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Category: Frankie the Cat (Page 2 of 4)

Our Burmese kitty

Creature Features: Dog Dog to Walla Walla #952

May 25, 2019 / / 0 Comments

As we begin to pack for our Walla Walla getaway, our two schnauzers, 15-year old Tinker and 8-year old Tally, start to get anxious. We always try to pack in secrecy but they always somehow seem to know. It wasn’t until my wife got out their travel backpack that they began to settle down.  It was almost like we could hear them say, “we get to go?” It’s Dog Dog to Walla Walla, “a town so nice they had to say it twice.” Just as you need two dogs! Only poor Frankie our cat will be left behind to fend for herself for two days. She just made a very rare appearance in my office, as if she knew I was writing about her. Before we hit the road, we’ll take the pups on a “Schnauzerthon,” hoping to tire them out for the ride. Weather permitting, they will get the same special treatment for the next two days in Walla Walla.  

It’s about a four-hour drive into lower Washington state, enough time for them to settle into their beds. Tinker will be worried for the first hour, but will soon adjust once she figures out we’re not dumping her somewhere. She has never forgotten her time abandoned in the woods prior to her adoption. We speculate that her former owner drove to a wooded area and let her out. The vet that examined her at the animal shelter found acorns in her stomach and commented on how smart she was to keep her digestive system functioning. She has since suffered from separation anxiety and is always asking for food. Any change in her routine brings about suspicion. Today’s long car ride will be no exception. 

Walla-squared will fulfill one of our long discussed travel goals while living in the Northwest. Vancouver B.C. will be our next local trip over the 4th of July holiday. The dogs will then get their first international travel experience, after visiting at least 15 states. Oh Cana-dog!

 

Creature Features: ‘Roid Rage #948

May 21, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I took both of our schnauzers to Urban Fauna this morning for playtime and grooming. It gave me a chance to run some errands downtown on my way back home: new glasses, ring repair, kitty litter, and of course a Diet Coke at McDonald’s. Before I pick them later this afternoon, I’m involved in domestic duties including dinner preparations. The house is quiet without the pitter-patter of little paws, but I’m sure Frankie our cat enjoys the peace of temporarily being queen of the house. I also find it strange that no one follows me when I go to the refrigerator. 

100-year-old- plus Tinker is on a low dose of Prednisone, a steroid that helps control arthritis and allergies. It’s been quite effective in reducing her itchiness and joint pain, but makes her aggressively hungry. Her internal clock knows the feeding times and she relentlessly barks until her dish is filled. If I don’t protect our younger schnauzer  Tally’s bowl, she will eat that too. Every time throughout the day when I get up, she shadows me with hopes of any scraps. She also bullies Tally for her share and is rarely gentle with any bite she takes. It’s classic ‘Roid Rage! By the same token, Input continues to impact Output, and so “The Poopingest Pup on the Planet” continues to live up to her reputation. 

Tinker moves slowly with limited mobility, hearing, and sight. She knows the outside route we take and only on occasion strays from the sidewalk path. I do not hook her up on a leash like Tally for fear of dragging her along to keep up. She does her business and then dutifully heads home to wait for playful Tally to finish doddling. Sadly, Tally does not try to taunt her anymore, clearly respectful of her age. I often think of the years when Tinker was a puppy, chasing ducks behind our lake home. Her ears would fly in the wind as her short legs tried to keep up with her extended stomach. We believe her to be part poodle, and maybe some beagle when we rescued her from a shelter thirteen years ago. She was at least two-years old at the time and spent some time abandoned in the woods. 

The closest Tinker gets to speed anymore is when I push her in an Air Buggy carriage most weekend mornings. My wife maintains Tally on a leash while we take turns with her giving Tinker a ride. Maybe Tink gets a temporary recollection of her youth and the sensation of the wind in her whiskers as I run her through the neighborhood? We call it a “Schnauzerthon,” that allows me to record my daily running mileage and enables my wife and “her feisty puppy” to travel at a faster pace.  Tinker stands up in the buggy and barks when she needs to get out. Otherwise, she seems content driving her human propelled race car.  It’s as far away from the refrigerator that she ever cares to get, as she certainly dreams of devouring a treat to satisfy her ‘Roid Rage when we return home. Bark. Bark.Bark!

Retirement is not without Hassles: One Day At A Time #904

April 11, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I’m on another plane today after running the mile minimum necessary to extend “The Streak” due to all the packing preparations. Our destination is Chicago, so the four hour flight seems like a puddle-jump compared to our recent trip to Thailand. We’ll be gone a week, so the pups will be well cared for by Kimberley. Frankie the cat will be predictably upset so we can expect some revenge shenanigans from her when we return. She’ll probably refuse to eat and use everything but her litter box to get even. Tally will be excited to go on more walks with her energetic play pal and Tinker will think she’s starving, worried about if we’re ever coming back? Both schnauzers clearly noticed the suitcases being packed this morning and transferred to the car. We never tell them “goodbye,” that would only serve to add to their stress levels.

I felt the usual travel stress myself while driving to the airport. “Did I forget anything?” dominates my thoughts. “What could go wrong?” is explored over and over in my mind. The real purpose of this trip is to visit my wife’s 97-year old mother and give her a break from assisted living. Unfortunately, she’s living a life no one would envy. Her visit is in conjunction with my wife’s Chicago business meetings tomorrow. We’ll stick around Chicago for a ballgame and some dinners before we make the drive into Indiana. At least this time we’re not also going to Indianapolis or Elkhart for sister visits, so the driving will be much less hectic. We’ll save that for three months from now when we likely will return.

I’ve not yet committed to my 50th High School Reunion that could be part of that next visit to the Hoosier state. There’s also the 98th birthday to celebrate and my 68th. Thirty more years of living would not be my preference if I couldn’t travel, read, write, or even watch TV. My aging mother-in-law was born in the same year as my parents, who have been gone now for well over four years. She’s been mostly deaf since childhood and is gradually losing her eyesight due to kidney failure. Soon her savings will be depleted on nursing care. With this in mind, twenty more years will be more than enough for me. That’s another 7,300-plus days of daily running on top of today’s 3,756 USRSA streak. Maybe even 10,000 consecutive days is enough – that could happen when I’m only 85! I’d also like to ski when I’m 80, but 70 is first. One day at a time!

Creature Features: Puperazzi #873

March 11, 2019 / / 0 Comments

My wife comes home from a tough day at the office and is playfully attacked by our two schnauzer puppies. She calls them her “Puperazzi;” comprised of Tinker and Tally, along with Frankie the cat patiently awaiting her turn in the greeting line. Tinker wants food, while Tally wants attention, acting like they’ve been totally deprived and ignored all day long. Granted, I’m no natural “pet lover,” but I’ve evolved in retirement to be their chief care giver when “Mom” is at work.

Tally will run to the door in anticipation as soon as she hears her car come up the street. Tinker, who’s hearing isn’t as sharp anymore, will start her incessant barking, and Frankie will come out of her hiding spot to see what is going on at the back door. My wife is thrilled to see them, and they’ll lead her to the refrigerator. I try to give them a few minutes to calm down before I fill their bowls, but Tinker is starving and will follow me like a shadow while I first attend to Frankie’s dinner. Age before Beauty! Tally will try to draw my wife’s attention by rolling over on her back with her raised paws in a cute pose, yearning for a “Tummy Attack.” If I even attempt to tend to her pleading eyes, Tinker gets upset and Tally seems disappointed that it’s only me doing the rubbing. I can just hear her saying, “you’ve been here all day, so if I wanted you to do this I would have performed earlier.” At the same time, Tinker is always wondering if I forgot to feed her.

The “Puperazzi” are really the “Schnauzerazzi,” a group of devoted pets without cameras. I wish it could be said that “I am nothing but chopped liver.” If that were the case, I too would be lovingly devoured. My wife doesn’t even need to wear “meat perfume,” to get covered in affectionate kisses and slathered with wet tongues. I can’t even get close to the action. Even Frankie begins to “Meow” after a day of quietly lounging on our bed. Once everyone is fed, it is then my thankless job to take them outside, where they just can’t wait to get back to her side by the couch. Tally wants to be petted, while Tinker is restless for a piece of whatever we’re eating. Tally also likes to warm herself by the fire, hoping for more admiration of her supreme cuteness. She is truly a pet that needs to be endlessly pampered – but only by the right person – guess who?

Tinker likes to go to sleep with us on the bed, but needs to be lifted anymore. By morning, she’s on the floor carefully positioned so I will trip over her in the dark. Tally will not get in our bed without a lot of coaxing and only rarely when I’m under the covers. This is another tribute to her master, but she prefers to sleep by herself on her couch surrounded by pillows. She growls if Tinker or Frankie gets anywhere close to her overnight domain. Actually, it’s a couch that we once tried to donate to the Salvation Army, but it was worn beyond their standards. Tally made it hers when she chewed the corners of the cushions back when she was a teething pup that we called “The Tally Monster,” or sometimes “The Tallygator.” (See Post and Poem #77). We’ve hauled it from Illinois to Texas to Oregon for her exclusive use these past nine years. Tinker, on the other hand, will not sleep in any of her beds and sometimes prefers the cooler wooden floors. The entire “Puperazzi” fan club does not typically stir all night until my wife’s alarm goes off for the second time. They are good sleepers, resting up for that big surge of activity when she finally gets home from work.

Creature Features: Cutie Care #861

March 4, 2019 / / 0 Comments

“Cutie Care” does not just apply to manicures and pedicures, it is all about the feeding and nurturing of our precious pets. My wife is much better at this than I am, and it’s why they crave her attention. I can be here all day long with them without as much as a stir, except when it’s time to go outside or I approach the refrigerator. However, when my wife comes home for work, they practically mob her at the door. She gets what she claims to be “ear kisses and nose bops,” while I wait patiently for my turn.

Without giving her too much credit in the “cutie care” department, she does get home at feeding time, so some of their excitement is about food. However, our youngest schnauzer Tally will roll over on her back and expose her belly for a “Tummy Attack.” She rarely does this for me. She also typically greets my wife at the door with a stuffed toy. Tally has gotten in trouble for being too aggressive with her nose bops, so the toy helps cushion her enthusiasm when jumping-up for a lick to the face as you bend-down to pet her. She also seems to need my wife’s approval before she eats, and responds to “Yummy Tummy.” It’s all silly baby-talk to me.

Our hundred year old schnauzer Tinker never needs encouragement to eat. This is why she’s known as “The Poopingest Pup on the Planet.” She’ll finish the food in her bowl, slowly sneak towards Tally’s dish, and would steal it all if we didn’t supervise. Tinker is usually finished eating before we finally coax Tally to eat the first bite. We’ll bang on the side of her bowl and tell her how good it is, keeping one eye on Tinker’s movements. Not surprisingly, every time we go to the Vet, Tinker always weighs a little more. With every year older she also somehow gets hungrier, and gobbles down every bite like it’s her last meal. Don’t get your fingers in the way! Tally, on the other hand, likes to savor her food, and this can be costly around greedy Tinker.

As soon as it gets to be 5 o’clock, Tinker’s built-in clock tells her that “mom” will be home soon and dinner will then be served. It’s this association that causes her to bark relentlessly in anticipation of arrival. All our pets can hear my wife’s sports car come up the street and the garage door open; it’s their cue to line-up at the back door and wait for “Cutie Care.” After the ceremonies, Tinker then rushes to the kitchen and waits, keeping one eye on her bowl and the other on the refrigerator. She’s also my wife’s sous-chef, always at her side in the kitchen, hoping to taste anything she’s preparing. Tally remains unimpressed with food and stays in the background until she’s called. She’s usually on our bed or in “good bed” patiently waiting to eat, while her older sister simply can’t get enough.

Tally relishes “Cutie Care” and plays the role perfectly, putting her best “cute” forward. Tinker would rather just eat but knows that acting “cute” will earn her more dining rewards. Frankie our cat begins to prowl just before her scheduled feeding times. As the “Senior Cutie” at 18 years old, she knows the routine and rarely ventures out of our bedroom, unless there’s a feeding frenzy in the kitchen. She does not like to be left out and let’s us know with a mournful “meow.” She does not give me any credit for cleaning her litter box every day. Lately, she’s also been avoiding me because of the medication I have to force down her throat.

On the “Cutie Rating Scale,” I rank a distant last in our family. I also usually do the dirty work, putting my wife on an even higher scale of adoration. I take our pets to the vet, accompany them on walks, clean up after them, and do most of the yelling. This leaves the “Cutie Care” primarily in my wife’s capable hands. It makes her feel welcome as she comes in the door from a hard day’s work, and gives me something constructive to do in retirement. It’s just too bad I don’t qualify for “Cutie Care.”

Creature Features: Petnotism #854

February 27, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Have you ever noticed your pets staring at you, trying desperately to force their will on you? They look you in the eyes and put you in a trance, repeating thoughts of “feed me now, feed me more, or feed me again.” Don’t look at them or you might find yourself catering to their silent pleas or worse yet turning to stone. Like legends of Medussa in Greek Mythology, dogs and cats have special powers to make you weak when it comes to their care and feeding. I call it “Petnotism,” a form of hypnotism that every pet lover needs to protect themselves from at all costs.

My wife came home from the store the other day, thinking that she had bought turkey slices to supplement our pet’s diets. We have a household tradition that we follow called “ham time,” where we give them a “meat treat” each morning and again as a bedtime snack. It supposedly adds protein, as once recommended by a Vet. At one time, we did actually use ham but years ago we switched to healthier turkey. For some “odd” reason, she bought home ham slices the other day. The reason? Petnotism.

I caught them staring at her this morning, but quickly averted my eyes as a precaution. They were trying to encourage extra servings, and surrounded her in the kitchen like a pack of hungry wolves. With two dogs and a cat simultaneously giving her “the look,” it was difficult not to fill their bowls more or add another treat to the feeding routing. They know she is going off to work and begin to project guilty feelings of being left alone all day with “nothing but dad” to take care of them. Tally gets an extra serving of egg, while Tinker, who’s allergic, fixes her needy eyes on my unsuspecting wife. It’s pathetic to watch them “work” her, and then Frankie our cat will “play” her for some chicken gravy. None of this is good for them, but it makes their humans feel generous and caring. It’s all in the eyes! Petnotism.

Tinker is our oldest schnauzer, who is perpetually hungry. It probably didn’t help that her lab tests from earlier this week showed signs of a parasite, plus she takes steroids. I know she’s just trying to make me feel sorry for her. It’s her 15th birthday this week and she has an unavoidable Medusa-like stare. Even Tally, her younger schnauzer-sister, has developed some of her “Sirenesque” skills, utilizing silent songs (or yelps) of seduction. They all coerced us into sharing our lobster the other night, a very expensive pet treat. How could we resist their stares, lined-up next to each other by the kitchen table? Dog. Dog. Cat. All standing at attention! Six pleading eyes and three twitching noses. Petnotism.

Tinker found the Diet Coke can I used to roast “beer can” chicken the other night. Much like a cartoon character she “floated” towards the leftover scent. It was in the bag of recyclables out in the garage that normally does not draw her attention. Her “Hungry Eyes” had earned her a fill of the real stuff this week, as well. Both Frankie and Tally shared in this dining conquest, but Tinker got the most, stealing from her furry sisters. When we serve their Cesar meals each night, Tinker gobbles hers down and then starts on Tally’s. This is why Tinker gained weight on the Vet scales, while Tally lost a pound. Frankie, on the other hand, has been suffering with a urinary tract infection that has caused her to be little more than a skeleton covered in fluffy white hair. Her Frank Sinatra-like blue eyes are particularly influential in getting her way. They all are spoiled rotten. Petnotism.

It’s been a tough month for all our needful creatures. Despite the joy of celebrating birthdays of 18, 15, and 9 years respectively, they’re also becoming a costly group of critters. We’ve had shots, pills, sitters, special diet needs, and accessories that have added up to nearly $2,000. Pet. Vet. Debt. In the process, they’ve each expressed their concerns through the look in their eyes and a projected aura of frailty and starvation. They’ve of course “worked” this into extra treats, longer walks, rides in the car, and more attention. Tinker aggressively barks out the need to be lifted on the couch or the bed. I’m constantly busy applying eye drops, shooting medication into their mouths with a syringe, and forcing pills down their throats with the help of cheese to disguise any distaste. It’s medication every morning, noon, and night with no end in sight. This naturally subjects me to their dangerous eyes and unavoidable “Petnotism.”

They’re calling me right now!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Bucket of Money #849

February 22, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Another near shut-out on the 1000 Places to See Before You Die calendar this week. Guanajuato, Mexico; Mount Kilamanjaro; South Wales, Australia; India; Jordan; and the Mekong River are all destinations I’ve yet to visit. I did once dip my toe in China with a day trip from Hong Kong, and I will probably fly over the Mekong River in a few weeks on our trip to Thailand. All I can think of is the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, a place I will probably never see as Bucket List destination. I only remember it as a place to avoid in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I could have probably gotten a trip there courtesy of Uncle Sam.

The calendar was a gift, and I use it to measure my travel experiences as it sits on my desk. So far this year, I’m only batting about .300, so hopefully I won’t be dying soon. The dates next week reflect Spain, Brazil, Switzerland, United Arab Emerates, and Wales to further lower my visitation average. Many of these places I’ve never really dreamed of visiting, let alone added them to my bucket list. Hopefully, I can play catch-up in coming weeks. Plus, I’m going to need a bigger “Bucket Of Money” – mine “Pails” in comparison.

I’m preparing for today’s Leadership Meeting and a baseball card show tomorrow. Our 18-year old cat Frankie has a urinary tract infection, so I’ve also been doing some carpet cleaning. She’s only eating the chicken broth that I place next to her food, and does not like the medication that I squirt in her mouth and further resists the eye drops. I’ve got to be careful of those claws and sharp teeth!

Tomorrow night is the American Heart Association Annual Ball that will involve donations and the need to put on a tux for the first time this year. With my wife on the board, there’s no escaping this one! Also, they only serve fish for dinner – no red meat for some reason. It does eliminate any opportunity for a movie this week, but we continue to watch The Americans on Netflix.

I’m glad I didn’t extend my stay in Arizona for MLB Spring Training. Opening Day was postponed due to snow. I now feel bad for complaining about the Desert Rains while we were there last week (See Post #842). I guess even Las Vegas got flurries, so the desert is no longer a safe “bet” from winter-like conditions. It just started snowing here in Portland, but I am watching the Mariners and Athletics, who managed to get their first Cactus League game in today. The Phillies beat the Rays earlier in Port Charlotte, Florida to kick-off the Grapefruit League. By contrast, it’s 79 degrees there. Play Ball!

Retirement is not without Hassles: “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do!” #835

February 8, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Another week is coming to an end and warmer Arizona temperatures are thankfully in the forecast. Here in Portland there is talk of up to 14 inches of snow accumulation over the next week. Our pet sitter will have to navigate the neighborhood hills and use our crampons to safely walk the dogs. Phoenix will at least be in the 60’s for our “Valentine Getaway.” It starts with budget meetings for my wife and ends with friends in Tucson, but in the meantime we’ll get some alone time at a Marriott Vacation Club villa.

The next stop on our “Travelin’ Tour” will be Seattle for a baseball weekend with college friends. Our Indiana Hoosiers will face defending National Champion Oregon State in one of several college baseball match-ups at Safeco Field, home of the Mariners. Just after we get back from Arizona, Major League spring training will start along with several similar college pre-season tournaments. Last year I attended one in Surprise also featured Oregon State, so I’ll see my first game a few weeks later this year. Nonetheless, as Spring quickly approaches it’s time to “Play Ball.”

Indiana basketball did not fare well against hot-shooting Iowa last night, so my Alma Mater is once again not likely to make the post season. There was a brief breeze of hope with last week’s unexpected victory in East Lansing, but this home court loss puts an extra long nail in the coffin. It’s funny how the I.U. Alumni Association caught up with me last week in my temporarily insane condition and it resulted in the purchase of a digital directory to support the 200th anniversary of the school. Try getting that money out of me this week?

I got my Valentine’s cards out to the grandkids and wrote the traditional poem for my wife. We celebrate the twentieth anniversary of our first “date” tonight at the Outback bar that has become a regular dining favorite for ribs. “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” is what Elvis might serenade us with. He would have been 84 last month, while Frankie our aging cat (named after Sinatra) is 18 years old today. They once did a great duet of “Love Me Tender” (not the cat).

Mid-week “Date Night” was at Rosa Rosa, the new Paley restaurant downtown that proved to be disappointing. Tomorrow night’s movie will be Stan & Ollie. It may be a challenge getting there in the snow, since I’ve already bought the tickets. Maybe Uber to the rescue? My wife already plans to order a car to get her to the airport the next morning for her business meetings. I won’t fly out for another two days.

As you may have noticed, I continue to avoid specifying the days of the week. It’s been my experience in retirement that they are now all really the same, and there’s no need to use the typical Monday thru Sunday labels. Also, vacations and holidays no longer apply. It’s simply today, tomorrow, and the next day on the retirement calendar. By the way, this week’s 1,000 Places To See Before You Die calendar features India, Malta, and Tokyo that are on our yet-to-visit list, and Slovenia, The Bahamas, and Greece that we’ve already seen. As Elvis might sing to his Valentine, “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do!” Make that Travelin.’

Oh got a lot o’ living (travelin’) to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
Come on baby, to make a party takes two
Oh yes I’ve got a lot o’ living (travelin’) to do
A whole lot o’ loving to do
And there’s no one who I’d rather do it with-a than you!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Overtime #830

February 4, 2019 / / 0 Comments

My working wife is working extra hours this week. This means that I’ve been relinquished of any stressful cooking responsibilities tomorrow night. She’ll be dining out while I’ll be eating frozen dinners. I love a good chicken pot pie, and it’s just what I need in retirement – less responsibilities. I’m down to running, stretching, sleeping, writing, genealogy, banking/bills, maintenance, trash, personal hygiene, vacuuming, mail, dusting, kitty litter, laundry, dog walking, reading, and TV watching, with very little overtime. This week I’ll include tax and will preparation. Even I can handle that much of a “work” load!

Last night’s Super Bowl was boring, but the baked wings and iced football cookies were great. Congrats to Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots…again. I’m still riding high on the I.U. basketball victory at Michigan State. It made my weekend a 10. We went out to dinner Friday night and saw the movie The Favourite, another must on my wife’s Academy Awards list. It’s a bizarre production, but true in many ways. My wife also rented Roma, but I was busy in “Banister World.” It’s my own little soap opera, based on my true life story of adoption. In the process, I found a few more DNA matches on my massive Ancestry.com Tree.

This Friday marks the 20th anniversary of our first “date.” It’s also the 18th birthday of our cat Frankie, with blue eyes like Sinatra. Two causes for celebration before we head to Phoenix next week. There’s snow flurries in the forecast for this afternoon, so some Arizona heat will be a welcome relief. I have to get some sun before we spend a week on the Thailand coast of the Andaman Sea. It’s just six weeks away! I like my routine at home, but travel is what I really want in retirement. Plus, my wife needs a break from research projects and budget meetings that keep her working extra hours. It makes me feel guilty about being older and enjoying retirement.

Creature Features: Let’s Pawty #819

January 25, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Tally, our youngest schnauzer celebrated her 9th birthday yesterday. Did she get cake? No, she got a trip to the vet to check out a lump on her underbelly. It wasn’t as if I cruelly planned it this way; it was the soonest available date. They did a quick biopsy and found it to be nothing but fatty tissue, so it turned out to be a good birthday gift. Let’s Pawty like it’s 1999! Tally is typically a very healthy dog and hopefully that will continue for many more years. Other than an eye issue and required annual physicals, she has kept us out of vet debt. Pet.Vet.Debt.

Our older schnauzer Tinker, will turn 15 in another month. Pawty Time Again! Like her dog-sister Tally, she was adopted so their actual birth dates may not be totally accurate. Frankie, our Burmese kitty, on the other hand, was purchased at birth from a breeder 18 years ago next month. Unlike the original dark brown variety, Frankie is pure white. We like the fact that she has hair rather than fur and rarely sheds. Apparently she’s a descendant of one female cat called Wong Mau, which was brought from Burma to America in 1930 and bred with American Siamese. The average life span of a Burmese is 16-18 years, so with this upcoming birthday in a few weeks she will defy the odds. Pawty On, Garth!

We haven’t told Frankie that we will be traveling to her homeland of Thailand in two months, but she’s apparently a native Hoosier and made a part of our family while we lived in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tinker is from Decatur, Illinois, while Texas Tally is from Austin. I guess you could say we have a world of pets, although we likely won’t have a Portland pet, breaking the tradition of a pet in every “port” where we’ve lived. With our plans for extensive retirement travel in four years, taking care of pets simply won’t fit in. If we’re fortunate to still have Tally around, we’ll probably have also somehow resisted the temptation to find her a Tinker-like companion.

Tinker and Frankie would probably react with separate thoughts of “I’m not dead yet.” This was my very reaction to sentiments from friends and family after last week’s unexpected visit to the Emergency Room. (See Post #810). Frankie is getting a bit frail and apparently gave one of her nine lives to Tinker and they’re both very much alive despite their combined 33 years. A year ago, Tinker was constantly at the vet for ear infections, arthritis, dry eye, lumps, moles, and allergy concerns. This is when I originally started writing about “Pet.Vet.Debt” and “Schnauzer on Steroids.” (See Post #67). Yesterday, was the first time that I took both dogs to the vet and Tinker’s ailments were not the center of attention. In fact, they all commented on how well she was doing. Tinker may very well be around when my wife finally earns retirement and our celebratory trip around the world.

Until then, we’ll be celebrating the birthdays of Tinker, Tally, and Frankie, all within a one-month span of Pawty after Pawty. Tinker and Tally will be back at the vet for their annual check-ups just before Frankie’s big day. Frankie is an indoor kitty and seldom leaves the comforts of our home. She has, however, gone to the vet due to two urinary tract infections and taken long car rides from Indy to Decatur to Austin to Portland, so she’s a well-traveled cat. I doubt she can talk us into taking her with us to Thailand, but we’ll bring her back a souvenir. While we’re gone, all of our fur buddies will be under the care of our pet sitter. Maybe…they will all Pawdy in our absence?

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