Maxwell

After many cold damp days, Max was delighted to enjoy the view while the sun warmed his shoulders.

Sally

A lap full of luxury.

Riley & Finnengan

Elegance defined.

The sprawling, super relaxed kind of elegance, anyway.

Innie and Outie

Red loves to be bundled under a blanket or two, and Gracie would like that too, except she feels a strong need to be unhampered for those raging dashes to bark at the front window every 7 and 1/2 minutes. I've never felt so protected from phantom dangers!

Sarabe

On this, maybe our fifth stay together, super shy Sarabe has finally succumbed to my charms. Look how close I can get to her without her dashing under the bed! Success has never felt so good.

Cleo

It's the perfect fall day watching the very lovely Cleo frolic among the drifting bougainvillea blossoms.

Little Kitty

How could anyone concentrate on reading when the super cute Little Kitty cozies up.

The Ferals of Avalon Avenue

These ferals are unconcerned when the rain comes pouring down because they have this charming roofed patio to while away the hours.

Sugar

Have you ever seen a dog more soulful than Sugar? Or one with a more kissable forehead?

So hungry...

I'm am not one for teasing dogs but this is so charming.

Forwarded to me by Slidell's people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw&feature=related

Rachel with Duke and Evie

Rachel came to help care for Duke and Evie, and wasted no time in falling deeply and completely in love. She also bestowed nicknames that fit them perfectly. Duke (looming large) answers to Snugglesaurus, and Evie, Heavens Hell Hound - but of course...

Simple Pleasures

Bruno and Vashti explore the joys of an unmade bed.

Kitchen Helper

Slidell loves to live a life of service, always willing to pitch in and help with kitchen clean ups.

Awesome!

This was forwarded to me by Finn's folks - I totally get where this person is coming from. Sometimes you just have to shout it from the rooftop!

Double click to enlarge image.

Maxwell & Bandit

This was my first official stay with these two gentlemanly bon vivants, and they wasted no time at all in attempting to properly train me. "We have bacon for breakfast every day," they said hopefully, eyes shining. "And we thought perhaps for dinner tonight, we would like a small piece of halibut, lightly broiled."
When I gently explained that wasn't on the menu, they sighed delicately and wandered out to the sunny deck to nap. But they were back shortly.
"Every quarter past the hour is snack time. A bit of chicken liver would be very nice, maybe followed by a little saucer of cream."
"Hmm," I said, "I'm fresh out of liver. How about a Greenie instead?"
"Oh, yes, Greenies - we love them!"
And so it went in the following days. They would compose elaborate menus, which were somehow satisfied by Greenies.
I couldn't help but marvel at such imaginative palettes that could turn a simple everyday treat into lobster thermidor and steak and kidney pie. I hope over our next visit they can teach me how to do that too!

Rainy Day

Cleo, preferring to luxuriate in her garden during the day, was trying to make the best of staying in on this very rainy morning. But after watching TV for ten minutes, she threw up her paws in disgust and headed out to sit in the garage, muttering something about too many damn commercials.

Alvero

Just look at this handsome guy! Alvero is the concierge of the Gallery House in the lovely Miraflores neighborhood of Lima, Peru. I landed in Lima three times on my way elsewhere, and each time I stepped through the gate of the hostal, Alvero was there to greet me. We were instant good friends, and he really helped to me to accomplish the one thing I desire above all else - to feel at home in the world.

The PetSitter's Song 2010

My elderly, but much loved laptop, labored so hard at putting this slideshow together. But I'm afraid it's filled with glitches, fits and starts, and some of you will notice a few of the photos are from years past. Still, the animals are, as always, beautiful, and the sentiment is true...

The song is Forever Young performed by The Young@Heart Chorus

Pazzo

Every morning of my 10 day stay here in lovely Novato, I awaken rested and ready to take on the world. But as soon as I begin to throw off the covers, Pazzo leaps across the bed and burrows deep beneath the blankets, curling up next to me. What choice do I have but to stay in bed, dozing for another hour or so. Once Pazzo emerges, ready for breakfast, my enthusiasm to tackle my to do list has faded, and it's just another lazy day. Ah well, I'll have to change the world another day. But it's good to know my priorities are in proper order...