Chester is my aunt’s new twelve week old puppy, a mix of golden retriever, lab, and wire-haired terrier. He loves people, and he’s remarkably patient and well-mannered for a puppy. He’s very inquisitive; when I was playing piano the other day, he patiently sat and watched. Right now he’s making the transition between living teddy bear and small dog.
Already the week is on a tough vector, so I thought I’d post some kitty pictures from the years. I have one 4 1/2-year-old muted calico named Lobelia who is built like a teddy bear but isn’t much for cuddling. My other is a 2-year-old all black male named Erg who weighs 14 lbs and craves contact. Erg tries to cuddle Lobelia and is often rebuffed, so he chases her instead. Erg is an amazing hunter, and although he is an indoor cat, he has caught many roaches, spiders, crickets, 2 mice and a snake. (We have a door with a high gap in an unfinished area where the bugs tend to come in.) So, some pictures! 
Lobelia sometimes scratches her ears too much, so she gets the cone. When the cone is on, she is so dejected that many things can be stacked on her. It’s hard to resist.
Lobelia poofs her tail and points it down when she is trying to start play.
Erg’s first bird.
Lobelia and her hated enemy, the CD tray.
I’m late posting today, because we went up to Sarasota and had a photo expedition. We went to Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a private zoo garden with birds and reptiles and nice foliage. Most of the animals in their collection were the cast offs of collectors who lost their interest. A good reminder to be responsible when you choose a pet! Thankfully, the garden takes good care of their critters and we get to enjoy the aspects that make them so alluring (and then we can leave the parrots and their shrill greetings).
