While I tend to write about people, critters of various sorts also feature prominently in my stories.  I guess that's because I can't imagine living without critters in my life.  

One of the best experiences I ever had was when my partner and I had a pack of four dogs, a motley crew of rescues and other people's discarded pets.  That's a story I'll share in a future blog post.

These days, we share our small home with two cats - a longhair named Bazoo and a miniature panther named Sappho, and a Beagle named Squeaks.

Sappho and Bazoo came into our lives as young adults.  Each has a distinctive personality.  Sappho is a cuddle-bug and loves nothing more than settling into your lap panther-style.  Bazoo would rather lie on her back and get you to rub her belly. The girls have also been known to sing a little Klingon opera around midnight as they give their cat nip mice a nocturnal thrashing.  

Squeaks, was originally named Amber when we adopted her from Beagle Paws. She had seen some cruelty and bad treatment and was quite timid.  The only sounds she would make were little squeaking noises.  Since 2018, she has settled in considerably, found her voice (a.k.a her bark) and continues to surprise us with her affectionate ways.  She will "ask" to get picked up and sandwiched in a hug between me and my partner.  And I've never seen a dog love cushions and pillows the way she does.

At any given time, I can have one, two or three of these loving creatures keeping me company as I work, or letting me know it's time to get up and stretch my legs (and while I'm up to refill the bowl or let someone out).  Many evenings when I'm done writing for the day, I'll settle down to read with one of them beside me.

Animals bond with us on an elemental level.  They care nothing for our income or social status.  And they love unconditionally.  They give far more than they ask for. 

They have taught me more about love than I could ever have imagined. And for that I will always be thankful.