SWFeral Loc: SWNM

This milestone likely occurred sometime last week, but I needed some relaxed photos and Leaf has been edgy lately. I was pleased to finally discover her sleeping so soundly that she didn't even open her eyes when I shoved a phone in her face.

My housemate explained the reason for Leaf's happy exhaustion: Leaf had discovered a recently killed mouse in a trap in the closet, and proceeded to disassemble the trap, even removing the spring, to release the mouse and claim it as her own, ultimately leaving it on the kitchen rug as a generously shared trophy.

Why her edginess? Leaf lost her remaining canine pal at the end of June; my friend's old dog Chongo was set free then, and the household was depressingly dogless for the first time. After two months a new young mongrel, Miguel, joined the fold, and having coexisted with two elderly dogs whom she seemed to view as responsive and somewhat trainable pieces of furniture, Leaf was appalled by the unruly newcomer. She went into a profound sulk and even chose to move into in the spare room to nurse her injured heart.

She seems to have grudgingly accepted Miguel's permanent status and even sometimes sort of engages with him, but frown lines now etch her formerly untroubled face. Miguel's photo appears at the end of this set; Leaf would say it figured that he's stealing her spotlight.

Leaf would appreciate any sympathy from her UHH admirers.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Are those ears for Halloween? : )

Nice pictures and nice story.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I assume you mean Miguel's ears. No, those are the ones he came with, ears befitting a German Shepherd on a thirty-pound dog. Part of Leaf's jealousy might be that his ears now attract more comments than hers. But then, she is not out in public and, as Leaf points out, his aren't even tufted.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Cute set! My crew points out that dogs being appreciated is the natural order of things.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Your crew is right!

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Stupendous canine and feline portraits The animals are certainly breathtaking and beautiful 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Thank you. I am fortunate to live with good-looking animals.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MISS LEAF!!! You have certainly grown into a beautiful little lady.

I know that getting a dog under your control can be difficult but just remember that Cats Rule....Dogs Drool!! You've got this!!

Great photos of the beautiful Miss Leaf and her doggie companion, Miguel!!!

Please give Leaf, Oliver and Miguel hugs and kisses from me!!

Dodie

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

I will pass your message on to Leaf, who should feel some satisfaction over it. Oliver had the right idea from the get-go, which was to seem terrifying to Miguel. It works. Leaf made the mistake of running from him early on.

crafterwantabe Loc: Mn

Beautiful furry friends

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

What a handsome dog, alright, and cat...good to see Leaf is turning the corner!!

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

They are indeed. Thank you.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

We didn't think it was going to happen, and it did age her. But I think in the long run she and Miguel will become friends.

tcthome Loc: NJ

dcholley Loc: Nashville, TN

Poor Leaf. New friends are hard especially when they're perky. New days, new games, new fun to come, I hope. Dee