Our animal friends so often do things like this. Little acts of comfort, of kindness. They feel an instinctive nudge that something is wrong with their person, and they try to make it better. Everyone who has been blessed with non-human family members for any length of time can tell stories of special moments of connection that, for a little while, made everything okay again.
Category: Creature Thoughts
Where There’s Smoke (Creature Thoughts, July/August 2026)
The wildfires devastating much of Canada right now are sending their smoke south, and many areas have been badly affected. The more vulnerable among us must be very careful. Though today is relatively clear, for the past several days, I’ve had windows closed, the air conditioner in the bedroom running, and fans circulating inside air. The skies were yellow, air thick with smoky haze, and even though the fires themselves were hundreds of miles away, it smelled like they were right in my backyard.
Introducing Mr. & Mrs. C
Meet Mr. & Mrs. C., our new Catbird neighbors.
Whistle Bird (Creature Thoughts Mar/Apr ’26)
I miss you, my Whistle Bird. You made a hard choice all those years ago, and although it wasn’t the option I’d selected for you at the time, I’m so glad you stayed.
And will stay, forever in my heart.
And Then There Were Three (Creature Thoughts, Jan/Feb ’26)
Farewell, sweet Stripes. Fly high above the rainbow with your sister Stars. I’ll miss you forever.
Yes, You Can Combine Christmas Trees and Cats (Creature Thoughts Nov/Dec ’25)
In the USA, Thanksgiving is nearly here. Once that holiday is past (and, in some households, even before), people start thinking about Christmas decorations. (Or, at least, those do who celebrate that holiday.)
In homes occupied by pets, that indulgence may require added precautions.
