Special Pet Appreciation Post!

Today is the adoptaversary of our cat Yummers Potatoes. We got him 12 years ago today! Actually, I was afraid to go to the animal shelter and see all the cats who needed homes, so I just sent Mr. Vegan Eats & Treats while I was at work. He called me up and said "I got us a cat!" It was so exciting to drive home from work that night, eagerly anticipating the chance to meet our new friend. Mr. VE&T and I had just moved in together, and getting a cat together was a big deal.

When Yummers showed up, he was sick and skinny and really fearful. Once, our friend came over with her little chihuahua mutt, and we put the dog in the backyard. Yummers caught sight of him through the windows and hid in the closet for about 3 days. Poor little guy! Who would have guessed that one day he would be in charge of 3 big dogs of his own?

One of my favorite things about Yummers is that he is always learning new things. He is inherently a pretty meek little guy, but he's willing to face his fears. At first, he would only do the "long distance snuggle," where he sat a few feet away from us on the sofa. Then, he gradually got closer and closer. These days, he wants snuggles all the time - and just in the last month or so, he's starting sleeping on top my tummy in the mornings. I LOVE IT (even if if does make getting out of bed more difficult!)

He is a super great cat and I love him to bits!

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Also, just a few days ago was our dog Stevie Wonder's adoptaversary too! We have had her for 8 years. We have 3 dogs now, but Stevie was our first dog that we got together - and for that reason she has a special place in our hearts. Honestly, we didn't realize this until it was far too late, but she really would have preferred to be an only dog.

Stevie is really a little weirdo. She's very sweet and loving with us, but also quite protective. When I do yoga out in my yoga studio, she sleeps on the door mat outside the studio door to make sure I am safe. She loves attention, but the second you stop doting on her, she goes off into self-appointed exile. Her favorite spot for the last couple of years has been in the corner behind the sofa. It's crazy!

Her hobbies include: growling at other dogs, rushing in when we are snuggling Snoopy or Dottie to steal our attention all for herself, lying in the woodchips in the backyard contemplating life, licking the floor (???), and going for walks. Going to the woods is her favorite thing of all. At home she often seems very world-weary and contemplative, but once we get to the woods she puffs up and comes alive!! It is really beautiful.

Also, this year, Stevie learned to play fetch! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks??? She loves squeaky toys, and somehow - after years of disinterest - Mr. VE&T managed to teach her fetch. Now she just loves playing fetch in the back yard, and she really has quite a sweet love affair with her little red ball.

I love you, Stevie!