Conversations with Critters

Walk with the animals. Talk with the animals. And a Post from the Archives which first appeared in the annals of time at CwC very early on…

Lily (on the left) and Bec (on the right) about to give kisses

Today, Critters, we are sharing one of our early Posts with you as we are in transit to reunite in person with our incredible multi-furbaby family of Lily, Bec and Florence!

We also must note, sadly, that over the course of CwC, since our launch in August 2022, we have had several Rainbow Bridge Crossings, including our Senior Kitty, the Original Jasper who was an incredible central member of Lily, Bec and Florence’s family and who was the main inspiration for naming our very own Jasper Kitten. We offer this re-post now in his memory and in his honor.

On a further note, you may also see how the narrative voicing at CwC has evolved over time, especially as this one said Hooman has taken a less than prominent role as the interviewer or, well, anything really. Most of the time, I still do the typing and scheduling and am always happy to respond to your comments and communications. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Luvluvluv,

H & Critters

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Today, we introduce an amazing lineup of critters who belong to a multi-furbaby family. We will be talking with these deeply bonded critters in the upcoming weeks. Bec, Lily, Florence and Jasper have a great deal to say. For today’s newsletter, we welcome the one, the only Bec in excellent canine conversation.

Heidi: Bec, thank you for joining us!

Bec: Kisses, kisses, kisses.

Heidi: Speaking of kisses, let’s start with the meaning of your name. Would you like to share that with us?

Bec: Absolutely. My name means, kiss.

Heidi: Is that French?

Bec: Kiss is a universal language, so it’s French and everything else.

Heidi: Thank you for clarifying that for us. You’re also an unusual breed that is starting to enjoy a renewed popularity.

Bec: Yes, I’m a Chinook. Not too many people are aware of this and when they hear it, that I’m a Chinook, they do a double take, thinking I’m a Salmon or a warm westerly wind.

Heidi: How do you handle the confusion?

Bec: I take it as a teaching moment and an opportunity to give kisses. I let them know that I’m a Gentle Giant and a Northern breed, a sled dog. Most of all, I’m a family dog. I luvluvluv my family.

Heidi: That is wonderful. Our opening photograph here shows you getting ready to kiss your sister, Lily.

Bec: Oh yes, I luv her.

Heidi: In addition to Lily, you also keep up with your kitties, Florence and Jasper. How do you manage such a dynamic, busy household?

Bec: It’s super easy. The kitties spend a lot of time relaxing, although they can be difficult to spot to the untrained eye.

Heidi: Bec has graciously offered to share photographs, with the permission of Florence and Jasper, to illustrate his point. We offer these to you now for your edification and enjoyment.

Florence prefers streaming over cable

Jasper nests in his condo

Heidi: My own Jasper Kitten was named in honor of Jasper who is pictured above.

Bec: It is so wonderful. We luv the namesake and are honored as well.

Heidi: We’ll be following up with Lily, Florence and Jasper in future newsletters and hope everyone is enjoying making their acquaintance.

Bec: It is so wonderful. We are family.

Heidi: Bec, you are quite helpful around the house, especially when it comes to KP Duty and Package Deliveries.

Bec: In terms of KP Duty, I’m on it. I keep us on track for the next meal, so we are at the ready. I taught myself how to stack our bowls. It’s my own design.

Heidi: You are very accomplished. You’ve managed to do that without a dish rack. Bec, you also practice environmentally responsible behaviors. Take Package Deliveries for example. What is your objective and process?

Bec: Yes, super important issue. I’m on alert 24/7 for deliveries. It’s part protection, part packaging. Once the packages are safely inside, I’m ready. One of the biggest drains on the environment is over packaging. I’m all in on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. My main behavior toward this effort is to take the box and other packaging and inspect it. I ask certain fundamental questions. If it’s bubble wrap, can I reduce it by popping it even if that raises the ambient decibel level in the house? Can I reuse it by making it a box for my toys? Can I recycle it by turning it into something else like a ball or just something fun to shred?

Heidi: When you talk about inspecting packages, do you see yourself working for Customs or a similar agency?

Bec: Oh no, I want to stay home where I’m most needed.

Heidi: Thank you, Bec. We really appreciate this introduction to you and your family and having this conversation with you.

Bec: I’m so happy. Thank you.

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Poetry with Pets

Warm westerly wind

Reduce reuse recycle

Kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss

By Bec