Cats' Mishaps Bring Cheer to a Heavy Heart, Dealing with loss, and a Big Surprise!

It's been a rough couple of weeks and I haven't been able to write about it until now, but we lost a very close family member recently. It was the day after she passed away and I couldn't stop tears from falling, though I was trying to function enough to make lunch for the kids.

As I stood against the kitchen counter, trying to see through my red, blurry eyes, Rascal jumped up onto the counter, sliding in his not so graceful way (he always seems to over estimate his jumps!) across the tile, and jammed his head under my hand. It had apparently been hovering in mid air holding a spatula. I switched hands and gave him some love. He must have known I needed it more than he did!

Then of course, in Rascal style, he leaned too far, his back legs slipped off the counter, there was a moment of legs and claws scrambling to find a hold, and before I could help him, he was twisting in the air and PLOP, landed flat on his back on the kitchen floor! He sped off with his wounded pride and I couldn't help smile! Even a little chuckling was in order! Thank you cat, for making me laugh when nothing was needed more!

As I said, it's now been a few weeks, there were some more moments the cats brought out a smile here and there. You may have seen some funny pics and videos on my Instagram, FB, and Twitter:





Now, I always have a water glass around, usually on the table. Throughout the day I sip from it as I walk by. I've done this every day for years! This particular day, I walked by and caught Rocco's head in my glass! I am still trying not to think about how many times this has happened before! I choose to believe it was the first time ever. Yes it was!!! 

I now use my travel water bottle more often.

This day Rascal had it out for the blinds! Apparently I did not raise them high enough and they kept touching the tip of one ear. He could take it no longer and showed them who was boss!

Then he found that it was nice to rub his head against, see following video. (I couldn't switch to camera fast enough to catch the attack, but I'm glad I got this picture)

After that I raised them up for him, but as soon as I walked away, he pounced on the string and almost broke it! There's no winning with this one.

I'm so blessed to have the cats (and kids) to take my mind off the deep sadness that is otherwise overwhelming. However, as the days went by, it seemed to get worse rather than better. Especially for my husband (it was his mom that passed). The cats did their absolute best to cheer him up.

I know there's no fixing it, but desperate measures were needed to bring some cheer this past weekend. And since it so happened to be National Pet Adoption Weekend, I told a little white lie and snuck off by myself to the SPCA! I decided if the perfect dog was there it was meant to be, if not, I'd go home and not mention it.

He's been wanting a dog (yep, I said DOG) and my son is at the perfect age to start caring for one. I did not want one right now, though I do love dogs, because I knew it would be impossible to find one that fit all my requirements for a decent price. 

My Unreasonable, but hardly flexible Requirements of Dog:

I am a BIG dog lover (my last dog, and first baby, was a Rottweiler/German Shepherd Mix and he was gorgeous), but my house and yard are small-
Must be bigger than a chihuahua, but on the smaller side

Must have no relation to any Chihuahua

Great with kids

Great with cats

Not yappy!!!!!!!

Not fluffy!!!!!!!

short, but soft hair (little to no shedding)

not a digger

not a barker

not a chewer (last dog chewed every kid toy he could find, all the chair legs, and through the fence!)

not a jumper

not a drooler

no smashed face or buggy eyes (silly, yes, but I'm a BIG dog person)

not a snorter (we dog sat a few months back for this adorable pug that snored whether he was asleep or awake!)

mellow, but likes to play fetch

loving and sweet temperament

So this list basically cancels out any and all dogs you would ever find at the pound. I mean, my last dog was the love of my life, but half the things listed were a big problem and I did not want to deal with any of them again any time soon! However, something was nagging me to go look (Grandma? I think so). 

I walked in and the first dog I see... well.... lets just say there's been a lot more smiles in the house the last few days!

Meet Max

We've had him almost three days now and he's so perfect (everything on the list) that it's scary! He's three years old, a Terrier/Basenji mix (and I have always liked Basenji's!), trained, great with the kids and with the cats! He ignores them and they're already getting used to him being here.  

Not that they weren't pissed! Trust me! They raised their fur, hissed and let him know he was by no means sticking around. Sorry cats. They're the same size as him, maybe a bit bigger, so I was afraid they'd gang up on him, but he shows no fear. Just stares at them and they stare right back, with a much less pleasant expression. They're spending more time on counter tops, and he's made himself right at home. Even curling up for his naps on their couch, but I didn't hear any hissing today!

My husband was totally surprised and thrilled! And my son is in seventh heaven! Every boy does need a dog and this one has had more exercise in two days than he's probably ever had! We're all much happier and completely in love with this sweet little guy. 

Welcome to the Crazy house Maximillion! 

And thank you Grandma. We love you.