New Critter Welcomed

Since Gumby passed away last year the old homestead seemed to be missing something. This in spite of the fact there remained two cats and a dog to keep me company. Pokey, a 12 year old Calico. The Queen of the manse. Dahg, a 10 year old DSH, and Toba, a 2 year old Cockapoo. Daddy's girl.

Further, Pokey - acquired 10 years ago to keep Gumby company, has become more and more clingy. While this is both good and bad I believe Pokey increasingly misses Gumby and his company. Gumby and Pokey became fast friends upon meeting in 1999. They constantly played together and kept each other company. Then Toba was added in 2006. A dog!

Suffice to say Pokey's nose is seriously out of shape.

The new addition is an adorable 2 year old Tortoiseshell. Weighing only 6.5 pounds, she is tiny. After maybe 4 hours she has demonstrated zero concern over the dog, and slight disdain over Pokey and Dahg. Since Dahg doesn't like anybody (except Dad) I have high hopes Pokey and the young girl become friends and playmates.

That said I need a name for the newest addition. I don't like the traditional names (after all, I DO have a cat named Dahg!).

So, what shall I name her?
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For those following this thread I have named her Winn. Anyone care to guess what that is short for? ;>}

Is it morning again?

I have always been an early riser. Used to be a nicotine fix necessitated an early rise. However since I quit smoking many years ago and I continue to wake up at some godforsaken times, it must be the critters fault. Mostly, I awaken to Toba, the dog, and Dahg, a cat, vying for space on the bed. It is a large bed, but they must feel an undeniable need to squish up as close to my head and legs as possible.

When they demand more attention they create enough of a disturbance that the queen of the household, Pokey, a 9 pound calico, jumps up on the bed. Now there are two cats, a dog and one tired old man on the bed and no one is happy. Further compounding the matter, Dahg really does not like Pokey and vice versa. So when Pokey jumps up the growling begins.

Two cats meowing, chirping, growling. One dog whining. A tired oldish man. And, It's only FIVE am.

Get up. Where to begin. First thing is Toba goes out to do her business. It's cooler outside and frost last night leaves the grass quite damp. She piddles right away and I am pleased. Inside I wipe her feet and let her loose.

Next, to the computer. My morning ritual includes checking emails and reading one of the local newspapers on-line. Not as easy as you'd think. Toba has energy to burn before doggy daycare. And there are so many interesting things to do toys to play with. If it was only Toba perhaps I could get through it relatively easily.

Not so, as Dahg requires my undivided attention. Without fail Dahg arrives in a flash on the top of my desk, meow-purring for my undivided attention. She is an 18 pound cat that MUST be held. There is no avoiding this. She also drinks water by dipping her paw in her water dish and licking her paw. I get the added pleasure of her soggy paws and paw prints on the desktop. It's glass.

Gumby used to be at my feet. Amazingly, with Gumby gone Pokey has actually taken up this activity. This is my clue that it is time to feed the cats, clean the litter bin, drive Toba to doggy daycare and get myself off to work.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

More on Gumby

I was called to pick up Gumby's cremated remains today. I'm not real sure what I'll do with them. It brings back to me the reality Gumby is gone..

Many, many times this week I thought about Gumby. I have no clue if this makes me weird or eccentric or normal.

There are so many things that happen around the house that make me think of my little buddy. I know I often find myself reminiscing. I think the one most haunting memory is a special look Gumby gave me. It was his "attend to me" look. Impossible to deny.

I went looking for photos of Gumby. Not enough for my liking. I think maybe now I understand why my sisters take so many pictures, annoying as it is. Better to have and remember than not. I do have one portrait that captures Gumby so well. Money well spent.

So, take care of your beloved pets. Take lot's of pictures. And remember the pure joy they bring into your life.

Gumby Hogan 1998 - 2007

It is with a real heavy heart that I find myself grieving the passing of a truly wonderful pet. Gumby Hogan passed away at 2:30pm, Wednesday, July 25, due to complications with diabetes. Gumby was first diagnosed with diabetes in 2005. He survived two prior near misses but did not win this battle.

Gumby came bouncing into my life when he was 7 weeks old in November, 1998. A charmer, Gumby was always a character, behaving more like a dog than a cat and quickly became the king of the castle. He had me at meow.

Gumby always rushed to the door to greet everyone. He supervised tradespeople during their activities. Hissed and spit at only one person in the world, other than the vet.

Gumby always curled up with me at bedtime. And woke me in the morning telling me it was time to feed him. He occasionally woke me at 3am. 4am. 5am. Whenever he felt I'd slept long enough.

Since he was the first of an eventual three cats and a dog he believed he was in charge. I sense his first companion, a beautiful little girl named Pokey (what else?), is showing signs she misses him.

It amazes me, why I'm not sure, how we become so emotionally attached to our pets. They really are like our children and our friends. He truly was a wonderful loving pet and I miss him terribly.

I'd like to thank the kind folks at the Tuxedo Animal Hospital for the care and compassion they showed Gumby.

Rest in peace Gumby, you were a good friend.