Welcome Home, Kukki

This photo is what made it happen.

On June 27, 2018 a notation popped up on my calendar "Take donations to Dumb Friends League." Periodically I go thru the toy boxes belonging to my cats and dogs, any food or treats that are perfectly fine but they've turned up their finicky noses at and donate to shelters and rescues.  

Seven weeks prior we had said farewell as our beloved Kia crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. We missed her terribly (and always will). She is tucked in our hearts for safe keeping.

But knowing that our three year old, Kazz ~ just a big kitten himself ~ needed a playmate, we were slowly warming up to the idea of adopting another cat. 

No one could ever replace Kia but there are so, so many kitties in the world who need and deserve a loving home... well, we started dropping hints to each other.

Since I was planning to drop off donations at the shelter anyway, something made me click onto "Adoptable Cats" on the Dumb Friends League website. What the heck ~ I'll just look. Right. This is the photo that made me call the shelter. This is the photo I emailed to my Mister saying, "What do you think?" I mean... his name is CHARLIE for cryin' out loud. And so is my Mister's. This is the photo that had us hopping in the car - me with no makeup and my ratty "work at home clothes" and without a lot of discussion or thought we were off to meet "Charlie."

The shelter described Charlie as:

My name is CHARLIE!  

I am a neutered male, red tabby Domestic Longhair.
The shelter thinks I am about 1 year and 2 months old.
I have been at the shelter since Jun 06, 2018.

I am described as A LOVING "GOOF BALL"
Favorite Things: Playtime is the best time of the day; will solicit attention to receive more pets.
Special Features: Loving/sweet purr machine; good with litterbox protocol.
Dream Home: A loving family with no small children that will turn this cat into a fine feline citizen.

His "behind the scene" notes indicated he was aggressive and had bitten someone.  We knew he had been returned twice and the notes said he shouldn't be around small children. Well, when I see "aggressive" and "small children" I see red flags and my first thought is - what did the small children do to him?

We visited with Charlie for about 10 minutes. He was adorable. A big chunk of a guy who was playful, purring, happy and easy going. There was zero indication of aggression. Sure if a cat gets overstimulated playing he may give a little love nip; but then you stop playing. It made me sad to think that such a great cat would have his chances of adoption diminished because previous owners were inexperienced in how to handle a kitten. 

Enter us.

One thing about my Mister and me? If we meet a dog or a cat at a shelter there is a 99% chance they're going home with us ~ no matter what their issues may be. In Charlie's case, that meant we knew we needed to work with him and help him lose weight. We didn't care. All 20 lbs of him was coming home with us. And we knew he wasn't aggressive. He was a kitten.

I've had A LOT of cats in my 63 years and this guy? Not one of them has adapted so quickly, so seamlessly, so happily to a family of two humans, two dogs and another cat. Today marks one month with us and it's like he's been with us forever. We did change his name because having two Charlies in the family seemed a bit confusing. And since we have Kizzie, Koko and Kazz, we searched for a K name. We settled on Kukki - which is Cookie in Japanese. And it suits our sweet boy - Kukki.

Sometimes it is just meant to be. Sometimes I get it right. 

Welcome home, Kukki.

Loving a Reactive Dog

First - let me state that I am by no means an expert on dogs and dog behavior. All I know is how my reactive dog behaves and how I am learning to deal with his reactive behavior. 

When it came time to adopt a buddy for our 6 year old Kizzie, we turned to the Dumb Friends League. I searched the website and fell in love with this little face.

I knew with an adorable face like that he wouldn't last long so we went down that afternoon. Meeting him in person I realized there was more to this little guy (also 6 years old) than just a cute face. Taking him to meet Kizzie I soon realized... he's got A LOT of energy...

But we decided to take a chance and adopted him anyway. Kizzie wasn't sure what to think.

(To be honest... 17 months later she still doesn't know what to think.) 

Within about 30 minutes home he fell fast asleep in his Dad's arms.

In the ensuing days as we got to know our little Koko better we realized he, indeed, was quite energetic. 

If an animal appeared on television, he went bananas - barking and barking and barking.

If he saw a bunny or a bird or a dog or a person outside, he went bananas - barking and barking and barking.

He didn't appear to know how to walk on-leash and was very wiggly and awkward when we tried to walk.

We live in a fairly quiet neighborhood which proved to be a double-edged sword for Koko. We learned he was very reactive to noise - any noise - a truck, a timer, an alarm, a dog barking, a telephone ringing, a doorbell, a lawnmower, voices outside - any noise. Thunder... oh my goodness, thunder! So a quiet environment can be good for him. A quiet environment also makes any noise - any noise - louder than it would in a noisier environment. So we were dealing with a lot of barking issues. One his favorite spots to "guard" the house and make us aware of anything - anything - going on outside was (still is) the top of the stairs -- in perfect view of a large window above the front door.

Although he loved going for Jeep rides (still does) ~ again ~ any little motion or noise outside would set him off. 

I knew within days I was going to need guidance and help or I would lose my mind. Returning Koko to the shelter was not an option. 

I believe that The Universe puts people and things and situations in your life at certain times for a reason ~ and if you are paying attention The Universe will usually present an answer.

We love our Vet Clinic and, of course, took Koko in within days to have a well-check exam. I explained we were experiencing some behavioral issues and we were immediately referred to Yukari of You n' I Animal Wellness. I thought about it for a couple of days and remember after one particularly stressful day I sat down that evening and poured my heart, stress, concerns - and yes a few tears - into an email to Yukari. I basically had a meltdown.

Long story short, within days we were working with Yukari once a week.

And work we did! For almost a year we met first once a week, then once every two weeks then once every three. We always had homework ~ and by we I mean the whole family ~ Koko, Kizzie, me and my husband. We all were trained.

One of the first things we learned was to make his living space smaller and more manageable. Up went the puppy gates!

It helped! 

We tried crate training. Koko seemed to like it ~ especially when I covered the crate with a blanket. It was his little man-cave.

Kizzie, on the other hand ~ mellow as she is ~ fought the crate. So we put the crates on hold.

There were lots of commands to learn ~ sit, stay, come, down, leave it, look at that! Some are automatic now; some still need some work. He did get "down!"

For those thunderstorms we bought a Thundershirt and it helps a bit. We also have calming treats, Pheromone spray and calming gel. When a storm approaches and it gets dark we turn on all the lights. We play the television loud. We have special treats. We dance. We sing. All of it helps. He still gets a little anxious, but he is much better.

Who knows what the first 6 years of Koko's life were like, but we can be pretty sure he had no training and very little attention. So he's like a puppy still. He loves to play fetch so it has become a daily ritual for us. A very fun, very cute, very beneficial thing to do for him and with him.

We're constantly learning and just the other day bought this awesome travel crate for him to ride in comfort when we go for Jeep rides. We're still working on this one and he seems to like it!

So after a year working with Yukari our trainer-client relationship transitioned into a great friendship. We still see her often and Koko and Kizzie are always over the moon happy to smother her in puppy kisses. 

Bottom line in all this is ~ living with a reactive dog is challenging but it is doable! Enlisting the help of a good trainer - one who believes in training with positive reinforcement - is crucial. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch Koko learn and advance and become more comfortable in his own skin. He is a happier dog now. He's a smart boy and he learns quickly; when it clicks, it clicks. I have learned that consistency and routine are very important for him. It has made all of our lives easier. We're still learning; still working on commands and routine. But it is 1000 times better than it was. He's probably always going to have some anxious tendencies, but I feel so much better knowing that we're doing all we can to make him comfortable.

Is every day perfect? No. Do I still have days when I want to pull my hair out? Yes. The occasional meltdown still occurs. But now I know it is only temporary ~ this, too, shall pass. Tomorrow is a new day. All those cliches apply.

Koko mainly just likes being with us. He loves being with his family and we love him.

And always there is that face. That precious little face that brought him to me. We joke and say it has saved him many times. 

That face that I still fall in love with each and every day. I feel blessed that The Universe decided we needed each other, Koko. 

Getting to Know You...

As you can imagine things have been pretty busy since Kia came to live with us. First it was to return to the shelter Monday to officially adopt her. Then it was to return to the shelter Tuesday with her (my fault I forgot to ask) so she could get her rabies vaccination, microchip and city license.  

If you have ever traveled with a cat in a carrier in a car you know that most of them aren't exactly thrilled with the experience. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the shelter (and that's if there isn't a train) so she serenaded me for 30 minutes. Once at the shelter she was in and out in about 5 minutes! Back in the Jeep and she was a little more subdued (poor baby) but I think she realized - hey, I wasn't being taken back to the shelter; that was just a little blip on my radar! I'm going home again with this crazy woman. Woo-hoo! Think I'll sing some more!

Every time we visit Kia in her luxury suite she is more comfortable and tries to follow us out the door. This morning we decided it was time to begin moving things forward. So with the puppy gate securely in place Kizzie and Koko's breakfast bowls on one side of the gate, Kia's breakfast bowl on the other side of the gate ~ we opened the door.

What happened was exactly what we expected. Kia hissed, Koko and Kizzie (once they got over their shock) barked. It only took about 30-45 seconds before the door was shut. It's ok ~ no need to stress them out. It was just the first step.

Koko and Kizzie's aftermath reactions. They couldn't quit believe what they had just witnessed. Monkeys.

My wise husband ~ who our friend dubbed The Cat Whisperer ~ suggested for the dinner meeting we just do one-on-one. Fabulous idea. So he took Koko outside for a walk while I supervised Kizzie and Kia one-on-one. 

Brilliant! Kia hissed. Once. She then stepped back about 2 feet but stayed where she could see Kizzie. Kizzie didn't bark once. She whined and paced a little and was definitely curious but well-behaved. After about 5 minutes Kia went under the bed. Door closed so they could enjoy their dinners.

When Kizzie joined the family we had our long time family cat (21 years old) already in residence. Kizzie was absolutely fine with her and A-choo pretty much just ignored Kizzie. They coexisted for 6 months until A-choo passed away in the middle of the night one night in March. So we expect that Kizzie will be the first to warm up to Kia.

A-choo ~ always in our hearts.

Then there's Koko... We don't have a lot of information on his previous life but we doubt that he had other "siblings" - canine or feline. He's an excitable boy so we expect it will take longer for he and Kia to bond; but he might surprise us. We have observed that when Kizzie and Koko are separated they are much better behaved. When they are to together they are double trouble ~ they like to egg each other on and wind each other up. Monkeys.

So, one day at a time. As anxious as we are to have Kia out of her luxury suite and truly a part of the family (I imagine her sitting on my lap in the evening as we watch the most recent Netflix, Hulu or Amazon series we're into) I know it is for her well-being as well as the dogs that we take this slowly. Trying to rush things could cause all of them undo stress and fear.  We'll get there.

Till then we will continue to spend a lot of time with Kia in her suite ~ with her favorite catnip-filled rat. Go figure.

They Have Made Me a Better Person

I ran across an endearing article today on the Huff Post. "10 Things We Can Learn From Our Dogs That Will Make Us Happier and Healthier Human Beings"

Have a read.  It's worth 5 minutes of your time.

I laughed when I read the part about "I'll watch whatever you want to watch. It doesn't matter that I don't like Real Housewives of anywhere - I'm lying next to you and I'm happy."

Hand to God - Koko watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with me!

I found so much I could relate to in the article. I have had many beloved cats and dogs in the past but there is just something about these two. 

I think they came into my life at a time when I was searching for some meaning - and they gave me that. I had the time to truly devote myself to them. I have said it before and will continue to say it - these two have taught me so much. They have challenged me in ways I've never been challenged. They are goofy beyond belief and have made me laugh - deep belly laughs that leave me exhausted with joy. 

They have shown such sweet and unconditional love and affection. 

I only hope I can care for them as well as they deserve for the rest of their remarkable little lives.

It is because of them I learned about the abundance of senior dogs (and cats) in shelters who just want someone to love them and give them a safe home. And they are often overlooked in favor of puppies and kittens ~ despite how much they have to offer. (It has since become a passion of mine - finding homes for older dogs and cats.) 

It is because of them - and the loving care they both received in a shelter - that I myself became a shelter volunteer. 

It is because of them that I do all I can to promote dogs and cats, puppies and kittens on social media - hoping to find them the homes they deserve.

It is because of them that I am a better person. YY

Hear That? That's Me. Helicopter Mom.

Since Kizzie came into my life my husband has called me Helicopter Mom. 

I tend to worry about every little thing. Like she'll slip out of her collar (this has happened). Or she will slip out of her harness (this has happened).  

Or she will fall in the water.

(This has happened.)

Helicopter Mom was taken to a whole new level when highly energetic, always active, always on the go Koko came into my life. I turned into the Queen of Helicopter Moms - the ruler of Helicopter Mom-dom.

I worry that he will fall in the water. Oh wait. He just jumps in.

I worry that he will run away. He does love to run, that boy. 

(He's on leash here.)

But he has run off leash twice. And those incidences scarred me for life. 

I am scared to death that he will escape - it's the adventuresome terrier in him.

I have a hard time trusting anyone else with them because I'm super vigilant. My husband has just kind of turned the leashes over to me and thank goodness ~ after 6 trips in a year ~ I completely and utterly trust our beloved dog sitter. You have no idea what a huge step that is for me.

So when I expressed to Yukari the other day (who knows all about my Helicopter Mom problem) that I worry about the shelter animals when they're adopted out ~~ are they going to safe homes? Are they going to get the care and the love they deserve? She smiled and replied, "Not only are you a Helicopter Mom to Koko and Kizzie but you are a Helicopter Mom to shelter animals, too!"

I'm hopeless.

I have found some really fun ways to help shelter animals. A number of businesses will donate to shelters ~ usually food/meals or sometimes monetary donations.  Here are a few I've found and enjoy:

These awesome rings came from The Animal Rescue Site  

Every purchase funds food and care for rescued animals. Y

This ring is here

This one is really fun because the paw portion of the ring spins!  

It's not only bling, but entertainment as well!

Unfortunately I don't remember where I got this bracelet but 

I know that the site also supports shelters.

It says, "The Road of Life is Sweeter When Traveled With a Dog" 

I got this fun tee from I Heart Dogs

(But, of course I care about cats, too!)

Every purchase feeds shelter dogs.

I have bought sweatshirts for me and things for my dogs from

 In the Company of Dogs

Chateau Le Paws supports No Kill Shelters across the country ~ 

enjoy wine for a good cause!

My little business cmh design LLC donates a portion of every sale 

to The Aurora Animal Shelter,

Best Friends Sanctuary, The Dumb Friends League and

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital 

(but that's another story for another day.)

And because I like to support local artists and I love his work

I commissioned Sean Brown to make these custom pieces that 

can either be worn as pins or with adapters as necklaces.

This is Kizzie

This is Koko

Of course I love cats, too ~ an eyeglass case I bought in 

Cochrane, Alberta, Canada.  It reminded me so much of

my beloved A-choo I had to buy it.

I won't even start on all my Hello Kitty things...

So yeah, I'm the Queen of Helicopter Moms. The rest of you can relax. I've got this.