Those of you who are on Facebook probably already know that our little farm/family expanded a little bit this weekend. I say “little bit” … it could mean a lot in this sentence! We have tentatively welcome Dallas Michael Jackson Patton into our home. Dallas is a little tiny baby kitten that some how, Sarah and Max spotted while driving down Dallas Highway. The name was not chosen by me and has literally NOTHING to do with me being a Dallas Cowboys fan. My participation in this insanity is limited pretty much to being the biggest animal lover around and that silly little cat meowing at me – there by taking away my ability to utter the word “no”.
Now, as some of you may recall – we have a very old dog named Sandy who has yet to notice that the kitten is in the house. Her only knowledge of Dallas is the bathroom smells like food and she would like to eat that (Dallas is living in the bathtub right now, during growth and socialization…). Spanky – our bulldog like thing is VERY excited about Dallas – but really has no control when around the kitten. 50 pounds vs 15 ounces – we have to be careful here. Dallas isn’t really afraid of Spanky, but has no idea what it is and thinks its better they stay apart for a while.
Now – the cats … Faith is a quiet, keep to herself sweet little cat – unless she is presented with a kitten. Then gets all worked up. I thought she MIGHT adopt the little girl (we think it’s a girl, but checking the sex on a 14 oz kitten is a little tricky) but well, she is not into that at all. Faith, prior to living with us, had one litter of kittens and didn’t like all that too much. She didn’t want to “do the deed” so they actually had to artificially inseminate her. (This was prior to our ownership of the cats!). I don’t think she much likes kittens. She tolerates and smacks around her nephew, Tony – but not into youth. Many of you have seen our video putting toe-nail covers on Tony. Where I referred to him as “Demon Spawn” and a few other choice words. He is a big, fluffy, strong willed cat who I was really fearful would attack the kitten. He is quite curious and sure he wants to be in charge – but he has been good around Dallas. A growl here, a hiss there – but nothing too bad. Surprised and happy about that.
I’ve typed all of this and failed to explain the name (at least not completely). Dallas – we mentioned – is because it is a unisex name and it was found on Dallas Highway. Maxwell is going through a “what is your middle name phase” so he gave it the middle name “Michael Jackson”. Not sure why… but he did. If it’s confirmed to be a girl – I guess we will have to lobby for Dallas “Janet Jackson” Patton – but for now, he’s excited to have given it the name.
Overall – she’s doing well. She’s peeing in her make shift litterbox. Kind of hit or miss on the poops, but she’s trying. She’s drinking a lot of formula and ate some hard food last night. Based on her weight, we believe her to be about 4-5 weeks old. She lacks grace an regularly runs into things as she “bounces” around. She’s cute – and fun – and loved by everybody in the house with two legs.