Spring Fever

I have just been in Calgary for a little over a week, in an animal free house. It has been very quiet, not hearing the bark of a dog excited about noises outside or the insistent meow of a cat looking for an evening snack. No snoring doggies on the floor at the foot of the bed, no warm kitties all curled up beside me on the bed.

Now I am back home, in front of the TV, with a dog lying on my foot and a second on the couch. Cats are quiet now since they have been fed and have now slunk away into the night to find cozy sleeping places.

Early in the day, though, there is usually a lot of activity in the house.  The front window is prime real estate, especially now that the huge mound of snow blocking the view has now melted right down.  Busy little squirrels are running back and forth in front of the window (a tree on each side of the window seems to hold a lot of appeal for them) and even the rabbits run by at least once a day on their way to the feeder in our neighbour's yard.

Dakota, who has no love for any of our cats, is glaring across at Spike and Sebastian who have dared invade her personal space. They are smart enough to leave enough distance that they have some warning when Dakota summons enough energy to get up and chase them, although lately it has been tough for her to easily get up.  Often she just gives them the snarl and lets them stay where they are.