Log #97 2012 -- Year of Harmony?

Suerte Update

7 January

Chain embedded in Suerte's armpit, 6 November

Two months of healing and a few permanent scars

Then: an emaciated, dehydrated bone-cat

Now: fat,sassy and sleak -- solid as a rock

Suerte Fallout

5 January

The household has been in a feline uproar ever since the new kid stuck his hoof in the door; big territorial disputes, fights and face-offs with lots of hissy fits, spitting and growling.

Suerte, who has almost totally healed, has been a royal pain in the bum -- literally for poor ole Bucky, who doesn't seem to be fast enough to avoid a well-place jab, or two. I've counted five puncture wounds on the Buck-butt.

        
BuckyKat, front and back

The little darlings are so upset, both with each other and with the constant upheaval of construction crews that they're acting out  by climbing on counters and sleeping on the stove and dining table, taboo activities ... but worst of all, they've been missing the litter box.  Even though there are four to choose from, placed around the house in strategic locations, Bucky prefers to pee on the kitchen counter and Chivo prefers Stan's shoes.

An on-line study of feline psychology revealed that our discipline technique was flawed, so we quit yelling and took up ye-ole squirt bottle. We've also created separate sleeping areas for everyone, so at least at night there's no bickering.  Things seem a bit calmer, but not perfect.

Here's hoping that we can settle into harmonious living as we enjoy our new peace and quiet.  Phase II projects are almost finished, only lacking a stair rail and some door trim.  Angel's working on a Phase III design but that won't begin until spring -- lots of quiet time for the kids to settle down and relearn their manners.