Author Archives: Charles Huss

Cat’s Have a Desire to Bring Prey Home

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Some readers may remember when Chris was younger and always wanted to bring the lizards he caught into the house. Something similar happened with Frankie yesterday. He caught a lizard near our clubhouse and carried it all the way home. He didn’t want to bring it in the house but he did want to wait until he reached our yard before playing with it.

In case you were wondering, Our yard has trouble growing grass because of all the shade trees.

There are Haters Everywhere

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I was outside with Frankie in our backyard a couple of weeks ago. We were at the south end of our property while the man who lives two houses south of us stood outside at the north end of his property. I don’t remember all that was said, but he did tell me he was allergic to cat pee. It was his subtle way of telling me to keep my cat off his property.

I wanted to ask him, “How do you know that? Did a cat pee on you?” Instead, I took the high road and told him Frankie has a litterbox and just likes to come outside sometimes. The truth is, Frankie does feel the need to “mark” some of the bushes he comes across, including the ones in front of the man’s house. Since then, I encourage Frankie to move along when we pass his house. “C’mon, Frankie. A cat hater lives here.”

We have other haters in the neighborhood too. These two signs are from houses across the street from each other.

I understand not wanting poop in your yard, but people here are very good about picking up after their dogs. I’m sure these people are just miserable, and I feel a bit sorry for them.

The problem is there are many miserable people in this world, and that is one of the reasons I am reluctant to just let Frankie come and go as he pleases. Many years ago my sister-in-law cared for some stray cats near her home and someone poisoned one of them. It cost her over $500 to have a vet treat the cat. Fortunately, he survived.

Most people are good, but the bad sure do keep us on our toes.

Cat Attractors: Luggage and Laundry

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Nothing attracts cats more than luggage and laundry, at least nothing inedible. My wife had her suitcase out Sunday morning because she was leaving on a business trip. At the same time, I was folding towels that just came out of the laundry. I don’t have to show you photos for you to know what happened next, but I will anyway.

After Rose left and the towels were put away, Floki and Chris remained.

Frankie Freaks Out

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I took Frankie for a walk yesterday morning. Everything went well for a while. Then a man wearing a yellow vest freaked Frankie out. He was the driver of a truck that was about to pull a dumpster.  I don’t know why he was where he was but as he was walking back to his truck, he scared Frankie who started to run. I tried to keep up with him but he was faster than me and every time he reached the end of his leash that would freak him out more. I picked him up to show him that the man was not a bad guy but he wasn’t buying it.

He  Jumped out of my arms and continued running, but his leash was partly wrapped around his neck. When we got a good distance away I was able to stop him and unwrap his leash.

That was when the man started the truck which made a loud beeping noise and got Frankie running again. He ran me all the way home. When I walked in the door I was breathing hard like I just had a workout. I really need to exercise more.

That was when] Chris wanted to go outside. I let him out and he proceeded to go into the yard to eat a little grass. The garbage truck was still making noise but it wasn’t bothering him. After a couple of minutes, a truck drove past our house.

It didn’t even faze Chris. He just casually looked at it after a drove by.

On an unrelated note, I am almost finished with my first novel. It is not cat related. Sorry. I hope to have it available in less than a month. I will let you know more when I know. Right now I have a lot of learning to do in a short time.