otis managed to pedal it right across the floor into the middle of the room at one point. What a guy! Unlike Mr.Peaches, I found these cats are not overly friendly with company. All they want to do is sniff other people all over – getting the full story through their noses. Then they come over to me to use me as a bed or stomping post. I'm sure Addie would have loved a cuddle and even called to Opus, who in turn looked at her as much to say “Cats don't do come!” Both boys were fascinated by the fire in the fireplace and looked with interest at sparks and hot ash going up the chimney! They spend more time than people “watching the fire”.Once I removed the turkey from the oven I just didn't trust them so a few bits of “Temptations” lured them into the playpen and we ate in peace sans cats! Keeper thought she would sit and drool while we ate and I was amazed that I could send her out. She is almost blind and cannot hear so communication is difficult at best, but I managed to get through to hear with what little sight she has left. Watching her walk outside I realize she is really having a hard time and she puts her paws out to feel her way in much the same way a person would use their hands. When the snow gets too deep I will have to shovel her a place but being so independent I bet she still tries the deep stuff and I think I may have to keep my boots by the back door and may be wading out to get her a few times. She has always been such a clever collie that I find it frustrating to see how aging is slowing her down and in any case I think she has developed dogzheimers and acts very strange at times.

The Reddings spent a lot of time in their playpen/porch while Daisy was with us. The little beggars decided to stalk her and the poor dog was beside herself trying to be good as she knows she is not to harm them. She is a very alert dog and the cat antics often startled her. One day during a quick “Redding Romp” they managed to tip over the rocking chair onto poor Keeper who was sleeping behind it. Poor old dog had no idea what hit her but was okay. Daisy simply left the room for the kitchen and once again those boy cats were put out. I must say Daisy was very well-mannered during her stay here but even so had a couple of minute-adventures. Stuff happens. One morning after a snow I let her out and she saw the neighbor shoveling and went over to see him. I called her but she did not return and in a blink their daughters dog came barreling down from the house and attacked poor Daisy and rolled her down the hill. It happened so quickly Daisy had little time to protect herself and was hollering like a stuck pig. The neighbor finally (these things seem like they are hours not seconds) put a shovel between them and the other dog went back to the house. I examined Daisy as best I could and there didn't seem to be any damage but she has such a thick coat its hard to tell-but that's probably what saved her from any bites?

The day she was supposed to go home, Jiggs arrived and when he walked in had his stubby tail straight up and I wondered at that. All seemed to be okay but he was certainly not overly friendly to Daisy’s advances so I made a mental note to watch them. However I closed the door when I went to the bathroom and suddenly those two were at it! Luckily just my voice made them quit and Jiggs was put out back. I had a date for lunch and dislike leaving my boarders in the house so I took them with me. I put Daisy in the back boot and Jiggs on the back seat and went for lunch confident that they could not have another scrap. Soon after that the boys came for Daisy and all was quiet again.

Funnily Jiggs turned the tables on the cats by bugging them! He decided they needed a good wash. Otis of course was not having any of that and put out his claws but Opus being the more mellow of the two tried just walking away when he had enough but Jiggs just followed him, so out the cats went yet again! Jiggs went home on Monday and there have just been the five of us since.

This petsitting has made a big difference to my life and taken a lot of the worry out of it. Now when I have an unexpected bill like an inspection of the fireplace or an element for my stove, I seem to have the cash! Daisy’s owners were very generous in their payment and added some extra for “Christmas”. So very nice of them and another owner sent a little something in a card as well and boy does this all feel good! My cup certainly runneth over these days and the bounty I received this Christmas was most astounding and humbling as well. I just feel so good! An even loved!! WOW! I can hardly wait for another year to begin and that is a big change in my previous attitude I tell you! Happy New Year everyone!!

Dog-Chasing Cats

 Dog-chasing cats. Well I did know that happened alright, because I had an orange female cat named Minou that would chase dogs off the farm. One time she even jumped on a poor yellow Lab named Joe and rode him down the pasture. She absolutely terrorized the poor guy!

Poor Daisy had been here for nine days and for most of those days the Redding Brothers have been put in their playpen. Some time ago they took to trying to cuddle and sleep with the dogs. Needless to say dogs like their own “space” and did not take to any cat cuddling. After Teko found a cat sleeping in his basket, he has taken to going after the cats if they even come near his baskets now. He has three so its a full-time occupation for him and keeps him in shape if nothing else. I try not to interfere in these in-house problems and figure they have to work it out themselves. But Daisy is a paying guest here and deserves top treatment. She is a large collie and has been very good about the cats although she gets upset when the “Redding Romp” takes place in the house. She really does not know what to make of that and thinks they are after her! Yesterday the romp tipped over the upholstered rocking chair right on poor Keeper! She yelped and had no clue what had hit her and Daisy left the room entirely. Once again it was time for the porch/playpen for the Reddings. I must say other than that Daisy has settled in very well and of course she has been here a few times before. She loves to go in the Van for rides and once it snowed I discovered she quite likes that white stuff. I imagine the boys in her family have played with her in it and she is content to lay in it and not want to come in again! She also liked to be thrown snowballs and that of course is a game I used to play with Chance as well. For the most part she has enjoyed her stay although I know she misses her people. They are coming home today or at least that was what they planned on. Who knows with the snowy roads. So I haven't told her yet but she is uncanny in knowing when they are coming so she will likely tell me? I have to say the cats never really chased Daisy they just kind of followed her every where she went and she simply could not escape them. So once again I am most grateful to have that porch and it hasn't been really cold so the porch was a nice alternative to get them away from Daisy and that worked very well.

The Reddings have had my tiny tree down three times already so I have not decorated it and the lights were already on it. I will hang my favorite things on the mirror with suction cups and they will be safe there and the house will still look Christmasy.We all have to adapt to things. At least presents have come in the mail and complete the tree and the look of Christmas. For the most part we are a contented group here and want to wish all our Friends and Clients and Acquaintances a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from Miracle House/Joyce and the Furries. HAVE A GREAT ONE!!

Fetcher Creek-Giggling Girls

A small story came to mind not long ago of two young girls who I think boarded their horses with me.  They had both been around while I had the Fletcher Creek Riding Stables so I have included them with those stories.
  On this particular day I heard the dogs bark and went to see what that was about.  The two girls were riding their horses up the driveway to the house and seemed to want to talk to me.  They were particularly giggly and giddy, but I thought nothing of that.  We chatted for awhile and then I asked them if there was something special they wanted.  Well, amid giggles they said that one of the girls, Sharleen, had fallen off her horse.  She had hurt her ankle so I went to see it asking as I went how she got back on the horse.  Of course the other girl had helped her.  One look at the ankle told me she had probably broken it and I decided to take her home and probably to the hospital.  Arriving at her home, she would have nothing to do with the hospital idea, so I settled for phoning her Mom and getting the girl to put her foot in a big bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes.  Not having any nursing abilities I was more than happy to turn things over to the Mom and Sharleen had indeed broken her ankle and was in a cast for the usual time while it healed.  I was just happy I had the presence of mind to ask what those giggling girls really wanted.  To this day I am grateful no one ever got seriously hurt  during those years with the horses and the kids.
  Safety is a big thing when you are dealing with horses. Many things happen that can't be prevented but horses outweigh us  by many pounds and it pays to be respectful of that fact.  They are also and animal and so do not necessarily think like we do.  Learning about horses and their habits is one of the best things to do to promote safety.  Ropes and lead shanks have led to a few deaths and all ropes should be dealt with with respect.  I remember almost passing out to see a kid wrapping a lead shank around his neck as he held a horse for Grampa!  You never know what kids are going to do either.  I have also heard many stories of people tying horses incorrectly or to something unsafe.  Several horses have been hung right in this town that I know of.  It was all unnecessary and once again the animals paid with their lives.  Too sad and all preventable.  I think all rider should seek more knowledge for their whole life if they are going to be around horses.  Ignorance is not an excuse in this day and age.  One of the best things parents can do is find a reputable for their childs horse and a bonafide instructor for the child. It makes sense-no one had been born knowing all they need to know about these animals and city kids especially need help.

Sleepin' Where you Want

This morning, I woke to find Daisy had slept on the couch last night.  Not a very good idea as she is a major hair-dropper and besides that's MY spot!  She has her own bed(called a towel in her training) Daisy is here for nine days which is a very long time but I am sure we will manage as she has been her so many times.  True to her breed Daisy is a clever collie and has already learned I don't want her on the couch but may disobey in the night.(too clever by far!)  Anyway not a big deal and I suspect she may have been driven up there by Otis the Bold trying to cuddle as I did hear her bark in the night.(at him?)  Sometimes I suppose it is easier to move than sleep with a pest.  Otis can't make up his mind which large dog bed to possess. But for the moment they are out in the porch and the dogs are more relaxed because of it I think. Everyone needs their quiet time.  Teko has taken to attacking the cats if they even walk by his basket.  Seems he has never forgotten the first time he went to get in bed and there was a cat sleeping there!  He made many beseeching looks at me but I'm not getting into the "kids'" arguments and some things they have to manage themselves.  Teko looked and grumbled and finally growling the whole time climbed in bed with the cat! But there has not been a repeat performance that I know of so I missed the Kodak moment.  Its a known fact that cats will sleep wherever they damn well please.  Sometimes Opus even sleeps on top of the TV!  Not that I have satellite the t.v. is on a lot more than it used to be.
   Its nice to have all my Christmas parcels out and gone and I am now working on my cards. some years I simply did not get around to it!! Mind if it gets much later I can just save them for next year!  The house seems basically under control with a few minor reno's in one corner where the little tree now is.  It even has one present under it!  I am not finished decorating but still ahead of last year anyway.  Bit by bit things are coming together and I am looking forward to a nice Christmas.  One of the best parts of Christmas is hearing from old friends and I just love that.  This year I splurged and ordered some red pyjamas from Sears that have Scottie dogs on them and footprints in black.  A few years ago I found a pair with just footprints on them and I wore them to pieces.  They aren't micro-fleece(which is just decadent on ones body) but they are a comfortable flannel anyway and I do like them. I also received a gift-certificate card from a friend that will take over the Christmas food shopping. A very nice gift indeed.  another friend emailed to see if it was okay to pass on some of her clothing that doesn't fit in the Christmas box.  You bet its ok! And I was happy to receive some nice clothes that I can wear to the few functions I will be attending.   So even though Christmas is not here yet I am a happy and contented person.  Very pleased with my present life and we don't even have a lot of snow to deal with or drive in.  All is good and we are happy in Miracle House indeed!

I'm Still the Driver!

   As everyone probably realises, I find animals most interesting especially dogs and cats. It has been interesting to watch Maddie grow. Most noticeable this visit was simply that, as she goes towards her second year of life she has matured to the point where she “Ain't gonna take no crap from Anybody.” I am always aware that not being at home definitely affects a dogs behavior at my house. This time Maddie first had her experience with Otis hooking her and she rightly gave chase. Next I had her down at the dog walk and we met a friend and although we are aware “T” sometimes has issues getting along with other dogs, when he went for Maddie, she met his aggression in kind, and rightly so. Seeing her with her hackles up was anew experience for sure. She uses them so seldom that they took awhile to go back down.! Maddie is not a fast responder to commands, but she did realise I disapproved and let the issue drop. Good for her. I have seen this change come about many times as a dog matures and it is all natural. Maddie went home last night a full day early, but I didn't mind as Jiggs had arrived and two hyper dogs make life a bit harder. On the flip side they wear each other out. Maddie seemed to have a different male admirer every night. She and Skipper wrestled for hours in the porch and then got so hot I had to take them outside for an unscheduled walk. Man can they run!! All good fun and when Jiggs arrived yesterday Maddie had another super romp outside. So in the end I think I did manage to keep her pretty happy. I had put down a couch cushion for Skipper and never put it up again and Maddie adopted it as hers so I told Maddie's owner it probably wasn't necessary to bring her unwieldy dog bed with her any more. I also mentioned the maturing and the first comment was “Aggression?” Well no its not that and the best wording is what I have already said she simply is “not gonna take no crap...” All natural and she is simply standing up for herself.

Jiggs is another favorite of mine and he is like “Velcro-dog” very much needs people alla time. He is one of Linda Murray’s spaniels and has been taught well under her. Easy guy to have around but I am finding a few issues this go with him as well. Is it the weather do ya think? Anyway at night Keeper likes to pace past the coffee table, but Jiggs chose to sit in the way to be near me.(Its what spaniels do you know) He growled his warning at her but that does no good as she cannot hear. Later he chose to sleep on her bed in the bedroom and in the night there was a scuffle and I called him to the side of the bed and held him there for awhile in order to giver her a chance to get to bed first. There are no less than 8 dog beds in this house and only five animals. The cats sleep on the my bed so you would think there would still be enough beds for everyone?? Not so. In the end I don't know where keeper slept. At her age she will not fight for food or bed and only occasionally takes umbrage with the cats for getting in her “space”. Poor old girl I guess she knows to “pick her battles” and often I will step in for her. But in the end its give and take world and here in Miracle House we all have to get along as best we can.

Back to work today and Jiggs will come along easily and takes the second back seat, as Keeper gets the first one and Teko the passenger seat. It all works out in the end , what the heck huh? So far I still get to drive anyway.

Three dogs ,Two Cats,who's winning? ME!

  It would seem the inclement weather is affecting my furry family. The Redding Brothers are extremely active and now doing the “Redding Romp” in the house. My present boarder is a young female Lab named Maddie and she just cannot handle the “Romp” going on and seems to feel she should either be able to execute it on her timing or else be able to join in. Miracle House is simply not THAT big especially with two geriatric dogs and me in it as well. For the most part Maddie doesn't care about the cats but yesterday at nap time something happened with “Otis the Bold” of course. Not sure if he actually hooked her one(but it is possible) and I awoke to find him in the coffee table and Maddie after him. I restored order and keep trying to have Maddie in for company time as she seems unhappy in the porch. It doesn't work that well so think I will schedule an extra walk. Maddie is here for five days and nights and that's a long time for her. Although Labs like water Maddie certainly is not impressed with all this rain and doesn't even want to go out. She also seems to have a never-ending bladder and simply doesn't need to go out that often. I can't really blame her for taking umbrage with the sudden “Romps” that occur on a moments notice. Just when a dog relaxes this chase starts with two orange cats racing about over the furniture and leaping who- knows-where next! When you add a large Lab behind them even the old deaf Keeper gets upset.

Teko on the other hand, is just very cranky these days. The cats can't even walk by his beds without him getting after them. I have just put the Reddings out in the porch with their breakfast and all is quiet again. Dogs in -cats out and who is keeping score?? I think Teko is simply jealous and that could be part of Maddies problem as well.

Last night Maddie thought she should sleep next to my bed. Well that didn't work out too well as she didn't fit well in that little space, and she thumped about for ages trying to get comfortable and thought she should guard me against cats coming in. Now the cats have slept with me every night so Maddie lost the battle and not being comfortable left the bedroom and slept in comfort on her own bed in the front room. I awoke in the morning to only my animals in the bedroom but Maddie came to greet me as soon as she heard me up. She is starting to get the idea that quiet in the house is recommended and a smart thing to do. First of course she has to inspect the house for anything edible and then she is willing to settle down. That dog will do anything for food! And she has a nose that will detect food in a

minute(or less).

I like to think that I am keeping my boarders happy but when I include my own furries in the mix it can get a bit difficult. So I have to step lively at times but I certainly miss the good weather and using the yard for the bigger dogs. Still Maddie is an easy going gal and I don't think she is really unhappy-just having a hard time figuring things out in here. And of course knowing the Reddings, much of the upset belongs in their paws.