That’s how I’m attacking this upcoming year! Thanks to Skye for the motivation.
I’ve added a bunch of stuff to my eBay listings, there are over a 100 listings now including handmade jewelry, crystal bracelets, and still lots of books. I’m hoping to add some pet products at some point, but still experimenting and learning how it all works.
Cats
The cats are doing well. I am always grateful for the everyday joy that comes with sharing life with them.
Bean’s fur is growing back quickly—possibly a little too quickly for my liking! I am hoping he makes it through the winter without needing another shave, but for now, it is nice to see his coat filling back in.
Puck is, of course, still Puck: sweet, lovable, cuddly, and always ready to make himself comfortable nearby. Some things never change, and that is one of the best things about him.
One thing I need to improve on is brushing their teeth more regularly. It is easy to let little routines slide when everyone seems happy and healthy, but dental care is important too. So that is my reminder to myself: make tooth-brushing a more consistent part of our cat-care routine. If I need motivation, remember the cost of a vet dental cleaning!
Hector
Hector is her usual cranky self. Yesterday, while I was on a Zoom call, she was screaming, whistling, chirping, and banging toys in the background. Thankfully, I do not think anyone else on the call could hear her!
First Agility Trial!
Stanley and I have been working hard, and I officially signed us up for our very first agility trial. I am so excited! My only real goal is to show up and experience what a real trial is like. If we actually finish a class, that will be a wonderful bonus.
It is a three-day trial, and on the first day we are doing three game classes: Jumpers, Colors, and Full House. We are entering the easiest level in each class, and little Stan only has to jump 8 inches.
Jumpers is a set course made up of jumps and tunnels. We will need to complete the course within a certain amount of time—hopefully without going off course, refusing obstacles, or knocking down jumps.
Colors has two courses set up in the arena at the same time. We get to choose which course to complete, which gives us the opportunity to find the one that works best for us.
Full House sounds like it will be especially fun. There will be a variety of obstacles set up around the arena, but no assigned course. Each obstacle is worth a different number of points, and we will need to earn a set point total within the allotted time. A jump might be worth one point, while an A-frame or weave poles could be worth five points. A tunnel or tire jump may be worth three points. We can choose the order in which we do the obstacles, so if Stan decides a tunnel sounds more appealing than a jump, that is completely fine—as long as we meet the requirements!
I have also signed us up for another Jumpers class on the third day. I am thinking it might be good to give Stanley a day of rest and then return to the trial atmosphere while it is still fresh in his little mind. Of course, I can always skip the Sunday class if he seems like he needs a break.
Back to agility class tonight! We will be doing lots of practicing over the next few weeks as we get ready for our first competition.
How’s your summer going? What are you doing to keep your pets busy and engaged? Let me know!