The youngest Huffman and her Significant Other headed out of town for a week, and Mr. Huffman and I volunteered to dog and cat sit. They brought Benji and Sage to Napa, who would become (temporary) roommates with Penny and Inky.
It's no problem, we told them.
Benji and Sage are actually really well-behaved pets. They don't eat the window blinds and don't pee or poop in unfortunate places. They fit right in.
Although I admit that doubling the dog and cat count is immediately noticeable.
First, there's just the extra noise. What noise, you might ask? Dogs and cats don't talk.
Right. But they do run, bark, whine, growl, meow and purr. Click, clack, thump, thump, thump, go their feet, up and down the stairs and back and forth.
The animals seem to feel that nighttime is the right time for a party. While we humans are trying to get some sleep, these four are bouncing around upstairs, downstairs, in the kitchen, in the living room... everywhere. They're playing hide and go seek, doing shots, taking selfies and trading Taylor Swift bracelets.
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When not scampering with her crew, Sage, who is adorably fluffy and a bit friendlier than Inky, likes to walk across your face in bed at night and sleep curled up next to your neck. She's so soft that I don't mind but she certainly is an insistent little lady in the hours before breakfast is due. She obviously knows that hey, it's almost time for my morning meal, so let's wake up. Pet me, scratch under my collar and above my tail. Yes, I am leaving some fluffy cat fur in my path, but you don't care, right? Because I Am Adorable.
Benji and Penny also tag team and get each other worked up. If one Hears Something and goes on alert, the other is right behind. Hey Humans, you just need to know there is a GUY outside with a DOG walking by our HOUSE. Possible TROUBLE. Thoughtyououghttoknow.
Benji and Penny go outside regularly, but have different ideas of outdoor recreation. Benji likes to find a sunny spot and lounge. He will lay in the sun for hours. Penny seems to be more motivated to find tennis balls and sniff things. She wants to perch on a bench to survey the land. Benji likes to nap.
And then there's the two cats. We are halfway through our visit and the two cats have yet to actually meet each other face-toface. Sage is ensconced upstairs, and Inky downstairs. It's not like they had a meeting or parlay to come to this agreement. They just seem to have somehow decided whose territory is whose.
Actually, I don't know if Sage has realized that there IS a downstairs in our house. She seems perfectly happy to roam back and forth upstairs. The upstairs closet has some really good hiding spots, and someone even left a soft blanket in a certain cat's favorite corner of said closet. Even better, humans can't reach any cats way back there. Too many boxes, clothes, shoes and suitcases in the way.
Having seen photos of friends' cats who lounge together and lick each other's fur and seem to be buddies, I was hoping Inky and Sage would pair up. Start their own club. I'm still waiting...
The truth is we'd do anything for our Girl and her Significant Other which means we'd love their animals no matter what. Even better, we really do.
Surrendering to Motherhood, written by Napa mom-of-three Jennifer Huffman, now appears every other Saturday. Share your thoughts with Jennifer at [email protected].
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