Animal Update

Since moving to our new digs, one of our big concerns was how the four legged Holdraker circus would adapt to the new home and surroundings.

All too often moves provide dramatic issues for pets, and with three older cats and Zu Zu Dog we thought for sure there would be major problems.

For one thing, there was no longer a fenced in backyard for Zu Zu, the Cavalier King Charles and daddy’s favorite. We moved to Route 350 in Walworth and with the fear of traffic, the pup would now only be allowed outside on a leash.

We also changed Zu Zu’s bedding situation. No longer would she be allowed to sleep in bed with us. Simply put, I no longer wished to awake with a dog sleeping on my head.

The canine immediately took to the new house with vigor. The leash proved to be no problem and next week we are having an Invisible Fence installed in the front and back yards, along with the proper training. She is getting accustomed to the built-in pool and loves sleeping on an outside covered swing while Mom & Dad hot tub. The dog still sleeps at night in our bedroom, but has taken custody of a chair, or dog bed provided.

One quirk Zu Zu has picked up is laying on the back of the sofa or recliner chair and placing her head on top of the head of whomever should be sitting in said furniture. Cute at first but can become annoying while watching TV.

We introduced the cats, Missy Kitty the all black, oldest of the three felines, Baby Cat, the oldest female Siamese and Simon, the younger male Siamese, over a two day move-in.
Simon, the boldest, only wanted to know where the food dishes would now be placed. Miss Kitty wanted places to hide. Baby Cat, the shyest and coldest to human contact, hid in the basement with her head buried in a hole in the wall. We were all concerned since she refused to eat and ran from any contact. We thought for sure we would find her dead in some crawl space within days.

Now that two months have passed there is a new order in the house. The dog (fixed) regularly humps Simon the cat (?). Miss Kitty has her perch on the ottoman in the middle of the great room. Baby Cat has completely come out of her shell and is usually found sleeping on one of the dining room chairs. She very often comes out and can be found purring on my chest while I am perched in a recliner. She no longer fears and completely ignores Zu Zu Dog and can even be found sleeping right next to the dog on occasion.

The biggest fear we had was whether the feline animals would adjust to the liter box in the basement. We installed a cat door in the basement door and it has worked like a charm.
Simon annoys office manager Sandy by sleeping on the back of her office chair. Zu Zu takes up a spot underneath my desk and the other two never enter the office for any reason.

All is well in the new Holdraker home. I now vacuum every room every day in hopes of catching up with the shedders, Miss Kitty, Baby Cat, Simon the Siamese, Zu Zu Dog, and the worst of the shedders: Wife Patti. I swear that woman has a full head of hair, but sheds like there is no tomorrow.

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