the oddity of my kitties

I have two cats: Bear (formerly Jacques) and Mimi. Mimi is more like most cats. She is playful and loving one minute, finnicky and jumpy the next. She is adorable and tiny, though, and we love her. Then there is Bear. First of all, he needs species re-assignment surgery, because I know he would say he is a dog born in a cat's body. He needs constant love and attention. He lays on his belly all morning and evening in the entry way in hopes that one of us will come by and lovingly stroke his tender underside. He sleeps on our feet, chests, faces at night, and when he feels like he is done with our sleepy time, he stands on us and licks our faces or meows until we are awake. He is big and loud and he bounds around the house like a golden retriever. Is there any way for me to express the special place these animals have in my heart? Probably not. But I just love them.

Bear and Mimi, bird-hunting from our kitchen window.