My first, and most favorite duty of the day is feeding our pets – a dog and four cats.
Their names are: Peppy – our black lab, Skoke – one of four cats with a Creek Indian name (My great grandmother was 100% Creek named Lulaluwesa), Wausi – our first born cat named in Cherokee (which means Cat’s), Tabby – a very gentle but ferocious huntress, and Spats, the only male in the bunch, a lovable but protective gentleman sporting a black fur suit with white socks. (My wife named Tabby, Spats and Peppy. She likes simple, plain names. I like to be different 
.
Due to raiding Opossums during the night, I must bring their food in until morning. The sound of the back porch door opening is their signal to rush in for feeding. This is where their individual personalities are most visible.
Our dog Peppy appears with her ball, known here as her “thingy”, wanting to play and eat at the same time; Skoke is usually the first cat to show up, and is very vocal. Wausi eats by herself (she’s not a groupy). Tabby wants a petting first of all. Spats requires a hug.
These animals are a very important part of our family, and we give thinks for them daily.
The Opossums, by the way, are striking. The larger one is probably an older male with a beautiful snow white face – almost the size of his body - with jet black eyes and full body fur, which is unusual. The other one is half as large with no striking features other than lack of fur, but with long sparse hairs three to five inches long. They both appear to be well fed! (Maybe they raid the neighbor’s house after I bring the cat food inside!)
I love our animals and tolerate the possums. They’re a real joy in our lives.
Do you have animals? If so, be kind to ‘em and they will return the sentiment ten fold.
WallyGater
