A quick survey

Daily writing prompt
What are your favorite animals?

It is dangerous for me to answer this prompt. The cats or the dog are likely to take offense if they suspect even a shred of favoritism. So to be safe, I’ll quit while I’m ahead. So I decided to put the question to Max, Sabrina, and Marcus.

A dog lounging on a wooden box near a window, basking in sunlight.

Max: Favorite animal? Those beef critters, chickens, turkey, fish, and others that go into my food. Whattaya want? I’m a dog! My stomach comes first! But the thing is I love you canopeners too! You and Mom can openers! Oh yeah, I love my brother, Marcus, and my sister, Sabrina. They are very generous with their leftover food.

A tabby cat lounging on a bed with a plush toy, looking curiously at the camera.

Sabrina: I love Mommy for cuddles, Daddy for snuggles, and Max for cleaning my bowl so thoroughly every day. He says that cleanliness is very important, and that he is an ” Apostle of Cleanliness” and it starts with food bowls.

A tabby cat sitting on a wooden chair with a colorful blanket draped over it, in a cozy home setting.

Marcus: Birds! Those big birds, the little birds, the fuzzy birds, and the noisy ones. I also like mice, but Sabrina and I did too good a job of getting rid of them when we moved in. So birds!

So there you have it.

A life of luxury

It’s raining and cold outside…the chipmunks will just have to wait. I have important things to think about. How do I get dad to put more wood on the fire?

In the pond? You First!

The hunting team of Marcus and Max seems to be having s discussion over tactics.

Max: “I’ll flush them out of the plants. Then you jump into the pond and get them!”

Marcus: “In the pond?! You first!

The frogs have nothing to worry about.

Ribbit, Ribbit!

First Day of Chipmunk Season!

This is it! The first tubby little ball of fur was sited by Marcus at the bird feeder. Chipmunk Season is here! I’m on top of my game. I’ve been doing wind sprints over the ice to build my stamina. I’ve cut back on the kitty food Marcus and Sabrina generously share. I’m ready!

Come on, get the hell out of that damned burrow, and let me get you! Coward!

Fashionista II

Max here.

Today I’m wearing my new bandanna. Yes, I am acquiring quite the wardrobe. This one is helping to elevate my mood. February needs brightening up. Mother said it was a bit loud. I’m not sure what she meant, but my cat sister Sabrina snickered. What the hell does she know about fashion, anyhow.

I’ve asked father to be on the lookout for a nice paisley print. I think that It would make me look suave and sophisticated.

Don’t you agree?

Wet Poodle?

“Let me in. Now!!! You know what happens when I get wet in the rain!

My fur gets curly, and people think I’m a poodle!

Damn it! I’m a Cattle Dog…let me in now!

Fire!

Max here: It’s the first evening of Autumn. Dad lit the fire for me. He’s considerate that way. I could call the kittens down to join me, but then I’d have to share…Nah. I’m good!

Bruiser!

That’s right! I’m Bruiser. Try bothering my Mom and find out why I got the name. I may be little, but I’m mighty—the essence of an irresistibly cute attack dog!

Mom may think she runs Art by Ann Langmum Co., but ask any other dog on Bearskin Neck or Rockport, Mass, and they’ll tell you, “Bruiser…he’s the top dog!”

There’s no other shop dog with my reputation. Yes, I’m cute, but don’t be fooled. And remember, every purchase you make means I get a commission. That’s the power of being cute!

All Grown Up!

Max: Dog Days? Please! I have two kitten siblings who insist on shadowing my every move. The only peace I get from the rookies is to get out into the garden, where they are not allowed to go yet. And the constant questions! It’s Max, what’s that? Do you know how to…it’s endless. But what’s an older brother to do? They need me to teach them everything. Mom and Dad just pull the tab on the canned food! And the trouble they get into! They are too Darned curious. I’m always pulling them out of trouble, even if it means I get the blame!

Marcus: I wish Max would chill a bit. We are a year old now and have some idea of how things work—we know about “Tenzies” when Mom goes to work at night and about dinner at five. We also know that we are now in charge of getting Dad up to feed us in the morning. Sabrina biting his toes works well; I can jump on him from the shelf above the bed if not.
We are all grown and mature, so yes, we are curious. bite me!

We are all grown up!

Max: Yeah, sure!

Daily writing prompt
What are you curious about?

The Escape Committee

While wandering around the yard, I came across the latest efforts of the Escape Committee. I could almost hear the theme music from The Great Escape playing in the background. I assume that Digmaster Max planned to go under the wire sometime tonight.

Right now, he’s in the Cooler and acting cocky. He wants his ball to bounce on the door.

I told my wife that letting him watch that damned movie was a bad idea!