New Year's Resolutions

We have an unconventional family, but a family it is, nonetheless. I thought I'd share some of our resolutions with you.

Dorothy Parker, the hound dog mix, 7 years old:

1. Must remember that ears-perked-head-tilt thing I chanced upon last week.  Wow. That really worked.

2. Continue with excavation project in back yard. Estimated completion—Spring 2012. No replanting plans as of yet.

3. Removal of basement tile at a standstill until I can figure out best method of  tackling without nasty after-taste. Experiment with attacks from top instead of corners, perhaps more use of nails instead of teeth.

4. Human needs more work in training class with leash. Tends to pull on walks, and not keeping up during heeling practices.

5. Walk human once a day, even in the rain, even if I don't feel like it. It is only fair, and is good for the poor thing. It is often the only time the human gets out, and it must be boring being inside all day.

Sylvester the tuxedo cat, 16 years old:

1. Renew vigilance re: closed doors. Admit laziness in this area. It does not matter that I know exactly what is behind these doors and have no interest in these closets or rooms. That is not the point, and these closed doors must not be permitted to go un-commented upon.  

2. Assess human comfort with my sleeping between them on the pillows: have they given in, or do they want me there? If they have given in, all is well. If I have been manipulated, and was not paying close enough attention, must remedy situation.

3. Investigate food situation. Noticing a marked lack of variety lately. Time for some rebellion.

4. The dogs need a brush-up course on manners. No licking the cats. We are clean enough. Period. Schedule this ASAP.

5. Remind the humans about the blankets being left in just the right way so we can climb under them during the day. This can be done gently but firmly with small bites to the ankles as they leave the bed. They are dense in the morning but do respond to consistent training, and I've been remiss. My own fault.

Louise, 9, ferret:

1. I'm ancient, I have no fur left, and I was cranky even when I was young, and I'll do whatever I want whenever I want. So there. Nothing new this year.

2. Try to clip my nails, you'd better have on some very serious protection or have nerves of steel, sweetness.  Again, nothing new this year.

3. Wanna play?  I'll chase you!  And I can still war dance!  And I'm a charming old girl, in my way.  So I resolve to still be your little ball of terror, and I'll still be happy to see you every day for playtime.  Even if I show my affection by sinking my one tooth an inch into your finger a few times again this year.  

4.In other words, I can be relied upon to be my same old self.  That's love. 

May your family have a warm, happy, loving new year.

-woof