It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: to shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Psalms 92:1-2 (KJV)
Seven years ago we met a shepherd, Norwegian Elkhound mix dog named Gabby. This is the dog I discovered through Pet Finder and emailed Barb after Gerard said he thought he'd like this one. She was 5 years old. Here is the link where we found her: www.petfinder.com. It turns out Gabby only had that name about a week so we can rename her. We just dropped the "G" and named her Abby.
Abby looks happy to be with Karen
In preparation for Gabby's visit, I moved the cat food up to a table and a desk. Spunky Doodle and Manny aren't thrilled about this, but I noticed food was eaten during the day while we were at work. In the evening when I saw them looking where it used to be, I moved it down for them temporarily. I also applied Frontline to them to protect them from the fleas, ticks and whatever else it protects from that may come in on the dog. Spunky was pretty easy, but Manny took awhile because he kept moving away from me and rolling over on his back. I finally got it applied while he was eating.
Abby feels very comfortable with Gerard.
Gerard was so excited he waited outside for the dog to arrive and almost immediately took it for a walk to the corner and back. We are all smiles as you can see, except for Spunky and Manny. Spunky Doodle was pretty brave and stood her ground when I brought the dog into the dining room on the leash and then went to hide behind the gold chair and later under the bed. Manny; however, didn't waste any time going into hiding but after awhile, both cats came out and acted normal, just not around the dog yet.
The cats discuss the new member a few days later in this video:
Abby has had lots of experiences since she's been with us. We took for for training at PetSmart shortly after we got her (as soon as I could convince Gerard it was a good idea). She easily passed and became a Canine Good Citizen. During her training, she was attacked by two Rottweilers while on her evening walk and was in critical condition. With lots of prayer, God's mercy, our love and Abby's determination, she pulled through, making a full recovery and brought cheer to lots of people during her four years of nursing home visiting.
Abby is a great dog and we are so happy to have her! Even the cats have accepted her well and she never bothers them except if she barks loud, then they run.
Today Manny Boy is 11 as we celebrate Manny's Happy Gotcha Day! We got him from a friend who could no longer keep him when he was 3 (thanks, Kim). Here is a short video of when we first got him. It's hard to believe it's the same cat, but I just knew he'd come around. You really need to watch both videos to get see the transformation. He let me pet him real nice when I went to meet him in his home but his first mom giving him away and being relocated was quite hard on him. (Turn up your volume to hear Manny)
Manny is 9 years old today and we got him from a friend when he was just 3 so we have had him six years now. He has made great progress and we are now good buddies. He is my affectionate mancat and has definitely become "Mr. Nice Nice." Check out the video of when we first brought him home if you want to see a very angry cat: Bringing In a New Cat. The difference is like night and day! It took a couple weeks for him to adjust, but he and Spunky hit it off great once we let them actually meet.
Ah, that feels so good, mom!
This is so soft and cozy!
I love our cat tree and don't mind sharing it with Spunky Doodle at all.
I like laying on mom's lap all the time now!
I always like a good book--must be because Karen used to read out loud to me so I'd get used to her voice.
We'll watch some TV together tonight and Manny will get some food--he doesn't much like playing anymore. I don't think I have any pics of Gerard with Manny. Manny is a mama's boy!
Today is Spunky's 5th "Gotcha" Day. That 5 years went by quickly and she grew pretty fast. I still remember when I could pick her up in one hand with no problem. Now she weighs in at 13 lbs. and doesn't usually want to be picked up. She's still a black beauty though and such a cutey. She wanted to be friends with our first cat, Moe, when we first got her and then quickly made friends with Manny when we brought him in. Now she has welcomed Abby into our family as well. She came around pretty quickly to accept her as a new addition to our family. Spunky is not as active as she was as a kitten, but has become very good at starring in videos and still seems to like her picture taken. I love how she'll sleep on the bed with me close by enough for me to pet her on and off during the night. I am so glad I brought her in as a kitten from being born feral at my dad's in May of 2004.
The one sure way to get her to come is to open up those Tuna Flakes. They are flakes that you just sprinkle on top of her food. She loves it and always comes right away as soon as I put some out for her. Manny, however, doesn't care for them at all. Read about Spunky's perspective at her blog at Zemek's Updates.
(I'll share my things I learned this week tomorrow.)
Today is Spunky's 5th "Gotcha" Day. That 5 years went by quickly and she grew pretty fast. I still remember when I could pick her up in one hand with no problem. Now she weighs in at 13 lbs. and doesn't usually want to be picked up. She's still a black beauty though and such a cutey. She wanted to be friends with our first cat, Moe, when we first got her and then quickly made friends with Manny when we brought him in. Now she has welcomed Abby into our family as well. She came around pretty quickly to accept her as a new addition to our family. Spunky is not as active as she was as a kitten, but has become very good at starring in videos and still seems to like her picture taken. I love how she'll sleep on the bed with me close by enough for me to pet her on and off during the night. I am so glad I brought her in as a kitten from being born feral at my dad's in May of 2004.
