Being thankful for all our animals and life’s blessings

       Our faithful house cat, Smokey, died this week.
       He’d been struggling of late and we knew his time was short. 
       He was a good kitty and Debbie and I loved him dearly.
       Smokey showed up at our house in early December 2007. He’s been with us for almost 17 years. That is a long time in kitty and doggy years.
      When Smokey showed up at our door, I found a big bowl of leftover spaghetti in the refrigerator and fed him. He ate it all. By the second day, he had moved into our garage and the third day, he had moved into our house.
      He was getting old and having a tough time walking and getting around. We had two sets of pet stairs next to the couch so he could get up and down where he loved to take long naps.
     I remember when Smokey was younger. He loved jumping into our bed and often times staying there all night. He loved his kitty treats and catnip bananas. I’m sure we spent a small fortunate on treats.
     When we first got him, he would go outside and hunt. Once, he brought a rabbit in the house and let him loose. The rabbit fond a hiding place in our bedroom behind our dresser. We had to move the dresser and catch the rabbit and put him in a trash can to take him back outside.
      He also once brought us a garden snake, right into the kitchen.
     Another time, we had some business guests at our house. They were getting ready to leave and we were all standing outside. Smokey captured a large bull frog and kindly deposited it at our guests’ feet. He was quite proud of himself.
      He would often set on one of our retaining walls and wait for a mouse to stroll by. He loved catching mice. Once, he went outdoors and caught a mouse. He was proud of his find and brought the mouse in the house and decided to let the little fellow go. I’m sure he wanted to play, but the mouse had other ideas and took off for a hiding place in the basement.
     Debbie was a bit upset and told Smokey to go to the basement and catch the mouse. He did and stayed there for three days. He not only caught it, he ate it.
     He'd also enjoyed crawling into the attic of our house from the garage. He’d somehow shimmy right up the wall and get into the rafters. Our garage does not have a ceiling, so it was easy access to the attic.
We’d have to coax him down and bring him back inside.
      He was family and we are going to miss him. We are very thankful for the time we had with Smokey.
      Debbie loves all of our animals. Our new puppy, Boomer, who we got a year ago Labor Day weekend from a friend in Fayette, Mo., is a joy to be around. He loves to jump all over me and has gotten big enough to about knock me down.
      Debbie enjoys taking him for daily walks.
     He’s warmed right up to our chocolate lab, Rex, who has been with us since November 2010. Rex can’t jump like he once did, but when a coon or some other critter comes around, Rex and Boomer are quick to defend our turf.
      And it’s about time to call the vet and farrier for our three mini horses – Harmony, Gazer and Sophie. And our hay supply is getting a bit low. I’ve got the hay man on speed dial.
      We have had our mini horses since August 2016 and they bring us much joy.
      And I can’t forget about our outdoor Tom cat, Oscar. He’s a good little mouser and likes to take naps in our garage. He was another cat that just showed up at our door and we took him in and he’s stayed.
     All our pets bring us much joy and we are thankful for them all. I am also thankful for all my friends, family and the many people who have and continue to cross my path in life.
     You are important and bring value not only to me, but to this world.
     In spite of all the craziness in this world, you can still dream and with a step of faith, can see your dreams come true.
      Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day.