Choose your battles.
Nope. That’s too many.
Put some back.
Nope. More.
One more.
Good lord… how many do you have?
This is my life every day.
I live with a plethora of animals. All rescue/shelter kids who arrived with a plethora of issues. Name it, we've probably dealt with it.
So there are a few daily “disagreements” to diffuse, moments when I have to stand (literally) between a couple throwing hissy fits, an endless parade of toe beans marching their way across my kitchen counters, pups so noise reactive that they can hear a pin drop… you get the idea. It is relentless.
Kukki likes to ambush Kazz. Kazz likes to ambush Kobie (and me). When Kobie has had it up to here (I’m holding my hand to my forehead), he will back Kazz in a corner and smack him. Gotta’ admit that one makes me chuckle because 97% of the time Kobie is extremely laid back and puts up with alotta’ shi..., I mean, stuff.
Hilo hates Kazz; Kazz hates Hilo. That’s where my Custer’s Last Stand comes in. Teddi loves to scare the beegeebers out of Kona with her chihuahua, “I’m comin’ for you” stare. Hana (the only female feline) LOVES her big brother Hilo and will turn to him for cuddles on the regular. I see Hilo heave a big sigh and give in. Sugar, especially since going blind, can hear a speck of dust floating thru the air. And bark. Relentlessly.
They are ALL on various forms of medication and I am oh so grateful they all take them like the troopers that they are.
You never know what you're going to get when you adopt a rescue/shelter pet, but one thing I've learned ~ you go with the flow, learn along the way and the rewards are priceless.
Kobie is the most gentle, loving, easy almost 16 year old boy. He is my heart beating outside my body.
Kona. Oh my 10 year old Kona. He and I bonded over his issues early on and now we are inseparable. He’s my loving little shadow.
Hilo is an independent, but loving 10 year old fellow and has his spot between our pillows every night. I call him Professor Round Bottom because I know he is a wise, old soul.
Hana is a 10 year old enigma, the only girl and Kona’s twin. She loves to hover over me while I eat and is an excellent biscuit maker.
Sugar is the most brave and adaptable 10 year old puppy. She loves nothing more than a good snuggle and a lap to warm. Did I mention she is brave?
Teddi is 10 years old and part chihuahua. 'Nuff said. When not sleeping she’s licking the carpet and staring down Kona and begging for loving strokes on her wee head.
Kukki is the 7 year old character in the family. He is the very definition of a ginger cat. He’s trouble and adorable all wrapped into one big hunka’ hunka’ burnin’ love.
They are all a combination of mischief and love.
I am their Kahu - their Guardian, Protector, Steward, Beloved Attendant... Basically, someone entrusted with the safe keeping of something precious.
They are my Hygge - the coziness, the warmth, the love that makes me feel content, calm and happy. So happy.
Namaste.
