The Morning Group changes...

As you may remember, we had a morning group that was designed to take Blondie for a walk each morning somewhere around 6-7 am. That group self-activated to include Delta, our dark grey 10-year-old cat who came with us from France, and Prada, the youngest member of the animal crackers.

After we went through the experience with Prada going up a tree and needing rescue, we had a second similar experience, but this time, Yvette was able to talk her down without a ladder. The cause of the second tree experience was the neighbours’ dog Giulietta, a small, black, terrier-type. This little bitch (excuse the apparent language, but that is an accurate biological description in addition to a social comment) was coming into our house at night via the cat-flap, and eating all the cats’ food. We stopped that by putting the cat food outside on a shelf that the dog cannot reach.

The appearance of Mami and Prada on our scene about four weeks ago also helped solve the situation. Originally Mami had no fear of Giulietta, and in fact has faced her down a number of times. Last week, Blondie and I went for her evening walk, and Prada decided to join us. I was concerned, because I suspected that if Giulietta charged Prada, Prada would turn, run, and probably climb a tree. Again. The first night, I noticed that we were joined by Mami and Delta, the protection committee! And no Giulietta. A few nights later, it was just Blondie, Prada, and I. When we passed the neighbours’ house, Giulietta came out of the house at full tilt! My nightmares of tree climbing in the dark were about to come true! But no! Prada stood there with a stiff straight-up tail, and dared Giulietta to come all the way! Well, I suppose you can guess the rest, but just in case, here’s what happened: Giulietta came to within about 1 meter (a little more than 3 feet), stopped, turned tail, and ran back to the house yipping all the way like she had been severely scratched! With no contact!

A few days later (on the weekend), I was playing with Prada, when I noticed a potentially significant development: “Prada” was becoming “Prado”! What a surprise! Well, we were going to have Mami and Prada sterilised anyway. And it’s less expensive for boys than for girls!

Will keep you informed as “things” develop!

Ciao for now…

Craig