A new addition to the mix

As of the end of October, we received a new tenant to our hearts and home.  Max is a tuxedo kitty whom was being fostered by a friend of ours, and when she told us he needed a home, and being that our recently solo kitty was showing signs of loneliness, we couldn't resist.

It has been a little over a week and a half, and Max is fitting in quite well.  Scsi is still not too sure about him, but they generally don't create problems for each other.  I think the playful side of Max is disappointed that Scsi won't yet play with him, but they seem to be tolerating each other fairly well.

As for Max himself, he is a very loving cat and very affectionate.  While he may have been found as a stray, I can tell he was extremely well socialized and very much enjoys the company of people.

The only problem we seem to be having is with fleas.  Scsi and Burns were both recently afflicted, and we are continuing to treat Scsi and now Max (who may have yet added to the mix).  While the infestation is not severe, it is still uncomfortable for them both, and we spend a lot of time vacuuming, and doing manual combing in addition to the monthly Frontline treatments.   Scsi has become rather fond of the flea comb, and enjoys the feel of it gliding along her scalp, and she assists in any way she can as long as I'm willing to be thorough.  She lets me know if she feels I have not been. :-)  I'm confident between the treatments, our attention to the vacuuming, and the change in weather, we should see an end to it soon.

As for now, Burns' remains sit on our mantle.  We opted for an individual cremation, and in addition, the vet offers a service where they mold a paw print along with his name embossed and then fired in clay.   I'm still considering the possibilities for him.  A general local burial seems inappropriate if only just for the fact that we will be moving eventually.   I also considered having his ashes incorporated into a ceramic figurine which we'd keep located in a favorite spot of his (he always wanted to be outside, but never went much past the threshold of the door.  His way of saying, "I'm free!")   But I think ultimately we'll find a place to rest him where he'd enjoy it and where we can come to see him if we wish.

Such is the report of the Four Feets.  :-)