C.A.T. and Felines

Yes, I've been pondering again. When mom and dad are visiting with folks, and I'm at home on guard duty, I have lots of time to think. As many probably already know, I'm a dog ... but to some, I'm considered feline-challenged. I've got nothing against the other species, other than wishing them all a daily manicure. I accept the hissing and the flaring hackles that make a furry into a fluff ball ... although it makes me want to slurp them to pieces rather than eat 'em up.

Thus, I've come to the conclusion that I must be a C.A.T. too! That's a Canine-About-Town, which means I now possess a CAT-card that lets me get near enough to them for some of the family visits (I still keep my distance 'though ... and dad's good at blocking for me so that I don't get clawed).

My cousins don't mob me when I'm "visiting". At first, I thought they were going to grab pitchforks and clubs when they saw me parade into my grandparents' home with mom and dad in tow. They hissed and were getting ready to box with me, but dad had me keep my distance. I still looked pretty tough, you know.

You can usually find my cousins lounging on the headrests on all of the furniture in my grandparents' livingroom ... and Mr. Cocoa Puff has spread his wideness across the dining room table watching me and the rest of the Feline Americans perform "growl and hiss" entertainment.

The first time they let me visit, I thought Mr. C was an entreé and I was getting ready to grab a knife and fork, but mom caught me before I could take a taste, and said "No, Shadow. Be nice or we're taking you home!" I knew not to test the waters, so I made a mental note: "Don't eat the cousins" and I behaved myself as best I could.

I have "hunting dog" in me, somewhere, but realized that they had sheer numbers on me (6 to 1). My best bud Lucky Charmz was the only kitty who didn't give me the cold-shoulder/gruff treatment. I just need to be careful that I don't get too boisterous on visits, or I'll be banished to the front porch tether again.

Through future visits, I learned that Lucky Charmz is fickle (and a MAJOR tease), and he'll jump ship to his kind if he gets himself in a scrape and needs his home slices' help. I promised mom and dad that I would never hold a grudge against my cousins (and that includes Benedict Charmz).