Slap Happy in Pacifica

My friend Cleo, aka Boss Lady, is a fun and yet complicated character. We all have our little quirks and one of Cleo's is that, well, she just loves to be slapped while she eats. It is not my place to question, but merely oblige. So every morning at breakfast I kneel beside her and smack her smartly on the rump while she chomps on her kibble and writhes with ecstasy. To each his own, right?

I've learned not to do this at any time other than mealtime though, or I could lose an eye with one swipe of her paw. It's all very specific...

What's wrong with this picture?

No animals anywhere in sight!

After a few weeks of traveling through Portugal, I am once again astounded how few animals I encountered. A few stray cats in the Azores, and perhaps a dozen dogs in all. But they have that peculiar way of looking straight through me that I find so unsettling. I love traveling but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to go without animal contact for so long. Perhaps I'll start a new service for small dogs - Come With Me - for those who wish their dogs to become more culturally well rounded. A week in Aix de Provence, or 10 days touring the Greek Isles. Hmm, I may be on to something here...

Jimbo

I met Jimbo while staying at the incredibly beautiful Chamounix Mansion Hostel in Philadelphia. I think he's the owner. We met only briefly, but I could see that he works very hard. Greeting the guests takes up quite a bit of his time, and he seems to spend an equal amount of time frolicking in the grass. But his most important job is pictured above - herding the trio of resident cats - until they turn on him, of course.

Fact Finding Mission

As a strictly indoor cat, Bruno gathers information about the world outside wherever he can, willing to brave even the most dangerous of terrains in his quest for knowledge.

Nights in Potrero

Late on these balmy summer nights Daisy Dorables loves to relax while watching an old movie, but Lil' Nikki Snikki prefers being read to - nothing scary for these tender hearted girls though or they simply cannot sleep...

Ida

Although I've cared for Ida several times now, she never loses patience with my inferior ball throwing abilities. " Just watch me," she"ll say sweetly, gently wresting the ball from my hand. " With time and practice you're sure to improve. Don't worry, you'll get it." It's so heartening to be believed in...

Chloe Meets a New Friend