I am thankful for my babies

On this day before Thanksgiving, when we start thinking about what we are thankful for, I am so grateful for my fur-family. Their love for each other and their love for me has helped me through some of my darkest hours these last few months. They are truly God's angels, wrapped in fur.

Friskie update

Well, Friskie girl isn't working out. She continues to be afraid and the boys are getting worse about teasing her. She was so scared sometimes she was afraid to go past them to use the litterbox. Now I am back to playing musical rooms all day keeping everyone separated. It's no life for us or her.
So, a dear friend has volunteered to foster her for me. This Saturday Friskie will go to live with my friend. She will be an only cat, an only animal in the house. She will finally have a home where she can be in charge again and feel free and safe. And I will still be able to see her and visit her and know that she is in good hands.
It's best all the way around. This way I won't feel like I am abandoning her and giving her away. I know she will have a good home and my home can finally start to relax a little. I tried but it was just too much change for everyone.

New toy

I had purchased this tunnel a while ago when our other cats were younger. Then when they tired of it, I put it away.
I decided to drag it out last week and see if the boys would be interested. Chaz loves it and often takes a nap in it.

Riley trying to open the cookie box

I tried to see if I could get Riley to duplicate his cookie box escapade. He tried and seemed to know what he wanted to do but wasn't successful. In the end I opened it for him but you can see how hard it was. I can't imagine how much effort he must have put into that the other night. He is one determined kitty.

Riley the Cookie Monster

I have developed a cookie habit - not just any cookies. My local Safeway bakery makes cranberry oatmeal cookies that are to die for.

A few weeks ago, I was eating one and Riley came over to sniff. On an impulse I gave him a little crumb to eat. He wanted more. I gave him another. He ate it. Before I knew it he was trying to steal the cookie out of my hand. He was hooked.
Now every time I eat the darn cookies he's right there next to me, begging and annoying me until I share.
Then last night:
The cookies come in a molded plastic container that clicks together at the corners. I keep the container on the kitchen countertop.
Last night, I was in the bedroom watching TV and heard a funny noise. Nothing I had heard before. So I followed the noise. It was coming from the kitchen.
I turned on the light and there was Riley on the countertop. Somehow, he had chewed the plastic cookie container until it had popped open and he was preparing to chow down on the prized cranberry oatmeal cookies as I walked in.
Now I have to store them in the microwave for safe keeping. So far he hasn't found out a way to open that.

you can see where he was chewing

Charlotte's Blessing at Angel's Rest

Best Friends Animal Society had their monthly blessing for all the animals who have gone over the Rainbow Bridge. Charlotte was part of the blessing held on September 30, 2010. This is a recording of that ceremony. Her memorial card is one of the many that were submitted that will become a permanent part of the new fountain being built.
Rest in peace, little one. Mommy misses you. Keep Daddy company. Give him your special little pats and know that I will be with both of you again.

Friskie

I have been reluctant to post this picture and introduce this new member of the Collins family but I think the time has come. This is Friskie, my mother-in-law's cat, and she came to live with us last month when my mother-in-law could no longer care for herself and was admitted to an assisted living group home.
It has been a rough transition. Our household has been through a lot of changes in the last four months. Adding Friskie to the mix has not been easy, for her or us. At one point, I wasn't even sure I was going to keep her. She is scared and not socializing well. But giving her away is just not an option. She needs us. Gradually, she is starting to relax and explore her new home and I think in time she will fit in and become a full member of the family.
So, welcome, little girl.