Be Kind to Animals . . . 2022

We enjoy watching the many birds, squirrels, rabbits that frequent our yard throughout the year.  On rare occasions a raccoon and its babies can sometimes be seen later at night scampering around the bird feeders during warmer months.  We have have had birds ranging in size from a herd of tiny wrens all the way up to a wake of turkey vultures.

The winter of 2022 has brought even larger animals seeking food and shelter beneath the evergreens in the backyard.  We don't feed the deer and moose but we don't mind them eating up the tree twigs and hedges.  Some branches may get broken or trampled but most will grow back.  We make sure we don't interact with these potentially dangerous animals in any way.

On several occasions it has been enjoyable to watch a curious squirrel approach the two moose behind our home.  The moose seem to enjoy their company as well as the many birds that come and go.  Here's are some pictures at the Bird and Squirrel Feeders in our back yard:

Pet Cats and Strays

Our older pet cats were once homeless. Our oldest is still with us.  Simon was an old cat when he decided to befriend us in 2007.  He had frost bitten ears and battle scars from numerous encounters.  He was not a fighter and has gotten along very well with our other cats.   He enjoys the company of small children and adults.  He is still playful and a good jumper.  We estimate his age to be somewhere around 20 years old.

Annie is currently our second oldest cat.  She is now 15 years old and was born in our home in 2007. She is strictly an indoor cat who does not like to walk on grass.  She remains on the patio blocks whenever we take her outside for a bit of sunshine and fresh air.  She does enjoy chewing on grass, however.

Another once homeless cat is Simon's friend, Marty.  We estimate Marty to be around 10 years old.  He was full grown when we first observed him climbing a tree in 2014. He is equally friendly with other cats and adults, but tends to distance himself from noisy children.

It is sad to see homeless cats outdoors during subzero temperatures.   We remember seeing Simon sitting under a tree when it was 30 below zero one night.  Feral cats have heated beds and warm food during the winter in our garage.  Some are too afraid to come inside so we have outdoor shelters for them as well.

We adopted a feral cat, Max, in 2015.  He eventually became very friendly after several years of loving care.  Unfortunately, he had HIV and a respiratory condition that shortened his life.  He died enroute to the Vet.

Over the course of the last 7-8 years, we have lost 5 cats due to  kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and breathing obstruction.  We vowed after each heart breaking loss that we will not adopt another cat.  But when a malnourished and starving kitten arrives at our doorstep, it is impossible to refuse.  

Our newest arrival is Katie.  She is now about 6 months old.  She is a darling who loves to snuggle upside-down under our chins.  When she came to us she  was homeless, underweight, and required medical attention.  After a few weeks she gained weight and is now a healthy young cat.

 All of our cats present and past are dear to us.  Caring for pets is a great responsibility and expense.  They require food, fresh water, kitty litter, beds, toys, shots, check ups at the vet, grooming, and lots of attention.  Every cat has their own personality and we have learned to accept their individuality as we form a unique bond with each of them.   Here is a peek at four of our cats (plus my  daughter's and grandson's pet dog).