So tell me about the fun pet games in your house. I know many folks had to deal with pestering pets over the past many weeks while working from home. Now, some people transition back to the office, leaving dogs and cats—and especially puppies and kittens—to find endless ways to keep themselves entertained in this new normal.
Also I’m feeling a bit nostalgic these days, so forgive the rambling post about Seren-Kitty, Magical-Dawg, and the current fur kids.
My little Siamese wannabe lived almost to celebrate her 22nd birthday. Old cats are special, but she raised hellacious pet fun in her day. When Seren was a kitten, to keep her from laying waste to the entire house, I confined her in my office, especially when leaving the house. Imagine my surprise when she took it upon herself to answer the phone! I’d return from errands to discover missed calls—because she pawed the phone off the hook when it rang but failed to hang the receiver up. I can only guess what folks on the other end of the line thought.
Seren also discovered my fax machine made interesting, fun beeping sounds if she walked across the keyboard. Again, I lost calls/faxes because her dainty kitty tap-dance took the machine offline. She also enjoyed ambushing any paper that emerged from the printer. I’m not joking when I say that every book I wrote contained her teeth marks—literally. It could be considered the kitty version of a paw-tograph, I suppose.
Magical-Dawg’s Favorite Pet Games…Continue with Bravo!
Magic had his own way of finding entertainment. His teeth marks are still in the baseboards in my kitchen–I call them Magic Markers. Now with Bravo-Dawg, wastebaskets remain inside cupboards or on counters out of dog grazing range. Used tissues are a favorite.
Magic also went through a phase of collecting animal droppings (his own or other critters) to play keep-away. Uck! I thought my husband would go through the roof the day Magic brought one of these ‘toys’ inside with him. It’s not unheard of for cats to also play with these unmentionables.
Bravo-Dawg Fun Pet Games
In the tradition of his Magical-Dawg predecessor, Bravo also swipes cat toys—which really hisses off the cat. There’s something ludicrous about a 125-plus-pound Bullmastiff inviting fifteen-pound Karma-Kat to play, by offering a catnip mouse (tail end peeking between his grinning doggy lips).
Magic used to love fetching (and stacking) Frisbees, and hose-tag games made him incredibly happy. Bravo-Dawg could care less about fetch (he prefers keep-away) but also enjoys chasing streams of water from the hose.
Bravo’s favorite game consists of hefting and carrying around a water-filled fifteen-inch “big ball” by the attached rope. He’ll race all over our 13+ acres carrying that, which helps wear him out, so he calms down and rests once back in the house.
Seren used to leap high, hang on door levers, and escape closed rooms. I ended up leaving doors open, as we couldn’t confine her. Bravo-Dawg also opens doors, with no need to leap. He just stands in place and lifts a massive foot, and paws open the lever. Thank goodness, he hasn’t managed to open the pet gates!
Karma-Kat Antics
Karma used to play “kitty pancake” by sitting on top of the much smaller Seren. Well, now he knows how that feels. Bullmastiffs were bred to tackle and hold people, without hurting them, and Bravo uses the technique wisely. Bravo doesn’t hurt his beloved Karma but thinks nothing of pinning the cat beneath him.
Not to be outdone, Karma loves to chase the dog. He often instigates the chase games, and the pair run laps around the house. Much of that has declined, though, while Bravo goes through chemo and gets used to his new tripawd status.
Karma, the hefty-size man-cat, can’t leap high enough to open the door. Instead, he jumps from the floor to the piano bench, climbs to the top of the piano, and then stretches up the wall to play with picture frames. That, of course, gets me up to chase him before the picture falls.
Because of all the angst recently over Bravo’s health scare, I’ve not posted much about the new pup. Shadow certainly brings new life and energy into this house, when we need it most. He’s not at all like Bravo, and probably a bit closer to Magic in temperament and behavior. Heavens, he wears me out!
Shadow loves Karma’s cat toys. He adores games of fetch and probably will enjoy Frisbee once we introduce that. His interest in chasing cars keeps me on my toes. However, he hates the hose and thinks Bravo’s nuts for getting wet. And he absolutely adores Bravo and engages in noisy “bitey-face” contests where the two of them fence with wide-open mouths. Bravo finally feels healed enough to play “pin the puppy down” now, too. Ha!
The puppy also loves to chase and wrestle Karma-Kat. You’d think Karma would swat him a couple of times and put Shadow in his place, since (at least at first) they were about the same size. But Karma cat loves him, following the pup and teasing him into games of chase.
Keeping Worry at Bay
Many things in the world today worry me. I can’t do anything about most of them. Bravo so far feels well, despite losing a leg to cancer and his ongoing chemo treatments–next treatment on Tuesday July 21st (I’ll post an update next week, hopefully with video!). Karma-Kat got a clean bill of health from the veterinarian this week. And Shadow-Pup will be neutered (don’t tell him!) in another week or so.
Here at Rosemont, life behind our stained glass rose walls has slowed down. I’m *this close* to launching the 5th book in my thriller series HIT AND RUN. Meanwhile, my furry crew brings me much needed smiles.
Keeping the fur kids occupied can be a challenge, especially if the humans must change schedules to accommodate new work-at-home schedules. Finding ways to keep cats and dogs happy during these trying times helps reduce the stress for everyone. Puzzle games for both cats and dogs help. Obedience drills and trick training sessions engage brains in fun rather than angsty worry. Shadow already knows “sit” and “wait.” Once my book goes to the editor, we’ll step up the drills.
And of course, snuggle times when we all need a furry Rx can be priceless. Our animal companions offer comfort and contact we need more than ever in these trying times of social distancing. In the scheme of things, when you share your world with cats and dogs . . .
Life is good. For I wish it to be so!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
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4 Comments
Jan Van Patten
on July 25, 2020 at 11:12 am
Thank you so much for the lovely post. Helped me reminisce about my fur kids games, past and present for a bit rather than think about the sorry state of the country. Love those Shadow ears❣️. He looks like he is really growing, as they do!
How do you stop a cat fight? And how do you know if the cat fighting turns serious—rather than just kitten play? Shadow-Pup thinks it’s great fun to chase and wrestle with Karma-Kat. We supervise, of course, and interrupt the play should one or the other object.
If you’re looking for help with dog aggression, go here.
There are many kinds of cat aggression, and many are perfectly normal behaviors. Certainly, it’s not fair to you or the cats to allow cats to fight. Learn how to recognize the potential and reasons behind cat aggression and fighting cats, and what you can do.
On Monday September 11, 2023, a tiny speck of a kitten made her presence known with very loud MEWS and a personality way bigger than anyone expected. Hungry, full of fleas, and the expected roundworms (and probably tapes because…fleas), her eyes and ears looked too big for her delicate wedge-shaped face.
Now, I get alerts about “found” kittens all the time, and sadly, can’t take any of them. This baby proved different in so many ways–only some of which I can share. While at the grocery picking up kitten food, my husband called and I explained my next stop at church—Trinity Lutheran—where I hoped to find a forever-home for the baby with a family who tragically lost a beloved kitty. And I told him if that didn’t work out, we likely had a third furry wonder for our home.
My friends at church, not yet ready to welcome a new pet, meant that the kitten came home with me. It seems that the Higher Being with whom all things are possible, made sure she found her way to us. He knew we needed her as much as she needed us.
How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems
Everyone who shares a home (and heart) with a dog at some point must deal with dog poop problems. Learning what’s normal, to yellow colored stool, or learning how serious blood in dog’s stool diarrhea may be helps get your dog help. While it may not be the most appealing topic, learning about your dog’s “creativity” offers important insight into his health.
Not only his food, but also your dog’s environment and emotional state, affects how his body works. Fear, anxiety, and stress can change a dog’s behavior, but also can disrupt digestion and cause enteritis. That in turn affects his poop.
Recognizing healthy elimination helps pet owners alert to abnormal eliminations. That way, when necessary, you can get your dog prompt medical help to diagnose and treat problems before they become worse.
I created an online store to sell my digital and print titles DIRECT TO YOU! In today’s world, with so much up in the air, many authors now make direct book sales available, because we control the price (and can DISCOUNT to you!), and because … well, I have control over Amy Shojai’s books.
Yes, you can still find all of my titles on the various platforms (Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple, GooglePlay, Audible, Chirp and more). This way, though, I earn more on each sale while offering you, dear readers, a better deal than other retailers. That means I can write more books, update existing titles, and keep providing you with what you need.
Read on to learn more about Amy Shojai Books Direct!
When your dog meets you at the door, head low with ears slicked back and eyes averted, is that a canine apology? Does your dog look guilty? The behaviors certainly mimic what humans associate with feeling shame or apology.
We know dogs can feel grief, but whether guilty behavior accurately reflects the dog’s true feelings is open to debate. Learn more about what your dog says with these behaviors!
September 19-25 is National Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week, founded by PetFinder.com. The organization encourages shelters and rescues to create special week-long events devoted to giving overlooked pets like those with disabilities a better chance at finding homes.
This struck a chord with me, especially after living with a tri-pawd dog when Bravo lost his leg. He didn’t act disabled, though. Have you ever adopted an other-abled pet or less adoptable pet?
What Is A Less Adoptable Pet
Why less adoptable? They’re the wrong breed or have special needs. Overlooked pets include deaf dogs or deaf cats, blind pets, or those missing a limb. Many folks prefer the ‘perfect’ cute puppy or kitten and don’t want a crippled pet, or just don’t like the color of the dog or cat. Of course, we know black dogs and cats, and those with only one eye, or three legs, still love us with all their furry hearts! Read on…
Know the Puppy Mill Score—Puppy Source Check List There are many places to find your dream puppy, and some are clearly better options than others. Avoid puppy mills at all cost. Of course, your heart can overrule logic if you are smitten by a needy baby, but...
Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off, and Kitty no longer fears the carrier and handles the car ride with almost no signs of fear, anxiety or stress. Kitty purrs and cheek-bonks the veterinary technicians, and barely notices the doctor’s exam through all the petting and tasty treats. But as soon as you get home, Kitty’s former feline friends snub him, or worse. Why do cats fight after vet visits? What’s up with all the cat bashing?
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, so I wanted to share this vital information again. We know pain hurts, but pain in pets and treating pet pain when pets hurt confuses us. They can’t tell us they feel pain, or where it hurts. Not like humans.
Because I get to work at home, there are certain perks I enjoy–such as going barefoot to work. But one afternoon last fall I moved too fast and kicked the whey outta my big toe. This wasn’t just a stubbed toe, either—it lifted and peeled the nail back to the quick, bled everywhere and hurt like the devil! Yes, I said a few choice words as I hobbled down the stairs from my office (trying not to leave a bloody trail) to get bandage material. Ooooooh, that puppy throbbed and made me whimper and howl, let me tell you.
I understand how Magical-Dawg felt several years ago. After a run in the field playing fetch, he started shivering when he came inside. The ninety-degree weather argued that he was not chilled. I checked him head-to-tail, and found nothing wrong. But later in the week, he again started shivering, and even growled at me when I asked him to move—very uncharacteristic.
Finally, after several days and two vet visits, we figured out his problem. He’d torn a dewclaw back to the quick. it hadn’t come off, so the injury remained hidden. Seren-kitty had this happen once, too, when her claw caught on bedding as she leaped from the pillow. She hid. But Magic’s short temper, shivers, and hyper-alert behavior resulted from being in pain. Here’s what you need to know to help your pets.
Do you have a pet 1st aid medicine chest for your dogs and cats? The audiobook version of my first aid book for pets includes some DIY home remedies for old pets. While your veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes for your pet’s health issues, pet first aid and minor problems may benefit from human medicines.
Home remedies for pets save $$ and pet lives because Fido and Sheba rarely tears a claw or eats something iffy during regular clinic hours. It’s helpful to know how to use your pantry supplies and human medicine chest to help your cat or dog. Some people prescriptions can be dangerous (especially for cats!) so it’s a good idea to have a handy list.
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Thank you so much for the lovely post. Helped me reminisce about my fur kids games, past and present for a bit rather than think about the sorry state of the country. Love those Shadow ears❣️. He looks like he is really growing, as they do!
I’m not sure he’ll grow into them, lol!
Really a nice blog today! I especially love the photos. Thank you.
Thanks Frank. I’ve got waaaaay too many pictures and videos of the gang. *s*