February 7, 2009

• Animal Observations and Random Other Stuff

  The endearing affection of a seventy-pound husky for a nest full of two-ounce kittens is sweeter in the contemplation of it that it is in actuality.

  The other day, while Koji was wagging and sniffing at the new litter of kittens, I thought it was cute when he did a little doggie “play bow,” the dip of the forelegs that signals, “play with me,” among canines.  Today, I’m rethinking my reaction.

  Yesterday, responding to kitten cries, we looked up and saw P.K. with a kitten in her mouth, in the area between the front door and the feeding station where Koji has his food dish and they all have a communal waterer.  A corner of the cloth bedding was trailing from the cat nest box.  We thought she might have been starting to move the litter to a new nest, but she settled back into the original box as soon as we rearranged the bedding.

  I suspected that Koji might have dragged the kitten and cloth out yesterday, and today I caught him more or less in the act.  He was nosing and licking a kitten over in the doorway area, and the cat box bedding was trailing out as before.  It was a different kitten this time, but otherwise the scenario was the same as yesterday.

  Thinking how fortuitous it was that we learned from Patricia McConnell how to teach Koji bite inhibition when he was a puppy, I let him know that I disapproved of his attempts to play with the kitten.  Neither kitten shows any sign of injury, and I know from experience with Koji that his mouth is as soft as can be.  No matter what goodies I hand him, my fingers feel nothing but his lips.

  As soon as I’d dumped them all back in the box after disturbing the whole litter and their mom to rearrange their bedding again, everyone was all comfy cozy, and P.K. was busily cleaning the dust and dog slobber off her wayward kitten.  Until I can be sure that Koji won’t be stealing babies from the nest, I’m going to be restraining him on his tether whenever nobody’s in the room to supervise him.

  Dogs like cat food, but cats don’t like dog food.

  Competitive dog mushers need to trick their dogs into drinking lots of water to stay hydrated in long-distance races.  Most carry cat food in the sleds and add a handful of it to a pan of warm water to encourage the dogs to lap it up.  It is a trick that works.

  During the recent three-week ultra cold snap, when I couldn’t have gotten my car started even if I wanted to go out in it, our dog Koji ran out of food.  He happily ate cat food for a few days, until the weather warmed up and I zipped up to Jack’s store and bought him a big bag of cheap kibble, the only dog food then available at this end of the Valley.

  Usually, Koji gets special large breed kibble of one of the three brands recommended by our vet.  The kibbles are big.  The kibbles of the cheap all-purpose food from Jack’s were no bigger than some kinds of cat kibble.  When the cats ran low on food, instead of going for what might be available locally, I mixed some of Koji’s cheap kibble with their food.

  The plan was to use up the cheap dog food faster, while making the cat food last until I could get into Wasilla for a new supply of our preferred kind.  The plan was not a rousing success.  The cats did eat some of the dog food, but they picked the cat kibble out of it first.  Koji is stuck with finishing off a sixty-pound bag of kibble, and I have to remember to give him his vitamin chews to make up for the missing nutrients.

  I haven’t done this for months, so, to make up for lost time, I’ll overdo it.
  

  You Are Blueberry Pancakes

  You prefer flavorful, fresh foods that are well seasoned. You shy away from anything plain or overcooked. It’s not likely someone would find a lot of cheap convenience foods in your kitchen. Instead, someone might find a wide array of spices, herbs, and flavorings.

  What Kind of Pancakes Are You?

  Your Word is “Why”

  You see life as complicated and intriguing. The only thing you know for sure is that you haven’t figured it all out yet. You question everything and believe very little. And whatever you believe is likely to change. You are interested in theories, philosophies, and religions… even if you don’t buy into any of them. You are also fascinated by how things work. You’d like to understand as much in the world as possible.

  What’s Your Word?

  You Were an Achieving Kid

  When you were a kid, people often remarked on how mature you seemed. You acted quite adult. You excelled at school, and you actually enjoyed it to a large extent. No one had to ask you to do your homework. As a kid, you were probably a bit picky. You liked structure, schedules, and organization. You had trouble being friends with regular kids. You probably were only friends with other serious children.

  What Kind of Kid Were You?

  Your Worry Factor is 3%

  You hardly ever worry. In fact, you often feel like you don’t have a care in the world. It’s not that your life is magically easy. You just don’t dwell on worse case scenarios. You figure that you’ll be able to handle whatever life throws at you. No use worrying about what could go wrong, especially when so much is going right!

  Do You Worry Too Much?

  You Belong in the Baby Boomer Generation

  You fit in best with people born between 1943 and 1960. You are optimistic, rebellious, and even a little self centered. You still believe that you will change the world. You detest authority and rules. Deep down, you’re a non conformist.

  What Generation Do You Belong In?

  You Are Assertive

  You assert yourself whenever it’s necessary, but you’re always polite and appropriate about it. You’re not a bully, a manipulator, or a nag. You just state what you need quickly and honestly. You’ve been assertive for so long that it just comes naturally to you. You’re definitely not shy. People wonder why you get what you want in life. Well, it’s because you ask for it!

  How Assertive Are You?

  You Have Many Alpha Tendencies

  You’re not a total alpha female, but you certainly know how to – and like to – get your way. You’re forceful without being intimidating. You’re confident without being vain. A perfect mix.

  Are You an Alpha Female?

  You Have Your Sarcastic Moments

  While you’re not sarcastic at all times, you definitely have a cynical edge. In your opinion, not all people are annoying. Some are dead! And although you do have your genuine moments, you can’t help getting your zingers in. Some people might be a little hurt by your sarcasm, but it’s more likely they think you’re hilarious.

  How Sarcastic Are You?

  You Are the Mother

  You have an abundance of love for humanity. You care about all the people of the world. You love helping others more than anything else. You love to be needed. At your best, you unconditionally love people. You are very nurturing. You are a wise and gentle teacher. You are happy to guide anyone who needs your advice or explanations. At your worst, you are controlling and overbearing. You smother people with affection and gifts. And with this attention you give, you are expecting something in return.

  What Family Role Do You Play?

  

  • 9:11 pm
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