Pet Kids Pet Kids

“Picture a caramel-colored short-haired cat and a black schnauzer-terrior cuddled up, side-by side in their own respective bed, music playing in the background, both snoring away. That is a snapshot of Butterscotch and Annie.”

I heard the pen drop on the floor from the bedroom. I peaked around the corner to check it out. Butterscotch was perched on the top of the desk.. I saw him take a pen out of the pen holder with his teeth, put it on the desk, push it on the floor with his paw. I then saw Annie put the pen in her mouth between her teeth and chew on it. This deadly duo was working together. I laughed out loud. “You rascals”, I said.

The next day I was vacuuming, which the pets hate by the way. They hide so fast at the first sound of the vacuum. Under my bed, I found a lair of toys, both dog and cat.Then I cleaned under another bed in a second bedroom finding another lair of toys. I put them all in the container they belong in when not in use. I put the vacuum away. I turned around to see Butterscotch and Annie taking one toy at a time back under the bed. “Pardon me”, I thought.

Annie has another hiding place, but this time for treats. I had gotten both of them pet stress beds which really are quite nice and set them next to each other. I often find them lying next to each other in their respective bed. I decided to launder these beds. I picked up one and then the other, and lo and behold dog and cat treats fell Out onto the floor. You see Butterscotch can open drawers. Inside the drawer, are the pet treats. You guessed it. Butterscotch got out a bag of dog treats and cat treats and dragged them on the floor. His teeth marks could be seen embedded in the treat bags. Of course, they both hid them in their bed, after munching down a few. I found the empty pet treat bags on the floor of the closet, empty. Who says pets Aren’t smart?

Can our pets see things that we can’t? I am a firm believer they can and here is Why. Butterscotch will jump up from a nap, stare at the wall, follow something with her green cat eyes, and stare, and stare and stare. It is very eerie to watch. I wish he could speak and tell me what it is he sees, but then again, maybe not. is not, so sometimes they slide across the hardwood floors. I can almost see them laughing.

Annie is a rescue from Texas. Her schnauzer-terroir looks are quite pretty now that her hair has grown out from healthy food and care. Annie does not appreciate Thunderstorms, to say the least. She shakes so hard it scares me. She hides behind the couch. She refuses comfort from me. Eventually she wears out and falls asleep, but not before Butterscotch cuddles up to her side. He stays there until the storm stops. A cat who comforts the dog he lives with. Pretty cool I’d say.

When Butterscotch is mad he knocks things down. I have awakened to the sound of crashing in the kitchen only to find he has knocked a dish off the counter because his food or water is empty. Well,how else is he going to let me know? He also leaves apresent of you know what—yes, after I have left him on a trip with a family member.

Another really fun moment is Annie’s bath. Yes, she needs to bathe, trust me. I don’t know who gets more wet, her or me or the kitchen floor. We also call her psycho dog after a bath because we put a towel down and she rolls and rolls and rolls to dry off. Such a funny scene.

Butterscotch is envious that Annie gets to go out in the real world for walks. Whenever he gets a chance to run out the door, off he goes. Of course,he can only go down the hall so we are not too worried, but always bring him home, of course.

The two have brought us so much joy,

“I saw him take a pen out of the pen holder with his teeth, put it on the desk, push it on the floor with his paw. I then saw Annie put the pen in her mouth between her teeth and chew on it. This deadly duo was working together.”

Butterscotch and Annie get along as well as a cat and dog can, I think. They respect each other’s boundaries for the most part. Butterscotch has learned Annie’s growl very well and Annie has felt the sting of Butterscotch’s claws.

They are both musically inclined. Their human family listens to music quite often and leave it on for them when they have to leave for a bit. I sometimes tap to the music on my leg, and Annie has picked it up and also taps her paw on my leg.

My daughter knits. That’s right up Butterscotch’s perverbial alley. I have found yarn in the most unusual locations in the apartment. I have found knitting needles far from their desired location. When one knits at my place, it is a pet human affair. They tangle the yarn, drag it off, bite it, and basically play with it. Yes, Annie likes to knit, also, lol.

They both run after each other from one room to the next at times. Some is carpeted, some laughter, love, and yes, sometimes hilarious Conundrums as well as scary scenarios, They are both about four years old now. We hope they live long well-cared for lives. ◆

About The Author

Patricia Lynne has published a children’s book along with being published in several magazines, anthologies, and won many writing contests.

My career as a court reporter where I edited many transcripts and my degree prepared me to write after retirement.

My family of three children and two pets add to my many poems and essays, which I hope you enjoy reading.