Spring

I realized recently just how many things were new to Ruby. Having been born in the bowels of winter, there are so many things she has truly never seen before. She did her business on the last patch of snow to linger in the yard until it was gone. Because she had never been able to pee anywhere but on snow. We've long-since conquered grass, but there remain many new adventures for any living creature who has only been alive for 5 months. Among them, butterflies, lawn mowers, bumblebees, etc.

Ruby has five general reactions to everything in her life. Well, six, but I left out 'Yawn And Resume Sleeping.' The chart below outlines those reactions and a sampling of items that trigger them.

Those readers who know me well will not question the time spent to make an Excel spreadsheet and pie chart. You guys GET me. To the others. 'No, I'm not crazy.' Click for a close up view.




We took a giant leap of faith late last week and moved Ruby's kennel downstairs so she has more room during the day. That's not the leap, however. The leap is that she now is free of constraints at night. The bedroom door has to be open enough that the cat can come and go. Ruby was TOLD to stay on her bed, but the first few nights, she took full advantage of the open door and went on a late-night tour of the house.

"To your right, you'll see the kids' bathroom. Feel free to pull all the trash out of the trash can and spread it from one end of the hall to the other. Downstairs, and to your left, just over the baby gate, is your midnight snack of cat excrement and feline food. Please, take all you want. It is served buffet style. Back to your room now...I hope you've enjoyed your tour."

So, yeah. Leap of faith. Once the initial freedom wore off and she spent a couple of nights tethered by leash to the end of the bed, she settled into the new routine just fine. But the change has cause us to do a little rearranging. The baby gate is being passed on to people with an actual baby, because it is no match for Leapy McLeapy who can clear it without making a sound. That meant we had to find a new home for the cat box and cat food. See video below for brilliant solution.

Humans - 1, Puppy - 0



We are enjoying having a guest bath again. For those of you who kindly stepped over the gate (or through it...you know who you are;) ), we appreciate your understanding.

It is time for Ruby to get a nail trim and bath. Then on to some yardwork. Have a great weekend everyone!