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Suzanne's (and Dan's) Pets

This is Jack, actually "Action Jackson", my first pet whom I had sole responsibility. Jack got me through college and its ups and downs and lived with me in a number of different apartments and stayed with various friends in transition times. Jack was definitely a character and was a constant source of amusement and deep affection. Jack was about the friendliest cat I ever knew, he even was almost catnapped when a few girls loved him so much they took off his collar and carried him off.

It affected me very deeply when Jack developed intestinal cancer last year and then went downhill fast within three weeks of his diagnosis. This was an extremely difficult time as I felt like Jack's mom and that I was losing a child and he couldn't tell me what to do to make him feel better. I learned a lot about the grief one experiences over losing a pet and I feel that as a result of this experience I am able to empathize more with those who are going through similar times.

I found Fella in Roger's Park in Chicago. He was living under someone's porch and his siblings had already been taken to a shelter. Fella had survived a cold Chicago winter and had the sweetest personality. I had already been looking for someone to keep Jack company while I was at work (he had begun to meow at anyone who came near my door out of loneliness). Fella and Jack did not hit it off at first, not a big surprise to those of us who have tried to introduce cats to each other. Jack was a bit mean to the new cat, who did not have a name yet, and I kept saying to him, "Be nice to the little fella" and the name stuck.

Fella continually shows us how caring he is - through comforting Jack while he was sick to becoming our new kitty's best friend. Fella is always available to groom Jolie (new kitty) whenever she flops down in front of him and is up for playing almost anytime of the day (or night).

We decided to get a new kitty after realizing that Fella was very lonely after Jack died. He went through a lot of depression and we tried to comfort him and give him a lot of attention. He finally perked up a little and began to play again and not sleep all day. When this happened, we decided to get another kitty.

Jolie's Adoption Day. Jolie, actually Tres' Jolie for "very pretty" was found at an adoption day through Second Chance Pet Adoption. Dan, my husband, has never had a cat of his own and so this would be his kitty to pick out and name. He walked in and instantly knew which one he wanted. She curled up in his arms and went fast asleep.

She and Fella went through a little turmoil getting to know each other, but it wasn't long before Jolie stole all of our hearts. She has a definite personality and is very vocal.

 

She tends to backtalk if you get on her case about anything. She loves to headbutt you in the morning and is extremely affectionate.

 

Our fish. We have upgraded to a 150 gallon tropical aquarium filled with angel fish, an assortment of guaramis, some kuhli loaches, and real and fake plants. Our angelfish recently have paired up and we have had about 10 hatches of eggs which number in the hundreds. We have researched how to raise the "fry" and have been able to keep a decent number alive. Just yesterday, June 2nd, we noticed that we have another pair that is breeding and now have two pairs actively laying eggs in the same tank. Holy Moly! One pair laid some eggs and we let them have full parental rights. They keep some "wigglers" in their mouths to protect them. It's fascinating to watch. Stay tuned....

 

Nola is Dan's parent's 7 year old collie. She welcomed me into the family before anyone else - she always jumped up on Dan to greet him when he would come over and when I started coming around she wouldn't jump on him until she greeted me. His feelings were a little hurt, but I felt very loved. When they first got her, she noticed Dan's father eating in the living room. She then went to her bowl to grab some food and bring it in the living room. She continued to do this until she had enough food in there and then sat down by his feet and ate with him.